Lan Father paused, then suddenly burst out laughing: “There’s an old saying in China: better for a fellow Daoist to die than for this poor Daoist. My son truly embodies this saying to the extreme. Worthy of being my son!” Ning Yunhuan, listening nearby, couldn't help but grumble internally.

Lan Father, despite growing up entirely abroad, had a peculiar fondness for quoting classical Chinese, resulting in a speech that was half-archaic, perhaps even more pretentious than those who actually studied such things. Hearing the father and son discuss the whereabouts of the son, Lan Yi, made Ning Yunhuan’s heart clench with cold sweat. Though she didn't want to be separated from her son, she didn't know how to voice her concerns.

She understood the Lan family’s method of selecting an heir. Lan Lingyan had managed to survive that trial, but she couldn't guarantee her own son wouldn't have to follow a similar perilous, blood-and-sweat-soaked path, constantly placing his head on the line. But the Lan family had persisted this way for centuries; the most she could do was resent marrying someone like Lan Lingyan, as she was powerless against the Lan family's rules.

She dreaded the thought of her son eventually having to dodge bullets and constantly live under the threat of assassination. Yet, she also understood that even if she couldn't bear for her child to live like that, as long as he was born into the Lan family, as long as his surname was Lan, even if he grew up under Lan Lingyan’s protection, a child shielded from the storms could never securely hold the position of Lan family head. In the Lan family, status alone could never suppress the myriad of wicked spirits and monsters.

Lan Lingyan could protect the child for a time, but not forever. If Lan Yi could take a different path, even if it meant being further away from her, as long as he was safe, Ning Yunhuan couldn't help but feel a stir of temptation listening in. As the father and son conferred, Lan Father was primarily focused on consolidating the Lin family's influence into his grasp.

Even though he knew this was temporary, that Lin Maoshan might have intentions that stretched even further—perhaps viewing Lan Yi merely as a transitional figure to fill the current void in the Lin family's talent pool, maybe even demanding Lan Yi change his name later—regardless, as long as the Lin family remained under the control of Lan Clan blood, it would bring immense benefits to the Lan family's development in Huaxia. This was precisely the most important reason he had left his wife, Lin Min, behind with her immensely powerful in-laws, while accompanying his son on this trip; after all, the Lin family’s influence in Huaxia was worth the journey. Once the serious business was concluded, Lan Father crossed his legs, flicked an imaginary speck of dust from his pure white suit, and chuckled carelessly: “Come to think of it, I have yet to see Lan Yi even once.

This will make a fine welcoming gift. Tomorrow morning, we’ll take him back to the Lin family for your mother to see.” Lan Father had already discerned his son Lan Lingyan’s attitude from his tone; the matter of Lan Yi's placement had been settled between them during their conversation. Although Ning Yunhuan understood that her son growing up in the Lin family was far safer than in the Lan family, the thought of him belonging first to the Lin family and only later to herself made her heart bleed.

Her quiet silence pleased Lan Father greatly. Although his daughter-in-law’s background was somewhat humble, she was sensible and knew the larger picture—a quality that sounded easy but was difficult to achieve. Even Lin Min, who came from an esteemed background, might not have handled discussions about these matters with such composure.

Lan Father was satisfied. The next morning, when Ning Yunhuan awoke, Lan Lingyan handed her a file from the bedside cabinet. Usually, Lan Lingyan would already be up and gone to the company by this hour, but it was rare for him to stay in the room with her.

Ning Yunhuan had tossed and turned all night worrying about their son, and she was grateful Lan Lingyan hadn’t disturbed her, only catching a few hours of sleep just before dawn. When she woke, the sky outside was gloomy, suggesting it was already late morning. “What time is it?” Her voice was soft and languid, her head fuzzy, and her body ached slightly.

Lan Lingyan first kissed her forehead, then handed her the thick stack of papers: “Father gave this to you. It’s nearly noon. Are you hungry?” Upon hearing that Lan Father had given her something, Ning Yunhuan, without even looking, expected it wouldn't be a small gesture.

