Chapter 36 Father and Son Bond

The excited father and son hugged each other tightly, wordless, but in that moment, silence spoke volumes—only this could express the profound father-son bond between them!

After what felt like a long while, the father and son finally ended their embrace. Lin Xing looked at the tall and sturdy father before him, his initial excitement gradually settling into a deep, steady happiness. After all, it was a true joy to see his father again after so long.

"Father, what brings you back?" Lin Xing asked happily.

"You rascal! Can't I come back? Don't you want me back?" Lin Zhantian replied with great joy, teasing him.

"Heh, no, it's just a little odd, that's all," Lin Xing said, somewhat puzzled. Usually, his father returned around the same time each year, but this time it was earlier. He couldn't help but wonder if something had happened.

"Hahaha..." Lin Zhantian shot a tender glance at Yana and said, "I missed you all."

Even though their child was already grown, Yana's face turned pink under his gaze. She shot Lin Zhantian a mock-stern look and turned away to chat with Dikalin.

"That's great! How long will you be home this time?" Lin Xing asked expectantly.

"Uh..." Lin Zhantian's face fell immediately upon hearing this.

Seeing his father's reaction, Lin Xing knew he probably wouldn't be staying home for long. For a moment, he couldn't help but feel disheartened.

However, Lin Xing was already accustomed to his father's frequent absences. Though he couldn't hide his disappointment, he hadn't held high hopes for the visit's length, so he shook it off quickly.

"Do you have ten days?" Lin Xing still held a glimmer of hope.

"Just ten days, exactly. I came back on some business, so I'm afraid I won't be able to spend much more time with you," Lin Zhantian said, looking at his son with a pang of guilt.

Ever since Lin Xing was born, he hadn't had much time to accompany him. Seeing how tall his son had grown, Lin Zhantian longed to carve out time to be with him. However, army duties kept him busy, and there was nothing he could do. For the sake of duty, Lin Zhantian chose to remain in the camp. Though he felt guilty toward his son, staying in the army was for the safety of their country.

Lin Zhantian knew full well how much Lin Xing wished for his company. Lin Xing craved it deeply, and Lin Zhantian knew it. It was precisely because of this that he felt so guilty. If Lin Xing had no affection for him, he wouldn't have felt this way.

"Only ten days again." Lin Xing couldn't help but feel disappointed.

Still, ten days were better than none. Lin Xing quickly made his peace with it.

Lin Xing wasn't the type to depend heavily on others; he was very self-reliant, as could be seen from his previous life. Even as an orphan from a young age, he'd gotten by just fine.

However, precisely because he was an orphan in his previous life and hadn't experienced much familial love, having a complete family now made him feel incredibly fortunate. He cherished every moment they spent together.

Yet, it was regrettable that Lin Zhantian was often away. As a result, Lin Xing felt a deep sense of loss. He'd never fully known a father's love.

Despite this regret, Lin Xing was already very content. He had a father anyone would envy. Even if he hadn't received complete paternal love, having so much time together each year was enough.

After all, in his previous life, he had never experienced a father's love.

Lin Zhantian also felt helpless. He wanted to find time to properly accompany his wife and son, but he truly couldn't get away from his duties.

"Yes, this time it's only ten days. But in the future, when the legion isn't as busy, I'll make time to come home and spend it with you," Lin Zhantian told Lin Xing gravely.

Lin Xing nodded without saying anything.

Lin Wen watched this sincere father and son with a sigh. This child, Lin Xing, had spent far too little time with his father.

Yet, the child was resilient enough. Usually, he was so cheerful, as if it didn't bother him. But only when he saw his father did he reveal such deep emotions.

Who would have guessed that behind such cheerfulness lay this vulnerability? After all, no matter who they are, every child hopes for the care and attention of their parents.

Lin Xing lacked nothing else—only paternal love. To be precise, it wasn't that he lacked it entirely, but he simply didn't receive enough.

Unable to bear seeing the mood turn somber again, Lin Wen interjected, "Alright, you two, enough with the sentimentality. Lin Xing, you should be happy your father is back."

"That's right, we should be happy. It's rare for your father to come home," Dikalin added.

"You! Always running off and disappearing. Do you even remember to come back? You're always busy, with no time for your wife and child!" Dikalin couldn't help but scold.

Lin Zhantian simply smiled sheepishly without replying. He knew that although his mother often scolded him, it was her peculiar way of showing she cared.

It wasn't that she truly meant to berate him—it was an unconventional expression of concern.

"Alright, Grandma, don't blame Zhantian. He's only busy with legion affairs, which is why he hasn't had time to accompany me and Xing'er," Yana said.

Lin Zhantian gave Yana a look of gratitude. Although being scolded by his mother wasn't a big deal, as a Legion Commander, it was a bit embarrassing: it was awkward to be scolded like a child by his mother now that he had a grown son of his own.

"Alright, alright, let's not talk about him anymore. Someone's feeling sorry for him," Dikalin said with a laugh, glancing at Yana.

"Grandma, you're teasing me," Yana protested, feeling a bit embarrassed. She lowered her head playfully.

"Haha, aren't you feeling sorry for Zhantian? Then I'll continue scolding him," Dikalin said, turning her head away.

"Don't!" Yana quickly exclaimed.

Dikalin chuckled. "See, you won't admit it, but you're already this anxious."

"Grandma," Yana said, lowering her head in protest.

Dikalin simply smiled as she looked at Yana.

After a while.

"Alright, now that everyone is here, we're finally reunited. Since that's the case, let's have a good chat. It's been a long time since we all sat together like this," Lin Wen said with a cheerful smile.

"Alright, Grandpa, I also have something to ask you."