Chapter 122: Why Don't You Stay at My Place?

“Who cares about you? After a month, who knows when we’ll meet again. Perhaps by then, you’ll truly have reached the pinnacle.”

Feihua gazed up at the faint stars emerging in the sky, as if the day had passed in the blink of an eye.

Lin Han said, “Senior, would you like to come home with me?”

“Come home with you?” Feihua replied warily, “Don’t joke around. I sell my art, not myself. Not even if you pay extra.”

Lin Han explained, “Senior, you’ve misunderstood. Seeing you wandering out there, I feel uneasy leaving you to sleep alone at home.”

“Didn’t you say you’d cover the expenses?”

“I did say that. Anyway, my house has plenty of empty rooms. If you don’t mind, you could stay there.”

Feihua considered for a moment, then said, “It’s not that I can’t...”

“Let’s go.”

...

By this time, dusk had settled. Feihua followed Lin Han to his home.

“Mom, Dad, I’m back.”

Lin Han opened the door, and the aroma of cooking wafted from the kitchen.

“Lin Han’s back,” Lin Zhongtian said, coming out with a spatula in hand. He smiled, “I cooked all your favorite dishes today. Prepare well for tomorrow’s interview.”

When Lin Zhongtian saw the young girl standing nearby, he froze momentarily before quickly retreating into the kitchen.

“Uncle, who is this?”

Feihua was momentarily confused. Soon, Lin Zhongtian returned with Shen Mei.

The two stared at each other, then Shen Mei quickly put down what she was holding and approached the door. “Lin Han, who is this?”

Lin Han explained, “This is a friend of mine. Her parents are away, and she’s home alone and scared. Since our house has plenty of rooms, I thought she could stay here for a while.”

“I’m really troubling you both. If it’s inconvenient, I can leave,” Feihua said, looking humble and delicate.

Shen Mei quickly reassured her, “Not at all, not at all. Don’t stand in the doorway—please come inside.”

“Thank you, Auntie,” Feihua smiled in response as they both went inside.

...

Lin Zhongtian hurriedly brought over a glass of water. “If you need anything, just ask. Make yourself at home. Lin Han didn’t tell us in advance, so please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality.”

“Uncle, you’re overthinking. I’m just glad to be allowed to stay here,” Feihua replied. “I’m the one causing trouble.”

Lin Zhongtian looked embarrassed. “Lin Han has never brought friends home before; this is a first.”

“So I’m the first, huh?”

Feihua laughed.

“That’s right. He’s been a bit self-conscious since childhood. Our family was poor, and we didn’t even live here back then. He was afraid his classmates would look down on him.” Lin Zhongtian scratched his head, feeling a pang of guilt. He always felt inadequate.

Feihua looked at Lin Han with interest. “I didn’t expect you to be self-conscious.”

Lin Han was caught off guard. “I’m not self-conscious, Dad. You misunderstood. It’s just that I don’t have many close friends.”

“You shy little guy,” Lin Zhongtian chuckled heartily.

“What kind of nonsense is this?” Lin Han thought to himself, suddenly feeling that bringing Feihua home had been a serious mistake...

“Dad, could you check the kitchen? I think I smell something burning.”

Hearing this, Lin Zhongtian hurried to the kitchen, calling over his shoulder, “Make sure to treat your friend well. I’m off to cook.”

“Got it, got it,” Lin Han replied impatiently.

Feihua smiled. “I didn’t expect someone so cautious and calm to have this side.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Lin Han rolled his eyes. “I’m human too. This quiet life is what I long for. As for fighting and killing, if it weren’t necessary, I’d rather live peacefully forever.”

“Right, who wouldn’t want that?” Feihua sighed.

“By the way, I don’t know what your family does,” Lin Han asked.

Feihua smiled. “Curious about me already? That’s the way of an engaged woman.”

“Come on, that’s ridiculous,” Lin Han said helplessly. “With your talents, your sister must have them too. Your family must be an old and prestigious one.”

“Sort of.” Feihua answered simply.

Lin Han pressed on, “But if you’re from a noble family, how could you be short on money? With your skills, your family should be supporting you fully, not struggling.”

“That’s a secret.”

Feihua smiled mysteriously, clearly unwilling to say more.

Lin Han leaned back on the sofa, hands behind his head. “Don’t worry. Though I’m your employer, I won’t pry. Tell me when you want to.”

Meanwhile, through the crack in the kitchen door, four eyes watched them intently.

“Wife, do you think she’s Lin Han’s girlfriend? Is this like meeting the parents?” Lin Zhongtian asked.

Shen Mei retorted, “Of course! Lin Han’s never brought anyone home before. It must be serious. Look at how that girl looks at him—that’s love, isn’t it?”

Lin Zhongtian nodded solemnly. “Indeed. Lin Han inherited my temperament. This girl’s not bad-looking—could make a fine daughter-in-law for the Lin family.”

“She might be a bit older than Lin Han, though,” Shen Mei commented.

“Older is fine. Older women are like gold bricks—more mature and better able to care for Lin Han,” Lin Zhongtian said casually. “But I wonder about her family. She can’t just be after Lin Han’s money.”

“This is the first time I’ve heard of her suddenly showing up,” Shen Mei rolled her eyes. “Besides this house, what money do we have? Stop overthinking. We haven’t given Lin Han a good life all these years. If he likes her, that’s all that matters.”

“True enough.”

...

“Lin Han, dinner’s ready. Come help serve.”

“Coming.”

Lin Han stood up to go to the kitchen, and Feihua rose as well.

“Sit down. There’s not much food; I’ll go,” Lin Han said.

Feihua frowned. “Though I’m a guest, I feel bad troubling your aunt and uncle. Besides, it’s just serving dishes, not a big deal. Don’t worry, I’m not charging.”

Lin Han was speechless. “Fine, as you say.”

“Lin Han, why are you letting a guest serve the food?”

“Mom, I tried to stop her, but she insisted.”

“Look at how considerate she is. You’re grown—can’t you be a bit more humble?”

“Mom, this really isn’t my doing...”