The Beauties Help Me Become the No.1 Official
Chapter 490: Nothing Warms the Heart Like Fireworks

Chapter 490: Chapter 490: Nothing Warms the Heart Like Fireworks

"Mom, Dad, I’m back!"

When Lin Fan parked the car and took the seafood out of the trunk, his parents were already standing at the door, smiling with relief.

"Just come back, why buy groceries? There’s still so much in the fridge. We can’t finish it all ourselves. Why don’t you take some back when you leave? Your mom and I found a fallow piece of land and planted some vegetables. In a few days, we’ll have plenty of farm produce. You can take some back for your colleagues at work then."

His father, whose cast had been removed, seemed to have fewer wrinkles, all because he was happy; his mother promptly took the seafood from him.

"I’ve been so busy these days. I haven’t had time to come back to the unit, so you guys might as well keep it and eat it."

Lin Fan took out a pack of Hua Zi cigarettes and handed one to his father, but he didn’t accept it and instead pulled out a pack of cheap Red Mei cigarettes from his pocket: "We’re all family here, save the good cigarettes for when you go out, I have my own, I’m used to this brand."

"Dad, just smoke it, don’t make a fuss. I have more in the car. I’ll bring you two cartons later."

Lin Fan snatched the Red Mei away, forcefully gave the Hua Zi to him, and lit it for him. Seeing his father cherish the cigarette, Lin Fan felt a pang of pain.

"Just one is enough; how can you smoke such good stuff every day? If I bring Hua Zi out, won’t they say you’re a corrupt official? Our house is so beautiful now, it’s already making people jealous; let’s not flaunt it."

Taking a deep inhale, his father, seemingly reluctant to exhale the smoke, said cheerfully, "You work in town, come stay here when you have time. The food outside might taste good, but everyone says it’s not clean. You’ve rented out the land; I and your mom are free, serving you meals is no trouble."

"Dad, I... I’m going to be transferred to the county as a deputy county magistrate; I’m afraid I’ll have even fewer days to come home."

Lin Fan suddenly felt guilty as he looked at his father. Ever since he started junior high, he had lived in town, coming home only on weekends. During university, he could only return during the winter and summer breaks. After starting work, he couldn’t even make it home during the festivals. Watching his parents get older, their hair turning white, was truly distressing.

"Being a deputy county magistrate... I knew my son would make it... Just work hard, your mom and I aren’t old, we’re still robust, no need to worry about us."

With these words, his father’s face blossomed into a smile, his hands gripping Lin Fan’s shoulders in a silent expression of fatherly love, conveyed only through his excited trembling.

"Dad, why don’t you and mom come live with me in the city? I could take care of you better."

Looking at his father’s rough palms, Lin Fan really wanted to give him a hug, but he ended up too embarrassed to do so.

"Your mom and I are used to the countryside; we wouldn’t be comfortable in the city. Just don’t worry about us. Are you tired from driving? Come inside and rest."

His father quickly ushered Lin Fan into the living room, and his mother also denied his offer to help in the kitchen.

Sitting on the sofa, Lin Fan couldn’t help but look back at his parents busy by the stove. The wafting smoke filled his heart. It was in this moment that he realized nothing was as heartwarming as home cooked meals, with parents around, he always had a sanctuary; returning home, his heart was at peace.

"Foolish woman, why are you crying? Don’t let our son see."

By the outdoor stove, his father kicked his mother gently as she sat there, tears marking her eyes.

"It’s just... I’m worried... You say our son became the county magistrate so suddenly... Could it be those people’s doing? Might they take him away?"

After wiping her tears, his mother took a deep breath, keeping some secrets only between the old couple.

"Whether it is or not, now that our son is successful, we should be happy for him. Even if the blood running through him isn’t mine, I raised him with every tear and sweat; he is a son of the Lin Family, nobody can take him away, nor lead him away."

His father, standing with hands on hips, usually timid, now stood impressively.

"Should we tell him... that he was adopted?"

His mother’s eyes were red as she looked at her husband, recalling past moments that echoed in her mind.

"Let’s not talk about it for now. I’ve stayed hidden in this remote valley all my life, suffered silently, and never dared to speak out, all for fear of drawing attention from those people. Now that he’s grown, there are some things he will choose for himself. We could protect him as he grew up, but we can’t follow him for a lifetime. He must walk his own path."

After lighting another Red Mei, his father took several deep drags and said, "Alright, our son has finally come home. You have to hold back, don’t make him worry, or else don’t blame me if I get angry."

"I know, you old coot, even when someone breaks your leg, you dare not speak out; you only dare to get mad at me. If I had known how cowardly you were, I wouldn’t have married you."

His mother’s nagging was met with his father’s smile. The harmonious family dinner was exceptionally joyful. As the moon climbed the branches, Lin Fan went upstairs and watched two figures clambering through the window, a smile crossing his lips.