Love Apartment: Yifei is my junior aunt

Chapter 639 Advice from a Senior (Two Chapters Combined, 7800 words)

Upon hearing Lin's father's words, Zhanbo, who had been grinning foolishly, suddenly became serious.

Upon seeing this, Guan Gu and Youyou, who were standing outside the door, quickly bent over, tiptoed, and carefully entered the living room to Nanfeng's side.

"How is it?"

Guan Gu asked in a low voice, "Are Wan Yu's parents satisfied with Zhan Bo now? Have Zi Qiao and Mei Jia helped Zhan Bo?"

Upon hearing this, Nanfeng's lips twitched slightly: "They... I guess you could say they were helpful."

At least in terms of creating a lively atmosphere, Ziqiao and Meijia did put in a lot of effort.

Moreover, with so many abstract characters in the apartment, Zhanbo stands out as the most normal one.

Nanfeng was thinking to herself, completely unaware that she had ruined two of Ziqiao and Meijia's plans in a row.

"south wind."

After a long pause to recover, Youyou couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "What exactly happened just now...?"

"Shh, I'll explain later!"

Nanfeng made a hushed gesture and pointed to Zhanbo, who was finally about to make a move: "Listen, the main event is about to begin."

Upon hearing this, Guan Gu and Youyou's expressions turned serious, and they both turned to look at Zhanbo, who was making up his mind.

Ziqiao and Meijia also sat up straight amidst the shoving, waiting expectantly for how things would unfold.

……

"uncle."

He hesitated for a moment, then said softly but firmly, "Although I don't know if I can gain your approval, Wanyu and I are truly in love. I will treat Wanyu very, very well, and I will definitely make her happy."

"dad……"

Just as Wan Yu was about to say something, Lin's father interrupted her.

"You can save those cliché lines used in TV dramas to express your determination for the very end."

Mr. Lin looked at Wanyu and asked, "Wanyu, you mentioned on the phone earlier that you wanted to apply to a design school abroad, right?"

"Um."

Wan Yu nodded, then, as if she had thought of something, quickly added, "Dad, stop always talking about donating the building. I can pass the exam myself."

After thinking for a moment, Mr. Lin nodded and said, "Alright, although the design level of many well-known fashion designers is not worthy of their great reputation, since this is your dream and pursuit, then don't let your career path be mixed with too much fluff."

"If your abilities really don't meet your dreams, you can always go home. No matter what, your family can still support you."

"However, Wanyu, your future life plans may seem like just a matter for you alone, but once you start dating, it becomes a matter for both of you to consider."

He changed the subject, looking at the young couple who had been dating for less than three days, and asked, "What I really want to ask you is, have you thought about your future together, how you plan to spend the rest of your lives together?"

"dad."

Wan Yu looked embarrassed: "Zhanbo and I have only been dating for less than three days, and you want us to think about the future? Isn't that a bit too early?"

"oh."

Mr. Lin nodded knowingly: "If that's what you mean, then it doesn't really matter whether your mother and I approve of your relationship or not, since it's too early for you two to be talking about this kind of thing."

He stood up and said, "In that case, wait until you've decided to be together for life, then come and ask me and your mother if we approve of your relationship."

"Let's go, let's fly to Japan first and have lunch."

Mr. Lin looked at Mrs. Lin and said.

"All right."

Lin's mother looked at Wanyu apologetically. Although she really wanted to stay with her darling a little longer, she and her husband naturally had to stand on the same side in front of so many people.

"Uncle, Aunt!"

Wanyu originally wanted to speak up and ask her parents to stay, but Zhanbo stood up first and stopped Lin's parents from leaving.

"What's wrong?"

Lin's father stared intently at Zhanbo, his deep gaze making Zhanbo feel uneasy.

In fact, he couldn't understand at all what the difference was between gaining Wanyu's parents' approval now and trying to gain their approval after he and Wanyu had decided to spend their lives together.

He instinctively realized that he shouldn't choose to run away at this time, and he shouldn't let Wanyu stand in front of him to fight for him.

In this respect, the simple-minded Zhanbo is clearly much more decisive than Teacher Zeng and Ziqiao.

Meeting Lin's father's calm gaze, Zhanbo took a deep breath, trying to organize his panicked and chaotic thoughts into words as much as possible.

"Uncle and Aunt, Wanyu and I... although we have only been together for a short time and haven't had time to consider or plan our future together, both Wanyu and I are together with the idea of ​​spending the rest of our lives together and walking together into the future."

"Perhaps, perhaps it seems irresponsible of us to get together without thinking clearly about our shared future. Or perhaps we are too young and don't have the foresight of you two. We can't see what difficulties this path of walking side by side will bring."

