240: Chapter 240 Zhao Lintai: Filial Piety and Sensibility

Si Hongjun walked out of the main house and asked Si Hongbin, "Hongbin, where is Young Master Zhao? Take me to see him."

Si Hongbin gestured toward the front courtyard and explained, "Brother Jun, Young Master Zhao arrived just a moment ago, but since you were talking with Grandpa Si at the time, I didn't let him disturb you. He should still be in the front courtyard."

"Oh, good. Then I'll go meet him; you stay here and keep Grandpa Si company." Si Hongjun nodded, then walked toward the front courtyard.

He passed through the archway, and his gaze landed on a figure in the gazebo by the pond.

Zhao Lintai was sitting quietly on a stone stool under the gazebo, gazing calmly at the rippling water, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.

"*Ahem*," Si Hongjun coughed lightly, breaking the silence.

Zhao Lintai turned around at the sound. When he saw Si Hongjun, a warm smile immediately blossomed on his face. He quickly stood up, bowed slightly, and said, "You must be Young Miss Si Yao's father, right? Junior Zhao Lintai, greetings, Uncle Si."

Si Hongjun walked up to Zhao Lintai, reached out to shake his hand, and laughed heartily, "Hahaha, Grandpa Si certainly didn't exaggerate—Young Master Zhao, you truly are a man of talent! When I heard you had arrived in the Southwest yesterday, I had been thinking of meeting you. Unfortunately, I was tied up with business at the group, so I hope you can forgive me, Young Master Zhao."

Zhao Lintai smiled modestly and replied, "Uncle Si, you are too kind. You are busy with a thousand tasks, all for the prosperity of the Southwest Si Family, so how could I blame you? To be honest, I don't have much interest in politics, and I have looked up to you, Uncle Si, as a role model since I was young. To have the honor of meeting you in person today is truly a great fortune!"

"Hahaha, you really know how to talk, just like your father—a smooth talker." Si Hongjun laughed heartily and patted Zhao Lintai's shoulder, signaling him to sit down. "Let's sit and chat properly. How is your parents' work going abroad? Are they still in good health?"

Zhao Lintai sat down as instructed, a grateful smile on his face, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle Si. My parents are in good health, and their work is going quite well. It's just that they are so far from home, and they haven't been able to return to the country to reunite with the Family for a long time. Grandpa often misses them, and I miss them very much as well."

Si Hongjun sighed and consoled him, "Sigh, that is something that cannot be helped. For the sake of the country and the organization's big picture, one sometimes has to sacrifice personal Family time. It is truly commendable that you can stay in the capital to keep your grandfather company and fulfill your filial duties on behalf of your parents."

"Uncle Si, you flatter me." Zhao Lintai lowered his head modestly. "Compared to them, I am just an idler. Staying in the capital to fulfill my filial duties to Grandpa on their behalf is only natural."

"Lintai, don't be so modest." Si Hongjun waved his hand with a smile. "I see you as a good kid with filial piety and a sense of responsibility! Unlike my two good-for-nothing children, who only know how to cause trouble and make me worry all day long."

"Uncle Si, why do you say that?" Zhao Lintai asked curiously, a look of confusion and concern on his face.

"Sigh," Si Hongjun sighed, furrowing his brows, putting on a look of disappointment, and said slowly, "My son Wenruo has been weak and sickly since childhood; he isn't cut out for martial arts, so he has never been able to win Grandpa Si's favor. As for Yao-Yao, although she is a girl, she has learned the Family's martial arts, and Grandpa Si has pinned all his hopes for the Family's Legacy on her."

Speaking of this, Si Hongjun paused for a moment, sighed in great disappointment, and then continued, "But who would have thought that this girl's temperament would change drastically in recent years? She's become extremely rebellious and won't listen to anyone. Ever since she left home last year, she hasn't even returned to visit when Grandpa Si was ill. It is truly heartbreaking."

After hearing this, Zhao Lintai's expression flickered, and he feigned comfort, "Uncle Si, please don't be too Life Qi. To be honest, before I came to the Southwest, I already met Young Miss Si Yao in Shanghai. Her business there is quite successful, so she hasn't disgraced your reputation."

