Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 411 Lin, who has been charmed, 2

In October 1989, the summer heat still lingered in Hong Kong. The lush trees on the hillside of Deep Water Bay filtered the salty sea breeze, making it feel a bit refreshing.

The courtyard was quiet, with only the rustling of the leaves in the sea breeze.

Lin Er stood alone at the door, his Foundation Establishment cultivator's spiritual senses allowing him to detect the young master's aura from afar.

Lin Yi had been rambling on in his mind for half a year, describing his young master as if he were a celestial being descended to earth, which made him feel like he was being scratched by a cat.

The car glided silently into the private driveway and came to a stop.

Lin Yan pushed open the car door and got out. Xiao Qi jumped to his feet. Then, Lin Gang and Wang Yuling got out of the car, each carrying two little dumplings wrapped in delicate blankets. The babies were about six months old, with healthy pinkish-white faces, like fresh fruit soaked in morning dew.

Perhaps because she had just woken up from a nap in the car, Chenchen's eyes were still a little misty with confusion, while Xixi had already opened her big, dark eyes and was curiously looking around at this lush, unfamiliar place.

Lin Er felt something soft bump against his chest, and he leaped forward, heading straight for the little dumpling in Lin Gang's arms.

"This must be the young master! Let me hold him! I'm Uncle Lin Er!"

He grinned so wide his eyes disappeared, and his hand reached out quickly and urgently, almost touching the soft swaddling clothes.

Before Lin Er could even touch the child, Lin Yan used his true energy to freeze him in place.

Lin Yan felt a touch of helplessness: "Lin Er."

Lin Er blinked, trying to convey his innocence and longing with his eyes.

"When you come back from outside, how much dirt and grime are on your hands and body? You are not allowed to touch the child until you have washed your hands and body."

Lin Er suddenly realized what was happening and cursed himself for being so reckless.

"Young Master! I was wrong!"

He immediately admitted his mistake, his attitude incredibly sincere, "I'll go right now! I'll wash myself three times with a cleansing spell!"

Lin Yan shook his head, his mind stirring slightly.

Lin Er felt a lightness all over his body as the binding force receded like a tide. He almost fell forward due to the excessive force, but quickly steadied himself.

"Just wash your hands."

Lin Er blushed and dared not say another word. He flashed and disappeared into the villa, heading straight for the first-floor bathroom.

Lin Yan nodded to Lin Gang and Wang Yuling: "Let's go inside first."

Wang Yuling and Lin Gang carefully placed the children on the huge pure white cashmere blanket in the center of the living room, loosening the swaddling clothes a little so the little ones could move around more freely.

In the new environment, Xixi seemed more excited, making cooing sounds and kicking her little arms and legs vigorously, trying to roll over.

Chenchen, meanwhile, slowly gazed at the high ceiling and the drifting clouds outside the window with his dark, grape-like eyes, his little hand unconsciously clutching a corner of the cashmere blanket.

At this moment, Lin Er rushed back like a gust of wind. Not only were his hands red from scrubbing, but he had also taken off his suit jacket, leaving him in only a neatly pressed white shirt with the cuffs rolled up to his elbows.

He rushed to the edge of the carpet, but this time he didn't dare to act rashly. He first looked at Lin Yan expectantly, and after receiving a slight nod from the latter, he rubbed his hands together, half-squatted down, and spoke to Chenchen in a soft and gentle voice.

"Young Master... Young Master Chenchen? I'm Uncle Lin Er, can I... please let you hold me?"

Wang Yuling suppressed a laugh and whispered instructions: "Lin Er, put your hand through here, yes, support your neck and back, and use this hand to stabilize your bottom... Yes, like that, slowly."

Lin Er held his breath, feeling his soul tremble, a surge of tender emotion filling his chest.

He awkwardly adjusted his position to make the little guy more comfortable, looked down into those clear eyes, and unconsciously distorted his voice: "Young Master Chenchen, look here, I'm Uncle Lin Er... Uncle—Uncle—"

Chenchen was held by him and did not cry or fuss. She just looked at him with a quiet and focused gaze, as if she was studying something new and interesting.