"But I still hope that my relationship with Wanyu can be approved by you, at least give me a chance to be approved by you."

"You are Wanyu's parents, and also her mentors in matters of the heart. Whatever your concerns, opinions, or thoughts may be regarding our relationship..."

Zhanbo clenched his fists, his lips trembling slightly with tension.

He took another deep breath and bowed deeply to Wanyu's parents.

"I hope you can tell us and guide us."

After Zhanbo ended his call, 3601 fell into an eerie silence.

Lin's mother nodded with satisfaction upon hearing this. Although she hadn't really talked to Zhanbo much throughout the whole conversation, she still found what Zhanbo was saying quite helpful.

She only considers three things when choosing a son-in-law: whether he is handsome, whether she likes him, and whether her own child likes him.

As for other aspects, her doting husband will naturally help his daughter investigate thoroughly.

Even though Lin's mother didn't know much about Zhanbo or hadn't seen his information, she knew that as long as her husband was willing to bring her to meet him, it meant that the child was generally okay.

She patted Lin's father's hand silently, indicating that if he really wasn't dissatisfied with Zhanbo, he shouldn't pretend too much.

Lin's father's eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded meaningfully.

"Masaka (No way)."

Guan Gu murmured in disbelief, "Zhanbo actually said something like that."

"Stay calm."

Nanfeng gently patted Guangu on the shoulder: "It turns out that Yifei is more reliable than the four of you."

"Dad, Mom."

Wan Yu also stood up. Although she felt embarrassed to say some things in front of her parents, she still mustered up her courage and spoke.

"Zhanbo and I didn't just get together casually. We've been through so much in the past year and a half."

"Zhanbo is right. We are together with the idea of ​​spending the rest of our lives together and walking together into the future."

She paused, her tone even carrying a hint of pleading: "I really like Zhanbo, so I hope... you can like him too."

Seeing her daughter pleading, Lin's mother felt so sorry for her that she wanted to hug her tightly and agree to whatever she asked for.

Her precious daughter has always been incredibly proud; when has she ever spoken in such a tone?

Lin's mother's eyes flickered with heartache, but in the end she silently looked at Lin's father, who remained silent.

To reiterate, regardless of her own thoughts, at least for now, the couple must stand on the same side.

Zhanbo kept his eyes closed and remained in a deep bow, giving the impression that he wouldn't get up unless Wanyu's parents spoke.

"Zhanbo."

Lin's father finally spoke slowly, and Zhanbo nervously opened one eye upon hearing his voice.

"First of all, I want to tell you that regardless of whether you and Wanyu can stay together in the end, I still think you are a very good kid."

Zhanbo straightened up and asked Lin's father timidly, "But?"

"but!"

Lin's father said in a deep voice, "I have very little faith in the future of the two of you."

Upon hearing this, Zhanbo's face froze instantly.

"Don't misunderstand, I don't mean to imply that your family background or spending habits are different. After all, I know my daughter very well, and she really doesn't have high material needs."

Mr. Lin explained, "I just feel that your future plans are far from perfect."

"Now that you've just started dating, the sweetness of the relationship can indeed make you overlook many important issues."

"For example, have you two thought about how to maintain your relationship once Wanyu is admitted to a design school abroad?"

"Long-distance relationship?"

Zhanbo and Wanyu snapped out of their daze. Although this matter wasn't exactly urgent, it was indeed a problem they would have to face sooner or later.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the apartment exchanged glances. They had actually thought about this question privately, but considering that Zhanbo and Wanyu had only just started dating and hadn't yet fully enjoyed the sweetness of their relationship, they were too embarrassed to ask now.

Lin's father continued, "Okay, let's assume you chose a cross-cultural relationship and stuck with it. Wanyu, you love traveling so much, would you really want to go back to Shanghai and live there for the rest of your life?"

Even if you could live in Shanghai your entire life, would your career plan allow you to continuously rise through the ranks and become a top fashion designer in Shanghai?

Upon hearing this, Wan Yu stood frozen in place, stunned.

Before Wanyu could answer, Lin's father turned his gaze to Zhanbo: "Zhanbo, you're starting a business and dating at the same time. Are you sure you can manage it all?"

He paused, then continued, "Also, the advice I gave you about starting your business may have sounded uncomfortable to you, but that's the stark reality."

"I admit that in the early stages of a small company's development, when everyone works together, performs their duties, and makes the best use of their strengths, it does help the company develop better. The rational use of resources and talent can also help the company become bigger and stronger."

