Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 110 A Banquet Invitation: A Young Man's First Steps into the World of Fame and Fortune

Lin Yan spent two days in quiet meditation at the Deep Water Bay villa, deliberately calming his mind and gradually integrating the sharp, menacing aura he had acquired from the Golden Triangle into his own, transforming it into a deeper, more profound inner strength. However, the constant sitting and cultivation occasionally made him feel a bit stifled.

That afternoon, he was sitting on the terrace reading an ancient book on array formations when Lin Er came over with a freshly brewed pot of spiritual tea and filled it for him.

"Young Master, you seem rather downcast lately. Have you encountered some obstacles in your cultivation?" Lin Er put down the teapot and asked casually.

Lin Yan put down his book and shook his head: "No, it's just that I'm feeling restless. Is there anything interesting happening outside?"

Lin Er smiled slightly and said, "Young Master, your status is different now. It is certainly due to your personality that you always stay in seclusion, but occasionally contacting the outside world may bring some unexpected gains. After all, many things cannot be solved by fighting or behind-the-scenes planning. Understanding human relationships is also a skill."

He paused, then took out an invitation from his pocket and handed it to Lin Yan: "Coincidentally, the Huo family sent this invitation a few days ago. Mr. Huo Yingdong is hosting a private banquet at his home and invited me to attend to discuss business matters and make some friends. I think, if you have the time, young master, why not come with me for a relaxing getaway?"

Lin Yan accepted the invitation, opened it, and saw that it was indeed a formal invitation from the Huo family, to be sent the following evening at the Huo family's mansion in Repulse Bay. It was signed by Fok Ying-tung.

He pondered for a moment. In the past, he might have been uninterested in such social situations, preferring to stay in his spatial realm, pondering weapon crafting or cultivating. But after his life-or-death experience in the Golden Triangle, his mindset had indeed changed. Elder Fu and the others were right; cultivation wasn't just about meditation, qi cultivation, killing, and plundering. Experiencing the world and witnessing its myriad aspects was also a form of cultivation. Constantly isolating oneself from the world might actually cause one to miss out on many things.

Moreover, he also wanted to see what his mindset would be like after this transformation, when he was in such a glamorous setting.

Lin Yan tapped the invitation lightly with his fingertips. "Alright, it's boring staying at home all the time. Let's go take a look."

Seeing Lin Yan agree, Lin Er's smile widened even more: "It would be wonderful if Young Master could attend. The Huo family's banquet this time is said to be inviting some well-known young talents and socialites from Hong Kong Island, as well as several wealthy businessmen from Southeast Asia. It's quite a high-end social occasion. Young Master can relax a bit and perhaps even meet some interesting friends."

"Friends?" Lin Yan smiled, a smile that held a deeper meaning. With his current strength and ambitions, it would be difficult for him to cultivate so-called "friends" with a casual attitude. However, observing the top figures of this era and seeing how they acted was certainly an interesting endeavor.

"Help me prepare a suitable dress," Lin Yan instructed. "Since you're going, don't be impolite."

"Don't worry, young master, it's all ready." Lin Er bowed and said, "It's one of the latest sets sent by Master Wang, guaranteed to fit perfectly."

Lin Yan nodded, saying nothing more, his gaze returning to the distant sea, a faint anticipation rising in his heart for tomorrow night's banquet. This might be the beginning of his integration into the top social circles of this era, allowing him to see from another perspective what the world his forces were operating was truly like.

After the bloodshed, perhaps some prosperity and noise are just what's needed to soothe the mind. This unexpected banquet has come at just the right time.

The following evening, Lin Yan wore a high-quality light beige casual suit with a pure white shirt underneath. He didn't wear a tie, and the collar was slightly open, which perfectly highlighted the youthful freshness and uprightness without being too casual.

On the way to the Huo residence in Repulse Bay, Lin Er drove smoothly while gently instructing, "Young Master, when we arrive at the Huo family, I will introduce you to everyone as my younger brother, Lin Yan. Because you have been somewhat frail since childhood, your elders have been especially protective of you and arranged for you to study and recuperate overseas. You were only brought back to Hong Kong recently because your health has improved significantly. Your family, especially the old master, values ​​and dotes on you immensely. That way, others will not find it strange that you are a stranger, nor will they dare to neglect you because of your youth." He specifically emphasized the two points of "youth" and "being doted on."

