22 Seating Arrangemen (1/2)
Elder Lin, even though he had half-retired from Lin Corps and handed most of the management over to his son, Lin Kang, was the real shot caller at both Lin Corps and Lin family. The patriarch of Lin family commanded an air of severity and demanded respect. He had built Lin Corps from the ground up into the empire it was that day and while he was glad that he had a capable son to continue his legacy, he was concerned that Lin Kang had it too easy, everything was practically handed on a silver tray to the young man.
However, what could he do about it? Purposely disown Lin Kang and force his son to work from a humble beginning? Elder Lin might be ruthless to his business competitor but his only weakness was his family… which explained his sudden appearance at this point of the story.
Elder Lin had been travelling overseas to expand the business of Lin Corps and would have stayed away much longer if not for the happenstance of a crucial event back home, yes, it was the birth of his first grandson. Of course, he would not miss that for the world.
His return also had a unique importance to it because Elder Lin was expected to host the naming ceremony for the baby boy.
It was the reason why the boy had remained unnamed throughout the plot until this point. It was to prepare for the introduction of Elder Lin's character. Although, a more serious explanation would be that observation of the boy for a few days after his birth would provide a clearer and more relevant inspiration to the name that would follow him for life.
After all, names are very important in Chinese culture, they are believed to dictate one's luck and fortune in life. In fact, there is a whole branch of Chinese fortune-telling or Feng Shui that is dedicated to appraising one's name.
…
Every member of the Lin family was gathered at the large drawing room. At the front of the table, Lin Kang sat to the left while Mrs. Lin sat to the right. Xiu Ling quivered in a chair beside Mrs. Lin while the newest addition to the Lin family, Xiu Ling's son wiggled happily in a high chair opposite from her and next to her husband.
The other chairs were left purposely empty. Mrs. Xiu stood at a respectful distance behind the table alongside the other household helpers.
Naturally, the chair at the head of the large wooden table was left empty for Elder Lin who had not arrived yet.
Soon, a man with salt and pepper hair that was cut short entered the room. He looked young for his age and his gait contained the buoyancy and spirit of a young man.
Elder Lin took the seat that was reserved for him and his severe gaze swept the room. No one said anything because they too had reserved the first word for Elder Lin.
When Elder Lin's gaze fell on Mrs. Xiu who stood at ready next to the row of maids, he frowned. ”Madame Xiu, why are you standing there and not taking your seat at the table?” he asked.