A red Hongqi sedan soon drove up.
The car stopped smoothly, and Song Shize stepped forward to open the door. A man in his seventies emerged from the vehicle.
A flicker of surprise crossed Lin Chen's eyes.
He recognized this man from television. He'd seen him frequently in the past, less so now, but occasionally still.
"Happy birthday, Brother Song," the old man said with a warm smile.
The Song Family had been powerful even before he ascended to power, and he had received much assistance from them. Their relationship was naturally close.
"Another year older."
"My body's weaker with each passing year. You, on the other hand, look much more robust than I do."
Old Song and the old man shook hands warmly, exchanging pleasantries.
Before their conversation could conclude, another car arrived. A slightly older man stepped out.
This man had also been a regular on television. Though retired, his living presence still carried considerable influence.
"Old Song."
"Brother Li."
The newcomer greeted them as he alighted from the car.
As if by prior arrangement, several elderly figures arrived within ten minutes, each carrying significant weight.
Without Lin Chen, the Xu Family would have struggled to build such connections even with another thirty years of normal development.
"Father, the Song Family's influence is truly formidable," Lin Chen remarked softly.
Xu Guofeng replied, "Don't be fooled by those whose assets may seem to surpass the entire Song Family. In China, their influence can't compare to the Song Family's."
"Are they backed by international capital?"
"Yes," Xu Guofeng nodded. "They're supported by international capital giants, but even these giants often have to bow their heads in China."
"You should be able to grasp this from the news."
Lin Chen nodded slightly.
Some previously prominent figures had now withdrawn to the shadows.
"Gentlemen, it's hot outside. Let's move inside. We'll have a feast later," Old Song said with a smile.
The guests had all arrived.
Soon, everyone entered the manor. The massive banquet hall was set with dozens of tables, but these influential figures didn't join the main hall. Instead, they were led to a smaller room.
A large round table dominated the intimate space.
The table could comfortably seat twenty people.
"My old friends, I can't drink much anymore. Shize and the others are at another table. How about I ask a very interesting young man to join you for a drink?"
"He'll definitely keep you company well."
Old Song said with a smile.
"The guest follows the host's lead. Brother Song, please arrange it as you see fit."
"It's your birthday, Old Song. You're the boss."
The crowd laughed.
Old Song quickly instructed Song Shize, who was beside him, "Shize, go find Xiao Lin. He has a high tolerance for alcohol. Have him join us old guys for some drinks."
"Oh, and apologize to his father on my behalf."
Song Shize nodded.
He quickly went outside and found Lin Chen, who had already carried Lin Xiaoqian out with Xu Mengyao.
"Young Master Lin, I have a request. Would you be willing to join my father and the others in that room for drinks? You can drink with my father, and I'll drink with your father. How about that?" Song Shize said with a smile.
Surprise flashed in Lin Chen's eyes. *Go in there?*
Every single person in that room was a major figure.
Their status and influence far surpassed that of Xu Guofeng.
"Did Old Song ask you to say this?"
Lin Chen asked.
Song Shize nodded. "Yes, my father wants to invite you in. President Xu, is it okay if I borrow your husband for a while?"
"No problem at all," Xu Mengyao replied quickly.
Drinking with such influential figures was a rare opportunity.
Lin Xiaoqian kissed Lin Chen. "Daddy, don't get too drunk, okay? Your head will hurt a lot if you do."
"Okay," Lin Chen replied, kissing her back.
Getting drunk was impossible for him.
His previous alcohol tolerance was already thirteen jin, and now his physique had greatly improved, plus he possessed inner strength!
"Xiaoqian, come here, Mommy will hold you."
Xu Mengyao picked up Lin Xiaoqian, and Lin Chen walked toward the small private room. Song Shize, meanwhile, approached Xu Guofeng's table.
Xu Guofeng's table was also filled with influential figures, each with status and position equal to or exceeding his own.
As Lin Chen's father-in-law, Xu Guofeng would naturally need an explanation from Song Shize for Lin Chen's exclusion.
"President Xu, Young Master Lin has an exceptional alcohol tolerance. My father invited him in to accompany the guests. Since your tolerance isn't as high, please don't mind that he wasn't invited."
Song Shize said to Xu Guofeng.
Xu Guofeng quickly replied, "I don't mind at all. With my tolerance, if I went in standing, I'd definitely be carried out horizontally."
Song Shize chuckled. "I'd have to toast every single person in there. After a full round, I'd be flat on my back. My tolerance just isn't enough, so I'll have to stick to drinking outside."
The others at the table exchanged silent murmurs.
*Is this really about alcohol tolerance?*
*Without sufficient status, even the best drinker wouldn't qualify to enter.*
Their gazes toward Xu Guofeng shifted once more.
Lin Chen quickly entered the small hall.
"Greetings, esteemed elders," he said with natural poise.
The room was filled with powerful figures, but Lin Chen showed no nervousness. In his own areas of expertise, wasn't he a master himself? And he excelled in more than one.
The elders studied Lin Chen, their expressions tinged with surprise at his youth.
Old Song had mentioned finding a young companion for the drinks, and they'd assumed he'd be at least in his thirties or forties. They never expected him to find someone barely in his twenties.
"Xiao Lin, shall I introduce you to everyone? Rest assured, they won't gossip," Old Song asked with a smile.
Lin Chen nodded.
"My old friends," Old Song continued, "don't let Xiao Lin's youth fool you. In a thousand years, no one will remember us, but Xiao Lin will undoubtedly be remembered."
"His pen name is Lin Yu."
"Many online refer to him as Master Lin."
The crowd stared at Lin Chen in astonishment.
"Xiao Lin, you're really Lin Yu?"
"My granddaughter absolutely loves the fairy tales Lin Yu writes," one of the powerful figures said in surprise.
Lin Chen nodded. "Yes, I am Lin Yu. I hope you'll all keep this a secret. My daughter is still very young, and my main focus now is raising her. I've neglected her quite a bit in the past."
Another figure chuckled. "Xiao Lin, you have so many fans. If your identity were revealed, it would cause quite a stir. You might even be recognized wearing a mask. Don't worry, we'll keep it secret for you."
Old Song smiled warmly. "My old friends, Xiao Lin has boundless energy. He'll surely entertain you all well. And if he entertains you well, you'll have to look out for him afterward."
"This might be the last time I drink with you all. It's a small request, but I hope you'll grant it."
Everyone, including Lin Chen, stared at Old Song in astonishment.
Instead of asking them to look after the Song Family, he was asking them to look after Lin Chen.
Today was his 80th birthday, and his words carried immense weight.
"Old Song, you're still as cunning as ever."
Someone quickly realized the implication and said, "Brother Song, don't talk nonsense. What do you mean by 'last time'?"
"Brother Song, don't worry," the others chimed in.
Lin Chen soon understood as well.
Old Song believed Lin Chen would achieve great things, and this was his way of securing a future retreat for the Song Family. By helping Lin Chen now, he hoped Lin Chen would reciprocate if the Song Family ever faced difficulties.
"Old Song, thank you," Lin Chen said.
Even if Old Song's motives were primarily for the Song Family's future, the fact remained that he was using his personal influence to pave the way for Lin Chen.
-----------------------
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(End of Chapter)