"But Zhanbo, you have to understand that even if we don't talk about the power structure and operating system of large companies and enterprises, just talking about small family workshops..."

Even in a small family workshop, if you want everyone to work together to make the workshop thrive and not argue over interests, status, and responsibilities, you need a respected patriarch who can speak up, has enough influence, and can be trusted by everyone.

"If you are a qualified patriarch, then no matter if you are domineering or enlightened, you can delegate your power to anyone, and this family-run workshop can continue to operate smoothly."

"But if you're not cut out to be the head of the family, and you don't have the authority that comes with it, then sooner or later the family members will become disloyal."

Lin's father seemed to recall some unpleasant memories, and his voice became somewhat somber: "Zhanbo, you need to know that authority is also power. If you don't hold onto the power that you should have, but instead completely hand it over from the beginning..."

"Once the power has been fully exercised, it is not easy to take it back."

"Whether it's centralizing management or kicking out the business partners, it will be a bloodless war."

He sighed: "To be honest, I don't think you'll be the ultimate winner in this war."

"A man's career is his second life. If you fail in your business and lose half your life, it will definitely affect your relationship with Wanyu. What will you two do then?"

Zhanbo lowered his head, his lips moving slightly, his eyes seemingly brewing some kind of emotion.

Lin's father said in a deep voice, "You want us to approve of your relationship, but apart from your sincerity towards each other, there isn't much in this relationship that we can approve of."

"Neither of you has considered taking responsibility for your future together, so why should I approve of your future?"

He affectionately ruffled Wanyu's hair and said, "Of course Dad won't object to you dating at your age."

"Zhanbo is indeed a good kid. I won't completely oppose your relationship just because of the many difficulties you two will face in the future."

"But my not objecting doesn't mean I approve of you two being together."

"In fact, if I were to give a truly reliable piece of advice, I would suggest that you separate as soon as possible."

"And Zhanbo, you really need to reconsider your business plan. Starting a business is no small matter. For a family like yours, this may be your only chance in this lifetime."

Lin's mother pinched his back silently.

Mr. Lin paused, whether out of concern for Mrs. Lin's subtle actions or because this boy was Wan Yu's first crush, he made a suggestion.

"How about this, while your makeshift team hasn't been officially set up yet, Zhanbo, why don't you cut your losses and put your startup on hold for now? I'll cover these losses for you, consider it something you owe me."

"For now, you should date Wanyu. Once she gets into a design school abroad, you can go with her."

"You can start your own business in the city where Wanyu is studying. I can help you find relevant professionals and investors. We'll follow the normal procedures for investment, and I'll take whatever shares I'm entitled to."

"However, I can sign a contract with you, not participate in your company's decision-making, and allow you to buy back my shares at market price."

"This way, you two won't have to deal with a long-distance relationship, and you'll have a lot more freedom in your future choices."

"How about it, think about it?"

"That's great?!"

Ziqiao and Meijia couldn't help but gasp in surprise, and even Guangu and Youyou looked at Zhanbo as if he were a lucky guy who had been hit by a mountain of gold.

At this point, even a fool could see that although Lin's father said he didn't approve of Zhanbo and Wanyu being together, he was actually already making plans for their future.

Lin's father provided both money and manpower, but did not participate in company decision-making. When Zhanbo had money, he could even buy back the original shares.

This kind of risk-free business is clearly the kind of treatment you'd give your son-in-law!

No wonder so many people don't want to work hard these days, and they're all scrambling to find a rich woman to marry. Turns out, this is a really tempting opportunity!

If he had known it would turn out like this, why did he break up with that rich girlfriend in the first place?

Even if that young lady's family wasn't as well-off as Wanyu's, and she was indeed a bit spoiled and willful, it was still good enough that she could live off a woman.

I really don't know why he was being so picky back then.

Seeing that Zhanbo was still hesitating with his head down and had not answered for a long time, Ziqiao wished he could rush forward and say "I do" for Zhanbo!

Ziqiao really didn't know what Zhanbo was thinking. There weren't even five hundred future fathers-in-law in the whole world who were so rich, easy-going, good-tempered, and always willing to discuss things with you.

With such excellent conditions, how could he still hesitate?

Is Zhanbo a complete idiot?

Wanyu looked at Zhanbo with a complicated expression: "Zhanbo, what do you say?"

To be honest, Wanyu is currently very conflicted.

If Zhanbo could listen to his father, their future would be much less complicated and less bumpy.

But if Zhanbo really agreed to his father's request, she would feel... very disappointed.

Because this isn't the Zhanbo I like, nor is it the result I expected.

Just as she wanted to get into design school through her own efforts, Wanyu still hoped that she and Zhanbo could get through the ups and downs on their own.

