151: Chapter 151 Backstab

Returning home from the construction site of the research institute, Chen Youhua rested for another day.

These past few days had been exceptionally quiet. It seemed those relatives had finally settled down; no one came to the door, and no one caused any trouble.

Feeling that the New Year festivities were winding down, he spoke to his parents, who were watching TV in the living room.

"Dad, Mom, I plan to leave for HF tomorrow. I have some work to handle there that was scheduled before the New Year."

As soon as he spoke, the smile on Mother Chen's face froze, replaced by a deep sense of reluctance to see him go.

"Ah? It's... it's only been a few days since the New Year! The Lantern Festival hasn't even arrived yet! Why are you leaving so soon? Can't you stay a few more days?"

She put down the remote control, her tone pleading.

"You're always busy away from home. Although it's not that far, you only come back a few times a year."

"This time, you finally managed to stay home for a few extra days. Once you leave, who knows when we'll see you again."

Father Chen also stubbed out his cigarette. His brow furrowed slightly, and his voice, though steady, also carried a sense of wanting him to stay.

"That's right, Youhua. What work is so urgent that you have to go right after the New Year?"

"Your body is the capital of your revolution. You just finished a major phase; wouldn't it be better to rest at home for a few more days and recharge your batteries?"

"Going to HF a few days later shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Chen Youhua understood his parents' feelings and explained patiently.

"Dad, Mom, the trip to HF was a schedule finalized with Academician Yang and the partners before the New Year. Some things need to be confirmed in person, and a delay would affect the subsequent progress."

Hearing this, Mother Chen seemed to remember something. Her eyes lit up, and she said hurriedly.

"Oh, look at me, I almost forgot the most important thing! Youhua, you really can't leave tomorrow."

"Your eldest uncle called a few days ago. He said that since everyone is still around for the New Year, he wants to host a family banquet. He's inviting all the relatives of our Chen family he can find, and it's mainly for you!"

"For me?" Chen Youhua was a bit dazed; he hadn't heard anything about this.

"How come I didn't know anything about it?"

"Weren't you busy these past few days? Meeting friends and going to the construction site... so I wasn't in a hurry to tell you."

Mother Chen explained.

"Here in ZJ, the sense of clan and lineage is still quite strong."

"Even though your grandparents are gone and our branch has had less contact with the main family, the bloodline still connects us."

"Your father is among the younger brothers, so in past gatherings, we were just there to make up the numbers. But this time is different!"

Mother Chen's tone carried a hint of pride and emotion.

"This time, it's because of you! You are now the most successful child in our Chen family. You solved a world-class problem and appeared on the TV news; you've brought great honor to the entire clan!"

"Your eldest uncle said we must host a grand event so everyone in the Chen family can get to know you, and to show off our family's unity and prosperity!"

"To put it bluntly, this banquet is a victory feast for you, and a rare grand gathering for the Chen family. If you're not there, what would that look like?"

Chen Youhua looked at his father, seeking confirmation.

Father Chen silently lit another cigarette, took a puff, slowly exhaled the smoke, and nodded. His voice was a bit raspy:

"Yes, that is the plan. Your eldest uncle is leading it, and several other uncles have agreed."

"Indeed... it's been many years since we've had such a complete gathering. You... just do it for my sake, and leave after the banquet."

Only then did Chen Youhua realize why, during the New Year period, the other relatives had been relatively quiet aside from those who called directly for help. It turned out they were saving their big move for this.

To the younger generation, such traditional clan gatherings might seem formalistic, but to the older generation, they were of great significance, involving face and family ties.

He really couldn't refuse.

Before he could fully process the family banquet, Mother Chen dropped another bombshell.

She leaned in closer, her face filled with anticipation and smiles, and lowered her voice.

"Youhua, there's one more thing I need to tell you."

"Look at you now—successful in your career, famous both at home and abroad, and not getting any younger. Isn't it time to consider your marriage?"

"Mom..." Chen Youhua felt a massive headache coming on.

"Let me finish first!" Mother Chen interrupted him.

"In just these few days of the New Year, I don't know how many people have contacted me through various connections to ask about you, wanting to introduce their daughters! I've looked carefully, and there really are a few girls with exceptional qualities!"

"I've seen the photos. They're good-looking, highly educated, and all local girls from ZJ. Their backgrounds are clear, and their families are well-off—either from scholarly lineages or business dynasties. They are definitely a perfect match for you!"

She became more and more excited as she spoke.

"Look, your father and I are home alone all year round, and you're so busy with work that we hardly see you."

"If you get married early and have a child or two while we're still mobile, we can help you look after the kids. Wouldn't the house be much livelier then?"

"It would also settle our biggest worry..."

At this moment, Chen Youhua finally understood why this New Year had been relatively peaceful.

It turned out his parents had already planned all of this in secret.

Grand family recognition and the traditional marriage-pushing process—they didn't plan on skipping either!

He saw the earnest hope in his mother's eyes and the silent but equally expectant gaze of his father, knowing full well how important these things were to their generation.

Refusing outright would not only break their hearts but might also cause his father to lose face in the clan and become a target for gossip.

He sighed helplessly.

"...Alright, alright." He finally compromised, his tone resigned to fate.

"I'll go to the family gathering. But Mom, about the blind dates..."

"Don't be in a hurry to promise anyone anything. Let me have a few days to breathe, okay?"

"Besides, my situation is special; finding a partner isn't that simple..."

"I know, I know! My son is no ordinary person now!"

Seeing her son relent, Mother Chen immediately beamed with joy.

"I'm just keeping an eye out for you; I definitely won't agree to anything recklessly!"

"When the time comes, you can look at the photos first. If you find someone you like, we'll arrange a meeting. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't matter; just consider it making a new friend!"

Consequently, Chen Youhua's trip was forced to be delayed.

Returning to his room, Chen Youhua immediately took out his phone and apologetically dialed Academician Yang Zhenyu's number.

"Chief Engineer Yang, I am very sorry. I just confirmed the schedule with you yesterday, but I didn't expect some important family arrangements to come up. It's mainly a family gathering organized by my elders that I really can't get out of... the trip might have to be delayed by a few days." Chen Youhua's voice was full of apology.

Upon hearing this, Academician Yang on the other end of the line was not displeased; instead, he let out a hearty, understanding laugh.

"Hahaha, it's fine, it's fine! Professor Chen, I completely understand! Family obligations and social etiquette are only natural!"

"Only when family matters are settled and there are no worries can one fully devote oneself to scientific research!"

"Feel free to handle your family affairs; we are ready to welcome you here anytime!"

Finally, the humorous old Academician didn't forget to tease his young partner.

"Speaking of which, Professor Chen, you are young, handsome, and an academic titan—your personal life is also a major matter!"

"Hehe, to tell you the truth, here at our research institute, there are many excellent female Researchers, quite a few single female PhDs and engineers, all of whom are talented and beautiful!"

"When you come over, if you're interested, I can also keep an eye out and introduce you to some! Hahaha!"

Chen Youhua was caught between laughter and tears by the old Academician's teasing and could only respond repeatedly.

"Chief Engineer Yang, you're joking... you're joking... Well then, I'll head over as soon as I've handled the family matters. My apologies once again."

For now, he could only put his plans to go to HF on hold and reluctantly stay at home for a few more days.