CHAPTER 346: CHAPTER 346: LIN MENGJIE 1 (2)_1

"Ha, Lin Wenjie, you really know how to joke. I study military affairs, the exact opposite of your field. I serve the people; you serve yourself—or worse, endanger the people. What a stark contrast."

Shangguan Qing stepped forward, took Shangguan You’s hand with a smile, and spoke before they even entered the door. The war of words between him and Lin Wenjie had already begun.

"Hahaha, Young Master Qing, your words are truly incisive. But that accusation of ’endangering the people’? I can’t accept that. And you, Young Master Qing, serve the people? Really? I’ve never heard of it, nor have I seen any reports on television or the internet. Perhaps I should have the Lin Family reporters arrange a special feature on you, Young Master Qing, to highlight all your good deeds."

Lin Wenjie laughed heartily. "The Lin Family’s reporters? Those hacks who’d write anything for money? I’d rather not be associated with such a ’grand brand.’ I’m not fortunate enough for such exposure. Young Master Lin, perhaps when you have time, you should consider publicizing your *own* deeds on television and the internet. That wouldn’t be a bad idea at all."

The corner of Shangguan You’s mouth twitched sharply. Why did these two turn into prickly hedgehogs the moment they met? Brother Qing was perfectly fine a moment ago. Why did he change so much upon seeing Lin Wenjie? They’re supposed to be handsome, sophisticated men! Where did their sophisticated charm go? How had these two become like this?

"Brother Qing, Brother Lin, let’s go inside, shall we? I’m quite tired after being out all day," Shangguan You interjected, interrupting them with a smile.

"Youyou, tired, aren’t you? Let’s go. Grandfather, Father, and Big Brother are all here. They’ve all been waiting for you since they heard you were coming." Lin Wenjie glanced at Shangguan Qing, ruffled Shangguan You’s hair, and pulled her into his embrace.

This forced Shangguan Qing to release her hand. Under Shangguan Qing’s angry gaze, Lin Wenjie, still holding Shangguan You, led the way into the living room.

Yu Zifeng and Zhang Yuchen exchanged puzzled glances, clearly baffled by the interaction between Shangguan Qing and Lin Wenjie. Watching the group’s retreating figures, they quickly followed.

The luxurious hall was brightly lit. Lin Wenbo and Lin Qingyu, father and son, sat on the couch, their faces somewhat somber. Lin Wenhao was in a corner, speaking on the phone. A heavy atmosphere filled the hall.

In the corners of the room, and even on the floor above, Shangguan You could clearly see shadowy figures pacing back and forth. The security here rivaled that of a military compound.

As soon as Shangguan You entered the hall, she began to regret her decision. Perhaps she shouldn’t have agreed so readily to Lin Wenjie’s suggestion to stay here—the way these people were gathered signified that something significant had happened. Otherwise, the atmosphere wouldn’t be so tense.

"Grandfather, Father, Big Brother, look who’s here—Youyou has arrived," Lin Wenjie called out with a smile, drawing everyone’s attention to Shangguan You.

Shangguan You looked at Lin Wenbo’s aged face, which reminded her of her own grandfather, yet his posture remained upright. Seeing his innate aura of authority, warmth spread through Shangguan You’s heart. Then, she turned to Lin Qingyu. He appeared to be only in his forties, and she noticed a brief flash of affection on his stern face as he saw her. Apart from the Shangguan family, these were her other relatives, whom she was meeting for the first time.

"Grandfather, Uncle," Shangguan You said, her voice choked with emotion.

"Silly girl, why the tears? Are you not happy to see your grandfather and uncle?" Lin Qingyu laughed, rising from his seat and walking briskly over to Shangguan You. He ruffled her hair before looking her over from head to toe.

"Youyou, you’ve grown taller and even more beautiful in such a short time. Truly, you have the Lin Family’s demeanor," Lin Qingyu laughed heartily. He tried to appear affectionate, but years spent in a demanding, iron-blooded career had left an indelible mark of intensity on his bearing that was hard to ignore.

Gui Luo and Yu Zijin’s expressions were already turning unpleasant. The others seemed to be coping somewhat better.

"Youyou, come here, let Grandfather have a look at you. You’ve grown taller and prettier, looking more and more like Mengjie." Lin Wenbo looked at Shangguan You, who increasingly resembled Lin Mengjie, and his eyes reddened. If it weren’t for that old scoundrel Shangguan Zhi, he might never have seen his Youyou.

"Grandfather, how have you been?" Shangguan You stepped forward and rushed into Lin Wenbo’s embrace. This was another person who cherished her deeply.

"My health is excellent. Thanks to the medicine you gave me, my old ailments haven’t flared up in a long time. At last, our Lin Family has its own little miracle doctor," Lin Wenbo laughed heartily. His gaze swept over Shangguan Qing; then, with a disdainful scoff, he looked away.

"Grandfather, let me check on you," Shangguan You offered, gently taking Lin Wenbo’s wrist to feel his pulse. Her smile faded, replaced by a serious expression.

"When you get old, you’re no longer what you used to be. If you and your mother spend more time with this old man in the days I have left, I’ll die content," Lin Wenbo said with a sigh, looking at Shangguan You with concern.

If his men hadn’t spotted her today, he believed he wouldn’t have seen his granddaughter.

"Grandfather, how can you say you’re old? You’re still so strong! I’m waiting for our family to reunite, waiting for Uncle and Mother to return from abroad. Why are you saying such silly things, Grandfather? Don’t you want Youyou anymore? Don’t you want Mother?" Shangguan You’s heart ached. Lin Wenbo’s health needed careful management; otherwise, she feared he might not even have half a year left.

"Alright, alright. We’ll wait for your mother to return from abroad. You know Grandfather loves you and your mother the most. How could I not want you both?"

"Grandfather, look how much Youyou has grown. When Auntie comes back, our family will finally be reunited. Then we can all spend time with you. We could even travel together. How does that sound?"

Lin Wenhao stepped out from the shadows, sat down beside Shangguan You, and spoke with a smile, a touch of indulgence in his eyes.

Lin Wenhao had a strikingly handsome, cold face with narrow eyes. Now, with the coldness in his gaze diminished, he appeared much gentler.

"Big Brother Wenhao, you keep getting more handsome! I wonder how many girls you’ve charmed and how many hearts you’ve broken just by walking down the street." Shangguan You looked up at Lin Wenhao, a smile on her face. Her smile, which had been genuine, inexplicably froze for a moment when she saw Lin Wenhao.