Chapter 29: Once a Son Grows Up, a Father Has No Say

Once inside the inner room, Li Jianhua could no longer contain himself. Gritting his teeth, he complained bitterly, "I truly don't know what our daughter sees in Lin Yang. That brat has been so unreliable, idling his time away and never doing an honest day's work."

"Even if he’s made a bit of money now, if he doesn't truly care for our daughter and still pines for Sun Xiaorong, she’ll be miserable if she marries into that family! Just thinking about it makes my blood boil!"

"I don't believe for a second that he’s changed just like that. It must all be an act to hoodwink our naive girl."

Auntie Li, however, was not as angry. Instead, she offered a gentle smile and softly reasoned, "Old Li, I actually think young Yang isn't all that bad. Our two families have known each other for years, and his mother isn't the type to let our daughter be bullied. We both know what she’s like."

"But, we do need to see if he has truly turned over a new leaf. As the saying goes, a prodigal who returns is worth more than gold. Perhaps the boy has finally seen the light and wants to live a decent life! What do you think?"

Li Jianhua stopped in his tracks, his brow furrowing into deep, troubled lines. His face was a mask of conflict and frustration. Suppressing his anger, he pondered for a moment before snapping, "I think he’s no good! A man knows a man best. That girl from the Sun family had Lin Yang twisted around her finger; none of the Suns are easy to deal with—they’re all sharp as tacks."

"Lin Yang just made a little money, and already the Suns are crawling back. Even if things ended unpleasantly this time, who’s to say he won't be swayed by them again? If that happens, what will become of our daughter?!"

Auntie Li was left speechless.

Although she felt that Lin Yang truly seemed like a different person now—his words and actions far more steady—people are emotional creatures, and one can never be certain that he wouldn't act on impulse and do something unexpected.

The two fell into a heavy, oppressive silence.

Meanwhile, Lin Yang had already returned home.

He pushed open the courtyard gate and stood there, stealing a glance into the house. Seeing his mother was nowhere to be found, he felt a flicker of confusion.

Usually, at this hour, shouldn't she be busy in the kitchen? Why was she gone?

"Get yourself in here!"

His father’s voice, thick with obvious rage, boomed from the room like a thunderclap in the quiet courtyard.

Lin Yang felt no alarm. Instead, a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. In his heart, his father was far more reasonable than his mother.

If he could offer a logical explanation that convinced his father, he wouldn't resort to a beating. His mother, however, was a different story. Once her temper flared, she wouldn't listen to reason; she would just let off steam by giving him a thrashing first. Even if she realized later she was wrong, you could only blame your own bad luck for standing in the line of fire.

He stepped cautiously into the main room, glancing left and right to confirm his mother was indeed absent, then asked with a grin, "Dad, where’s Mom? Why don't I see her?"

Lin Dahai glared at him, let out a heavy snort, and scolded, "She’s so furious with you that she hasn't even started dinner! Now we’re both going hungry! Tell me, what do you think you’re doing?"

"Tell me, what is going through your mind? You suddenly want to marry Li Jianhua’s daughter, yet just a few days ago, you were obsessed with that girl from the Sun family?"

Lin Yang had anticipated this question. He didn't hold back, hurriedly explaining his thoughts and plans to his father. He laid it all out—from the dream he had to his change of heart toward Li Xiaowan and his plans for the future.

When he finished, he looked at his father with eyes full of anticipation, hoping to read a reaction on his face.

But his father remained stoic, giving nothing away.

"Dad, what do you think?" Lin Yang asked tentatively, his voice laced with anxiety.

"I think it’s a bad idea!"

Lin Dahai’s answer was identical to Li Jianhua’s—categorical, with no room for debate.

Lin Yang felt a wave of speechlessness. Li Jianhua’s distrust was understandable; it was his daughter’s life at stake, and a father’s caution was natural. But his own father’s attitude felt like he was equally disgusted with him. Was he really that unreliable?

After a few seconds of silence, Lin Dahai took out his old tobacco pipe, tapped it firmly against the sole of his shoe to clear the ash, and expertly packed it with fresh tobacco. He lit it with a spark, took a deep draw, and slowly exhaled a ring of smoke.

The smoke rose and dissipated, much like his own complicated state of mind.

A moment later, he raised his eyes to look at Lin Yang. His gaze was stern yet expectant, and he spoke slowly, word by word: "Since you’ve already made up your mind, I won't say any more. If you believe you are a man, then keep your word. Live an honest life and stop being the loafer you once were."

"If you dare to play any dirty tricks or wrong that girl, don't blame me for breaking your legs. Don't blame your father for being heartless when that day comes!"

A brilliant smile lit up Lin Yang’s face. He knew he had passed his father’s test.

Though his father’s words were harsh, he knew it came from a place of care. Likewise, his mother, despite her constant nagging, loved him deeply—a classic case of a sharp tongue and a soft heart. Her anger today was fueled mainly by fear for his safety after he snuck into the mountains to hunt. He understood that no parents could remain calm when their child faced such dangers.

Having been reborn with a system at his side, hunting was undoubtedly his fastest route to securing initial capital. In this life, he only wanted to protect his family and the woman who loved him so dearly, Li Xiaowan, and provide them with a happy, secure life.

Watching the radiant smile on his son’s face, Lin Dahai seemed to see the mischievous boy from years ago. He couldn't help but sigh, "A son grows up and leaves his father’s shadow. Since you’ve decided, your mother and I can’t stop you. I only hope you live up to your word and don't let us down."

With that, he stood up, walked to the cabinet, bent down, and rummaged through it for a moment before pulling something out.

When Lin Yang saw what it was, an expression of utter disbelief crossed his face.