The Invincible Strongest Student

"..."

Xu Wan was momentarily speechless, as she knew those two people in the kitchen all too well.

Previously, Xu Wan had considered matching them up, but upon hearing Lin Tian already had a girlfriend, she abandoned the thought and even regretted it several times.

But now that kid, he seemed like he was trying to woo her granddaughter.

Two-timing? Xu Wan quickly dismissed this idea as unreliable. Knowing Zhao Qingtang’s proud nature, she wouldn’t possibly accept a cheating man.

Could Lin Tian have broken up with his girlfriend?

That doesn’t seem likely either; Liou Qingcheng had visited the house before, clearly a girl from a prominent family, speaking gracefully with a sweet mouth, a perfect match for Lin Tian. A breakup seems improbable.

But... what’s really going on here?

"Qingtang!"

Finally, Xu Wan’s gossipy curiosity flared up, eager to know what was going on, unable to restrain herself and shouted.

"Ah?"

Zhao Qingtang was startled and turned around quickly, realizing her grandparents, parents, were all looking at her with expressions that couldn’t be stranger.

When did they arrive? Why hadn’t she noticed?

Ah, it must be the greasy glass door that blocked the sound!

"Mom and Dad, why are you home?" Zhao Qingtang asked both surprised and delighted.

From Zhao Qingtang’s address, Lin Tian understood who these two unfamiliar faces were. He quickly greeted, "Hello, Teacher, Ma’am, Uncle, Aunt."

"Hello, hello, hello." Zhang Youling nodded with a smile, quickly recognizing the tall, handsome man and asked, "You’re... Lin Tian?"

"Uh, that’s me." Lin Tian humbly nodded, feeling unsurprised to be recognized. After all, he’d made it to the headlines a few times.

"You should go accompany your parents. I’ll take care of things here," Lin Tian whispered to Zhao Qingtang, feeling uneasy being on display, as if he were a panda at the zoo.

"Okay." Zhao Qingtang nodded and smiled, then washed her hands, opened the glass door, and walked out.

"Qingtang, why did you come out? Leaving Lin Tian alone in the kitchen isn’t very polite." Zhao Yushu complained.

Before Zhao Qingtang could respond, Zhang Youling jumped in, "Exactly! Even if he’s one of our own, why did you just run out of there?"

Zhao Qingtang knew she was misunderstood but didn’t bother explaining much, instead taking their luggage and saying, "Alright, stop watching, have a seat. Carrying so much stuff must be tiring."

After the four elder relatives were seated on the sofa, Zhao Qingtang was about to get up to pour water when Zhang Youling held her wrist, glancing towards the kitchen and asked, "What’s going on? How far have things developed between you two?"

The other three elders said nothing but watched her with curiosity.

"We’re just friends, you all misunderstood." Zhao Qingtang said, "He came to see Grandpa and Grandma, and when he arrived, no one was home. He said he’d cook first; he’s a guest, and I’m the host. Can I just sit in the living room?"

"Is it really like that?" Xu Wan softly asked.

"That’s all there is to it. What else could it be?" Zhao Qingtang replied helplessly.

This explanation sounded reasonable, but Zhang Youling was still somewhat skeptical. How did they just become friends?

Zhao Xuefeng waved his hand and said, "Alright, don’t overthink it. Qingtang wouldn’t lie about this."

From start to finish, Zhao Qingtang spoke little, but her explanation was fully trusted by them.

That day at Luoyan Dock, as Zhao Qingtang returned, he understood the thoughts of the girl’s family. Though he couldn’t help in such matters, he hoped Zhao Qingtang would give up.

Yet from their intimate interaction in the kitchen, things seemed to be heading in a different direction...

"How’s he recovering?" Zhao Xuefeng sighed lightly and asked.

"He’s almost recovered, Grandpa. You being a teacher is quite irresponsible; nearly a month has passed, and you haven’t checked in." Zhao Qingtang complained.

Leaning tiredly against the sofa, Zhao Xuefeng replied, "There’s been much to handle lately, and I couldn’t find the time. I thought with you there, it wasn’t necessary for me to go."

"True." Zhao Qingtang turned her attention towards her parents and asked, "Why are you back?"

Zhang Youling looked slightly annoyed with her daughter, "How are you speaking to us? Do we need to inform you before coming back?"

Zhao Xuefeng waved his hand, "Alright, talk at dinner. I have something to discuss with Lin Tian."

"Alright then." Zhao Qingtang refrained from further questions, instead picking up the gifts she and Lin Tian had chosen for the elders earlier at the mall. After some animated explanation, she handed them over.

Zhao Xuefeng and Xu Wan were very pleased with such thoughtful gifts, especially Xu Wan, who couldn’t stop praising them.

Satisfied with their feedback, Zhao Qingtang then looked at her parents, saying, "Unlike some people, gone for six months and on rare return, without a single gift for their daughter."

"Who said we didn’t bring gifts for you?" Zhang Youling laughed.

"Really? What is it?"

"Just kidding, of course, we didn’t. You’re so grown up and haven’t even found a boyfriend. Still dare to ask for gifts."

"Hmph!"

...

As they needed extra bowls and chopsticks, Lin Tian feared there wouldn’t be enough, so he fried another omelet and mixed some tofu with green onions, placing them on the dining table with an inviting aroma.

"Lin Tian, what you’ve done here is great—bringing gifts, and now even cooking." Xu Wan took a bite, her face lighting up with delight. Looking at Lin Tian, she said, "Come by often from now on."

Lin Tian nodded with a smile, "Sure."

Unable to hold back, Zhao Qingtang added, "Grandma, you want Lin Tian to cook for us daily?"

"Haha, I never said that," Xu Wan, despite her age, was playfully cute.

"Haha, no problem. Anytime Ma’am wants to eat, just call me, I’ll ensure satisfaction," Lin Tian said.

Xu Wan nodded with great satisfaction, "You’re the one who knows how to care for people."

Zhang Youling tasted it too, full of praise, looking at Lin Tian with increasing satisfaction. If Qingtang could snag this handsome guy, it would undoubtedly be a great fortune.

"Ahem."

As the head of the household, Zhao Xuefeng lightly cleared his throat, bringing a quietness over the dining table. He then said, "Lin Tian, you’ve come at just the right time today. There’s something I need to discuss with you."