When Lin Ninghua arrived, he had specially arranged for a designer to spend an entire afternoon working on his look at home. Even with his adopted son Lin Chu staring at him with a strange expression, he insisted on completing the whole process.

After all, Lin Ninghua used to hate his own face, which lacked any masculine features. Forget about hiring someone to style him; it was a relief if he didn’t go so far as to put a few scars on his face. If he wasn’t worried about looking old and unattractive to Zheng Yixu, Lin Ninghua wouldn’t even bother with basic skincare.

Lin Chuma had lived with Lin Ninghua for many years and knew his adoptive father’s preferences inside and out.

Seeing Lin Ninghua smiling and letting the stylist design his look, even putting on some light makeup, Lin Chuma, usually so calm and composed, couldn’t help but be a little shocked.

The next moment, Lin Chuma quickly realized that his father must be planning to meet Zheng Yixu. Besides him, Lin Chuma couldn’t think of anyone else who could make Lin Ninghua take things so seriously, wanting to wear a whole garden on himself.

“Father, do you have an appointment with someone?” Lin Chuma asked, sitting on the sofa to the side, watching the annoying stylist’s hands move around Lin Ninghua’s face.

“Yes. I won’t be back for dinner tonight,” Lin Ninghua replied with a smile. Even though he hated makeup the most, his good mood couldn’t be concealed.

If he could spend time alone with Yixu, Lin Ninghua was confident he could make Yixu fall in love with him again. He had thought there would be no turning point, but who knew things would take a turn for the better?

Zhao Louqin choosing this moment to leave was really foolish.

Fortunately, even fools have their uses; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to get close to Yixu so easily. The Zheng family was the same as before—just give them some bait, and they’d obediently take the hook.

As long as he had the chance to get close to Yixu, even if he hated the Zheng family, he could still deal with them without batting an eye.

A treasure once lost cannot be lost again.

Lin Chuma felt a burning jealousy inside him, nearly consuming him. But the more agitated he felt inside, the calmer his appearance became. To him, Zheng Yixu’s current amnesia was a good opportunity.

Back then, when Lin Ninghua made a mistake and Zhao Louqin swooped in to steal his love, he never forgot it for over ten years. The wound kept reopening, never healing. Naturally, he couldn’t see the people around him.

Lin Chuma was originally an orphan and learned early on in the orphanage that if he wanted something, he had to take it himself, without revealing his desire too soon, or else someone else would snatch it away. He had never met anyone like Lin Ninghua, nor had he ever imagined he would become the adopted son of someone more than a decade older than him.

Zhao Louqin and Zheng Yixu had always been the unresolved knots in Lin Ninghua’s heart for many years. The things humans desire most are “the unattainable” and “the lost.” For Lin Ninghua, Zheng Yixu was “the lost” in the past and now “the unattainable.” So, no matter how much he did, it was all in vain.

But now, things were different.

Zheng Yixu had lost his memory.

Lin Ninghua believed he had a chance to win him back and correct his past mistakes. Zhao Louqin saw this as an opportunity to completely erase Lin Ninghua from Zheng Yixu’s memory. Lin Chuma also thought this was the best chance to remove all obstacles.

Zhao Louqin and Zheng Yixu have been living together for many years now, far exceeding the time Lin Ninghua once spent with Zheng Yixu. Not to mention, they also have Zhao Jiusi, who is fifteen years old, with them. From Lin Chuma’s perspective, the likelihood of Lin Ninghua reclaiming Zheng Yixu is very low.

Moreover, Lin Chuma has no intention of making things easy for Lin Ninghua.

Lin Chuma has received news that Zhao Louqin will return tonight. However, Lin Ninghua hasn’t received this information yet. He believes Zhao Louqin won’t be back until the day after tomorrow, thinking it will just be him and Zheng Yixu tonight.

Well, things are never that simple, are they?

How could Lin Chuma allow the two of them to be alone together?

During a previous dinner between Lin Ninghua and Zheng Yixu at the restaurant, Lin Chuma had cleverly disguised himself sitting behind them, listening attentively to their conversation. Whenever Lin Ninghua hinted at something inappropriate or made flirtatious suggestions, Lin Chuma would subtly “stir up trouble.”

Fortunately, Lin Ninghua knew that rushing things would spoil the plan, so he merely exchanged ordinary greetings with Zheng Yixu.

Afterwards, Lin Chuma bought all the utensils used by Lin Ninghua and stored them in his secret collection room.

Quietly observing Lin Ninghua, who was increasingly radiant under the stylist’s hands, Lin Chuma’s buttonhole camera had already captured his current appearance.

Lin Chuma knew his behavior was highly abnormal. It wasn’t normal to love someone and have cameras installed on oneself at all times, recording every action and behavior of the other person, or collecting items they had used.

The psychiatrist said he needed treatment, but Lin Chuma thought there was nothing better than this.

“If Father is going out, why not bring flowers along?” Lin Chuma suggested, seemingly helpful.

“Flowers? He wouldn’t like that,” Lin Ninghua shook his head, puzzled by the idea of bringing flowers to see Zheng Yixu.

“Likelihood and whether he’ll like it are two different matters,” Lin Chuma said earnestly, looking very reliable. “During the meal, having flowers in a vase would look nice on the dining table. Father, since you’re going to someone’s home for an appointment, why not?”

