ABSML Chapter 50: Guidance

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ANNOUNCEMENT

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• Chapter 38-50
• Chapter 51-60
• Chapter 61-70
• Chapter 71-80

Being so close, the old man could also catch a glimpse of the words on the screen.

Although the exaggerated expressions of young people nowadays were sometimes beyond his understanding, he could still roughly grasp the meaning.

Glancing at the dazed Chen Zhan, he consoled, "Many romances begin due to unexpected twists of fate. You don’t have to dwell on it too much."

What truly surprised Chen Zhan was not the reason his past self had fallen for Jiang Ying, but the fact that the trending topic was inescapable.

"You're at the age where you can start a family and establish a career." The old man mused, "What kind of person do you like? I can help you find someone."

Chen Zhan didn’t know much about girls. Back in his student days, due to his family circumstances, he had never given the matter much thought. His only reference for understanding girls was his former deskmate—who, as he recalled, was both fierce and fiercely protective.

"She should be kind, but that doesn’t mean she should endure everything in silence." He first thought of his deskmate’s good qualities.

After a moment, as if recalling something, he shuddered. "And… she shouldn’t have those special few days every month."

Thinking back to those fixed days at the end of each month, when his deskmate’s temper would become especially irritable, Chen Zhan had once considered resisting. But every time he saw her clutching her stomach during breaks, he could only continue silently enduring the oppression.

At this thought, he solemnly emphasized, "Yes, this is very important."

The old man’s drooping eyelids twitched violently. His lips trembled, and after holding back for a moment, he finally couldn’t resist—raising his hand to smack Chen Zhan on the back of the head. "With that last requirement, you’ve just completely shut the door on the opposite gender!"

To Chen Zhan, however, it felt as if a new world had just opened up. He tilted his head, lost in thought.

The old man could tell at a glance what he was thinking. "Be serious. Don’t you want a child?"

Chen Zhan shook his head. "I don’t have the confidence to raise one well." After a pause, he added, "Didn’t you also never marry or have kids?"

The old man’s brows moved slightly. After a long silence, he slowly said, "When I was young, I wanted to find someone I could stand shoulder to shoulder with in spirit—I wasn’t willing to settle. Having a child just for the sake of old age… that would be unfair to both of us."

Chen Zhan nodded repeatedly, sharing the same thought.

"But last time I was hospitalized for a minor surgery, I couldn't even stand up without assistance. I didn't even dare to go to the bathroom alone." The old man smiled bitterly. "Some things become harder to figure out as you get older."

Chen Zhan remained silent for a moment before saying, "Don't worry. From now on, I will work hard to become a wealthy old man and hire a caregiver when the time comes."

The air went still for two seconds. The next moment—

"You brat!"

Seeing the old man's palm about to land on his shoulder, Chen Zhan swiftly dodged and downed the rest of his drink in one gulp. "It's getting late, I'll get going now."

With that, he left decisively.

As Valentine's Day approached, Chen Zhan posted on Weibo to gather his readers' opinions, planning to order prizes in advance according to their preferences.

"I’m a person of consistency. Just like the Lantern Festival giveaway, a double update will do."

"Brother, don’t spend too much! How about a triple update instead?"

"What giveaway? I never win anything. Just focus on writing, please."

Whether they were celebrities or influencers, most had a loyal fanbase.

Chen Zhan did not.

His relationship with his fans depended entirely on his updates.

When Yin Ronglan's call came through, Chen Zhan was diligently working to maintain this relationship.

"I'm at home, writing."

The other end of the line went silent for a moment before a low chuckle came through. "I haven't even asked yet."

With the speakerphone on, Chen Zhan's eyes never left the computer screen. "It's always the same routine... Where are you? What are you doing? Have you eaten yet..."

Hearing how smoothly he summarized it, Yin Ronglan laughed. "That’s true."

Just as Chen Zhan was about to ask why he had called, Yin Ronglan beat him to it, mimicking his style: "Would you like to have dinner together next Wednesday?"

Chen Zhan declined. "The streets are crowded these days. I'd rather not join the hustle and bustle."

The streets were filled with people celebrating all kinds of festivals—it was best to avoid them.

Yin Ronglan said, "There's a nice restaurant running a 'second meal at half price' promotion."

Chen Zhan’s eyes flickered. "What time should we meet? Where?"

"Up to you. I'm free after six."

In the end, they settled on Wednesday at 7 PM, with plans to stroll through the night market afterward.

With the call over, his thoughts flowed more smoothly. Before he knew it, he had written enough for a full chapter. Stretching his muscles, he checked his backend earnings and noticed a series of large tips lighting up his page.

Over his time writing, he had encountered many wealthy tippers, but never before had he met a benefactor of this caliber.

As he pondered whether to reward them with a triple update, an unfamiliar number called him.

Chen Zhan hesitated for a moment before answering. "Who is this?"

"I'm Lin Chiang's father."

The voice carried an innate sense of authority, prompting Chen Zhan to instinctively sit up straighter. With some surprise, he replied, "Hello."

"If you have time, we should meet in person."

Chen Zhan agreed without delay, grabbing his coat and heading out immediately.

Since Yin Ronglan had mentioned it, he had researched the Lin family further, realizing his previous understanding had been too shallow. Y City’s economy was booming, with countless wealthy figures, but few families like the Lins, who thrived across multiple industries.

He had no company backing him. If he could collaborate with the Lin family, it would be a long-term advantage.

The last time he was here was at Lin Chiang’s invitation. Upon returning, he noticed two new sculptures at the entrance, and the small fountain had been turned off for the winter.

