Chapter 53 - 53: The Comparisons
After dinner, Mr. Lin was seated on the sofa reading a financial magazine. When he noticed Lin Gantang swiftly running out of her room and returning shortly with someone, he presumed that she had brought a new friend home, causing a gleam of curiosity to appear behind his reading glasses.
“Dad, Yanqing is here.” Lin Gantang walked in front and handed the fruits that Wen Yanqing had brought to Auntie Zhang, who was beside her and was about to lead him upstairs.
“So it’s Yanqing.” Mr. Lin removed his reading glasses, engaging in small talk. “Have you had dinner? It’s raining outside, 1 hope you didn’t get wet. Come, have a seat, and let’s chat.”
Wen Yanqing exchanged greetings with Mr. Lin.
Lin Gantang wasn’t pleased. “Dad, Yanqing is here to see the little leopard flower. What do you need to talk to him about? How can you even dare to compete with a little kitten for his attention?”
Mr. Lin observed the polite and gentle Wen Yanqing, then glanced at his daughter intentionally provoking him. He felt like switching their roles. Wen Yanqing would be his son, and Lin Gantang could go wherever she pleased. “You go. You go!” Mr. Lin shooed her away with a stiff tone, finding her to be a bit of a nuisance.
Wen Yanqing smiled and said, “1’11 come down and chat with uncle later.”
“Sure, take your time, no rush,” Mr. Lin’s tone became much gentler when addressing Wen Yanqing.
Lin Gantang noticed the two contrasting faces her father was putting on and found it amusing.
Meanwhile, Lin Zhaonan, hearing about Wen Yanqing’s arrival, didn’t see him in the living room. Upon learning that he was on the third floor, he went upstairs to find him.
He had recently heard about Shengfang’s intention to acquire the bankrupt R1 Culture Company and gradually reduce its holdings and investments in the real estate industry. Their actions were rather perplexing.
Wen Yanqing was sensitive to market trends and policy shifts. Lin Zhaonan wanted to have a conversation with him to see if he could glean some insights from him.
Lin Zhaonan thought that he would see Wen Yanqing and Lin Gantang politely discussing the kitten’s condition when he went upstairs. However, when he entered, he realized that the two of them were squatting in front of the bamboo basket, their heads almost rubbing together.
It was extremely different from his previous image of Wen Yanqing.
Lin Zhaonan cleared his throat.
Lin Gantang raised her head, only giving him a glance before turning her attention away. She carefully picked up Little Leopard Flower and placed it in Wen Yanqing’s palm.
The kitten was so small that it fit comfortably within Wen Yanqing’s palm.
Wen Yanqing stood up, still holding the kitten, and nodded at Lin Zhaonan.
Lin Gantang couldn’t help but notice the contrast between the tall Wen Yanqing and the tiny kitten. During their first meeting, her eyes shone brightly as she retrieved a small milk bottle. “Auntie Zhang just prepared some milk powder. She said it was time for the kitten to eat. Would you mind feeding it?”
Wen Yanqing nodded, accepting the small, milky white bottle with his large hand.
Lin Gantang pretended to tidy up some pet supplies and discreetly moved a few steps away. She secretly took out her phone and snapped a few pictures.
Lin Zhaonan looked at Lin Gantang’s triumphant expression and felt speechless.
Forget it, maybe Wen Yanqing would be happy to do so.
“Would you like to sit in the living room?” Lin Zhaonan extended an invitation.
Wen Yanqing hummed in agreement. He patiently finished feeding Little Leopard Flower, placed it back in the basket, washed his hands, and then went downstairs.
Lin Gantang followed behind the two, ensuring to crop the photos she had taken to focus on Wen Yanqing’s distinct jawline. She saved the edited image.
As she walked, she opened WeChat and sent the photo to Ye Qiuqiu.
“Little Leopard Flower’s poop picker. (Image)”
Ye Qiuqiu probably didn’t notice the new message. Lin Gantang opened her Moments and saw a photo posted by Zhang Rongqing. The picture was taken at Elegant Restaurant that day. In the photo, Zhang Rongqing had edited her face, giving herself bigger European-style eyes and a sharper chin. The caption read, “True besties always stay together. The food at Elegant Restaurant is pretty good.”
There were a string of likes in the comments section.
Lin Gantang replied, “I almost thought you got plastic surgery.”
Zhang Rongqing quickly replied with a grinning face. “Only true besties dare to joke like this..”