After watching for a while, the little guy suddenly pouted, let out a silent yawn, and his long eyelashes drooped down.

Lin Er was immediately at a loss: "Huh? Sleepy? Is it because Uncle's hug is uncomfortable? Or am I too fierce?" He looked at Wang Yuling for help.

Before Wang Yuling could speak, Xi Xi next to her objected.

Seeing her brother being carried away by a "stranger," she immediately started babbling, scratching at Lin Er with her little hands and kicking the blanket with her little feet.

A smile flashed in Lin Yan's eyes, and he gestured to Lin Gang. Lin Gang then stepped forward and carefully picked up Xi Xi as well.

Xi Xi is more outgoing. When she was in Lin Gang's arms, she was immediately attracted by the shiny cufflinks on Lin Gang's shirt. She reached out her chubby little hand to grab them, making "ah" and "oh" sounds.

Looking at the lively Xi Xi in Lin Gang's arms, and then at the quiet and sleepy Chen Chen in his own arms, Lin Er suddenly felt that life couldn't be more perfect than this.

He held Chenchen in his arms, not daring to make any big movements, only gently rocking him with very small movements, humming an off-key tune that he himself didn't know what it was, his eyes so tender they could melt water.

Lin Yan sat down on the sofa next to him, and Xiao Qi jumped onto the armrest next to him and curled up.

"Alright, the children are new here and need time to adjust. Yuling, take them to their room and let them resume their usual routine," Lin Yan said at the right moment.

Wang Yuling and Lin Gang responded and took the child from Lin Er and Lin Gang.

Lin Er reluctantly let go, then followed him expectantly to the top of the stairs leading to the second floor, and asked in a low voice:

"Yu Ling, tonight...do you need someone to take turns watching over you at night? My cultivation level isn't as high as yours, young master, but I'm definitely capable of keeping watch! Or how about breastfeeding? I learn things quickly!"

Wang Yuling turned around and couldn't help but laugh:

"Lin Er, I appreciate your kindness, but for now, let the young master rest and settle the children. Lin Gang and I will take care of these matters."

Lin Er awkwardly stopped and watched them go upstairs. Even after they disappeared, he stood there for a while.

"Come here, let's get down to business." Lin Yan's voice came from the direction of the study.

Lin Er immediately suppressed all outward emotions and strode into the study.

"Young Master, your identification documents."

Lin Er handed over several sealed file folders.

"The birth registration and identity documents in Hong Kong are in order, and will be processed as you wish. On the mainland side, through Lin San's 'educational exchange' channels and several friendly local units, we have reserved interfaces for student registration, which can be connected at any time. I have also preliminarily screened the school information, and they are all top-notch."

His report was clear and logical, delivered in a calm tone, a stark contrast to his earlier demeanor.

"Have you conveyed Albert's requests to the British side?"

"Yes, he has been notified. He will start looking for suitable top private schools and make preliminary preparations after the young master and young lady graduate from elementary school."

Lin Er replied, then added, "Young Master, Alexander and the other leaders have all heard about the young master's situation and have prepared some gifts... What do you think?"

The sentiment is appreciated, but a gift is unnecessary.

"Ordinary children's toys and items beneficial to their development can be accepted, but anything valuable or conspicuous should be returned. For daily protection, you personally arrange for a team of your most reliable people to take turns monitoring the perimeter of this mountainous area. They must not approach the villa unless in an emergency, and they must not interfere with the children's normal lives. I want them here, where they can feel the sea breeze and see the everyday life of the city, growing up like ordinary children, understand?"

"Understood!" Lin Er replied solemnly, "I guarantee it will be absolutely clean and absolutely quiet."

"Also, Chenchen and Xixi are my biological children. Anyone who dares to let that slip..."

Lin Er felt a chill on the back of his neck and unconsciously shrank back.

"Young Master, please rest assured, Young Master Chenchen and Miss Xixi are indeed our Lin family's biological young masters!"