Roses in Flames

After leaving the hotel in the morning, Xiao Lin went back to the Xiao family's old residence.

Although he didn't reveal that he was going to go undercover, the old man had connections everywhere, and nothing could be hidden from him.

The old man called him into his study, and after a long silence, asked him, "Are you really sure you want to go undercover abroad?"

Without the slightest hesitation, he said, "I've made up my mind."

He told the old man about his plans, and the old man's eyes flashed with worry, but in the end he did not interfere with his decision.

Once the atmosphere had eased a bit, he slowly began to speak, bringing up another matter.

"Grandpa, when you went to Yecheng last time, didn't you see someone in my room? With your abilities, I think you should have already done a background check on her, right?"

The old man didn't speak, which was tantamount to admitting that a background check had been conducted. "Your parents know that the other person has been married before, and your mother will not agree to you two being together."

Xiao Lin pursed his thin lips. "I hope Grandpa can support me."

The old man's gaze was sharp, and his tone carried a hint of authority, "What if I also disagree?"

Xiao Lin was silent for a moment. He met the old man's gaze, which he dared not look directly at, and said calmly and seriously, "If you disagree, it will affect my mood. I don't know if I will come back alive from this undercover mission."

Before he could finish speaking, the old man slammed his hand on the desk, glaring at him with a stern expression. "You brat, you've learned to threaten me now?"

He picked up the cane that was in the corner and hit it hard on his back.

"Take back your words!"

Xiao Lin pursed his lips and remained silent.

The old man wanted to hit him again, but in the end he couldn't bring himself to do it.

Xiao Lin stood up from the ground and suddenly knelt down in front of the old man with a thud. His deep eyes were almost pleading. "Grandpa, I have never liked anyone so much since I was a child. Although she was married once before, it's not what people think. She is a good person, clean and honest, and deserves to be treated well. I want to give her a future."

"I know there's a difference in our social status, and I know my family values ​​rules and social standing. But you are the person I respect most in my life. I grew up with you, and all I want is... for you to understand how I feel."

The study fell silent again.

The old man stared in disbelief at Xiao Lin, who was kneeling down and begging him, and his hand holding the cane suddenly froze.

Others may not know, but he knows better than anyone what kind of person his second grandson is.

Back in the special training camp, he endured grueling training and suffered leg injuries that left him covered in blood and gore, yet he shed no tears despite the bleeding.

When on a mission, even with an enemy holding a knife to his throat, he didn't even blink.

He was a man of unyielding integrity and a true tough guy. From childhood to adulthood, he had never bowed his head, complained, or begged anyone.

But now, this man, who hadn't even flinched amidst the clash of swords and bloodshed, knelt down, his eyes red, begging him.

He truly loved that woman to the core, which is why she set aside her pride and dignity, and so humbly begged for his approval.

The old man felt a sharp pain in his heart.

That silly boy, he's so single-minded in everything he does.

He was stubborn, affectionate, and resolute.

Whether it's his best friend or a woman he once liked.

Once he's made up his mind, that's it.

No one can change anything.

The old man had seen all kinds of storms in his life, but when his most beloved grandson knelt down like that, the softest part of his heart was touched.

That's it.

Children and grandchildren have their own children and grandchildren.

The old man helped Xiao Lin up, placing his hand on Xiao Lin's shoulder. "You brat, listen to me! If you complete your mission well and come back safe and sound, Grandpa will support you!"

Xiao Lin raised his eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing, and nodded heavily. "Thank you, Grandpa."

He paused, then, as if remembering something, added with concern, "While I'm on my mission, please keep an eye on her, Grandpa, and make sure no one bullies her."

Upon hearing this, both the grandfather and grandson understood perfectly well what was going on.

The person who bullied her was none other than Xiao Lin's mother, who had a strong sense of social class, was old-fashioned, and stubborn.

Looking at the worry and affection in Xiao Lin's eyes, the old man remained silent for a moment before saying, "Your mother knows you were with her at the hotel last night. If I'm not mistaken, she'll probably go to see her today. You'd better contact her now, or you'll make your mother drive your wife away."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lin's expression changed drastically.

Later, he left the Xiao family's old house, kept calling and texting Ye Yuntang, and ran towards the airport.

Fortunately, he arrived in time and brought her out.

Xiao Lin didn't tell Ye Yuntang what had happened when he returned to the Xiao family's old residence that morning. Ye Yuntang didn't know where he was taking her. She frowned and said, "Where are you taking me? If it's to meet your family, I'm not going!"

She didn't want to humiliate herself any further.

