The topic of Jiang Yan and early relationships came to an abrupt halt when Fang Yisong's phone suddenly rang.
She picked up her phone from the table, stood up, and walked toward the study, apologizing, "Tiao Tiao, I'm really sorry, I need to take an important call and can't continue chatting with you."
Lin Tiao had already gotten used to such scenes, as they happened often before. "It's okay, you go ahead."
As they were talking, Lin Yongcheng finished cleaning up and came out of the kitchen. After chatting with Lin Tiao for a few words, he was called into the study by Fang Yisong.
The two of them seemed like spinning tops that never stopped, always busy with work.
Lin Tiao sat in the living room for a while before heading back to her room.
Her phone, which she had casually tossed on the bed in the morning, was buzzing non-stop.
It was full of New Year's greetings from classmates and friends.
She went through them one by one, replying to everyone who sent their well wishes, and even sent messages to her former middle school teachers.
Lin Yongcheng and Fang Yisong didn’t have any particularly close relatives or siblings. Growing up, Lin Tiao had never seen any relatives visit their house.
No wonder her father would have such thoughts.
He wanted to have another child, a son who could inherit the family business and carry on the family name.
Sometimes, Lin Tiao couldn’t understand. Wasn’t she also a continuation of their bloodline? Why did some things have to be done by a boy?
But this question would never have an answer.
After sending out the group messages, Lin Tiao opened WeChat and sent Jiang Yan a message:
"Happy New Year."
He quickly replied, but it was Guo Che sending the message on his behalf:
"Haha, sister, Happy New Year. This is Guo Che."
There was also a photo attached.
Jiang Yan was wearing a royal blue sweater, which made his skin look incredibly white. He was looking down, with his neck creating a beautiful line. He was standing by the table, holding a dumpling wrapper, and there were many dumplings already made on the table.
Behind him was the kitchen, with big red "Fu" (good luck) characters pasted on the sliding doors.
It gave off a very strong, homely atmosphere.
Lin Tiao smiled slightly, tapping on her keyboard:
"Happy New Year, Brother."
"Jiang Yan and my mom are busy, he’s even more favored by my mom than I am, unexpectedly. jpg."
"Also more liked by young girls."
Lin Tiao chuckled and casually chatted with him on WeChat. After a while, he suddenly called her with a voice message.
Lin Tiao was momentarily stunned, then answered the call with a tentative tone, "Guo Che?"
There was an unexpected laugh from the earpiece, followed by Jiang Yan's familiar, indifferent voice, "I’m also older than you, why don’t you call me 'bro'?"
After saying that, Lin Tiao could still hear Guo Che calling out beside him, "Why are you so petty? What’s wrong with her calling me 'bro'?"
These two were both so childish.
Not hearing her response, Jiang Yan moved the phone to look at it, then shoved Guo Che's head away from the screen. "Hmm, why aren't you saying anything?"
Lin Tiao sat up, crossed her legs, pretending to be confused, "What should I say?"
"You tell me, what should you say?"
"If you don't say it, how would I know what I should say?"
Jiang Yan stood by the window, the window also having a red "Fu" character pasted on it. He smiled ambiguously and changed the topic abruptly, "What did you have for breakfast?"
Lin Tiao made a sound of realization and finally remembered to answer, "Tangyuan (sweet rice balls)."
This reminded her of the dumplings she had seen earlier, and she was surprised. "I didn’t expect you could even make dumplings."
"I can do anything."
Lin Tiao smiled even more clearly, "Does your family eat dumplings for the New Year?"
"Yeah, Guo Che’s mom is from the North."
"Is this a North-South difference?"
Xicheng is located south of the Yangtze River, and Lin Tiao knew that there were many significant regional differences between the North and South. For example, the lack of heating in the damp, cold South, which hasn't fully spread.
But this was the first time she learned about such a small detail. "That’s so strange. Why do we always eat tangyuan here for the New Year?"
"Maybe because you think tangyuan tastes better."
"No, I actually prefer eating dumplings."
The "Fu" character on the window had lifted at one corner, and Jiang Yan raised his hand to smooth it down. "If you want dumplings, I’ll save a box for you."
"Okay." Lin Tiao thought he was just joking. "Do you also put coins inside the dumplings?"
He didn’t hear clearly, "Put what?"
"Coins, you know, isn’t it said that the person who finds a coin in their dumpling will have good luck in the new year?"
This was a story Lin Tiao had read on Weibo, where a blogger mentioned families putting coins inside dumplings for the New Year, and whoever finds one would have good luck in the coming year.
Jiang Yan laughed. "Where did you hear such nonsense?"
Lin Tiao was about to say something when she heard some noise on the other side of the phone, as if Jiang Yan was calling for someone. Jiang Yan responded, "I’ll be right there."
She sat on the bed, quietly asking, "Is Auntie calling you? You can go ahead. We’ll talk later."
"Mm." Jiang Yan turned around and saw Guo Che being pulled aside by his mother, his ear being pinched. He smirked, "Happy New Year."
