Chapter 13: A Heartwarming Scene

Lin Haoran planned to make his mark on the stock market, but he knew his actions had to be discreet to prevent anyone from spying on his carefully laid strategies. Aware of the importance of secrecy, he had already decided to advance his investment plans quietly and without drawing attention. Consequently, finding a highly loyal stock trader became his most urgent need.

Through his research into his "golden finger"—his unique ability—he had come to realize that the most effective way to increase loyalty was to be generous to his subordinates, thereby sparking genuine gratitude within them. As the ancients said, a drop of water in need should be repaid with a gushing spring. Especially when someone like Su Zhixue was facing an insurmountable predicament, Lin Haoran’s timely intervention to resolve his troubles would undoubtedly touch his heart. As long as Su Zhixue’s character was reliable, Lin Haoran could easily deepen their relationship and significantly boost his loyalty through this act of kindness.

On his way to the Wan'an Group, Lin Haoran had already formed the plan to find a loyal subordinate there. With his ability to see a loyalty progress bar, he knew that if Su Zhixue’s loyalty remained low despite his generosity, he could simply abandon him and choose someone else. However, he had not expected to reach 100% loyalty immediately. This took Lin Haoran completely by surprise; he had originally been satisfied with the prospect of eighty or ninety percent. But regardless, this was excellent news—a 100% loyal subordinate would never betray him, ensuring his future stock market moves would remain secure.

"Well, get prepared. You don't need to worry about matters at the Wan'an Group; I’ll speak to my father about it later. Starting tomorrow, you will officially work for me. You don't need to come to the company at 8:30 tomorrow morning; meet me directly at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange," Lin Haoran said with a smile, patting Su Zhixue on the shoulder. As a mere entry-level employee, Lin Haoran’s father, Lin Wan'an, would surely not refuse such a trivial request.

After leaving the Securities and Business Department, Lin Haoran returned to the Chairman’s office. His father agreed without a second thought and even called the Director of the Securities and Business Department immediately.

"Hao'er, what exactly are your plans for hiring a stock trader? The Hong Kong stock market is treacherous and unpredictable; it is no child's play, and the risks are not to be underestimated," Lin Wan'an asked, his curiosity and concern evident despite having already granted the request.

"Daddy, you know I majored in Business Management at the University of London. Now that I’m back in Hong Kong, I will inevitably have to deal with the stock market in the future. I want to understand the market conditions early on. With the assistance of a professional trader, I can grasp market dynamics faster and better prepare for future business decisions," Lin Haoran replied, cleverly sidestepping a direct answer with a vague but reasonable explanation. Lin Wan'an, satisfied, did not press further.

"I’m heading back now. Why don't you ride with me?" Lin Wan'an asked.

"No, thank you, Daddy. I have some things to attend to tomorrow morning, so I’ll drive myself back tonight for convenience," Lin Haoran politely declined.

"Very well. Get home and rest early. Your mother nags me every day, worried that you’re working too hard and neglecting your health," Lin Wan'an said with a nod, his eyes filled with paternal affection.

Having integrated the memories of two lifetimes, Lin Haoran was deeply aware of how much his parents doted on him in this life. His mother’s meticulous care, in particular, warmed his heart. Even his two married elder sisters treated him with constant love and kindness. Living in such a loving family filled him with gratitude and happiness. Unfortunately, the actions of his eldest brother had shattered this harmony; his underhanded schemes made Lin Haoran realize that the family was not as peaceful as it appeared on the surface. He was truly a rotten apple spoiling the whole barrel.

The Lin family villa was near Deep Water Bay, a prestigious area known for its beautiful scenery between the mountains and the sea, adjacent to Repulse Bay. Tycoons like Pao Yue-kong and Li Ka-shing resided in this very neighborhood. That evening, after leaving the Wan'an Group headquarters and dropping his bodyguards, Li Weiguo and Li Weidong, at a hotel in Causeway Bay, Lin Haoran drove home alone. Upon arrival, he saw his father’s car already parked and pulled his Mercedes in right beside the Rolls-Royce.

As he stepped out, a sharp-eyed servant greeted him respectfully with a smile, "Young Master, you’re home. Dinner is ready, and the Master and Madam are waiting for you."

Lin Haoran nodded and entered the spacious, bright hall. Just as the servant said, his parents were seated at the elegantly decorated dining table, which was spread with a feast prepared in his honor. Seeing this, a wave of warmth washed over him as he hurried to join them.

"Hao'er, come sit. There are a few more delicate dishes being prepared in the kitchen; I’ll go get you a bowl of rice," his mother said, her face lighting up with joy. Unlike his father, whose health was declining, his mother—though over sixty—remained robust and healthy. In his memory, she was a kind and cheerful woman.

However, over the years, as his two sisters married and his eldest brother, Lin Haoning, moved out to start his own family, the once lively villa had grown quiet. Though his mother remained resilient, her smile seemed to fade, replaced by a lingering loneliness and nostalgia for the times when the family was whole.

"Mom, I will come home to keep you company whenever I have free time," Lin Haoran said, gently taking her hand with a tender smile. He then turned his gaze to his father, his expression turning serious and concerned. "And Daddy, your health isn't what it used to be. Please don't overwork yourself. The company has professional managers who can handle things; you should rest more and take care of your health instead of trying to handle every single detail."

"Alright, Hao'er, I’ll listen to you and take care of myself," his father said, a look of gratification and emotion crossing his face as he patted Lin Haoran’s shoulder.

"My son has truly grown up," his mother said, tears of joy welling in her eyes.