Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Since reconciling with Old Master Zhuang, the old man's affection came flooding in.

The frequent visits seemed like an attempt to make up for years apart, and a mountain of gifts seemed meant to compensate for all the love he couldn't show over the years.

Gradually, the house became piled high with gifts from Grandpa, not only for Li Yanchuan but also for Song Nian.

Additionally, seeing how much Xiao Chen loved Rookie and considering that they had no time to care for it, Song Nian discussed with Li Yanchuan and decided to let Xiao Chen adopt Rookie.

The pampered Rookie became the darling of two households, sometimes staying with Song Nian for a few nights, eating its fill, then heading back to its little master to live the high life.

Besides Rookie, Song Nian was surprised to discover that Xiao Chen had also grown really fond of Li Yanchuan.

Strictly speaking, Li Yanchuan wasn’t the type of face that would appeal to children—he always wore a cold expression and looked quite intimidating.

But Xiao Chen wasn’t afraid at all; instead, he loved to stick to him like glue, trailing after him and calling "Big Brother" in a soft voice.

Xiao Chen was naturally a sweet, gentle kid once he warmed up, but when he first returned to the country, facing a completely unfamiliar environment, he had become withdrawn and quiet.

Although he didn’t like children, Li Yanchuan seemed quite tolerant of this much younger brother, always patiently taking care of his little shadow.

Every time Song Nian saw the two brothers together, he couldn’t help but marvel at the power of the original novel.

In the original novel, Xiao Chen would occasionally think of this brother he had never met, feeling a natural closeness, and had even visited his grave several times.

Then one day, Old Zhuang hinted that two more people from the Zhuang family wanted to see Li Yanchuan.

According to the old man, it was his eldest son, Zhuang Linyan, and his youngest daughter, Zhuang Chengyi—that is, Li Yanchuan’s uncle and aunt.

After learning that he had been found, the two immediately dropped everything and flew back home.

After getting their okay, they set the meeting for two days later at Li Yanchuan and Song Nian's place.

Song Nian bolted upright at that, wondering if this was the legendary big family gathering.

He'd barely ever had dinner with his own parents, let alone a big important family meal like this. Li Yanchuan didn’t react much, but Song Nian was both nervous and excited, and he and Aunt Wang threw everything into the preparations.

For the next two days, the fridge at home was especially packed, the kitchen especially lively, and even Li Yanchuan got bossed around by Song Nian into shelling peas.

At six o’clock that evening, the doorbell rang, and five guests arrived on time.

As soon as they entered, Rookie dashed over to Song Nian, wagging its tail like crazy, while Xiao Chen ran straight to the brother he'd been longing to see.

The two little guys were in surprisingly perfect sync.

The people standing on either side of Old Master Zhuang must be the uncle and aunt he'd mentioned.

The man was tall, wearing a tailored suit that exuded an elite aura. His expression was deep and stern as he looked their way, but there was no hostility in it.

The woman was bright and lively, with bold makeup and red lips, wearing high heels. She looked so young that it was hard to guess her actual age, and she kept craning her neck, sizing them up.

Old Master Zhuang made the introductions, and they all exchanged hellos.

Zhuang Linyan and Zhuang Chengyi greeted them, but with totally different approaches.

One was reserved, the other warm.

When he saw Li Yanchuan, a flash of light passed through Zhuang Linyan’s deep eyes, but he was extremely restrained. In the end, he just stepped forward, patted Li Yanchuan on the shoulder then gave a firm squeeze.

Song Nian's curious gaze bounced back and forth between them, and he suddenly realized the saying "a nephew takes after his uncle" was no joke.

They really did look a bit alike—not just in facial features, but also in temperament.

Both being reserved, after greeting each other, the uncle and nephew just stared at each other awkwardly, at a loss for words.

Unlike her brother, Zhuang Chengyi excitedly rushed forward and gave Li Yanchuan a big hug.

Clearly unused to such enthusiasm, Song Nian could clearly see Li Yanchuan's discomfort. It was the first time he'd ever seen him like that, and he couldn't help covering his mouth to stifle a laugh.

And the very next second, the bear hug landed on HIM.

"So you're little Song Nian! Thank you for always being there for Yan Chuan."

Zhuang Chengyi laughed heartily and squeezed him tight.

He could barely breathe from the embrace, and now Song Nian was the one at a loss.

He went completely stiff, shooting a pleading look for help.

Li Yanchuan let out a quiet chuckle, and together with the uncle, they stepped forward to separate the two.

Song Nian, dazed, plopped down onto Li Yanchuan's lap, turned his head in a daze, glanced at Zhuang Chengyi, and then dropped his gaze to the man's chest.

This one's better, he thought to himself.

He went limp with a soft thud, leaning against the man's firm chest, even nuzzling into it.

Laughing and chatting, everyone filed inside and settled in.

The living room, now full of people, no longer felt empty; it was filled with laughter and chatter.

Xiao Chen held Rookie, while Old Master Zhuang and the others sat on the sofa chatting with the two of them, the conversation flowing easily all around.

In the gaps between conversations, Song Nian kept his hand covertly over Li Yanchuan's, gently holding it, as if to silently soothe and encourage him.

Their warmth passed between them.

Although it was technically their first meeting, the atmosphere wasn’t awkward. Li Yanchuan couldn't tell if it was the pull of blood family or the comfort of having someone special beside him.

When they moved to the dining room for the meal, their clasped hands finally let go.

Aunt Wang was busy in the kitchen, and Song Nian helped out as a sous-chef.