But thinking of Lan Yi, her eyes began to water: “Did you take our son?” Lan Lingyan nodded, gently lifted her up, and wrapped her in the long down coat laid out on the chaise lounge nearby, then stated calmly: “He’s been taken. Huanhuan, you must understand, Lan Yi is much safer in the Lin family than in the Lan family. And just because he is surnamed Lin doesn't mean he is no longer your son.” It was merely like entrusting him to the care of the elders, not forfeiting him as her son.

Ning Yunhuan knew he was right, but knowing didn't always equate to accepting: “It’s all your fault!” Back then, Lan Lingyan had forced her to be with him, never mentioning how brutal the Lan family's method of selecting an heir was. Lan Lingyan’s ascent had been achieved through surviving countless near-death experiences, and most of his brothers had perished by his hand. Yet, some stragglers remained—Lan Clan men who had lost the fight for succession—and the children born to them were the ones who would compete with Lan Lingyan’s next generation.

If Lan Yi had kept the Lan surname, they surely wouldn't let him go. Moreover, the resentment the defeated Lan Clan members held for the successful Lan Lingyan was something Ning Yunhuan could easily surmise. Coupled with the fact that both Lan Lingyan and his father held the position of Lan family head, they were too conspicuous, easily drawing all attention onto Lan Yi.

The bird that sticks its head out gets shot—Lan Yi was born into an environment rife with peril. Lan Lingyan disliked that his son often stole too much of his wife’s attention, but his concerns went deeper. Lan Yi going to the Lin family meant he would be an asset to the Lin family rather than a threat to the Lan family.

Not having the Lan surname meant he would be disqualified from vying for the Lan family headship. Many of the younger Lan generation wouldn't see him as a threat; instead, because of his ties to the Lin family, they would likely curry favor with him. Although he had destroyed many brothers and incurred the hatred of many Lan family members who might target his son, once Lan Yi no longer held the Lan surname, there was no eternal hatred in this world, only eternal profit.

Lan Father’s suggestion served two purposes: satisfying the Lin family’s needs, thereby binding them tightly to the Lan Clan, and resolving Lan Yi’s peril—killing two birds with one stone, considering every angle! Ning Yunhuan understood this logic, but she couldn't help resenting herself for marrying such a dangerous man as Lan Lingyan, refusing to give him a pleasant look for several days. Although Lan Father took the child that day, he left behind wealth rivaling kingdoms.

He transferred thirty percent of the property registered under his personal name in Huaxia to Ning Yunhuan. While thirty percent might not necessarily surpass companies developed over many years, like the Xie family's, it was certainly not a negligible sum. But the money was secondary.

More importantly, Lan Father handed over the control of a five-person team from the Lan Clan into Ning Yunhuan’s hands! This was the real prize! Though the team was small, consisting of only five people, they were trained from childhood within the Lan family.

Not only were they skilled in assassination and stealth, but most crucially, they were fiercely loyal. Lan Lingyan had told her that even for a mission where death was certain, these five would not bat an eyelid! Compared to that, while the money was valuable, this protection squad given by Lan Father to Ning Yunhuan was what the Lan family truly valued!

Even Lin Min, married to Lan Father for many years, could command some of his personnel, but she possessed none of this specialized talent for herself. Ning Yunhuan never expected that by seemingly sacrificing her son, she would not only gain a fortune but also acquire such an unexpected asset. Now that her son was gone, brooding wouldn't help.

Thankfully, her son still called her 'Mom,' so her grief wasn't absolute. The personnel Lan Father sent were exactly what she needed, as she had been lamenting her shortage of capable people to keep an eye on Gu Yingxi; this arrival solved her pressing problem perfectly. After resting at home for two days, Ning Yunhuan visited her son at the Lin family residence.

When he was home daily, Lan Yi’s tantrums sometimes made her so angry she wanted to spank him, but now that he was gone, Ning Yunhuan found herself missing him. She prepared to get up at dawn to visit the Lin family. The rain had gradually stopped over the past two days, but now snowflakes were beginning to fall, making the overcast sky feel even colder.

