novelraw Chapter 441 "Ancestor Worship"
Chapter 441 "Ancestor Worship"
Chapter 441 "Ancestor Worship"
Lin Fu spotted Lin Zhao at a glance, and his wise and deep eyes lit up with a joyful smile.
He walked towards Lin Zhao.
“Zhaozhao? My granddaughter, Lin Fu.” The tone was firm.
"Grandpa," Lin Zhao said cheerfully, with the sweet charm of a little girl, "I'm Zhao Zhao, welcome home, Grandpa."
Noticing the commotion, Zhang Yun let go of her son, greeted her unfamiliar daughter-in-law, and quickly walked towards her granddaughter.
"Zhaozhao, I am your grandmother." She smiled warmly, her eyes filled with love.
"Grandma, I'm Zhao Zhao, and you're welcome to come home too." Lin Zhao's eyes crinkled into a smile.
Zhang Yun's smile deepened, "Okay, okay!"
She took off the white jade bracelet from her wrist and put it on her granddaughter's wrist.
"Grandma gave Zhaozhao this as a gift, hoping that everything will go smoothly for you in the future."
Lin Zhao glanced at it and smiled, "Thank you, Grandma. I will cherish it."
Zhang Yun patted the back of her hand, "It's just a piece of jewelry, not as important as you. If you break it, Grandma will give you something else. I may not have anything else, but I have plenty of jewelry."
Lin Yu leaned against the door, watching this scene. "She used to say I could choose whatever I wanted, but now that she has a granddaughter, her sister-in-law is completely forgotten."
Zhang Yun looked at her sister-in-law and smiled helplessly, "How old are you? Why are you still comparing yourself to a little girl?"
Lin Zhao, the little girl: "..."
In two years, her son should be bringing his girlfriend home.
"Hmph." Lin Yu snorted, then laughed, "Go home quickly, standing at the door is too conspicuous."
"Big brother and sister-in-law, Brother Ade is waiting for you inside."
Lin Fu patted Lin Zhao's head affectionately, his aged but still powerful voice filled with laughter, "Let's go home."
He's in his eighties, but in excellent health; his medical checkup results are better than many young people. He loves playing basketball, still has muscle in his arms, and maintains a straight posture. He looks younger and healthier than most people in their fifties on the mainland, as if he's taken some kind of anti-aging potion.
Judging from his current condition, he should be able to live for another twenty years without any problem.
No wonder Dad always said that everyone in the Lin family lives to a ripe old age. Unless there's a natural disaster or man-made calamity, it won't be difficult for her to see her grandfather.
Sure enough.
The group entered the gate of the Lin family ancestral home.
Lin Fu glanced at the stone lions at the entrance, a knowing look flashing in his eyes.
"It's been renovated. It seems the house was badly damaged. Yu Yu, thank you for your hard work."
Cen Yan: It's me who's suffering, it's me.
Lin Yu felt her sleeve being tugged, glanced at her fiancé, and said, "It wasn't me. It was thanks to Brother Ade and Brother Ayan. I only played the role of drawing the diagrams."
"Hmm," Lin Fu hummed in response.
Cen Yan was anxious. Hmm, what does that mean? Is he satisfied or not? Can he and Yu Yu hold their wedding now?
Who gets married over ten years ago and still hasn't held a wedding ceremony?!
Without a wedding, how can he assert his ownership? Don't think he's unaware that there are others watching his lover, eagerly waiting for him to break up with Yu Yu.
Humph.
Yu-Yu wouldn't even look at an old man with kids!
It's no use waiting eight lifetimes.
Lin Fu and Zhang Yun had discussed this matter. Their father had passed away, and only the elder brother and sister-in-law could send Lin Yu off to her wedding. They would arrange it once they were settled.
……
The Lin family ancestral home occupies a large area, and the living environment is naturally excellent. From the outside, it looks like a Western-style building with a strong Haicheng architectural style, but the interior furnishings are more rustic and elegant.