She chuckled softly, "Happy New Year."
After hanging up, Lin Tiao scrolled through her phone again. There wasn't much going on, so she lifted the blanket and lay back down.
By evening, the atmosphere of the New Year grew stronger. The property management in the neighborhood had a warm touch, sending a beautifully crafted couplet to every household.
The community, which had been a blank white earlier in the morning, was now decorated with lights. The buildings stood tall, each home shining with lights. From afar, it looked like a scene of family joy.
The warmth of human life was the best comfort for a mortal heart.
Lin Tiao helped her father put the couplets sent by the property management on the door.
Fang Yisong was in the kitchen preparing the New Year’s Eve dinner.
It had become Fang Yisong’s tradition. Ever since the company moved back to Xicheng, no matter how busy she was, she would always personally cook the New Year’s Eve dinner. Even when Lin Tiao was out traveling, it was no exception.
It had become like an unwritten rule.
It was only at this time that Lin Tiao truly felt the warmth of family.
Fang Yisong was an excellent cook, comparable to many chefs Lin Tiao had encountered outside. Her dishes, especially the ones prepared with care, were a perfect blend of color, aroma, and taste.
At 7 PM, the family of three sat at the table, with the New Year’s Eve Gala playing on the living room TV.
Lin Yongcheng had also heard from Fang Yisong that Lin Tiao had a boyfriend. After asking a few simple questions, he still reminded her, "At your age, it’s not really considered early love anymore. It’s fine to be in a relationship, but there are some things that are off-limits, don’t touch them."
"You’re a girl. Your father doesn’t want you to suffer in the future because of this."
Lin Tiao understood her father's meaning. Since middle school, she had often heard him and her mother repeat these warnings. She nodded and responded, "I know."
"Alright, today is New Year’s. Let’s not talk about that." Fang Yisong quickly shifted the topic, "Let’s eat."
The couple had principles and never discussed work at the dinner table. Most of their conversation centered around Lin Tiao, as if to care for her.
Dinner lasted over two hours, and everyone was full and content.
Fang Yisong stood up to return to her room. When she came back, she was holding a few things.
She sat back down, handed Lin Tiao a red envelope, and said, "This is from your dad and me. We hope you have a peaceful and happy New Year, and that you do well in your studies."
Fang Yisong smiled as she added, "Oh, by the way, I wish you and your little boyfriend a long-lasting relationship this year."
Lin Tiao blushed, took the red envelope, and said, "Thank you, Mom. And thank you, Dad."
Fang Yisong was very particular about rituals like this. Perhaps out of regret and guilt for missing out on Lin Tiao’s childhood, she never held back materially from her.
Lin Tiao could have whatever she wanted, as long as it wasn’t something excessive.
After giving the red envelope, Fang Yisong took out a document and handed it to Lin Tiao, looking at Lin Yongcheng before speaking. "This is from your dad."
Lin Tiao was a bit confused but had a vague idea of what it might be. She reached out and took it.
It was a stock transfer agreement.
Inside were complicated terms, and Lin Tiao didn’t fully understand. She looked at them both in confusion, "What is this?"
"Your dad’s company shares," Fang Yisong explained briefly. "This 5% of the shares is transferred to you, independent of your dad’s and my shares. It’s yours alone. You’re still a minor, so I will arrange for a professional manager to manage this for you. Every year, you’ll receive dividends just like other shareholders. When you turn 18, if you want to learn about these things, I can find someone to teach you. If not, you can focus on what you want to do, and the rest will be handled by someone else."
Lin Tiao, even if not entirely naive, immediately understood that this was Fang Yisong’s attempt to compensate for Lin Yongcheng’s decision, to give her something that truly belonged to her.
Her heart became heavy, and her eyes reddened. "Mom…"
Fang Yisong held her hand. "You don’t need to worry about these things now, or think too much. Just remember, this is from your dad to you, and it’s yours."
Lin Tiao held back tears and whispered, "Okay, I understand."
The once lively dinner table had fallen silent. The laughter coming from the TV felt almost mocking.
Lin Tiao looked at the document in her hand, clenched it, then released it, placing it on the table. Taking a deep breath, she asked, "Mom, is there something you and Dad are hiding from me?"
Both Fang Yisong and Lin Yongcheng were stunned by her question.
She clenched her hands under the table and tried to steady her voice. "Is it about Dad wanting to have a younger brother?"
Seeing their shocked expressions, Lin Tiao seemed to finally breathe a sigh of relief, lowering her gaze. "Actually, I already knew."
"Tiantiao," Lin Yongcheng started to explain, but in that moment, all words felt meaningless.
"A month ago, when I told you I was out, you were arguing in the living room when I was actually at home."
The words pierced her heart like a needle. The wound formed would rot if left untreated, but to heal it, the needle had to be removed first.
"I heard everything you said." Lin Tiao clenched her fingers, finding a point of support. "I want to know what this is all about."
