For the past two years, Old Master Zeng watched Lin Sanyang behave himself, never uttering a complaint despite any difficulties thrown his way, remaining as devoted to Zeng Yunshuang as ever, and dutifully filial to the two elders. The child born to them even took the Zeng surname. In the last two years, Old Master Zeng had entrusted the bulk of the family business to Lin Sanyang's management.

Originally, because Lin Sanyang had lost his memory, he had no recollection of his past whatsoever. However, sometime last year, for reasons unknown, he began to vaguely recall fragments of his former life. By now, he had mostly recovered everything. The day he saw Lin He, he found her face incredibly familiar. Later, when Da Bao and the others watched him from near the shop, he had indeed recognized Da Bao and Lin He, but he could not admit it.

Since regaining his memory, he had long since made up his mind: since he hadn't returned then, his family must presume him dead. Now that he had established a new family, he would let his original family believe he was gone. The most crucial factor was that if Old Master Zeng learned about his past, he feared he could never remain in the Zeng family again. He had labored in the Zeng household for so many years precisely for the day he could seize control of the Zeng family’s power. He recalled the days in Lin Family Village—a large family struggling to see the next meal—a life he absolutely refused to return to. Having grown accustomed to the life of the wealthy these past few years, he felt that prestige, power, and fortune were now indispensable elements; thus, he was unwilling, and indeed unable, to go back.

Furthermore, watching Old Master Zeng’s health decline in recent years, and seeing Zeng Yunshuang withdraw from managing the family business after having the child, he sensed that control of all family affairs would likely be handed over to him within the next year or two. Recognizing his past identity now was not the time; therefore, the only recourse was to deny that he was Lin Sanyang.

However, when his second elder brother arrived here, seeing such a familiar face, Lin Sanyang felt a stir in his heart. Back when the family was poor, relatives ignored them, yet only his second brother's family always found ways to help them out, even when they could barely support themselves. If it had been anyone else today, Lin Sanyang might not have even opened the door to them, but this was his second brother; he truly couldn't remain unmoved.

Nevertheless, no matter what, he could not admit to being Lin Sanyang. Seeing his second brother's family today also reassured him about his former wife and children. Just observing the attire of his second brother's family and Wen Ningxuan standing beside Lin He, he knew they must have fared quite well these past few years. He was aware that Wen Ningxuan was opening a major shop in the county—a competitor to his own establishment. If his second brother’s family was thriving, they certainly wouldn't neglect his children; he believed that much.

Besides, having come this far, returning held little significance. He sensed his second brother was giving up on him today, and likely wouldn't mention that he was alive to anyone back home. This, too, was a blessing. He was only one man and couldn't manage two lives. Since he had to choose one side, naturally, he would select the one that benefited him most.

Meanwhile, Er Niu, Lin He, and Da Bao left Yin Ruoxuan and headed toward the inn. Er Niu walked with a dark expression, silent the entire way. Da Bao and Lin He, seeing his demeanor, dared not speak until they reached the inn. Er Niu immediately went into his room and shut the door, staying alone to ponder whatever was on his mind. It wasn't until the afternoon that he called Lin He and Da Bao in, saying, “Your Third Uncle’s matter ends here. Treat it as if he never appeared. Go back and tell your mother the same—say it wasn't your Third Uncle, just a strong resemblance. The family has been certain he died these past few years, so don't bring these things up to grieve your grandparents and Third Aunt anymore. Regardless of him, life goes on for the family.”

Lin He looked at Er Niu. Although he spoke this way, his heart was heavy with sorrow. He likely preferred that this person wasn't their Third Uncle rather than see him as he was now. Er Niu was an honest man; he believed what was true and dismissed what was false. His own Third Uncle used to be such an honest man, yet now he had transformed into this—someone willing to disown his own family for the sake of money. This was something Er Niu certainly couldn't reconcile with easily. But what could be done? His private grief was better than the entire family grieving together.

Lin He and Da Bao nodded upon hearing Er Niu’s words. Er Niu continued, “If you encounter him again in the future, do not mention the matter of Third Uncle. It would be bad if you caused trouble for him. Having married into a wealthy family, he probably cannot act independently in some matters.” Er Niu sighed as he spoke.

Lin He felt this was the truth behind the saying, "Blood relations remain close even through hardship." No matter how Third Uncle had changed, her father still cared for him and looked out for his well-being.

Da Bao observed that the situation had reached its logical conclusion here. He then informed Er Niu about purchasing several shops for Lin He in this location. Er Niu nodded and said, “Buying here is good. There are many wealthy people, and the shops will be more valuable later. Moreover, the Second Young Master can help us look after them here. As long as He’er feels good about it, I have no objection.”

After a moment’s thought, Er Niu added, “Da Bao, you and He’er should go back and acquire some more shops in Tianxin Town. Back home, I will ask the broker to secure some farmlands and estates. He’er and Chen’er are not young anymore; it’s time to make preparations.”

He then looked at Lin He and asked, “He’er, when do you plan to discuss your matter with the Second Young Master with Boss Wen? Your mother and I have no objections. After all, your mother originally intended to betroth you to Xiao Mo, but I think the Second Young Master is even better than Xiao Mo in several ways. Since it is your choice, as long as you like him, that’s what matters.”

“It’s just that Boss Wen comes from a prominent family; I wonder if his family might hold any reservations about our humble background. See when the Second Young Master can find time to speak with Boss Wen. If they agree, you should settle your betrothal soon so your mother doesn’t keep fretting.”

“Father, He’er is only thirteen. Isn't arranging it now a bit too early?” Da Bao inquired.

“Not too early. This age is perfect for arranging a girl’s engagement. It’s just a formal arrangement, not saying you must marry now. Otherwise, if it drags on, finding a suitable match later will be difficult. Look at Yu’er; she waited too long, and now look at her situation,” Er Niu suddenly mentioned Yu’er.