Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten-Chapter 371: Guilt

They split up.

Jiang Jingshi went to handle internal company issues, while Lin Zhengran headed off with Han Wenwen to meet her uncle and aunt.

At the elevator, just before they parted ways, Han Wenwen stood inside, waiting for the doors to close.

In the confined space, she stared at Lin Zhengran beside her, deliberately sounding jealous:

“Zhengran-ge, did Jiang-jiejie serve you well again just now?”

Lin Zhengran raised his hand and gave the little fox a flick on the forehead.

“Ow!” she squeaked.

He smiled helplessly,

“You really are sharp-eyed.”

Han Wenwen’s fox-like eyes glimmered with playful jealousy. She pouted cutely until he ruffled her hair, easing her mood.

She mumbled,

“Later, I want to serve Zhengran-ge too~ I’m the secretary now. That’s my job, isn’t it?”

Lin Zhengran cracked a grin, wondering what exactly he came to the office for today.

They made their way to the VIP lounge. As the door opened, her uncle and aunt quickly stood up, visibly nervous.

Just not long ago, they had hosted this very young man in the south, assuming he was just a normal college student.

Now, their expressions betrayed their disbelief.

They had never imagined that Han Wenwen’s boyfriend—so young—would hold such power and achievement.

It was beyond the comprehension of ordinary folks like them.

Han Wenwen now carried a touch of professional poise:

“Uncle, Aunt, Zhengran-ge is here.”

Lin Zhengran greeted politely,

“Uncle, Aunt. We meet again. Wenwen mentioned you were here for business?”

The couple exchanged glances.

The uncle took the initiative to extend his hand,

“President Lin… thank you for taking the time.”

Lin Zhengran waved it off with no airs,

“No need for that, Uncle. Just call me Lin Zhengran or Zhengran.”

Wenwen’s uncle was an honest man. He knew he barely knew Lin Zhengran, had only met him a couple of times.

Though he had raised Wenwen for a few years, after starting his own family, he hadn’t taken much care of her. His visits were few and far between.

In truth, he often worried whether Wenwen or her boyfriend resented him. But there wasn’t much he could do.

Even now, he stammered a bit when switching to the less formal address, forehead damp with sweat:

“Z-zhengran… I really didn’t expect you to be the general manager of Zhengshi Company… It’s such a surprise.”

Even his usually cheerful wife seemed more cautious, forcing a smile,

“We were stunned when we found out… You’ve achieved so much at such a young age.”

Sensing their nervousness, Lin Zhengran kept it brief and brought up what Wenwen had told him earlier—about their small factory.

The uncle explained that their factory wasn’t big—only around twenty workers.

They did small-scale business, and the market had been so bad lately that they hadn’t had a single order in half a month.

At this point, the couple exchanged another look.

Seeing Lin Zhengran’s current status, both were thinking the same thing—if he could just lend them a hand, even a small favor could sustain them for a long time.

It would be a huge relief.

But the uncle was too honest to ask. Deep down, he still felt guilty toward Wenwen. He opened his mouth several times but couldn’t say it.

Even the usually assertive aunt seemed deflated, fingers slightly clenched, lips sealed.

Han Wenwen noticed their struggle, and also picked up on Zhengran-ge subtly signaling her to speak up.

This was a favor Lin Zhengran could easily grant—but it would be better coming from Wenwen.

So she took the initiative,

“Zhengran-ge... why don’t you help Uncle and Aunt? From what Pan-jie mentioned earlier, it sounds like we could use what their factory makes.”

Her uncle and aunt turned to her, stunned and grateful.

Lin Zhengran simply smiled and nodded,

“Of course. Just like Wenwen said, we happen to need products like theirs. Did you bring samples? Let me take a look. If everything checks out, I’ll give you an order soon.”

Her aunt immediately stiffened up, nodding repeatedly,

“Yes! We brought them—I’ll get them for you.”

The couple hurriedly took the samples from their bag.

Lin Zhengran gave them a quick look and offered a small suggestion,

“This part here—couldn’t it be improved a bit? Look, if you tweak this area like so, then I think we can move forward.”

The couple nodded eagerly,

“Absolutely, that’s no problem at all. We’ll fix it right away.”

“Great,” Lin Zhengran said, “then it’s settled. Once the new sample is ready, just contact the procurement department. I’ll have Wenwen give them a heads-up. You can go straight to signing the contract.”

His aunt’s eyes were full of gratitude. She instinctively reached out,

“Thank you so much, President Lin!”

Her uncle echoed with a smile,

“Thanks, President Lin.”

Lin Zhengran didn’t bother asking them to stop calling him that again—just nodded, letting it slide.

Meanwhile, Jiang Jingshi was handling the internal issue swiftly.

With how large Zhengshi Company had grown, under-the-table dealings and kickbacks weren’t anything new. She’d dealt with them before.

Her approach was simple—cut them loose.

Soon, everyone regrouped at the company entrance.

Jiang Jingshi also came over to greet Han Wenwen’s uncle and aunt.

As they were about to say goodbye, the couple seemed like they wanted to say something to Han Wenwen.

Jiang Jingshi first glanced at Lin Zhengran for approval. Once he nodded, she gave a subtle cue to Pan Lin.

Pan Lin caught on and theatrically said,

“President Lin, VP Jiang, your important meeting’s about to start—you need to head back now.”

Jiang Jingshi responded in kind,

“Meeting? It can wait a little.”

The uncle quickly waved it off,

“No, no! You two go ahead. We drove here, so we’ll just leave when we’re ready. Don’t let us hold you up!”

After a few polite exchanges, Lin Zhengran said,

“Alright then, we’ll head back. Wenwen, walk your uncle and aunt out. I’ll go to the meeting with Jingshi.”

Han Wenwen immediately understood the hint.

“Okay, got it.”

The couple stood with Han Wenwen, watching as Lin Zhengran and the others left.

Once he was out of sight, they both visibly relaxed.

Han Wenwen caught the small gesture, her tone calm,

“Uncle, Aunt—just follow Zhengran-ge’s advice. Get the product fixed up and sign the contract when it’s ready.”

Her uncle looked at the grown-up Han Wenwen and finally said what had been on his mind,

“Wenwen... thank you. If it weren’t for you and President Lin, we wouldn’t know what to do.”

Han Wenwen smiled,

“What are you talking about? We’re family. Don’t overthink it. Now go on, drive safe.”

Her uncle got into the car, but her aunt paused with one foot in and suddenly turned back.

“Wenwen,” she said, “back when I married your uncle and asked you to leave, I know I explained my reasons... but I still owe you an apology. I hope you don’t hold it against me.”

Her eyes trembled as she spoke with sincerity,

“I’m sorry.”

Han Wenwen was a bit caught off guard by the sudden topic,

But quickly smiled gently,

“Auntie, what are you saying? I’ve never held it against you.”

She said earnestly,

“I know Uncle had to start his own life. I really was a burden back then. No matter how you put it, it’s the truth. I’m grateful he raised me during those years. And I’m thankful for all the care from both of you. Without Uncle, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”

Han Wenwen added sincerely,

“In my heart, we’ve always been family.”

Her aunt’s eyes grew misty as she hugged her.

Inside the car, her uncle discreetly wiped away a tear.

Waving goodbye, Han Wenwen watched the car disappear into the distance and let out a long breath. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel-com

Then she turned back and headed into the company—

Time to find her Zhengran-ge.

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