There are always some schemes and plots in life, but not everything is like that. There is something called fate that connects people.
Since the mission was confirmed, Li Xin had less reason to hang around at the Night Watchmen’s base. After work, Luo Jin and Li Xin went home together. The family had already been notified.
The last time Luo Jin had declined was not intentional but out of habit — he was used to being alone. As soon as they stepped through the door, it was Xueyin who opened it. The little girl sized up Luo Jin, tilting her head slightly. The usually stern and expressionless Night Watchman captain forced a smile, perhaps afraid of scaring the child. Xueyin, however, remained polite and did not judge him by his appearance.
"Uncle Luo, everyone is waiting for you," she said.
Everyone?
A question mark popped up in Luo Jin’s mind.
In the kitchen, two beautiful chefs were busy. Lin Fei and Casey were both wearing casual dresses. Their two pairs of fair legs stood side by side — Lin Fei’s were a cold, porcelain white, while Casey’s were a warm, creamy white. When the two stood together, Lin Fei’s mature charm was particularly evident. Perhaps because the kitchen was a bit hot, her pretty face was tinged with a slight blush.
Casey had cast several envious glances at Lin Fei’s figure and skin. That kind of cold, porcelain white skin was natural. Casey’s figure and skin were already quite good, but the difference between a maiden and a mature woman was still evident.
How could such a meaningful family dinner be complete without the little rich girl?
Li Xin was a loyal guy. Last time, Casey had eagerly volunteered. By chance, she overheard that Luo Jin would be having dinner at Li Xin’s house today and got so excited that it was as if she was meeting her future in-laws. Of course, Casey said she had long wanted to meet Xueyin, and there was no time like the present. Li Xin readily agreed. That afternoon, Casey had already sent over a variety of groceries, bags upon bags, through her attendants.
Judging by the slight sheen of sweat on both women, they had clearly been busy for some time.
“What are you doing here?” Luo Jin asked, feeling a bit overwhelmed. No wonder Casey, who usually never left work early, was suddenly nowhere to be found.
“Boss, it’s after work — personal freedom, right? Fei-jie and I are good friends. Is it okay for you to freeload but not for me?” Casey shot back, completely unafraid of Luo Jin. Talking back to her boss was her daily amusement.
Luo Jin forced a bitter smile and said nothing.
The two men were smart enough not to go into the kitchen and interfere. Instead, they sat in the living room and chatted. Since Xueyin was present, they avoided discussing work.
Before long, a table full of steaming, mouthwatering dishes was served. As someone who often visited the market, Li Xin knew very well how expensive this meal was. Some of the dishes were ones he had never even seen before, meaning they were beyond his reach. The aroma was so enticing that his mouth started to water, and his hand subconsciously reached out toward the plate.
Slap!
Aunt Fei’s eyes narrowed. Hmm… She rarely gave stern looks anymore. In the past, they were somewhat intimidating, but now, even when she glared, there was a bit of homely sensuality in it.
After slapping his hand away, she picked up a piece of food and put it in Li Xin’s mouth. “Go wash your hands.”
Ohhh — delicious!
Luo Jin and Lin Fei had crossed paths a few times due to past events six years ago, but both of them tacitly chose not to mention it.
The most excited ones at the table were Casey and Xueyin. It had been a long time since the house had been this lively.
Though Casey came from a wealthy family, her home never had such a warm atmosphere. The dining table was always too large, the seats too far apart, and everyone had their own agenda. The most important thing was that this was her first time having a family dinner with Luo Jin.
This little home was so warm. Everyone was sitting close together, and for a moment, it felt like they were a real family.
The little rich girl’s spirits soared. Lin Fei had been worried about the atmosphere, but Casey immediately lifted the mood. “Come on, let’s toast to this happy gathering! Let’s drink until we drop tonight!”
Luo Jin glanced at Casey and said firmly, “You’re only allowed one drink.”
Casey’s eyes widened, and she pouted. Lin Fei nudged her with a smile. “Looks like Casey has to take orders even after work. That’s good. Let’s all drink as we like, but in moderation.”
Casey’s cheeks flushed, and she felt Lin Fei’s assistance. As expected, Ah Xin was reliable. Ever since he came along, her relationship with Luo Jin had advanced by leaps and bounds. Every day, her diary was filled with happiness, hopes that she had once given up on but now could dream about again.
Casey only had one drink, but Lin Fei, Li Xin, and Luo Jin drank quite a bit. Casey’s infectious excitement brought a lot of joy to the dinner table, and the atmosphere was lively and pleasant for all.
When it was time to leave, Luo Jin was in charge of taking Casey home. Luo Jin felt it was inappropriate, but Lin Fei sealed the deal with one sentence: “This has nothing to do with drinking or how much you drank. It’s a gentleman’s duty.”
With that, Casey once again felt like she had won a jackpot.
Watching the two of them get into the carriage, Li Xin couldn’t help but sigh. He hoped that after Aunt Fei’s matchmaking efforts, the little rich girl wouldn’t forget about the man who dug the well for her.
After this family dinner, Lin Fei felt relieved. The joyful mood prompted her to have another drink.
She knew very well that life in the city was different from life in the underground. In the underground, being strong and ruthless was enough to survive. But in the city, social class ruled all. Li Xin needed powerful allies to secure his footing.
Lin Fei had experienced the ups and downs of life. Although Luo Jin didn’t say much, his regard for Li Xin was that of a senior to a promising junior.
During dinner, when Lin Fei learned that Li Xin would be leaving the Night Watchmen and entering the Order Academy as a specially recruited student, she breathed a long sigh of relief. Finally, she wouldn’t have to worry every day.
In everyone’s eyes, the Night Watchmen were a high-risk occupation, and in truth, the mortality rate was indeed high. Even for those who survived, spending too long in that kind of environment twisted one’s mental state and lifestyle, making it hard to return to a normal life.
The Order Academy was different — a legitimate institution training the kingdom’s elite. Ever since Chancellor Luther established it, it had swept across Daoyuan Continent. Other nations had tried to emulate it, turning it into a cradle of talent. Graduates could enter various government and military departments, and the most outstanding ones could even earn an audience with the king.
For those from the lower class, it was a ladder to cross social classes and potentially become nobility. Lin Fei, who came from a wealthy family, had a broad perspective. The Order Academy was undoubtedly the best choice for an awakened individual.
Now that Li Xin was finally entering the Order Academy and living a normal life, she was overjoyed. Xueyin, upon hearing the news, bounced around the room excitedly. She didn’t fully understand the implications but knew that entering the Order Academy meant he was among the best of the best.
Everyone was overjoyed.
When Li Xin returned home, he found Aunt Fei still smiling, with the empty wine bottles scattered across the table. It seemed this was the first time he had seen her so relaxed.
“Aunt Fei, are you really that happy?”
“Come here,” Lin Fei said, extending her hand in a commanding manner.
Li Xin obediently walked over. Suddenly, Lin Fei pulled him into her embrace, just like when he was a child.
The child she had picked up had grown up. Li Xin stiffened for a moment but didn’t dare move.
Damn, why is the weather so hot…
(End of Chapter)