What did this mean?
Both of them shared the surname Lin?
Some people began to speculate. Did the old lady's words indicate that Lin Xiao Tian was part of their Lin family?
Or was there some significant connection?
Or perhaps, she was pulling Lin Xiao Tian closer in front of everyone.
For the various families, Lin Xiao Tian's importance was self-evident.
If the Lin family matriarch was trying to win over Lin Xiao Tian, then her actions were too blatant.
"Haha, I'm just a small farmer from a small mountain village. How could I dare to claim kinship with the Lin family?" Lin Xiao Tian chuckled.
"You refined a Longevity Pill for me, so you are a distinguished guest of the Lin family. There's no need to be modest. The Lin family always treats outstanding individuals as honored guests. We wouldn't care about their background!"
"How about this? If you need anything in the future, just come find me. I guarantee that as long as it's something within my ability, I will handle it for you!"
As the old lady spoke, she didn't forget to glance at Fang Wen Hua.
Her words, in a way, also served as a warning.
The old lady had never felt at ease with Fang Wen Hua.
Lin Xiao Tian pondered for a moment. "As long as you don't find me troublesome then."
He didn't refuse the old lady, even though he knew she was targeting Fang Wen Hua.
On one hand, directly refusing in front of so many people would embarrass the old lady and could easily provoke retaliation.
On the other hand, Lin Xiao Tian also felt some unease about Fang Wen Hua. Fang Wen Hua's schemes were too deep; even he couldn't figure them out. If he could establish a connection with the Lin family matriarch first, it would make things more convenient for him at times.
Both Fang Wen Hua and the Jiang Group would be more wary of Lin Xiao Tian and would not dare to act rashly.
At least with the old lady's endorsement, if they wanted to target people around Lin Xiao Tian in the future, they would have to reconsider the old lady's words today.
"Haha, congratulations, old lady, on gaining another powerful general," a family patriarch said obsequiously.
The rest of the time was no different from a typical birthday banquet, mostly consisting of well wishes for the old lady.
After the banquet concluded, Lin Xiao Tian intended to leave with Qin Yu Xiang, but the old lady detained him.
"Little one, can you spare me some company?" the old lady approached Lin Xiao Tian.
Lin Xiao Tian shrugged. "Of course."
The Lin family had already arranged accommodation for him. So, Lin Xiao Tian asked Qin Yu Xiang to return to their lodgings first, while he followed the old lady for a walk in the courtyard.
Along the way, the old lady said nothing, and Lin Xiao Tian didn't ask questions. He simply followed quietly by her side.
As they walked, they arrived at the dilapidated stone tablet.
The old lady pointed at the tablet. "This object holds profound significance for our Lin family!"
"Do you know? It existed even before our Lin family was established. It is our Lin family's heirloom. From the first patriarch onwards, each generation's patriarch has been responsible for guarding it," the old lady said, looking at the stone tablet with reverence.
Then she glanced at Lin Xiao Tian. "What do you think of this stone tablet?"
Lin Xiao Tian thought for a moment. "It's a cultural relic with a lot of history."
The old lady, however, smiled. "I had someone specially examine this stone. It's just ordinary stone, nothing more than hard, and it's carved with some symbols. It has no intrinsic value. Why do you think the Lin family's patriarchs have always attached such importance to it?"
"That's for you to say," Lin Xiao Tian replied, looking at the old lady.
"Do you know anything?" the old lady suddenly asked.
Lin Xiao Tian shrugged. "I don't."
"Is that so?" She looked at Lin Xiao Tian intently.
"My subordinates told me that you stood in front of this stone tablet for a full half hour, and you almost fell.
"I was a bit unsteady on my feet," Lin Xiao Tian explained.
"Unsteady? Could someone who is unsteady on their feet single-handedly deal with so many assassins? If it were an old woman like me, it might be possible to suddenly collapse, but I don't believe you."
Lin Xiao Tian frowned.
He knew that whatever happened here couldn't be hidden from the old lady.
But of course, he couldn't admit that he had seen something unusual about the stone tablet.
So he thought for a moment and replied calmly, "Perhaps it was from fighting those assassins a few days ago. I might have sustained some injuries. But it's nothing serious, just a momentary loss of balance. Once I return and recuperate, this situation shouldn't occur again."
"Is that so?" The old lady looked at him earnestly.
"Yes," Lin Xiao Tian said with a calm expression.
Their eyes met.
Finally, the old lady suddenly burst into laughter.
"Never mind, I must be getting overly suspicious. Don't mind me. As a widow managing such a large family alone, it's inevitable that I become paranoid."
"I'm not blaming you."
"Oh, right. You should stay at the Lin family's residence for a while!" the old lady said again.
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble?" Lin Xiao Tian replied.
In fact, staying at the Lin family's residence didn't seem like a bad idea.
It was much safer than staying in Jinsha Village. Moreover, he believed that if the old lady had truly intended to harm him, they wouldn't be having such a normal conversation now.
"You should stay. For you, and for that girl." The old lady had hit Lin Xiao Tian's weak spot.
They chatted for a while longer, and then the old lady took Lin Xiao Tian to meet Lin Li Wen.
When he saw Lin Li Wen again, her belly was slightly protruding.
"Xiao Tian, you're here," Lin Li Wen greeted Lin Xiao Tian politely.
"We meet again! How are you doing?"
"I'm fine, everything is well. Xiao Tian, thank you." This was Lin Li Wen's heartfelt gratitude.
If it weren't for Lin Xiao Tian, she would never have experienced the joy of being a mother.
"You're welcome, it's all part of my duty."
He then stepped forward and examined Lin Li Wen again. Seeing that she was fine, Lin Xiao Tian left satisfied.
The Lin family residence was vast. In the afternoon, Lin Xiao Tian took Qin Yu Xiang for a walk around the grounds.
After staying at the Lin family for two or three days, Lin Xiao Tian felt it was time to leave, as he had other matters to attend to.
During these two or three days, Qin Yu Xiang had also become friendly with Lin Li Wen. They chatted very congenially. So, Lin Li Wen persuaded Lin Xiao Tian to let Qin Yu Xiang stay at the Lin family. After all, with so many people watching Lin Xiao Tian, Qin Yu Xiang, as a delicate woman, was not safe.
Lin Xiao Tian thought about it and felt it made sense. Moreover, they got along very well, and Lin Xiao Tian wouldn't have to worry about Qin Yu Xiang being bullied.
"Does the old lady agree too?" Lin Xiao Tian asked.
"Don't worry about my mother. She will definitely agree. She's been telling me for a long time that she hopes you will both stay at the Lin family."
Seeing this, Lin Xiao Tian readily agreed to Lin Li Wen's suggestion. This would also alleviate his worries.