Ethan Yin nodded, "I know. I've already cleared my schedule. This comes first."
Such a grand banquet, and yet it's actually a Disengagement Banquet.
It's hard not to have complicated feelings about this.
"Sigh." Yina Yin said with emotion, "Back when Sis got engaged to Miles Gu, it was just as lively. Who would've thought, after all our efforts, it was all just to break them up?"
"Don't worry, your sister's got so much going for her. She could get engaged again in no time." Cherry Miller glanced at Yina Yin, and seeing her expression unchanged, continued, "Haven't you heard? This isn't just a Disengagement Banquet—it's also a Groom Selection Banquet. Lots of family heads have brought their heirs. The chairman and his wife are picking personally!"
Yina Yin just shrugged, speechless.
As the person at the center of it all, Yina genuinely had nothing to say.
"Senior Gavin, you better step up!" Ryan King teased, "I hear all the best young men are here. Feeling the pressure yet?"
Gavin sliced fruit quickly, not even looking up. "Only Miles Gu makes me nervous. The rest aren't worth worrying about."
"Ooooh!" The others chimed in, "Senior Gavin's the best!"
While the kids were busy making a racket, Charles Yin and Cecilia Grant were already thinking ahead about their future son-in-law.
The Fan Family from the same city had already paid an early visit to Charles Yin and Cecilia Grant.
A century ago, the Fan Family was in the bodyguard business.
During the Republican era, the Fan Family became famous for protecting a major figure.
Later, the Fan Family started a security company. Thanks to their substantial inheritance, they gradually expanded into the express delivery industry.
Nowadays, the Fan Family's main businesses are still security and delivery, but they've started dabbling in education too.
So, while the Fan Family isn't quite on par with the Yin family yet, they're considered a promising up-and-coming clan.
After all, the Fan Family has been around for a hundred years now.
Most importantly, the Fan Family is local and close to the Yins, which made Cecilia seriously consider their sons as candidates.
Sure enough, Mrs. Fan brought her eldest son to meet Charles Yin and Cecilia Grant in person, letting them have first pick.
"I'll stay here and chat with Mrs. Yin. You go say hello to Chairman Yin," Mrs. Field said to her son with a smile.
"Alright, I'll head over now." The eldest Field son, Lin Field, turned to Cecilia and said, "Aunt Cecilia, my mom loves to nag. If she gets on your nerves, just ignore her. And if she upsets you, please let it slide for my sake—I'll apologize to you later."
Lin Field is twenty-seven this year, right in the prime of his youth.
He's straightforward, has no scandals, and has been diligently growing his own business. People in the circle think highly of him.
He may be a bit older, but a mature man knows how to handle things.
Cecilia laughed, "Alright, alright, for your sake, I won't hold it against your mom."
Mrs. Field shot her son a look, then turned to Cecilia, "My son has been bossing me around since he was eighteen. It's like I gave birth to my own father."
Lin Field smiled, excused himself, and went to check in with Charles Yin.
Once Lin Field had left, Mrs. Field took Cecilia's hand and said, "Mrs. Yin, we've known each other in this circle for years. You know my personality. I won't brag, but I can promise you this: if Yina marries into our family, Lin will absolutely listen to his wife and never let Yina feel wronged. Sure, we Fields aren't as rich as you Yins, but at our level, money's just a number. What really matters is character and temperament."
Cecilia laughed, "See, you call me Mrs. Yin even though we've known each other for so long? I call you Lingling."
Mrs. Field—Lingling—laughed, "Today’s a formal occasion, isn’t it? Alright, Cecilia, I’ll be straight with you. My eldest son is set to inherit the family business. My husband’s already handed over most of the company to him, and soon, he and I will be off traveling and enjoying retirement. I brought my eldest, not my younger troublemaker, because I know Yina doesn’t like feeling tied down. Don’t worry, Lin would never let Yina suffer even a little!"
Cecilia thought seriously for a moment and said, "I’ve watched Lin grow up—his character is impeccable. But with relationships, the kids have to truly like each other."
"I know, but I wanted you to see him first," Lingling said. "I’m well aware that at the banquet the day after tomorrow, plenty of families will bring their sons for you to check out. I figured I’d get in early and let you take a look at Lin first. He’s practical, not much for flattery, and pretty awkward with words—not as smooth as those other guys."