She had just showered and changed before heading downstairs for breakfast when the phone rang—it was the butler, Lan Si, reporting that the Lin family members had arrived. Hearing this, Ning Yunhuan dared not delay. She quickly dried her hair and rushed downstairs.

Indeed, the Lin family members were seated in the downstairs living room. Although many people from the Lin family had come, Lan Lingyan's mountain villa was vast, so even dozens of people seated inside didn't feel crowded. As Ning Yunhuan descended, she saw a group surrounding Lin Maoshan, who was wearing a silver-gray Zhongshan suit, his hair slicked back revealing his forehead.

He was holding Lin Yi, teasing him, and the child’s occasional giggles filled the air with liveliness. Noticing Ning Yunhuan coming down, Lin Min’s eyes flashed with irritation before she lifted her chin and said coldly: “The guests have arrived, and you’re still not up? Is this how the Ning family taught you hospitality?” Ning Yunhuan frowned.

She didn’t know why her mother-in-law, Lin Min, took such a strong dislike to her, as she hadn't done anything yet. If Lin Min was unhappy about her marriage to Lan Lingyan, she shouldn't take it out on her; after all, Ning Yunhuan was the victim here. And if Lin Min disliked her over the matter of Lin Xi, Ning Yunhuan saw no reason to apologize, as she still found Lin Xi annoying!

“Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Dad—how can you be considered guests?” In front of the Lin family, Ning Yunhuan had no intention of arguing with Lin Min, merely offering a non-committal reply. Lan Father showed a look of satisfaction. Before he could speak, Lin Min laughed: “We come here, and we aren’t considered guests?

Even I, his mother, can’t get a key. How is that not being a guest?” Lin Min remembered how, a few days prior, when she asked her son for another key, Lan Lingyan had refused her without a second thought, making her teeth itch with suppressed anger, which only heightened her distaste for Ning Yunhuan: “But never mind, this tiny house isn't where you’ll stay permanently anyway.” Lan Lingyan's sprawling villa was far from small; it had three floors, complete with an elevator for those who disliked stairs. It was more than ample for the couple.

Yet Lin Min now called it small. Ning Yunhuan couldn't be bothered to argue over trifles like that; instead, she smiled and clapped her hands towards her son, falling silent. Her attitude pleased Lin Maoshan.

Lin Min was too impulsive and had lost her composure in her speech just now. Putting aside the fact that Ning Yunhuan was now formally married to Lan Lingyan and was Lin Min’s daughter-in-law, even if they weren't married, Lin Maoshan would favor Ning Yunhuan because of the baby in his arms. The Lin family was currently disorganized, and the younger generation was entirely useless.

Except for Lin Chen’s three sons, the male descendants among the grandchildren had turned into such dregs, indicating that the sons they produced were equally worthless. To take in a grandson's son at this juncture to serve the Lin family was something Lin Maoshan approved of. Even if he knew Lan Father had his own machinations, didn't he have his own as well?

His health was good now; with proper care, living another twenty years was not an issue. Lan Yi would be entirely guided by him, and he wouldn't lack achievement. Even if some unforeseen accident occurred later, Lan Yi remained Lin Maoshan’s sole hope.

If Lan Father was willing to grant him this hope, what did it matter if he temporarily lent the Lin family’s resources to the Lan family? Furthermore, as long as Lin Maoshan was around, he wouldn't allow any accident to happen. It was precisely because Ning Yunhuan knew her place—regardless of her background—that she was obedient and filial.

Lin Maoshan was very satisfied with her. Seeing his daughter intentionally creating trouble for her now, he frowned and spoke sharply: “Minmin, you’ve behaved improperly!” Lin Min was Lin Maoshan’s only daughter and was quite favored among his several elder brothers. However, Lin Maoshan held absolute authority in the Lin family.

Once he spoke, even if Lin Min was displeased, she had to give him face. She snorted coldly and fell silent. “Father, I’ve seen the layout of Little Jiu’s residence.

