Chapter 75: The Ambitions of the Lin Family

Lin Family Mansion.

It was already deep into the night, yet all the relatives of the Lin family had gathered, faces weary and worn. Lin Shuqi, exhausted from having lost too much blood earlier, was drowsy and barely alert. After waiting for a while with no sign of a meeting commencing, she couldn’t help but curse aloud.

“What time is it already? Why call everyone here all of a sudden—what urgent matter could be so pressing?”

“To be honest, even if something’s happened, there’s nothing we can solve in the middle of the night. We’d be better off waiting for tomorrow.” Others grumbled quietly, though none so loudly as Lin Shuqi.

But the Lin family had grown used to her sharp tongue; even her husband, Fang Rui, had nowhere to sit and could only stand by, tending to her needs. This was not a woman to provoke lightly—none, not even those senior in the family, wished to cross her.

“Shuqi, if you’re too tired, just go home and rest,” her father, Lin Jiarong, said gently. “Your uncle is rushing back from Yulong now; it’ll still be a while before he arrives.”

“If Uncle’s not back yet, what’s the point of calling a meeting?” Lin Shuqi snapped, but her mind was quick; she immediately pressed, “Did something happen to Uncle and Sis in Yulong? That can’t be—Yulong is Brother-in-law’s turf, isn’t it?”

Lin Jiarong, seeing that the time was nearly right, decided there was no sense in hiding anything further. He thought for a moment and then spoke, “It’s about a business matter. Honestly, I only just heard from your uncle myself. Our Lin family had taken on a big deal, but now something unexpected has happened.”

“What big deal? We’re in the restaurant business. What big deal could we possibly have?” Lin Shuqi scoffed, amusement flickering in her voice. “I’ve always said the restaurant trade is about small profits and quick turnover. We’re stuck in this little place called Fengzhou, grinding away—and still not making any real money.”

Some in the room nodded in agreement, others disagreed quietly. But no one spoke further until Lin Jiahao returned, weary and travel-stained, supporting Lin Shufeng as they entered. At the sight, everyone jumped up, rushing over in shock.

“Uncle, what’s happened? What’s wrong with Sis?”

“Brother, what happened in Yulong? Why is Shufeng back?”

“Hurry, get Shufeng onto the sofa, let Jiahao catch his breath before he explains.”

Amidst the chaos, they soon had Lin Shufeng settled on the sofa. She looked deathly pale, and her mother began to cry. “Jiahao, catch your breath and tell us—what on earth has happened?”

Lin Jiahao gritted his teeth. “It’s all because of that scoundrel, Hong Yu!”

“Damn it, I underestimated that ingrate. Who would have thought an in-law could stir up so much trouble?”

“Hong Yu? Him again?” The Lin family stared, eyes wide in disbelief.

Lin Shuqi pressed anxiously, “Uncle, tell us clearly, don’t leave out the details—we can’t make sense of it!”

Lin Jiahao spoke with venom, “We went to Yulong, only to find Hong Yu had arrived even before us. Whatever he said must have bewitched Zhao Jianwei, because now… now…”

“What happened now?” the family demanded.

Lin Jiahao exhaled heavily, “Shufeng wants to divorce Xiaohui. Xiaohui refuses, but Zhao Jianwei, that old bastard, has locked him in the house. It looks like… there’s no way out.”

“What? That’s impossible!” the family cried.

“The Zhao family is a powerhouse in Yulong City—how could Zhao Jianwei listen to a useless fool like Hong Yu?”

“And what was Hong Yu doing at the Zhao house anyway? Could it be just for revenge?”

“Revenge, my foot! When did we ever treat that bastard badly? He ate our food, lived under our roof—truly an ingrate.”

“No! We can’t just stand by and watch Shufeng get thrown out of the Zhao family. Tomorrow, I’ll confront Zhao Jianwei myself! If I don’t get answers, I won’t let her go!” Shufeng’s mother was especially distraught—her precious daughter cast out, and not even for marital discord. She simply couldn’t accept it.

And she liked Zhao Minghui as a son-in-law. To be fair, Zhao Minghui was an expert at charming women—not just the young ones, even his own mother-in-law he had managed to win over. If it had been twenty years ago, before Shufeng’s mother married, she might have been tempted to fall for him herself.

Such a good son-in-law—she couldn’t bear to let him slip away.

Lin Jiahao said impatiently, “Don’t bother going. I’ve said all there is to say. Zhao Jianwei’s attitude is firm as a rock—you won’t even get through the gate of the Zhao family!”

“But what are we supposed to do? Are we just going to watch Shufeng and Xiaohui divorce?” Shufeng’s mother cried. “Shufeng is a fine catch, and she’s got the Lin family backing her, but a second marriage… it’ll be hard to find a good match again!”

Lin Jiahao’s family was desperate; the rest of the Lin family was worried, too, for Zhao Minghui represented the Zhao family. Marrying into the Zhao family had been a stroke of luck for Lin—the benefits they’d reaped were countless.

Only Second Aunt and Lin Shuqi, hearing the news, felt no worry. On the contrary, their eyes brightened, and secret calculations began. Mother and daughter exchanged a glance, both catching the flicker of a smile in each other’s eyes.

Lin Jiahao soothed his wife and sighed, “Actually, there’s still a way. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have called everyone here so late.”

A way out?

That simply couldn’t be allowed!

Lin Shuqi was shocked, though she hid it well, pretending to care deeply for Shufeng’s marriage. She hurriedly asked, “Uncle, if there’s a way, that’s wonderful—tell us quickly! If you need my help, just say the word. I don’t want Sis and Brother-in-law to divorce.”

But what she was really thinking was another matter entirely.

Damn it!

I have to get involved in this—and then find a way to sabotage it.

The Zhao family’s daughter-in-law must be me!

Second Aunt knew exactly what her daughter was scheming and quickly chimed in, “Brother, whatever you need, just tell us. Our whole family is at your service.”

Lin Jiahao, though he’d been plotted against, felt comforted by their support and nodded. “Jiarong, your family is thoughtful. I just told you about this business.”

“Yes, our Lin family is about to close a major deal. Last month, I started negotiations with HappyMore Catering Group…”

“Hold on!” Lin Jiarong interrupted in alarm. “Did you say HappyMore Catering Group? Am I hearing wrong? That’s one of the top three catering companies in China—why would they do business with our little Lin family?”

Lin Jiahao smiled, “At first, I didn’t believe it either, but it’s true. We have to seize this opportunity.”

“It seems like a three hundred million contract, but the real profits will come later. I’ve already decided to take out a loan of two hundred million to build a food processing plant.”

“The location, equipment, workers—I’ve got it all nearly arranged. Now, we’re just waiting for the funds to arrive before we can start construction.”

Lin Shuqi was stunned. She had never imagined things would turn out this way. She might be shameless, but she wasn’t stupid—she knew if this deal went through and they partnered with HappyMore Catering Group, the Lin family would soar to new heights.

At that point, the Zhao family would be insignificant—they’d have to look to the Lin family for favor.

Clearly.

There was no need to rush to the Zhao family now. Perhaps one day, the Zhao family wouldn’t even matter to her.

Lin Shuqi made up her mind.