Seeing this, Zhuang Linyan took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and walked into the kitchen like he'd done it a thousand times.

Watching him handle the kitchen with such skill, Song Nian leaned over and whispered to Li Yanchuan,

"Wow, your uncle can actually cook!"

A guy who looks like a CEO actually knows his way around the kitchen—what a contrast!

Staring at the man's steady, mature back, Li Yanchuan seemed to remember something. He pursed his lips and then said in a low, quiet voice,

"I can learn too."

"Huh? What did you say?" Song Nian turned around, not quite catching what he'd said.

But Li Yanchuan turned his head away, refusing to repeat himself.

The dinner was lively and warm, with everyone enjoying themselves at the table.

At one time, only Song Nian and Li Yanchuan lived in this huge villa. Even though it no longer felt empty, it had never seen such a lively scene full of the lively energy of ordinary life.

It was a completely opposite experience from his time at the Li household.

At the Li family, it wasn't that they never celebrated holidays or had lively dinners, but those gatherings belonged only to the three members of the Li family.

The spotlight belonged to them; the festive atmosphere never extended to him. He often returned to his room alone after finishing his meal.

The sounds of laughter and joy from downstairs reached his ears, but Li Yanchuan did not feel envious, nor did he bother to join in.

But when he truly stepped into this lively scene, he finally realized how precious this warmth was.

Just as he was lost in thought, a fluffy head of hair suddenly leaned close to his ear and whispered:

“Feeling out of place?”

Having been keeping an eye on him all along, Song Nian, worried Li Yanchuan might not be used to such a lively scene, couldn't help asking.

Li Yanchuan turned his head to look. The light from above fell on Song Nian's fluffy hair, spreading through the strands and then softly breaking into his eyes.

The glow radiating from him was as bright as the sun.

The darkness that had overshadowed him was torn apart by the forceful light that broke in, scattering brightness, and then, accompanied by a gentle cloud, floated above him.

Just like any happy family, there were warm meals, caring relatives, and laughter.

Such a scene was something Li Yanchuan had never dared to hope for or even imagine before.

Family affection, sibling bonds, and even a love that came to him without asking…

Each was a novel and warm experience, and together they were essentially what people often call happiness.

Without Song Nian, he might have nothing and would be left to wallow in deep hatred.

Completely alone.

But fortunately, on a stormy night of wind and snow, someone walked in, bringing warm sunlight to tear through the cold.

Song Nian was such a likable person. Not only did he have a gentle, non-threatening face, but his personality was also gentle and kind—as if he had all the best qualities in the world.

Anyone who ever met him couldn't help but like him.

Turning to look, Li Yanchuan's gaze was full of that one person.

His features were soft, his love deep.

He didn't reply. Instead, he reached out, took Song Nian's hand, and gently squeezed it in return.

They let go, but then clasped hands again under the table.

————

After dinner, Song Nian and Zhuang Chengyi sat on the sofa playing with Xiao Chen.

Li Yanchuan was about to go over, but Old Master Zhuang suddenly tapped his shoulder.

Turning back, he saw that the old man's usually kind and benevolent face suddenly took on a serious expression:

“Yan Chuan, can we go to the study? There's something we'd like to talk about in private.”

As he said this, Zhuang Linyan approached; clearly, he was part of this too.

Sensing it was something important, Li Yanchuan nodded and led the two upstairs to the study.

As soon as the three entered the room, at Old Zhuang's signal, Zhuang Linyan turned and locked the door.

Seeing this, Li Yanchuan narrowed his eyes slightly.

And the next second, what Old Zhuang took out left him stunned in place.

In the folder he handed over was the equity transfer document for the Li Group.

However, the recipient was neither Old Zhuang nor Li Yanchuan.

It was Li Yi.

“How... how do you have this?”

Realizing there was something wrong with this transfer document, Li Yanchuan was incredulous.

“I only uncovered this document later through investigation.”

Old Zhuang said slowly.

“I knew you would find this useful, so I've been waiting for the right time to hand it over.”

All three of them knew exactly when this would come in handy.

The moment their eyes met, Li Yanchuan understood what the old man meant.

The only place where this equity would be useful was the shareholders' meeting.

As long as there was a high enough proportion, they could force Li Yi and Li Wenguang out of the management team.

“The Li Group originally had a portion belonging to Zhuang Yan and you. Li Yi has no right to embezzle what's rightfully yours.”

At the mention of that scumbag, Old Zhuang's expression hardened, his aged face full of resentment.

That bastard clearly planned to take advantage of his poor health and push him out of the Li Group completely. Since that was the case, they would make sure he didn't get his way.

“Yan Chuan, I know what you're thinking. Go ahead and do it; your grandfather will back you up.”

“Yes, we will all help you.”

Zhuang Linyan chimed in.

He already liked this nephew very much, and moreover, since he was committed to never marrying and had no children, he was even more willing to treat him like his own child.

“Over the years, we've gathered a lot of information about Li Yi's dealings. You should find it useful.”

As he said this, he handed over another sealed document bag.

Inside were all the hard-to-find shady deals Li Yi had been involved in over the years.

Although he had already collected many useful materials with the help of his good friend Qi Ze, this additional support was still a huge help, making the original plan twice as effective with half the effort.

The documents in his hands felt weighty with significance. For the first time, apart from his friend, Li Yanchuan felt support and help from his family.

It was a feeling of fullness and wonder.

It was as if a crowd of people stood behind him, acting as a shield, passing on strength and support.