Chapter 79: The Prime Minister Calls in Person

These old subordinates offering New Year’s greetings naturally knew that Old Master Lin was only feigning anger, so they paid his act no mind and continued to offer their compliments.

“Old Master, you’re being too modest—I’m only speaking from the heart.”

“That’s right! There’s no flattery here. If you don’t believe us, just take a stroll outside and see for yourself; you’ll know we’re telling the truth.”

“Exactly, everyone’s right. Old Master Lin, please don’t wrong us!”

The law does not punish the masses; faced with such a crowd, Old Master Lin had no choice but to accept their greetings, pointing to Lin Feng at his side and introducing him, “This is my third son’s boy, Lin Feng. It’s his first time coming home to Beijing for the New Year in all these years—let me introduce him to you.”

Hearing Old Master Lin’s introduction, the visitors all turned their attention to Lin Feng. The true purpose of their visit was, after all, to become acquainted with him. By now, all of Beijing knew what Lin Feng was capable of. He was a man who could chat directly with the Premier and the Minister of Defense, possessed formidable economic power, was a member of the Lin family’s third generation, and his political influence was not insignificant. His future was limitless, and to make his acquaintance would benefit everyone.

“So this is your grandson, Old Master? Lin Feng, I’ve long heard of your reputation.”

“And I as well. Lately I often hear news about you in the media and among our circles.”

“Haha! Such a fine young man. My daughter looks up to you as an idol and is eager to meet you.”

“No wonder you’re famed as Beijing’s foremost young master.”

After speaking, each of them stepped forward to hand Lin Feng their business cards. Lin Feng, having seen much of the world, handled such situations with ease and conversed with them pleasantly for a time.

After exchanging some more pleasantries with Old Master Lin and Lin Feng, the visitors took their leave. Their purpose achieved, there was no reason to linger. In a prominent family such as the Lins, many would come to pay their respects during the New Year—should they take up too much of Old Master Lin’s time, those waiting would be displeased. Everyone present was well versed in the workings of the system; they understood these unspoken rules. The New Year offered the most proper occasion for those in the system to visit and build connections. While they represented the Lin family’s own faction and came first out of respect for Old Master Lin, they still had other superiors to visit and could not tarry long.

Old Master Lin, together with Lin Chuanming and the other male members of the family, continued to greet guests at the entrance of the compound until about ten in the morning. By then, Old Master Lin was ready to return indoors. After all, age made it unwise to remain in the cold for too long, and most of his old students had already arrived. The next visitors would be friends from the second generation within the system—not yet of a rank to warrant Old Master Lin’s personal reception. So he took his leave.

Seeing that Old Master Lin was gone, Lin Feng quietly found an excuse to slip back to his room for a nap. Meanwhile, Xia Ruoxi and the other women of the family busied themselves with various entertainments in the main hall. Observing Lin Feng sneaking off after Old Master Lin, they could only exchange helpless, wry smiles—there was truly no managing this man.

Lin Chuanming and his group kept at their duties at the gate until around half past eleven, nearly lunchtime. After seeing off the last batch of visitors, they too prepared to rest indoors. Just then, the steward called out to Lin Chuanming, “Young Master, please wait! Go and inform Old Master right away—the Premier and Minister Xie are here for a visit. Their car is already at the gate.”

Lin Chuanming exclaimed in shock, “What!” The guests’ rank was far too high—even when Old Master Lin was still in office, he had never reached their level. It should be Old Master Lin who paid his respects to them, not the other way around.

Seeing his elder brother stunned by the news, Lin Chuanjie quickly nudged him and reminded him, “Brother, don’t overthink it. Whatever their reason for coming, you must go inform Old Master at once. Second Brother and I will receive them here—you both go out quickly, don’t be remiss in courtesy, understand?”

Prompted, Lin Chuanming hurried inside. He had barely left when the steward led the two elders to the entrance of the Lin family’s compound. Lin Chuanyan, who had previously accompanied Lin Feng to meet the two elders, quickly stepped forward to greet them as Old Master Lin was not yet present.

“Premier Zhu, Minister Xie, it’s an honor to have you visit the Lin family—our home is truly graced by your presence!” Lin Chuanyan greeted them with courtesy.

Premier Zhu responded with geniality, “Ha, you certainly know how to say pleasing things. Don’t blame us two old men for dropping by unannounced. Minister Xie and I had some business nearby and, seeing as it was almost lunchtime, we decided on the spur of the moment to come and join you for a meal.”

