Chapter 372: Guilt - Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten

Chapter 372: Guilt The team split into two directions. Jiang Jingshi went to address internal company issues, while Lin Zhengran headed off with Han Wenwen to meet her uncle and aunt. However, as they parted at the elevator entrance, Han Wenwen waited inside for the doors to close, casting a teasing glance at Lin Zhengran beside her in the confined space. "Did big brother Zhengran get pampered by sister Jiang again?" she asked with deliberate jealousy. Lin Zhengran responded by playfully flicking her forehead. "Ouch," she yelped. He chuckled helplessly. "Your eyes really catch everything." Her eyes glistened with mock jealousy until Lin Zhengran gently tousled her hair, pacifying her envy somewhat. She then mentioned, "Later, I'll serve big brother Zhengran too~ I'm the secretary, after all; it's my duty." Lin Zhengran grinned, musing about his purpose at the company that day as they reached the VIP room and opened the door. As they entered, Han Wenwen's uncle and aunt quickly stood up, looking both anxious and awed at the young man who had recently been to the south. They had always thought he was just an ordinary college student. Their expressions were a mix of disbelief and respect as they realized the high status and achievements of Han Wenwen's boyfriend, far beyond what ordinary people like them could imagine. Han Wenwen spoke with a hint of professional poise, "Uncle, Aunt, big brother Zhengran is here." Lin Zhengran greeted them politely, "Uncle, Aunt, nice to see you again. Wenwen mentioned you’re here for business?" The couple exchanged a glance. The uncle extended his hand, "Mr. Lin... it’s kind of you to meet us." Lin Zhengran, modest as always, responded, "Please, just call me Lin Zhengran or Zhengran." Although Han Wenwen’s uncle was essentially unfamiliar with Lin Zhengran, sensing some guilt towards Wenwen for not being able to care for her as much after starting his own family, he hesitated, breaking into a sweat before speaking. "Zhengran, we never imagined you were the general manager of such a significant company." Her usually lively aunt now spoke cautiously, adding with a smile, "We were shocked when we heard, given your young age and impressive accomplishments." Seeing their nervousness, Lin Zhengran offered a few courteous words before shifting to discuss the uncle’s small factory. The uncle explained his factory was modest, employing only about twenty people and dealing with small businesses. Recent tough market conditions had left them without orders for half a month. The couple exchanged another look, their thoughts clear despite their reluctance to voice them—the hope that Lin Zhengran could offer a helping hand. Given his company’s scale, even a small gesture would suffice to ease their burden. Yet, being the honest man he was, the uncle couldn’t bring himself to ask directly, his guilt towards Wenwen lingering. Even his usually decisive wife seemed subdued, her fingers fidgeting silently. Han Wenwen perceived their unspoken distress and Lin Zhengran’s subtle hint for her to speak up. He certainly could, but believed it was better if Wenwen handled it. Thus, Han Wenwen asked, "Big brother Zhengran... perhaps you could help my uncle and aunt? Sister Pan just mentioned their products might be of use to our company." Her words filled them with both gratitude and amazement. Lin Zhengran nodded with a smile, "Of course. As Wenwen said, we could use products like your firm's. Do you have samples? If all's well, we might place an order soon." Relief washed over her aunt, who promptly nodded, "Yes, we’ve brought samples! Let me show you." Rushing to retrieve them from their bag, Lin Zhengran briefly examined the samples and offered some feedback. "This small area could be improved. If you adjust it like this, I think we can proceed with a collaboration." They nodded eagerly, sensing the changes weren’t a big hurdle. "Absolutely, not a problem at all. We’ll make the changes right away." Lin Zhengran smiled, "Great. Once your new sample is ready, coordinate with the procurement department. I’ll have Wenwen inform them to proceed with the contract." Overwhelmed with gratitude, the aunt instinctively extended her hand, "Thank you so much, Mr. Lin!" The uncle echoed, "Thank you, Mr. Lin." Having said that, Lin Zhengran didn’t repeat his request for them to address him differently, acknowledging the matter was settled. Meanwhile, Jiang Jingshi was efficiently resolving company issues. As the firm expanded, incidents involving internal factions and kickbacks were neither new nor unforeseen. Jiang Jingshi had discussed such matters before; thus, her solution was swift—proceeding with dismissals as necessary. Soon, everyone gathered at the company entrance. Jiang Jingshi greeted Han Wenwen’s uncle and aunt. At their parting, the couple seemed to have unspoken words for Wenwen. Jiang Jingshi, catching Lin Zhengran’s signal, threw a knowing glance at Pan Lin. Pan Lin feigned urgency, "Mr. Lin, Ms. Jiang, an important meeting has been scheduled. We need to head back immediately." Jiang Jingshi responded, "A meeting? It can wait." The uncle quickly intercepted, "Mr. Lin, Ms. Jiang, don't worry about us. We came by car; we’ll leave directly without bothering you." After brief pleasantries, Lin Zhengran said, "Alright, we'll head back. Wenwen, see your uncle and aunt off. Jingshi and I have to go." Han Wenwen nodded, understanding, "I will." The couple, along with Wenwen, watched as Lin Zhengran and the others departed. Without his presence, pressure dissipated for the uncle and aunt, leaving them visibly relieved. Noticing these subtleties, Wenwen calmly advised, "Uncle, Aunt, follow big brother Zhengran’s guidance. Once the product is improved, finalize the contract." Her uncle, seeing a grown and matured Wenwen, finally spoke, "Wenwen... thank you. Without you and Mr. Lin, we wouldn’t know what to do." Wenwen smiled, "Don’t mention it. We’re family, it’s nothing. Get in the car, and drive safely." The uncle did so, while the aunt hesitated at the door, turning back to raise something from the past: "Wenwen, when I left you to marry your uncle, despite explaining my struggles, I know it was unfair. Please don’t resent me," she pleaded, her eyes teary. "I’m truly sorry." The unexpected topic left Wenwen momentarily dazed, yet she responded with a gentle smile, "Aunt, there’s nothing to forgive." Sincerely, she added, "I understand that everyone has their own journey, and as a child, I was a burden. Regardless, I’m grateful for the years you cared for me and the affection you’ve shown. Without you, I wouldn’t be who I am today." Wenwen assured her, "In my heart, we are family." Her aunt, eyes wet, embraced Wenwen with a smile, while her uncle discreetly wiped his tears in the car. As they waved goodbye, Han Wenwen watched until the car disappeared from view, exhaling deeply. She headed back to the company to find big brother Zhengran. (Chapter End)