Chapter 437 The Sister-in-Law's Flattery
Lin Haoran stayed at Kang Lok Building until about six in the evening, inspecting key departments under Jardines Matheson Group. Only then did he leave the building accompanied by more than a dozen bodyguards.
Now that they were back in familiar Hong Kong, the thirteen dark guards, who had found it difficult to fully operate in the United States, were like dragons returning to the sea. They quickly scattered and silently concealed themselves around Lin Haoran, no longer appearing openly.
At his side, only the brothers Li Weidong and Li Weiguo remained visible.
"Boss, where to next?" asked Li Weidong, turning his head from the driver's seat of the Rolls-Royce.
"To the villa in Deep Water Bay," Lin Haoran answered without hesitation.
"Understood, Boss. We're heading out!" replied Li Weidong crisply.
The Rolls-Royce smoothly exited the underground parking lot of Kang Lok Building, trailed discreetly by three inconspicuous private cars—vehicles carrying the hidden dark guards.
About half an hour later, Lin Haoran's convoy arrived at the Deep Water Bay villa district.
The car came to a steady stop at the Lin family villa's designated parking space. Before Lin Haoran even stepped out, his parents had already heard the commotion and come out to greet him.
"Daddy, Mommy!" Lin Haoran greeted warmly, stepping out with the help of Li Weiguo and hugging both his parents tightly.
"You're finally home. We've been so worried about you," said his mother, scrutinizing him carefully to make sure he hadn't lost weight during his time in America.
"Alright, let's not stand here chatting. Let's go inside first," said Lin Wanan, motioning toward the villa interior, a relieved and joyful smile on his face.
After all, Lin Haoran's achievements now far exceeded his own. What parent wouldn't be proud?
Lin Haoran noticed that his father now looked healthy and spirited—nothing like the frail figure he once was. Clearly, the past two years of careful recuperation had paid off.
"Daddy, Mommy, please wait a moment. I brought gifts for you from America," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
As he spoke, Li Weiguo swiftly opened the trunk and retrieved two exquisitely wrapped gift boxes.
One was carefully selected for his father, and the other for his mother.
Lin Haoran carried the boxes himself and waited until they entered the villa's grand first-floor hall before presenting them.
With a warm smile, he said, "Daddy, I picked out a limited edition Montblanc fountain pen for you in America. I heard you've taken an interest in calligraphy lately—this pen should suit you well."
Lin Wanan eagerly opened the box, revealing a finely crafted fountain pen nestled in a velvet cushion. The pen was intricately detailed, exuding elegance.
His eyes lit up with delight. "Excellent, excellent! I love it. You know me well, son."
His mother, equally excited, opened her box to find a sapphire-studded necklace. Under the light, the gem sparkled brilliantly.
She gently caressed the necklace, her eyes full of joy. "Haoran, this necklace is beautiful. Thank you, dear."
As founders of a wealthy family, Lin Haoran's parents were never lacking in material things.
But these gifts, coming from their son's heart, made them genuinely happy.
Lin Haoran smiled and said apologetically, "Mommy, I've been so busy the past two years traveling abroad. I haven't been able to spend much time with you and Daddy. This necklace isn't particularly expensive, but it carries my heartfelt intentions."
His mother's eyes turned misty as she patted his hand. "Silly child. Your safe return is the best gift for us. We understand you're working hard. Just remember to take care of yourself—don't exhaust yourself."
Lin Wanan nodded in agreement. "That's right. Career is important, but your health is your foundation. Look at me—overworking myself nearly cost me everything. You're the pride of the Lin family now, son. You mustn't let anything happen to you."
Lin Haoran felt a surge of warmth and nodded earnestly. "Don't worry, Daddy, Mommy. I'll take good care of myself. I plan to stay in Hong Kong for a longer period this time, and even if I travel, I won't be away for long. I'll make sure to visit often."
Although Lin Haoran had traveled from another life, after more than two years, he had fully embraced his role.
The bond he shared with his parents now felt genuine and irreplaceable.