“Premier, it’s an immense honor for us to have you visit. How could we possibly feel anything but gratitude? Allow me to introduce my brother, Lin Chuanjie—he’s Lin Feng’s father,” Lin Chuanyan replied, introducing Lin Chuanjie to Premier Zhu and Minister Xie.

Premier Zhu seemed to take special interest in Lin Feng; anyone connected to him drew his attention. Hearing that this was Lin Feng’s father, he extended his hand with keen interest.

Lin Chuanjie was surprised by the Premier’s initiative, but in less than a moment recovered himself and stepped forward, grasping Premier Zhu’s hands respectfully. “Premier Zhu, I’m Lin Chuanjie, the Lin family’s third son—wishing you a happy New Year!”

“Haha, I know you’re the third son, and I’m aware of what happened in the family before. But more importantly, I know you’re Lin Feng’s father. You’ve raised a remarkable talent for our country!” Premier Zhu praised him warmly.

Though still puzzled, Lin Chuanjie could only respond modestly, “You’re too kind—Lin Feng is more prone to stirring up trouble than anything. To call him talented might be an overstatement.”

Once the Premier had finished exchanging pleasantries, Minister Xie also reached out his hand. Lin Chuanjie, having seen the Minister of Defense often on television, was a little nervous, but nonetheless shook his hand with both hands. “It’s an honor to finally meet you, Minister Xie—happy New Year!”

Minister Xie, knowing his position might be intimidating, sought to put him at ease, “Don’t think of me as the Minister of Defense—just treat me like any other old man. Lin Feng does this much better than you; he’s never afraid in front of us and speaks his mind freely.”

Not fully grasping Minister Xie’s intentions, but aware of his place as a member of the Lin family, Lin Chuanjie refrained from following the minister’s lead and instead apologized, “I seldom discipline Lin Feng. If he’s ever offended you, I ask your forgiveness.”

As the Premier and Minister Xie chatted with Lin Chuanjie and Lin Chuanyan, Old Master Lin, having received Lin Chuanming’s message, hurried out with him from his room.

Upon seeing Premier Zhu and Minister Xie, Old Master Lin immediately offered his apologies, “Premier Zhu, Minister Xie, forgive me for being late in welcoming such distinguished guests! Please, come inside for tea—the weather outside is cold.”

Though Old Master Lin was older than both the Premier and the Minister, his former rank was below theirs, so he dared not stand on ceremony. Premier Zhu and Minister Xie, seeing Old Master Lin’s humility, felt somewhat embarrassed. Premier Zhu was the first to clasp Old Master Lin’s hands, saying, “You’re too kind, Old Master Lin. You are one of the few remaining senior cadres with outstanding military achievements since the founding of the country. Your courtesy shames us juniors.”

Minister Xie echoed the sentiment, “Premier Zhu is right. Old Master Lin, you came from the military before moving into politics, but we in the armed forces have always regarded you as one of our own. You’re too polite.”

Hearing their words, Old Master Lin dropped all pretenses and graciously invited Premier Zhu and Minister Xie into the family’s drawing room. The womenfolk, having been warned in advance by Old Master Lin, had already vacated the space and gone about their own affairs.

Once the Premier and Minister Xie were seated inside, and with Lin Feng absent, Lin Yu, the youngest present, took it upon himself to heat water and prepare tea for the guests. When the tea had been served and the guests had warmed themselves with a sip, they repeated their reason for visiting to Old Master Lin.

Old Master Lin was deeply moved. It was no small thing to have both the Premier and the Minister of Defense pay a New Year’s visit, let alone stay for a meal—such an honor would greatly enhance the Lin family’s prestige if word got out, serving as a powerful encouragement to their faction. Unfortunately, Old Master Lin was unaware of their true purpose: their supposed spontaneous visit for a meal was but a pretext. In reality, they had come for Lin Feng’s Immortal Brew. Since they could not obtain it directly from Lin Feng, they thought it better to come and drink it at his home—especially after seeing the changes in Old Master Lin, their resolve was only strengthened.

Old Master Lin then instructed Madam Lin to prepare extra dishes for lunch, since Premier Zhu and Minister Xie would be dining at the Lin home. Once arrangements were made, he returned to the drawing room to keep his distinguished guests company.

Premier Zhu glanced around the room and, not seeing Lin Feng, asked with curiosity, “Old Master Lin, where’s Lin Feng? He’s not here on New Year’s Day?”

Old Master Lin, hearing this, looked around the room in surprise and only then noticed Lin Feng’s absence. He turned to Lin Chuanming with a question, “Where is that boy Lin Feng?”

Lin Chuanming could only grin helplessly. With Premier Zhu and Minister Xie present, he wasn’t sure whether to answer honestly or not.