Chapter 78: The First Day of the New Year

“So, by not cooperating with the state, you mean you don’t want to get too close to them, but won’t that leave a bad impression?” Xia Ruoxi pressed on after listening to Lin Feng.

“There’s no doubt it will, but there’s nothing I can do. We need to leave ourselves some leeway and focus our main efforts on the international market. When the second-generation product is released, I plan to set up a branch abroad and move some assets overseas. That way, if we ever can’t stay in the country, we’ll have a way out,” Lin Feng laid out his plan to Xia Ruoxi.

“But Lin Feng, isn’t that too hasty? Our foundation isn’t stable yet. If we make bold moves now, the authorities might get the wrong idea, and that could be a problem!” Xia Ruoxi replied, still not understanding.

“If they misunderstand, there’s nothing I can do. A business must eventually look outward. No matter how much they try to stop us, I’ll go abroad, even if it means leaving everything behind. But it’s too early to worry about that now—I’m just making plans for the future,” Lin Feng answered calmly.

Xia Ruoxi fell silent, digesting everything Lin Feng had just told her.

...

With only a few days left until the New Year, Lin Feng spent his time quietly at the Lin family estate, training in the Human Sovereign’s Technique when he had nothing else to do. Xia Ruoxi, on the other hand, was quickly accepted by the Lin family and often invited by the womenfolk to social gatherings. In just a few days, her name was known throughout the upper circles—everyone knew she was Lin Feng’s chosen bride. Whether for her abilities or her beauty, she became the envy of all the great families. The young women of her generation were especially jealous, unable to accept that Xia Ruoxi had somehow caught Lin Feng’s eye and been chosen by him.

These rumors troubled Xia Ruoxi, and she often came back to gossip with Lin Feng, who would burst out laughing every time. He encouraged her to attend more of these events, to learn about the way of life among these circles. Thus, the days passed in a cheerful, lively atmosphere.

Today was the Lunar New Year, the most important festival in the country. Families gathered together to enjoy this brief and beautiful time, sharing stories of the year gone by.

The Lin family estate was alive with joy and excitement. Everyone wore cheerful, happy smiles. Lin Xue’er was the most excited of all—being the only girl of the third generation and everyone’s darling, she stood beside Grandfather and Grandmother, chattering away like a little lark, making the elders laugh.

“Grandpa, Grandma, your new clothes are so beautiful today! You both look just over sixty!” Lin Xue’er exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. No wonder she said so—after drinking the Federal Immortal Brew crafted by Lin Feng, the elders’ bodies had quietly changed, the toxins purged. At first, their hair only darkened a little at the roots, but in just a few days, the transformation was clear. Their wrinkles and age spots faded, their skin became firmer—a true sign of rejuvenation.

“You little sweet-talker, you’re just trying to get red envelopes, aren’t you?” Grandmother teased, pinching Xue’er’s nose.

But after her teasing, she still gave Xue’er a large red envelope. Delighted, Xue’er hurried off in search of more from other elders.

She collected from every elder she could find, and finally focused her gaze on Lin Feng. Though he wasn’t married yet, she knew her cousin was a man of immense wealth.

Lin Feng had thought the first day of the New Year had nothing to do with him and planned to sleep in. But before eight o’clock, his mother woke him, insisting, “It’s the first day of the new year, a good beginning is important, you must get up early!” So now he sat listlessly on the sofa, yawning frequently.

Just as he was about to doze off again, a small, delicate hand slipped into his left arm, carrying with it a lively, youthful fragrance. Lin Feng knew immediately it wasn’t Xia Ruoxi—only Lin Xue’er would be so affectionate with him.

“Little troublemaker, don’t give me that mischievous smile. I know what you want, but since I’m not married, tradition says I don’t have to give you a red envelope,” Lin Feng said, perking up a little as he smiled at Xue’er.

She had barely opened her mouth before being stopped by his words, but Xue’er, used to being spoiled, was undeterred. Determined to get a red envelope from her cousin—worth more than all her other envelopes combined—she unleashed her best tricks, clinging to Lin Feng’s arm and pleading with a pitiful, charming look, “Lin Feng, you’re already working, but I’m still a student. No matter what, you should give me a red envelope!”

The elders, having all been pestered by Xue’er already, now watched the lively scene with amusement. Her adorable antics drew laughter from all.

Undeterred by their laughter, Xue’er clung to Lin Feng’s arm as if she would never let go unless he relented. Her second aunt, seeing enough, stepped in, “Xue’er, stop now. Lin Feng is right—he’s not married yet, so he doesn’t have to give you a red envelope!”

With support, Lin Feng continued teasing, “See, even Second Aunt says I don’t have to give you one!”

Refusing to give up, Xue’er only clung tighter, nearly pulling his arm off. Her cute persistence made everyone laugh again—they all knew Lin Feng was only joking. After all, for a man who could casually give away a billion, what was one red envelope to him?

Finally, seeing Lin Feng bully Xue’er so, Xia Ruoxi couldn’t stand it. She took out a red envelope she’d prepared in advance, walked over, sat beside Xue’er, pulled her into her arms, and handed her the envelope. Inside was a bank card, though with less money than the one Lin Feng had previously given her.

Taking the envelope, Xue’er hugged Xia Ruoxi, squealing, “Thank you, Ruoxi! You’re the best! Cousin is so stingy!” She even waved the envelope at Lin Feng, taunting him.

Lin Feng could only laugh and shake his head, saying, “So quick to betray me—my kindness to you was all for nothing!”

Grandfather Lin watched his happy family, his heart full. But today was special, leaving little time for chatting in the hall. According to tradition, many would soon arrive to offer New Year’s greetings. Having retired as vice premier, Lin Feng’s grandfather had many protégés, and with the matter of the acting rights unsettled, even more were expected this year.

“Lin Feng, why do you look half-asleep? Wake up! Soon you’ll be needed at the door to receive guests. You’ll probably be the star attraction this year!” Grandfather Lin checked the time—it was nearly nine—and hurried everyone along.

“I can’t believe this! Can’t I just go upstairs and sleep? I don’t even have any friends in the capital. With all you elders present, the standard is plenty high—my presence won’t make a difference,” Lin Feng protested. He had no desire to stand out in the cold morning air, especially with Beijing’s winter temperatures.

“You really are lazy. This is your first year back for New Year with the family, so you have to help receive the guests. Many people want to meet you—snap out of it and get ready!” Grandfather Lin was unmoved, his tone firm.

Lin Feng’s father, Lin Chuanji, also chimed in, and ultimately dragged Lin Feng off the sofa himself, worried he might escape. Together, they headed to the entrance of the Lin family estate.

The other male elders, seeing this comical father and son, could only shake their heads and smile, but soon followed, joining them outside to wait.

They’d only just arrived when the steward led the first group of guests to Grandfather Lin. They were all his former protégés, now promoted to influential positions themselves, and all loyal to the Lin family faction. It was only natural they’d come early to pay their respects.

“Happy New Year, Grandfather Lin!”

“Happy New Year, Vice Premier Lin! We’ve come to offer our greetings.”

“Happy New Year, Grandfather Lin! You’re looking younger than ever.”

“That’s right, sir! You look younger than all of us. If you have any secrets, don’t keep them to yourself—share them!”

The group chattered away, speaking freely with one of their own.

Grandfather Lin basked in their compliments, grinning from ear to ear, though he pretended to scold them, “You flatterers, always knowing what to say. Do you think this old man can’t tell truth from flattery?”