Chapter Twenty-Six
In mid-September, the autumn chill gradually deepened.
The soft sunlight shone on the ancient and solemn Lin family mansion, which was now immersed in a busy and festive atmosphere, as the grand engagement ceremony of Lin Zhuochi and Chu Yunyao was about to take place.
However, beneath this seemingly calm and peaceful surface, a secret conspiracy is quietly brewing.
The night before, a group of people at the Late Spring Tavern were discussing how to help Lin Zhuochi get rid of this engagement.
Cheng Zong was getting anxious, but when he saw Lin Zhuochi leisurely drinking beside him, he snatched the wine glass from his hand and said, "Hey Lin Zhuochi, why aren't you worried at all?"
Lin Zhuochi leaned back lazily in his chair: "What's the use of being anxious? It's better to just go along with it."
On the other side, Shang Yichen quickly patted Cheng Zongye on the shoulder: "Don't worry, Achi knows what he's doing. If we just rashly help Lin Zhuochi escape her marriage like this, where will that leave the girl's face?"
Cheng Zong also rolled his eyes at him: "It's a lifelong matter, why care about face? Do you think everyone is like you, a noble young master?"
Mu Rong had just finished reporting to his wife and lazily looked over: "Actually, Miss Chu is quite nice too. Maybe you'll fall in love with her after spending more time together."
Cheng Zong sighed deeply, looking at the ceiling: "Are you here to help or to persuade people?"
He pointed at the man in the brown suit opposite him: "Tell me honestly, were you bribed by Miss Chu?"
"Alright." Lin Zhuochi got up and stretched his limbs. "I'm going back to rest now. I'll be busy tomorrow."
Cheng Zong also stared blankly at his retreating figure for a moment: "He just left like that?"
Looking through the glass at the couple kissing passionately downstairs, Shang Yichen smiled knowingly: "Looks like there's going to be a good show tomorrow."
The next day, at the Lin family's old residence.
Xu Hui smiled insincerely as she walked towards Lin Zhuochi: "Xiaochi, Miss Chu is not in good health. You must take good care of her in the future."
Lin Zhuochi's lips curled up slightly, revealing a half-smile, as he slowly looked the person standing next to him up and down.
He said softly, "It's really kind of Aunt Xu to go to so much trouble, but I see that you have two more wrinkles around your eyes."
Lin Zhuochi smiled sarcastically at his father, who was greeting everyone in the hall with great enthusiasm: "In my opinion, you should hurry up and try to please my father, after all, even the white moonlight will expire."
As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Zhuochi ignored Xu Hui's expression, which was a mixture of shock and anger. He straightened his slightly wrinkled clothes and walked straight into the spacious and bright hall.
Left standing there, Xu Hui was so angry that her face turned pale. She stared at Lin Zhuochi's receding figure and couldn't help but mutter curses under her breath.
Xu Hui became increasingly angry as she thought about it. She raised her hand to touch the corner of her eye, took out a small and exquisite mirror from her delicate bag, and carefully examined her face in the mirror.
Her face was exquisitely sculpted, appearing exceptionally petite and delicate, with soft features. Furthermore, she spared no effort in maintaining her appearance.
Every month, she doesn't hesitate to spend a lot of money at beauty salons to enjoy various high-end beauty treatments. Even though she is over forty, her skin condition is no different from that of a twenty-seven or twenty-eight-year-old girl.
Time seems to have left few obvious marks on her; instead, it has given her a unique charm of maturity and elegance.
Xing Bei, arm in arm with Lu Runxu, slowly stepped into the spacious and magnificent hall. As she entered, her gaze fell upon two people talking in a corner.
Lin Zhuochi wore a well-tailored white suit, his posture upright like a pine tree, and a faint smile on his handsome face.
His flamboyant red hair had been dyed back to black at some point, and his entire aura had changed. He had lost his former unruly and unrestrained manner and gained a more aloof air of someone in a superior position. Perhaps this was always how he was.
Standing opposite him was Zhou Xuzhe, who was wearing a black suit with a blue tie, exuding a subtle sense of asceticism.
Lin Zhuochi had his hand on Zhou Xuzhe's shoulder, his face still bearing his usual frivolous smile, while the person opposite him looked at him with a serious expression.
Xing Bei had a feeling that the two of them would ruin today's engagement ceremony.
It's unclear what Chu Yunyao means to Zhou Xuzhe, or whether she'll do something extraordinary for the person she loves.
"Mrs. Lu, you're so happy to see your ex-boyfriend." The man narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of displeasure and jealousy flashing in them.
Xing Bei's heart skipped a beat. She glanced sideways and met Lu Runxu's meaningful fox-like eyes. A smile instantly spread across her face: "Why are you so happy? Don't be jealous, Lu."
I got distracted while watching and momentarily forgot there was a jealous person next to me. I really can't blame her for that.
Lu Runxu looked away and turned to the opposite side: "Let's go, let's go say hello to our ex-boyfriend."
