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Chapter 65: Empty Nesters?
Tian Wei, watching Lin Xiaowan enjoy herself, thought to himself, This isn't taking advantage; this is flirting.
Guoqiang, should we go over there?
Go over? To watch my daughter flirt with another guy? Let's go, let's just leave. Out of sight, out of mind. We'll talk about it when we get home!!! Lin Guoqiang waved dismissively.
Tian Wei, surprised, noted that Lin Guoqiang didn't intervene despite Lin Xiaowan and Su Lin's interaction.
What Tian Wei didn't know was that Lin Guoqiang was in a deep dilemma. He wanted to rush over and take Lin Xiaowan away, but his rational side told him that doing so would only worsen things.
It would push Lin Xiaowan closer to Su Lin. More importantly, Lin Guoqiang noticed the smile on Lin Xiaowan's genuine face when she was with Su Lin.
When was the last time I saw such a smile on Xiaowan's face? High school, middle school, or elementary school?
I can't believe it's been so long since I've seen her smile so sincerely.
In the car, Lin Guoqiang reflected on his past behavior towards Lin Xiaowan. For the last eighteen years, he had adopted a hands-off approach in raising her.
She had always been sensible and never caused him worry. However, this only made him feel more regretful.
I have indeed neglected her too much.
Meanwhile, Lin Xiaowan and Su Lin were playfully bantering when she caught a glimpse of an Audi driving away. It looked familiar, much like her father's car. f(r)ee
But she quickly shook the thought off. Knowing her father's character, if he saw her fooling around with Su Lin, he would surely have come over to take her away. So, it must have been someone else's Audi.
What's up, Xiaowan? What are you looking at?
Nothing... I just saw a car pass by that looked familiar, Lin Xiaowan replied.
Su Lin followed her gaze, only seeing the tail of the Audi before it disappeared. That must be an Audi, right? Xiaowan, you dont think it was your dad, do you?
Lin Xiaowan rolled her eyes at Su Lin, That's not impossible. My dad's car could appear anywhere in the city, just not at the school.
Su Lin, holding Lin Xiaowan's hand, reassured her, Don't worry, I'm here to take you home.
Mm~!!
Su Lin, let's see how Xiaoyu is doing, and then we can all go have dinner together, Lin Xiaowan suggested cheerfully.
Hehe, Xiaowan, you don't eat dinner at home anymore? You're always having dinner with us.
Ai, you know my family's situation. My mom can usually make dinner when she's less busy. But with foreign trade booming like this, shes too busy to come home and cook.
Alright, then you get in the car. Ill go call Xiaoyu.
Okay~!!
Su Lin went to Xia Shiyus temporary office, where she was busy verifying financial records. She had to ensure every single receipt, ranging from a few yuan to thousands, was correct to avoid any financial errors.
Not formally trained in finance, Xia Shiyu relied on a calculator, and luckily, there werent too many invoices to go through that day.
Su Lin snuck up behind Xia Shiyu and hugged her, Guess who?
Hehe, Su Lin~! I recognize your scent. I can tell its you from a meter away.
Su Lin tugged at his collar, Scent? I shower every day, you know.
Xia Shiyu playfully hit him, Not that kind of scent! Ah, now I have to start over again.
Su Lin patted her head, Which round is this?
The third.
Any mistakes in the first two?
Xia Shiyu shook her head, No, these are all prices Xiaowan negotiated in advance, so they just need to match.
Then its fine. No need for a third round. Lets go for dinner.
Uh, Su Lin, what if I missed something?
Su Lin laughed, Xiaoyu, with your attention to detail, missing something? Impossible. Lets go. You should learn computerized accounting; its much simpler.
Mm~!!
Tomorrow, Ill buy a computer for home. Learn computerized accounting, okay?
Ah! A computer for home?
Of course. Xiaowan and I have computers; you should too. Its important for your work. The company will pay for it.
Alright, Ill buy one tomorrow.
Dont skimp on money. Spend at least eight thousand. If its less, Ill have words with you, Su Lin said sternly.
Xia Shiyu pursed her lips, Youre always scaring me.
Hehe Lets go eat. Ill drive you home afterward.
Okay.
After sharing a tender moment in the office, they left.
Lin Xiaowan, watching Su Lin and Xia Shiyu return, suspiciously eyed them. She felt like something happened between them but then chided herself for being paranoid.
Su Lin, who used to patiently explain things, now just acted without explanation. She was still annoyed at the thought of Su Lins previous slap.
Xiaowan, what do you want to eat tonight?
Lin Xiaowan shook her head, Ive been eating out with you so much lately, Im spoilt for choice. Ask Xiaoyu.
Im fine with anything.
Alright, then Ill just pick a place. Ill drive you home after.
Mm~!!
On the other hand, Lin Guoqiang got home, planning to cook dinner and wait for Lin Xiaowan. He wanted to ask about her relationship with Su Lin. But by 8 p.m., there was still no sign of Lin Xiaowan, and Wang Xiaoqian was also absent.
Around 9 p.m., Wang Xiaoqians car finally pulled up. Lin Guoqiang, seeing the time, was even more upset. His daughter was out late, and it was already 9 p.m.
Wang Xiaoqian entered, Oh, the big boss is home early today and even cooked dinner?
Lin Guoqiang glared at her, Youre aware its time to come home. Look at the time.
Its 9 p.m., my usual time.
I say, Lin Guoqiang, why are you fussing? Just because you came home early today, you start bossing me around? Dont forget your usual arrival time.
Uh Lin Guoqiangs face reddened. Compared to Wang Xiaoqian, he was indeed more negligent.
Returning home in the early morning was routine for him, and sometimes hed just sleep at the municipal government building when there was a lot of work.
Eaten yet? Come eat with me.
Ive eaten. Wheres Xiaowan? Doing homework? Wang Xiaoqian glanced towards Lin Xiaowans room.
Hearing this, Lin Guoqiang blew up, Your precious daughter hasnt come home yet. f(r)eeweb(n)ovel
Hm? Whats wrong? Why are you so annoyed? Wang Xiaoqian looked at him in surprise.
What else? Our daughter is in a relationship, Lin Guoqiang said, sounding aged.
A relationship? Thats impossible! Our daughter isnt just anyones child. Shes not a village girl from the mountains. Who in Zhongjiang could catch her eye?
Suddenly, Wang Xiaoqian seemed to think of someone. Her eyes widened, Could it be that Su Lin?
Lin Guoqiang sighed, Yes, him. After dealing with city affairs today, I happened to pass by No.1 Middle School. I had Ah Wei follow me to pick up Xiaowan, but then
After Lin Guoqiang finished, Wang Xiaoqian digested his words before responding, Then why didnt you bring her back with you?
I I thought shed come back after she was done, but its 9 p.m., and shes still not home.
Heh, have you forgotten how long its been since we last cooked at home? Wang Xiaoqian glared at him.
Well I cant be blamed. Were both busy; theres no time to cook.
So, Xiaowan is probably out eating with that boy. Just wait, shell come back after dinner, Wang Xiaoqian said calmly.
Are you not worried at all? Lin Guoqiang said, frustrated.
Wang Xiaoqian rolled her eyes, I am worried, but what can I do now?
We dont know the full situation. We can only wait for Xiaowan to come back and ask her.
Ah Why did I come back alone