C121 Lin Dong Embraced the Beauty and Liu Jianghee Cried

"Let's pick up where we left off once Nephew Lin turns around!"

"I'm really happy this time! I've taken quite a liking to you!"

"Rui Rui is in your hands now, you must protect her!"

Zhang Hongwen, reeking of alcohol, spoke to Lin Dong.

He had indulged in more wine than usual at the banquet, clearly in high spirits.

Typically, he'd only sip symbolically, but this was a rare exception!

Lin Dong was unaffected, having had only one cup.

The younger family members, seeing Zhang Hongwen's joy, took turns toasting with him, leaving Lin Dong with no chance to interject.

Zhang Hongwen, in his merriment, welcomed each toast and quickly became drunk.

Lin Dong, with a smile, nodded in agreement to Zhang Hongwen's words.

They leaned on each other for support as they exited the hotel.

Zhang Xinrui followed, her face etched with concern. She hadn't expected her father to cling to Lin Dong as if they were conjoined!

Their bond seemed even closer than that between her and her own father!

Ran Mingyue approached with a smile.

She observed Lin Dong and Zhang Hongwen, arm in arm, then turned to Zhang Xinrui and said cheerfully, "Alright, Lin Dong, hand over Uncle Zhang to me. Ms. Zhang hasn't been this cheerful in ages."

Ran Mingyue was a woman of intellectual charm.

Time had not aged her; rather, it had deepened her sophisticated allure, and her words exuded a convincing tenderness.

Zhang Xinrui had inherited her father's stern and serious demeanor.

Lin Dong held Ran Mingyue in high regard.

He replied with a smile, "Of course, Auntie. But with Uncle Zhang this intoxicated, I'm not sure he can walk on his own. Are you sure you can manage?"

Ran Mingyue chuckled and reassured, "No worries, leave him to me. You young ones go have fun!"

She then addressed Zhang Xinrui, "Rui Rui, you and Xiao Lin go on ahead."

"Okay," Zhang Xinrui responded.

She had been eager to discuss some matters with Lin Dong, but she promptly agreed and led him away.

"Stay put! Otherwise, you can forget about coming home tonight!"

Ran Mingyue's scolding voice echoed from behind.

Though she had lowered her tone, it still reached Lin Dong's ears.

Turning around, Lin Dong saw Zhang Hongwen standing upright beside Ran Mingyue, showing no signs of his earlier drunkenness.

Ran Mingyue led the way, with Zhang Hongwen dutifully trailing behind her. To the uninformed observer, it would appear he hadn't touched a drop of alcohol.

"Pfft!"

Lin Dong couldn't help but chuckle.

He hadn't expected Ran Mingyue, seemingly so delicate, to be so formidable. She had the inebriated principal, Zhang Hongwen, heeding her every word!

It was truly astonishing!

Lin Dong had been concerned that Ran Mingyue wouldn't be able to handle Zhang Hongwen, but now his worries were allayed.

"What are you laughing at? That's just how it is in our family. My dad adores my mom and always does as she says!"

Zhang Xinrui's voice came through.

Lin Dong quickly turned to find Zhang Xinrui standing before him. In a reflex, he exclaimed and instinctively opened his arms to embrace her.

Her scent was intoxicating, prompting Lin Dong to inhale deeply.

He was taken aback.

He hadn't anticipated this turn of events. Zhang Xinrui had been walking just fine; how had she ended up turning around so suddenly?

Zhang Xinrui herself was rigid, equally at a loss.

"Ms. Zhang, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to..."

Lin Dong hastily turned to apologize, but in doing so, his lips brushed against Zhang Xinrui's earlobe, causing her to visibly shudder and sway slightly.

"Whoa, Ms. Zhang, are you okay?"

Lin Dong quickly embraced her again for support.

Zhang Xinrui seemed to lose all her strength.

Her cheeks flushed, her heartbeat quickened, and she was unable to speak.

Her ears were Zhang Xinrui's Achilles' heel.

She had always been sensitive to touch there, and Lin Dong was the first guy to get so close.

She hadn't expected them to end up together so suddenly.

Worried that Zhang Xinrui might be ill, Lin Dong held her close, checking on her with concern.

Zhang Xinrui clutched Lin Dong's clothes tightly, taking several deep breaths before she began to regain some strength.

Biting her lip, she said, "I'm okay, just a bit dizzy all of a sudden. Let's head to the car."

Lin Dong nodded in agreement.

They made their way to the parked car and got in.

Just then, Lin Dong heard a cry.

Peering through the car window, he saw Liu Jianghee.

Liu Jianghee was on the phone, tears in his voice. "Lulu, how can you break up with me? I can't find you after we had dinner. I'm searching for you; I can't live without you! Hello? Hello... Oh no, my darling is ignoring me, ohhh! Ohhh!"