The moment Lin Min opened her mouth this time, even Mu Mingli found it hard to stomach, let alone Lin Maoshan needing to reprimand her. She couldn't understand how her daughter’s fiery temper hadn't softened even after years spent next to Father Lan. Back when she was at her maiden home, being the only young mistress of the Lin family, her status was singular; and being a girl, she wasn't subjected to the same tempering sons were, so Mu Mingli had indulged her greatly, naturally ensuring everyone catered to her. But now, married, her temper was still like this. It was obvious Lan Lingyan was growing impatient with her, yet she persisted in her childish feud with Ning Yunhuan. Even Father Lan hadn't said anything about his daughter-in-law, but Lin Min kept interfering repeatedly.

Father Lan’s expression was unreadable now, but this formidable underworld magnate was never one to be trifled with. Despite his current composed demeanor, if one truly managed to infuriate the ruthless Father Lan, what would happen to Lin Min if she suffered any slight, given that the Lin family would be too far removed to intervene?

The thought gave Mu Mingli a headache, and she snapped at her daughter:

“Minmin, where is your manners?”

Lin Min was bewildered. She was Lin Maoshan’s only daughter. She had been abroad for several years and finally managed to return this time, yet Father Lan had no time for her. Her parents were preoccupied discussing matters with her husband, and in the end, Lin Maoshan spent almost no time with her, instead doting on the son Ning Yunhuan bore. Moreover, their conversation hinted at handing the Lin family legacy over to him!

On what grounds! She carried the Lin surname; her own son hadn't secured the Lin family inheritance, so why should Ning Yunhuan’s son receive it? And who was she anyway?

Now, not only was her son siding against her, but even her parents were pitted against her, constantly demanding she yield to Ning Yunhuan. They didn't consider what qualifications Ning Yunhuan possessed; without Lan Lingyan taking a fancy to her, a hundred Ning Yunhuans wouldn't even warrant a second glance from her!

Lin Min was already boiling inside, and Mu Mingli chose that moment to rebuke her. Lin Min felt everything was going awry, and she let out a cold laugh: “Mother, I was just asking Xiao Jiu for a key. Is even that forbidden? If Xiao Jiu won't give it to me, does she not even have the decency to offer one if she has it in her possession?”

The thought that her son wasn't even given the key to his own house made Lin Min even more displeased, especially since Ning Yunhuan did have a key. The more she dwelt on it, the more uncomfortable she became, her face darkening:

“She should look at her own status! I, the mother who birthed a son, don't have a key, and she has no right to one!”

Ning Yunhuan watched Lin Min’s dangerous glare and felt her own temper rising.

After Father and Mother Lan returned, Lin Min hadn't looked at Ning Yunhuan favorably even once. Even this usual punching bag couldn't tolerate it anymore, and she blurted out:

“Doesn't Mother have a key? I remember Lan Lingyan saying he gave one to you.”

“I already gave it to Qianqian.” As soon as Lin Min spoke, Father Lan’s eye twitched twice. Lan Lingyan had many enemies; he required bodyguards just for movement, and countless people outside were waiting to take his life. The people residing in the villa where he currently stayed had been meticulously selected over how long. Yet Lin Min so casually handed the key to her niece. Although Lin Qian seemed trustworthy for now, who knew if she might be bribed later? Forget the unreliability of cousinly bonds—in Father Lan's view, even biological father and son required caution. Lin Min carelessly handing over the key was tantamount to treating her son's life like child's play in his eyes, and his expression soured considerably.

“Make her return it!” Even in front of the Lin family, Father Lan's gaze was menacing. “That key is specially made. If we need another, we’d have to replace all the equipment!” Though this mountain retreat appeared elegant, in reality, it was riddled with infrared scanners. This equipment had been moved from a laboratory. Even the Lin family residence probably wasn't as heavily guarded as Lan Lingyan's place. Replacing everything would not only cost a fortune but, more importantly, cause immense hassle and create openings for infiltration!

The Lin family members grew awkward. Especially Lin Chen, Lin Qian’s father, who, upon seeing Father Lan’s grave expression, silently cursed his daughter while simultaneously feeling Father Lan was being overly disrespectful to the Lin family. Furthermore, since Lin Maoshan was hinting at handing the reins to Lin Yi, the Lin family felt they were being sidelined, leading to subtle resentments. Seeing Father Lan reprimand Lin Min, Lin Chen couldn't help but wonder if Father Lan was deliberately using this incident as an excuse to embarrass them, knowing Lin Yi was favored by Lin Maoshan.

“Father, the key Lin Qian was given as a gift to someone else, and Lan Lingyan has already retrieved it,” Ning Yunhuan smoothly added while Lin Min’s face was turning scarlet. Hearing this, even Lin Maoshan shot Lin Min a glare before slowly turning his gaze to the flushed Lin Chen: “Eldest, that girl Lin Qian needs some guidance. For a young lady, associating with such riff-raff is unacceptable. She insists on plastic surgery when she has a perfectly good face—does she think being born into the Lin family and inheriting the looks bestowed by her elders is something to be ashamed of?”

