It wasn't clear if Old Master Hua's reminder had an effect, or if Hua He genuinely wanted to talk to Lin Feng.
After dinner, Hua He called Lin Feng alone to his study, even turning away Hua Yu when she wanted to follow and listen.
Upon entering the study, Hua He settled into the executive chair behind his desk.
He picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for himself and Lin Feng.
"Son-in-law, consider this your own home. Don't be a stranger, have some tea."
Hua He adjusted his glasses, a gentle smile appearing on his face.
Lin Feng looked at the refined Hua He before him, feeling that he wasn't as simple as he appeared on the surface.
Externally, Hua He possessed the aura of a cultured scholar, giving the impression of someone who didn't fight for anything, serene and unconcerned.
However, from the fleeting glint of cunning in Hua He's eyes, Lin Feng knew this father-in-law was incredibly deep.
Especially when Hua He spoke ill of Hua Hai in front of Old Master Hua. While it seemed to portray his innocence, it was actually a stab in Hua Hai's back.
Therefore, Hua He surely held animosity towards Hua Hai.
As Lin Feng had expected, Hua He seemed to read Lin Feng's thoughts. He smiled and said, "Son-in-law, you've seen the situation with the Hua family."
"Your Uncle Hua Hai, in order to smoothly secure his position as the heir to the Hua family, is in direct conflict with our family."
"When I married Hua Yu to Lin Zhen back then, I was afraid that if your uncle became the head of the Hua family, he would bully Hua Yu."
"With the protection of the Lin family, Hua Yu would be safe. I never expected that through a twist of fate, you and Hua Yu would end up together. It's truly a cruel joke of fate!"
Hua He forced a bitter laugh.
Lin Feng didn't believe Hua He's nonsense. Marrying Hua Yu into the Lin family was also about Hua He binding his interests with the Lin family.
Frankly speaking, this was Hua He creating resources for himself to contend for the position of the Hua family head.
It was just that Hua He hadn't anticipated Lin Feng's persistent refusal to acknowledge the Lin family, rendering Hua He unable to utilize the Lin family's resources.
But such things were better left unspoken, as revealing them would spoil the game.
"Uncle Hua, if you have something to say, please say it directly. We're family. If you need my help with anything, just tell me."
Lin Feng was too lazy to beat around the bush with Hua He; it was too tiring.
"Good. With those words from you, son-in-law, I'll be direct."
"Originally, I didn't intend to compete with your uncle for the position of family head. But for your and Hua Yu's status in this family, I've decided to compete with your uncle."
"Your uncle currently holds many trump cards. In terms of advantage, we are no match for his family."
"But now, it's good that you've met an elder brother. This elder brother of yours is very powerful. If you can make this elder brother serve me, then I'll have the confidence to compete with your uncle."
"Additionally, you need to communicate properly with the Lin family and return to them as much as possible. This will increase my chances of winning."
Hua He gazed at Lin Feng, revealing his intentions.
Lin Feng smiled and shook his head, "Uncle Hua, both of these matters you mentioned are very difficult for me. Please let me consider them."
"No rush. You go back and consider it, and let me know when you've made up your mind."
"Regardless, you are now half my son. At any time, you must be of one mind with me."
Hua He smiled, stood up, and patted Lin Feng's shoulder.
"Then, Uncle Hua, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
Lin Feng stood up, bid farewell to Hua He, and turned to leave.
As he walked out of the study, Lin Feng saw Hua Yu waiting for him not far away.
"Lin Feng, what did my father say to you? Did he ask you to do something very difficult?"
No one knew a father better than his daughter. Based on Hua Yu's understanding of her father, she had a vague idea of what had happened.
"No, your father was just praising my abilities, saying you've hit the jackpot marrying me."
"Your father asked you to be nicer to me in the future, give him a healthy grandson, and so on."
Lin Feng replied with a smile.
Hua Yu immediately rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"Speak properly! I know what kind of person my father is better than you do."
Hua Yu didn't believe Lin Feng at all, knowing he was just teasing her.
"Alright, your father wants me to introduce Duan Liang to him and help him ascend to power."
"He also wants me to return to the Lin family and use their resources to help him. I didn't agree."
Lin Feng stated truthfully.
Hua Yu's eyes dimmed. "I knew my father would talk to you about these things. It's good that you didn't agree."
"In terms of resources, my father can't compare to my uncle at all. Even if you agreed, he might not succeed."
Lin Feng asked in confusion, "Why do you say that? Is your uncle that formidable?"
"Of course. My uncle's daughter is married into the Ji family, and my uncle's son married the Ji family's precious daughter."
"As the most mysterious of the four great families in Kyoto, the Ji family's strength is beyond our imagination."
"With the Ji family's assistance, my uncle has had a smooth journey over the years. Even my grandfather has to consult my uncle on many matters."
"Therefore, in my grandfather's heart, the position of heir has long been decided in favor of my uncle."
"Furthermore, my uncle controls more than half of the Hua family's wealth. All the Hua family members are close confidantes of my uncle. What can my father use to compete with my uncle? This is simply wishful thinking!"
Hua Yu mercilessly criticized her father's shortcomings.
Clearly, Hua Yu also harbored resentment towards her father, the reason being his forcing her to marry Lin Zhen back then.
"It seems your uncle is indeed quite capable. No wonder he doesn't care whether I return to the Lin family; he's not threatened by it anyway."
Lin Feng chuckled knowingly, thinking about how troublesome the affairs of these prominent families truly were.
"It's not entirely as you think. My uncle is still very wary of you, wary of your relationship with Daoist Duan Liang."
"If Daoist Duan Liang can truly help my father, then my father will have some competitive edge."
"Although the competitive edge is very small, in my uncle's eyes, he cannot allow his position to be threatened in the slightest."
"Therefore, you need to be careful. I fear my uncle might scheme against you in secret."
Hua Yu warned.
"He wouldn't go so far as to deal with me. He knows my relationship with Daoist Duan Liang, and just like the Ye family now, he wouldn't dare to easily make a move against me."
Lin Feng wasn't worried at all. Even without Duan Liang, with his Qinggong, no one could harm him.
"That's logical, but you still don't understand my uncle. Once he sets his mind on something, he will achieve it by any means necessary."
"It's better to be cautious. After I consult my grandfather's wishes, we'll find an opportunity to leave."
"As for our family matters, let them do as they please. We shouldn't get involved."
Hua Yu instructed.
"I understand. Then, I'm free now. I'll go out for a walk."
Lin Feng, visiting Kyoto for the first time, intended to experience its prosperity.
"Go ahead. Oh, and by the way, I saw Xu Lin is also in Kyoto. You can find her to complete your mission."
Hua Yu had been keeping an eye on Xu Lin's movements and specifically informed Lin Feng.
"Miss Hua, what is this? Are you encouraging your husband to go out and flirt?"
Lin Feng asked in surprise.
"I don't mind. You already have plenty of women. One more makes no difference to me."
"You only got a marriage certificate. You'll find it hard to win my person and my heart!"
"Because I'm even harder to handle than that Xu Lin!"
Hua Yu smiled playfully, her words striking a blow to Lin Feng's heart.
"Fine. Since you've said so, I'll boldly go out and flirt with Xu Lin."
"When I've got Xu Lin, you'll look at me with new eyes."
Lin Feng knew Hua Yu didn't approve of his character and firmly believed he couldn't win Xu Lin's full affection.
Therefore, he wanted to prove his masculine charm.