<h4>Chapter 1212: Chapter 1219: Family Reunion (2)</h4>


    "Mr. Zhu, hello, sorry to disturb you." Ling Chen looked at the middle-aged man and said, "My name is Ling Chen, I’m Xiaozhu’s friend, nice to meet you."


    "Ling Chen?" Zhu Yaosheng said meaningfully, "I feel like I’ve heard that name somewhere."


    "I usually stay in East Sea City and rarelye to Beijing, so Mr. Zhu might not know me."


    Hearing this, Zhu Yaosheng just gave Ling Chen a deep look and didn’t continue to ask. Just then, Zhu Xiaozhu came out from the kitchen holding a bowl of food. Seeing her father chatting with Ling Chen, Zhu Xiaozhu was slightly startled, but her beautiful eyes quickly filled with joy.


    Today is her birthday, and she really hoped to invite Ling Chen to attend. However, considering Ling Chen’s rtionship with Zhu Hong, after hesitating for a long time, she gave up on the idea.


    Now, Ling Chen suddenly appeared, how could she not be happy?


    "Dad, this is Ling Chen, the one I mentioned to you before." Zhu Xiaozhu proactively introduced.


    Zhu Yaosheng smiled broadly and said, "No wonder it sounds familiar; you’ve mentioned him to me before." Saying this, Zhu Yaosheng took another few nces at Ling Chen. He knew his daughter best; since childhood, she’d never mentioned any man in front of him, except Ling Chen. This showed how much she valued the man in front of them.


    "Come on, Ling Chen, don’t be shy, sit down. All these dishes were made by Xiaozhu’s mother herself. If it weren’t for our daughter’s birthday today, she wouldn’t have gone into the kitchen."


    Nanrong Wanqing chimed in with a smile, "We’re in for a treat today."


    Everyone took their seats, and soon, Zhu Xiaozhu’s mother came out from the kitchen.


    Zhu Xiaozhu’s mother was called Chen Yan, only in her forties, very well maintained, with fair and tender skin. Standing next to Zhu Xiaozhu, they looked more like sisters, appearing only in their thirties, very young.


    There were no outsiders today, and everyone chatted andughed at the table, all very happy. At this moment, Chen Yan looked at Ling Chen and asked, "Xiao Ling, how old are you this year, and do you have a girlfriend?"


    Hearing this question, Ling Chen unconsciously nced at Nanrong Wanqing with the corner of his eye.


    "Mrs. Chen, I’m still young. I want to focus on my career for now and don’t want to find a girlfriend so soon."


    "How can that be, your Uncle Zhu was already a father at your age. They say you should establish a family before a career. Men should start a family first, then think about working on their career. Like our Zhu Hong, he’s dyed so long without a girlfriend, I’m worried about him."


    Mentioning Zhu Hong made everyone a bit silent, not knowing how to respond. Next to them, Zhu Yaoshengughed and said, "Children have their own fortunes, why worry so much? Come, drink!"


    "How can drinking not include me?" Suddenly, a familiar voice came from the doorway.


    Everyone turned to look and their expressions changed slightly.


    Zhu Hong!


    Nanrong Hao was taken aback, suddenly standing up, looking at the other vigntly, and said in a low voice, "You..." Before he could finish, Ling Chen grasped his sleeve and gave a slight tug, signaling him to keep quiet.


    With Ling Chen’s reminder, Nanrong Hao then realized. He almost forgot, this was the Zhu Family, with Zhu Hong’s parents present. Hesitating for a moment, Nanrong Hao sat back down, though the vignce in his eyes did not diminish in the slightest.


    "Zhu Hong." The happiest ones were still Zhu Yaosheng and Chen Yan. Seeing their son return, how could they not be delighted as parents?


    "Dad, Mom, Little Sister." Zhu Hong walked in with a smile, hands behind his back, greeting each one. When his eyesnded on Ling Chen, a sharp glint shed in his eyes. However, it was only for a moment before Zhu Hong concealed the cold killing intent.


    "Ling Chen, it’s been a long time." Zhu Hong said with a slight smile.


    "Yes, it’s been a while. You seem to have been doing well." Ling Chen smiled faintly, showing no hostility. Despite his calm appearance, he was quite surprised. In just a few months, Zhu Hong had changed so much; it was truly incredible.


    The most obvious change was Zhu Hong’s face. Initially, due to an explosion, Zhu Hong suffered severe burns and had to wear a mask to meet people.


    But in such a short time, Zhu Hong’s face recovered as if nothing had happened, with only faint traces visible, which could be described as a ’rebirth’pared to before.


    Who knows what Zhu Hong has experienced during this time.


    As his thoughts raced, Ling Chen heard Chen Yan’s voice, "Zhu Hong, do you know Xiao Ling? I thought he was your sister’s friend."


    "How could I not know him," Zhu Hong said with a half-smile, "He and I are ’very good’ friends. Right, Ling Chen?"


    Before Ling Chen could speak, Zhu Yaosheng interjected, "Alright! You came back just in time. Today is your little sister’s birthday, and it’s been a long time since our family gathered together. Xiaozhu, go get another bowl and chopsticks for your big brother."


    "Yes." Zhu Xiaozhu responded softly, her head bowed, not daring to look directly at Zhu Hong, and quickly got up to head into the kitchen.


    Zhu Hong smiled to himself, patted Nanrong Hao on the shoulder, and said, "Could we swap seats? I haven’t seen Ling Chen in a long time and want to catch up with him."


    Nanrong Hao didn’t speak but looked at Ling Chen. It was only when Ling Chen nodded that he reluctantly swapped seats. Sitting next to him, Ling Chen remained silent, still smiling broadly. Yet, his body was secretly on guard.


    Zhu Hong’s sudden return at this moment was definitely not just for Zhu Xiaozhu’s birthday; there must be other reasons. Moreover, upon meeting again, Ling Chen felt that Zhu Hong changed not just in appearance but also in personality and temperament.


    This made Ling Chen feel a bit uneasy; if Zhu Hong was a snake before, he was undoubtedly now a venomous one.


    Soon, the meal ended amidst insincereughter and chatter.


    After the meal, Ling Chen didn’t n to stay any longer. Zhu Hong’s sudden appearance gave Ling Chen a strong sense of crisis. He had to leave quickly and prepare early.


    Knowing Ling Chen was leaving, Zhu Yaosheng and his wife politely urged him to stay a bit longer. However, it was merely out of courtesy. Having their son back after being away for so long, they naturally wanted to spend more time with Zhu Hong.


    "Uncle Zhu, Aunt Chen, we’re leaving too." Nanrong Wanqing came over and said.


    "You’re leaving too?" Chen Yan asked in confusion, "Weren’t you staying well? Why leave? We have plenty of rooms, one or two more people won’t matter. You can stay as long as you like."