I sat silently in the chair, a little unwilling to face the elders' questioning. They were old and their understanding might be a little off, but Lin Hai was different. If he really wanted to find me, how could he have left me alone outside for so many years!

Speaking of which, he would only try every possible means to find me if he needed me.

I continued to look around the luxurious scene in the hotel before gently asking, "Is the other family very prominent to be doing this so grandly?"

The old man perked up when he heard my question and replied with great pride, "Yes, the Pei family is very famous in the city. Lin Yang is really lucky. What does it matter if she's a few years older? His girlfriend is beautiful!"

Then he pointed to the circle of people and asked, "Aren't you going to say hello to Lin Yang? It's been so many years since you've seen each other."

I thought it was unnecessary. He was surrounded by so many people, so why should I add to the fanfare?

I saw an ashtray on the coffee table and couldn't help but take out a cigarette and light it. Listening to the praises, I smiled sarcastically in my heart. There was a difference between a child loved by their parents and one who was disliked. They were both descendants of the Lin family, but their lives were completely different.

I left home so young, and they assumed I had been taken away by that so-called mother. They didn't even seem worried. The whole family could enjoy family happiness with peace of mind.

The more I heard praises of Lin Yang, the more restless I became. Although I didn't know what kind of woman my mother was, Lin Hai seemed to have always been harmonious with this woman.

Perhaps my existence reminded him of his previous marriage and lowered his social status. Even my grandparents got along well with them. I didn't know who bought the clothes for the elders. They were very decent. When I was a child in the countryside, I remembered them as having wrinkled faces. Now, not only had they not aged with the passage of time, but their complexions were also very rosy.

I was looking down and smoking boringly when suddenly a shadow appeared on the ground. I slowly looked up. It should be Lin Yang. He had changed a lot and was almost completely different from when he was a child. He was a little shorter than me, and his sharp eyes had a scholarly air. If he didn't resemble Lin Hai a bit, I wouldn't have recognized him.

He was the first to speak, calling me, "Are you Brother? I'm Lin Yang!"

I just smiled and kept my eyes on his face. He wasn't as handsome as me, but his skin was fairer than mine. He wore gold-rimmed glasses. Just from the surface, he didn't seem as heartless as Lin Hai.

I only saw him occasionally when I was a child. His mother never let him play with me. Although we were brothers, it was more awkward than being strangers. I didn't think it was necessary to build family ties with him. Since he called me, I could only give him a smile. I really didn't know what else to express.

At this time, Grandma suddenly walked to Lin Yang's side, lovingly patted the dirty spot on his suit, and then asked kindly, "Why haven't they arrived yet?"

Lin Yang adjusted his glasses and replied obediently, "They should be here soon."

"Then go and entertain the guests. You don't have to worry about us."

Grandpa thoughtfully instructed him, and I subtly observed their interaction. The elders' eyes were full of love for him. My absence for so many years didn't seem to have any impact.

It made me feel that their love for me and Lin Yang was different. For me, it seemed like a traditional grandparent-grandchild relationship, but for Lin Yang, there was an expectation of "hoping the son will become a dragon," as if they had pinned all their hopes on him.

Although this was the truth, I still felt very uncomfortable in my heart. It wasn't jealousy. I just felt that my presence was a bit redundant. Even now, I couldn't guess the reason they wanted me to come.

I wanted to ask the old man, but his eyes were fixed on Lin Yang as he walked away. Originally, my bad temper was only directed at Lin Hai, but the scene in front of me made me a little angry.

I felt that it was better not to see them with their attitude. I waited angrily until he withdrew his gaze before I asked him, of course, my attitude was not as patient as before...

"Why did you have to call me here? We don't have a very good relationship. Coming here is just for show."

The old man looked at my face in shock for a while before saying, "How could you not come to your brother's engagement? This is something that brings honor to our family."

If he hadn't said that, I would have just been sulking. His answer made me feel like I was the one who was disappointing. He hadn't even asked if I had started a family.

I asked directly, "Did you ask him to find me?"

"Yes, he searched for several months. Your father inquired everywhere before getting your phone number. He's been so considerate to you, you shouldn't have blackmailed him for that money."

His tone was full of blame. Living with them, all his views were in their favor. He had lost his honest image.

"Was he considerate to me? Was I born to be a burden? Couldn't I just leave? Why did you have to bring me back?" I replied resentfully.

The grandma on the side suddenly grabbed my arm and said, "A'Che, today is your brother's engagement day. There are so many relatives from their family here. If people hear this, they will gossip." (A'Che is pinyin for 阿澈)

I lowered my voice and said, "I'm telling the truth! Did I ask them to give birth to me? Why didn't they consider my feelings when they divorced! They're all a bunch of bitches, only know how to enjoy themselves, don't know how to take responsibility. Can't I be responsible for my own life?"

My sudden outburst caught them a little off guard. I saw Lin Hai walking over very quickly. Maybe my appearance was very unfriendly, he was always paying attention to us.

Instead of blaming me, he blamed the old man, "I told you not to look for him, but you wouldn't listen. The relatives and friends will laugh at us later."

If he had directly said something to me, that would have been more like a father, but this direct attitude of ignoring me had already shown that he didn't take me seriously at all. It was my great fortune to meet such a vicious person.

Just as I was feeling angry in my heart, he suddenly vented his anger on me, "You've been just like your mother since you were a kid. She's been gone for so many years, has she ever looked for you?"

I wasn't angry at his words, but quickly seized on his words, "Yes, she's not worthy of being a mother. I have no impression of her at all, let alone what kind of person she is. But the man who gave birth to me is right in front of me. May I ask if your character is qualified? Are you fit to be a father? How much did it cost to raise me for more than ten years? I'll settle it all with you."

"You're so ambitious that you can blackmail me for millions. Letting you come is giving you face, don't pretend like the whole world owes you something."

"If you want to say that, you can forget about getting the money back. I treat the face you gave me like dog shit."

I saw the muscles on his face twitch a few times. If it wasn't for this occasion, he probably would have blown up immediately.