The back has been converted into a private company, and there’s a golf course to the right. I haven't been back in years; why don't we have a friendly match?” Lan Father smiled, glancing at Lin Min, and interjected to smooth things over for Ning Yunhuan: “Huanhuan can take Lan Yi. We can tour the grounds.” For older men, especially those like Lin Maoshan, they had seen every kind of splendor; the older they got, the more they appreciated natural scenery.

Moreover, hearing about a private garden genuinely piqued his interest. Especially with his daughter looking unhappy, taking her away would prevent her from antagonizing Ning Yunhuan. Everyone agreed.

The accompanying Mu Mingli and the Lin family sons and daughters-in-law certainly wouldn't dare disagree. As the group started moving outward, Lin Xi, who had been silently blended in the crowd, suddenly clutched the mask over her face and loudly exclaimed: “Dad, I don’t want to go!” Once one person spoke up, the young people nearby, all looking exhausted with dark circles under their eyes, scrambled to chime in with similar pleas. Lin Maoshan intensely disliked his granddaughter, Lin Xi.

Men his age were highly traditional, and Lin Xi’s surgically altered face and haphazardly dyed hair were an eyesore. Seeing that she didn't want to go—and not wanting to see his unconventional granddaughter himself—he naturally let the matter drop. Once the elders departed, the younger people all stayed behind.

Ning Yunhuan held her son, while Lin Xi led the group to collapse onto the sofa: “Do you have any good snacks? I’m starving!” Ning Yunhuan frowned. Seeing the youngsters sprawled out haphazardly, some even pulling out cigarettes, she quickly picked up her son, intending to head upstairs, unwilling to look after them.

After all, Lan Si and the other butlers were downstairs. Seeing her try to leave, Lin Xi, who already disliked her, pulled down her mask and spat towards her, then took the cigarette offered by someone else and placed it in her mouth. The Lin family members didn't return until almost noon.

By then, Lin Xi and the others were long gone. A faint scent of incense lingered in the living room, mixed with wisps of tobacco smoke. Lin Min entered, surveyed the room, and then snapped at Ning Yunhuan: “Where are Xi Xi and the others?” Ning Yunhuan had only just come downstairs and hadn't seen Lin Xi or the others.

When Lin Min asked, she shook her head honestly: “I don't know.” “What use are you? You can’t even keep track of a few people.” Hearing this, Lin Min’s lips twitched, and her expression of disgust was obvious to everyone—she truly disliked Ning Yunhuan. Upon hearing Lin Min’s words, Ning Yunhuan’s expression turned cold.

She wasn't hired to babysit the Lin family’s children. Now that they were missing, they came looking for her? Lin Xi and the others weren't four or five years old; if they ran off, what did it have to do with her?

Did they have wings that sprouted from her body? Lin Min’s tone was sharp. Ning Yunhuan wondered if she had been told something while out, causing her to unleash her anger on her immediately.

Just as Ning Yunhuan was about to retort, Lan Father pulled Lin Min into his embrace: “Minmin.” His tone was low, and though his face held a smile, his eyes carried a subtle warning. Normally, Lin Min might have backed down, but considering how her parents, husband, and her two elder brothers (excluding Lin Chen) had all advised her to drop the matter while they were out, a flame of resentment instantly ignited within her. She had been the favored daughter since childhood, with an extremely polarized personality, thriving on confrontation.

She refused to believe anyone dared to surpass her in capability! If Lan Father and Lin Maoshan hadn't reprimanded her for this incident, it would be one thing. But with her family and husband telling her not to pick a fight with Ning Yunhuan, Lin Min found the offense even harder to swallow.

Seeing Ning Yunhuan's increasingly cold expression made her feel even worse. Her own son was being taken into his family, requiring Lan Father himself to come and make the arrangements, yet she, the mother, didn't even possess a single key. And Lan Lingyan had married a wife of insignificant lineage, yet he still protected and catered to Ning Yunhuan at every turn!