By noon, Jin Ling did not remain in the office but went directly to the Jin residence.
Stepping outside, the air felt lighter to breathe.
He felt considerably more relaxed. Jin Ling glanced at the imposing building of Huangqi Group before him and couldn't help but think: those who work in a place like this daily must truly have it tough.
He sighed and drove towards the old mansion.
As he approached the entrance, the security guard naturally waved him through. The car belonged to the rightful owner, and Jin Ling bore a resemblance to Jin Ye, so no one suspected anything.
"Young Master Jin, good noon."
Acknowledged by the security guard, he drove straight in.
He knocked on the door, and shortly after, a servant came to open it. Upon seeing him, the servant greeted him respectfully, "Young Master, you're back."
As she spoke, she moved aside, inviting Jin Ling in.
This was Jin Ling's first time entering the Jin residence, but he showed no outward reaction, his expression remaining placid as he walked in.
Upon hearing the movement, Jin Father turned around. "Xiao Ye, you're back."
Seeing him, Jin Ling felt a sudden rush of complex emotions. He forcefully suppressed the turmoil within and responded with a simple "Mm."
He walked to the sofa and sat down. Jin Father didn't seem to notice anything amiss.
Jin Father sighed softly. "Go and try to persuade your mother. She hasn't spoken to me lately."
For the past few days, Zhao Qin had been treating him like a stranger, still sulking.
Jin He wouldn't have spoken of such matters before his son if not for the circumstances.
"Hm?"
Jin Ling looked up in surprise, meeting Jin Father's weary gaze, feeling quite puzzled.
According to his investigations, the Jin parents had a loving relationship. How could the current situation be so different from the rumors?
However, he soon had a thought.
There was an internal conflict within the Jin family concerning the strained relationship between Su Ding and Jin Mother.
If his guess was correct, this must be the reason.
Understanding this, Jin Ling said seriously, "Dad, I'll go up and see Mom."
"Go ahead."
Jin Father waved his hand, his brow furrowed as he leaned back on the sofa. The atmosphere was somewhat oppressive.
Jin Ling collected his thoughts and stood up to go upstairs. Just as he reached the stairwell, he heard Zhao Qin on the phone.
However, the room had good soundproofing, so he couldn't make out what she was saying.
As he drew closer, he faintly heard snippets like "That's great" and "Don't make a fuss," and she seemed quite pleased.
This state was a stark contrast to Jin Father downstairs.
Jin Ling couldn't help but think that this was far different from the disguise he had anticipated.
He had expected to be discovered as different from his usual self, much like Su Ding. Yet, from the moment he entered until now, no one seemed to be paying him much attention.
"Knock, knock, knock."
He knocked on the door, and Zhao Qin's voice abruptly stopped.
Not long after, the door opened. Upon seeing Jin Ling, Zhao Qin's indifferent expression instantly turned surprised, then shifted to one of reproach. "Hmph, so you finally remember to come home and see your mother."
Jin Ling, who had grown up abroad without experiencing familial affection, was taken aback.
His mother's first words to him were like this.
However, considering he was currently in Jin Ye's identity, Jin Ling quickly understood.
But for a moment, he didn't know what to say.
Because the scene he had envisioned was his mother inviting him to eat, his father chatting and laughing with him, and their warm greetings.
And now...
Seeing her son remain silent, Zhao Qin pouted. "Mom knows you're grown up now and I can't control you. The path you choose is your own. Just don't regret it."
"I heard that Su Ding's scandal has been exposed again, and it's all over the news today. You'll see, you can't keep a secret forever. The truth will be revealed gradually."
From her words, Jin Ling could sense Zhao Qin's deep resentment towards Su Ding.
He couldn't say much.
Resolving mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conflicts was far beyond his scope.
"Mom, I know all about these things. Let's go down for dinner."
Jin Ling said calmly, unfazed.
Zhao Qin felt even more resentful, but thinking of that matter, she couldn't help but feel a secret joy.
It's alright; she would achieve her goal sooner or later.
"Alright, let's go down."
Zhao Qin came forward and took Jin Ling's arm, her gaze occasionally appraising him. She said tenderly, "Son, you've worked hard out there. You've lost weight. Eat more today. You don't have to handle all the company matters yourself; what are employees for if not for that?"
She patted Jin Ling's hand gently, chattering on.
In a daze, a warm current flowed through Jin Ling's heart. For the first time, he felt a trace of motherly love.
This feeling persisted until they went downstairs.
Upon seeing Jin He, Zhao Qin's expression immediately stiffened. She ignored the man on the sofa and directly instructed the servant, "Zhang Ma, bring the food."
"Yes, Madam."
As Zhang Ma went to the kitchen, Jin He glanced at Zhao Qin and proactively offered, "A Qin, let's go out to eat tonight. There's a new Hunan cuisine restaurant that's quite good."
Zhao Qin liked Hunan cuisine.
Seeing that her husband had offered an olive branch, Zhao Qin was unwilling to maintain the silent treatment indefinitely. However, she had plans for the evening and couldn't go.
Due to their recent strained relationship, their conversation was laced with barbs, and Zhao Qin's tone became somewhat forceful. "No."
After saying the two words, she saw Jin He's expression darken slightly.
She realized she might have been a bit too harsh, but the evening's matters were truly important. Yet, at this moment, she couldn't bring herself to explain.
"Let's eat."
Jin Ling, sensing the subtle atmosphere, broke the silence.
The family of three sat down at the dining table, and no one spoke. Jin Ling, having lived abroad since childhood and endured much hardship, was highly sensitive to people's emotions. To survive, he would subconsciously try to ease the atmosphere; otherwise, all the friction would fall upon him.
"Dad, when you have time, let's all go to that Hunan restaurant together."
Jin Ling served his father some food and then noticed Zhao Qin's downturned lips. He proactively scooped her a bowl of soup. "Mom, what do you think?"
Zhao Qin responded with a noncommittal "Mm."
But then she suddenly looked up, staring intently at Jin Ling, as if she had discovered something significant.
Even Jin He seriously appraised Jin Ling.
Jin Ling's heart suddenly tightened. He thought to himself, Did I say something wrong?
It seemed like he hadn't said anything just now.