She just wanted to go back, to see her mother and brother.

She wanted to retreat back into her own safe shell.

Xiao Lin glanced at Ye Yuntang, his thin, cold lips pressed tightly together, and said nothing. He drove straight to a high-end residential area.

The car finally stopped in front of a luxurious European-style villa.

Ye Yuntang frowned deeply. "Where is this?"

Xiao Lin replied calmly, "My home."

Ye Yuntang's heart leaped into her throat. She glared at the man, embarrassed and angry, "I told you I'm not coming to your house!"

She tried to open the car door and leave, but the next second, she saw a black Bentley drive up and stop next to Xiao Lin's car.

The car door opened, and a man in his early thirties got out of the driver's seat.

The man wore a well-tailored suit with an overcoat, his posture was upright, his temperament was noble and elegant, and he was so mature and handsome that he looked like he had stepped out of a magazine.

Immediately afterwards, a girl with delicate and beautiful features and a petite and charming figure got out of the passenger seat.

Ye Yuntang's heart tightened, and she subconsciously looked at Xiao Lin, "Who are they?"

In fact, she had a vague suspicion in her heart.

Xiao Lin once said that he had an older brother and a younger sister.

Upon closer inspection, the man and woman who got off the bus bore a striking resemblance to the man beside her in terms of their eyebrow and facial features.

You can tell at a glance that they are relatives from the same root.

"My older brother and younger sister." Xiao Lin unbuckled his seatbelt. He looked at Ye Yuntang's uneasy eyes and squeezed her hand tightly. "My younger sister is more lively. She will come to the car to keep you company. You don't need to get out of the car."

Seeing Xiao Lin preparing to get out of the car, Ye Yuntang grabbed his sleeve, "What exactly do you want to do?"

Xiao Lin looked at Ye Yuntang's slender white fingers tightly gripping his sleeve. His eyes softened slightly, and his voice became a little hoarse. "I'm going back to see my mother with my older brother."

After Xiao Lin got out of the car, his younger sister Xiao Huan came over carrying two exquisite boxes.

Xiao Lin introduced the two, "Yun Tang, this is my younger sister Xiao Huan."

Just as he was about to introduce Ye Yuntang, Xiao Huan said with a bright smile, "Second brother, I know this is second sister-in-law. You posted a photo of her in our group chat. Second sister-in-law is even more beautiful in person than in the photo, like a fairy."

Ye Yuntang's heart skipped a beat.

Xiao Lin even posted her photo in their sibling group chat?

He had already told his older brother and sister.

Looking at the lively and cheerful Xiao Huan, Ye Yuntang greeted her politely, "Hello, Miss Xiao."

Xiao Huan immediately waved her hand, her tone sweet and affectionate, "Second sister-in-law, please don't call me Miss Xiao anymore, just call me Huanhuan from now on~"

As Xiao Huan spoke, she handed the exquisite dessert box to Ye Yuntang, her eyes curving into crescents. "I specially bought these desserts. I already asked my second brother, and I know you like this flavor. Second sister-in-law, please try them."

Xiao Huan's eyes held a genuine smile, devoid of any scrutiny or prejudice.

This was completely different from the cold, distant, and prejudiced look that Madam Xiao had given her before.

Ye Yuntang's initial unease, tension, and trepidation softened quietly under the pure gaze of Xiao Huan.

She smiled and nodded, "Okay, thank you, Huanhuan."

……

Xiao Lin and his elder brother Xiao Yi walked into the villa together.

The servants greeted the two men as they entered, "Young Master, Second Young Master."

Xiao Yi nodded. "Where is my mother?"

"Madam is entertaining Mrs. Huo in the tea room."

Madam Huo is Huo Yuan's mother.

Xiao Lin did not attend his blind date yesterday, which greatly displeased Madam Huo.

Madam Xiao rescheduled a time with Madam Huo, assuring her that Xiao Lin would definitely keep the appointment next time.

Xiao Yi and Xiao Lin suddenly walked in.

Upon seeing Xiao Lin, Madam Huo immediately said, "Lin, your mother and I have just rescheduled your meeting with our Yuan Yuan. Don't break your promise next time."

Just as Xiao Lin was about to say something, Xiao Yi suddenly stepped forward and blocked Xiao Lin's path. He spoke gently but firmly, "I'm sorry, Madam Huo, my second brother will not be going on a blind date."

Madam Huo's expression suddenly changed. "What do you mean?"

Xiao Yi said calmly, "There are some matters at home today. My second brother and I would like to speak with our mother alone for a few minutes."