Lin Yan leaned back in the passenger seat, gazing at the neon lights flashing outside the window, and softly hummed in agreement. This arrangement was convenient and effortless; he was quite satisfied. "I know, just listen more and talk less."

As the vehicle entered Repulse Bay Road, luxurious mansions of various styles were nestled among the green trees. The Huo family mansion was not the most ostentatious, but it possessed a calm and composed air that had weathered many storms.

Well-dressed waiters were already waiting at the entrance. Lin Er presented the invitations, and the waiters respectfully led the two inside. The banquet was held in the seaside garden and spacious banquet hall, which was now brightly lit and filled with elegantly dressed people. A melodious band played light music, and the air was filled with the aroma of wine and perfume. The guests were all celebrities from Hong Kong Island; the men chatted and laughed, and the women's skirts fluttered, creating a scene of elegance and prosperity.

Mr. Fok Ying-tung was having a pleasant conversation with several old business friends when he saw Lin Er enter. He immediately smiled warmly, apologized, and strode over to greet him.

"Mr. Lin! It's an honor to have you here!" Fok Ying-tung shook hands firmly with Lin Er, his voice loud and cheerful. His gaze then fell on Lin Yan, a clear hint of surprise and admiration flashing in his eyes. What a handsome young man! His posture was like a pine tree, his eyebrows and eyes were refined, and his calm temperament was unparalleled among his peers.

"Mr. Huo, you're too kind. It's our honor to receive your invitation." Lin Er greeted him with a smile, then naturally stepped aside and gently gestured to Lin Yan, "Mr. Huo, let me introduce you. This is my younger brother, Lin Yan. Ah Yan, this is Mr. Huo Yingdong, whom I've been telling you about, Uncle Huo."

Lin Yan stepped forward and, following the proper etiquette of a junior meeting an elder, bowed slightly respectfully: "Uncle Huo, hello. My brother often talks about your legendary experience of starting from scratch and your patriotic deeds at home. I have long admired you, and today I am finally fortunate to meet you." His voice was clear and bright, with the clean tone unique to his age. His attitude was neither humble nor arrogant, and his eyes were clear, which made people feel good about him.

"Oh my! So you're Mr. Lin's younger brother! What a promising young man, so handsome!" Fok Ying-tung's smile widened. Having seen countless people, he could tell at a glance that although the young man was reserved, his eyes were clear and bright, and his demeanor was measured—he was no ordinary playboy. Hearing Lin Yan's sincere words, especially his mention of "patriotic deeds," which resonated deeply with him, he felt a surge of joy. He patted Lin Yan's shoulder affectionately, his tone much gentler: "Good, good! It's good that you're healthy, young man! Go out more often and make some friends! Ah Yan, right? If there's anything you're not used to in Hong Kong Island, or if you want to go out and have some fun, just tell Uncle Fok, don't be shy! Treat him like your own home!"

"Thank you, Uncle Huo." Lin Yan gave a slightly shy smile, responding politely.

Huo Yingdong was busy with other matters. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he called over a Huo family nephew who looked to be in his early twenties: "Ah Jie, this is Mr. Lin Er's younger brother, Ah Yan. It's his first time here. Could you help him greet him and introduce him to some of the younger people?"

The young man named Ah Jie smiled and agreed, his attitude enthusiastic: "Second Young Master, Young Master Yan, this way please. There are many young men and women here, it's quite lively."

Lin Er was surrounded by several familiar businessmen who exchanged pleasantries with him. He handled them with ease, and at the same time, he smiled gently at Lin Yan, gesturing for him to go play with A Jie, his eyes full of brotherly care.

Lin Yan followed A-Jie to the side of the garden, where a number of young men and women were gathered, and the atmosphere was much more relaxed and lively than in the main hall.

Ah Jie was clearly a warm-hearted person, and quickly introduced Lin Yan to a small group of young people: "Hey everyone, let me introduce you to a new friend. This is Lin Yan, the younger brother of the second young master of the Lin family, who just returned to Hong Kong from overseas. Ah Yan, this is Wenbin from the Li family, whose father is in real estate; this is Zheng Jiaming, whose family owns a fleet of ships that sails the Southeast Asian routes; this is Miss Zhou Peiwen..."

These young people all looked to be around seventeen or eighteen years old. They were dressed fashionably and had the confidence and a hint of inquisitive curiosity typical of wealthy young people of that age.

