Lin Sheng had sharply sensed his dad's real target: the second-year, female high school student, Wu Manwen. So, he briefly sized her up while they were in the midst of introductions.

The girl had long hair, which cascaded down her shoulders. She was wearing a brown jacket on the outside and a simple white tube top on the inside along with a pair of prewashed jeans over her long slender legs and sneakers. Her attire was not cheap by the looks of it. Her face appeared exquisite with makeup, and she also had on purple contact lenses in her big, s.h.i.+ny eyes as well as silver earrings that were as large as eggs. Her flat chest aside, Lin Sheng would rate her an eight over ten.

He then s.h.i.+fted his glance to the boy, Wu Zong. Wearing a silver BB cap, loose T-s.h.i.+rt, ankle jeans, and some silver rings with skulls as decoration on his fingers, the teen was dressed like a little ruffian. However, the impatient look on his young-scholar face did not impress at all.

Wu Manwen and Wu Zong were also a.s.sessing Lin Sheng while he was sizing them up. Already a dab hand at makeup since little, Wu Manwen was one of the hottest girls in her school, where boys fell over backward to please and impress her. However, coming from a rather well-to-do family, she was not interested in any Tom, d.i.c.k, and Harry. In terms of looks, Lin Sheng was pa.s.sable, but what she frowned upon was the way he dressed.

Lin Sheng rarely decked out like that. It was too formal and mismatched, definitely looking a little off. She swept her eyes over Lin Sheng's dad, and based on how he was dressed and the manner he spoke, Wu Manwen quickly deduced how well to do, or rather how poor the family was. She chewed the gum in her mouth and rolled her eyes in disdain, not wanting to talk anymore.

Her dad did not ask anyone to meet him when he came over, but the poor father and son had come unsolicited. Plus, they did not decline the invitation out of courtesy. Just that alone gave her enough reason to despise them.

After the pleasantries, Lin Sheng and Lin Zhounian helped the family of four to carry their luggage and left the bus terminal.

Lin Sheng had roughly figured out what was on his dad's mind. Lin Zhounian was overzealous when it came to Wu Manwen, complementing her elegance, beauty, and academic performance before turning around and euphemistically praising his own son. It was the most embarra.s.sing moment in Lin Sheng's life.

Listening to the odd conversation and sensing that something was wrong, Wu Deshan's broad smile collapsed into a half-smile. It was not that he looked down on Lin Sheng. Instead, it was quite the opposite. He had a d.a.m.n good impression on the peacefully self-a.s.sured young man. However, it was not quite the right time since both his daughter and Lin Sheng were still too young to talk about relations.h.i.+ps. There was no rush for it.

With Lin Zhounian playing host, both families arrived at a restaurant beside the hotel and had a lavish seafood feast. Lin Sheng was seated next to Wu Manwen. While the adults chatted merrily, Wu Zong yawned continuously, and Wu Manwen fiddled with her fingers.

"Sheng Sheng, why don't you share your stories about life in the third year of high school with the juniors?" Lin Zhounian shot his son a glance.

Lin Sheng looked on helplessly. Apparently, Lin Zhounian's suggestion was not well received. While Wu Deshan's reaction was better, his wife appeared a little impatient.

"There's not much to talk about," Lin Sheng casually said with a smile, "except that life in the third year is more tiresome and busier than in the second year."

"Where do you live? Maybe we can meet up later in the day for dinner. My treat." Wu Deshan smiled.

"Huilian Neighborhood, right in Blackwater district," replied Lin Zhounian sheepishly.

"Huilian Neighborhood? How much is the value of the houses there? Is it a seaside city or a seaport? I'm sure the houses there fetch a high price." The woman began to poke into their family background.

"About ¥4,000," replied Lin Zhounian candidly.

"Four thousand isn't bad for a place like that." The woman's expression became even haughtier than before.

Wu Deshan quickly stared down his wife and looked at Lin Sheng. "Sheng Sheng, how are your studies? Can you manage? You look like you've done well. Perhaps you could share a little of your experience with them."

Lin Sheng smiled and just as he was about to say something, Wu Manwen, who was next to him, suddenly raised to her feet. "Dad and Mom, I'm going out to get some fresh air." It was a waste of her time sitting there. She thought that her dad should have simply made up an excuse to send the father and son away instead of entertaining them. It was not that the father and son did not know they had been traveling the whole day and were drained. It was very annoying to have them lingering on. Without waiting for Wu Deshan to respond, she excused herself and walked out of the private dining room.

"Uncle Wu, all of you must be exhausted after a long day. If you allow us, we'll get out of your way. We can still talk the next time we meet," said Lin Sheng calmly despite Wu Manwen's abrupt departure. 

"Lin, your son is so much more thoughtful than my two children!" Wu Deshan sighed. "I'm sorry, Lin. Wen Wen is too spoilt." Wen Wen was Wu Manwen's nickname at home. Earlier, right when his face turned stern and he was about to chide his daughter for her rudeness, Lin Sheng's words came. He could not help but look at Lin Sheng with a pleasantly surprised expression. 

As obtuse as Lin Zhounian was, he had already sensed that they were being looked down upon. Nonetheless, running a grocery store all those years had trained him to not display his emotions outwardly although he felt a little offended. "It's okay, she's still young. Who hasn't gone through the same things at that age?" he said, dismissing the concern. The meeting ended amid an awkward atmosphere. There went an expensive seafood feast...

Lin Zhounian and Lin Sheng left before the family of four. Walking on the sidewalk along the main street, both father and son were silent. Lin Zhounian did not drive that day. Even if he did, his ride was only a trishaw, which he usually used to transport goods, and he would be too embarra.s.sed to use it right then.

"I'm sorry, Son." Lin Zhounian suddenly patted Lin Sheng on the shoulder.

"I'm fine, Dad," Lin Sheng replied with a smile. "But isn't it too early to talk about this thing? I mean—"

"Not at all. Even your elder sister has a boyfriend now." Lin Zhounian sighed.

"What? When did that happen?" Lin Sheng was transfixed for a while.

"She just told us not long ago. The guy seems to be a good chap. He was well mannered on the phone, and he's allegedly doing well in his studies. But what's more important is that he treats your sister well." Lin Zhounian shook his head. "Well, maybe I'm the one who can't wait."

"I'm only in high school, Dad. My biggest task is to study."

"That's pretty self-conscious of you." Lin Zhounian could not hold back his smile.

"That's because I know what I want in life." Lin Sheng smiled.

The father and son chatted along the way, and before they knew it, they were close to home. Lin Zhounian had to open his shop for the day, so they parted ways at the gate of the residential neighborhood. Lin Sheng watched as his dad left. The little drama surrounding Wu Manwen and her family was only a small episode. He would not lose his composure just because of some random people and events. There were so many other things to worry about in life than harp on the slightest annoyance. He did not want such things to get in his way, affecting his mediations.

It was Sat.u.r.day, and he was supposed to check on the progress of Ironfist Society. He dug up the money and stuffed them in a large briefcase. He counted ¥860,000 in total, not minding the small change. He would not use the money in Huaisha because he had another plan in mind.