Hangzhou, China.
A traditional Chinese courtyard villa nestled among the trees on the western edge of West Lake had recently become the center of attention for the city's elite.
The reason? The unexpected arrival of a certain billionaire magnate.
Word quickly spread that Simon Westeros was in China for purely personal reasons—specifically, to solidify his relationship with a young woman from the Lin family. Rumors even suggested the woman was already pregnant. Those in the know weren't the type to harbor resentment toward the wealthy. On the contrary, many were filled with envy.
After all, it was Simon Westeros!
According to international reports, Simon Westeros's personal fortune had ballooned to an unimaginable $2 trillion, thanks to the relentless rise of U.S. tech stocks.
Two trillion dollars.
It was an amount beyond comprehension, especially when compared to China's entire GDP of $860 billion in the previous year.
To those not privy to the details, all that mattered was that the moment Simon landed in China, directives from Beijing quickly trickled down, instructing local authorities to ensure that the guest was treated with the utmost hospitality. Even as Simon moved about leisurely, countless officials were forced to cancel their Lunar New Year vacations to remain on standby.
Simon and Lin Su left for China on the morning of February 3 and arrived in Hangzhou by the afternoon of February 4. It was the 27th day of the lunar month.
Upon arrival, Simon visited the Lin family home directly.
In an open and honest conversation with Lin Su's parents, Simon explained his intentions. The Lin family, having anticipated this development, agreed to the arrangement.
Simon also prepared a lavish betrothal gift in keeping with Chinese traditions. A set of rings for Lin Su was naturally included. That evening, during a lively family banquet, the couple's relationship was formally established.
For a family like the Lins, positioned firmly within the social elite, this arrangement was not unusual. In fact, Lin Su's parents had once believed their daughter would remain a quiet presence at Simon Westeros's side. Now that Simon had personally visited, observed all the proper formalities, and explained his plans for their future grandchild, they had no reason to demand more.
With this matter resolved in swift fashion, the next day arrived: the 29th day of the lunar calendar.
This year, there was no 30th day in the lunar month, making this day Lunar New Year's Eve. By evening, the Lin family courtyard was alive with festive energy, preparing for the reunion dinner.
The sprawling compound, covering more than six acres, had more than enough space for such an occasion. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Lin Su's father had invited his four siblings and their families to join the festivities. By now, over 30 members of the extended Lin family had gathered within the estate.
In the spacious kitchen on one side of the property, two professional chefs were busy preparing dishes alongside the women of the Lin family. After all, a homemade reunion dinner carried a special sense of warmth and tradition.
Lin Lan, Lin Su's younger sister, hovered around her older sibling like a curious shadow. She clumsily snapped green beans from a large basket while peppering her sister with questions. "Sis, is it true? He really agreed to name the baby Simon Lin Westeros?"
Lin Su guessed that their father, likely during one of his proud conversations with relatives, had let this information slip. Seeing her sister's wide-eyed curiosity, Lin Su simply nodded.
"Well," Lin Lan began, "I know Westerners like naming their kids after family members, but it still sounds weird." She hesitated before lowering her voice conspiratorially. "But seriously, Sis, it's Simon we're talking about. Does his… um… wife not have a problem with this?"
Before Lin Su could reply, a hand swatted the back of Lin Lan's head. Startled, she turned to see their mother glaring at her.
"Mom, your hands are wet! My hair!" Lin Lan protested, trying to change the subject.
But Mrs. Lin wasn't having any of it. "If you can't say something sensible, just keep your mouth shut."
"What did I say wrong? I was only talking to my sister," Lin Lan muttered. Still, she couldn't help but add, "But what if it's a girl?"
This remark seemed to upset Mrs. Lin even more. She smacked her younger daughter on the back—not holding back this time. The sudden yelp drew amused glances from the other women in the kitchen. Mrs. Lin smiled politely at them before grabbing Lin Lan by the ear and steering her toward the door. "Out! Don't just stand around making trouble. Seeing you is giving me a headache."
Though Mrs. Lin prided herself on not favoring sons over daughters, the idea of her eldest daughter having anything but a boy was simply unacceptable!
Once Lin Lan was gone, Mrs. Lin turned back to her eldest and offered a reassuring smile. "Don't pay attention to what your sister says. You know how sharp-tongued she's been since she was little."
