CH 071

TL: Moonlit

While Father Wan and Mother Wan went to change their clothes, Wan Li Shuang blinked at Lin Hanchuan and asked, “So, what do you think? Aren’t they nice?”

“They are indeed very nice,” Lin Hanchuan replied.

He had never felt such pure love and tenderness from any of his parents before, and they made Lin Hanchuan understand why Wan Li Shuang, despite being isolated by Zhou Yuntang, could still hold his head high and persist for over a decade.

Even though Wan Li Shuang’s parents weren’t always around, they expressed their love and made him feel confident. He knew he wasn’t an ordinary child who could be bullied, as he had parents who loved and trusted him unconditionally.

“My dad taught me when I was young to cherish everything I have. He rarely gave me expensive toys but often took me to play at free places like amusement parks in shopping malls, playing with mud in the park, climbing trees, and catching fish in the mountains…” Wan Li Shuang spoke with a smile, reminiscing about his childhood.

Lin Hanchuan listened attentively and noticed a rare innocence and openness in Wan Li Shuang that is not often seen in wealthy young masters. He didn’t take advantage of his privilege to bully others, nor did he frequently ask his parents for help over trivial matters. He lived his life on campus and ate in the cafeteria just like any regular student. However, when he encountered serious issues, he would calmly call his mother for assistance.

Despite his privileged status, he didn’t use his power to oppress others, and when his parents were absent for long periods, he didn’t become angry or throw tantrums like most ordinary children would. Instead, he showed a great understanding of the responsibilities and burdens his parents carried.

Such a child was naturally endearing, and he was far better than Zhou Yuntang in countless ways.

Unaware of Lin Hanchuan’s high opinion of himself, Wan Li Shuang smiled and said, “In the future, you can treat my parents as your own. Although they aren’t always around, having someone behind you and no one is a big difference.”

Lin Hanchuan’s heart warmed, and he reached out to pat Wan Li Shuang’s head. However, at that moment, Wan Li Shuang’s parents came out after changing their clothes, and Wan Li Shuang turned his head abruptly. Inadvertently, Lin Hanchuan’s fingertips brushed against his warm and smooth skin.

Both of them froze for a moment.

The touch of the rough fingertips against his cheek left a faintly painful sensation. Wan Li Shuang’s face involuntarily turned red, and he stammered, “Wh-why are you touching me?”

Like a startled wild fox, he was on edge.

Lin Hanchuan flicked his fingertips and asked with a teasing tone, “Can’t I touch you?”

With a touch of playfulness in his voice, Wan Li Shuang’s face grew even redder. He stuttered for a while and finally managed to say, “It’s not that you can’t… just, give a warning before touching next time.”

Father Wan changed into soft and casual clothes, looking much younger. Wan Li Shuang resembled him by about seventy to eighty percent. The two of them, with similar appearances, stood together, not looking like father and son but more like brothers.

“So hot?” Father Wan looked at Wan Li Shuang’s flushed face and touched his forehead with the back of his hand.

“Just a little bit.” Wan Li Shuang replied without blinking, then he stole a glance at Lin Hanchuan, and his face became even hotter.

Both being men, why touch each other’s faces? Wan Li Shuang found it strange yet oddly delighted. He felt somewhat resentful but also weirdly happy.

Father Wan adjusted the air conditioner to 22 degrees and asked Lin Hanchuan gently, “Xiao Jiang, I heard that your academic performance is excellent. Where are you planning to attend college?”

Here it comes, the inevitable question when adults chat. Wan Li Shuang felt embarrassed on Lin Hanchuan’s behalf and was about to intervene in the strange interrogation from the elderly when Lin Hanchuan answered.

“Aerospace School in this city.”

Father Wan’s eyes lit up. The Aerospace School in this city was the best in the country and also his alma mater. “Do you have a preferred major?”

“Aerospace Vehicle Design.”

Father Wan asked a few more questions, and Lin Hanchuan answered confidently. Seeing this, Father Wan’s favorable impression of him increased even more. “The aerospace industry is the most romantic profession.”

Wan Li Shuang was shocked. His own academic performance was poor, and he was still uncertain about his future. He didn’t have many considerations. However, Lin Hanchuan had already thought about his future employment. “You want to go to space?”

“I want to explore the universe,” Lin Hanchuan corrected.

Before encountering Zhou Yuntang, the original host, Jiang Tian, had dreamed of exploring the universe. Whenever his father drank alcohol and became violent, he would hide somewhere, as a young child without a phone or entertainment, he could only idle away the time by looking at the sky and counting the stars.

The vast and boundless universe was dotted with countless brilliant stars, which had traveled billions of light-years to gently envelop him. Unconsciously, Jiang Tian developed this dream.

He wanted to count how many stars were in the sky and find out what was on those stars. Were they covered in diamonds, which made them shine in the darkness?

However, his dream came to an abrupt end after encountering Zhou Yuntang.

