Book 11: Chapter 13
Book 11: Chapter 13
Not eating! fumed Lin Chucheng.
Lin Chucheng furiously shoved his plate away, startling the maid. She didnt know if she made a mistake or if her young masters temper was that foul. The one who panicked most was the chef, though.
Veirya set down her fork: Whats wrong, Chu? You not well? Did someone bully you at work on your first day? Mom will help you.
I cant accept it! answered Lin Chucheng.
Veiryas gentleness wasnt enough to appease Lin Chucheng. He angrily slammed his cup on the table, thereby spilling the fruit juice and staining the table cloth. He glanced over to his silent father and shouted, Why? Why does he get to have all this? Look at all of this. Mom, look! He has so much excess that we have maids we dont even need. We have half a table of food for just three people. Look at the crystal light overhead. I wonder where that was stolen from. The curtain is worth what a normal family would spend on food for an entire month! Why?! Why does an old cripple get to enjoy all this while doing absolutely nothing at home, yet there are people out there who have to pay taxes when they dont even have money for their mothers medical treatment?! Why is he making me harm the ordinary folk?! Why?!
Veirya couldnt put up with her beloved son, so yelled shouted back, Chu, youve crossed the line!
Lin Chucheng immediately stopped. He hated his father but genuinely respected and loved his mother. He didnt want his mother to be angry or upset and, therefore, had to bury his anger and sit back down. Lin Dongqing calmly had a drink of wine and then sliced his meat, completely ignoring his sons tantrum, making it appear as if Veirya and Lin Chucheng were the ones arguing and it was none of his business.
Chu, your father didnt steal any of this. Biting down on her lip, Veirya explained, Mom doesnt really get it, but this is the fruit of your fathers efforts Your father left for so long just to work
He doesnt work! He just relies on the workers to work day and night to make him money! Look at him! Those people work day in and day out, yet cant afford to treat their mother! Hes robbing them!
Lin Dongqing placed his glass down: Do you have any right to be spouting any of that? You grew up on this, yet youre now showing contempt for this and the efforts of others? I honestly dont want to listen to someone who doesnt make a penny talk about work. Earn your bread for a month, and then come talk to me.
I I wont eat any of this again! yelled Lin Chucheng, smoke whisking from his face as he shoved aside the maid who approached him from behind and stomped his way out.
Lin Dongqing sighed and got to his feet: Sorry, its my sons fault. I failed to teach him manners. Im very sorry.
Oh, no, Lord Lin, I do not mind The maid was very surprised by Lin Dongqings apology. In fact, she felt embarrassed to be accepting his apology.
Lin Dongqing bobbed his head and whispered something to the head maid next to him then sat back down. Ashamed, Veirya didnt dare to look at her husband. He touched her hand and expressed, Its all right, Veirya. Its not your fault. I didnt fulfil my duty as a father when he was born. I admit its my fault.
When Lin Dongqing wasnt around, Lin Chucheng was actually a polite and kind individual. He was impulsive, but impulsive courage was what made children adorable. In saying that, whenever the two were around each other, there would inevitably be arguments.
Lin Chucheng didnt know why he just wanted to lash out, aggravate Lin Dongqing and argue. He wanted to physically manifest his anger on his fathers old face with his fist. Nevertheless, Lin Dongqing would just take everything thrown his way and then get back at him. That only angered Lin Chucheng even further.
Dongqing, cant you tell Chu about what you do? Hes an understanding child. Hell forgive you once he learns your reasons. You two wouldnt argue all of the time, either You like him, yet always argue in the end Veiryas cold personality vanished after living as a wife and mother for so long. She was no longer sharp as she once was. Instead, she was more charming.
I wont tell him. First of all, he wont listen to me. Second, his anger has clouded his thinking, so he wont understand. Everything I say will be perceived as me listing my accomplishments. I wont be happy to hear someone insulting me and my accomplishments, so I wont let an ignorant child insult what I did. Once he learns to be humble, hell learn to listen properly, and thats when Ill tell him.
Hardly anybody knew of what Lin Dongqing did out there. He went out as the Queens representative to negotiate many secret treaties. Only a few of those secrets could be divulged to the public. He couldnt tell the world about the schemes he used. That was why everybody conjured this mythical belief that he could solve anything. Only Sisi, Veirya and Irena knew what really went into each job.
The people Lin Dongqing came across in the outside world werent ignorant children or individuals as pure as Veirya but the elites among the elites in the world. Every problem he resolved was another brilliant victory. What he enjoyed was the honour and glory he earned. They were precious and irreplaceable memories to him. He wasnt going to let an ignorant child criticise and insult those memories and achievements. He didnt care what Lin Chuchengs attitude toward him was since Lin Chucheng wasnt his favourite child anyway.