Xing Bei was stunned, looking at Lu Runxu with disbelief.
Wait, he's not joking, is he?
Is Lu Runxu really that magnanimous?
“Girlfriend, I’m not a petty person, so there’s no need to look at me like that.” Lu Runxu led her forward.
Xing Bei suddenly felt a sense of resistance. She regretted looking in that direction; knowing Lu Runxu as she did, she knew a bloody battle was inevitable for her tonight.
She smiled awkwardly at them, and Lu Runxu looked at Lin Zhuochi and teased, "Congratulations."
Lin Zhuochi looked at Lu Runxu speechlessly: "Lu Runxu, are you sick? What's there to congratulate?"
Standing to one side, Xing Bei felt a direct gaze fall on her, and she felt uncomfortable and leaned closer to Lu Runxu.
Lu Runxu felt a tugging sensation in his sleeve. He glanced at the person beside him out of the corner of his eye, a faint smile playing on his lips, before turning his gaze back to Zhou Xuzhe.
Meeting those slightly warning eyes, Zhou Xuzhe coughed lightly and looked at Ji Youli: "Then it's settled. Make sure no one blocks the door."
Lin Zhuochi patted him on the shoulder: "Don't worry."
Xing Bei listened in confusion, but a bold guess formed in her mind.
Could it be that Zhou Xuzhe is going to steal the bride?
All the guests had arrived in the hall. Lin Zhuochi stood on the stage, slightly curving his lips as he looked at Xu Hui on his right. Before Xu Hui could see clearly, that meaningful smile vanished in an instant.
Suddenly the door opened, and Cheng Zong rushed in, panting, and shouted, "Something terrible has happened! Miss Chu has run away with someone!"
These words caused an uproar. Father Ji's face darkened instantly, and Xu Hui was also stunned for a moment before realizing why Lin Zhuochi had smiled at her earlier.
Mr. Lin snorted coldly, about to lash out, when Mrs. Zhou quickly stepped in to calm things down: "Mr. Lin, don't be anxious, I'll find someone to bring Yao'er back right away."
Since they had already spoken, and there were so many people around, Mr. Lin couldn't very well refuse them: "If they don't come back in half an hour, we'll cancel the engagement. Our Lin family doesn't like to force people to do things they don't want to do."
Zhou's mother quickly smiled apologetically and said, "Okay."
She looked away and scanned her surroundings, seemingly searching for someone. Xing Bei, who was watching the show from the corner, had a faint, mocking smile on her lips.
Just as she guessed, Zhou Xuzhe and the others were probably already at the airport.
Thinking of Zhou Xuze's words of affection to her, perhaps he really did like her for a moment, but he only had room for Chu Yunyao in his heart. He loved Chu Yunyao.
At this moment, Xing Bei realized that what she had always missed was the boy who had helped her out of a difficult situation when she was young and who shone brightly on the field, just like Zhou Xuzhe who was now making what he believed to be the right answer.
The deep-seated obsession she held in her heart vanished completely in that instant, and she lowered her eyes and smiled.
Goodbye, young Zhou Xuzhe.
Half an hour later, many guests had already left, and Lin Zhuochi walked towards his father unhurriedly.
"Dad, I think we should cancel this engagement banquet. Miss Chu has someone she loves, and we're just trying to break them up."
Lin Zhuochi spoke slowly, his words addressed to his father, but his sharp, hawk-like gaze was fixed on Xu Hui beside him.
Xu Hui, who was standing to one side, was already trembling with anger. Her fair and delicate hands were now clenched into fists, and the knuckles were turning white from the force.
No wonder Lin Zhuochi has seemed so nonchalant these past few days; it turns out he had planned this all along and was waiting for her here.
Upon hearing this form of address, Lin's father was taken aback. After realizing what he meant, he snorted coldly at Zhou's mother: "The engagement banquet is canceled, but I still hope that your Zhou family will give us an explanation."
Mr. Zhou glared at Mrs. Zhou, then smiled at Mr. Lin: "This is indeed our fault. We will definitely apologize to Mr. Lin properly when we have time."
Lin's father snorted again, and Lin Zhuochi, seeing that things were going well, took his father's arm and said, "Dad, let's go back. I haven't been back to see Mom in a long time."
Lin's father was a little uncomfortable with such a sudden intimate gesture. But when he met Lin Zhuochi's expectant gaze, he silently looked away, feeling extremely happy: "Okay, okay, let's go home."
After walking for a while, Lin Zhuochi deliberately stopped and looked at Xu Hui: "Aunt Xu, aren't you coming with me?"
Xu Hui, who was suddenly called out, was stunned for a moment. When she met his provocative gaze, she immediately understood and quickly put on her standard smile: "No need. It's rare for you father and son to have a proper conversation, so I won't disturb you."
Lin's father was still immersed in the joy of his son calling him "Dad": "Ah Zhuo is still the most sensible. Even with your aunt around, you can't relax. Don't force yourself."
Lin Zhuochi deliberately put on a wronged expression: "Alright then."
