Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 330 Scheming Against the Silly Pillar

In less than a minute, Xu Damao snapped out of his daze at the "Lin Group." He leaned closer, a fervent, ingratiating smile plastered on his face: "Xiao Yan! No, Young Master Lin! Your business is so big, even a little bit from your own pocket would be enough for your old brother to live on forever! I've been in Hong Kong for almost three years, and besides learning a few broken Cantonese phrases, I'm really good at nothing. You...you have to give your old brother a hand!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yan chuckled softly: "Brother Da Mao, you... what can I say about you? You're hardly a gentleman. To be honest, you're a pretty honest 'scoundrel,' and you never hide your selfishness."

As soon as he said that, Lou Xiao'e's face immediately turned ugly across the table, and Lou Zhenhua and his wife awkwardly looked away. Xu Damao's smile froze on his face, and his face turned bright red.

"Brother Da Mao, don't rush, let me finish what I have to say," Lin Yan said calmly, taking a sip of tea. "I think you're doing a good job."

He glanced around at the surprised faces of the group and explained slowly, "No one is perfect. Selfishness is human nature, and I'm no exception. Your badness is obvious, which makes you seem genuine compared to that sanctimonious 'old man' Yi Zhonghai in the courtyard. Your greatest strength is your ability to 'adapt your approach to people,' knowing exactly how someone is being treated. This skill is perfect for dealing with all sorts of people in public."

Seeing Xu Damao's expression brighten, he revealed his true plan: "Here's an opportunity. I'll provide the capital, and you and Sister Xiao'e will provide the staff. We'll open a hotel together, under the Lin Group, and you two will run it. All we need now is a good chef to keep things running smoothly."

Lin Yan spoke casually, but Lou Zhenhua and Tan Yali's hearts skipped a beat. They quickly exchanged a glance, both seeing the same shock in each other's eyes. This young master Lin's spending was too extravagant! Such a huge investment as opening a hotel, decided so easily with just a few words. Did he really intend to completely hand it over to Xu Damao and their daughter?

Lou Zhenhua, having weathered many storms, quickly composed himself, recognizing this as a golden opportunity. He hurriedly smiled and replied, "Young Master Lin, speaking of excellent chefs, isn't there a perfect candidate right here? Miss Yuling's superb culinary skills are probably unmatched in all of Hong Kong, aren't they?"

His words carried a hint of flattery, but were also sincere. The taste of the dishes from that meal was still lingering on his tongue.

Without a second thought, Lin Yan waved his hand with a smile, his tone gentle but his meaning uncompromising: "Uncle Lou, please don't worry about that. Yuling is only responsible for my three meals a day, and I can't bear to let her go out and cook in the smoky heat. You should find someone else."

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward for a moment. At this moment, Tanya Li seemed to suddenly remember something and hesitantly interjected, "Actually... I do have someone in mind, their skills are undeniable, but... sigh, they're not in Hong Kong. Given the current situation, I'm afraid we can't invite them. Never mind..." As she spoke, she shook her head.

"Mom!" Lou Xiao'e's curiosity was piqued. She tugged at her mother's arm and shook it gently. "You're only telling me half! Aren't you just making me anxious? Who is it? Tell me quickly!"

Tan Yali, unable to resist her daughter's persistent pestering, glanced at Lin Yan and Xu Damao before saying uncertainly, "Actually, you all know this person too."

She paused:

"It's... Sha Zhu, He Yuzhu."

She looked at Lin Yan, trying to explain the value of it: "Wouldn't it be perfect for him to showcase his authentic Tan family cuisine skills if he came to Hong Kong?"

Upon hearing the name "Silly Zhu," Xu Damao nearly jumped out of his chair, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on: "Mom! This won't do! I strongly object! Let that grandson of a fool like Zhu come to Hong Kong to enjoy a life of luxury? I... I can't swallow this!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Yan, Lin Gang, and the others were stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter. Lin Yan laughed so hard he shook his head, pointing at Xu Damao: "Damao, Damao, you're like a firecracker the moment you mention Zhuzi. I think you don't hate him, you cherish him dearly! If you two were in an old opera, a man and a woman, you'd definitely be a bickering but inseparable couple, and Xiao'e wouldn't stand a chance!"

This remark drew another round of laughter, and even Lou Xiao'e laughed so hard she punched Xu Damao.

Lin Yan finished laughing, his expression turned serious, and he said with an undeniable determination, "Alright, objections are overruled. It's settled then, Brother Zhu is the best candidate."

