This time, Ning Yunhuan had no idea what the result would be if she revealed Mu Jinyan’s pretense of foolishness early. Regardless, it would certainly benefit her with no downside. As for how things would develop later, and what ultimate end Mu Jinyan’s brazen ambition would meet, honestly, she was quite eager to see that day arrive sooner!

Upon hearing news of Gu Yingxi and confirming her methods for handling men, the Mu family, whether they fully believed it or not, accepted it as truth because it concerned their own son. Madam Mu took the matter to heart. After Ning Yunhuan spoke a few pleasantries and glanced toward the doorway again, Mu Jinzhi’s figure had vanished. She pursed her lips into a slight smile, then allowed the chill in her eyes to recede.

Thanks to the incident involving Gu Yingxi serving as an opener, Ning Yunhuan gradually managed to engage in conversation. Weren't all the women present adept at social maneuvering? Soon, with exchanges flowing back and forth, the atmosphere warmed considerably. Even Madam Mu managed to suppress her worry for Mu Jinyan, exchanging a few jokes. Just as the scene was getting lively, a sudden series of clattering noises erupted from outside, as if someone had crashed into something, causing plates and bowls on a table to fall and shatter on the floor.

The smile on Old Madam Lin’s face, Lin Mingli’s, had faded slightly, but she showed no sign of anger, instead offering a light laugh:

“I must go see who has arrived to cause such a ruckus.”

The others offered polite, accompanying chuckles and rose together toward the door. When Ning Yunhuan followed them out, she saw a slender figure collapsed near a table in the main hall, looking utterly disheveled and seemingly unable to rise. A familiar person was nearby, offering comfort, while Lin Chen and his wife, whom they hadn't seen before, stood rigidly on the side, too furious for words.

“What is going on here?” Before Lin Mingli could speak, Lin Maoshan and the other men stepped forward, frowning as they looked over. Lin Chen’s expression was awkward: “Father, ignore her. She’s just causing trouble because she has nothing better to do.”

“Grandpa, why were outsiders invited tonight but not us? We still carry the Lin name!” Lin Qian, who was clutching her nose, managed to stand upright with the support of Liu Yan. Judging by the clenched fists of Lin Chen, she must have been shoved by him. Liu Yan was gently soothing her, while Lin Qian, still holding her nose, wore a rather arrogant look.

Lin Maoshan had many grandchildren, and he strongly disliked this usually rebellious granddaughter. His own nature was inherently rigid and stern. If Lin Qian had been more spirited and clever, it might have been different. Unfortunately, she was entirely unconventional. Numerous people sought to curry favor with Lin Maoshan, and naturally, his granddaughter Lin Qian was no exception. The more she dressed in such a garish manner, the more displeased he became. At this moment, his brow furrowed deeply:

“If you have nothing better to do, you should go back and learn how to be a proper young lady awaiting marriage. Dressed like a ruffian—is this what our Lin family has raised?”

Lin Maoshan’s single sentence carried the weight of ten from Lin Chen. The moment he spoke, not only did Lin Qian’s face turn ashen, but even Lin Qian’s mother, Ye Ci, looked distressed. Lin Chen took a deep breath and was about to force a smile to apologize when Lin Qian lifted her chin defiantly: “Grandpa, you never liked me anyway. I don’t care. I came here today specifically to find Cousin!”

With that, she pulled Liu Yan toward Lan Lingyan, casting a glance in Ning Yunhuan’s direction as she spoke: “Cousin, since you can even favor a woman from the Ning family, my Sister Liu Yan is no worse than her. Why don’t you take her in too!” Lin Qian then laughed at her own statement. It was evident she had recently undergone nose surgery; her face was still somewhat swollen, and the bruising, no matter how fine the cosmetics, could not be concealed.

As silence fell over the room because of her words, a flicker of annoyance crossed Lin Maoshan’s eyes, but Lan Lingyan merely sneered:

“What are you? How dare you try to make introductions for me, as if I’m someone who collects trash and takes anything?”

That single sentence not only caused Lin Qian’s face to change drastically, but Liu Yan’s body also trembled visibly.

“Sister Liu Yan…”

“Scram,” Lan Lingyan stated calmly. However, those familiar with him knew that Lan Lingyan was already barely restraining the urge to strike. Father Lan was about to step forward to restrain his son, but Lan Lingyan smoothly sidestepped, moving far away from him.

“Xiao Jiu…” Lin Min wanted to speak up for her niece. Although Lin Qian’s attempt to introduce women to her son bothered Lin Min somewhat—simply because Lin Qian had usurped her role—how could Lin Min tolerate allowing others to scheme for her husband or son? Yet, for some inexplicable reason, among all her numerous nieces and nephews in the Lin family, Lin Qian was the closest and dearest to her. Seeing her now being scolded openly by her son, Lin Min naturally wanted to smooth things over for her.

“Mother, if you enjoy this sort of thing, I wouldn’t mind sending some high-ranking officials to Father. We have women plump and slender for him to choose from. How about that?” Lan Lingyan possessed an extreme need for control and could not tolerate anyone interfering in his affairs. Lin Min had just crossed his boundary, and his gaze gradually became tinged with malice. The words he spoke infuriated Lin Min, yet Father Lan beside her started to chuckle.

