Chapter 77: Preparation to meet the Lin family

By the time the girl finally left, it was already nearly two in the afternoon.

Lin Feng stood still, his gaze falling on the various things laid out on the table.

For a moment, the boy remained silent. Then, a smile tugged at his lips, gradually widening until he could no longer hold back his laughter.

Earlier, Lin Feng had still been worried about meeting the Lin family. But now, he felt more certain than ever that he was not alone.

His grandfather, who had lost his daughter because of the Lin family’s eldest son, was still willing to accompany him to meet the Lin family.

His eldest brother, second brother, and fourth sister had all been wary of him at first, yet they still cared about him. They had even gone out of their way to think of ways to help him.

Lin Feng was no longer alone in this world. He was loved. He had people he could rely on.

Warmth bloomed in his chest, spreading throughout his body until it seemed to reach even the tips of his hair. The corners of his eyes grew faintly warm.

Though he stood alone in his room, Lin Feng no longer felt lonely. The light seemed brighter, the sunlight warmer, the breeze gentler, and even the birdsong sweeter.

For the first time, he felt he could face the world with greater courage. His family had already accepted him.

Following the girl’s instructions, Lin Feng did the skin care and lay down for a nap, his heart at ease.

By the time he woke up, it was already around five in the evening. His dinner appointment was at seven, leaving him plenty of time to get ready.

Lin Feng removed the facial mask he had applied before his nap. Perhaps because it was still spring and the weather remained relatively cool, the mask had yet to dry completely, even after more than an hour on his face.

"Hmm?"

As he passed the mirror, he suddenly stopped and turned back for a closer look.

Lin Feng had always had a naturally good complexion, with tender, smooth skin.

However, after following the skincare routine, even he could tell that something had changed. His skin seemed to have acquired a strange filter, looking as smooth and delicate as a freshly peeled egg, with an almost translucent quality.

"Amazing. These skincare products really are much better than the ones from the past!"

The boy touched his face and marveled at the results, sighing repeatedly, before heading downstairs to ask Grandpa Bai about the arrangements for the meeting with the Lin family.

Grandpa Bai had left the company early, and even Uncle Tingyu had made time in his schedule to accompany them.

Wei Ranmiao and the three Bai siblings, however, had been told not to come.

After all, this meeting was meant to allow Lin Feng to personally make amends with the Lin family. It was better to give them some room and preserve their dignity.

In the end, the Lin family confirmed that Lin Wei and his wife would attend, along with their son, Lin Chengye, who was being groomed as the family’s next successor.

On the Bai family’s side, Grandpa Bai, Bai Tingyu, and Lin Feng would be going.

Three people from each family. A perfect arrangement.

Back in Lin Feng’s room, Bai Jianning sighed regretfully but quickly rallied her spirits.

"Although I can’t go, Third Brother, my spirit will be with you!"

"Hearing that makes me happy, dear Fourth Sister," Lin Feng replied. "However, I need to get ready for the appointment now."

He was politely hinting that his guest should leave so he could change.

Bai Jianning’s eyes lit up.

"Third Brother, you still don’t understand. First, we need to create your concept!"

"...?" Concept?

"You’re going there to make amends. Strictly speaking, you’re the victim here, and you’ve suffered far more than they have. Yet, out of goodwill, you’re still willing to apologize for the trouble you’ve caused them."

Even though it was Lin Dong from their family who caused all this in the first place, she added silently in her mind.

However, since Lin Dong was still Third Brother’s father, Bai Jianning held her tongue.

"And then?" Lin Feng asked, still unsure where she was going with this.

"Naturally, you need to make them realize that even as the victim, you’ve still considered the feelings of the innocent members of their family and are willing to extend an olive branch! Hence, the fashion concept for tonight’s outfit! The more pitiful, delicate, fragile, and pure you appear, the more your sincerity will move them. They’ll also think twice before beating—before scolding you!"

This... actually seemed to make sense?

It was a little like dressing plainly rather than wearing makeup when attending a funeral.

Oh dear, what am I thinking? How ominous!

Lin Feng shook his head, feeling that his thoughts had somehow taken a rather unfortunate turn.

But when he looked at the clothes his sister had selected from his extensive wardrobe, he couldn’t help feeling as though he really were dressing for a funeral.

...

The restaurant was situated in one of Beijing’s most prestigious districts, tucked behind an elegant Chinese courtyard gate flanked by two bronze lions.

Inside, traditional architecture blended with modern luxury. Red sandalwood screens and ink paintings complemented the polished marble floors and crystal chandeliers, while a tranquil garden of ornamental pines and flowing water created an air of understated elegance.

Beyond the main dining hall stretched a row of private rooms, each exquisitely furnished to ensure the utmost privacy.

This was where wealthy families, influential businessmen, and prominent figures gathered to dine and discuss important affairs. Securing a private room required more than money alone, their connections and status mattered just as much.

In one of the luxurious dining rooms, a group of wealthy young men and women had gathered to celebrate their friend’s engagement.

"Congratulations to Brother Junpei and Sister Meng on finally getting together!"

"Brother Junpei has been pursuing Sister Meng for years. It’s about time his wish finally came true!" one of their friends remarked with a sigh. "I wish you both a lifetime of happiness."

Zhuang Meng smiled as she clinked glasses with her fiancé’s friends. Yet, despite the cheerful atmosphere, her gaze kept drifting toward another figure.

Lin Junhao sat quietly, sipping his drink.

His brows held a gentle, melancholic expression, as though his thoughts were elsewhere. His handsome profile was striking, particularly the faintly upturned corners of his lips, which always seemed to carry the hint of a smile.

Although the Lin family scandal had visibly worn him down over the past few months, leaving him thinner and more troubled, it had done little to diminish his good looks. He still drew plenty of admiring glances.