The implication was that Mrs. Huo should tactfully leave.

Madam Huo glanced at Madam Xiao, who gave her a reassuring look. Madam Huo then left with an unpleasant expression.

Madam Xiao glanced at Xiao Lin, whose expression was cold, face was tense, and eyes were sharp, and roughly guessed what had happened.

It must have been that woman who complained to him.

Madam Xiao sat upright in the main seat, still slowly and methodically brewing tea, her eyes carrying a hint of condescending nobility and indifference.

"What, you two brothers showing up together? Are you here to interrogate me?"

"I'm here to talk to Mom. You sit to the side and don't say anything." Xiao Yi knew Xiao Lin's temperament and guessed that they would start arguing after only a few words.

In the Xiao family, besides listening to his grandfather, Xiao Lin listened to his eldest brother the most.

He sat down to one side with a cold expression.

Xiao Yi sat down opposite Madam Xiao, his long legs elegantly crossed, exuding a noble and elegant aura.

He spoke calmly and gently, "Mom, does our Xiao family still need to rely on marriage alliances to solidify our position?"

Madam Xiao's hand, which was holding the teacup, paused slightly. She raised her eyes and looked sharply at Xiao Yi. "What do you mean?"

Xiao Yi's gaze was deep, and he spoke each word clearly and heavily, "Back then, my marriage was an arranged one. Two people with no feelings for each other were bound together for the sake of family interests. I listened to you and compromised."

"But what have these past few years of marriage brought me? Am I happy?"

Madam Xiao's expression darkened slightly. She said, "It's all for the Xiao family, for the family to grow stronger and gain a firm foothold. What does it matter if our generation and your generation sacrifice a little marriage?"

"What's so special about it?" Xiao Yi chuckled lightly. His tall, slender body suddenly leaned forward slightly, and his usually gentle eyes suddenly turned deep, carrying an invisible sense of pressure. "In the past few years, I have devoted myself to my career, expanding overseas markets, stabilizing the foundation of the group, and developing the Xiao family into one of the four major families in Beijing."

"Why am I working so hard?"

"It's all so that my younger siblings won't follow in my footsteps, won't have to rely on arranged marriages to advance the family's development, and can openly choose what they want to do and who they like."

"If I can't even protect my own younger siblings and give them the freedom to choose their own lives, then what's the point of all my previous efforts?"

The tea room fell silent instantly.

Madam Xiao's fingertips, which were holding the teacup, turned slightly white.

She never expected that her usually obedient eldest son would have such a rebellious and domineering side.

Madam Xiao's heart skipped a beat, and her face instantly turned cold. She still stubbornly said, "Even if we don't arrange a marriage, it can't be that woman. That woman is divorced, and she absolutely cannot enter the Xiao family."

Xiao Yi let out a cold laugh. "I'm already prepared to divorce my arranged marriage wife. So, according to you, I'll be remarried in the future? Does that mean I'm not worthy of getting married again, not worthy of happiness again?"

Madam Xiao was taken aback and retorted sharply, "You're planning to get a divorce? Even if you do, you won't be the same as her."

"We're all human, what's the difference?" Xiao Yi turned to look at Xiao Lin, who sat to the side with a cold expression, his gaze softening slightly. "You know better than anyone what kind of person Lin has been since he was little. He's excellent enough, clear-headed enough. The person he chooses will definitely have good character, temperament, and principles. What gives you the right to completely negate someone based on a past? What gives you the right to decide Lin's future for him?"

Xiao Yi looked at Madam Xiao again, his voice as cold as ice, "Your marriage to Father was also an arranged one. You were unhappy. Not long after giving birth to A-Lin, you discovered Father's infidelity. You argued every day, and you were unhappy. For those years, you vented all your resentment on young A-Lin. He grew up with his grandfather, not with you. You gave birth to him, but you didn't take good care of him. What right do you have to decide his future marriage and happiness?"

"Later, in order to keep your father, you gave birth to your younger sister. Over the years, you've been arguing and living in a stalemate. Your own marriage is a mess, and now you want to force your son to repeat the path that caused you the most pain?"

"As the eldest brother, I was powerless to resist your decisions before, and could only compromise. But now, I am the one in charge of the Xiao family."

He raised his eyes, his gaze sharp and resolute. "If you continue to force Ah Lin or Huan Huan to do things they don't like, and if you continue to break up the people Ah Lin truly loves, I will take Ah Lin and Huan Huan and leave the Xiao family to start our own business."

As Xiao Yi finished speaking, the tea room fell into complete silence.