Chapter 247: Chapter 247

Li Houguo always feels he owes his son too much, but this son of his is just so stubborn. He never calls him and his wife mom and dad. Just like now, their conversation doesn’t resemble one between father and son but more like enemies.

Then, hearing his son’s next words, Li Houguo is really certain that his son truly dislikes his own father, "Uncle, as we agreed from the beginning, we only have a superior-subordinate relationship in the company, not a father-son relationship. In our daily private life, to avoid being seen by others, we also maintain a superior-subordinate relationship."

"Ha, are you embarrassed by having a father who holds a high position?" Who wouldn’t be happy to have a father in a high position? But his son is different, practically afraid for others to know.

"Uncle, Zhou Min and I aren’t compatible. If you truly care for me, just let me handle my private matters myself. There’s a gathering today, lots of people, to avoid misunderstandings, if there’s nothing for me to do, I’ll go get busy." Shen Bin spoke in a flat tone and then walked away.

Left standing alone, Li Houguo was furious but had no way to deal with it. Although he understood that his son was back, to truly have a typical father-son relationship would take time and interaction. But looking at this situation, Li Houguo realized that no matter how long they spent together, it wouldn’t be like other father-son relationships.

Facing a more and more outstanding son, Li Houguo was pleased, but it was frustrating that his son wouldn’t listen to him, making Li Houguo, who has always liked to keep things under control, feel powerless.

In the cafeteria, it was more than two hours until noon mealtime, but cold dishes were already being placed on the tables. Ye Ling came back from outside and found a seat at a table where the women in the courtyard sat. It happened to be next to Xiao Hong, Zhang Linong’s mother.

Ye Ling knew she wasn’t welcomed, so she didn’t plan to chat with anyone. But the person beside her being Zhang Linong’s mother, Ye Ling couldn’t just pretend not to see her and politely called her Auntie.

Xiao Hong liked Ye Ling, gently patting her head, "Sitting in the room listening to us talk must be boring, right? Lining and the others must be making you worry. Auntie is usually busy, but now it’s summer break, so why don’t you come over with Lining to play at our place? I’ll make you something delicious."

"Auntie, you’re too kind. Usually, Zhang Linong brings food over, and this summer, at the very least, I’ve eaten four chickens from your house," which was quite a bit of money for nearly a month.

Seeing that Ye Ling was sensible, Xiao Hong liked her even more and said with a smile, "It’s just a few chickens, but look at you, you’re so thin. I think you need to eat more to fill out."

The affectionate concern of an elder left Ye Ling at a loss for how to respond, blushing after a few words. Xiao Hong looked at Ye Ling’s nervous and unsure demeanor and was pleased. Putting aside other factors, Ye Ling was daring enough to stand up to her mother in the courtyard, and those who didn’t know her would think she was disrespectful and unfilial. However, even with limited interaction, Xiao Hong could tell at a glance that the child was a good one, and felt compassionate.

Despite the caring of an elder, and the fact she blushed and got nervous, it showed no one usually treated her well. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so clueless on how to react.

Though the two of them didn’t stand out, some people couldn’t stop watching them. Bai Xue was one of them. Seeing Xiao Hong being kind to Ye Ling, she felt Xiao Hong had ulterior motives. Everyone in the courtyard knew she got along well with her eldest daughter, but now an outsider came to favor the eldest daughter, how would this make her look?

Bai Xue was seething with anger but had to keep smiling while talking to the person next to her. The always proud Wang Danhong and Ding Jie were very quiet at that moment. They used to disregard Ye Ling, thinking she was just a girl from the countryside and her passing high school wasn’t a big deal. But now it’s different. Ye Ling not only skipped a grade to take the college entrance exam but also passed, even getting Zhao Guodong and the others who didn’t like studying to pass as well. They don’t dare belittle Ye Ling anymore.

The only one who felt truly at ease at this table was Gao Tian’s relative, Li Hong. Gao Tian used to often be with Song Mei and Jiang Yan, and Li Hong was always at the company, unable to manage. It was a constant worry to her. Fortunately, her daughter was mature, and after her daughter got into high school, while Song Jiang’s children didn’t, she was finally at ease without constant close contact.

Even though Li Hong spent most of her time at the company and not in the courtyard, she knew about the things happening there. Now, seeing everyone sitting at the table, they all seemed unconcerned, but whose heart could really be at peace?

Ye Ling responded to every question asked. Although Aunt Xiao was kind, Ye Ling still felt tense. Luckily, since Aunt Xiao was asking and she was answering, there was no worry about awkward silences, otherwise, she’d have no idea what to say if she had to initiate conversations.

Thankfully, Ye Ling didn’t have to stay tense for too long, as Zhang Linong and the others came running back. Naturally, Zhang Linong and Wang Ping gathered around Ye Ling.

Xiao Hong quickly moved over to make room for them, shifting her position, "You all sit together, you won’t have anything to say anyway."

Zhang Linong sat down in the spot his mother offered, ignoring the gazes of those nearby, and whispered to Ye Ling, "I just ran into Minister Shen outside. He’s waiting for you outside and wants you to go see him."

"What does he want with me?" Just hearing Shen Bin’s name gave Ye Ling a headache.

Zhang Linong was taken aback by the question, "I don’t know."

Ye Ling chuckled, realizing she had panicked for nothing. Someone like Shen Bin wouldn’t say anything to Zhang Linong. "I guess I’ll go have a look." Original content can be found at novel·fiɾe·net

Being sent a message by Zhang Linong, Ye Ling knew she couldn’t avoid it. If she didn’t go out this time, next time someone like Shen Bin would probably have her father pass on a message. As she walked out, she wondered in confusion how he knew she had eavesdropped. After all, she had been very careful. However, aside from that, she had no idea what Shen Bin could want with her.

Ye Ling’s departure, having whispered with Zhang Linong before she left, had already attracted the attention of Ye Qian, Song Mei, and the others. Even Gao Tian, who was usually silent, watched as Ye Ling left.

Ye Ling left the cafeteria with big strides, looking around and seeing Shen Bin smoking on the west side of the cafeteria. Catching sight of her, he headed towards a nearby side path, so Ye Ling sighed and followed him.

Arriving at the small side path on the west side even before getting close, Ye Ling called out loudly, "Just by coming out, I’ve attracted attention. If Minister Shen has something to say, let’s hear it here."

After speaking, Ye Ling didn’t step forward but stood right where she was.

Shen Bin in front of her stopped, turned around, and looked Ye Ling over, "What we talked about today, don’t tell anyone." (To be continued. If you work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)