"Hi, Sally—"
The beautiful woman approached and began speaking to Xu Mengyao in English, completely ignoring Lin Chen and Lin Xiaoqian. Lin Chen, busy teasing his daughter, had no intention of engaging with her.
"Sally, I've seen news about your boyfriend online. He's athletic and plays basketball, but he's still far from good enough for you, don't you think?"
"My husband's friend still likes you. Why don't you let your boyfriend take care of your daughter while you come abroad with me?"
"You know foreigners are more open-minded. My husband's friend Edmund doesn't care about your past."
The woman continued speaking English as she drew closer, completely unaware that both Lin Chen and Lin Xiaoqian understood every word.
"Daddy, she wants Mom to abandon us! She's a bad person!" Lin Xiaoqian exclaimed in English, her voice urgent. She glared at the woman, her cheeks flushed with anger.
Lin Chen kissed his daughter and reassured her in English, "Don't worry, Mom would never listen to her."
"Mhm."
The beautiful woman's face turned crimson. She had been trying to persuade Xu Mengyao to abandon Lin Chen and their daughter for a life abroad, only to discover they both understood her perfectly.
Xu Mengyao said calmly, "Pan Jia, since you're back in China, let's speak Mandarin. Also, Sally was the name I used abroad; I don't use it anymore."
"Call me by my Chinese name."
Pan Jia's face flushed and paled in quick succession.
Despite the awkwardness, she endured it and didn't leave.
"Xu Mengyao, I'll be direct," Pan Jia said. "I think you'd be much better off with Edmund. I still advise you to go abroad. Xixi is with her father now, and she's doing well with him."
Lin Xiaoqian interjected, "You can't call me Xixi. Only good people can call me Xixi; bad people can't."
Pan Jia: "..."
"Xu Mengyao, please consider this carefully," Pan Jia continued. "Edmund is sincere with you. His family has assets worth tens of billions of euros, and he's likely to become the heir. Their family wants to expand into China. Marrying him would benefit both of you."
Lin Xiaoqian anxiously looked at Lin Chen. "Daddy, she's a bad person! Shoo her away quickly!"
Lin Chen said, "Pan Jia, my daughter doesn't like you. If there's nothing else, please stay away from us."
Pan Jia glared at Lin Chen. "I'm talking to Xu Mengyao. Why are you interrupting?"
Xu Mengyao said calmly, "My husband and daughter don't like you, and neither do I. It's your freedom to marry a foreigner, but don't drag me into it."
"My husband and I have a very good relationship."
"If you spread any more lies, my husband, as a man, won't hit you in public, but I definitely will."
Pan Jia walked away dejectedly.
Being hit by Xu Mengyao would be incredibly embarrassing.
She wasn't as tall as Xu Mengyao, and even without Lin Chen's intervention, she'd likely lose a fight.
She had come to discuss a business partnership with the Song Family. If they got into a fight, the partnership would be dead in the water.
"Xixi, don't be so upset."
"How could Mommy ever abandon you and Daddy?"
Xu Mengyao kissed Lin Xiaoqian and smiled reassuringly.
"Mommy, she's a bad person."
"She's like the witch in a fairy tale."
Lin Xiaoqian said, still angry.
To her, their family was perfectly happy together. Anyone who wanted to break them up had to be a bad person.
"Mm-hmm, she's a bad person."
As she spoke, Xu Mengyao glanced at Lin Chen. "Honey, there's nothing between me and Edmund. He pursued me, but I rejected him every time."
"I know," Lin Chen replied with a smile.
When Xu Mengyao went abroad, her illness was at its worst. At that time, she suffered from severe misandry. It would have been bizarre for her to have any intimate contact with another man.
"What's going on with Pan Jia?" Lin Chen asked.
Xu Mengyao replied, "She married well. Her husband's family has billions of euros in assets, but he's not the primary heir. Their family is meritocratic—the most capable rise to the top."
"She said Edmund is her husband's friend. More accurately, her husband is Edmund's subordinate."
"She's trying to use you to earn favor," Lin Chen remarked.
Xu Mengyao nodded.
"I thought Edmund had given up long ago. I didn't expect him to still be interested, and even send Pan Jia to lobby me."
Lin Chen chuckled, "That just proves how charming you are, my dear."
Xu Mengyao pondered for a moment, then shook her head. "I suspect the European economy has worsened in the past two years, and the risk of war has increased. They're looking to shift some of their business to China."
"Perhaps they even have plans to absorb our Xu Family."
Lin Chen nodded slightly.
Xu Mengyao's analysis made sense.
With economic stagnation and the looming threat of war, some investors would certainly want to diversify their holdings.
"Young Master Lin, President Xu," Song Qingquan said, hurrying over.
"I was just entertaining other guests and couldn't get away. Young Master Lin, let me introduce you to my father. He's a great admirer of your calligraphy."
Lin Chen smiled. "That would be my pleasure."
The birthday boy, Old Song, hadn't yet made an appearance. Only the most important guests had the privilege of meeting him at this time.
Xu Mengyao said, "Go ahead, dear. I'll take Qianqian to explore the grounds. We don't want her to disturb Old Song later."
Song Qingquan quickly replied, "President Xu, there are other children in my father's courtyard. Qianqian can play with them."
"That sounds fine," Xu Mengyao nodded.
The Song Family's estate was vast. When Lin Chen and his group arrived at Old Song's courtyard, several children were chasing each other and playing.
The youngest child was slightly older than Lin Xiaoqian, which was perfect for her. Children generally enjoy playing with older kids.
"Yangyang, take care of Qianqian and include her in your games," Song Qingquan instructed. "She's the youngest, so be gentle with her."
"Qianqian, let's play together!" a girl called out to her.
"Okay!" Lin Xiaoqian joined their game.
She used to be very shy, but now she was much bolder.
"Master Lin, President Xu, please, come in."
Song Qingquan led Lin Chen and the others into his father's house.
In this internet age, even the wealthiest tycoons could be seen online. But in the past, it would have been nearly impossible for ordinary people to meet someone like Old Song.
"Father, Master Lin and President Xu are here."
Song Qingquan said as he approached his father's side.
Old Song lay in a rocking chair, his face sallow and his expression weary. He had been receiving guests intermittently since the day before yesterday.
While an 80th birthday banquet is a celebration, it can be a significant burden for a man of his age—especially for the Song Family, a prominent clan.
Ordinary families might have few guests, and most would come and go on the same day, leaving the hosts only slightly tired. But for the Song Family, the festivities would drain their energy for days.
"Master Lin, I've always admired your calligraphy."
"Thank you for attending this old man's birthday banquet."
Old Song rose with Song Qingquan's support.
He extended his hand to shake Lin Chen's.
Lin Chen frowned inwardly. Old Song was nearing his last breath.
At this rate, he likely wouldn't last another month.
-----------------------
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(End of Chapter)