After a meal, Lin Xiao paid a bit extra when settling the bill.
Boss Wang wanted to return the overpayment to Lin Xiao, but Lin Xiao insisted, and it was firmly turned into a bonus for the kitchen staff.
"Boss Wang, we'll return the favor someday!" Manager Niu said as he walked away, patting his full stomach. He was truly satisfied.
This was a stark contrast to his subservient demeanor when he guided Lin Xiao earlier.
"Manager Niu, you should go rest. I'll take Xun'er for another stroll around here," Lin Xiao said, seeing Manager Niu's contentment. Had Manager Niu eaten for four people just now?
Such an appetite was indeed befitting Manager Niu.
"Alright, Mr. Lin, Mrs. Luo, and Xun'er, I'll be going now." Manager Niu was clearly in a good mood, almost skipping his way to the subway.
...
Boss Wang looked at the empty plates on the table, propping his chin with one hand, lost in thought.
He had indeed instructed the kitchen to prepare the meal to the highest standards. Yet, when Manager Niu dined there before, the arrangements were always top-notch. But today, Manager Niu was exceptionally happy. His appetite alone seemed to match that of Mr. Lin's entire family.
He couldn't understand. The same dishes, the same ingredients, yet Manager Niu claimed it was tastier than before. After tasting it himself, he found it to be indeed more delicious.
Could it be that he hadn't noticed before, and the kitchen had never preheated the plates?
When the waiter came in to clean, he saw Boss Wang still sitting there and hesitated, unsure whether to start his work.
"You can clean up."
At this moment, Boss Wang felt a sense of relief.
Forget about challenging their establishment or smashing their place. Lin Xiao truly had a way. He hadn't said much throughout the entire ordeal. It seemed, as Manager Niu had said, he had overthought things.
As for that bonus...
He would first deduct from their pay for their oversight, and then find an opportunity to give it back to them. He would make sure they remembered today's events.
...
When they returned home that evening, Xun'er was already asleep on Lin Xiao's back.
As Lin Xiao arrived home, feeling the warmth of the day, his heart became much more tranquil. Especially after the previous few days spent chasing the Lin family's past grievances, which had left a slight unease in his heart.
However, as long as he was with his family, all unease would vanish.
Just like today, a sunny smile was always on his face, like a bright and cheerful young man.
"Auntie, Uncle!"
Bingbing, who had rushed over excitedly, saw the gesture Lin Xiao made and then noticed that Xun'er was asleep. He quickly covered his mouth with both hands.
"I'll take Xun'er to her room to sleep first," Lin Xiao's voice sounded in Luo Bing's ear. The next moment, Lin Xiao was already upstairs with Xun'er.
Children, especially, need sleep. Sleeping twelve hours a day is normal.
After tucking Xun'er in, Lin Xiao came back outside. "Bingbing, what did you want to tell me?"
"Today I learned to play basketball with my teacher. The teacher said I have a lot of talent and might even bring honor to the country in the future?" Luo Bing said proudly.
"Really? That's great! I'll tell your mom and dad later, so they can be happy for you too!"
Lin Xiao wasn't surprised at all. After all, this kid Luo Bing could already channel the power of the Star River into his body. A simple sport like basketball would be easy for him.
Among peers his age, his athletic ability was definitely the best.
"Yeah!" Luo Bing said excitedly. Then, he looked at Lin Xiao a bit shyly. "Uncle... I mean, I don't have a basketball yet. Can you buy me one?"
Luo Bing used to not have to pay for things in the neighborhood. But now it was different. After being educated by Lin Xiao for a while, he no longer dared to do so. This meant Luo Bing had no pocket money, especially since his parents were in prison and couldn't give him any.
"Of course, that's easy. I'll have someone send one over right away." Lin Xiao was very pleased with Luo Bing's good behavior. Naturally, he wouldn't refuse Luo Bing's request.
Moreover, he saw a spark in Luo Bing's eyes.
This indicated that Luo Bing genuinely loved playing basketball.
They say interest is the best motivator, and encouragement and praise are the driving forces for persistence.
"Hooray!"
Luo Bing performed a cartwheel in place.
It was evident he was truly excited.
Lin Xiao quickly made a "shush" gesture.
Luo Bing immediately covered his mouth, afraid of making a sound. However, his face was visibly flushed with excitement. Then, he happily returned to his room.
"He never reacted this much even when he had everything before," Luo Qinghan said softly, leaning on Lin Xiao's shoulder as she watched Luo Bing.
"It's precisely because he had everything before that he didn't grasp the concept. But it's different now," Lin Xiao said.
He felt that his decision regarding Luo Bing was the best one among his dealings with the Luo family.
This young man might become the pillar of the Luo family in the future? Or perhaps he could set an example for his parents.
...
Nangong Wushuang had finally returned to the Nangong family.
During her days in Shashi, she had lived in constant fear.
On one hand, there was the pressure from Lin Xiao, and on the other, the pressure from the shadowy figures.
She had never encountered such methods before. If those shadowy figures had decided to attack her, she wouldn't even know how to resist.
While in Shashi, she had been a little worried, but paradoxically, she felt a sense of security with Lin Xiao and Mr. Zhuge around.
Now, upon returning to the Nangong family, she felt an unease, a constant feeling of being watched.
Therefore, her first act upon returning was to find her grandfather.
Nangong Wentian looked at his granddaughter and frowned. "You, why did you put yourself through all this?"
This time, the Nangong family and the Zheng family had an irreconcilable rift.
Regardless of who was right or wrong, the Nangong family would inevitably bear the brunt of it.
The Zheng family had been dealt with. Afterwards, their Nangong family would likely be in a precarious position, facing enemies from all sides.
No one would stand with them.
"We can't always take the blame, can we? The Grand Elder and the others are dead. Our Nangong family has shouldered too much for this matter. If that scoundrel isn't punished as he deserves, won't our Nangong family suffer in silence?" Nangong Wushuang snorted. Of course, she was unwilling!
"Sometimes, suffering a loss is a blessing."