Chapter 20: You're Not Getting Any Younger—It's Time to Find a Wife
As evening fell, Lin Haoran leisurely stepped through the gates of the Lin family villa once again.
At the moment, his workload wasn't particularly heavy. All he needed to do was keep an eye on the Wharf Holdings and Qingzhou Yingni, so there was no pressing reason for him to move elsewhere.
As for Huafeng Cement Factory, Lin Haoran had no intention of concerning himself with it for the time being.
Once he acquired Qingzhou Yingni, Huafeng Cement Factory would hardly be worth mentioning.
Besides, living in this spacious and elegant villa, enjoying a level of comfort and tranquility and carefree life but had never had the chance.
Now, however, it was all within his reach.
Given such a comfortable environment, why would he willingly give it up and move into a cramped apartment in some high-rise building?
Obviously, remaining in the villa and enjoying this hard-earned luxury and peace was the wiser choice.
After dinner, Lin Haoran rarely found the opportunity to sit with his mother in the first-floor living room, watching television while chatting about amusing stories from his childhood.
His father was out attending business engagements that evening, leaving the house with an unusually peaceful atmosphere during dinner.
"Haoran," his mother began earnestly, "you're already old enough to settle down. It's time you started thinking about getting married.
"When your elder brother was your age, he was already engaged to your sister-in-law.
"I heard that the third daughter of the Guo family has just returned from studying in Britain. She's both talented and accomplished.
"I think the two of you should find an opportunity to get acquainted.
"Who knows? It might turn into a wonderful match."
As the wife of Lin Wan'an, Mrs. Lin naturally moved within Hong Kong's upper-class social circles.
The women she associated with were all wealthy and influential, and practically everyone she knew came from prominent families.
"Well... that topic escalated quickly."
Lin Haoran laughed bitterly to himself.
One moment I'm enjoying the luxurious life in a grand villa... and the next I'm being urged to get married.
Looking at the hopeful expression on his mother's face, he felt both warmth and helplessness.
For a brief moment, he even had the urge to flee the scene.
Deep down, however, Lin Haoran had no desire to marry.
After all, he was only twenty-four years old.
Still young.
With his current status and wealth, he knew finding a wife would be effortless.
In fact, it would be incredibly easy.
But to him, marriage meant giving up an entire forest for the sake of a single tree.
That was a trade he had absolutely no intention of making.
Judging by his mother's description, the Guo family's third daughter was undoubtedly another heiress from an influential family.
The power behind her family might even surpass that of the Lin family.
If he married someone like that...
What if she had an overbearing personality?
What if she constantly used her powerful family to pressure him?
Wouldn't that become a nightmare?
At that moment, images of famous actresses from his previous life flashed through his mind.
The gentle elegance of Wen Bixia...
The intelligence and grace of Rosamund Kwan...
The dazzling beauty of Cherie Chung...
The pure innocence of Vivian Chow...
Since fate had granted him such an extraordinary opportunity to transmigrate into this era filled with endless possibilities...
Wouldn't it be a terrible waste if he never had the chance to cross paths with those legendary beauties he had admired in his previous life?
Otherwise, wouldn't this journey through time become rather dull?
He cherished his freedom.
He had no desire to be bound by the chains of marriage.
Nor did he wish to make an impulsive decision that might cost him countless possibilities in the future.
So, despite his mother's insistence, he remained calm and rational, already thinking of a tactful way to respond.
Soon enough, he had his answer.
Smiling gently, he looked at his mother and said,
"Mom, you know me better than anyone.
"I've always had my own plans for my life.
"I'm still young.
"This is the golden age for me to devote myself wholeheartedly to building my career and broadening my horizons.
"I really don't want to enter the cage of marriage too early and let responsibilities and obligations limit my future.
"Please trust me.
"I know exactly where I'm headed, and I know when it's time to take each step.
"If you truly want to enjoy family life, then isn't my elder brother's little son already there?
"You can invite him over more often and enjoy spending time with your grandson.
"As for me...
"Mom, you really don't need to worry.
"With my qualifications, if I ever decided to get married, the line of girls waiting to marry me would probably stretch all the way from Mong Kok to Tsim Sha Tsui."
Mrs. Lin smiled helplessly before speaking again.
"I know your personality.
"I also know what you and your elder brother are going through right now.
"Both of you are my sons.
"You are both equally precious to me.
"Your elder brother is much older than you.
"He's already built an extensive network and accumulated years of business experience in Hong Kong.
"I don't have to worry about him anymore.
"But because I don't worry about him...
"I worry even more about you.
"You've only just returned from Britain.
"You've only recently stepped out of school and into society.
"I'm afraid you'll suffer hardships.
"I'm afraid you'll encounter setbacks.
"If you could become part of the Guo family by marrying their daughter, it would undoubtedly provide tremendous support for your future career.
"You'd have to take far fewer detours.
"Everything I'm doing...
"I'm doing for your own good."
To her, her eldest son and both daughters were already married.
Only her youngest son remained single.
Naturally, she hoped he would find a good wife as soon as possible.
How could Lin Haoran fail to understand the love behind her words?
Smiling gently, he replied,
"Mom, don't worry.
"I know my own abilities and my own potential better than anyone.
"I don't need to rely on anyone else's support—
"Not even that of my future wife.
"I believe that through my own efforts and talent, I'll be able to build a successful career."
Seeing that she couldn't persuade him, Mrs. Lin could only temporarily give up on the matter.
It wasn't until after 9:00 p.m. that Lin Wan'an finally returned home.
The strong smell of alcohol lingered around him.
Seeing this, Lin Haoran frowned.
"Dad, why have you been drinking so much again?
"You know your own health better than anyone.
"If you keep treating your body like this, aren't you simply wearing yourself out?"
After his memories had fully merged, his feelings toward his parents had also become completely genuine.
Seeing his father drink himself into such a state because of business obligations filled him with concern and heartache.
Hearing his son's words, Lin Wan'an felt both apologetic and touched.
He understood that his son was simply worried about him.
Smiling gently, he explained,
"I was discussing a business partnership with Chairman Guo of Kerry Group today.
"The negotiations went very well.
"If we can successfully reach an agreement, it'll be a tremendous opportunity for Wan'an Group.
"So naturally...
"I had a few extra drinks with him to strengthen our relationship."
His eyes shone with anticipation as he spoke about the future.
Kerry Group?
The moment he heard the company's name, Lin Haoran immediately knew who his father was talking about.
Many people might not recognize the name Kerry Group.
But mention the Shangri-La Hotels, and almost everyone would know them.
After all, Shangri-La Hotels had been founded by the owner of Kerry Group.
He was one of the wealthiest and most influential Chinese businessmen in the world.
No wonder his father attached such importance to the meeting.
Yet watching his father constantly exhausted by endless business banquets, Lin Haoran silently made up his mind.
He had to take over the group as soon as possible.
Only then could his father finally lay down his burdens and enjoy a peaceful retirement.
After all, continuing to endure the relentless social obligations of the business world would only worsen the health of a man whose condition was already steadily declining.
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(End of Chapter)
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