“Yu Yu has a good memory; the sofa arrangement is exactly the same as what I’ve dreamed about all these years.” Zhang Yun pulled her youngest son and granddaughter to sit down.
Lin Heling was her lost child whom she had found again. She wished she could carry her youngest son with her at all times. Lin Zhao was her only granddaughter, and she was beautiful and well-behaved, making her the elder's favorite.
She had many questions to ask.
"This is where I grew up, and I will never forget every brick and tile here," Lin Yu said.
The nanny brewed tea and brought over a fruit platter and snacks, covering the table with everything Lin Fuzhangyun had been looking forward to.
They were in a hurry to return to the mainland because they still had many things to take care of in Hong Kong. So the couple left first, while Lin Heling's brothers and younger family members would arrive in the next batch.
The late Mr. Lin had four sons and one daughter.
Lin Fu was the eldest son. The second son participated in the revolution and died at the young age of twenty-two. The third son went abroad early and never returned. The fourth son was very intelligent and learned everything quickly. He married his first love at a young age and had two sons. His wife died in childbirth during their third pregnancy. He donated all his property, abandoned everything, became a monk, and his fate remains unknown.
The Lin family has a rule that the family must separate after the children have all come of age.
The Lin family divided its assets very early, and the younger generation took the inheritance and went out to work hard, which is why the Lin family has flourished.
Lin Fu and his generation also had several brothers. When the domestic situation was not good, his brothers took their families and went to other countries. Lin Fu chose to stay, start businesses, and accumulate a lot of wealth.
Lin Fu and Zhang Yun were not young after all, and they had been traveling a long way. Lin Yu and the others did not keep them talking for long. After the two old people washed up, they went back to their rooms to rest.
No matter how much you have to say, you have to let people conserve their energy first.
……
After the Lin family ancestral home was renovated, Lin Zhao moved in with her grandparents and enjoyed the love and care of her two elders, living a very happy life.
She was curled up on the sofa watching TV while her skillful nanny trimmed her hands.
Lin Heling was sitting across from him making a phone call.
They called their sons one by one.
"...Yes, come on, everyone, come and see your grandparents, we're going to pay respects to our ancestors."
After finishing the business, I hung up the phone and made the next call.
Even the third brother, who was in a great hurry, was notified.
Upon receiving his father's call, Lin Shifan's voice rose, "Dad, how did you know I was here? We really are father and son, we're so in sync!"
A bright smile spread across his dark face, making his teeth appear even whiter. "Are you missing your son? I happen to have two months of vacation and I'm planning to go back to visit my family. Dad, please tell Zhao Zhao as well, I won't mention it separately."
Lin Heling responded, "Come to the ancestral home in Haicheng, come and get to know the place and the people."
Lin Shifan assumed it was their great-aunt who knew them and said, "Okay, wait for me!"
After hanging up the phone, he immediately packed his things, a rare gentleness appearing on his face, which had become increasingly stern over the years.
"What's wrong with Dad? Why is he humming a song?" Lin Xiao came home from school, still with his schoolbag in his hand, and asked his mother with a puzzled look when he heard his father singing a revolutionary song.
After asking, she covered her ears and said, "Dad sings terribly; he's off-key in every single line."
It's a bit hard to listen to, but... you get used to it.
"Don't talk about your dad like that."
Lin Xiao covered her mouth and said, "Okay."
"Mom, you still haven't told me why Dad is in such a good mood?"
The woman replied, "What else could it be? It's because I'm happy to go to Haicheng to see your grandparents and aunt."
Although Lin Xiao and her brother live far away from their grandparents and aunt, the two siblings are very close to them.
Her grandparents and aunt send them new clothes, delicious food, and fun toys every year. They treat them very well, and her classmates all envy how good her grandparents and aunt are to her.
Yes, her maternal grandparents treated her well too.
"Great! I can go to Haicheng! I love Haicheng! I want to go to the arcade, I want to go to the amusement park, I want to go to the biggest shopping mall in Haicheng, and I want to go to the dance hall to see a show..." Lin Xiao said excitedly.
