Chapter 27 Your Sunflower Seed Shells Fell on My Shoe
"Haoran, since you're going to the banquet with your dad, make sure you keep an eye on him and don't let him drink too much. His health isn't what it used to be, and too much alcohol can really harm him. We must be careful," Lin Haoran's mother gently reminded, adjusting Lin Wanan's collar while speaking to Lin Haoran, who was sitting on the sofa nearby.
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll keep a close watch on Dad and won't let him overdo it," Lin Haoran replied with a smile.
He was already dressed in a more refined and perfectly tailored suit, and in an instant, he seemed to have transformed from a youthful boy into a polished, elegant young gentleman, exuding a mature and steady charm. His already handsome features, under the complement of the suit, appeared even more striking, making it hard for anyone to look away.
Lin Wanan did not object. He understood his wife's concerns were born out of deep love and care.
Just a few nights ago, after returning from a social event, Lin Wanan had suffered a sudden spike in blood pressure, forcing another visit to the hospital, and the persistent headaches had been tormenting him. Despite repeated treatments, there was no complete cure.
Nevertheless, some social engagements were hard for Lin Wanan to avoid. Even if he did not wish to attend, the considerations involved left him no choice.
Lin Haoran understood the hardships his father endured. His current top priority was to strive to become the successor of Wanan Group as soon as possible, allowing his father to retire peacefully and enjoy a comfortable life.
From his memories, after his elder brother Lin Haoning got married and started his own family, he moved out early on.
Thus, whenever there was a banquet to attend, if Lin Haoran was at home, Lin Wanan would always take him along.
These occasions not only deepened the father-son relationship but also allowed Lin Haoran to be exposed to different aspects of society from an early age.
Following his father into the back seat of the Rolls-Royce, Lin Haoran couldn't help but marvel at how the car's comfort far exceeded that of his own Mercedes. No wonder it was so beloved by the wealthy elite.
Before setting off, Lin Haoran instructed Li Weiguo and Li Weidong to stay behind at the villa, as his father's driver also doubled as a highly capable bodyguard, someone Lin Haoran trusted deeply to ensure their safety.
"Dad, where are we heading tonight?" Lin Haoran asked curiously as he settled into the luxurious rear seat.
"We're going to Joy Lai Restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. The environment there is elegant, the food excellent, and it's quite well-known around Tsim Sha Tsui. You've been there before—you should remember it," his father replied with a smile.
Lin Haoran nodded. From his memories, he had indeed accompanied his father to this restaurant for gatherings several times.
Along the way, Lin Haoran gradually learned that the movie project his father had invested in involved a group of shareholders who were not from the industry.
They treated the investment more like a casual game than a serious venture.
The car quietly left the serene Deep Water Bay villa area, climbed winding mountain roads, passed through lush woods, and entered the bustling city streets.
About half an hour later, the vehicle smoothly stopped in front of Joy Lai Restaurant.
Walking into the restaurant, they entered the pre-booked banquet hall.
The hall was freshly decorated, with a conspicuous celebratory banner for the movie's success hanging overhead, indicating tonight's unique festive event.
Flowers and balloons were arranged throughout the space.
At this moment, many guests had already arrived.
However, Lin Haoran did not recognize most of them.
"Chairman Lin, you're finally here. We've been eagerly awaiting you!"
"Chairman Lin, please this way. Let's take this rare opportunity to discuss future cooperation in more detail."
As Lin Wanan entered, countless eyes turned to focus on him.
Although he was not a top tycoon, Lin Wanan was a well-known figure in Hong Kong's business world, possessing undeniable influence.
Clearly, many attendees, whether in social standing or economic power, considered themselves a step below Lin Wanan.
His presence undoubtedly elevated the importance and anticipation of the gathering.
"President Yang, President Zheng, President Li, it's been too long. How have you all been?"
Lin Wanan greeted them with a composed smile, exuding effortless ease at such social events.
"Let me introduce you all. This is my son, Lin Haoran. Haoran, come and greet your uncles," Lin Wanan said as he guided Lin Haoran forward to make his debut before the business seniors.
"Uncle Yang, pleasure to meet you.
Uncle Zheng, it's an honor.
Uncle Li, thank you for your guidance..."
Lin Haoran greeted each one politely and humbly, his demeanor composed and dignified.
Though these businessmen were accomplished, compared to Lin Wanan, their status was slightly inferior.
Thus, deep conversations with them were not a priority for Lin Haoran. After the greetings, he quietly stayed beside his father without speaking further.
This was the approach many young people adopted—after all, the age gap often made meaningful conversation difficult.
They talked about topics in which Lin Haoran had little interest, so he decided to slip away and look for some sweets and snacks to pass the time.
"Dad, I'm going to see what desserts they have. You guys continue chatting," he said politely before walking lightly away from the group.
From his memory, many future celebrities like Chen Long, Sammo Hung, and Chow Yun-fat were rising stars in the 1970s, but clearly, none of them were here.
Those who had pooled resources for this movie weren't even major players in the film industry, and the fact they had managed to turn a profit was already a small miracle.
Given the low investment, they naturally hadn't invited any big stars.
Originally, Lin Haoran had hoped he might run into a few familiar future celebrities.
However, after a brief search, he grew bored.
So he strolled over to a table laden with snacks and sat down, leisurely cracking sunflower seeds to kill time.
"Hey, your sunflower seed shells fell on my shoe," came a crisp, sweet voice that interrupted his idle thoughts.
Lin Haoran immediately realized his mistake and quickly checked his hands.
He had been careful to place the shells on the edge of the table, intending to wait for a waiter to clean them up.
Clearly, a few shells had accidentally fallen, just as a young girl passed by.
He immediately looked up, full of apology.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't notice. It definitely wasn't intentional," he said earnestly.
Their eyes met—and Lin Haoran froze.
The girl standing before him was none other than Guan Jia Hui, the future famous beauty of Hong Kong's entertainment scene.
At this moment, she was still youthful, as fresh and dazzling as a newly blossomed flower, a sight to behold.
"If a simple 'sorry' could fix everything, then what would we need the police for?" Guan Jia Hui said playfully and mischievously, her words catching Lin Haoran completely off guard.
He hadn't expected that at this age, she would already have such a bold and lively personality.
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