Liu Ya smiled warmly."Xiao Lin, from now on you should come by more often. Your Uncle Tianxiang is practically half-retired these days—he just spends time raising birds, walking dogs, nothing much to do. If you visit, at least he'll have someone to talk with. He hasn't laughed this happily in a long time."
Wang Laojiu lifted a hand to his forehead, secretly exasperated. His wife was being far too impatient. They had only just hinted about their daughter, and now she was openly pushing again. It was too obvious—such words might even backfire, making the young man feel put off.
Besides, who was Lin Han? With his background, how could they expect him to constantly visit just to keep an old man company?
Lin Han only smiled."If I have the time, I'd be more than happy to."
Then his tone shifted, becoming serious."But Uncle Tianxiang, you've worked hard all your life. It's time you gave yourself some real rest. With Aunt Ya overseeing everything, and Sister Chuxue being so capable, your family clearly has successors to carry things forward. What you should focus on now is your health."
Lin Han hesitated, then added,"There's something I've been debating whether or not to say…"
"This child—what's there to hesitate about?" Liu Ya teased.
Wang Laojiu nodded."Your aunt is right. With me, you can speak your mind freely."
"In that case, I'll be blunt," Lin Han said. His gaze fell on Wang Laojiu, brows furrowed."My family has long employed several famous traditional physicians. Growing up, I loved to hover around them. I can't claim to have learned any real skills, but by osmosis I did pick up a little about reading signs of health—just the surface level. Earlier, while we were drinking, I couldn't help but notice your complexion, Uncle Tianxiang…"
He deliberately let his words trail off. As expected, both Wang Laojiu and Liu Ya instantly tensed.
"What?!"
Wang Laojiu straightened in his seat, leaning forward anxiously."Xiao Lin, did you see something wrong? What's wrong with my complexion?"
Liu Ya's expression filled with worry."Your uncle has been careful these past two years—early to bed, early to rise, tai chi exercises every morning. Surely it can't be anything serious?"
Lin Han raised a calming hand."Please, don't panic. I'm no expert—it's only my personal observation. If Uncle Tianxiang is in good health, then all the better. But as the saying goes, better safe than sorry. I would suggest that you go for a full checkup when you have time. Pay particular attention to your stomach—have that area examined thoroughly."
Almost instinctively, Wang Laojiu pressed his hand to his stomach. A look of surprise flickered across his face."Now that you mention it… these past few days my stomach has felt a little off. I thought it was just indigestion and didn't pay much attention."
"Uncle Tianxiang," Lin Han said firmly, "this isn't something you can take lightly. Especially at your age, it's best to be cautious."
By now Liu Ya had clutched her husband's sleeve, face drawn tight with alarm."Tianxiang, let's not wait for tomorrow. We'll go for a checkup tonight!"
Lin Han nodded."If it turns out to be nothing, then please don't hold it against me. I only wanted to offer a reminder. Hopefully, I'm wrong."
Wang Laojiu's eyes softened with gratitude."Nonsense. Even if you are wrong, I appreciate your concern."
"Exactly," Liu Ya agreed. She stood and took Lin Han's hand, even giving it a gentle pat."Your heart is in the right place, Xiao Lin. How could we ever blame you for caring?"
Lin Han's lips curved into a polite smile—though inwardly it was more of a smirk. Really, this old woman? Gratitude is one thing, but did she have to get handsy? If not for the fact that she still had some charm left in her well-kept figure, I'd have brushed her hand off without a second thought.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for altering the original storyline. Reward: 1000 Destiny Points.]
So far, he had already seized a large portion of the fortune that originally belonged to Ye Fan.
Yes—Wang Laojiu truly did have stomach cancer. Lin Han knew this well.
In the original plotline, Ye Fan had been the one to notice it. But instead of thanks, he'd been cursed out—accused of cursing the old man, mocked for being a bumpkin from the countryside, and unceremoniously thrown out.
Yet the same words, spoken now by Lin Han, had been met with overwhelming gratitude and affection. The contrast was staggering.
Honestly, I almost pity the guy.
But that was the difference between protagonist and so-called villain.
The "hero" had to endure setbacks, humiliation, and constant slaps to the face.The "villain"? Wherever he went, people bent over backwards to please him.
And Lin Han was enjoying it thoroughly.
This encounter—the chance to win Wang Laojiu's gratitude—had originally been Ye Fan's opportunity. Now it belonged to Lin Han. The next step would be winning over Wang Chuxue herself.
With Liu Ya already playing matchmaker, it would hardly be difficult.
If Lin Han's instincts were correct, the girl's hidden traits were already stirring.
On the surface, Wang Chuxue was obedient and well-behaved. But deep down, she yearned for rebellion, for a taste of danger.
Heh. That should be interesting.
Once he guided her down that path, the storyline would be completely rewritten. Ye Fan's support in the business world would be reduced to only one person—Su Wanqing, the overseas-returned "elite."
A few more pleasantries were exchanged in the pavilion before Lin Han made his excuses and rose to leave.
The Wang family of three escorted him all the way to the gate. Before parting, Lin Han even exchanged WeChat contacts with Wang Chuxue.
They waved him off until his car disappeared from sight. Still, the family lingered by the gate, gazing after him.
"What a fine young man," Liu Ya murmured, almost to herself. "If only he were my son-in-law…"
"Best not to get your hopes up," Wang Laojiu replied coolly. "Our Chuxue isn't worthy of someone like him."
Behind them, Wang Chuxue's hands curled into tight fists, her nails biting into her palms until they drew blood. She didn't even feel the pain—only the suffocating swell of resentment.
It was bad enough when they whispered such things behind her back. But to say it aloud, right in front of her? Did they really think she was incapable of anger, that she had no pride at all?
Not worthy? Who decides that?
Lin Han-gege clearly cares about me. And I'll prove it—I'll make him like me!
"Enough," Liu Ya said, ignoring her daughter's expression. "No more discouraging words. Let's get moving—I'll go with you to the hospital."
She didn't scold her husband for being blunt, nor did she worry about hurting Chuxue's feelings.
After all, in their eyes, Chuxue had always been the perfect, docile daughter—the girl who never argued, never resisted, never showed anger.
Chuxue frowned."Go to the hospital? Dad, what's wrong?"
"Your Lin Han-gege said my complexion wasn't right, and suggested a checkup—just in case," Wang Laojiu explained. "But it should be nothing serious. You stay home. Your mother and I will go together."
With that, the couple headed out, leaving their daughter standing there in silence.