"It's fine," Lin Su replied with a gentle smile. Compared to the emotional turmoil she had experienced back in North America, the past few days had been uplifting. Simon's actions had given her a renewed sense of confidence and warmth. She added quietly, "Honestly, he loves kids. If it's a girl this time, it doesn't matter. I can always have another. It's not like there's a one-child policy in the U.S."
Mrs. Lin nodded but sighed softly. "Xiao Su, he's gone to great lengths, and we can tell he genuinely cares about you. But let's be honest—you know he must have other women in his life. Don't expect too much. Just focus on taking care of yourself and the baby. Try to live a good life, and don't dwell too much on titles or formalities."
"I understand, Mom," Lin Su replied.
Even as she said this, Lin Su couldn't help but think about Simon's meticulous arrangements for the women in his life. He always paired them—two by two. Even in the case of his Dumais estate, it was managed by the two Jennys.
Clearly, he had thought through everything.
What a scoundrel.
Mrs. Lin noticed her daughter drifting into thought and chose not to interrupt. After finishing a basket of green beans, she handed it off to another family member and began sorting through a basket of leafy greens. "Oh, by the way, Xiao Su," she began, "tonight is Lunar New Year's Eve. Traditionally, your father and I should give him a red envelope. What do you think? Should we?"
Lin Su blinked, then smiled. "Of course! Why not?"
"And how much should we give?"
"Whatever you give Qin Yusong," Lin Su replied, referring to Lin Lan's husband. "They're both sons-in-law, right? We can't play favorites."
Mrs. Lin laughed and gave her daughter a playful tap on the back of her hand. "Always joking, aren't you? Trying to make fun of your mother."
"I'm serious," Lin Su said, her smile softening. "He's very eager to fit in with our customs. And besides, this red envelope is like a tradition—it's his 'change of title' gift, isn't it?"
Mrs. Lin froze at the thought of Simon Westeros formally addressing her and her husband as "Mom" and "Dad." The very idea felt overwhelming.
After a moment of hesitation, she said, "Maybe your father should handle it."
Lin Su chuckled. "Don't scare him. He might not be able to handle it."
Thinking of how her husband had tried to act dignified in front of Simon these past two days, only to falter under pressure, Mrs. Lin couldn't help but laugh. Still, she shot her daughter a stern look. "Watch how you talk about your father!"
"I didn't say anything!" Lin Su replied innocently.
Mrs. Lin paused for a moment before offering, "Maybe he could just address us formally—'Father-in-law' and 'Mother-in-law'?"
Lin Su considered this. While she hadn't discussed the matter with Simon, the suggestion seemed reasonable. "I'll talk to him," she said. "But if Qin Yusong calls you Mom and Dad while he says 'Father-in-law,' that's not very fair, is it?"
"Then we'll have Qin follow suit," Mrs. Lin declared.
Lin Su shrugged.
By dinnertime, the family had gathered around several tables in the main hall. The television buzzed in the background, warming up for the evening's Spring Festival Gala.
Simon found the mixture of familiarity and novelty deeply moving—though he did miss the sound of firecrackers.
Surprisingly, when Simon mentioned the lack of fireworks, they soon heard the unmistakable pops and crackles outside. Evidently, someone had gone out of their way to make it happen.
The dinner was a lively affair. Afterward, Lin Su and Simon began the ritual of offering New Year's greetings to the family.
First, they addressed Lin Su's grandparents, then her parents, followed by her aunts and uncles. Having been prepped by Lin Su, Simon graciously accepted red envelopes and reciprocated with the proper titles. While others maintained a bit of decorum, Lin Su's father—having had a bit too much to drink—could barely contain his joy when Simon called him "Father-in-law."
Next, the younger generation stepped forward to offer
their New Year's greetings. Lin Su distributed thick red envelopes, causing Lin Lan to grumble with envy before mischievously asking for one herself. After checking the envelope's contents, the festive atmosphere seemed to grow even more lively.
The only minor hiccup of the evening came during the Spring Festival Gala.
When a particular comedy sketch began—Red Sorghum Model Team—it featured an improvised line referencing two women who had recently become household names in China: Jian Xin and Tao Yuelei. To Simon's surprise, the camera panned to these two women seated prominently in the audience.
While the Lin family didn't recognize the names, Lin Su immediately understood. She cast a glance at Simon, who was sitting beside her, and pinched him lightly, her expression a mix of jealousy and mock annoyance.
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