Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 422 The Most Extravagant New Year's Money in History

The reunion dinner on New Year's Eve is held in the spacious hall of the main house.

A huge round table made of rosewood was set up, which was just enough to fit everyone together.

The table was laden with the fruits of Wang Yuling's labor all day long, a delightful mix of delicacies from all over the country and home-style stir-fries, steaming hot and fragrant.

However, these delicacies are clearly not the main attraction tonight.

Soon after the banquet began, Xi Xi and Chen Chen became the most sought-after "treasures".

She was specially placed in a grand chair with thick cushions, and was looked after by Lin Yan and Wang Yuling.

But the little ones couldn't sit still. Especially Xixi, who was full of curiosity about the "newcomers" who were all showing her kindness.

First, Alexander, taking advantage of the break between toasts, used an antique music box inlaid with sapphires that could rotate and light up to "lure" Xi Xi into opening her little arms for a hug.

He carefully cradled the soft bundle in his arms, his posture slightly stiff, but his eyes were full of tenderness.

He took out two exceptionally exquisite gilded red envelopes from the inside pocket of his suit, gently placing one in Xixi's little pocket and the other in Chenchen's little pocket.

"Little Xixi, Little Chenchen, wishing you a peaceful and joyful New Year, and that you grow up quickly."

Next up was Albert, who "exchanged" a set of extremely realistic miniature enamelware tableware for the opportunity to hold Chenchen.

Chenchen was a little more "reserved" than her sister, but she was also attracted by the vibrant colors and stayed obediently in Albert's arms, curiously grabbing the chain of his pocket watch.

Albert also presented two red envelopes in velvet bags.

Wishing Xiaochenchen and Xiaoxixi good health and happiness every year.

The three Lin brothers, Marcus, James, and even the taciturn Wang Qin all took turns to perform.

Some used adorable wooden polar bear carvings, others used running mechanical miniature cars, and still others used clear and melodious silver bells... each person used their own unique methods, just to hug and play with these two lovely children.

Everyone had prepared red envelopes. The red envelopes may have varied in style, but they were all thin, and inside were obviously not banknotes, but a savings book.

Wang Yuling went to the side room and found two small and exquisite sandalwood boxes, carved with simple auspicious cloud patterns, which were simple and cute.

She smiled as she collected the red envelopes one by one, sorting them into categories and placing them into a box. She then smiled at Lin Yan, who was holding Xixi and feeding her steamed egg custard:

"Young Master, look at this New Year's money! I'll keep it safe for Chenchen and Xixi. When they start school, it'll be enough to pay their tuition, and we'll still have plenty left over!"

She made the remark casually, reflecting the simple plans that ordinary families have for their children's future.

To everyone's surprise, the people at the next table who were drinking and having a good time didn't like what he said.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi immediately put down his wine glass.

"Yuling, what are you saying! Lunar New Year money is Lunar New Year money, it's a blessing from elders to children, how can you use it to pay tuition? It's such a spoilsport! The young master and young lady's tuition, no matter what kind of school they go to, domestic or international, from kindergarten to doctorate, I, Lin Yi, will cover it all!"

He got so excited that he slammed his hand on the table, making the cups and plates rattle softly.

Their argument ignited a fuse.

Marcus glanced at him.

"Pshaw, tuition? Education? What's that? How can our little Xixi and little Chenchen not have matching outfits for all kinds of occasions in the future? I'll take care of all their high-end jewelry, watches, and accessories! I guarantee that every piece will be an exclusive design and absolutely one-of-a-kind."

Albert put down his chopsticks and picked up a napkin to wipe the corner of his mouth.

"Since Marcus is in charge of the interior design, I will be responsible for all the clothes, shoes, custom-made formal wear, and the maintenance of the young lady and young master's everyday wardrobes. The latest seasonal items will be delivered directly from Paris and Milan regularly."

James looked at this, then at that, scratched his head, and weakly raised his hand:

"Then...the sports cars, yachts, private jets...I...I'll book them all?"

His tone was uncertain, but his eyes were firm.

Alexander, who had been watching with a smile, slowly spoke at this moment.

