Dramatic changes in the movies and TV shows

Chapter 1487 Goes Further

At 7 p.m., Lin Hao's car stopped in front of the Bai Mansion.

Bai Xiongqi personally came out to greet him. He stood on the steps and saw Lin Hao get out of the car, wearing a dark gray suit, a white shirt, and no tie, carrying a gift box in his hand.

"Congratulations, Brother Bai, on your career reaching new heights!" Lin Hao said with a smile as he handed over the gift box.

"General Manager Lin, you're too kind. Please come in!" Bai Xiongqi took the gift box, handed it to the servant behind him, and led Lin Hao inside.

The living room was brightly lit, with a landscape painting hanging above the fireplace, several pots of orchids on the coffee table, and a faint floral fragrance in the air.

Keiko Suzuki emerged from the kitchen, dressed in a kimono and apron, carrying a plate of Japanese appetizers. Upon seeing Lin Hao, she bowed slightly and said in accented Chinese:

"Mr. Lin, welcome, welcome."

"Sister-in-law, you're too kind!" Lin Hao nodded with a smile.

Bai Xiuzhu stood up from the sofa. She was wearing a pale yellow dress, and the pearl brooch gleamed warmly under the light.

"Brother Lin, you're here!" She sat down on the sofa and quickly greeted Lin Hao as he entered.
"Xiuzhu looks beautiful today!" Lin Hao praised with a smile.

"Brother Lin, have some tea!" Bai Xiuzhu's lips curled up slightly upon hearing this. She then picked up the teapot on the coffee table and poured Lin Hao a cup of tea.

"Sit down, sit down!" Bai Xiongqi gestured to Lin Hao, then sat down in the main seat first.

Thinking of his previous nonchalant arrogance and his current submissive demeanor, Bai Xiongqi found it somewhat amusing.

Lin Hao sat down on the sofa, took the tea that Bai Xiuzhu handed him, and took a sip with a smile.

Bai Xiongqi sat in the living room and chatted with Lin Hao for a while longer, when Suzuki Keiko brought up some fruit.

Bai Xiuzhu sat quietly beside them, listening to their conversation, occasionally glancing up at Lin Hao.

"Brother Lin, are you almost done with those things at the Ministry of Finance lately?" Bai Xiongqi asked with a smile.

Lin Hao didn't hide anything, nodding and saying, "The general outline is sorted out; the rest is just a matter of taking it slowly. This can't be rushed."

“That’s true!” Bai Xiongqi nodded and said.

They then discussed the situation in Beiyang, and Bai Xiongqi intentionally or unintentionally steered the conversation towards Jin Quan.

He didn't say it explicitly, but Lin Hao could tell that Bai Xiongqi was testing his attitude towards the Jin family.

Lin Hao chuckled a few times and changed the subject!
He knew perfectly well that Bai Xiongqi's invitation to dinner to celebrate his promotion was just a pretext; the real purpose was to match him with Bai Xiuzhu, and to find out his attitude towards the Jin family.

This person has always had a keen sense of smell in officialdom, and he will align himself with whoever is in power without the slightest hesitation.

Lin Hao glanced at the kimono Suzuki Keiko was wearing, then looked at Bai Xiongqi.

Bai Xiongqi stayed in Japan and married a simple wife, which was not unusual in this era.

But Lin Hao knew in his heart that Bai Xiongqi always left himself a way out. By marrying a woman with a simple life at home, his inclination was obvious. He clearly regarded a simple life as his way out.

No matter how the situation changes, he will be able to attack or defend as needed, and benefit from both sides.

To be honest, he didn't think much of this fence-sitting attitude, especially since it was someone like Xiao Ri Zi who was relying on him, but he didn't show it on his face. It wasn't a big problem because he had everything under control.

So Lin Hao smiled insincerely, accepted the fruit from Suzuki Keiko, and even thanked her.

Not long after, Suzuki Keiko had already set out the dishes, and Bai Xiongqi stood up and said, "Let's go, let's eat and chat!"

Inside the restaurant, a round table was covered with a snow-white tablecloth, and the table was laden with braised pork, steamed sea bass, tempura, miso soup, and several side dishes.

Bai Xiongqi took the main seat, Lin Hao sat to his right, Bai Xiuzhu sat opposite Lin Hao, and Suzuki Keiko sat to the side, arranging wine and dishes.

Bai Xiongqi opened a bottle of whiskey and poured a glass for each of them, while Suzuki Keiko poured Bai Xiuzhu a glass of red wine.

"Come on, Chief of Staff Lin, let's have a toast!" Bai Xiongqi said, raising his glass.

"This toast is twofold: first, to thank you for your care these past few days, and second, to celebrate our even closer cooperation as brothers in the future."

Lin Hao raised his glass and clinked it against his: "Brother Bai, you're too kind. Your promotion is well-deserved!"

The two drank it all in one gulp, and Keiko Suzuki refilled their glasses.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, Bai Xiongqi put down his chopsticks and put on a serious expression.

