NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19:
Chapter 19: The Honor Owed by the Dai Family to Lin Xian:
After speaking softly, Dai Shuangcheng looked up, revealing a hearty smile. He patted Lin Xian’s shoulder and gestured for him to look toward the audience.
Lin Xian followed his gaze and saw the student representatives from various schools. Among them, someone was enthusiastically waving their right hand to greet him. It wasn’t anyone else—it was Dai Chuchan!
Lin Xian smiled. So, when she said “watching on time,” she meant being there in person. Not surprising though, given her influential father. In Donghai City, there was hardly a place she couldn’t access.
After Dai Shuangcheng, another prominent figure from the lead group approached with a warm smile and extended his hand toward Lin Xian.
“Young man, I’ve heard about you from Shuangcheng. Truly, a strong youth makes a strong nation! Our society needs heroes like you.”
This prominent figure was none other than Elder Song!
Earlier, when the main doors opened, the two individuals leading the group were Dai Shuangcheng and Elder Song. Their positions alone spoke volumes.
Elder Song’s gaze at Lin Xian carried the same admiration and warmth as Dai Shuangcheng’s. Lin Xian guessed that while the details of Dai Chuchan’s kidnapping case were kept from the public, Dai Shuangcheng likely discussed it with Elder Song.
This scene of Elder Song extending his hand to Lin Xian was clearly visible to everyone present. It left the audience visibly astonished. Even in the back rows, murmurs broke out among the crowd.
“Not only is Chairman Dai so respectful… even Elder Song is so warm toward Lin Xian! Could his background really be extraordinary?”
“Indeed… There have been many cases of people stepping forward courageously, but I’ve never seen Elder Song so proactive and courteous!”
“Do they already know each other? The way Chairman Dai and Elder Song look at Lin Xian… It’s like watching over a family member, so kind and gentle.”
“Lin Xian truly is amazing—not just handsome and noble but also someone with a heroic and selfless spirit. People like him are so rare and precious!”
Meanwhile, at the very back in the journalists’ section, cameras relentlessly captured every interaction.
Dai Shuangcheng’s earlier deference toward Lin Xian was already headline-worthy. Now, Elder Song’s amicable demeanor added another layer of intrigue.
“This is huge news! Does Lin Xian’s influence surpass Dai’s? What kind of hidden power does he hold?”
“Don’t even think about writing anything baseless,” whispered another reporter. “Even if we suspect a deeper story, we can’t deviate from the official narrative. Just focus on using the best pictures.”
…
The dignitaries at the front row began taking their seats according to the arranged placards. Elder Song sat at the center. Lin Xian sat to his left, and Dai Shuangcheng to his right. In traditional protocol, the left is the seat of honor, and as the event’s central figure, Lin Xian naturally occupied that position.
The ceremony officially began shortly after. A large LCD screen displayed the banner: “Lin Xian’s Heroic Deed: Recognition and Awards Ceremony.”
After thunderous applause, the host delivered an opening speech. The first agenda item was Lin Xian taking the stage to recount his heroic deed.
As applause erupted once again, Lin Xian stood up, circling to the stage with a composed smile. Facing thousands of spectators, he adjusted the microphone and placed his prepared speech on the lectern.
“Distinguished guests, good day.”
“I am Lin Xian, an ordinary citizen of Donghai City.”
“Frankly, I am deeply humbled to be invited here today for something that I view as a small, simple act.”
“Helping others and demonstrating courage are traditions deeply rooted in our culture. From a young age, these values have been instilled in us…”
…
“Lastly, I hope that we can all extend a helping hand to those in need, making Donghai City a better place and our nation more prosperous and harmonious.”
The hall erupted in deafening applause. The passion in Lin Xian’s speech moved everyone deeply.
In the stands, Dai Chuchan clapped so fervently that her hands turned red. She knew Lin Xian better than anyone. While others might dismiss his words as empty platitudes, she understood his sincerity.
As the direct beneficiary of Lin Xian’s selfless actions, Dai Chuchan was certain—he was every bit the person he professed to be. Without his intervention, there was no telling what fate would have befallen her at the hands of those kidnappers.
Even her father, Dai Shuangcheng, had admitted: “Our family owes Lin Xian an honor.”
The Dai family had chosen to suppress news of the kidnapping to avoid additional complications, but this came at the cost of denying Lin Xian the elevated prestige he would have gained.
Tears welled up in Dai Chuchan’s eyes as she clapped with renewed vigor, gazing at her heroic senior standing tall on the stage.
“Lin Xian… Meeting you is truly the best thing that’s ever happened to me…”