"Oh, by the way," Lin Wanan added, "after you called earlier, I also rang your big brother. He said he's bringing your sister-in-law and Jianbin over tonight for dinner. They should be here soon!"
"Yes, it's been a long time since our whole family gathered together," Lin Haoran responded with a smile.
"Haoran," his mother chimed in, "you're not getting any younger. Have you thought about settling down? Daddy and I are eager to hold a grandchild.
While you were away in America, Miss Guo Xiaohan came to visit us twice. Haoran, when your big brother was your age, he was already married.
Don't let such a good girl slip away. The Guo family matches ours perfectly, and she's sincerely devoted to you."
Lin Haoran was slightly surprised. In the short span of his trip to America, Guo Xiaohan had already visited twice?
He couldn't help but recall the passionate farewell kiss before he left and realized the depth of her feelings.
Shaking off these thoughts with a wry smile, he said, "Mommy, please don't worry about me. With my current status, finding a wife won't be difficult."
His mother chuckled, lightly slapping his arm. "Nonsense! We're not forcing you—we just think Xiaohan is a good match. She's kind, thoughtful, and truly loves you.
If you like her too, don't keep her waiting too long."
Lin Haoran smiled helplessly and was about to reply when the sound of a car engine echoed outside.
Clearly, his elder brother's family had arrived.
The three of them went outside to greet them.
Sure enough, Lin Haoning's private car had pulled up, and he was stepping out with his wife, Cao Shaoling, and their son, Lin Jianbin.
Seeing Lin Haoran and his parents waiting, Lin Haoning quickly quickened his pace, greeting them cheerfully. "Daddy, Mommy, Haoran!"
Lin Haoran smiled and nodded back. "Big Brother."
"Jianbin, come greet your uncle!" prompted Cao Shaoling, nudging her son forward.
"Hello, Uncle!" Lin Jianbin, although a bit shy, mustered the courage to greet him politely.
"You've grown taller, Jianbin!" Lin Haoran said, patting his nephew's shoulder.
"Haoran, you really brought glory to the Lin family this time. Who would have thought you'd even acquire Hong Kong Telephone Company? If only Haoning had your capabilities," said Cao Shaoling, her tone unusually flattering.
In the past, she had barely acknowledged Lin Haoran's presence.
During the family's inheritance disputes, she had even allied with her maiden family against him.
But now that Lin Haoran's business status far surpassed that of her husband Lin Haoning, her attitude had completely changed.
Lin Haoran knew exactly what was behind her sudden warmth but showed no reaction.
He simply smiled lightly and said, "Sister-in-law flatters me. Acquiring Hong Kong Telephone Company is just part of Jardines Matheson's broader strategy.
Big Brother's achievements in manufacturing are equally remarkable.
We each have our strengths and are working together for the Lin family."
"Alright, enough chatting for now. Dinner's ready. Let's eat first, and we can catch up properly afterward," Lin Wanan said, ushering everyone inside.
"Boss, I'll stay home tonight to keep Daddy and Mommy company," Lin Haoran said.
"I'll stay too, with Shaoling and Jianbin," Lin Haoning agreed.
Hearing this, Lin Wanan's face lit up with joy. He clapped Lin Haoran on the shoulder and then looked fondly at Lin Haoning.
"Good, good. Tonight, the whole family can finally gather," he said happily, leading everyone into the dining room.
The table was laden with a sumptuous feast, and the atmosphere was warm and joyful.
Throughout dinner, Lin Haoran frequently helped serve food to his parents, inquiring about their health.
Meanwhile, Lin Haoning talked about his recent business activities, with Cao Shaoling occasionally chiming in.
After dinner, Lin's mother took Lin Jianbin to the living room to watch TV, while Lin Haoran and Lin Haoning followed Lin Wanan into the study.
Clearly, their father wanted to take this rare opportunity to better understand his two sons' current business developments.
Cao Shaoling, making an excuse about helping the servants clean up, quietly stayed away.
In truth, she still felt awkward facing Lin Haoran, remembering all too well how poorly she had once treated him.
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