"Hi, Lin Yan? I've never seen him before! Where did you come from?" Li Wenbin spoke first. He was outgoing and dressed very fashionably, and he looked Lin Yan up and down with curiosity.

Lin Yan smiled shyly and answered according to the script: "Before... I mainly recuperated in Switzerland, and also went to some places in England and the United States." He deliberately spoke vaguely.

"Wow! Switzerland! Skiing is amazing! The Alps!" A boy named Abao immediately chimed in, his eyes shining. "I just went last year! Do you like skiing?"

"Yes, the air is great, and the scenery is beautiful. But I've just recovered, so I haven't dared to try anything too strenuous. I'm just looking around."

"Tsk, what a pity. But health is important." Zheng Jiaming seemed more composed and chimed in, "And in America? Did you go watch any NBA games? The Boston Celtics are winning championships like crazy lately!"

Lin Yan nodded: "I've seen a few games on TV, Russell is amazing." He accurately named the star player at the time, which made the young men feel that they had found a common topic.

"You watch basketball too? That's great! Let's go to a game together next time? I know a place where the TV in the cafe is the biggest!" Li Wenbin immediately extended an invitation.

"Okay, if you allow it, brother." Lin Yan agreed with a smile, behaving like a younger brother who was slightly controlled by his older brother but also looked forward to making friends.

Chow Pui-man, a lively girl, chimed in with a laugh: "All they know is how to talk about sports! Ah-yin, don't mind them. They haven't mentioned any of the fun places in Hong Kong! Have you been to Lai Yuen Amusement Park? Have you ridden the Peak Tram? And there's the Hong Kong Industrial Products Exhibition at the end of the year, it's so lively!"

"And another thing, boating! Let's go to the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter for seafood!" another girl added.

Everyone chattered excitedly, telling Lin Yan about the best places to eat and have fun in Hong Kong, and the atmosphere quickly warmed up. Lin Yan mostly listened with a smile, occasionally asking a question or two about details, showing great interest yet a slight awkwardness, perfectly portraying the image of a young man who had just returned to Hong Kong and was full of curiosity about everything. He was reserved but not aloof, shy but not timid, and quickly integrated into this small circle.

During this time, other young girls were also attracted by Lin Yan's outstanding appearance and his quiet and unique temperament. They would take the opportunity to steal a few glances at him or whisper a few words while greeting others. Ms. He Zhiqing, who had been introduced earlier, also came over and joined the conversation in a graceful manner. She was good at guiding the topic and would occasionally throw the topic to Lin Yan so that he would not be neglected.

Lin Yan could feel the kind gazes and curiosity, but he simply responded with a polite smile, saying nothing and showing no arrogance whatsoever. This simple and relaxed social interaction allowed his tense mind to relax without him even realizing it.

It wasn't until the banquet was nearing its end that Lin Er came to find him, and said goodbye to Fok Ying-tung and the group of young people, saying that "Ah Yan is feeling better and should rest more."

Henry Fok once again kindly invited Lin Yan to visit often. Li Wenbin, Zheng Jiaming, and others also exchanged contact information with him and made plans to go out for tea and watch a ball game together next time.

Once inside the car and driving away from the brightly lit Huo residence, Lin Ercai asked with a smile, "How are you feeling? Are you settling in well?"

Lin Yan leaned back in his chair, gazing at the passing night view outside the window, a relaxed smile playing on his lips. "Hmm, it's more interesting than I imagined. They... are all very enthusiastic." He paused, then added, "We talked about a lot of fun places. It seems... Hong Kong isn't just about Deep Water Bay and the study."

Upon hearing this, Lin Er smiled with satisfaction: "I'm glad you like it, young master. Young people should have more friends. If you'd like, you're welcome to come to events like this often in the future."

Lin Yan gave a soft "hmm" but didn't answer immediately. He closed his eyes, and all he could see were the enthusiastic faces of those young people and their cheerful laughter about skiing, basketball, and the Liyuan Amusement Park.

This feeling wasn't bad. Perhaps this was the kind of life he, as a "16-year-old," should have. Since arriving in this era, Lin Yan had always felt a disconnect. He rarely experienced the joy of a teenager. His soul remained that of the 45-year-old shrew from his previous life. But at this moment, he wanted to refresh his heart. He had promised his father, Lin Jianguo, that he would live a vibrant life with Xiao Yan's own. He should have what a young person should have and experience. Thinking of this, Lin Yan's eyes and brows became more expressive than ever before.