Chapter 144: It Is Today

“Brother Xu, w-why are you here? Didn’t you return to the East Sea?” Lin Fang stood up in surprise, dropping the cloth bag she was holding onto the floor before suddenly throwing herself into Xu Fei’s arms.

Sobbing quietly, Lin Fang began to cry.

Xu Fei held her gently.

A swirl of complex emotions churned in his heart.

On one hand, his identity made any future with Lin Fang impossible.

On the other, her fiercely passionate nature was something he truly admired.

But.

Xu Fei knew he could only suppress these feelings, and, in Lin Fang’s eyes, appear heartless by pushing them aside.

“When you left like this, did you ever think about your parents?” Xu Fei asked softly.

Lin Fang hesitated slightly in his embrace.

When she looked up at him, her expression was one of profound confusion. “They treat you that way—don’t you hate them?”

Xu Fei gave no answer; it was obvious enough.

Instead, he gazed at Lin Fang and asked, “What I want to know is, do you hate them?”

Lin Fang faltered.

Though she had despised her parents fiercely when making her decision—especially her mother, Zhang Min, whose restrictions nearly drove her mad—when someone suddenly asked, she hesitated.

“I…”

“I don’t think you truly hate them. You just feel they’ve limited your freedom, right?”

Lin Fang nodded.

“That’s fine, but I don’t think that’s enough reason for you to leave, to abandon them.”

Xu Fei stepped forward and picked up the heavy cloth bag.

“What’s in here that’s so heavy? Did you bring all the pots and pans from your house?”

Lin Fang couldn’t help but laugh softly at his joke.

“It’s all my painting supplies, and some clothes.”

Xu Fei put an arm around her shoulders. “Come on, let me treat you to something good to eat, then you can go home.”

“I won’t.”

“Then back to school?”

She shook her head.

“Definitely not.”

“Is it because of Fan Dongcheng?”

Lin Fang nodded.

“That guy really went too far.”

Xu Fei took her hand and started walking out. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you deal with him.”

Once they left the train station, Xu Fei found a nearby restaurant and ordered several of Lin Fang’s favorite dishes.

She hadn’t eaten all day, and the way she devoured the food made Xu Fei chuckle.

“If you keep laughing, I really won’t be able to eat anymore.”

“Eat, eat,” he waved his hand. “By the way, your family arranged a job for you, why don’t you want to go?”

Lin Fang put down her chopsticks, her large eyes blinking. “My dream is to paint. I have no interest in working.”

Xu Fei nodded.

“So, you want to continue studying, right?”

“Of course.”

Xu Fei thought for a moment. “Alright, I’ll go talk to your father.”

“You?” Lin Fang shook her head. “Forget it. If my dad sees you coming to talk, he’ll probably have his people beat you up.”

“Is that so?” Xu Fei was unconcerned.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll take you back to school, and you wait for my news.”

“But…”

Lin Fang hesitated.

“What is it?”

“My mother has already asked Teacher Qi to apply for my leave of absence.”

“I see,” Xu Fei nodded. “It’s just an application, though. If your parents change their minds, there’s still hope.”

Lin Fang was convinced by Xu Fei’s words.

She followed him back to school.

After settling her in, Xu Fei left.

Lin Chuan Zhi’s company was located in a five-story Western-style building in the city center, a relic from before the Liberation.

Locals called it the “Comprador Building,” once a French bank before the revolution.

Now, several private companies rented the space.

Lin Chuan Zhi’s trading company occupied the third floor.

After registering briefly at the entrance, Xu Fei took the stairs up.

On the third floor, golden characters spelled out “Lin Trading” against a deep blue backdrop—understated yet luxurious, perfectly reflecting Lin Chuan Zhi’s personality.

A young woman in a skirt above the knee approached.

“Hello, sir.”

To Xu Fei’s surprise, she spoke with a distinct Hong Kong-Taiwan accent.

He smiled and nodded.

“Hello, I’m here to see Mr. Lin Chuan Zhi.”

“Are you looking for Manager Lin? Do you have an appointment?”

Xu Fei shook his head.

“No appointment, but I hope you’ll convey that Xu Fei is here to discuss matters concerning Lin Fang.”

The receptionist glanced at him.

After all, she knew Lin Fang’s name.

“Please wait a moment.”

She turned and entered the office.

After a short while, she returned.

“Please follow me.”

Xu Fei nodded and followed her inside.

The office space was several hundred square meters, bustling with people carrying various documents and materials.

“Is it always this busy here?”

“Yes. Our business has expanded to several neighboring countries.”

Xu Fei nodded thoughtfully.

Perhaps it was time to consider stepping into foreign trade.

After all, earning foreign currency was far more lucrative than selling millet and televisions.

The young woman led him into a conference room that could hold dozens.

“Please wait here. Mr. Lin is in a meeting with some key staff. He will see you once he finishes.”

Xu Fei nodded.

The woman left, returning shortly with a cup of tea.

Xu Fei nodded in thanks; she smiled politely.

“Mr. Lin has finished his meeting.”

With that, she left again.

About a minute later, Lin Chuan Zhi entered.

“Hello, Xu Fei.”

He shook Xu Fei’s hand and then took his seat at the head of the table.

“Is the tea to your liking?”

Xu Fei nodded.

“It’s Jin Jun Mei, sent by a business partner of mine from Wuyi Mountain.”

Lin Chuan Zhi’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Xu Fei.

“So… you’re here to discuss Lin Fang. Speak—what do you want to talk about?”

Xu Fei met his gaze calmly. “Are you aware that Lin Fang plans to run away from home?”

“What!?” Lin Chuan Zhi was clearly shocked.

“How do you know? She’s been unusually obedient these past few days.”

He looked at Xu Fei. “By the way, how do you know this?”

“That’s not something I need to tell you.”

“You!”

Lin Chuan Zhi’s face darkened.

“I am her father—how could I not have the right to know?”

“Mr. Lin, I think it’s best if we discuss Lin Fang’s situation now.”