Lin's mother appeared much kinder than before—likely because Lin Chiang had offended her by suspecting she had been bewitched. As Chen Zhan entered, he overheard her sighing about how her useless son had run off to God-knows-where.

For a meeting gift, Chen Zhan brought flowers. Regular gift boxes seemed inappropriate, but a bouquet, though inexpensive, had decorative value.

The couple carried no air of arrogance, treating him like any other guest. Lin's father emerged from the living room, gesturing for him to take a seat. Chen Zhan smiled and sat on the nearby sofa.

After some small talk, he took a sip of tea offered by Lin's mother before gradually steering the conversation toward his goals.

To be honest, he didn’t have a solid project to propose to the Lin family just yet—this meeting was mainly to lay the groundwork for future opportunities.

Lin's father saw through this and got straight to the point. "Collaboration is secondary." After a pause, he added, "Writing, audiobooks, live streaming... You have quite the unconventional ways of making money."

Chen Zhan responded calmly, attributing it to necessity.

Lin's father waved a hand dismissively. "But these abilities are all yours to begin with."

Chen Zhan was momentarily stunned.

Lin's father continued, "Overexploitation can sometimes lead to stagnation."

Chen Zhan tentatively asked, "Are you suggesting I focus on mastering just one thing?"

"Quite the opposite. Your popularity comes from your exposure," Lin's father said coolly. "Since that’s the case, you should showcase even more."

As Chen Zhan frowned in thought, a soft chuckle interrupted.

Lin's mother approached with a fruit platter and spoke gently, "Between a beautiful woman and a heavily tattooed burly man knitting a sweater, which one is more captivating?"

Chen Zhan considered it. "The latter."

Lin's mother smiled. "Contrast creates intrigue. A beautiful woman is merely pleasing to the eye, but a burly man would be perceived as having a soft heart beneath his tough exterior."

She left it at that, quietly arranging the flowers and withdrawing from the conversation.

Lin's father then continued, "You’ve had your fair share of reckless moments in the past. It’s time to reshape your public image."

Being controversial was not a long-term strategy.

Chen Zhan pondered. An actor could quickly revive their career through raw talent, but he had no gift for acting.

Lin's father offered a hint. "On variety shows, which type of celebrity tends to be most well-received?"

Without thinking, Chen Zhan replied, "Those who can cook."

He noticed Lin's father nodding slightly.

"A love for reading, a talent for cooking…" Lin's father observed him. "Over time, your past recklessness could be reframed as passionate dedication."

It was ironic, yet undeniably true.

Chen Zhan admitted the reasoning made sense. The original owner of this identity had done many foolish things, each ending in self-inflicted failure. However, those very incidents left ample room for transformation.

Hesitating for a moment, he said, “But I only know how to fry eggs.”

Father Lin glanced at him. “If you don’t know, then learn.”

After all, this was an investment in his long-term future.

Knowing that this was a piece of advice for him, Chen Zhan sincerely expressed his gratitude.

The conversation lightened up afterward. He mentioned, “Today, a reader even went on a tipping spree, asking to see more of your scenes.”

“That reader was me.”

The conversation died instantly.

When you don’t know what to say, just smile.

Forcing a slight smile, Chen Zhan unintentionally noticed Mother Lin busy in the kitchen. “May I ask, who usually does the cooking in your house?”

“My wife,” Father Lin’s expression softened. “She even runs a food blog.”

Chen Zhan asked, “Can I help out?”

Father Lin was momentarily taken aback, then chuckled. “Looking for an experienced teacher?”

For once, Chen Zhan smiled a little shyly.

“Go ahead,” Father Lin didn’t refuse.

From a simple nod to an exchange of smiles, familiarity naturally grew over time.

As open-minded elders, Father and Mother Lin had met plenty of bright and well-mannered young people. At their age, they found those with a sense of humor even more endearing.

What started as just learning to cook gradually turned into Chen Zhan occasionally working on his writing here, with the two elders sometimes offering their opinions.

Chen Zhan also managed his time well, always avoiding the hours when Lin Chi’ang came home.

But when you walk the night road too often, you’re bound to run into ghosts.

One day, while Chen Zhan was helping in the kitchen, Mother Lin praised him cheerfully, saying he had a knack for it.

Just then, the door suddenly opened.

“Mom, Xiaoying and I—” Lin Chiang had just changed his shoes when he looked up and froze.

Jiang Ying was also momentarily surprised, but she quickly regained her composure and walked over. “When did you get here?”

It was a natural, casual greeting, as if between friends.

Chen Zhan replied, “Two hours ago.”

Jiang Ying took the items from Mother Lin’s hands. “You should go rest, I’ll take care of the rest.”

And so, only the two of them remained in the kitchen.

Seeing his mother walk out alone, Lin Chiang immediately protested, “How could you leave a man and a woman alone in the kitchen?”

Father Lin shot him a look. “Calm down. What are you acting like?”

Meanwhile, inside the kitchen, a different conversation was unfolding.

“I keep trending on social media with my fiancé,” Jiang Ying sighed. “And now, you’re getting along with my future in-laws better than I am.”

She seemed to have seen this plot in some drama before.

T/N: Hahahahahhaha

Chen Zhan caught her meaning and asked, “Is this the part where the mother-in-law dislikes the daughter-in-law, and the mistress openly moves in?”

“……”

____

Author’s note:

Yin Ronglan: Do you all think I’m dead?

T/N: Please give support on my ko-fi page, thank you🍊🍊🍊