"Alright, the supply of these specific items will proceed as you've divided the work. As for the trust funds, global real estate, stock investment portfolios, and future startup capital under Xiaochenchen and Xixi's names, my team will be responsible for their overall planning and management. We'll ensure they have sufficient capital support for whatever they want to do."

Wang Qin remained silent throughout, only taking out two pre-prepared items from his robes—amulet carved from spirit jade from the sect's treasury. The jade was warm and smooth like solidified fat, with simple and ancient carvings, and contained a tranquil and peaceful spiritual energy.

He got up and walked to the two children's chairs, hanging the amulets around their necks.

He returned to his seat, his voice calm and even:

"I've got their absolute safety covered."

Lin Yan initially listened and found it somewhat amusing, watching this group of people vying for favor and "taking over" their children's future.

But as he listened, especially when he heard Wang Qin say, "I'll take care of your safety," the softest string in his heart was plucked hard.

This isn't about flaunting wealth; it's about how these people see him as their absolute core and family, and then treat the care they give to his most cherished child as their inescapable responsibility and...pleasure.

He looked at Xixi, who was eating steamed egg custard in his arms, completely unaware of the "unexpected wealth," and then at Chenchen, who was being taken care of by Albert and trying to grab a spoon to play with. Suddenly, he felt a strange sense of "powerlessness."

Well, tuition fees, jewelry, clothes, cars, houses, money, security... everything has been "taken care of" by someone else.

It seems that his biological father has nothing to contribute except for daily companionship?

He rubbed his temples, and amidst the expectant gazes of the crowd, he suddenly made a move that astonished everyone.

Lin Yan handed Xi Xi to Wang Yuling beside him, and then, under everyone's watchful eyes, the storage ring on his finger flashed slightly, and a stack of Daolin paper and a fountain pen appeared in his hand.

He spread out the paper, and with a flourish of his pen, his writing flowed smoothly.

In a short while, a draft of the "Gift and Liability Assumption Agreement" with a rigorous format and clear terms was completed.

The list clearly shows the items that everyone "claimed": Lin Yi, Lin Er, and Lin San's education funds; Marcus's jewelry and watches; Albert's haute couture clothing and shoes; James's transportation; Alexander's asset trust; Wang Qin's security guarantee... Each item has a signature field and a date field.

Lin Yan pushed this special "contract" to the center of the table, picked up a pen, first signed his name in the place where he was the "guardian and witness", and then looked up, his gaze sweeping over the somewhat blank faces.

"Words are no proof; let's put it in writing."

Lin Yan spoke in a serious tone, but a sly glint flashed in his eyes.

"So that you won't renege on your debts later, or my son and daughter won't acknowledge me when they grow up. Come on, whoever said they wanted to wrap something, come over here, sign, and put your fingerprint on it."

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Then, even louder laughter and noise erupted.

"Hahaha! Young master, you're really something!"

Lin Yi laughed and was the first to walk over. He took the pen, signed his name in a flamboyant manner, and even solemnly dipped his finger in the seven-colored ink to press his fingerprint on it.

With the leader taking the lead, the others smiled and shook their heads, stepping forward one after another. Alexander signed with elegance and composure, Marcus signed with domineering style, Albert's signature was like a work of art, James wrote carefully, and Wang Qin's strokes were powerful and penetrating.

In the blink of an eye, the agreement was covered with signatures.

Finally, with the help of Wang Yuling and Lin Gang, who couldn't help but laugh, Lin Yan took the bewildered Chenchen and Xixi in his arms, held their little hands which were still sticky with juice, and pressed a crooked, messy little paw print on the "beneficiary" signature section at the end of the agreement.

"alright."

Lin Yan picked up the "most extravagant New Year's money agreement in history," carefully blew on it, and then handed it to Wang Yuling.

"Yuling, keep this safe with the bankbook. They can look at it themselves when they're old enough to understand."

Wang Yuling smiled as she accepted the gift and carefully placed it into the sandalwood box.

The room was brightly lit, and the laughter and chatter almost lifted the roof off.

This special "New Year's gift" is destined to become the warmest and most interesting chapter in the legend of this big family.