novelraw Chapter 284 Visiting Tom's House
Chapter 284 Visiting Tom's House
At the dinner table, Tom cautiously asked if he could go to Paris for Christmas. No sooner had he spoken than his father, Old Burke, slammed down his knife and fork, his brow furrowing deeply.
"Absolutely not!" The voice boomed like thunder. "Christmas is a time for family reunions, what kind of nonsense is it for you to go to France?! And what about Lin? He's just a high school student, leading a bunch of you guys across borders? Do his parents even know? Who's going to guarantee your safety? What if something happens and you get sold off without even knowing it!"
Tom tried to explain, "Dad, the Lin family is very..."
"I don't care what his family does!" Old Burke interrupted rudely. "What kind of big shots could he possibly be in a commoners' school? I think he's just bragging! There's no room for negotiation on this!"
Tom looked at his father's stubborn and worried face, and his mother's hesitant expression, knowing that a direct confrontation wouldn't work. Tom didn't argue. The next day after school, he asked Lin Yan for help. The following day, Mr. Charles, Lin Yan's butler, personally came to the door, dressed in an elegant three-piece suit, and handed an old Burke a manila envelope.
"Mr. Burke, this is the itinerary prepared for you by the young master," Charles said calmly. "It includes a Pan Am first-class ticket reservation, a confirmation letter for your stay at the Ritz Paris hotel, and information on the security personnel throughout the trip."
When Old Burke opened the documents and saw the official Pan Am letterhead and the Ritz Hotel's gold letterhead, his attitude clearly wavered. These concrete proofs were more powerful than any explanation.
"this……"
"The young master's family has properties in London and Paris, so you can rest assured about his safety."
After Charles left, old Burke stared at the documents for a long time, and finally said to Tom, "Have your classmate... come over for dinner next week." This tightly closed door was finally pried open a crack by these solid "evidence".
The atmosphere at the Mike's house was much more relaxed compared to Tom's. The Andersons were already very familiar with the name Lin Yan.
"Oh! Is this Lin, the one who came to visit me last year?" Mrs. Anderson said with a smile. "The fact that he invited you shows that he values you as a friend."
When Mike excitedly announced that Lin Yan would cover all the expenses, the Andersons exchanged a glance. Mrs. Anderson got up and went back to her bedroom, emerging a moment later with an old box. She opened the box; inside was some money she had saved through frugality. She gritted her teeth, counted out five hundred dollars, and solemnly placed it in Mike's hand.
"Mike, listen," she said gently but firmly, "Lin is a good friend of yours, and we appreciate his generosity. But our family can't just take advantage of him. Here, take this money; consider it part of our expenses. It may not be enough, but it's our sentiment. In Paris, don't always let Lin pay for things you should pay for yourself. Friendships need to be reciprocal to last."
Mike felt a mix of warmth and sadness as he looked at the money his mother handed him. He nodded vigorously, "Mom, I understand! I'll remember! Thank you!"
Dinner at Daniel's house was relaxed and pleasant. When Daniel mentioned Lin Yan's invitation and unusually expressed strong willingness, his parents smiled with relief.
"That's great news, Daniel!" Mr. Li said first. "We're so happy that you've made such a good friend. We've heard you talk about Lin many times; he's steady and reliable. The fact that he invited you shows that he considers you a true partner."
Mrs. Li gently chimed in, "Yes, we've always worried that you're too introverted. Now that we see you getting along so well with Tom and Mike, and even wanting to broaden your horizons together, we can't wait to support you!"
To Daniel's surprise, Mr. Li immediately offered an even better idea: "How about this? Since it's your good friend's first show in Paris, it's incredibly meaningful. Our whole family hasn't traveled together in a long time, so this Christmas, the three of us will go to Paris! We'll cover our own airfare and hotel; all we need to do is ask Lin to arrange for you to participate in his work so you can get a feel for it. We'll just be there, not bothering you young people, how does that sound?"
This solution perfectly solved all the problems! It supported their son's social development and growth, and allowed the whole family to reunite for the holidays. Daniel looked at his enlightened parents, his heart filled with gratitude, and nodded vigorously.
Day 2 - School Cafeteria
At lunchtime, the four of them had just sat down in their usual spot when Tom, with a relieved yet slightly embarrassed expression, said to Lin Yan:
"Lin, my dad... he said he'd like to invite you to our house for dinner this weekend if you're free." He scratched his head and added, "He probably wants to personally confirm that I haven't been kidnapped by some mysterious conman from the East."
As soon as he finished speaking, Mike excitedly chimed in, "Lin! My mom...she gave me the money! She said she couldn't let you bear all the expenses alone. It may not be much, but it's our heartfelt wish!" His tone was filled with pride and emotion.
Then, even the usually composed Daniel smiled and said in a lighthearted tone, "My parents' decision is even more outrageous. They plan for our whole family to go to Paris for Christmas. They said all they need is for you to 'take me in' so I can go with you and broaden my horizons, and they'll cover all the expenses themselves."
The three of them chatted amongst themselves, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation at having successfully persuaded their families. They stared expectantly at Lin Yan, waiting for his response.
Lin Yan looked at his three friends' distinctly different yet equally sincere "family reports" and felt both amused and warmed. A reassuring smile spread across his face, and he nodded decisively.
"no problem."
He told Tom, "Tell Mr. Burke that I am honored to receive the invitation, and he can set the time."
Then, turning to Mike and Daniel, he said, "Mrs. Anderson, you're too kind. As for Daniel, welcome to your whole family. I can recommend some places to visit in Paris."
His gaze swept over his three friends, and a shared expectation flowed among the four of them.
"So," Lin Yan said with a smile, "does that mean our trip to Paris officially makes us a successful team?"
"Yay!" Tom and Mike immediately high-fived and cheered, and even Daniel pushed up his glasses, revealing a big, rare smile. The surrounding classmates once again cast curious glances at them, but this time, the group of four was completely immersed in their joy.
Weekend, Queens, New York, near the intersection of 74th Street and Roosevelt Avenue
Lin Yan's car stopped in front of 45-15 82nd Street in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens. It was a typical post-war row of brick houses, with a clean and tidy porch, but the mottled mailbox and some faded decorative flower pots on the windowsill revealed traces of the simple life of a working-class family.
Mrs. Burke, who opened the door, wiped her hands on her apron, a slightly nervous yet warm smile on her face. Lin Yan handed her the fruit basket and a heavy gift box of high-quality beef he had brought: "Mrs. Burke, I apologize for bothering you, but this is a small token of my appreciation."
"Oh God, this is too precious..." Mrs. Burke looked at the box of excellent-looking beef and was momentarily at a loss.
Just then, a head peeked out from behind their mother; it was Tom's 15-year-old brother, Sean. The boy curiously eyed his older brother, this legendary friend.
Lin Yan smiled and handed him the beautifully wrapped chocolate gift box: "This is for you, Sean."
The boy's eyes lit up, and he accepted it shyly, quickly whispering, "Thank you... Lin."
This perfectly timed gift and greeting instantly eased the atmosphere at the doorway. Just then, Mr. Burke's strong yet subtly restrained voice came from inside: "Don't stand at the door, please invite our guest in!"