He followed Zhou Yuntang to an ordinary school, and Eldest Brother Zhou also bought a house nearby. The three of them lived together, and occasionally other members of the Zhou family would visit.

Jiang Tian’s energy was entirely focused on pleasing Zhou Yuntang, but Zhou Yuntang had several elder brothers who doted on him. Especially the eldest brother, who was always around Zhou Yuntang.

Jiang Tian even once stumbled upon them embracing and kissing each other on the lips. He made a scene, but Zhou Yuntang accused him of lacking brotherly affection, not understanding how brothers should interact, and being too small-minded.

They quarreled for a long time until Jiang Tian finally accepted the existence of Zhou Yuntang’s eldest brother and reconciled with him.

Even so, whenever the so-called couple acted affectionately, the eldest brother would mysteriously interrupt their interaction. He guarded Zhou Yuntang as if he was guarding against thieves, making sure Zhou Yuntang’s true boyfriend wouldn’t get too close.

“I think I’ve asked too many questions.” Father Wan saw that Lin Hanchuan didn’t look comfortable and smiled as he spoke, “Then I won’t disturb you two anymore. Take some rest, and I’ll call you for dinner.”

As he was about to leave, Lin Hanchuan stopped him, “Uncle Meng, I have an idea.”

After that, Wan Li Shuang couldn’t comprehend what happened next. He only vaguely knew that Lin Hanchuan seemed to have designed something and wanted to sell it to Father Wan…

My dad might appear gentle, but he’s never careless about work-related matters. How could he just buy something made by a student? Wan Li Shuang’s mouth twitched.

Until he fell asleep in a daze, the two conversing individuals showed no signs of stopping.

Upon waking up, only Lin Hanchuan remained on the sofa, and Father Wan had already disappeared. Wan Li Shuang rubbed his eyes and asked softly, “How did your conversation go?”

“Pretty good.” Lin Hanchuan showed the documents in his hand, “We signed a contract.”

During this period, Lin Hanchuan had taught himself some software programming skills. He noticed that Wan Li Shuang often complained about his phone overheating while playing games. Many phones’ built-in programs couldn’t handle high-intensity tasks. So, Lin Hanchuan decided to try writing a program himself.

When he encountered difficulties while writing the program, he sought advice from 001, the best teacher in the world, and with his help, the program was quickly completed.

During their conversation, when Lin Hanchuan learned that Father Wan was in the technology industry, he mentioned this project. He thought they might have it reviewed by professionals, but surprisingly, Father Wan just took a look and immediately agreed to purchase it.

“…Impressive.” Wan Li Shuang was at a loss for words.

Listening to the entire process left Wan Li Shuang greatly dismayed. He realized that his IQ might be no match for Lin Hanchuan’s.

Feeling moody, Wan Li Shuang’s emotions persisted until dinnertime. Lin Hanchuan wasn’t sure what was wrong with him and became a little concerned. However, Father Wan was quite relaxed, “Don’t worry about him. He’s just a bit emotional; he’ll adjust himself soon.”

Observing the thoroughly disheartened expression of Wan Li Shuang, Lin Hanchuan had to suppress his laughter and averted his gaze.

If he really was Ran Xing and Qi Yuyu, he would indeed be a much livelier person in this world.

As Wan Li Shuang ate, he suddenly slapped the table and, amidst the surprised looks of the others, solemnly announced, “I want to be admitted to B University in this city! Study management and take over the family business in the future!”

Wan Li Shuang had a change of heart. Since Lin Hanchuan had a clear plan and ambitious goals for the future, he couldn’t continue to be so aimless! Many friends gradually grew apart because they couldn’t keep up with each other’s footsteps after graduation, and their lives lost their overlapping circles.

He didn’t want to be separated from Lin Hanchuan, no matter what. So he decided to rise and work hard. Since Lin Hanchuan wanted to be a pure scientist, he would be the most generous sponsor, ensuring that Lin Hanchuan would have sufficient funds for any research without being suppressed by factions like his father in the past, which ultimately led him to leave his beloved aerospace industry.

The others might not know what was going on in Wan Li Shuang’s heart, but Father Wan and Mother Wan were pleased to see him finally determined to strive for a goal. “Well done.”

Mother Wan also praised and casually picked up a dish to serve Wan Li Shuang.

Lin Hanchuan thought for a moment and finally decided to share something he had been wanting to say: “Aunt Wan, when I was at Zhou’s house, I overheard them planning something against Wan’s family. It’s a trap they’ve been setting up for the past two years, and once Wan’s family steps into it, they will face unimaginable disaster.”

The revelation left everyone present stunned. Mother Wan quickly recalled all the major projects she had handled over the past two years and said, “Thank you, Xiaojian.”

In a matter of life and death like this, it was better to believe it rather than doubt it. She trusted that Lin Hanchuan wouldn’t lie to her, and even if the information turned out to be false, it would likely be because he had heard a rumor.