"You've finally returned this year," Luo Qinghan said softly, moving closer to Lin Xiao. Her voice was tinged with a sob, overcome by emotion. Each year, she had waited for Lin Xiao's return, wondering when it would be, holding onto her resolve with all her might. She had suffered greatly, but she believed a day would come when her hardships would be rewarded. Now, that day had finally arrived.
"Not just this year, but from now on, I'll never leave again," Lin Xiao replied, his voice also thick with emotion as he nodded. She had endured so much. For her to persevere alone until now was almost an impossible feat for anyone. The pressure from home, the external pressures, the stress of raising children, and the period immediately after childbirth—any slight misstep in care would have left her with lasting consequences. For a woman, bearing a child required not only courage but also perseverance, luck, and a multitude of external conditions. Yet, she had accomplished it with such resolute determination. Lin Xiao, not bound by old societal norms, understood just how difficult and exhausting these years had been for Luo Qinghan. In the past, with a preference for sons and a lack of female education, the societal environment was poor, leading many women to believe their sole purpose was to bear children, to be tools for lineage. But times had changed. Women were educated, had their own understanding, and the environment had improved significantly. They knew they possessed the capacity to bear children, not the obligation. Like his situation with Luo Qinghan, she didn't necessarily have to give birth to Xun'er, but she refused to let Xun'er's life be taken away, making the most difficult choice. Therefore, he had to give her the best answer.
Lin Xiao held Luo Qinghan in his arms. In reality, there was no cold, indifferent CEO Luo Qinghan, no formidable female powerhouse Luo Qinghan. There was only a Luo Qinghan who continuously armed herself, constantly using her protective shell to survive in this indifferent family as a mother. That was all. Now, she no longer needed it.
Qi Tian glanced at the couple, still engrossed in their affection. Didn't they feel embarrassed in front of so many people? He quickly averted his gaze, finding their lack of shyness awkward, and focused his attention on the two little ones. His curiosity about them had never waned. Even though he knew a significant portion of their development was thanks to Lin Xiao's cultivation techniques, Luo Bing's foundation was truly solid. For a six-year-old child to possess such a strong foundation, it could only mean that Luo Bing was naturally a gifted cultivation talent. Had they not met Lin Xiao in the mortal world, he would have been like a pearl hidden in the dust. Now, he was truly a favored child of heaven.
"Brother Bing, that strange uncle has been looking at you too," Xun'er whispered loudly to Luo Bing as she snatched a chicken leg from his hand. Luo Bing looked longingly at the chicken leg. It was the last one on the table. Lin Xiao had specifically prepared over a dozen, and the two children had already devoured most of them. Hearing Xun'er, Luo Bing pouted and glared at Qi Tian, "Strange uncle!"
"Cough, cough." Qi Tian coughed awkwardly.
"Bing Bing, manners! It's the New Year!" Luo Buyu immediately reminded him.
"Yes, Uncle," Luo Bing quickly nodded and then apologized to Qi Tian, "Sorry, Uncle."
"It's alright, it's just children's talk. It's the New Year, don't worry about such things," Qi Tian said cheerfully.
Lin Xiao, holding Luo Qinghan, noticed the interaction. Qi Tian's emotional intelligence wasn't low. He hadn't expected someone so engrossed in research to be so astute. However, both he and Qi Tian could see that Luo Bing's apology was not entirely sincere. He still eyed Qi Tian with vigilance, suggesting that the "strange uncle" title would stick for a while.
The New Year's Eve dinner concluded warmly. Only half of the usual number of nannies, maids, and security guards were present in their villa; the other half had gone home for their own New Year's Eve meals. The remaining staff had chosen to stay because Lin Xiao had promised them triple their usual pay if they were willing to help during the holiday, along with compensatory leave later. They were all very familiar with each other, and the dinner was lively.
"Let me tell you, I've worked for several bosses, and only Mr. Lin and Ms. Luo here offer such good conditions!"
"That's right, not only are the conditions good, but they also treat us common folks well! They never bark orders or treat us like inferiors. They treat us as normal, equal human beings! I tell you, I once had a boss who didn't treat me like a human. I was a security guard, and he made me serve tea, not only that, but I had to empty the villa's trash and tend to the garden plants... So stingy!"
"That was just tiring. Others would deduct our pay for trivial reasons or verbally abuse us. It was unbearable!"
"Yeah... They say educated people have high moral standards, but from my previous employers, I could hardly find any of that..."
Fueled by alcohol, they began reminiscing about their past experiences. Without exception, everyone present was sincerely grateful to Lin Xiao and the Luo Qinghan family.
Qi Tian, holding a glass of wine, a man who enjoyed a drink by himself, leaned against the railing on the second floor, intending to go to the balcony. Hearing the drunken ramblings from downstairs, he was surprised. He hadn't expected Lin Xiao to be so well-regarded by these people.
"Let me tell you, no matter who it is, if they dare to speak ill of Mr. Lin, I'll stand my ground at my 150 pounds! I won't move!"
"Don't just say you! Me too!"
Qi Tian looked down at the ordinary people below. Were they so easily swayed by small favors? Perhaps they were just saying it. Generally, people are selfish. To risk their lives for someone else? Unless there was genuine loyalty and a life-or-death friendship, eventually, all would scatter like leaves in the wind.
"What are you looking at?" Lin Xiao appeared behind him. He followed Qi Tian's gaze downwards.
"Nothing... You seem to be well-loved."
"Naturally," Lin Xiao shrugged.