Bai Xiongqi looked at Lin Hao and said in a calm and unhurried tone:

"Chief of Staff Lin, to be frank, this further advancement is entirely thanks to you!"

"You've turned the tide of the Beiyang warlord era, and now, for the entire Beiyang government, you're second only to the President!"

"From now on, whoever you stand next to will be able to take a step forward. Similarly, if you want to take another step forward, you will want more people to stand next to you."

Lin Hao took a sip of wine, then put down his chopsticks, smiled, and said, "Brother Bai, you're flattering me!"

"This isn't flattery, it's the truth!" Bai Xiongqi said earnestly.
"Look, the tax revenue from the six northern provinces—no, now nine—is all in your hands, and you also decide how the army's pay is paid."

"As the President's right-hand man, the State Council really can't get anything done without your support!"

"Actually, I don't really care about that position!" Lin Hao took a bite of his food and then continued:
"My biggest ideal after returning from abroad is to reduce the suffering of ordinary people and help China return to the top of the world!"

Bai Xiongqi originally wanted to test Lin Hao's plans for the future, but Lin Hao remained silent and unyielding.

The key issue was Lin Hao's reasoning, which left him unsure how to respond.

It seems that if he wants Lin Hao to help him take another step forward, he will have to rely on his younger sister. Bai Xiongqi then glanced at Bai Xiuzhu.

Bai Xiuzhu held her wine glass, listening intently to her brother's conversation with Lin Hao. When she saw her brother looking at her, she immediately glared at him.

Bai Xiongqi withdrew his gaze, followed Lin Hao's words, toasted Lin Hao with a glass of wine, and then changed the subject:

"Brother Lin, the reason I invited you here today is actually for something else, so I won't beat around the bush."

"My younger sister, Xiuzhu, was spoiled since childhood and has quite a temper, but she is not a bad person at heart; in fact, you could say she is simple-minded!"

"Her sister-in-law and I have worried ourselves sick over the years, fearing she wouldn't be able to marry into a good family!"

Bai Xiongqi understood that someone as intelligent as Lin Hao preferred women with simple minds rather than those who were calculating.

Keiko Suzuki nodded in agreement, saying in broken Chinese, "Xiuzhu is very outstanding, but she has high standards and doesn't look up to most people."

Bai Xiongqi stared into Lin Hao's eyes and tentatively asked, "Brother Lin, what do you think of Xiuzhu?"

The question was so direct that Bai Xiuzhu, caught off guard, tightened her grip on the wine glass, feeling as if her heart was about to jump out of her chest.

She didn't look up, her ears burning red, but she didn't directly refute her brother's statement as usual. She was equally curious, looking at Lin Hao with anticipation, wanting to see what he was really thinking.

Lin Hao glanced at Bai Xiuzhu. Bai Xiuzhu felt his adoring gaze, her eyelashes trembled, and she subconsciously lowered her head.

"Xiuzhu is very good!" Lin Hao said calmly. "She's beautiful, talented, has her own opinions, and has a good personality!"

Bai Xiongqi's eyes lit up slightly, and he pressed his advantage: "Then, do you think it's possible?"

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was already clear.

Lin Hao picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and then said in a calm tone:
"Brother Bai, although I have feelings for Xiuzhu, I've heard that Xiuzhu and Jin Yanxi are childhood sweethearts, and also~!"

Upon hearing this, Bai Xiuzhu's pretty face turned pale, while Bai Xiongqi quickly explained:

"Brother Lin, rest assured, Xiuzhu and Lao Qi are just like brother and sister, there is no romantic relationship between them!"

"Not to mention that the seventh brother is a spoiled brat, I'm not willing for Xiuzhu to marry him, even though he has already proposed to that female student!"

Bai Xiongqi didn't hide anything. After all, it was common knowledge that both the Bai and Jin families had previously tried to matchmake Bai Xiuzhu and Jin Yanxi, so he had to explain it clearly to avoid leaving a bad impression on Lin Hao.

Lin Hao felt the time was about right, so he laughed and said:
"It's nothing. To be honest, I've actually had feelings for Xiuzhu for a long time!"

"However, I think that liking someone doesn't necessarily mean possessing them. Seeing the other person happy is also a form of love!"

Bai Xiuzhu, who had been quite nervous, relaxed her tense shoulders upon hearing this, her lips curled up slightly, and her gaze towards Lin Hao softened.

"However!" Lin Hao changed his tone and added:
"Relationships are a two-way street, and you can't rush things. Besides, Xiuzhu and I haven't known each other for very long, so let's get to know each other better before making any decisions!"

"Yes, yes, no rush, no rush, take your time, let's drink!" Bai Xiongqi said with satisfaction.

Bai Xiuzhu was even more satisfied with Lin Hao. She picked up her wine glass and took a big gulp, coughing twice as she choked.

Keiko Suzuki chuckled and teased, "Shuju, don't get excited, drink slowly!"

