51: Chapter 52 Father Yin invites you

Evening. Yu Bo checked his schedule and saw no arrangements for the night. He picked up his phone and called Yin Tianxue.

The phone rang several times before being picked up. The background noise was a bit noisy; she seemed to be in the office.

“Tianxue, are you off work yet? I'll come pick you up.” Yu Bo's voice softened unconsciously.

“Not yet, I still have some things on hand to finish.” Yin Tianxue's voice sounded a bit tired, but upon hearing his voice, her tone lightened. “How are you so early? Is the company all done? I was just preparing to call you after I finished my work.”

“Yeah, just finished the meeting for ‘Wing Flight’. I missed you and wanted to pick you up, then we can find a quiet place for dinner,” Yu Bo said. He wanted to use the warmth of being alone together to dispel the various distractions that had been lingering in his heart recently.

“I'm afraid... that won't work. My dad just called me and asked me to bring you home tonight, saying there's something to discuss.”

Yin Tianxue's voice came through the receiver clearly, yet it made Yu Bo's heart skip a beat.

Bring me?

Home?

Yin Hanhai wanted to see him?

This realization made Yu Bo feel even more surprised—and even a bit tense—than if he had just thought Yin Tianxue was going home alone. He and Yin Tianxue had officially established their relationship for less than a month. Although their feelings had progressed rapidly and they were already intimate, the step of meeting the parents seemed to have come faster than expected. And it was on such an evening, with a phone call, so sudden.

Did Yin Tianxue bring it up voluntarily? Or was it Father Yin's own request? If it was the latter, why would this business tycoon suddenly want to see his daughter's boyfriend? To inspect? To approve? Or... something else?

Countless thoughts flashed through Yu Bo's mind. His understanding of Yin Hanhai was limited to public reports and occasional fragments mentioned by Yin Tianxue—the founder and chairman of Tiansheng Group, a self-made man with a strong hand and a sharp eye, a formidable existence in the business world. He doted on his daughter extremely but was also strict. What attitude would Father Yin hold toward a young man like himself who “suddenly appeared,” had an ordinary family background (at least on the surface), and was currently starting a business?

Yu Bo steadied himself, keeping his voice steady and even adding a touch of appropriate respect for an elder: “Your father wants to see me? Is it about... our matter?” He asked tactfully.

“He didn't say explicitly, just told me to bring you back for dinner.” Yin Tianxue's voice also carried a trace of uncertainty, but then her tone became firm. “Yu Bo, don't be nervous. My dad just... wants to see you. We have to meet sooner or later, and it just so happens he's free today.”

She said it casually, but Yu Bo could hear the hint of encouragement in her words. She was also worried—worried about her father's attitude and worried that he wouldn't adapt.

“I'm not nervous.” Yu Bo smiled, his tone relaxing and carrying a bit of reassurance. “Just a bit surprised. It's my honor that your father wants to see me. I'll come pick you up right now, and then we'll go home together.”

He naturally changed “your home” to “go home,” invisibly closing the distance and also indicating his attitude—he would face this meeting calmly as Yin Tianxue's partner.

“Okay, I'm almost done here too. Let me know when you arrive.” Yin Tianxue seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and her tone lightened.

Hanging up the phone, Yu Bo looked at the screen and let out a soft breath. It was a lie to say he wasn't nervous, but it was more about solemnity and a kind of composure that “what must come will come.” He had already committed to Yin Tianxue; meeting her father and gaining the elder's approval was a necessary step.

He quickly gathered his thoughts. For a first meeting, etiquette must be impeccable. He immediately had his assistant prepare gifts—not flashy, but showing heart and taste. For Father Yin, he chose high-quality tea leaves and a set of famous Yixing clay teapots, catering to his interests (Yin Tianxue had mentioned Father Yin loved tea); for Mother Yin, he prepared a top-tier silk scarf and supplements suitable for middle-aged women. As for Yin Tianxue... he thought about it and sent her a message: “I've prepared the gifts for your parents. As for yours... we'll talk tonight.” Followed by a meaningful emoji.

Yin Tianxue replied with a “Hmph,” but she was clearly in a good mood.

Yu Bo quickly checked his attire again. A dark suit, appropriate but not overly formal, fitting for a dinner occasion. He adjusted his tie in the mirror; the man in the mirror had steady eyes and a calm face. He was no longer that employee who needed to watch others' expressions; he was the founder of Tinglan Capital and the partner chosen by Yin Tianxue. He had his own confidence and value.

Having prepared everything, he went downstairs and drove to the Tiansheng Group headquarters. When he picked up Yin Tianxue, she had clearly dressed up carefully as well, wearing a light champagne-colored knee-length dress with an off-white knit cardigan, elegant yet soft. Seeing the gifts Yu Bo brought, a flash of a smile and relief appeared in her eyes.

“Let's go.” Yin Tianxue took his arm voluntarily, her fingertips pressing slightly to convey support.

“Mhm.” Yu Bo held her hand back, their fingers interlaced.

The car drove toward the hillside villa district in the west of the city. The closer they got, the calmer Yu Bo's mood became. What had to be faced must be faced. He had confidence and determination. No matter what purpose Yin Hanhai had for the summons, he would respond calmly and show his truest self—a man who was capable, responsible, and deeply in love with Yin Tianxue.

The car slowly drove through the grand carved iron gates of the Yin Family, along the driveway between the meticulously manicured lawns, and stopped in front of an elegant three-story European-style villa. Light shone through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, warm and bright, yet also revealing an invisible solemnity.

Yu Bo got out of the car carrying the gifts. Yin Tianxue took his arm and could feel his muscles tensing slightly, but his pace was steady. She glanced at him sideways and gave him an encouraging smile. Yu Bo smiled back, took a deep breath, and rang the doorbell.

The one who opened the door was the Yin Family's old butler, Uncle Fu, with a kind smile: “The young lady is back. This must be Mr. Yu? The Master and Madam are waiting for you in the living room.”

“Good evening, Uncle Fu.” Yin Tianxue greeted him with a smile and led Yu Bo inside.

The entrance hall was spacious, and the high-ceilinged living room was even more magnificent. The decoration style leaned toward Chinese classical, with mahogany furniture and famous calligraphy and paintings, highlighting the owner's taste and heritage. Two people were sitting on the sofa.

One was a woman who looked to be in her forties, well-maintained with a gentle temperament—it was Yin Tianxue's mother, Lin Wanru. She was wearing a soft-textured qipao with her hair elegantly pinned up. Seeing her daughter and Yu Bo enter, she immediately showed a friendly smile and stood up to greet them.

“Tianxue is back.” Lin Wanru first took her daughter's hand and patted it, then her gentle gaze fell on Yu Bo, looking him up and down with curiosity and scrutiny in her eyes, but mostly kindness. “This must be Xiao Yu? I often hear Tianxue mention you; you're certainly a handsome young man. Come in and sit, don't be formal.”

“Hello, Auntie, I am Yu Bo. I apologize for the intrusion.” Yu Bo immediately bowed slightly in greeting and presented the gift for Lin Wanru with both hands. “A small token of my appreciation, I hope you like it.”

“Oh, you're here, why bring anything? You're too polite.” Lin Wanru smiled as she took it, her attitude warm, and led Yu Bo toward the living room. “Old Yin, look, Xiao Yu is here.”