Furthermore, the reason they've had so many ups and downs before finally getting together is precisely because neither of them wanted the other to compromise or go against their own principles.

If I let Zhanbo go abroad with me to start a business, what kind of situation is that?

"uncle……"

After remaining silent for a while, Zhanbo finally raised his head and asked weakly, "Can I choose to refuse?"

"Ah... Waaaaah..."

Just as Ziqiao was about to unleash a sharp, explosive sound, Meijia covered his mouth.

Wan Yu turned to look at Zhan Bo, revealing a bright smile.

"Of course, but could you tell me why?"

Lin's father didn't really care whether Zhanbo agreed or not. After all, it didn't matter to him whether Zhanbo's makeshift troupe succeeded or not; it was just something he did on the side.

He was genuinely curious about what the child was thinking.

"Because I can't bear to part with my employees, my friends, and especially everyone in the apartment building."

Zhanbo's voice was a little hoarse with nervousness: "Actually, my purpose in starting this company was not to make a profit. Starting a business is just a way and method for me to realize my dreams and pursuits."

"I just hope to use my own power to influence and change the world, to make it a better place."

Mr. Lin frowned slightly: "If that's all there is to it, then whether the company is located in China or abroad makes no difference to you."

Zhanbo replied, "Yes, so logically I should agree to your request, because it is most beneficial for me and Wanyu. However, the most beneficial solution for the two of us is not the optimal solution for everyone."

"The employees in my company all came from my previous company with Zhao Wuliang and me. They believed in our abilities and were willing to accept the company's philosophy and pursuits, so they chose to join this company whose future is uncertain."

"They chose me, so as the leader of this company, I am also responsible for their lives. At the very least, I want them to feel that their choice was the right one."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "And my three partners, I know I'm not cut out for entrepreneurship. Apart from knowledge and brains, I don't seem to have much to offer, and I'm not capable of shouldering the responsibility and fate of a company or an enterprise."

"But they believed in me, supported me, respected my ideals, and were willing to try with me. They were happy to let me stand on their shoulders because only in this way could I possibly reach my ideals."

"Although Dali kept telling me that being in charge of the operation and development of a company is a very challenging thing, I know that she is a person who is only enthusiastic for a short time. She likes to try different things and challenge her limits in various fields and directions, rather than putting all her time into this company."

"This is indeed a great challenge for her right now, but Dali also has her own ideals and pursuits. The reason she is willing to join is more because she wants to help me and Nanfeng."

"Perhaps once the company is running smoothly, she will gracefully withdraw to conquer other challenges."

"Zhao Wuliang is a very realistic person; he doesn't care about dreams and pursuits."

He said he was willing to join because if I left, as the company's only highly skilled technical talent, he would never be able to rise to management, so he came to work with me.

"But I know that although he doesn't care about dreams and pursuits, he cares about me, his only friend. He hopes that I can achieve my dream. In the early stages of the company, Zhao Wuliang worked harder and more diligently than me, as if he regarded my dream as his own."

"And the south wind..."

Zhanbo looked at Nanfeng, paused, and then said embarrassedly, "Never mind, let's not talk about it anymore. It's too embarrassing to say such sentimental things in front of him."

Nanfeng was struck dumb upon hearing this. He shouted indignantly, "No, you're so sentimental when they're not around, but when I'm right here, you don't say anything nice and just let it go?!"

"I've already prepared to record and save this!!!"

Upon hearing this, Zhanbo blushed and became even more determined not to praise Nanfeng in front of him.

He coughed lightly and continued, "At first, I did see this company as a way to realize my dreams, but later I gradually realized that this company was no longer just my company."

"Just as you said, Uncle, it was a small family workshop, a makeshift operation, but even though it was a small workshop, even though it was a makeshift operation, it was still a collective."

"I can't ignore everyone else in this company just because your suggestion is the best solution for me and Wanyu."

Zhanbo took a deep breath, and as he spoke, his voice became more and more steady, and his expression became more and more determined.

"And everyone in the apartment, when I first returned to China, I didn't know anything. I even took the wrong airport bus and made a lot of jokes from time to time."

"After I returned to China, everyone took care of me, showed concern for me, and encouraged me. It was with their help that I was able to muster the courage to think about and decide on my own life and pursue my own dreams."

"I love Love Apartment, I love the life here, I don't want to leave, or rather, leaving would just be a journey of wandering for me. In the end, I will still choose to come back here, because this is my home, my place of belonging."

"So I'm sorry, Uncle, I may have to disappoint you."

Lin's father stared at Zhanbo with a strange expression, only then realizing that he seemed to have misjudged this silly boy.