He looked at Lin Gang and gave the order directly: "Lin Gang, get ready. Tomorrow, take Brother Da Mao back to Beijing by boat." Then, turning his gaze to the reluctant Xu Da Mao, he said in a tone that was both teasing and serious: "Brother Da Mao, your task is to safely and completely bring your 'old flame,' Comrade He Yuzhu, to Hong Kong to be the future pillar chef of our hotel!"

Lin Gang poured Xu Damao a cup of tea and casually asked, "By the way, Damao, what was the situation with Brother Zhu before you left the courtyard?"

"What could possibly be wrong with him?" Xu Damao scoffed, counting on his fingers, "He's still that lousy cook at the steel mill, making a measly thirty-seven and a half yuan a month, dirt poor. Ever since Qin Huairu died, he's been like a lost soul. Xiao'e and I, being kind, prepared some good wine and food to cheer him up, but this bastard, if I said anything bad about Qin Huairu, he immediately gets angry!" He got even angrier as he spoke, "What an ingrate!"

He scratched his head: "I don't know if I've found a wife in the last two years, probably not."

Lin Yan gently tapped the table, steer the conversation back to business: "Gangzi, on this trip to Beijing, try to bring Zhuzi's family, especially Yushui, along. Don't let him have any worries." He turned to Xu Damao, "Damao, if your parents and sister are willing, bring them along too."

Upon hearing this, Lou Zhenhua's face showed worry, and he unconsciously leaned forward: "Young Master Lin, things are very tense on the mainland right now. Isn't it... too risky to bring so many people out at once?"

"Uncle Lou, don't worry," Lin Yan said calmly, yet with an undeniable confidence. "Our Lin family has some connections in the mainland and some relationships with high-ranking officials. Ordinary people won't make things difficult for us." He turned his gaze to Xu Damao and specifically instructed, "But Damao, when you go back and see Brother Zhu, you have to go along with him. Tell him that Yushui can go to university here, and as long as she gets accepted, studying abroad won't be a problem."

He raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a sly smile: "If he's not married yet, just tell him there are plenty of good girls in Hong Kong, and we'll help him find one. That'll definitely tempt him."

"Hey! That hits the nail on the head!" Xu Damao slapped his thigh, as if he had found a kindred spirit. "That bastard is a lecherous old man! He was completely bewitched by Qin Huairu's face back then!"

As the group chatted and laughed, footsteps sounded at the restaurant entrance. Everyone looked up and saw Lin Yi and Lin Er carrying briefcases, walking in one after the other. Both were impeccably dressed and had an air of sophistication, clearly having just finished get off work.

"Lin Er, you're back just in time." Lin Yan said casually as he saw him come in. "Arrange a boat for tomorrow. Lin Gang is going back to Beijing to pick up a few people."

"Yes, young master." Lin Er immediately bowed and replied.

Lin Yan then turned to the somewhat bewildered Lou family members and Xu Damao, and introduced them with a smile: "Uncle Lou, Aunt Tan, Brother Damao, Sister Xiao'e, let me introduce you. These two are Lin Yi, the current chairman of the Hong Kong Lin Group, and Lin Er, the vice chairman."

Before he could finish speaking, Xu Damao hissed and gasped, his eyes widening as he looked at Lin Yi and Lin Er, then at Lin Yan, his mouth agape, unable to utter a word for a long time. Lou Zhenhua and Tan Yali were also shocked, their faces filled with disbelief—these two figures, who treated Lin Yan with utmost respect, like subordinates, were actually the highest decision-makers controlling the vast Lin family business empire?

Ignoring their shock, Lin Yan continued, "Lin Yi, Lin Er, these are my old neighbors from the courtyard house in Beijing: Xu Damao and Lou Xiao'e. These two are Xiao'e's parents, Mr. Lou Zhenhua and Ms. Tan Yali, who were very famous figures in Beijing back then."

Wang Yuling and Lin Gang had already brought out two mahogany chairs and invited Lin Yi and Lin Er to sit down.

"Have you two eaten yet?" Wang Yuling asked with concern. "I'll go get you some food; it's still warm."

"Sister Yuling, you don't need to trouble yourself," Lin Yi waved her hand gently, "We've already eaten before we came back."

At this moment, the atmosphere at the dinner table became somewhat subtle. Xu Damao and Lou Zhenhua looked at the composed Lin Yan, and then at the Lin Group's helmsman who treated him with utmost respect. This "Young Master Lin's" power and status were far more unfathomable than they had imagined.