Cecilia just smiled without saying anything.
"Our families live close by, so the kids can choose where to settle down. We’ll get to see each other more often as in-laws, right? I’m not insisting you pick Lin just because we’re friends. Let the young ones get to know each other, that’s all. If Yina doesn’t like Lin, I won’t push it." Lingling continued.
Cecilia finally laughed, "Let the young people handle their own affairs. We parents really do worry ourselves sick over them. Whether they end up together or not, our friendship won’t change."
"That’s exactly what I wanted to hear!" Lingling beamed.
Meanwhile, Lin Field went to greet Charles Yin. Charles gestured to him, "Care for a game?"
Lin saw the chessboard already set up and walked over with a smile. "Uncle Charles, go easy on me."
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"Sit." Charles Yin placed a piece on the board with his long fingers and asked, "I hear you're in charge of all the affairs at your family's company now?"
"Yes. My younger brother's a handful, and my parents are getting older. As the eldest son, it's a responsibility I can't avoid." Lin Field made a proper move and said, "But I'm nowhere near your level, Uncle Charles. I remember you were already CEO of the Yin Corporation in your early twenties. Even Ethan took over earlier than me—I only officially became CEO last year."
"Feeling any pressure since taking over? If you need help, just ask. Your father and I grew up together," Charles said, sizing Lin up.
Hmm, he's in good shape—clearly works out regularly.
Nice face too, definitely inherited his mother Lingling’s looks.
Good family background as well—a century-old family that's stayed prosperous, with a clean reputation. No scandals or wayward heirs, so their upbringing must be strict.
He's composed in conversation, decisive in chess—definitely not indecisive.
A bit older, sure, but still worth considering.
Most importantly, both the Field and Yin families are in Newport City. If Lin ever tried to bully Yina, he wouldn't dare.
If he did, I'd break his legs myself!
"No real pressure for now. If I ever need help, Uncle Charles, I won’t hesitate to ask." Lin Field smiled. "My dad keeps talking about retirement, but he’s still quietly steering things behind the scenes. With him around, nothing goes too off track—at the company or at home. You say you’ve handed things to Ethan, but you’re still watching over him. Luckily, Ethan’s never made a mistake; if he did, you’d be the first to call him out."
"All parents are like that, I guess. You worry about your kids for a hundred years. Having a father like you, Ethan must be pretty lucky." Lin looked up with a smile. "My mom says that all the time. Even my mischievous little brother straightens up when he sees her."
Lin’s words carried several meanings.
First, Lin will inherit the Field family business. His younger brother, though also legitimate, isn’t interested in the company, so there’s no fight over succession.
Second, even if the Field business isn’t as big as the Yin’s, Lin’s transition was smooth and pressure-free, so he’s free to aim higher.
Third, both families are run by the new generation, with the older generation semi-retired. No conflicts in values.
Fourth, the Field family is well-raised. Maybe not as deep-rooted as the Yun family, but they’re decent people—no messy scandals, no disrespect, and they’d never let Yina suffer.
Fifth, he was flattering Charles and Ethan. Everyone likes a compliment, but it depends who’s saying it. Lin’s a bit older than Miles Gu and Ethan, so his approval is an honor.
Charles immediately picked up on Lin’s meaning. He was pretty satisfied—after all, there’s no second son-in-law as perfect as Miles Gu.
Now that Miles’s main personality can’t return, Charles can only settle for someone who’s good enough.
Lin Field was just the kind of candidate Charles could settle for.
Charles placed another piece, "Go to Luoxia Villa the day after tomorrow. Get close to the younger ones. You’re older, so give them some guidance."
"You’re too kind, Uncle Charles. I’m only a few years older—we’re basically the same age. It’s better to learn from each other." Lin replied with a smile.
He knew he’d earned Charles’s approval today.
That was a very valuable ticket.
Whether he could become the Yin family’s son-in-law would depend on the husband selection banquet.
He hoped there wouldn’t be too much competition that day.
He also hoped he’d win Yina’s favor.
After all, in terms of family, looks, and talent, Yina was truly one in a million.
Her chief assistant could even help the Field family rise to a whole new level.