Although he is naive, simple-minded, timid, and lacks courage when faced with difficulties, he understands how to take responsibility, can think from the perspective of the group, and can stand up to express his thoughts and stand firm in his choices time and time again.

It seems I can take back my assessment that he was "not suitable to be the head of the family."

As Lin's father pondered inwardly, Zhanbo looked at Wanyu with a tense expression: "Wanyu, I may have disappointed you too..."

"No, I'm very satisfied, really very satisfied."

Wan Yu smiled gently, then reached out and intertwined her fingers with Zhan Bo's: "Have you forgotten what I told you on Valentine's Day?"

"What?"

Wan Yu tiptoed and gently kissed Zhan Bo on the cheek. She held Zhan Bo's hand tightly and said firmly.

"I am the clever Lin Wanyu, and you are the genius Lu Zhanbo. As long as we treat each other with sincerity, we will surely find a perfect ending to the future."

"Wanyu..."

Zhanbo touched his cheek where Wanyu had kissed him and started grinning foolishly again.

Upon seeing this, Lin's father's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot.

[You little brat, get your face off my daughter's mouth!!!]

Lin's father was furious, but unexpectedly, after being kissed by Wan Yu, Zhan Bo seemed to have gained boundless courage, and his slightly hunched back, which had been timid, straightened up.

Zhanbo raised his head, staring directly at Lin's father for the first time without flinching: "Uncle, may I ask you a few questions?"

After holding back for a while, Lin's father finally replied irritably, "What's the problem?"

"When you and your aunt first got together, did you think so far into the future? Did you plan everything out?"

Without hesitation, he replied, "Of course..."

"Eh!"

Lin's mother reminded him, "The person involved is right here, and our little one is here too. You've taught your child from a young age not to lie to his family. As a father, you have to set an example."

Wan Yu nodded repeatedly with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Lin's father's face stiffened, and then he uttered, with a wry smile, "...No."

Zhanbo then asked, "When you and your aunt encountered many difficulties together, did you choose to overcome them together, or did you listen to others' advice and separate as soon as possible?"

Mr. Lin wanted to say that they had never encountered any difficulties together, but the person in question was right there, smiling and staring at him, wanting him to set a good example for his child.

He had no choice but to honestly reply, "Let's overcome it together, otherwise we can't just break up."

"After you've considered the future and planned everything out, have you encountered any unexpected accidents or difficulties in your life?"

Lin's father sighed: "Yes."

"I have one last question."

Zhanbo took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Lin's father and mother once again: "If you put aside the fact that Wanyu is Wanyu's parents, and simply look at Wanyu and me as a couple who have gone through thick and thin together, then..."

"As experienced people on the path of relationships, what advice would you give us?"

"Dad, Mom..."

Seeing this, Wan Yu also bowed deeply to the two of them along with Zhan Bo, saying, "Please give me your guidance."

Faced with the two children holding hands and bowing deeply to them, Mr. and Mrs. Lin exchanged a glance.

The two of them let out a long sigh, as if they had put down some heavy burden.

"Should you speak or should I speak?" Lin's father asked.

Lin's mother smiled and said, "I'm fine with either, but they'd definitely prefer you to say it."

"All right."

Lin's father paused for a moment.

Finally, he reached out and gently rubbed Zhanbo and Wanyu's heads.

"If I were to remind you as a senior, the path you have chosen will be the most rugged, bumpy, steep, and long road in your lives."

"No one can be sure they've made it to the end of their life until they reach the very end, including the two of us."

"If you don't care about the hardships and obstacles along the way, then hold hands and walk side by side to slowly walk towards the light at the end of the tunnel that belongs to you."

"If you insist that we offer a suggestion, then we only have one suggestion."

Mr. and Mrs. Lin held hands tightly and smiled at each other.

They looked at Zhanbo and Wanyu, as if they saw their younger selves reflected in the two of them.

"The long and arduous road ahead is nothing more than exchanging sincerity for sincerity, and true feelings for true feelings."

Zhanbo and Wanyu looked up, and Wanyu asked in surprise, "Dad, Mom, does that mean you approve of us?"

Lin's father was still unwilling to say it outright; he simply smiled and said, "Let's go, let's go to Japan for lunch together."

"Your mom's favorite dishes over there are the Guan Gu Teriyaki Silver Cod and the magical scallion pancakes."

"What?!"

Guan Gu, who had been watching the show from the sidelines, suddenly jumped up.

I'm coming

The chapter "After Valentine's Day" has ended.

After 7800 words, the pigeon finally perked up a little.

Hahahaha

(End of this chapter)