Lin Shifan overheard these words.
He smiled and said, "Go, go, I'll do whatever you say." After Lin Heling and Song Xiwei settled in Haicheng, Uncle Song transferred Lin Shichang to work at a large factory in Haicheng. Chen Yu also came. She didn't look for a job anymore, but chose to be self-employed.
He first opened a department store, and later opened a restaurant.
The storefront was returned to the Lin family by the authorities, and Lin Heling allocated it to his eldest son.
He distributed all the money he had, except for what he and his wife were supposed to use for their retirement, to their children.
Lin Heling made it very clear to her son that everyone has their biases, and she would give Zhaozhao an extra 10%.
He always showed extra affection to his only daughter.
He would only feel at ease if Zhao Zhao had more things in her possession.
None of the four Lin brothers had any objections, so what objections could they have? The things belonged to their father, and even if they weren't given any, they had nothing to say.
I'm very satisfied to have received houses, shops, gold bars...
The four brothers were wealthy and loved to spend money on their younger sister. Lin Zhao's refrigerator was bought by Lin Shisheng, her large color TV by Lin Shichang, her pager by Meng Jiusi, and her imported camera by Lin Shifan...
……
Seeing her husband's thoughtful expression, Chen Yu asked worriedly, "Is nothing wrong?"
Lin Shichang's brows relaxed, and he smiled, "It's nothing. Dad called to say that my grandparents are back from Hong Kong. I was a little taken aback."
He was about to become a grandfather in a few years when he suddenly heard that his grandparents, whom he had never met, were still alive, which surprised him greatly.
"From Hong Kong?!" Chen Yu knew that people from Hong Kong were very wealthy, and she was very nervous when she learned that her husband's grandparents came from there.
"Why are you so nervous?" Lin Shichang said with a smile.
“We’ve been married for so many years, are you worried that your grandparents won’t approve of you? No way, my family would never do that.” He said firmly.
Chen Yu pushed him away, "Who's nervous? Don't disturb my business, I'm busy."
Even as I said that, I started to think about what to bring to the ancestral home; it wouldn't be good to go empty-handed.
……
On the day of the ancestral worship ceremony, all of Lin Heling's descendants arrived, except for Lin Shifan's family who were still on their way.
Hearing that there was an ancestral worship ceremony, even Gu Chenghuai and Qianbao, who rarely gets a day off, came to attend.
Lin Ssu-nien and other members of the Lin family arrived in great numbers.
Seeing her lover and her rarely seen youngest son, Lin Zhao walked briskly towards them.
"You guys are here too! I thought you weren't coming."
Gu Chenghuai held Zhaozhao's hand, gazing at her intently and tenderly, "How could I, as the Lin family's son-in-law, not come to such an important event?"
He only thought about his brothers-in-law being reunited with their families, while his own Zhaozhao was all alone. His heart sank as if it were filled with molten lead. For the first time, he used his position to contact Qianbao and call him over as well.
It just so happened that Qianbao's project had just ended and he had time to rest, so the father and son came.
Yao Bao was picked up by her second brother and knew nothing about her father and younger brother's upcoming visit. She was overjoyed to see them.
“I can rest for more than half a month next. I’ll go with you wherever you want, Mom.” Gu Zhiqian’s dark eyes were full of seriousness.
He was originally a calm and composed person. After working in the research institute for several years, his features became even more aloof and serene. He dressed appropriately and exuded the rigor and meticulousness of a researcher.
"No need. You don't like the places I'm going to anyway, so why make things difficult for yourself? You should rest and relax." Lin Zhao looked at his son with pride in his eyes.
“Going out with Mom is not difficult at all,” Gu Zhiqian said.
Gu Chenghuai held a high position and was a former soldier with blood on his hands. He exuded an imposing aura, and his handsome face ensured he would stand out from the crowd wherever he went.
