Chapter 505: Chapter 503: Is This the Room You’ve Been Living in Since Childhood?

By dinnertime, Lin Xi’s lips had returned to normal. She wore a red dress, its hem dancing lightly with her movements, and her smile was brimming with sweetness and bliss. Lin Yinxue beamed as she gestured for Lin Xi to take her seat.

Almost everyone present was sharp-witted and experienced. They naturally understood what had transpired and tactfully refrained from saying anything.

Just because others didn’t say anything, however, didn’t mean Lin Xi wasn’t shy. Her pretty face was flushed red, and her eyes fluttered, looking irresistibly enticing. When she saw Xue Yang enter the dining room, her face turned an even deeper shade of red. She shot him a pouty glance before lowering her head, refusing to look at anyone.

It’s all his fault. I’m too embarrassed to even face people.

Xue Yang, now changed into a comfortable white T-shirt, glanced at Lin Xi with a flicker in his eyes. He was accompanied by his parents, Xue Yuanqing and Zhong Hailan. They had already been stunned by the day’s engagement ceremony, and now, upon entering the luxurious Lin Family Villa, they were left speechless with awe. They all tried their best to maintain their composure, determined not to embarrass their son.

Seeing the family of three arrive, Lin Yinxue smiled warmly and showed them to their seats.

Xue Yang averted his gaze and casually sat down next to Lin Xi. Then, he discreetly scanned the room.

I originally thought a family like theirs would be vast, with a complex web of relationships. But seeing them now, I realize their family is actually very simple.

Lin Zhenhai was still in his study for an important meeting and hadn’t joined them yet. The others present were Lin Yinxue, her American husband, Lin Zhenhai’s paternal cousin Lin Zhenyang, his wife Guo Xinyou, and their two children, Lin Xiang and Lin Hui. Both were boys who looked to be in middle school, and they sat politely in their seats.

Upon seeing Xue Yang, they both obediently called out, "Brother-in-law."

Their eyes hold none of the stereotypical disdain the wealthy supposedly have for commoners.

Xue Yang’s impression of them improved immensely.

The entire direct lineage of the Lin Family numbers just eight people. That isn’t a small number for an average family, but for the Lin Corporation, they’re like a breath of fresh air among the wealthy elite.

He also noticed that even on such an important day, Lin Xi’s mother was nowhere to be seen. There seemed to be an unspoken agreement among everyone not to mention her. Being tactful, Xue Yang didn’t inquire about it.

I’ll just wait for the day Xiao Xi is willing to talk about it herself.

Just as he was thinking this, Lin Zhenhai came down from the second floor. "Brother Xue," he laughed heartily as he descended the stairs, "my apologies. A meeting ran long, so please don’t mind my tardiness. Ah, my dear in-laws! As an apology, I’ll start with a drink."

As he spoke, he arrived at the dining table, picked up a wine glass, and downed it in one go.

Xue Yuanqing and Zhong Hailan quickly stood up, raising their glasses as well. "Zhenhai, please, you’re being too formal. We only just arrived ourselves. We’re the ones who should be thanking you. The engagement ceremony today was magnificent. Thank you all for your hard work." After speaking, Xue Yuanqing also drained his glass.

"Yes, thank you, everyone, for all your hard work," Zhong Hailan echoed, finishing the wine in her glass as well. After sitting down, she hesitated, wondering if she should refill her glass.

Seeing this, Lin Yinxue reached out and gently covered Zhong Hailan’s glass. "Hailan, let the men have their drinks. We women can have our own chat."

Lin Xi hadn’t intended to speak, but she suddenly felt a strange sensation creeping up her calf. She quietly glanced up at Xue Yang. He acted as if nothing was wrong, calmly picking up a piece of snowflake beef with his fork and savoring it.

It’s as if he isn’t the one causing trouble under the table right now.

Lin Xi blinked, wanting to ask what he was up to. But Xue Yang merely looked up, gave her a small smile, and went back to eating. He occasionally joined the conversation with her father and the other men, chatting and laughing with an air of leisurely self-contentment.

It seems he’s completely accustomed to occasions like this.

Lin Zhenyang also joined their conversation from time to time, and in the process, his estimation of Xue Yang rose even higher.

Despite his youth, when he discusses business, he sounds far more experienced than someone in his early twenties. In fact, his insights are even more brilliant than my own. Compared to Lin Zhenhai’s business acumen, mine pales in comparison, but as a Lin family member, my instincts are still sharper than most. After hearing what Xue Yang had to say, I’m even more convinced of my elder brother’s decision. No wonder everyone agreed to his engagement with Xiao Xi.

He recalled asking Lin Yinxue about it before. She had told him that Xue Yang’s family was simple and his parents were known for being honest people. And while there might be one or two "problematic" relatives, the family always presented a united front to outsiders.

Now, adding his business acumen to the mix, I completely understand. If I had a daughter who found a boyfriend like Xue Yang, I’d also approve of their relationship in a heartbeat.

In the end, the family dinner was a joyous affair where everyone had a wonderful time. It was a rare opportunity for Lin Zhenhai and Xue Yuanqing to get together, and after a few drinks, they began to have a real heart-to-heart. The four women—Lin Xi, Zhong Hailan, Lin Yinxue, and her aunt, Guo Xinyou—chatted amongst themselves about everyday matters.

The two boys, Lin Xiang and Lin Hui, were quieter, but Xue Yang occasionally made time to chat with them about their schoolwork.

Unlike Lin Xi, who disliked studying, these two were practically bookworms. When they found out how well Xue Yang did in school, they kept asking him about problems they were struggling with, and he answered every single one of their questions. Because of this, the two brothers’ opinion of Xue Yang improved even more. When they let slip some comments about video games, Xue Yang was able to converse fluently about that topic too.

His image in our eyes is soaring! This new brother-in-law is our idol!

After dinner, everyone sat in the Lin Family Villa’s courtyard for tea. When it grew late, Lin Yinxue showed Xue Yuanqing and his wife to a guest room. Xue Yang’s room, however, was arranged right next to Lin Xi’s.

"You’re only engaged, not married," Lin Yinxue had said. "Strictly speaking, you can’t sleep together yet." But she didn’t press the issue and simply left after making her point.

She left Xue Yang and Lin Xi standing there, somewhat at a loss for words.

My aunt is really something else. If we aren’t supposed to stay together, she should have just put his room farther away. By putting him next door, isn’t she afraid I’ll sneak into his bed in the middle of the night? Eh?

Lin Xi’s eyes suddenly lit up.

Sneaking into his bed... That actually sounds like a great idea.

"I’m tired, so I’m heading to my room now," she murmured softly, before fleeing to her room as if escaping and shutting the door behind her.