Lin Changzheng nodded, understanding Lin Feng's current feelings.
He got up to leave, and as he did, he looked at Xia Xue, whose expression was equally complex. "Xiaoxue," he said apologetically, "forgive me for making a spectacle. But we are all family, and these are things you will eventually know."
"I'll leave my grandson in your care. Your grandmother and I are very pleased with you as our granddaughter-in-law." Lin Changzheng offered a gentle smile.
"It's okay, Grandpa Lin. I'll take care of Lin Feng," Xia Xue forced a smile, unsure of what else to say. She had never even known how to take care of anyone, let alone Lin Feng.
"Also, your mother has returned to Kyoto. She needs to take care of your brother, Lin Zhen, so she can't come to take care of you for now. Please be understanding." Lin Changzheng added this about Wang Huixin as he was leaving.
Lin Feng nodded to show he understood. Despite his complicated feelings, he personally escorted Lin Changzheng and Song Zhi out.
"Xiao Feng, your grandfather and I truly hope you'll visit home more often. We're getting old, and we don't ask for much. If you care about your grandmother, please come home for a visit." Song Zhi wiped away tears, trying her best to maintain her composure.
"Alright, old woman. Xiao Feng has his reasons. Let's not pressure him." Lin Changzheng chuckled heartily, patting Lin Feng's shoulder meaningfully. "But the doors of the Lin family are always open to you, son. You can come back whenever you wish."
Watching the elderly couple drive away in their battle vehicle, Lin Feng couldn't describe his current emotions.
Xia Weiguo and Xue Jingru noticed Lin Feng seemed troubled and tactfully found an excuse to go for a walk in the neighborhood.
Only Lin Feng and Xia Xue remained in the house. Lin Feng sat on the sofa, resting his chin on his hand, silent. Xia Xue watched him, feeling a pang of sympathy.
"Lin Feng, don't overthink it. I actually think Grandpa Lin and Grandma Song are very kind. Why don't you go back to the Lin family and see what's going on?" Xia Xue said tentatively. "What if, as Grandpa Lin said, the Lin family had no other choice?"
To her surprise, Lin Feng's reaction to Xia Xue's words was like a roaring lion. He stood up abruptly and pushed Xia Xue against the wall. "What do you know? Even if the Lin family had difficulties, do you think my life has been easy?"
"Do you know how these scars on my body came to be? If I wasn't born tough, I would have died a thousand times over!"
"Do you know that you and I are from completely different worlds? You lived a normal childhood, while I... I shivered in the cold nights, constantly on the verge of freezing to death or being eaten by wild beasts. While you played and enjoyed your childhood, I scavenged for food on the streets, not even knowing if I'd starve to death the next day!"
"If it weren't for my master, I would no longer be alive, let alone achieve what I have today. Everything I've gained is through my own hard work. Did anyone help me or pity me?"
Lin Feng's face was contorted with emotion. Whenever he spoke of these things, it felt as though his heart was being torn apart by a pair of invisible hands.
Xia Xue was startled by Lin Feng's outburst, leaning against the wall with tears in her eyes. She gazed at the agitated Lin Feng, not feeling fear, but rather realizing how much this man carried within him, despite his usual cheerful demeanor. The resentment radiating from Lin Feng made it difficult for her to breathe.
Perhaps on instinct, or perhaps out of deep affection for this man, Xia Xue suddenly wrapped her arms around Lin Feng's neck and then leaned forward, pressing her soft lips against his.
In that moment, Lin Feng gradually calmed down. His gaze softened considerably. After being kissed by Xia Xue for a long time, Lin Feng managed a strained smile, filled with apology. "Xiaoxue, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things to you. I got too emotional."
"It's okay. I'm your wife, you should tell me these things," Xia Xue replied, wiping away her tears. "From now on, I won't let you be alone anymore. If you want to go back to the Lin family, I can go with you."
"It's not just me; Liu Mengyao and Tang Wan would also be happy to go."
Lin Feng took a deep breath and gently squeezed Xia Xue's tear-stained cheek. "Okay, I'll listen to you. After I finish what I'm doing, I'll go see the Lin family." With that, Lin Feng released Xia Xue and turned to leave.
"Where are you going? Are you only staying with me for such a short while?" Xia Xue pouted with dissatisfaction as Lin Feng prepared to depart.
"There will be plenty of time for that. I'll be with you all every day from now on. A few hours won't make a difference." Lin Feng smiled, thinking of the other women waiting for him, and felt he had no reason to neglect them.
Leaving Xia Xue's home, Lin Feng looked at the numerous messages on his WeChat, pondering who to see next. Just then, Sun Qian sent him a message.
"Little brother Lin Feng, I heard you're back in Qingcheng. Do you have time to join me for a drink? Xue Rou is here with me too. If you don't come, she'll be getting drunk with other men." Sun Qian included a seductive emoji.
Upon learning that Sun Qian and Chen Xue Rou were together and that Chen Xue Rou was being plied with drinks, Lin Feng could no longer sit still. He got the address from Sun Qian and, using his Flying Pig Speed, instantly appeared at the entrance of a hot spring hotel.
"Sir, I apologize, but this venue has been booked for Mr. Xu. Please choose another establishment." As soon as Lin Feng entered the hotel, he was stopped by the lobby manager.
"We're together. This is my friend." Sun Qian, clad in a bathrobe, emerged to greet Lin Feng. Her snow-white legs, curvaceous figure, and charming face made her the most eye-catching sight in the lobby.
"Miss Sun, I didn't realize you were together. My apologies," the manager said, recognizing Sun Qian.
Lin Feng didn't pay much attention. Looking at the dripping wet Sun Qian, he smiled. "Qian Jie, you seem to have quite a bit of influence here?"
"I don't have much influence. I've been fired from my job, I'm unemployed now."
"It's only because of Xu Zhe, otherwise who would know me!" Sun Qian voluntarily looped her arm through Lin Feng's. She couldn't help but chuckle, recalling the incident where she had scolded her company's leadership in front of Lin Feng. However, after being fired, she felt a sense of freedom, able to do as she pleased without having to go undercover for work.
"Xu Zhe? Who is this character?" Lin Feng had lived in Qingcheng for quite some time, but he had never heard of anyone with the surname Xu.
"He's not a big shot, just the younger brother of a big star. He's a university classmate of me and Xue Rou. Have you heard of Xu Lin? She's his sister."
"He acts all high and mighty, relying on his sister's name. Many people give him face. In essence, he's a prodigal son who disgraces his sister." Sun Qian didn't think highly of Xu Zhe, but as they were classmates, she couldn't refuse his invitation to the gathering.
Hearing the name Xu Lin, Lin Feng suddenly recalled something. Last time, to deliberately provoke Han Fei'er, he had sent gifts to a female celebrity named Xu Lin. At the time, he had mistakenly believed Xu Lin was like Han Fei'er, a woman of influence. Later, he learned that Xu Lin was livestreaming to help farmers. Moreover, Lin Feng had a good impression of Xu Lin; at least she wasn't as scheming as other female celebrities. She seemed like a decent person.