Lin Fu finally met his grandson-in-law, and after looking him over a few times, he was satisfied.
Not bad.
Noticing her grandfather's gaze, Lin Zhao pulled her husband and child forward.
"Grandpa, this is my wife, Gu Chenghuai. This is my youngest son, Gu Zhiqian. He has a special job and it's not easy for him to come out. This is my only daughter, Gu Zhiyao, nickname Yaobao."
Gu Chenghuai nodded to the head of the Lin family and respectfully called out, "Grandpa."
"Not bad." Lin Fu smiled, looking at his grandson-in-law with satisfaction.
Gu Chenghuai breathed a long sigh of relief.
He had heard about the old man's character and conduct and admired him greatly. As this was Zhao Zhao's own grandfather, he couldn't help but care about the old man's opinion.
"Great-grandfather!" the twins exclaimed in unison.
Lin Fu and Lin Heling had the same temperament; both were refined and gentle, and their eyes were kind and loving when they looked at the younger generation, like a calm lake.
Gu Zhiqian and his sister had a very good impression of the old man.
"Good boy, you're all good kids." Lin Fu had patriotism flowing in his veins. He was very proud of his great-grandson for serving the country. He patted Gu Zhiqian on the shoulder and said, "Not bad. If you need anything, come to your great-grandfather and I'll get it for you."
"To put it bluntly, there aren't many areas that our company hasn't been involved in. We've made use of all the connections we've established, and they can provide you with many unimaginable conveniences."
The implication is that even things that are blocked can be obtained by the Lin family if they want to.
Gu Zhiqian understood, his eyes filled with a serene and clear light, as if bathed in moonlight.
"Thank you, Great-Grandpa."
Lin Fu said gently, "I'll give you his contact information. If you need anything, just contact him directly, and he'll help you. You're a smart kid, and I believe you'll make the most of this network."
"I will." Gu Zhiqian's eyes were serious.
What his great-grandfather gave him is very precious; it is something he lacks, and it is also something the country lacks. He will make good use of it.
Lin Fu smiled slightly and shifted his gaze to Yao Bao.
"Yaobao looks like your mother. I heard from your mother that you're taking the college entrance exam soon. Do your best on the exam, and after you finish, your great-grandfather will give you a whole street of shops so you'll never have to worry about food or drink for the rest of your life, okay?"
He even said "finished the exam" instead of "got into a good university".
Yao Bao looked completely stunned.
Her long, slightly folded eyelashes trembled. "Great-grandfather, my surname is Gu."
Lin Fu frowned. "You were born to your mother, and your mother is my granddaughter. Naturally, the children she gave birth to are also of the Lin family bloodline."
Is it even possible to do that?
Yao Bao smiled happily, "Okay, thank you, Great-Grandpa. I will definitely do well on the exam."
"it is good."
Lin Fu was not a biased elder; he treated Yao Bao and several others the same way.
However, in the old man's heart, his granddaughter was more important than his great-granddaughter.
This is a "second-best" choice for someone who doesn't have a biological daughter.
If the old man had a biological daughter, then his granddaughter Lin Zhao would definitely be ranked after his aunt.
Lin De knew his young master's preferences perfectly well, which is why he was so happy to see Lin Zhao for the first time.
The Lin family members arrived at the cemetery.
Lin Fu, Zhang Yun, and Lin Yu stood at the front, with the younger members of the Lin family standing behind them in turn, to begin the ancestral worship ceremony.
Looking at the black and white photo on Grandpa Lin's tombstone, the three people who were unable to see their father one last time couldn't help but shed tears.
The most painful thing in the world is wanting to care for your parents but finding them gone.
Lin Fu held up incense and candles and bowed deeply.
Father, I'm back. Just watch how that villain Du Sheng dies a miserable death.
Xiao Jiu went home, and he's here too. Did you see him?
Father, I don't have a daughter, but I have a well-behaved and filial granddaughter, whom A-Yun and I both love very much.
Dad, if only you were still here.
(End of this chapter)