Luo Yao looked at Uncle Fu and said, "Ran won’t testify for you. When Granny Wang returns, I’ll ask her myself. If you’re a heartless man, considering how diligently you’ve served all these years, I can lend you my dagger."
A chill ran down Uncle Fu’s spine. He knew Luo Yao wasn’t joking.
Lin Ran asked, "Uncle Fu, what were you laughing about earlier?"
"Master Lin, Miss, when do you plan to have children? How many? I’ll prepare to take care of the young master and miss."
Lin Ran froze at the question. He hadn’t expected anyone to be more eager about children than he and Luo Yao.
"I only want one child."
Lin Ran’s words made Luo Yao frown. She stared at him, wondering—does Ran want a child?
Then Lin Ran continued, "I only want Yao Yao as my child."
Instantly, the stunned expression shifted to Uncle Fu’s face, while joy lit up Luo Yao’s.
Indeed, emotions are transferable.Uncle Fu coughed awkwardly and said, "Ahem… Everyone, polish all the vases in the villa today."
All the servants hurried to clean the vases, though their minds were clearly elsewhere.
Just then, one servant shuffled over to Uncle Fu.
"Uncle Fu, all of us have a question we’d like to ask you."
Uncle Fu was taken aback, suspicion creeping into his heart.
These servants usually cowered before him—how dare they ask him anything now?
"Speak."
The servant mustered courage and said, "A friend of mine doesn’t know he has a grandson, nor that he has a son. He even bullied the grandson’s grandmother. Would you say this old man is a scumbag?"
All the servants froze, stopping mid-polish.
Uncle Fu froze.
Lin Ran froze.
Luo Yao froze.
Even the vases seemed to freeze.
Damn!
Uncle Fu wanted to curse. This was the first time in all his years at the estate that he’d been publicly mocked—and in front of Miss Luo and Master Lin, no less.
What? Does Zhang Laifu’s dignity mean nothing?
"If you don’t want to lose your job, curb your curiosity and get back to work."
The servant muttered, "See, getting defensive already! Still won’t say where Granny Wang went?"
Uncle Fu’s face darkened as he scolded sternly, "Granny Wang is off today, handling her own affairs. Why are you wasting time here? Seems I’ve been too lenient with you all, letting you forget your place."
Lin Ran cleared his throat, and Uncle Fu immediately fell silent.
He’d just lost his temper in front of Miss Luo and Master Lin?
He really must be getting senile.
"Whatever’s between you and Granny Wang, I expect you to resolve it soon."
"Yes, Miss."
Just then, Uncle Fu was called away by a servant from Villa No. 2 to inspect work. Watching the old man leave, Luo Yao frowned.
"Ran, what do you think of Uncle Fu?"
Hearing her question, Lin Ran broke into a cold sweat for Uncle Fu.
The fact that she asked meant Luo Yao was considering dismissing him.
But Uncle Fu wasn’t a bad person. The situation with Granny Wang wasn’t entirely his fault.
Love requires effort from both sides. The truth was, the two of them had reached this point because of mistakes they’d both made in the past.
Besides, in their previous life, Uncle Fu had advised him many times. That alone proved he wasn’t a bad man.
Most importantly, Uncle Fu had handled their funeral arrangements. For that alone, Lin Ran couldn’t repay kindness with cruelty—otherwise, he’d have died without a proper burial.
"Yao Yao, you’re not seriously thinking of offing Uncle Fu, are you?"
Luo Yao shook her head. "I may be ruthless and cruel, but I wouldn’t harm an old steward who’s cared for me for years. I was just wondering… whether to cripple him."
Lin Ran nearly choked.
"Ruthless? Cruel? Who said that? You’re the most devoted wife in the world."
He silently mourned for Uncle Fu—for one second, no more.
Noticing Lin Ran’s odd expression, Luo Yao asked, "Are you pleading for him?"
"Not exactly pleading. I just don’t think his crimes warrant that."
Luo Yao nodded. "Then let him leave the estate to pursue his love. Work and love are inherently conflicting. Like us—if I’m managing Luo Corporation, I’ll inevitably have less time for you."
Lin Ran’s heart clenched at her words.
"Is work and love really a conflict? Two people in love working together is already a blessing. Love and work can coexist. Look at couples outside—many don’t even have that chance."
"If they work here, they’ll cross paths often. Over time, even the hardest hearts soften."
Lin Ran’s words made sense.
"So you want to keep Uncle Fu?"
"I’m just offering advice. The final decision is yours. Whatever you choose, as your husband, I’ll support you unconditionally."
Lin Ran meant every word.
After his rebirth, he rarely advised Luo Yao on others’ behalf. But for Uncle Fu, he’d make an exception.
"Fine. Since Ran said so, I can’t disregard your wishes."
Lin Ran shrugged. "What wishes? You’re the only one who cares about my dignity. Everyone else would love to see me humiliated."
"Well, they’re not your wife."
Lin Ran burst out laughing at her adorable remark.
"Haha, you’re too cute, Yao Yao. We’re like a pair of kids."
Luo Yao recalled his earlier line—"I only want Yao Yao as my child"—and smiled again.
Since Lin Ran’s rebirth, she’d smiled more than in her entire previous life combined.
"Ran, when you said you only wanted me as your child, did you mean you see me as one?"
Lin Ran smirked meaningfully. "You’ll always be my baby."
Luo Yao was so charmed she felt dizzy, but the servants were suffering.
Master Lin, Miss, please stop flaunting your love. It’s getting unbearable.
Before, it was just you two—we built up immunity. But now Uncle Fu and Granny Wang might join in. This job is becoming impossible.
Besides, Miss could never just be your "baby." She’s the heiress of the top financial empire.
Luo Yao: "Then I’ll be your baby forever."
Servant: spits out imaginary drink Don’t kill me with love. I can’t take it.
Seeing the servants’ pained expressions, Lin Ran knew they were wounded.
"Ahem… This month, everyone’s bonuses are doubled. Keep up the good work."
All eyes widened in shock. No one expected those words from Lin Ran.
If Miss had said it, fine. But Master Lin…?
"Ran’s words are mine," Luo Yao stated coolly.
"Thank you, Master Lin! Thank you, Miss!"
Only after Luo Yao’s confirmation did the servants bow in gratitude.
Go ahead, flaunt more. We can handle it.