“Good child!”

Lin Chen remained silent. He understood how deeply his own father favored his maternal grandson, Lan Lingyan. It was likely that not only did Lin Min’s nieces and nephews pale in favorability compared to Lan Lingyan in front of Lin Maoshan, but perhaps even his own sons could not surpass him.

But Lin Chen possessed reason. Ye Ci, however, could not bear to see her daughter insulted this way. She was about to speak up when she met Lin Maoshan’s gaze, a chill ran through her heart, and she dared not utter another word.

Growing weary of the tediousness—the entire afternoon spent here was far less comfortable than cuddling his wife at home—Lan Lingyan impatiently prepared to take his leave when Father Lan stepped forward first:

“It’s getting late. Father, let Minmin stay with you and Mother today. Xiao Jiu and I will leave together.”

Lin Min was reluctant to separate from her husband, but she knew his temperament. Her lips moved, but she ultimately said nothing about him staying or her accompanying him. Instead, she looked at Lan Lingyan:

“Xiao Jiu, I lost the key you gave me last time. Give me a new one.”

Lan Lingyan gave a cold laugh, not even glancing at Lin Min, offering no words. Yet, the meaning conveyed by his expression was instantly clear to Lin Min, and she became instantly furious:

“What do you mean? Is it that difficult for me to ask you for a key?”

“There are no more.” Lan Lingyan replied with clear impatience, flatly refusing her request, then pulled Ning Yunhuan toward the exit. Lin Min was so angry she felt like spitting blood, but when she saw her husband blow her a kiss, his finger lingered near his lips for a long moment. Although Father Lan’s eyes held a smile, it was in fact a signal forbidding her to press the matter further. Lin Min was forced to swallow her fiery anger whole.

The two bodyguards had remained in the car without getting out. The vehicle hadn't been turned off, so there was no need to restart it. Because the front seat was occupied by the bodyguards, Father Lan insisted on sitting in the back row. The rear featured two rows of sofa-like leather seats, enough space for three people, but Lan Lingyan did not wish to share it with him:

“Does Father not have dedicated drivers upon his return? If a suitable car isn’t immediately available, perhaps you could select one—consider it a gift from me.”

“Oh my, so cold,” Father Lan chuckled, carelessly taking out his pipe, only to immediately put it away when he saw Lan Lingyan’s brow furrow. “Your maternal grandfather seems to intend to hand the Lin family over to you directly.”

The Lin family had been blessed with many talents in previous generations, but perhaps because prosperity always precedes decline, no one truly brilliant had emerged after Lin Maoshan. Because of this, the Lin family lacked a successor, and Lin Maoshan had no choice but to hand over the baton of power—which had been passed down for generations—as a favor to the Su family.

Giving something up is easy; reclaiming it is extraordinarily difficult. Among the current generation of the Lin family, Lin Chen, Lin Qi, Lin Jun, and the other brothers were not mediocre, but they were not truly outstanding either. Each possessed strengths in one area while lacking severely in another. Lin Chen was brave but tactless; Lin Qi was quick-witted with petty cleverness but hopelessly indecisive, wholly incapable of shouldering great responsibility. As for Lin Yi, he possessed ambition but lacked the corresponding ability; he had the potential for expansion but not even the talent for maintenance. Such individuals could only be used as subordinates; they were far too inadequate to be family heads.

As for the grandchildren, Lin Chen had only two daughters and no sons. The other grandsons were either known only for indulging in gluttony and debauchery, tarnishing their elders' reputations, or excelling only at pursuing women. How could Lin Maoshan bring himself to entrust everything the Lin family possessed to these people! He had only watched his daughter marry and bear a maternal grandson he desired—one who thankfully did not bear the Lin name—and how much regret he must have felt over the years while observing Lan Lingyan!

“How about it? Compared to overseas, I favor Huaxia now. If we establish our base abroad, you and I, father and son, working together, coordinating from the inside and out—do you realize how advantageous that would be?” As Father Lan spoke these words, he peeled away the veneer of cultured gentility from his face for the first time, revealing a trace of ferocious true nature beneath.

“I’m not interested. However, Grandfather’s health is still sound; I believe he can manage for another twenty years. If he wishes, I can send Lan Yi to him.” Lan Lingyan had long since grown tired of his son. His own relationship with his father had been faint since childhood, and while he felt some affection for his own son, it wasn't deep. Father-son bonds were far less important to him than the marital bond. As long as Lan Yi was present, Ning Yunhuan’s attention would forever revolve around him. If he could send his son to his maternal grandfather’s household, allowing him to pursue a career in politics while he himself took over Father Lan’s affairs abroad, laundering money under the guise of Chinese investment—with father and son united, they would be virtually invincible, further expanding the Lan family’s influence. It would be an endeavor with nothing but benefits.

ps: Only one update today~ Do the ladies still have any little pink tickets? RP