"Sigh, she's just messing around." Si Hongjun waved his hand, a look of helplessness on his face. "Instead of staying by Grandpa Si's side, she insists on going out to make a name for herself. After all this fuss, she's only opened some small businesses like restaurants and nightclubs—nothing of any real significance."

Zhao Lintai smiled and said, "Actually, I think Young Miss Si Yao has quite a lot of grit. Although her personality is a bit rebellious, she is forthright and sincere. Even though she doesn't have many businesses, her reputation is excellent. In Shanghai, who doesn't know the names of Sinan Feast and Yaoye Club? If you have time, you might as well go experience them yourself. After all, hearing is believing, but seeing is proof."

"Hahaha," Si Hongjun laughed upon hearing this. "By the sound of it, you have a pretty good impression of Yao-Yao, don't you?"

"In front of Uncle Si, I dare not speak insincerely." Zhao Lintai said solemnly. "At first, when I heard Grandpa Si mention my engagement to Young Miss Si Yao in the capital, I was indeed a bit resistant. After all, it's the 21st century now, and we value freedom of marriage. But when I actually met Young Miss Si Yao, I felt that this match was actually quite good. Of course, it's not just her beauty that I value; more importantly, it's her straightforward, unpretentious personality. She says what she thinks and lives as freely as she likes. I greatly admire this Heart-Nature of acting on her own impulses."

Si Hongjun heard this, a flash of appreciation in his eyes, and sighed lightly, "Lintai, you truly are a straightforward person. However, I have more to say to you about Yao-Yao. For some reason, she seems to have an aversion to men. You should understand what I mean by that, right?"

Zhao Lintai nodded, his expression calm, "Uncle Si, I understand what you mean. Actually, when I was in Shanghai, Young Miss Si Yao already told me about this matter."

"Oh?" Si Hongjun raised an eyebrow, curious. "And what do you think? After all, marriage is a lifelong matter for the two of you, concerning both your happiness. If you mind, I can personally go to Grandpa Si and apologize, and we can call off the engagement between you two."

Zhao Lintai heard this, a firm look on his face, "I appreciate your good intentions, Uncle Si. But I believe that Young Miss Si Yao just hasn't met the person who truly makes her heart flutter yet. And I have the confidence that I can capture her heart. Furthermore, my grandfather is advanced in age and cannot easily leave the capital now. I hope to marry Young Miss Si Yao as soon as possible while he is still alive; it would be a way to fulfill one of his wishes."

Hearing Zhao Lintai say this, Si Hongjun felt helpless inside. It seems that this pair of grandfather and grandson from the Zhao Family are as stubborn as a mule, determined to marry into my Si Family.

He sighed silently in his heart, feigned being touched, and reached out to pat Zhao Lintai's shoulder lightly, "What a filial and good child. Since you have such confidence and determination, then I can rest easy. Let's stop talking about Yao-Yao and talk about you. I heard that you aren't interested in joining the military or politics, but have a special fondness for business? And I heard you're doing quite well. I wonder what kind of business you've been busy with recently?"

Zhao Lintai smiled and said modestly, "Hahaha, Uncle Si, you flatter me. I founded an investment company myself and have invested in some projects and enterprises with potential. However, compared to your Southwest International Group, it's still far behind. Coming to the Southwest this time, I also wanted to learn from you and gain some experience."

"Easy, easy," Si Hongjun laughed heartily. "We will soon be one Family, and there's no need to speak as two different parties. Since you are interested in business, why not come with me to visit the group today?"

"That would be exactly what I wished for!" Zhao Lintai's eyes lit up, and he said excitedly.

"Hahaha," Si Hongjun laughed. "Good, it's settled then. You can come with me in a moment, and I'll take you around the group."

"Good, thank you, Uncle Si." Zhao Lintai nodded in thanks, but suddenly seemed to remember something and hurriedly said, "Right, I haven't had a chance to go see Grandpa Si this morning yet. It would be rather impolite to leave without saying goodbye. Let me go greet Grandpa Si first."

"Good, go ahead. I'll wait for you outside." Si Hongjun responded with a smile.