"Oh, how should I answer this question?" Xia Lin was stumped. Stammering, he said, "Anyway... I... I just held my breath and thought I mustn't be found by you, Master. Maybe I'm a genius, or perhaps you were too focused on talking to your subordinates, so your attention... That's just how it was. Well, Master, don't worry about this question. How about we go out for a walk after breakfast?"
The little disciple's attempt to change the subject was rather clumsy. Jiang Yun smiled at his cute disciple and didn't intend to make things difficult for him anymore. However, he wasn't going to give up on exploring his disciple's secret.
Good disciple, since you already know my secret, I must find out yours too!
After this incident, Xia Lin noticed that Jiang Yun's affection for him had increased by a few points. Maybe it was because his biggest secret had been discovered by Xia Lin, so he was even more determined in his feelings?
The following days passed peacefully and quickly. Ten days later, in the afternoon, they arrived at the General's Mansion. Just like when they left, a large crowd was standing at the gate to welcome them.
Among them, Xia Lin's parents and elder brother were standing at the front. The elder brother was quick - moving and not as proud as the general father. So he immediately hugged Xia Lin tightly and said excitedly, "Xiaolin's finally back. Your mom, dad, and I have been waiting at the gate for half an hour. We've finally been able to see you."
Seeing his elder brother's rare uncomposed look, Xia Lin felt warm inside. He also reached out to hug his elder brother. "Yes, elder brother, I missed you too, and mom and dad."
At this time, Xia Lin's parents, who had walked a bit slower, also came over. Xia Lin's mother stroked Xia Lin's face, with tears in her eyes. Her precious youngest son had been away from home for almost a year for the first time. She didn't know how many times she had wiped her tears at night during this year.
"You've lost weight but grown taller. My Lin'er has become even more handsome. That's great."
Xia Lin held his mother's hand. "Mom, you're still as young and beautiful as ever. Mom, I missed you so much, really really much. I'm so glad to see you. I want to eat the sweet - and - sour spareribs you made by yourself."
Xia Lin's mother tightly grasped her son's hand and nodded repeatedly. "Okay, okay, okay. Mom will make them for you tonight!"
Then it was the general father's turn. This tough man coughed proudly. "Not bad, boy. You look more like a real man. You're worthy of being my son. How long are you going to stay this time after coming back?"
Xia Lin smiled. He knew his father's character well. For his father to say so much, it meant he really missed him. Well, that's just how elders are. They find their juniors annoying when they're around all day, but they miss them terribly when they've been away for a long time.
"Well, I'm going to stay for about a month. Dad, you're still as handsome as ever. I missed you so much during the year I was away. I wasn't used to it without your loving teachings, Dad."
The general father gently tapped Xia Lin on the head and scolded with a smile, "You naughty boy. I'll let you experience them well again this time you're back. Alright, stop standing at the gate. Let's all go in." Then the general father went to greet Jiang Yun, who had been left out.
Xia Lin went in with his elder brother and mother, but he didn't forget to tell the servants to take in and unpack the luggage.
In the evening, Jiang Yun, his disciple, the general father, Xia Lin's mother, and the elder brother sat at a table for dinner. Soon, Xia Lin's bowl was piled high. "Eat more, eat more. You've lost weight. Mom will surely fatten you up during this month you're at home."