720: Chapter 715 The main event is about to begin.

The afterglow of the setting sun had yet to completely dissipate when the flagstone road of Lingnan's old street was already bathed in the gentle twilight.

Youyou had already eaten half of the small phoenix sugar figurine in her hand, her little face smeared with sweet syrup, looking like a mischievous little cat caught stealing treats.

Shen Yan was patiently using a tissue to wipe the corner of his daughter's mouth.

Liu Hui stood to the side, holding several shopping bags, watching the father and daughter, her eyes brimming with almost overflowing smiles.

Just then, Shen Yan's phone rang.

It was an unfamiliar local number.

He answered it, his voice flat.

"Hello."

On the other end of the line came a familiar yet respectful voice—it was Lin Zhiyao.

"Mr. Shen, I apologize for the intrusion. I wonder if you and your family are available right now?"

Shen Yan glanced at the sky.

"We're fine, just strolling around the old street."

"It's just that," Lin Zhiyao's tone became even more polite, "my father has prepared a modest banquet and would like to invite Mr. Shen and your family to move to Wuyin Mountain for dinner. I wonder if Mr. Shen would grace us with his presence?"

A barely perceptible curve lifted the corner of Shen Yan's mouth.

He knew it was done.

The impact of that report was even greater than he had anticipated.

"Old Mr. Lin is too kind."

He didn't agree immediately, nor did he refuse.

Lin Zhiyao on the other end seemed a bit nervous and quickly added,

"Chuxue mentioned that the little cat at our residence seems to miss Miss Youyou very much."

This concession was offered at the perfect moment.

Shen Yan smiled, took the phone away from his ear, and looked at his daughter in his arms.

"Youyou, do you want to go see Snowball?"

"Snowball?"

Youyou's eyes instantly lit up. "Is it that little white kitty?"

"Yes, that's her."

"I want to!"

The little girl nodded vigorously.

Shen Yan then brought the phone back to his ear.

"Then we shall impose on you. We will arrive in half an hour."

After hanging up, Liu Hui asked softly,

"Was that the Lin family?"

"Mm."

Shen Yan held his daughter more steadily. "They invited us to dinner."

Liu Hui didn't ask further, merely helping him straighten his collar.

Whatever decision this man made, she only needed to support it.

Half an hour later, the Shen family's car slowly drove into Wuyin Mountain.

This time, the reception awaiting them was completely different from that during the day.

The Lin family's old butler, Lin Fu, was already waiting outside the main gate, with two rows of servants in uniform standing behind him.

What surprised Shen Yan even more was that Lin Boyuan and Lin Zhiyao, father and son, were personally standing at the entrance to welcome them.

As the car door opened, Lin Boyuan immediately stepped forward with a beaming face.

"Mr. Shen's gracious presence truly illuminates our humble abode!"

His demeanor was much more humble than during the day, and his words already carried a hint of treating Shen Yan as an equal, even with a trace of imperceptible reverence.

Shen Yan stepped out while holding Youyou, smiling calmly.

"Old Mr. Lin, you are too polite."

Lin Zhiyao also hurried forward, giving Liu Hui a slight nod.

"Mrs. Shen, Miss Youyou, welcome."

His gaze lingered on Youyou with an intentional warmth.

"Daddy, where is Snowball?"

Youyou's little head looked around.

"Don't worry, Snowball is waiting for you inside."

Lin Chuxue walked out from behind the door. She had changed into a simple and elegant casual outfit, and she was holding the pure white little cat in her arms.

Upon seeing Youyou, Snowball meowed, seeming to recognize the little mistress who had held her earlier that day.

Youyou's attention was immediately captured. She struggled down from Shen Yan's arms and ran over on her short legs.

The venue for the banquet was not the solemn and serious Tingyuxuan from the afternoon.

Instead, it was arranged in a side hall called the 'Warm Pavilion'.

The Warm Pavilion was decorated warmly and elegantly, lacking the formality of hosting guests; it resembled a place for a family gathering.

The huge round mahogany dining table was already laden with exquisite dishes.

Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish, Biluochun Shrimp, Steamed Taihu White Fish, Cherry Meat... every dish was a classic of Su Cuisine.

Perfect in color, aroma, and taste, they were clearly the work of a master chef.

Everyone took their seats according to host and guest status.

The Lin family seemed to have intended it this way: Lin Chuxue and Ms. Su accompanied Liu Hui and Youyou, while Lin Boyuan and Lin Zhiyao sat on either side of Shen Yan.

Youyou's mind was entirely on the kitten, so Ms. Su had a servant bring specialized cat food and toys, playing with her on the carpet nearby amidst continuous laughter.

The atmosphere was even more harmonious than expected.

Lin Boyuan raised his teacup, using tea in place of wine.

"Mr. Shen, the pace of life here in Lingnan is slow, not comparable to Jingzhou or Shanghai. I hope you and your family will not find it lacking."

Shen Yan also raised his teacup and lightly touched it against Lin Boyuan's.

"I like it here very much. It has historical depth and the vitality of everyday life."

Lin Zhiyao, sitting nearby, spoke up at the right moment.

"Indeed, our Lingnan silk and gardens are unique nationwide. If Mr. Shen is not busy these few days, I can act as your guide and show you around."

His attitude was completely different from the calculating businessman of the afternoon; he was more like a warm and hospitable host.

"Then I thank President Lin for the offer."

Shen Yan responded indifferently.

Seeing this, Ms. Su smiled and said to Liu Hui,

"Mrs. Shen, I heard from the shop manager about the few qipaos you selected at the shop today. Your temperament truly brings out the spirit of our Su Embroidery."

Her words were both a compliment and an unobtrusive display of the Lin family's access to information.

Liu Hui smiled gently.

"Mrs. Lin, you flatter me. Your clothes are simply too well-made; I just benefited from them."

The women chatted about clothes and jewelry, Youyou played with the cat, while the men discussed local customs and current affairs.

Throughout the meal, no one proactively brought up 'Tiangong Intelligence' or the cooperation matter.

It was as if this were merely a simple welcoming dinner for guests.

But Shen Yan knew that the quieter things were, the more fully prepared the other side was.

The calm before the storm is often the most testing.

After three rounds of drinks and five courses of food, the servants brought out exquisite desserts and freshly brewed Biluochun tea.

The atmosphere in the Warm Pavilion quietly shifted along with the spreading aroma of the tea.

Lin Boyuan set down his teacup with a light clink.

Ms. Su and Lin Chuxue, who had been accompanying their daughters, subconsciously straightened their postures.

Lin Zhiyao's breathing also became slightly rapid.

The main event was about to begin.

Lin Boyuan looked at Shen Yan, his eyes holding an unprecedented seriousness.

"Mr. Shen, regarding the cooperation concept you proposed this afternoon, our entire Lin family has held a serious discussion."

He paused, seemingly observing Shen Yan's reaction.

Shen Yan just looked at him quietly, his face expressionless, like an outsider awaiting a verdict.

This composure made Lin Boyuan even more certain.

He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice,

"We unanimously believe that your concept is not just a commercial project; it is pointing out a bright path toward the future for us traditional craftsmen."

"It is the Lin family's honor to be able to participate in it."