C118 Zhang Hongwen Arrived and Third Uncle Instigated a Relationship
"Mom and Dad, come over here!"
Zhang Xinrui called out as she stood up.
The newcomers were none other than the principal of Jiangyang University, Zhang Hongwen, and his wife, Ran Mingyue.
"Ah, Xinrui, you've arrived early."
Zhang Hongwen nodded, his demeanor reflecting the steadiness expected of a university principal.
The other relatives in the room chuckled and greeted Zhang Hongwen warmly.
Zhang Xinrui's Third Uncle even stepped forward to shake hands with him.
He had previously criticized Zhang Hongwen for not being punctual and not coming early to celebrate Zhang Xinrui's maternal grandmother's birthday.
Yet, upon meeting, their interaction was exceedingly cordial, his tone dripping with ingratiating charm.
Lin Dong had to suppress a chuckle. If he hadn't witnessed Third Uncle's two-faced nature firsthand, he might have believed they were the best of friends!
Lin Dong remained silent about Zhang Hongwen's arrival; after all, they had met before.
He harbored no ill feelings towards Zhang Hongwen, who had helped resolve the issue when Lin Dong made headlines for withdrawing one hundred million in cash.
Despite Lin Dong having to part with thirty million in cash, Zhang Hongwen had made a point of inquiring about the purpose of the funds, only giving his consent after ensuring that it wasn't for any nefarious activities and that it wouldn't harm the university's interests.
Lin Dong admired such pragmatic and principled actions.
Third Uncle ushered Zhang Hongwen and Ran Mingyue to their seats, their status within the family clearly significant.
Given Zhang Hongwen's role as a university principal, his social standing was naturally above the average person's.
"There's no need for such formality, Third Uncle. We're all family here," Zhang Hongwen said with a smile.
Third Uncle quickly replied, "It's no trouble at all. You're the principal, after all, and your presence here is most fitting! Besides, today Xinrui has brought her boyfriend along. As her parent, you surely must take a stance, right?"
Boyfriend?
Zhang Hongwen's brow furrowed as he turned his gaze toward Zhang Xinrui.
He immediately spotted Lin Dong.
His eyes widened in surprise.
Zhang Xinrui inhaled deeply, stood up, and introduced, "Mom and Dad, this is Lin Dong. He works at Lin's Group."
"Hello, Uncle Zhang."
Lin Dong greeted Zhang Hongwen with a warm smile.
Zhang Hongwen, caught off guard, stood up so abruptly that he knocked the cups on the table askew, causing them to clatter across the surface.
"Ms. Zhang, take it easy."
Ran Mingyue gently pulled on her husband's arm.
She cast a worried glance at Zhang Xinrui.
Her daughter finding a boyfriend was not something she would object to, especially after seeing Lin Dong, who was quite the handsome and spirited young man!
As a mother, she was quite pleased with Zhang Xinrui's choice!
However, Zhang Hongwen was a traditional academic, and Zhang Xinrui bringing home a boyfriend so casually might upset him!
His earlier loss of composure was a clear sign of his dissatisfaction!
Zhang Xinrui was aware of this.
She nervously bit her lip and reiterated, "Our relationship is strong, and I really like him. I hope you can give us your blessing to be together."
Zhang Hongwen pursed his lips, his mouth twitching slightly as he looked at Zhang Xinrui.
He seemed to have something to say but struggled to find the words.
Seeing his reaction, Zhang Xinrui bowed her head, fearing her father was about to unleash his anger.
But she had braced herself for this moment.
After all, Lin Dong was her student, and he wouldn't dare talk back even if scolded. All that mattered was that her family would stop pressuring her to go on blind dates to find a boyfriend!
Third Uncle knew how to handle the situation.
He gave Zhang Hongwen a knowing look and said, "Oh, Second Brother-in-law, don't be too hard on Little Rui. Young people can be impulsive. Today, Lin Dong is even wearing clothes that Little Rui bought for him! Besides, he's just a junior assistant in the marketing department, earning a monthly salary of three thousand! I'm sure with time, the kids will figure out if they're right for each other."
His words, seemingly conciliatory, actually stoked the fire by laying bare Lin Dong's modest background.
Zhang Hongwen, as the president of Jiangyang University, had his reputation to consider. If Zhang Xinrui was dating someone whose salary was less than three thousand yuan a month and she was even subsidizing him, Zhang Hongwen would never stand for it!
Moreover, Zhang Hongwen would harshly reprimand Zhang Xinrui and demand that Lin Dong leave!
This was exactly the outcome that Third Uncle was hoping for.
Sitting next to Lin Dong, Liu Jianghee couldn't help but smile.
He refrained from further denying Lin Dong's legitimacy, as it would displease Hee Lulu.
Nevertheless, he took pleasure in watching his father make things difficult for Lin Dong—it was his way of getting even!
The thought of Lin Dong being sent away filled him with an immense sense of satisfaction.