Seeing Bai Xiuzhu's pretty face flush red from choking, Lin Hao's lips twitched slightly. He then handed her a tissue and jokingly said with a smile:
"Yes, Xiuzhu, don't worry, I won't run away!"

"Oh, how annoying!" Bai Xiuzhu said shyly upon hearing this.

"Hahaha~!" Lin Hao picked up his wine glass and clinked it with Bai Xiong's again.

······
After the meal, Bai Xiongqi wanted to create an opportunity for his sister and Lin Hao, so he prepared to leave the table with his wife under some pretext.

"Oh dear, I almost forgot, I suddenly remembered that I have something to take care of."

Bai Xiongqi then picked up his coat, led Huizi to the door, glanced back at his sister and Lin Hao, and said with a mischievous smile:

"Xiuzhu, take good care of Chief Lin, don't let him sit alone." With that, the two left the Bai Mansion, leaving the young man alone.

The door closed. Only Lin Hao and Bai Xiuzhu remained in the living room.

"Ah~, oh!" Bai Xiuzhu sat on the sofa. This was the first time she had encountered something like this. Suddenly, she saw the apple on the coffee table and said:
"Let me peel an apple for you!" she said, taking the apple and fruit knife and slowly peeling it.

Perhaps because it was the first time, and in this strange atmosphere, she was alone with Lin Hao. She broke the knife three or four times while cutting it and almost cut her hand. She was clearly not at peace.

Lin Hao couldn't stand it anymore, so he smiled and said, "Let me do it."

Bai Xiuzhu didn't stand on ceremony and handed the apple over directly. Their fingertips touched, and Bai Xiuzhu was immediately struck as if by an electric shock, looking at Lin Hao with watery eyes.

Lin Hao took the apple directly and then winked at her.

He quickly peeled the apple, then sat down next to her and handed her the peeled apple.

Bai Xiuzhu blushed as she accepted the apple, and their hands ended up clasped together. She hesitated for a moment but didn't pull her hands back, letting Lin Hao do as he pleased.

"Eat!" Lin Hao gently played with Bai Xiuzhu's small hand before smiling and letting go.

"Thank you, Brother Lin!" She took a bite of the apple, chewed it a couple of times, and spoke in a muffled voice with a touch of childishness, a little afraid to look at Lin Hao.

At this moment, she felt both ashamed and angry, but there was also an indescribable mix of nervousness and anticipation, like a kitten scratching inside her.

The two then sat in the living room for fifteen minutes, chatting casually for a bit.

But to be honest, the atmosphere was really awkward, completely lacking any romantic vibe between couples.

So Lin Hao stood up, walked to the window, glanced at the courtyard, turned around and looked at Bai Xiuzhu, saying...

"Xiuzhu, it's still early outside, would you like to go for a walk?"

"Ah~!" Bai Xiuzhu looked up at him, then looked down again, and asked in a soft voice, "Where are you going?"

"A new movie theater just opened nearby, and I heard they have a good movie playing," Lin Hao said enticingly.
"I heard he's from America, his name is Chaplin or something, that's interesting!"

Bai Xiuzhu's fingers paused on the teacup. She hesitated for two seconds, then stood up, placed the teacup on the coffee table, and straightened her skirt.

"Well then, let's go."

Lin Hao then drove Bai Xiuzhu to the Qianmen Dashilan Cinema.

This is a newly opened Western-style cinema. A huge poster hangs at the entrance, with neon lights spelling out the words "Safe Cinema," flashing brightly in the night.

Lin Hao bought two tickets and a bag of sunflower seeds. Bai Xiuzhu stood at the door waiting, and when she saw him holding sunflower seeds, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly.

She thought he would buy flowers or something romantic, but it turned out to be sunflower seeds. That's just too much!

After passing through the ticket gates, the venue was dimly lit and already quite crowded. Lin Hao found a seat and stepped aside to let Bai Xiuzhu go in first.

The aisle was narrow, so Bai Xiuzhu walked sideways into it, her arm instinctively grabbing Lin Hao's hand.

Soon the two exchanged New Year's greetings and took their seats. The movie hadn't started yet, and Lin Hao leaned back in his chair, glancing at her sideways.

The lighting was dim, and the outline of her profile flickered in and out of the light and shadow. She had long eyelashes, a high nose bridge, and a faint lip rouge on her lips.

"Brother Lin, what are you looking at?" Bai Xiuzhu asked happily when she noticed Lin Hao's gaze.

Actually, she had always had feelings for Lin Hao, but before, she had focused all her attention on Jin Yanxi.

Therefore, even if she has feelings for Lin Hao, it only stays at that level.

When her brother suddenly brought up their relationship, the awkward atmosphere made her feel somewhat helpless, even though she was at home.

After all, she had just broken up with Jin Yanxi. No, they had never even dated, so it wasn't even a breakup. It was too strange that she would turn around and get together with Lin Hao.

(End of this chapter)