Xu Hui felt a chill run down her spine upon hearing Lin's father's words, and a bad premonition instantly welled up in her heart.
Lin Zhuochi's return this time is definitely not good news. After they left, Xu Hui quickly took out her phone and called Lin Changqing.
After having dinner with his father, Lin Zhuochi left the old Lin family mansion. Looking at the ancient and magnificent mansion, his eyes held undisguised mockery.
Since his mother left, he has never called Lin's father "Dad" again, and he rarely even goes back to the Lin family home.
Currently, the president of the Lin Group is Xu Hui's son. Lin Zhuochi originally had little interest in the family business and only wanted to be a freelance race car driver.
If Xu Hui hadn't used such disgusting methods, he would never have wanted to return to this place that disgusted him.
Since he had driven away the person he loved most, he would take away Xu Hui's most treasured possession.
After the engagement banquet, Lin Zhuochi stayed by his father's side for a long time. His father was very happy, and this scene was very irritating to Xu Hui.
Lin's father held Lin Zhuochi's hand and said with a smile, "Little Zhuochi, I'm getting old. I won't force you. If you want to come back and inherit the family business, just tell me. I've always saved that position for you."
"Dad, I..."
Before he could finish speaking, Lin's father added, "Don't rush to refuse. I know you just want to be a race car driver, but I also heard from your Aunt Xu that you have someone you like. No matter what, you need to provide that girl with a stable future."
Lin Zhuochi's eyes darkened instantly: "Dad, I'll think about it carefully."
Mr. Lin nodded in satisfaction: "Good."
Xu Hui was definitely not going to agree to Lin Zhuochi taking that position directly, and she had a big argument with Lin's father that very night.
Xu Hui looked at Lin's father with resentment: "Changqing has contributed so much to the company over the years, why should that brat be put in that position right away? Where do you put Changqing? Where do you put us, mother and daughter?"
Mr. Lin looked at her coldly: "Just because he is the eldest son of the Lin family, I have already wronged Xuanxuan first, so this position should be left to Lin Zhuochi."
"I'm sorry, Xuanxuan." Xu Hui said as if she had heard a joke, "Now you know how to act all sentimental, where were you before?"
She tugged at her father's sleeve: "I've followed you all these years, bearing all the blame, and what have I gotten in return? How can you be so heartless?"
Lin's father, whose patience was running out, could no longer contain his anger: "Back then, in order to give you a proper wedding, and later to get Changqing into the company, I begged the old man so many times. Now you say you got nothing in return? Don't be ungrateful."
He shook off Xu Hui's hand: "Lin Zhuochi is the only heir of the Lin family. There is no room for negotiation on this matter. This was also the only condition the old man set for letting Ji Changqing join the company."
Upon hearing this, Xu Hui completely broke down, collapsing to the ground. Lin's father glanced at her helplessly and left the villa without a second thought.
After that night, Lin's father moved directly to the old house. Lin Zhuochi also took the opportunity to go back to the old house for a few days. In his spare time, he would accompany the old man and Lin's father to bask in the sun and play chess.
Before Xu Hui could even come looking for him, Lin's father announced his resignation, handing over his position to Lin Zhuochi.
Apart from a small number of Ji Changqing's people who opposed him, Old Master Lin directly warned him, and many people also saw the current situation clearly and chose to support Lin Zhuochi.
"Share the good times, leave the group in times of trouble."
Mu Rong: Lin Zhuochi, at least he still has some conscience. I thought he would give the final inheritance to his illegitimate son.
Shang Yichen: That's impossible. Old Master Lin is still alive. No matter how confused Lin Zhuochi's father is, he understands that the right of inheritance will ultimately go to the eldest son.
Mu Rong: But I have to say, the succession of the eldest son in the Lin family is quite remarkable. Even though Lin's father was clearly not as good as his second brother, the position still ended up in his hands.
Mu Rong: Where are the other two people? They're already asleep before 11 o'clock?
Shang Yichen: Ayou has been busy at the company these past few days. As for Lu Runxu, it's hard to say.
Mu Rong: Needless to say, he's also a workaholic.
When Lu Runxu saw the message, it was already past midnight. Looking at the person in his arms with a rosy complexion, he gently curled the corners of his lips.
Lu Runxu: @Mu Rong, not everyone is like you, married but without a nightlife.
Ten minutes later.
Mu Rong: ...Who said I didn't?
Lu Runxu: I don't know who angered Madam, but she slept in the study for a month.
Mu Rong: ...
Shang Yichen: Hahahaha, Mu Rong, when did you become so humble?
Mu Rong: What do you mean by being humble? Haven't you heard the saying, "Listen to your wife and you'll get rich"?
Lu Runxu: If you have no status, you have no status, yet you still listen to your wife.
Shang Yichen: Loading the goods.
Mu Rong: ...You're sick in the head.
Seeing these messages, Mu Rong became increasingly angry. She looked at the person who was already fast asleep to the side, and unwillingly moved closer to continue her nightlife.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
