Chapter 22: My Poor Little Kaka

When Lin Zhiwei returned home, she found her parents bustling about, preparing dinner with an excitement that made it seem as though she were getting married tomorrow. They hurried to greet her.

“Mom, Dad, is all this really necessary? Why not let Uncle Li and the others help? Why do you insist on doing it yourselves?” she asked.

Her father, overwhelmed with emotion, exclaimed, “Oh, Zhiwei, you’re finally home! You don’t understand—today is the day our precious daughter returns to her glory. We have to celebrate properly!”

“That’s right, Zhiwei! Sit down, the soup is almost ready,” her mother’s eager voice called from the kitchen.

“Is it really such a big deal…” Lin Zhiwei grumbled, though her heart felt warm. Truthfully, her restored appearance brought the greatest joy to her parents. She had endured so much over the years, and they must have suffered alongside her.

The table was laden with delicious dishes, and the three of them even poured a little red wine. A rare atmosphere of harmony filled the room; nearby, Housekeeper Li discreetly wiped away tears, thinking of how hard Miss Lin’s life had been, relieved that things had finally turned for the better.

“Mom, Dad, the Lord was merciful. You never have to worry again that I’ll be ugly for life!” Lin Zhiwei raised her glass, laughing as she spoke.

“Nonsense! No matter how you look, we don’t care. What hurts us is hearing others’ cruel words,” her mother replied, raising her glass, her voice trembling slightly.

“Your father knows—you’ve always been exceptional. Originally… you could have made it in the entertainment industry in Huaguo…” Her father couldn’t help but lower his head, regretful, feeling useless and powerless.

Lin Zhiwei frowned; how had a happy occasion turned so melancholy? She quickly lightened the mood. “Oh, it’s nothing! As the saying goes, when Heaven intends to give a person great responsibility, it must first test their resolve. Come on, Mom, Dad, let’s raise our glasses and be happy!”

Seeing their daughter’s cheerful demeanor, her parents’ sadness melted away. As long as she was happy now, her future would be hers to choose.

—

“Dad,” Lin Zhiwei slipped to her father’s side, coaxing, “Now that the Lord has restored my appearance, can you consider returning my little cards?” She blinked her innocent eyes.

Her father replied sternly, “Absolutely not. I’ve already handed your cards over to the Lord.”

“What? Dad… Why did you give them to him?” Lin Zhiwei wailed in despair. Was he really her father? Why couldn’t he save a little for her?

“Don’t be disrespectful. First comes the Lord, then your cousin. There’s a proper order,” her father scolded.

Heavens above, earth below, what spell had Lin Qiongjiu cast on everyone? Everywhere she turned, there were his loyal followers…

“Dad…”

“Let’s not discuss this. If you have objections, take it up with the Lord yourself—we won’t get involved,” her father said, waving a hand and turning to enjoy his meal.

Her mother, though sympathetic, spread her hands helplessly, indicating she could do nothing, and began to eat as well.

Lin Zhiwei folded her arms, cursing silently. Lin Qiongjiu, you’re ruthless. All the savings she’d painstakingly amassed from filming every commercial and outdoor shoot had been confiscated, and now she was given only a few thousand a month for living expenses—a true act of cruelty.

He’d even brainwashed her parents, leaving her without allies, forcing her through a frugal, work-study high school and university life.

My poor little cards, are you all right? I’ve forgotten what you even look like…

“By the way, Zhiwei, about the Arbitration Council…” her father suddenly remembered the pending disciplinary action, his voice anxious.

—

As she ate, Lin Zhiwei replied, “Dad, don’t worry about it. You don’t need to attend at all—I can handle it myself.” She cast him a determined look.

“Zhiwei, your mom and dad have no power. Even as part of the Lin family, our voices are small and we can’t help much. But whatever we can do, we will. If you have any trouble, you must tell us,” her mother said, holding her hand, her face full of worry and helplessness.

“Oh, Mom, Dad, if I can’t get through such a minor trial, then the Lord’s guidance would have been wasted,” Lin Zhiwei replied obediently. She nearly called Lin Qiongjiu by name, but caught herself just in time.

Her parents nodded, reassured. With the Lord around, surely Zhiwei would be safe.

When the Lord had first offered to mentor Zhiwei years ago, it had seemed unbelievable. Back then, they lived ordinary lives. Though they had a small business inherited from the Lin family, compared to other clans in the Nameless Domain, it was insignificant.

Initially, they had refused. Seeing Zhiwei’s carefree childhood, they had no greater ambitions for her, and never imagined she would manage such a vast enterprise.

But the Lord was resolute, affirming Zhiwei as the most outstanding among the new generation. He was willing to guide her, and as for her future, he would never force a choice.

Her father thought of this as he watched his daughter’s beautiful face, so absorbed in her meal, and couldn’t help but wonder—if the Lord hadn’t appeared suddenly years ago, perhaps he would have been destroyed by his rivals, dragging his family down, and Zhiwei would not have been spared.

He would always remember the Lord’s words: as members of the Lin family, even distant branches, they must strive for self-reliance, or else become nothing more than sacrificial pawns and prey for others.

Zhiwei, perhaps this is destiny. It all depends on the choices you make…