"Tiantiao," Fang Yisong’s eyes were red.
The story unfolded as Lin Tiao had suspected, but with some differences.
Lin Yongcheng was at the peak of his career, having worked hard for years to reach his current enviable success.
With success in business, a lovely wife by his side, and admiration from all around, everyone praised him in the industry. But there was still mention of how a son was needed to inherit the family business, which was only then considered perfect.
Years ago, Lin Yongcheng didn’t care much about these remarks. But as his company grew larger and began to dominate the real estate market in Xicheng, he found it hard to let go of something so precious.
For someone like Lin Yongcheng, who had built his empire from scratch, it wasn’t easy to hand over his hard-earned success to someone with no blood relation.
Additionally, when Lin Yongcheng’s mother was on her deathbed many years ago, she had expressed a wish that the Lin family legacy wouldn’t end with him.
Once this thought took root, it was hard to extinguish. However, when Fang Yisong had complications during childbirth, the doctor had warned that she might not be able to bear another child, and even if she did, it would be dangerous. So, after having Lin Tiao, they decided not to have any more children.
Although their views had changed over time, Lin Yongcheng could not let Fang Yisong risk her life again for another pregnancy. So, he secretly arranged for a surrogate without telling her.
Lin Yongcheng had planned to wait until everything was settled before telling Fang Yisong, but she found out through her own channels, and the truth came out.
After much arguing, they both made compromises and agreed to go through IVF and then find a surrogate mother.
As compensation, Lin Yongcheng transferred 5% of his shares to Lin Tiao. Furthermore, Fang Yisong had him sign an official agreement, stating that no matter what happened in the future, the Lin family business would never belong solely to that child.
The truth was as complicated as Lin Tiao had imagined, though somewhat different. She had previously thought that Lin Yongcheng had been unfaithful to Fang Yisong and had done something wrong.
But now, it seemed it wasn’t quite that simple. However, if Fang Yisong hadn’t discovered the surrogate plan, Lin Yongcheng would have had a child with another woman.
Though it wasn’t the traditional definition of cheating, what Lin Yongcheng did was wrong.
But now, regardless of how things had come to this point, Fang Yisong had accepted his decision, and she only recognized Lin Tiao as her daughter.
Lin Tiao found it hard to imagine how her proud mother had struggled before accepting this decision, accepting that a child, who should have come into the world under expectations, arrived under such indescribable circumstances.
It was at this moment that Lin Tiao finally realized that her mother loved her even more than she had imagined.
Although she found the truth hard to believe, the outcome was something she could accept.
The truth about the situation becomes clear, and although Lin Tiao finds it hard to believe, she is ultimately able to accept the outcome. After reflecting deeply, she asks her father, Lin Yongcheng, a question: "Dad, can you promise to love Mom forever?"
Lin Yongcheng reassures her, "Of course, I will always love your mother," as he looks at her with wrinkles forming at the corners of his eyes. "I will also always love you."
Lin Tiao, however, realizes that it doesn’t matter whether her father truly loves her. She quietly thinks that, if he truly loved her, he might not have considered there to be any difference between a daughter and a son. But she chooses not to dwell on this; what matters is that her father will continue to love her mother, Fang Yisong, and treat her well. That is the most important thing.
After a long dinner and a thorough discussion in the family, everything that needed to be said has been said, and Lin Tiao’s inner turmoil, which had been building for more than a month, is now more peaceful than ever. Perhaps this is the best result.
Lin Yongcheng and Fang Yisong are cleaning the kitchen while Lin Tiao sits in the living room, eagerly awaiting a show. Once they’re done, the family sits together to watch the Spring Festival Gala, and for a moment, it feels warm and cozy.
As it nears 11:30 PM, the landline rings. Fang Yisong answers, and within half a minute, she turns to Lin Tiao and says, "Tiao Tiao, Meng Xin’s calling for you."
Lin Tiao is puzzled and goes to pick up the phone. "Is Meng Xin looking for me?" she asks, confused.
On the other end, Meng Xin’s voice is full of laughter. "Who said I was looking for you? It’s your Jiang Da Ge who couldn’t find you, so he called me."
Lin Tiao suddenly remembers that she left her phone in her room during dinner. After hurriedly hanging up with Meng Xin, she heads back to her room. Her phone is flooded with messages and missed calls. She doesn’t bother with the messages and directly calls Jiang Yan back.
The phone picks up quickly. "Were you just busy?" he asks.
"I was eating with my parents and talking for a while. I didn’t have my phone with me."
There’s a brief pause on the line, and Lin Tiao hears Jiang Yan sigh. "Sorry, was there something urgent you needed?"
"No, it’s nothing," he replies, making Lin Tiao breathe a sigh of relief.
"I just brought you some dumplings," he adds, his tone soft.
Lin Tiao is completely stunned and speechless for a moment.
"I’m downstairs at your place. When will you come down?" he asks, his voice muffled as he seems to shiver. "Ugh, I’m freezing down here."
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