Love and choices across time and space

On a sunny weekend, the gardens surrounding the Lin family villa were ablaze with vibrant flowers, and colorful butterflies fluttered among the blossoms. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, whispering of the exciting drama about to unfold within the mansion.

Father Lin stood at the window of his villa's study, his gaze deep and resolute. He wore a well-tailored dark gray suit, a light blue shirt, and a dark red tie. Every detail shone through his expression, revealing his poise and authority. He took a sip from a steaming cup of coffee, mentally plotting the trap he was about to set for Li Yifeng.

"This time, I must make him reveal his true face." Father Lin secretly made up his mind.

Meanwhile, Li Yifeng was meticulously dressing in front of the mirror. He wore a brand new black Armani suit, a white shirt with a gold tie clip, and polished leather shoes. His hair was meticulously combed with wax, and his face was filled with a confident smile. However, behind this smile, hidden was a subtle greed and eagerness.

"I must perform well at this party and try to make Father Lin trust me more." Li Yifeng said to himself.

Soon, Li Yifeng arrived at the Lin family villa in his rented BMW. The security guard at the door respectfully opened the gate for him, and he slowly drove in and stopped by the fountain in front of the villa.

After getting out of the car, Li Yifeng straightened his suit and strode towards the gate of the villa. The doorman was already waiting there and opened the door for him.

Walking into the villa's living room, Li Yifeng was stunned by the luxurious scene before him. A huge crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, emitting a dazzling light; precious oil paintings, each of which was priceless, hung on the walls; and a thick Persian carpet, soft and comfortable, was spread on the floor.

Father Lin walked down the stairs with a kind smile on his face. "Yifeng, you're here. Come and sit down."

Li Yifeng hurriedly went over to him, bowed slightly and said, "Uncle Lin, I'm sorry to bother you."

Father Lin waved his hand and said, "Sorry for disturbing me. Today is just a simple family gathering. Don't be restrained."

At this time, Lin Wan'er walked out of the kitchen. She was wearing a simple white dress with a few elegant flowers embroidered on the hem. Her hair was lightly tied up with a blue ribbon, and she looked like a fairy walking out of a painting.

"Li Yifeng, you're here." Lin Wan'er's voice was gentle and pleasant.

Li Yifeng's eyes were instantly attracted by Lin Wan'er. He smiled and said, "Wan'er, you are so beautiful today."

Lin Wan'er smiled slightly, "You're the only one who has a sweet mouth."

Everyone chatted in the living room for a while. Father Lin looked at his watch and said, "Okay, let's go to the restaurant for dinner."

Inside the restaurant, a long European-style table was filled with a sumptuous feast: golden-grilled steak, tender salmon, exquisite desserts... all mouth-watering.

Everyone ate and chatted, the atmosphere was very harmonious. Suddenly, Father Lin put down his knife and fork, cleared his throat and said, "Yifeng, I have an investment project recently with very good prospects. Are you interested in listening?"

When Li Yifeng heard this, he was overjoyed and quickly said, "Uncle Lin, please tell me about it."

Father Lin began to explain the investment project in detail, describing it vividly as if it were a sure win. Li Yifeng's eyes lit up as he listened, thinking that if he could participate in this project, he would be able to rise to the top overnight.

"Uncle Lin, of course I'm interested in participating in such a good project." Li Yifeng said eagerly.

Father Lin frowned slightly, "Yifeng, this project is not a small amount of money. It requires an initial investment of five million. Can you come up with that much money?"

Li Yifeng's heart tightened. Five million was an astronomical figure for him, but he didn't want to miss this opportunity, so he said with a stiff upper lip: "Uncle Lin, I don't have that much money on hand right now, but I can find a way to make it up."

Father Lin pretended to be embarrassed and said, "This is not easy to do. It's a rare opportunity. It would be a pity if we missed it."

Li Yifeng quickly said, "Uncle Lin, can you help me with the advance payment first? I will pay you back as soon as the project makes money."

Father Lin pondered for a moment, "This... is not good. After all, it is not a small amount."

Li Yifeng hurriedly said, "Uncle Lin, don't worry, I will definitely repay you well."

At this time, Lin Wan'er frowned, "Li Yifeng, don't be impulsive. Investing is no small matter."

Li Yifeng said with a firm face: "Wan'er, this is a rare opportunity, I don't want to miss it."

Lin Wan'er looked at her father, "Dad, how could you tell him this?"

Father Lin smiled and said, "Wan'er, it's a good thing that Yifeng is ambitious. I also want to give him a chance."

Lin Wan'er said angrily, "Dad, you are too kind and easily fooled by his sweet words."

Li Yifeng said aggrievedly: "Wan'er, how can you say that to me? I really want to work hard for our future."

Father Lin said, "Alright, alright, stop arguing. Yifeng, I'll think about it."

After dinner, everyone went to the living room for tea. Li Yifeng's mind was completely focused on the investment project, and he kept asking Lin's father for details.

Father Lin deliberately kept him in suspense, sometimes talking about some tempting prospects and sometimes showing indecision.

Li Yifeng was restless and extremely anxious.

In the following days, Li Yifeng called Lin's father every day to ask about the investment. Lin's father always answered him casually.

"Yifeng, don't worry, I'm still discussing it with my partners."

"Wait a little longer, some details still need to be finalized."

Li Yifeng felt more and more uneasy, but he didn't dare to show too much anxiety.

Finally, one day, Lin's father called Li Yifeng home.

The atmosphere in the living room was solemn. Father Lin looked at Li Yifeng seriously, "Yifeng, there's something wrong with that investment project."

Li Yifeng's face turned pale in an instant, "Uncle Lin, how could this happen?"

Father Lin sighed, "The market changes too quickly, and we've lost all our funds."

Li Yifeng suddenly collapsed on the sofa, "This... How is this possible?"

Father Lin said coldly: "Yifeng, this is the risk of investment."

Li Yifeng said in despair: "Uncle Lin, what should I do? I'm still counting on this project to turn around."

At this moment, Lin Wan'er came down from upstairs, her eyes filled with disappointment and anger.

"Li Yifeng, I didn't expect you to be such a greedy person." Lin Wan'er said.

Li Yifeng raised his head and tried to explain, "Wan'er, it's not what you think..."

Lin Wan'er interrupted him, "That's enough, Li Yifeng, your true colors have finally been exposed."

Li Yifeng knew that he could no longer make amends. He lowered his head, not daring to look into the eyes of Lin Wan'er and Lin's father.

Father Lin stood up and said, "Li Yifeng, go away and don't bother Wan'er again."

Li Yifeng walked out of the Lin family villa in a state of despair. The sky outside was gloomy, as if mourning his fate.

Li Yifeng walked on the street, the wind whistling, his hair was blown into a mess. He thought of all his previous calculations and was filled with regret.

"How could I be so stupid? I messed up everything." Li Yifeng said to himself.

At this time, he was penniless, infamous, and didn't know where to go.

At the Lin family, Lin Wan'er threw herself into her father's arms and burst into tears.

"Dad, I'm so sad. I was almost deceived by him." Lin Wan'er said sobbing.

Father Lin patted Lin Wan'er's back gently and said, "Wan'er, don't be sad. This is a lesson. You should be more careful when judging people in the future."

Lin Wan'er nodded, "Dad, I understand."

Since then, Li Yifeng's life has been difficult. He has been looking for jobs everywhere, but he has been repeatedly rejected because of his bad reputation. He was also evicted from his rented house because he could not pay the rent.