CHAPTER 439: CHAPTER 98: RONG XIYI’S FIRST MEETING WITH HIS CHEAP FATHER-IN-LAW, FEELING DOWN_2

So, Ye Shengjun started asking Xu Lin about the content of the first four historical records. Xu Lin answered each question, just like reciting from memory.

Ye Shengjun was amazed once again.

However, since it’s a history book, reciting from memory, Ye Shengjun didn’t ask much.

Ye Shengjun then began discussing some deeper historical topics with Xu Lin.

For example, a certain issue: When the cunning hare dies, the hunting dog is cooked; when the birds are gone, the good bow is hidden.

Xu Lin mentioned Han Xin and Guo Ziyi.

Because this saying talks about the high accomplishments that threaten the ruler, the Emperor handling meritorious subjects, which is an unavoidable problem throughout thousands of years of history.

Han Xin met a tragic end, while Guo Ziyi, a major contributor to pacifying the Anshi Rebellion, also had high merits that intimidated the Emperor, but Guo Ziyi managed to evade this and died a natural death.

"Mr. Xu, why did Guo Ziyi die a natural death while Han Xin ended in tragedy?"

Ye Shengjun wanted to see Xu Lin’s opinion.

Xu Lin: "Guo Ziyi practiced Taoism, entering and withdrawing from the world freely. When the Emperor needed him, Guo Ziyi stepped up; when he wasn’t needed, Guo Ziyi simply went home, leaving his doors open for all to see. Look, I’m just enjoying life - others would see that he wasn’t power-hungry. But when the Emperor needed him, Guo Ziyi would roll up his sleeves and work. Taoist philosophy: achieve success, then retire. Historically, only a few, like Guo Ziyi, managed this. Perhaps Han Xin couldn’t let go?"

"That’s reasonable."

Ye Shengjun nodded, feeling enlightened.

Xu Lin continued: "But even saying this, not everyone can let go of power and money. Take me, for instance, saying it seems easy, but I might not be able to see past these things. Currently, because I’m young, I definitely can’t let go, as I don’t have the life experience to implement the philosophies I’ve learned. But when I’m elderly, I might still be unable to let go, and I might even inevitably become, like other old people, afraid of death."

Ye Shengjun had another moment of realization.

"Haha, speaking of which, Mr. Xu, I also fear death now. With each passing day, I age, and my health deteriorates. I’m beginning to understand those who don’t want to die. When I was young, I thought death was no big deal, yelling loudly things like ’live like a man, wouldn’t die for ten thousand years,’ but now, I dare not say it. People are like this, aren’t they?"

Ye Shengjun said: "So throughout history, what permeates is human nature, right? Han Xin was power-hungry and couldn’t let go, leading to his downfall, while Guo Ziyi wasn’t, hence he died a natural death. Is that the logic?"

Xu Lin: "That’s one way to understand it."

The two only left the private dining place after ten at night.

"Mr. Xu, let’s chat again next time!"

Ye Shengjun felt unsatisfied. As a prominent figure in society, unlike others lost in indulgence, Ye Shengjun preferred delving into grand topics.

"Mr. Xu, let’s exchange contact information!"

"Sure!"

The two exchanged private phone numbers.

Night fell.

Xu Lin returned to the big house around eleven at night.

Rong Xiyi was home alone.

After returning from the New Year’s holiday, Rong Xiyi hadn’t seen Xu Lin.

Xia Xiyao visited in between, but starting today, the next three days were Xia Xiyao’s exam period.

So again, Rong Xiyi was left alone at home.

She felt quite lonely; in Jiangdu, there’s only Xu Lin and Xia Xiyao.

A little after eleven, Rong Xiyi was still in the living room, playing on her phone.

"Xu Lin?"

Seeing Xu Lin come in, Rong Xiyi was delighted and immediately put down her phone to rush over.

"Xu Lin, I missed you so much!"

"We chat on WeChat every day, and we’re so close."

"I don’t care; I just miss you!"

Rong Xiyi clung to Xu Lin like an octopus.

"I actually miss you too."

"I don’t believe it."

"Is a little bit of missing okay?"

"Hmph! Jerk!"

Xu Lin said nothing, holding her as they sat down on the sofa.

"Where’s Xia Xiyao? Isn’t she here today?"

"She went back yesterday, her school has exams."

"Oh, I see."

By the time calculations, the major universities nationwide were now entering the final review or exam phase.

"Guess who I saw today?"

"Who?"

Rong Xiyi didn’t think much of it, just sitting on Xu Lin, holding him.

"I saw your dad, your stepmom, and your half-brother and sister."

"What? What were they doing? Did they give you a hard time?"

Rong Xiyi was a bit flustered.

"They don’t even know who I am, why would they give me a hard time?"

Xu Lin tapped her nose, "I saw the four of them dining out. Today I went to discuss business, and while having a meal with a client, I just happened to see them. Did your dad contact you to join them for dinner?"

"No."

Rong Xiyi shook her head, "They don’t invite me when they have meals."

As she spoke, Rong Xiyi’s mood suddenly dropped. Compared to Xu Lin being with Ning Yuhuan these days, being marginalized by her family hurt Rong Xiyi more.

"Moreover, I didn’t even know they came to Jiangdu, my dad didn’t tell me either."

Rong Xiyi felt very aggrieved.

Xu Lin gently patted her back, comforting her: "But don’t you still have me?"

"You’re heartless too, two-timing me like a backup."

"Where? In my heart, you’re on the same level as Senior Sister, both equally important. No one is lighter or heavier."

"Jerk."

"Okay, I’m a jerk."

Xu Lin admitted.

"Xu Lin, don’t leave me..."

Rong Xiyi held onto Xu Lin tightly, her face buried against his chest.

She was quite upset about the family not calling her for meals, lowering her mood considerably.

"You’re already an important part of my household, how could I possibly leave you?"