Xu Kai nodded politely, acknowledging Lin Tianba's attitude.
Lin Tianba was so happy he acted like a child on the spot, immediately informing his wife and son.
Liu Yuemei let out a sigh of relief.
"I told you Ran wouldn’t really abandon us. This time, let him take advantage and pay 1.5 billion for the shares."
Lin Jian frowned as he typed: [But I don’t think Brother can come up with that much money.]
Lin Tianba snorted coldly.
"If he can’t pay, I won’t sell him the shares. Isn’t he being kept by Luo Yao? Let him go ask his sugar mommy for the money."
At the mention of Luo Yao, Lin Jian’s eyes filled with melancholy.
Once Lin Ran acquired the shares, he, Lin Jian, would once again be the young master of a wealthy family. Maybe then Luo Yao would spare him a second glance.
Another day passed. At noon, Lin Ran, dressed impeccably, went to pick up Luo Yao.They had agreed to meet the Chen family at Pangu Hotel.
Lin Ran brought Luo Yao for two reasons: first, as his legitimate wife, it was only natural to introduce her to his family.
Second, he wanted to show the Chens how much he adored Luo Yao—that no one mattered more to him than his wife. This would also reassure her that he would never neglect her, even with newfound family ties.
If the Chens turned out to be good people, it would be a joyous reunion.
If they were anything like the Lin family, Lin Ran would disown them on the spot.
And if they dared try to take him by force—well, their family might just meet an unfortunate end.
Accompanying Lin Ran and Luo Yao was Wu Zhishang, though not at Lin Ran’s invitation. Chen Qingtian had asked him to come, as he had played a key role in confirming Lin Ran’s identity so quickly.
At Pangu Hotel, the Chen family had gathered in full force: Patriarch Chen Xiao, his eldest son Chen Nianshi, second son Chen Nianlun, youngest daughter Chen Zhima, and several of their children.
Also present was an elderly woman in a wheelchair. Despite her frail appearance, her expression was stern and authoritative—Su Jianguo, Chen Xiao’s wife.
Yes, a woman named Su Jianguo.
She was born the year the People’s Republic was founded.
Underestimating her would be a grave mistake.
Su Jianguo was one of the few female generals of her era, having dedicated her life to serving the nation.
Ye Lingling approached the group.
"Everyone, Mr. Lin will arrive shortly. Perhaps you should wait inside?"
Chen Xiao immediately waved his hand.
"No need, no need! This child—he should’ve let his grandfather handle the arrangements. Such a waste! We’ll wait right here."
Then Chen Qingtian spoke up.
"Grandpa, there’s something I didn’t tell you. Cousin owns this hotel."
Chen Xiao: "What?"
He was stunned. Though the Chens were a prestigious "red" family, their actual wealth was modest at best.
"Now that you mention it, I just remembered—Ran’s wife is…"
Before he could finish, a fleet of luxury cars pulled up at the entrance. Lin Ran stepped out first, then offered his hand to assist Luo Yao. Wu Zhishang emerged from another vehicle.
The entire Chen family rushed forward, even Su Jianguo—usually unshakable—wore a tender, grandmotherly smile.
"Ran…" Chen Xiao’s voice cracked the moment he spoke, and the old man dissolved into tears.
Su Jianguo patted her husband’s back.
"Stop crying. You’ll scare the boy."
Chen Nianshi, the eldest uncle, stepped forward to scrutinize Lin Ran.
He recognized him instantly—despite the years, certain features from the old photos remained unmistakable.
There was no doubt in his mind: this was his nephew.
Why? Because they looked nearly identical.
Lin Ran was taller, slimmer, more refined, with better skin, younger age, and brighter eyes.
But otherwise? A spitting image.
"Hah! So this is Ran! I’m your eldest uncle. Qingtian was right—we really do look alike!"
Chen Xiao, still sniffling, lamented,
"It’s all my fault! Last time, I felt drawn to Ran but didn’t realize… Shame on me!" He then glared at Chen Nianshi.
"And you! I’ve seen your face so much it’s made me blind—how could I miss the resemblance?"
Chen Nianshi scratched his head. "Dad, how is this my fault?"
Chen Nianlun and Chen Zhima introduced themselves next.
"Ran, I’m your second uncle."
Lin Ran: "First uncle, second uncle—both uncles."
The younger Chens greeted Lin Ran politely, though inwardly, they were pleasantly surprised.
Who knew their newfound brother/cousin would be this handsome?
Chen Zhima: "Ran, I’m your aunt. And this must be your wife? So beautiful! You two make a perfect match. Though… she looks familiar?"ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ No(ᴠ)ᴇlFire.nᴇt
All eyes turned to Luo Yao. They’d noticed her earlier—how could anyone not?
Her beauty was striking, her aura icy and impossible to ignore.
Suddenly, Chen Xiao stiffened, bolting upright as joy gave way to realization.
In his excitement, he’d forgotten one crucial detail: Lin Ran’s wife was Luo Yao, CEO of Luo Corporation!
Lin Ran had mentioned it during their encounter at the Education Bureau.
Yet he, the grandfather, had failed to recognize his own grandson. What a disgrace!
Lin Ran smiled and made formal introductions.
"Grandfather, Grandmother, Eldest Uncle, Second Uncle, Aunt, Cousin, everyone—let me introduce myself properly. I’m Lin Ran. This is my wife, Luo Yao."
"What? Who did he say his wife is?"
Chen Qingtian was floored. She knew Lin Ran was married but had no idea to whom.
No wonder he’d joked at the auction that Pangu Hotel was a gift from his wife.
Back then, she’d assumed he was being modest. Now she realized how naive she’d been.
Luo Yao? Giving her husband a hotel was pocket change for her.
Screams internally I need to make money! I want to be a woman like Luo Yao!
"Luo Yao."
"Which Luo Yao?"
"The one from Luo Corporation?"
The room erupted in shock.
Chen Xiao quickly nodded at Luo Yao.
"CEO Luo, what an honor! Who’d have thought our Ran would marry someone like you? What incredible karma he must’ve accumulated!"
Lin Ran was pleased with the Chen family’s reaction. Only now did he feel a glimmer of familial warmth.
Though Luo Yao’s expression remained frosty, she spoke plainly.
"Ran and I are husband and wife. You are his family, so you are mine. But if anyone tries to take him from me—then you are no family of mine."
Her words were blunt, leaving no room for ambiguity.
Everyone: ???
What did she just say?