Chapter 0224

"Granny Wang, are you settling in well here?"

This was the first time Lin Ran had asked about Granny Wang's work at the estate.

He looked at her with a hint of warmth in his eyes.

Granny Wang gave a kind smile and nodded. "Quite well. I'll do my best to satisfy the butler."

Her voice was gentle, but her words made both Lin Ran and Uncle Fu pause.

Shouldn't she have said "satisfy the master of the house"?

A flicker of doubt rose in Lin Ran's heart—he sensed there was more to her words.

He shot Uncle Fu a strange glance, while the older man awkwardly scratched his head, inwardly cursing, "Damn old schemer."

He knew Granny Wang's remark was deliberately aimed at him, hinting at some hidden conflict between them.

Lin Ran didn’t press further. Working at the estate meant abiding by Uncle Fu’s approval—that was the rule.

He was aware there was history between Uncle Fu and Granny Wang, but since neither spoke of it, he wouldn’t pry. He wasn’t the type to force gossip.

Respecting everyone’s privacy, he preferred not to meddle in the estate’s delicate dynamics.

"Alright, if you need anything, just talk to Uncle Fu. Don’t let his stern face fool you—he’s actually a decent man," Lin Ran said with a smile, hoping to maintain harmony in the household.

Uncle Fu’s expression softened with emotion. So, in Young Master Lin’s eyes, he was a good person.

Warmth surged in his chest, and his gaze toward Lin Ran grew even more affectionate.

Granny Wang replied flatly, "I know. Uncle Fu is a good man." Her tone was neutral, but a faint, unreadable glint flashed in her eyes.

Uncle Fu: "......" He was at a loss for words, unsure how to respond.

"Enough talk—it’s almost time to prepare dinner," Lin Ran said, heading toward the kitchen. He believed good food could soothe tensions, and he wanted to cook Luo Yao a delicious meal.

Uncle Fu nearly stopped him—after all, the estate’s chefs were practically gathering dust. But remembering how Lin Ran’s cooking always satisfied Luo Yao, he held his tongue.

A while later, Luo Yao returned. Her figure appeared at the estate gates like a picturesque scene.

Seeing Lin Ran busy in the kitchen, an inexplicable happiness welled up inside her—a sense of home.

"Ran," she called softly.

"Yao, you’re back. Just wait a bit—dinner’s almost ready," Lin Ran turned with a warm smile.

This simple, blissful routine was everything Luo Yao dreamed of. She worked to support them, while Lin Ran fed her with his cooking. To her, it was an achievable fantasy.

Wrapping her arms around him from behind, she rested against his warmth.

"Ran, how did you feel seeing Liu Ruxue today?" she asked quietly, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

Lin Ran frowned. "Like I’d stepped on shit. I’m somewhat satisfied with her fate, but not entirely."

Disgust flashed in his gaze—the mere thought of Liu Ruxue sickened him. Yet her prison sentence didn’t feel like enough justice.

Luo Yao hesitated before speaking again. "Actually... I arranged for someone to deal with her in prison. You won’t blame me, will you?"

She watched him nervously, not wanting this to taint his opinion of her.

Lin Ran’s eyes widened in delight.

"Blame you? You’re the worm in my gut—doing what I wanted but couldn’t."

His excitement was palpable, wholly approving of her actions.

Pleased, Luo Yao rewarded him with a passionate kiss—so fervent it seemed to freeze time.

Since his rebirth, Lin Ran had noticed Luo Yao had changed. The difference lay in her personality.

The old Luo Yao was ruthless, cold, unhinged—every descriptor for a heartless person fit her.

She’d been a rose with thorns: beautiful yet untouchable. Now, she carried hints of playfulness, gentleness, and care.

"Do you like this side of me, Ran?"

"Of course. Yao, I wish you could stay exactly like this forever."

His gaze brimmed with love.

"And if I change again?"

Lin Ran met her eyes solemnly. "No matter what, I’ll never leave you."

His voice was steady, his vow unshakable.

What truly melts hearts are other hearts. Money and power can do it too, but not as enduringly.

In this world of materialism and desire, genuine affection is the rarest treasure.

That night, Lin Ran never heard the cat’s meow.

Tossing in bed, he couldn’t stop worrying about Little Black.

Sometimes he really wanted to call the police—if only the officers would help him find a missing cat.

The next morning, still half-asleep, his phone rang.

Bleary-eyed, he checked the caller and frowned. "Young Master Lin, it’s bad! Lin Tianba is causing trouble at Suran Group—he’s live-streaming, claiming our real estate projects are shoddy!"

The voice on the line was frantic, as if the sky were falling.

Lin Ran scowled. He’d prepared for everything—

only for this to happen when he was about to see Little Black.

Irritation flared. "Well, is it true?"

"Rest assured, Young Master Lin. Our 'Linyuan Scenic' project was always meant to be Suran Group’s flagship—every material used is top-grade!"

The explanation came in a rush. Lin Ran relaxed slightly.

"Seems it’s time to teach Lin Tianba a lesson."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes—Lin Tianba had crossed a line.

"Fine. I’m on my way. Wait for me." He hung up.

Uncle Fu: "Young Master Lin, heading out?"

One look at Lin Ran’s face told him something was wrong.

"Yes. Gather all the estate’s bodyguards—they’re coming with me."

Lin Ran knew he lacked combat skills, so he relied on others. Leverage was key in moments like this.

Not that a scumbag like Lin Tianba posed any real threat.