Chapter 146: Dad?

Year-end was approaching again, and the Jiang family drove back to the countryside.

Father Jiang and Jiang Linyuan each drove a car.

"When did you buy this car? Where did the money come from?"

Father Jiang looked at Jiang Linyuan and asked curiously.

"I made some money trading stocks, bought it yesterday. Jiang Zhiyao knows about it too."

Jiang Linyuan used Jiang Zhiyao as a cover.

Father Jiang gave a few brief reminders and then didn't say more.

The kids had grown up and done well.

"Alright then, you and your sister can ride together. Your mother and I will put some things in our car."

"Let Yaoyao ride with you, I'll watch Linyuan's driving..."

Mother Jiang spoke up at that moment.

"Mom, what's there to watch? At the old home you'll be busy anyway, so rest in the car. My dad drives steadier than I do, you can take a nap."

Jiang Linyuan grinned, flung the car door open, and Jiang Zhiyao climbed in.

"I like playing music while driving. If it's too loud and bothers you, let me know."

Mother Jiang frowned, feeling that something was off, but she didn't press it and agreed with Jiang Linyuan.

The four of them set off in two cars.

Jiang Linyuan's hometown was a medium-sized village, neither particularly poor nor especially developed.

It was almost evening by the time they arrived.

When they parked, the neighbor next door curiously looked over:

"Hey, Old Jiang, you got a new car?"

"Well, the kid did."

Father Jiang waved modestly, but couldn't hide his smile.

"Linyuan turned out well! I've always thought he had talent since he was little!"

Uncle Yang, the neighbor, looked at Jiang Linyuan as he stepped out of the car and gave him a thumbs-up:

"If you guys are cleaning the house later, I'll come help."

Jiang Linyuan's grandparents had passed away years ago, and the old house had been empty. Returning meant it would need cleaning.

"Thanks, Uncle Yang. You can stay for dinner at our place then."

Jiang Linyuan didn't hesitate to reply with a smile.

Uncle Yang was an empty-nester: his wife had passed away, his children worked away, a man in his fifties or sixties who was often lonely at home.

"Sure! As long as you don't mind an old man tagging along!"

Uncle Yang chuckled and grabbed a broom to run over and help.

After a quick cleaning, they went to prepare dinner.

While resting, Jiang Linyuan took a photo of the old house and sent it to Department Head Shen Wanyu:

"Department Head, I hope you won't mind that I'm from the countryside."

Shen Wanyu replied quickly and sent a photo back.

A large courtyard, a big locust tree by the red wall, two elderly people sitting under it playing chess.

"I'm definitely not Su Muzhi."

"Department Head, are you back in Yanjing?"

"Yes, I just arrived today, tidying up the rooms."

Jiang Linyuan held his phone and thought for a moment:

"Department Head, is Yanjing's fermented mung bean drink tasty?"

"...I can't get used to it."

"If I ask the Department Head after the New Year, could you treat me to it? I've never had it in my life."

"There's no need to come all the way to Yanjing just to try it."

"Hehe, then it's settled: Department Head, you're treating me."

This Department Head really got a little haughty when shy, didn't she? What's there to be embarrassed about.

Then go to Yanjing! Let's go!

After chatting a bit more with Shen Wanyu, Jiang Linyuan found Lin Yilin on WeChat and sent the old house photo to her as well.

"Xiao Yilin, cold cold, hungry hungry, help me."

[Binary and Magic Stone]: Senior went back home, huh. I haven't seen this kind of house before.

When did Xiao Yilin get so clever! Shouldn't she be pitying me right now? The one who used to say her chest was cold and let me warm her hands is gone for good!

"Xiao Yilin, hurry and send me a photo too!"

Lin Yilin didn't send a photo; she started a video call directly.

Huh, why is Xiao Yilin being so proactive!?

When Jiang Linyuan answered, Lin Yilin's delicate face appeared on the screen. Behind her was a three-story self-built house.

"Good evening, Senior. Have you eaten dinner?"

"Not yet, I nearly starved, but seeing the delectable Xiao Yilin, I feel full."

"Gross."

Lin Yilin made a disgusted face; she had already grown immune to Jiang Linyuan's lines.

Damn, Xiao Yilin is getting unbearable! I'll raid her after the New Year!

Let's see if she dares say that to me in person!

"Senior, why are you outside the house? Aren't you cold?"

Lin Yilin glanced at the old house behind Jiang Linyuan and asked.

"My family is cooking. I'm watching in case a cat tries to steal food."

Jiang Linyuan answered.

"I think Senior is the cat stealing food."

Lin Yilin stuck out her tongue.

Oh no! She's rebelling! I see so much defiance in Xiao Yilin! When we meet I'll pinch your hand repeatedly!

"Then why are you out there, Xiao Yilin?"

Jiang Linyuan countered.

"Well, I finished eating and went out for a walk."

Lin Yilin's eyes drifted, and Pinocchio's nose was about to grow.

She couldn't bring herself to tell Senior about the relatives interrogating her about whether she was dating, so she couldn't say it.

"Yilin, aren't you cold standing out there?"

At that moment, a middle-aged man's voice came from beside Lin Yilin.

She instinctively hid the phone behind her and turned to look at the newcomer:

"Dad, why are you out here?"

"I thought you hadn't been home long, so I came to check on you."

Her father smiled, seeing through her small movement:

"Are you on a call?"

"Mm-hmm."

Lin Yilin nodded, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Ah, it's awkward when adults overhear young people's conversations. I shouldn't interfere.

Her father thought about it and was about to turn away.

"Dad?"

At that moment, Jiang Linyuan's voice came from Lin Yilin's phone.

Because Lin Yilin hid the phone in such a fluster, she hadn't noticed she'd accidentally pressed the volume button.

Whoa! What is happening! I thought it was on speaker!

Why is it so loud! And Senior is shouting nonsense!

Hang up! Hang up! I'm hanging up on you!

Lin Yilin hurriedly ended the WeChat call, then looked up at the sky as if nothing had happened.

Her father stopped, then turned back.

He didn't say the friend was a male.

With a half-smile he looked at his daughter:

"Boyfriend?"

"No, it's not."

Lin Yilin's face turned red as she replied embarrassedly.

"Really not? If you were dating, it's nothing to be ashamed of telling us."

Her father added.

"No really! Dad, stop asking!"

Lin Yilin stamped her foot and dashed into the house.

"I'll tell your mother later, she'll be thrilled and pester you with questions."

"I... I'm not dating, I'm not dating! Dad, you don't believe me! We're just friends!"

Her face full of shy indignation.

"I believe you. Then tell me about this friend. You're in college now and don't call home much, you went so far away alone."

Her father coaxed gently.

"Well, he's my senior. He's super full of himself, not very honest, loves to tease girls. One time he..."

Lin Yilin opened up and chattered on without stopping.

Listening to his daughter, her father sighed.

Although he complained and teased, the corners of his mouth kept lifting.

When school starts, take a look when you drop Yilin off.