Chapter 101: The Dinner Gathering (Request to Add to Bookshelf)

"Alright, alright, I’ll shamelessly marry you then," Lin Fan said with a playful tone before adding, “But if I manage to get your dad on board, you owe me a good reward tonight.” A hint of anticipation curled at the corner of his mouth.

“Hmph, don’t get ahead of yourself. You better secure that first,” Zhao Ying retorted, then abruptly ended the call before Lin Fan could respond.

Though Lin Fan spoke with confidence, Zhao Ying couldn’t help feeling a touch of worry. Little did she know, Lin Fan’s assurance stemmed from the fact that he had already handled Zhao Fanglin, her father. After all, Lin Fan had spent many years with the Dragon Soul organization and had encountered all sorts of people. Securing the approval of a city party secretary was no challenge for him.

After ending the call, Lin Fan pondered for a moment. Tonight was clearly not a night to return home. He decided to call his sister. On the phone, Lin Yan asked what he planned for the evening, but Lin Fan dodged the question with a few vague replies before hanging up. With Ren Qianxing around, Lin Yan and Feifei’s safety was assured, a fact Lin Fan trusted wholeheartedly.

Earlier that morning, when visiting the Tang patriarch’s residence, Lin Fan had dressed more formally than usual. Now, it was just right—no need for a change. In truth, Lin Fan cared little for fashion; comfort was his only criterion.

Feeling the time was near, Lin Fan drove toward the location Zhao Ying had mentioned. He didn’t want to be late; Zhao Ying, though not vocal about it, would surely think he wasn’t taking this seriously. As for Zhao Fanglin, Lin Fan had long since settled matters with him, so there was nothing to worry about.

At six in the evening, Lin Fan arrived punctually at the entrance of Tengwang Pavilion. Without the car’s navigation system, he might have struggled to find the place, as he hadn’t been back to T city for many years. The city’s changes were remarkable, he thought to himself.

Seeing Lin Fan, a faint smile curved Zhao Ying’s lips. She clearly liked his attire—a crisp, black suit paired with large sunglasses. His slightly tousled bangs added a youthful charm, making it hard to associate him with a mercenary.

Lin Fan removed his sunglasses, brushed his bangs aside, and smiled. “Let’s go. Can’t let my future father-in-law wait too long.”

Zhao Ying had intended to remind him of a few things but, seeing that subtle confidence on his lips, she swallowed her words.

“Mm,” she nodded softly and linked her arm through his, feeling a little nervous. This was the first time she was introducing her boyfriend to her father.

Lin Fan appeared relaxed, as if reading her worry, he offered a reassuring look.

Without the sunglasses, perhaps because of his bangs, Lin Fan looked like a man in his early twenties. Although Zhao Ying seemed older by a few years, her attire exuded feminine elegance and nobility.

For a moment, all eyes around them fell upon the couple. Catching a woman like Zhao Ying was enviable, and Lin Fan noticed the glances. He comfortably basked in the admiration, his demeanor silently warning others: “This woman belongs to me. You may look, but don’t even think of crossing me.”

Dinner was held in a modest private room—nothing gaudy or ostentatious. Zhao Ying believed that as long as her father approved of Lin Fan, the location didn’t matter. Given her father’s status, she did not want to waste or attract gossip.

Once inside, before Zhao Ying could speak, Lin Fan’s lips curved into a smile. “Uncle Zhao, we meet again.”

He truly hadn’t expected to be sitting with his future father-in-law again so soon after the morning.

Zhao Fanglin chuckled, shrugged helplessly, and gave Lin Fan a knowing glance, silently signaling that it was Zhao Ying who had pulled him here.

There was no heavy formality; Lin Fan simply took a seat.

“Dad, have you two met before?” Zhao Ying overheard their exchange and was momentarily puzzled.

“You should ask this guy,” Zhao Fanglin replied, tossing the question to Lin Fan.

“Well, Ying’er, I’ve already booked a hotel room for tonight. I’ll be honest with you after we get back,” Lin Fan said with a smile. In truth, he felt some things should be shared with Zhao Ying, especially now that she was his woman. And judging by the situation, Zhao Fanglin clearly approved of their relationship.

“Cough cough...” Zhao Fanglin nearly sprayed his tea in surprise.

Zhao Ying’s cheeks flushed deeply as she shot Lin Fan a sharp glance, though the tenderness beneath was unmistakable. That rogue had just said such things in front of her father! Yet, her heart brimmed with sweetness—she hadn’t expected Lin Fan to have already met her father. This would make everything much smoother.

“Uncle Zhao, let’s drink one,” Lin Fan stood and offered his cup with a smile, showing no embarrassment—as if inviting her father to drink in front of his own daughter was perfectly normal.

Zhao Fanglin felt a bit overwhelmed. Lin Fan had already poured him plenty of wine at the Tang residence earlier. Tonight, it seemed there was no break. But with Zhao Ying present, Zhao Fanglin couldn’t refuse, so he braced himself and accepted the cup.

“One shot,” Zhao Fanglin thought with a bitter smile. “Are you sure about this?” He had witnessed Lin Fan drink nearly a jin of white wine earlier, yet the young man remained composed and articulate—showing no signs of intoxication. Even as a seasoned drinker, Zhao Fanglin was curious about Lin Fan’s true nature.

At the Tang residence, after Lin Fan left, Zhao Fanglin had asked the old patriarch about him, but the elder only smiled silently. Zhao Fanglin could tell the old man liked this young man; otherwise, he wouldn’t have asked for his help.

Upon closer acquaintance, Zhao Fanglin found that this man in his early twenties possessed a rare personal charm. Though the old patriarch remained silent, Zhao Fanglin’s years in officialdom gave him insight—Lin Fan was not as simple as he appeared. No wonder his daughter was fond of him.

The dinner officially began. Lin Fan persistently toasted Zhao Fanglin, who had already drunk quite a bit at noon. Though he wanted to decline, he found himself unable to resist when Lin Fan raised his glass.

Lin Fan was considerate; he knew when to stop. While he was fine, Zhao Fanglin’s expression showed strain. Lin Fan guessed that if he pushed further, his future father-in-law might start showing displeasure.

“You’ve got a good tolerance,” Zhao Fanglin said with a flushed face and a smile.

For someone like Zhao Fanglin, who often had to win people over with alcohol, Lin Fan’s understanding was evident. Besides, without drinking, Lin Fan wouldn’t have much to talk about with Zhao Fanglin—different generations had few common topics.

Hearing her father praise Lin Fan made Zhao Ying happy. She didn’t understand why men liked drinking, but she knew her father’s capacity well. She hadn’t expected Lin Fan to outdrink him and suddenly realized how little she truly knew about her boyfriend.

“Dad, so you mean...” Zhao Ying ventured.

“Don’t worry. I won’t interfere in your relationship with this kid,” Zhao Fanglin said, his gaze full of fatherly love. Since his daughter liked him, he naturally wouldn’t oppose. Though he didn’t fully grasp Lin Fan’s background, anyone the old patriarch favored was no ordinary man. His daughter wouldn’t lose out marrying him.

“What about Mom’s side...” Zhao Ying began.

Having already known Lin Fan had met her father, Zhao Ying suspected he had secured his approval. Hearing Zhao Fanglin’s words in person filled her with indescribable joy.

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Note: This volume concludes by the end of the month, with a new one commencing soon. Lin Fan’s journey through love and his quest for dominance will unfold smoothly before everyone’s eyes. Trust me, the plot and character development won’t disappoint. I’ll also speed up the writing to deliver more updates! (The romance is coming—you know what I mean.)