Chapter 30 A Three-Million-Dollar Check
"Haoran, how long has it been since we sat side by side like this, chatting and quietly admiring the vast sea?" his second sister asked softly, turning her head slightly, a trace of nostalgia and sentiment in her gaze.
"Let me think... it must have been seven or eight years," Lin Haoran answered after a moment's thought, giving a firm reply. His eyes drifted into the distance, as if transported back to those carefree days spent watching the ocean with his sisters.
He remembered many scenes like this—long shadows stretched across the beach at sunset, the salty scent of the sea breeze, the innocent laughter and heartfelt conversations. But those were memories from long ago, and revisiting them now stirred waves of nostalgia in his heart.
"Yes, seven or eight years gone in the blink of an eye. I have gone from a young girl to someone's wife, someone's mother. But one thing hasn't changed—the deep bond between us siblings, right?" his second sister said with deep emotion.
"Of course, Second Sister. I know you've always loved me the most," Lin Haoran replied with a bright smile.
"Haoran, I know you are now facing the challenge of competing with your brother for the succession of Wanan Group. Your brother's deeper experience puts you at a disadvantage. I heard from Mom that your cement factory's revenue has been dropping. But I want to stress that even if I can't help you much, no matter the outcome, you must not become discouraged or pessimistic.
Your youth might seem like a disadvantage now, making you appear inexperienced. But it is actually your greatest asset because it signifies endless possibilities and future opportunities. Remember, even if you fail, it's only a step on the road to success. It doesn't define you. Even if you fail, I will help you to start your own career," she said warmly.
Lin Haoran finally understood the real reason why his second sister had sought him out today.
Perhaps, after he returned to the city and seemingly neglected Huafeng Cement Factory, their mother had seen it as a sign of his loss of hope in the succession battle. That concern had been conveyed to his second sister, prompting her to come back and see for herself.
In his memories, his second sister had always been the one who loved him most and understood him best.
Thus, she had returned home without hesitation, just to see her little brother personally, to understand his heart, and to offer her encouragement and support.
If it had been the old Lin Haoran, he might have broken down in front of his sister's gentle words, pouring out his frustrations. But the Lin Haoran of today was no longer the same.
He had transformed.
Though he was grateful for her concern and comfort, he didn't plan to explain too much. He knew his own situation best.
Thus, while her words warmed his heart, he didn't take them too heavily.
"Second Sister, you can rest assured. I have never lost confidence in the future!" Lin Haoran answered with a smile.
His second sister's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise. She sensed sharply that the confidence he radiated wasn't just an act to comfort her—it came from deep within him, real and unshakable.
"I'm so relieved to hear that," she said, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a check. "Take this, but remember—keep it a secret. Don't tell Dad, Mom, or your brother-in-law."
Lin Haoran took the check and was immediately struck by the figure written on it: three million Hong Kong dollars.
The number hit him like a thunderclap, stirring great waves in his heart.
He looked up at his second sister, eyes full of both surprise and gratitude. At that moment, he felt her deep and unconditional love even more keenly.
Even though he now held wealth totaling eighty million Hong Kong dollars, all of that was borrowed money.
Three million Hong Kong dollars, in this era, was an enormous personal fortune.
"Second Sister, where did you get this money? I can't accept it. I'm not short of money, you should take it back!" Lin Haoran said seriously, trying to push the check back into her hands.
"Haoran, this is just some private savings I accumulated before marriage. I had the foresight to invest in two villas back then. Over the years, their value has doubled and tripled.
I know you need money now, so I sold them quietly. I never told your brother-in-law. You can accept it with peace of mind. Though I can't solve all your problems, I hope I can contribute something to your future," she said with a soft but firm tone, pushing the check back into his hands.
Seeing her determined face, Lin Haoran was deeply moved.
To have a sister who loved him so selflessly was a blessing beyond measure.
In his previous life, he had never truly experienced such sibling affection.
But here, after crossing over to this new life, he had encountered it so vividly and sincerely.
In the end, Lin Haoran no longer refused.
He solemnly accepted the check with both hands.
Because he knew this wasn't just a piece of paper—it carried his second sister's deep love and concern.
If he rejected it, he would only be hurting her feelings.
Moreover, he knew that his second sister lived happily in the Zhu family.
Her husband adored her, and the Zhu family, as a major real estate group, had financial resources to spare.
"Second Sister, I'll keep your kindness firmly in my heart. I promise I will work hard and achieve great success. I won't let you down!" Lin Haoran said with a brilliant smile.
"Haoran, I never worry about your brother. It's you that I've always worried about. My greatest wish is simply to see you living the life you want. As long as you're happy, I'm content," she said warmly, looking at him tenderly.
The blue waters of Deep Water Bay shimmered under the sunlight, blending seamlessly with the distant azure sky, creating a serene and boundless view.
The cool sea breeze brushed against them, carrying away the lingering heat of summer and gently refreshing their souls.
Even among family, relationships could easily be strained by enough profit—just as had happened with his elder brother.
Lin Haoran knew clearly: those who were truly good to him would be cherished forever, while those who weren't—he would never forget.
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