Xiao Yufan’s gaze carried an indescribable undertone as he tried to decipher the old man Lin’s thoughts. The sudden shift in the elder’s demeanor was just too drastic to ignore.
“You must be wondering why I’ve suddenly changed my mind. Even if Guo’s son unintentionally hurt Xiaoyao, I shouldn’t have acted so rashly, right?”
Seeing Xiao Yufan remain silent, Lin Zheng narrowed his eyes, as if attempting to peer straight into Xiao Yufan’s soul. Under such an intense gaze, Xiao Yufan couldn’t help but feel a chill run down his spine.
Though Xiao Yufan couldn’t accurately gauge the old man’s strength, he could faintly sense that Lin Zheng was on the same level as his grandfather. If such a formidable expert were an enemy, Xiao Yufan would have already turned tail and fled.
At his current level, Xiao Yufan could barely hold his own against someone at the condensed energy stage, but against someone at the consolidated mastery stage, he’d have no choice but to run.
Moreover, Lin Zheng was undoubtedly a figure who had surpassed even the凝功 stage. Standing before such a person naturally brought pressure. And judging from the gleam in Lin Zheng’s eyes, he was definitely a wily old fox.
“I suppose it’s understandable to think that way. After all, just moments ago, you seemed quite fond of that person from the Guo family.”
Though Xiao Yufan really wanted to mutter “sly old fox,” he held himself back. After all, this was the Lin family’s territory, and no matter what, he was merely a guest here.
“The young man from the Guo family injured Xiaoyao, and she clearly doesn’t like him. Was it unreasonable for me to ask him to leave? Should I have let him stay and watch?”
Lin Zheng stared directly at Xiao Yufan, clearly very interested in him. But his curiosity was more about discovering what made the grandson of Situ Lingyu so special.
“That’s true. After all, Xiaoyao is my woman. It wouldn’t be appropriate to have an outsider lingering around.”
Xiao Yufan went along with the conversation, though inwardly he was thinking how hypocritical this old fox was. He must have had some ulterior motives for acting that way. Otherwise, in the eyes of the Hidden Lin family, he should have valued Guo Junyu more than he did Xiao Yufan.
“Exactly! We’re family now. Since Xiaoyao has chosen you, how could the Lin family possibly reject you?”
A rough, booming voice slowly echoed out. Xiao Yufan’s lips twitched slightly. Now he understood why Xiaoyao’s father had such a loud voice—it was hereditary. Fortunately, his wife hadn’t inherited that trait.
Meanwhile, Lin Xiaoyao looked somewhat surprised, her eyes sparkling with an unusual gleam.
She knew her grandfather’s temperament very well. For him to not be angry this time, and instead be so warm toward her husband, was quite strange. Still, she was very satisfied that Xiao Yufan had gained her grandfather’s approval.
Lin Ye knew the reason but didn’t explain it to the mother and daughter. Lin’s mother merely gave him a coquettish glare before asking no more questions, her gaze toward Xiao Yufan growing increasingly gentle. After all, a mother-in-law always sees her son-in-law in a favorable light.
“What about Master Situ? Is he doing well? It’s been more than twenty years since I last saw him. That old fellow really knows how to enjoy himself out there in the mundane world!”
Before Xiao Yufan could respond, the old man spoke again. This time, Xiao Yufan clearly saw a flicker of joy in his eyes.
Does the old man know my grandfather?
That was Xiao Yufan’s immediate thought. Otherwise, how could he know about his grandfather without him saying a word? It seemed this old fox had known quite a bit about him from the start. What was going on here?
Regardless, Xiao Yufan was somewhat taken aback. Twenty years ago, he might not have even been born yet. How could he be sure whether the old man was telling the truth? Still, there seemed no reason for him to lie.
“My grandfather is in good health. He even mentioned you before, saying how impressive and kind-hearted the Lin family’s old master was…”
Xiao Yufan hesitated for a moment before smiling and replying. This flattery visibly brightened the old man’s face, clearly showing how much he appreciated the compliment.
“You’re quite the smooth talker, young man. But I know that old fellow’s temper too well. He wouldn’t praise me unless the sun rose from the north!”
Lin Zheng’s liking for Xiao Yufan grew even more. This kid really knew how to flatter people, so much better than that arrogant young man from the Guo family. Though he was well aware that these praises were likely fabricated by Xiao Yufan.
Feeling somewhat awkward, Xiao Yufan thought the old man didn’t have to expose him so quickly. He had intended to flatter him, but now it felt like he had slapped a monkey’s bottom instead.
“Cough, I think Old Master Lin is truly remarkable and genuinely kind-hearted!”
After a dry cough, Xiao Yufan sent Lin Xiaoyao a look saying “leave it to me” before smiling and speaking again. Since the old man knew his grandfather, surely he wouldn’t refuse their union.
“Just for that one sentence, I accept you as my granddaughter’s husband!”
Lin Zheng hadn’t laughed so heartily in a long time. Thinking about the future development of the Lin family always gave him headaches, because the younger generation of the Hidden Lin family had few who practiced martial arts. After he passed away, the Hidden Lin family would surely lose its luster.
The reason he had previously agreed to Guo Junyu’s proposal was because of this very concern. If their relationship with the Guo family grew closer, the Lin family might prosper for another few decades.
But he also understood that the Guo family was a pack of wolves. There was always the danger that one day they might swallow the entire Lin family. So, marrying into the Guo family brought both benefits and risks.
Now, however, Lin Zheng felt somewhat relieved. He had once met Master Situ, and he believed that Xiao Yufan was not someone with hidden ambitions. Gaining the support of the Situ family was more reliable than relying on the Guo family. Few understood better than him the terrifying power of Master Situ.
Upon hearing this, a faint smile slowly appeared on Xiao Yufan’s face. It seemed his grandfather’s reputation had preceded him. Without his grandfather’s presence, this old fox probably wouldn’t have given in so easily.
As for whatever had happened between the two elders before, Xiao Yufan didn’t really want to know. He only cared about having his wife by his side.
“So, Old Master, does this mean you now accept my relationship with Xiaoyao and won’t force her to do anything she doesn’t want to do anymore?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t want my own granddaughter to suffer either. Do you think you’re the only one who loves her? However, if you want to marry our Xiaoyao, it won’t be that simple…”
The old man’s smile faded slightly, and the way he looked at Xiao Yufan was like a butcher eyeing a lamb ready for slaughter, making the latter’s scalp tingle with unease…
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