Lin Ninghua wasn’t surprised that his adopted son knew about his plans; he saw no need to be guarded against him in this manner. Lin Ninghua considered himself good at reading people, and the old man at home also spoke highly of Lin Chuma. Without blood ties, Lin Chuma could only rely on Lin Ninghua.

Since Lin Chuma had a suggestion, Lin Ninghua carefully considered it.

Yixu doesn’t have the patience to tend to flowers, but having multiple bouquets during dinner would indeed add a touch of elegance. It never hurts to show more courtesy.

“Alright. What kind of flowers do you think would be good?” Lin Ninghua wasn’t knowledgeable about such things. Apart from Zheng Yixu, he could charm anyone he wanted with just a wave of his hand and a smile.

Lin Ninghua rarely did things like sending flowers.

“Since Father is visiting Mr. Zheng’s home, vibrant flowers may not suit his taste. How about sending some bellflowers instead? Mixed with lavender and other rustic flowers, it should be elegant,” Lin Chuma suggested after thinking for a moment.

“Alright, let’s go with that,” Lin Ninghua agreed with his adopted son’s suggestion. “That sounds good. In the future, feel free to tell me more. What good ideas do you young people have nowadays?” Lin Ninghua was not very old himself, just in his early thirties.

Lin Chuma could count on both hands the number of times Lin Ninghua had praised him from childhood to adulthood, and most of them were related to Zheng Yixu.

Lin Chuma lowered his head slightly, saying nothing.

He could wait.

Lin Ninghua wrote a card, and Lin Chuma volunteered to help prepare it himself. The card could be placed among the flowers, and then he left the room.

Lin Chuma made a phone call to instruct his staff to prepare the flowers. He took out an identical piece of paper from his pocket and meticulously copied the words Lin Ninghua had written, repeating them almost exactly. Even Lin Ninghua himself might not be able to tell the difference.

Lin Chuma kept the card Lin Ninghua had written and replaced it with his own. Then he placed the card among the flowers, along with the bouquet, and tucked them into the passenger seat beside Lin Ninghua.

Unfortunately, the flowers didn’t have the desired effect. How delightful!

Lin Ninghua watched Zhao Louqin openly flirt with Zheng Yixu, his smile hiding his true feelings. He was determined to break Zhao Louqin’s heart. Little did he expect Zhao Louqin to be as cunning as ever, deliberately spreading false information that he would only return the day after tomorrow, just to prevent Lin Ninghua from meeting Zheng Yixu now. Truly shameless!

“As evening approaches, wouldn’t you two invite me over for a visit?” Lin Ninghua’s tone was so gentle it could almost wring out water, sending chills down Zhao Louqin’s spine.

This guy Lin Ninghua is shameless. He’s so old and still pretending to be gentle?

Wasn’t he arrogant before?

Heh, this is karma coming full circle. The Lin Ninghua of the past was so arrogant and reckless, and now he’s groveling low!

Zhao Louqin snorted coldly in his heart, feeling extremely annoyed by Lin Ninghua’s attempt to ruin the atmosphere.

Luckily, he came back early; otherwise, who knows what kind of trouble might have ensued.

Zhao Louqin looked at the bellflowers in Lin Ninghua’s hand and instantly understood Lin Chuma’s plan. They tacitly understood each other’s intentions—together they could stand against the enemy and each gain what they needed.

Zhao Louqin remained unruffled, his smile as bright as ever, and his tone genuinely welcoming. “Oh, it’s Ninghua! What a rare guest. Come on in, come in. Xiao Yangguang, this is Mr. Lin Ninghua. You must prepare some extra dishes to treat him well!”

Despite your arrival, Lin Ninghua, Xiao Yangguang is already part of our family. You’re just an outsider. Be grateful for the opportunity to taste Xiao Yangguang’s cooking!

Zhao Louqin conveyed this rather childish message with his eyes.

Lin Ninghua choked back a surge of anger, but his expression softened instantly. He replied gently, “That would be my fortune. I really look forward to enjoying Mr. Zheng’s cooking every day in the future.” He was sure he wouldn’t lose; failure was the mother of success. Fortunes change, and this year it was his turn. Zheng Yixu was sure to win!

The two exchanged glances, a battle of wits and strength.

In Zheng Yixu’s eyes, it appeared like an old lovers’ silent exchange, with glances full of deep emotions, recalling past moments shared intimately. Look at their expressions—so tender, their voices softened!

And Zhao Louqin even asked him to cook for Lin Ninghua, and to prepare extra dishes. Lin Ninghua even expressed a wish to eat his cooking every day in the future!

What does all this mean?

Isn’t Lin Ninghua clearly trying to enter their lives, to live under the same roof as Zhao Louqin, and let Zheng Yixu serve this pair of unfaithful husbands and wives

Zheng Yixu felt extremely disheartened, nearly blinded by the scene in front of him.Two beautiful people gazing at each other from a distance should have been an incredibly wonderful sight, especially for someone like Zheng Yixu, who is a die-hard face enthusiast. However, at this moment, Zheng Yixu had no interest in appreciating this scene.He felt that he was getting closer and closer to a future where he would be reduced to doing everything for them, becoming the suffering spouse mistreated by a third party. QAQ