Chapter 20: You're No Longer Young; It's Time to Get Married

In the early evening, Lin Haoran leisurely stepped once again across the threshold of the Lin family villa.

At present, his workload was light, focusing only on two stocks: Kowloon Warehouse and Qingzhou Yingni. There was no pressing reason for him to seek opportunities elsewhere.

As for Huafeng Cement Factory, Lin Haoran had no desire to concern himself with it for the time being.

Once Qingzhou Yingni was secured, the Huafeng Cement Factory would hardly matter.

Moreover, residing in this spacious and elegant villa, enjoying unprecedented comfort and tranquility, was an indescribable pleasure.

In his past life, he had longed countless times for such luxury and ease but never truly experienced it—now it was within his grasp.

In such an environment, how could he easily give up this rare comfort to immerse himself in the crowded, noisy high-rise buildings?

Clearly, the wisest choice was to remain in this villa, savoring the hard-earned serenity and luxury.

After dinner, Lin Haoran rarely found the time to sit with his mother in the living room on the first floor, watching television programs and chatting about his childhood anecdotes.

That evening, his father had to entertain guests outside, adding a rare quietness to the household’s dinner atmosphere.

“Haoran, you’ve reached the age to establish a family. It’s time to think about marrying a wife. Your elder brother was already engaged at your age. I heard the third Miss Guo just returned from studying in England—talented and accomplished. I think you should find a chance to get to know her; perhaps a good match might be made,” Lin’s mother said earnestly.

As the partner of Lin Wanan, Lin’s mother naturally mingled within the upper echelons of society, surrounded by equally distinguished ladies of high status. The people she knew were mostly wealthy or noble.

“Oh, the topic shifted so quickly! Suddenly, I’m being pressured to marry,” Lin Haoran thought to himself, initially still basking in the joy of his grand villa life, now feeling both amused and helpless.

He looked at his mother’s hopeful gaze, feeling both warmth and a touch of resignation. For a fleeting moment, he even felt the urge to flee the scene.

Yet deep inside, Lin Haoran harbored a reluctance toward marriage; after all, he was only twenty-four—still young.

He knew that with his current identity and status, marrying was no challenge at all; it would be effortless.

But to him, marriage meant giving up an entire forest for the sake of one tree—a choice he was unwilling to make.

Judging by his mother’s words, the third Miss Guo must also hail from a wealthy family, likely with backing even stronger than the Lin family’s.

Marrying such a woman—if she proved too domineering and often invoked her family’s power—what trouble would that bring?

At that moment, many images of famous actresses from his past life flickered through Lin Haoran’s mind: Wen Biyu’s gentleness, Kwan Ka Wai’s intelligence, Zhong Chuhong’s charm, Zhou Huimin’s purity...

Since fate had so mysteriously brought him to this time and place full of opportunities and challenges, if he could not seize the chance to connect with some of these stars from his former life, would it not be a wasted opportunity, rendering this journey through time dull and meaningless?

He cherished freedom and an unrestrained life, unwilling to be shackled by the bonds of marriage or to sacrifice future possibilities on a whim.

Thus, despite his mother’s urging, he remained calm and rational, quietly planning how to handle the situation tactfully.

Soon, Lin Haoran had formulated his response.

With a gentle smile, he looked at his mother and said slowly, “Mom, you know me best. I have always had my own life plan. I’m still young—this is the golden period to dedicate myself fully to my career and broaden my horizons. I really don’t want to enter the confines of marriage too early, where responsibility and constraints might hinder my progress.

Please trust me—I know my direction and when to take each step. If you truly long for the joys of family, isn’t your elder son’s child right there? You can invite him over more often and enjoy those precious moments of grandparent and grandchild.

As for me, Mom, don’t worry too much. With my qualifications, if I really wanted to marry, I’m sure girls lined up all the way from Mong Kok to Tsim Sha Tsui would be queuing up.”

“Mom knows your character and who you are, and she knows what you and your elder brother are facing now. Both of you are my flesh and blood. Your elder brother, being much older, has already accumulated rich experience and connections in Hong Kong’s business world—there’s no need for me to worry about him.

But it is because I’m confident in your brother that I worry more about you. You just returned from England and have just stepped into society. I fear the hardships you might face alone. If you could form a bond with the Guo family and become their son-in-law, that would undoubtedly add much support to your future path and help you avoid detours. My concerns are all for your own good!” Lin’s mother said with heartfelt sincerity.

For her, with her eldest son and two daughters all married, only the youngest son remained unmarried. Naturally, she hoped Lin Haoran would soon find a good wife.

Lin Haoran was well aware of the deeper meaning behind his mother’s words.

He smiled faintly and replied, “Mom, please rest assured. I understand my abilities and potential well and don’t need to rely on anyone’s help, including a future spouse. I believe that with my own efforts and talents, I will carve out a successful path in my career.”

Seeing she could not persuade him, Lin’s mother had no choice but to give up on the idea for the time being.

Lin’s father did not return home until after nine in the evening, carrying a heavy scent of alcohol.

Seeing this, Lin Haoran furrowed his brow slightly and said, “Dad, why did you drink so much again? You know your own health well enough—neglecting it like this is just overexerting yourself.”

After merging his memories, he had grown deeply attached to his parents; thus, witnessing his father overindulge because of business obligations stirred an indescribable worry and tenderness within him.

Lin’s father, hearing this, felt a pang of guilt but also a trace of relief, understanding his son’s concern.

He explained gently, “Today, I met with Mr. Guo, chairman of Kerry Group, to discuss cooperation. The atmosphere was quite harmonious. If we can secure this partnership, it will be a great boon for the Wanan Group. I couldn’t help but share a few drinks to strengthen our bond.” His eyes gleamed with hope and confidence for the future.

Kerry Group?

Hearing that name, Lin Haoran immediately knew who he was talking about.

Perhaps few had heard of other companies, but everyone recognized the Shangri-La Hotel.

The Shangri-La Hotel was founded by the owner of Kerry Group.

He was one of the top tycoons in the Chinese community.

No wonder Lin’s father attached such importance to this matter.

However, seeing his father constantly caught up in business socializing, Lin Haoran quietly resolved to take over management of the group as soon as possible, so his father could lay down his burdens and enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

After all, prolonged immersion in the heavy social demands of the business world was only worsening his father’s declining health.