Initially, Lin Maoshan merely found his daughter and granddaughter’s actions foolish and intended a mild admonishment. But the more he spoke, the angrier he became. Recalling Lin Qian’s current appearance, something Lin Maoshan had previously disdained mentioning, now that it was raised, he intended to say it all: “Her ears are pierced all over, making her look like some great golden hoop fighter—what is she trying to achieve? If she finds life too dull now, send her to the military! It’s one thing if the young women of our Lin family can’t help the household, but they must not disgrace us. If I see her dressed like that again, she is never to appear at home again; send her abroad!”

Being sent abroad meant Lin Qian would be thoroughly removed from the core Lin family succession. Even as Lin Maoshan’s direct granddaughter, she would have no claim to the family assets later, perhaps receiving only a dowry and being compensated off. This was a severe punishment. Lin Qian’s mother, Ye Ci, immediately turned pale, swaying slightly, tears threatening to spill.

Lin Dan subconsciously glanced at Ning Yunhuan, then pursed her lips before approaching Lin Maoshan: “Grandpa, my sister is young and ignorant, but please, Father, give her one more chance.”

Compared to Lin Qian’s vulgar style, Lin Dan appeared far more graceful and elegant. She carried the calm sobriety of Mu Mingli and was considered quite outstanding among the younger generation of Lins. Thus, although Lin Maoshan didn't give her a pleasant look, he at least didn't cut her off, implicitly accepting her plea.

After Ning Yunhuan revealed that the key Lin Min gave to Lin Qian had been gifted away by her to someone else, Lin Min became awkward. Seeing Lin Maoshan’s outburst and recalling her husband’s expression just now, she grew uneasy but still harbored doubt: “Such an important item—how could Qianqian give it away after begging me for it for so long?”

“It was given to a young woman named Liu Yan. Mother doesn't believe me, she can ask Lin Qian,” Ning Yunhuan finished with a slight, knowing smile. The Lin family fell silent instantly. They remembered the last time Lan Lingyan brought Ning Yunhuan to the Lin residence, Lin Qian had brought along a young woman, claiming she wanted to introduce her to Lan Lingyan. Lin Min’s face instantly darkened.

Ning Yunhuan had even named the person; it must be true.

Since Lin Qian’s birth, for some inexplicable reason, among all her nieces and nephews in the family, Lin Qian was the one she favored most. After her son Lan Lingyan was born, she dared not grow too close, fearing the eventual heartbreak if something happened to him. But concerning her sister’s children, she had no such reservations. Consequently, Lin Min, whose temperament somewhat mirrored Lin Qian’s, felt a strong affinity for her, channeling much of the affection she couldn't lavish on her son onto her nieces and nephews. She was closest to Lin Qian, their bond even surpassing her intimacy with Lan Lingyan.

Because of this deep connection, when Lin Qian begged for the key, Lin Min, despite giving her a few warnings, still handed it over. She never expected Lin Qian would use such an item to build a favor for someone else.

Lin Min shot a hateful glare at Ye Ci, lifted her chin, and demanded: “Sister-in-law, what is the background of Qianqian’s friend? Our Lin family is not a place that just anyone can easily access.” As she said this, her peripheral vision flickered toward Ning Yunhuan.

Even though she now knew her niece had done wrong, Lin Min couldn't bring herself to genuinely blame Lin Qian and instead channeled all her dissatisfaction toward the person to whom the key was given:

“Someone so adept at flattery—be careful Qianqian doesn't fall for her tricks!”

Now Father Lan stood by his son, but Ye Ci had no one backing her. Under Lin Min’s anger, she shifted the topic to Ye Ci. Ye Ci clenched her teeth but was helpless against her sister-in-law, whose status and marriage were so extraordinary. She could only promise to discipline her daughter properly upon returning home, though she ultimately harbored all her accumulated anger toward Ning Yunhuan.

Lin Min’s words made everyone slightly uncomfortable. The Lin family felt too embarrassed to stay for the meal. Seeing her son about to leave again shortly after arriving, Ning Yunhuan felt uneasy too. Father Lan had already called during lunch, asking Lan Lingyan to dine with him, meaning he wouldn't be back. Ning Yunhuan considered that since her son had been sent to be raised by the Lin family, she hadn't visited the Ning family herself. She promptly ordered a car and headed straight to the Ning residence.

Since his last surgery, Father Ning had been taking better care of his health, establishing a more regular lifestyle. The couple had already eaten by noon. They were delighted to see their daughter arrive, and after asking if Ning Yunhuan had eaten, Mrs. Ning quickly ordered a fresh meal to be cooked. Meanwhile, she pulled Ning Yunhuan onto the sofa to chat. The mother and daughter had much to say after their long separation. Father Ning sat nearby, sipping tea and chuckling occasionally, appearing to be in good spirits, yet his brow was deeply furrowed, suggesting he carried heavy thoughts.