Chapter 61: What Is Meant to Come, Will Eventually Arrive

After a night of inner turmoil, the next day Mu Yiren woke up exceptionally late.

By the time she regained consciousness, Ling Xiao had already risen, and the sun outside was high in the sky.

“Oh no, oh no!”

Mu Yiren’s face turned pale as she scrambled out of bed. In her haste, her little head bumped into the bed frame, making her gasp in pain.

She finally managed to get dressed and stepped out, only to run into Grandpa Ling coming out of the kitchen.

Grandpa Ling chuckled kindly.

“Yiren, you’re awake. Come eat. I’ve boiled two free-range eggs for you—they’re very nutritious. Hurry and have some.”

Mu Yiren, cheeks flushed, nodded and hurried to the kitchen, gobbled a few bites of food, then dashed out with determination to find Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao was outside in the yard, chopping firewood. His bare upper body was taut with muscle, glistening with golden sweat under the sunlight, making Mu Yiren feel dizzy with admiration.

But business was business. After a deep breath, Mu Yiren ran up to Ling Xiao, her expression aggrieved as she questioned him:

“Ling Xiao! You... you’re awake. Why didn’t you call me?”

Ling Xiao split another log, his lips curled into a mischievous smile.

“You usually wake up early, don’t you? Why couldn’t you get up today? And now you’re blaming me?”

Mu Yiren was both embarrassed and annoyed.

“Today… today is different, okay? If you don’t wake me, Grandpa will misunderstand!”

“How do you know I didn’t try? You curled up like a little lazy kitten in my arms—no matter how I shook you, you wouldn’t wake. How is that my fault?”

“You—! I’m not talking to you anymore!”

Mu Yiren stomped her foot, fuming as she stormed back to her room.

Ling Xiao shook his head with a smile and continued chopping wood.

Soon, villagers began to arrive, bringing gifts and money as news spread.

Ling Xiao instructed Xiu’er to accept each gift, record them properly, distribute thank-you gifts, and serve tea to the guests.

By the time he finished chopping wood, two Mercedes sedans rolled leisurely into the village.

Ling Xiao dressed as he glanced at them calmly.

“The awaited ones are finally here.”

The Mercedes stopped directly at the gate of the Ling family estate. Ling Xiao’s eldest uncle’s family and third uncle’s family stepped out, all clad in designer brands, exuding vigor—not like they were attending the old man's birthday, but as if it were their own celebration.

The two families stepped out with the air of high-ranking officials inspecting the countryside. Especially the eldest uncle, who stood with hands behind his back, chest out and head held high, radiating authority.

The villagers hurried forward, eager to ingratiate themselves.

Ling Xiao was formidable, but in their eyes, he was just a skilled brute.

The eldest uncle, now that was a true big shot!

Even the third uncle was a notable figure in Jiangzhou City.

Compared to them, what was Ling Xiao?

Soon, Grandpa Ling emerged, having changed into a branded traditional Chinese suit. It couldn’t match the grandeur of the eldest uncle’s suit, and as he stepped outside and looked at his eldest son, his gaze was complicated.

The eldest uncle, standing tall, approached Grandpa Ling with the third uncle.

“Dad, it’s been a while. How have you been?”

Grandpa Ling let out a cold laugh.

“Still hanging on. Won’t be dying any time soon.”

The eldest uncle frowned slightly, while the third uncle whispered, “Dad! This isn’t the place for such words. Big brother took great pains to get leave from Yanjing to come back. Besides, he met with some important figures in Jiangzhou yesterday and invited them to attend your birthday, to give you some face!”

“Giving me face? He’s giving himself face!”

“Dad! Big brother and I still remember filial piety, but we’re busy with work. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Grandpa Ling gave another cold laugh.

“One of you enjoys riches in Yanjing, the other thrives in Jiangzhou. I, the old man, collect welfare in the village and bow to others. Truly, you two are the epitome of filial sons!”

The third uncle’s face darkened at the rebuke, but the eldest uncle waved it off.

“That’s enough, third brother. Don’t say anything.”

He glanced at Grandpa Ling.

“Dad, no matter what you say, I’m still your son. Soon, some distinguished guests will arrive for your birthday. I hope you won’t act like a child then.”

With that, he strode into the hall.

Grandpa Ling nearly exploded with anger—his eldest son’s arrogance had reached even his own home. His tone wasn’t that of a son to his father, but rather a father admonishing his son.

The third uncle didn’t bother with him, following inside, while the third aunt stepped forward and said with a relaxed smile:

“Dad, big brother’s status is different now. He’s well-known in Yanjing. It’s already very filial for him to return to this humble village for your birthday. Don’t blame him.”

Grandpa Ling sneered.

“Well, I must have gained great honor then!”

His gaze shifted past his eldest daughter-in-law, landing on Ling Xue and the other grandchildren, and instantly the gloom on his face dissipated.

The elderly always cherish their grandchildren most.

“Xue, Ran, Xin—you’ve all come back. Let Grandpa have a look.”

Ling Xue was well-mannered, bowing and greeting him.

Ling Ran, much like his father, stood straight, murmured an indifferent “mm,” and didn’t even utter “Grandpa,” as if lowering himself to address Grandpa would diminish his status.

Ling Xin, meanwhile, was engrossed in her phone game, not even sparing Grandpa Ling a glance, much less acknowledging him.

But she was the youngest, and Grandpa Ling doted on her most. He stepped forward, intending to embrace her.

Just as he approached, Ling Xin furrowed her delicate brows and took a step back.

She spoke in a childish, milky voice:

“My clothes are very expensive. Don’t wrinkle them!”

Grandpa Ling was taken aback, then laughed helplessly.

“Silly girl, Grandpa will buy you new ones. Let Grandpa give you a hug.”

Ling Xin retreated another step.

“You can’t afford them!”

Grandpa Ling felt hurt, his hands hovering awkwardly in midair.

The eldest aunt stepped forward, saying leisurely:

“Dad, you’d better not hug her. Ling Xin’s outfit is a custom Chanel, worth over a hundred thousand. If you get it dirty, it won’t just wash clean.”

Grandpa Ling sighed deeply and finally withdrew his hands.

All of this was witnessed by Ling Xiao and Mu Yiren.

Ling Xiao clenched his fists, murderous intent flickering in his eyes.

Mu Yiren sensed his mood, took his hand, and comforted him:

“Ling Xiao, don’t be angry. Grandpa’s birthday hasn’t even started. Just give him some face today.”

Ling Xiao let out a long sigh.

“To raise children and end up like this—is that all there is? They’re truly hopeless.”