Chapter 30: A Three-Million-Hong-Kong-Dollar Check

Page (1/3)

“Little Hao, how long has it been since we last sat shoulder to shoulder like this, chatting and quietly admiring this vast sea?” Second Sister gently turned her head and asked, her eyes filled with nostalgia and emotion.

“Let me think... It must have been seven or eight years,” Lin Haoran replied after a moment of thought.

His gaze drifted into the distance as well, as though he had returned to those carefree days when they used to enjoy the view of the sea together.

There had indeed been many moments like this in his memories. Beneath the setting sun, the silhouettes of Lin Haoran and his two sisters stretched long along the shore. The sea breeze brushed softly against them, carrying the salty scent of seawater, along with their innocent laughter and endless conversation.

But all that had happened a very long time ago. Now that they were speaking of it again, a wave of nostalgia naturally rose within him.

“Yes, seven or eight years have passed in the blink of an eye. Second Sister has gone from a naive young girl to someone else’s wife and someone else’s mother. But the one thing that hasn’t changed is the deep bond between us siblings, isn’t it?” Second Sister sighed with emotion.

“Of course. I know you’ve always loved me the most, Second Sister,” Lin Haoran replied with a smile.

“Little Hao, I know you’re currently facing the challenge of competing with Eldest Brother for the inheritance of the Wan’an Group. With his extensive experience, you’re at a disadvantage.

“Mother told me over the phone that the revenue of your cement plant has been falling steadily. But what I want to emphasize is this: although Second Sister can’t do much to help you, no matter how the competition turns out, you must not become discouraged or pessimistic.

“Your youth may seem like a disadvantage at present because it makes you appear inexperienced. Yet that very youth is also your greatest asset, because it represents limitless possibilities and a boundless future.

“Remember, even if you fail, it is only one attempt on the road to success. It does not define your entire life. And even if you do fail, Second Sister will do everything within her power to help you build your own career.”

Lin Haoran finally understood the true reason Second Sister had sought him out.

Perhaps after returning to Xiangjiang from Huafeng Cement Plant, he had completely neglected matters there. In Mother Lin’s eyes, this might have been interpreted as his giving up and running away after losing hope of becoming the heir to the Wan’an Group.

That concern and speculation had inadvertently reached Second Sister through Mother Lin, gently tugging at her heartstrings.

In his memories, from childhood onward, Second Sister had always been the one who loved him most and understood him best.

That was why she had returned to her parents’ home without hesitation: to see her younger brother with her own eyes, understand what was troubling him, and offer him encouragement and support.

Page (1/3)

Page (2/3)

Had this been the old Lin Haoran, he might have opened his heart before his sister’s gentle words and poured out his unwillingness to accept defeat.

But the Lin Haoran of today was no longer the person he had once been. He had undergone a transformation and was no longer his former self.

He was naturally grateful for Second Sister’s concern and comfort, but he had no intention of saying too much.

He knew his own affairs better than anyone.

Therefore, although his sister’s words warmed his heart, he would not take them too seriously.

“Second Sister, you can set your mind completely at ease. I have never lost faith in the future!” Lin Haoran answered with a smile.

A flicker of surprise crossed Second Sister’s eyes. She keenly realized that the confidence Lin Haoran displayed was not something he had deliberately put on merely to reassure her. It was genuine confidence rising from the depths of his heart.

“Seeing you in such a good state of mind is a great comfort to Second Sister. Take this money, but remember—you must keep it confidential. Don’t let anyone know, including Father, Mother, or your brother-in-law.”

As she spoke, she slowly took a check from an inner pocket and gently handed it to Lin Haoran.

The moment Lin Haoran accepted it, his eyes were drawn to the figure written on it.

It was a check for three million Hong Kong dollars.

The amount struck him like a thunderclap, stirring wave after wave in his heart.

He looked up at Second Sister, surprise and gratitude mingling in his eyes. At that moment, he felt even more deeply how dearly she cherished him.

Although he now controlled a fortune of eighty million, that money had all been borrowed.

Three million Hong Kong dollars was already an enormous sum in this era.

“Second Sister, where did you get this money? I can’t accept it. I’m not short of money either, so please take it back.” Lin Haoran immediately pushed the check back into her hands, his expression serious.

“Little Hao, this is actually some private money I saved before getting married. I had fairly good judgment back then and invested in two villas. Over the years, their value has increased two or three times. I know you’re short of money right now, so I privately decided to sell them. I never told your brother-in-law about any of this, so you can accept it without worry.

“Second Sister may not be able to solve all your problems directly, but I’ve always hoped to do something for your future. I want to see you accomplish something truly great one day.”

With that, Second Sister gently but firmly pressed the check back into Lin Haoran’s hands.

Seeing her resolute expression, Lin Haoran was deeply moved.

Page (2/3)

Page (3/3)

He felt immensely fortunate to have a sister who cared for him so selflessly.

In his previous life, he had never experienced such affection between siblings. He had never imagined that after crossing into another world, he would truly come to know it.

In the end, Lin Haoran stopped refusing and solemnly accepted the three-million-dollar check with both hands.

Because he knew that this was not merely a check. It represented Second Sister’s profound concern for him.

If he rejected it, he would likely disappoint her and hurt her feelings.

Besides, he knew that Second Sister lived a very happy life in the Zhu family. Her husband doted on her, and as one of the city’s wealthy families, the Zhu family had no financial worries.

“Second Sister, I’ll always remember how kind you’ve been to me. I’ll work hard and strive to build a successful career so that I won’t let down your expectations!” Lin Haoran beamed.

“I’ve never had to worry about Eldest Brother. But as for you, Little Hao, Second Sister’s greatest wish is to see you make something of yourself and live the life you want. As long as you’re doing well, Second Sister will be satisfied,” she said gently, her eyes fixed on Lin Haoran.

The deep-blue waters of Deep Water Bay shimmered beneath the sunlight, their color blending with the azure sky in the distance to create a tranquil and profound atmosphere.

The cool sea breeze drifted softly past them, carrying away the heat of summer as it brushed over the two siblings, seeming to cleanse their very souls.

Even family could become fragile in the face of sufficient利益, just as his own elder brother had.

Whoever treated him well, he would naturally treat well in return. And those who treated him poorly—he knew them perfectly well too.

Page (3/3)