Chapter 39: The older brother seizes power, slapping everyone in the face and shattering their worldview...
In April, Lake Como's azure waters reflect the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, while Renaissance villas stand by the water, resembling scattered pearls in the afternoon sun.
Birds flew by, their snow-white feathers swirling as they landed on the rooftop of one of the three-hundred-year-old villas.
In the small hall draped with Frascati curtains, Venetian crystal chandeliers diffused the light into a warm, honey-colored hue.
"These are our thoughts on the next season's clothing."
After finishing his speech, the man sitting at the head of the negotiating table calmly and composedly swept his gaze over the people around him.
The Italian-style suit accentuated his tall and straight figure; he was none other than Lin Siyi, wearing a tailor-made navy blue Zegna suit.
Lin Suxing sat beside him, wearing a high-quality light gray turtleneck cashmere sweater. Her delicate features appeared soft and refined in the gentle light.
Across the table sat Matteo Bglioni, the Italian fabric tycoon. This meticulously groomed elderly man had just finished listening to the Lin brothers' proposal for a new season collaboration.
“We will cleverly embellish the collar of our Loro Piana cashmere lining with the ‘illusory and real needle’ technique of Suzhou embroidery…” Mr. Blioni slowly repeated the core of the proposal, his fingertips lightly tapping the exquisite letter of intent on the table.
His deep gaze swept over Lin Suxing again, with scrutiny and a hint of barely perceptible appreciation.
After a moment of silence, the serious lines on his face softened, and he nodded: "This idea is ingenious. It doesn't destroy the beauty of the fabric itself, but gives the wearer a kind of 'inner strength.' Mr. Lin Suxing, your vision is very unique."
Upon hearing this, Lin Suxing's clear eyes brightened slightly. He maintained a polite smile and replied softly, "Thank you for your recognition, Mr. Bliony."
“This reminds me of your grandfather,” Mr. Blioni said with a touch of nostalgia, pointing to an old photograph on the wall. It showed two people of Asian descent with an Italian businessman at the dock. “When he came to us for collaboration, he always came up with some brilliant ideas. That courage to blend East and West is the soul of your family brand ‘Lin Heritage’.”
He leaned forward slightly and made his decision: "Alright. Based on this wonderful proposal and the generations-long friendship between our two families, I agree to renew the contract with 'Lin Heritage'. Now, let's finalize the exclusive supply volume and contract details for next quarter."
Lin Siyi clenched her fist under the pine table, barely able to contain her excitement!
Surprisingly... the deal was actually reached.
This realization only truly settled in my mind at this moment, carrying with it an almost unreal sense of relief.
This is not the first time Lin Siyi has negotiated with the Blyoni family about whether to terminate the contract.
No one knew better than him how stiff and awkward the atmosphere was during the last meeting with the representatives sent by the Blyoni family.
The statement, "We need to reassess the prospects of our collaboration with your brand; the current 'Lin Heritage' no longer seems to fit our positioning," was like an ultimatum, prompting him to prepare for the worst for a whole week.
He originally thought that by coming in person this time, he could at most get a more dignified way of "breaking up" or an extremely harsh contract renewal.
He was prepared for a protracted war and to pay a heavy price.
But Su Xing... he only proposed an idea about combining Suzhou embroidery with cashmere, a plan that wasn't even very mature... and Mr. Bryoni actually...
He turned his head slightly and glanced at his younger brother, who was quietly gazing out the window beside him, out of the corner of his eye.
The boy's delicate profile appeared exceptionally serene in the flowing light and shadow, as if he had only done something insignificant.
Was it because the idea was truly ingenious, striking a chord with the dedication of old-school craftsmen like Mr. Blioni to "tradition and innovation"? Or was it...?
A more sentimental thought quietly emerged.
Was it the child himself who brought this unexpected good fortune?
Like a refreshing breeze, it dispelled the gloom that had been hanging over the Lin family for so long.
This younger brother, whom he had lost and then found, seems to be subtly changing some seemingly established facts in a way that he doesn't yet fully understand.
Perhaps... Su Xing really is our Lin family's lucky star.
This idea finally allowed Lin Siyi's nerves, which had been tense for several days, to relax a little, and a very faint but real smile unconsciously appeared on her lips.
***
As evening fell, Lake Como gradually sank into twilight, and the snow-capped peaks of the distant Alps were bathed in a gentle rose gold by the setting sun.
Lin Suxing and Lin Siyi strolled side by side along the path at the foot of the mountain, the air filled with the crisp scent of grass, trees, and snowmelt.
"Su Xing, we really owe you a lot this time." Lin Siyi stopped and turned to look at her younger brother. Her usually calm eyes were filled with undisguised praise and satisfaction. "You did your brother a great favor and saved a very important cornerstone of the family brand."
He took a deep breath, his tone becoming somewhat serious: "You may not know, but the Blioni family, our core fabric supplier for 'Lin Heritage,' has been considering not renewing the contract and instead supplying all top-tier fabrics to the LVMH Group because of my father... well, because in recent years, in pursuit of listing and scale, my father blindly opened up affordable secondary lines and used a large amount of non-top-tier fabrics, which seriously damaged the brand's long-standing 'niche high-end luxury' image."
“Being backed by a giant like LVMH is definitely more secure for them,” Lin Siyi continued, the mountain breeze ruffling his black hair. “I originally thought this negotiation would be very difficult, and I was even prepared for failure. I didn’t expect that because of the integration idea you proposed, they agreed to continue cooperating with us so quickly. This really surprised me, and I am also… very happy.”
This was the first time he had brought his younger brother into negotiations for core business, and he achieved such a crucial victory. This not only preserved the family's lifeline but also allowed him to see the potential hidden within his brother.
The evening breeze at the foot of the Alps, carrying the crisp scent of cedar trees, swept across the tranquil lake.
As the cool, crisp mountain breeze blew, Lin Siyi looked at her intelligent and reliable younger brother and finally revealed the thought that had been brewing in her heart for a long time: "After this incident, I am even more determined. I plan to go back and do my best to persuade Father that we can no longer overdraw the reputation and foundation of 'Lin Heritage' for short-term gains. We must stick to the route of doing only high-end customization and niche luxury, which is the foundation of the Lin family."
His gaze was fixed on the majestic Alps, his eyes resolute, as if he were ready to face another tough battle within the family.
This time, he has a younger brother by his side who can fight alongside him.
Lin Siyi gazed at the distant mountain ridgeline sinking into twilight, his profile appearing particularly sharp and defined in the dimming light. He remained silent for a moment before turning to Lin Suxing, his deep eyes filled with complex emotions.
“Su Xing,” he said in a low voice, “there is something your brother needs to apologize to you for.”
He unconsciously tapped the birch trunk beside him with his knuckles, the deep lines on the bark digging into his fingertips.
“Our original travel plans will have to be put on hold for now.” He paused, and seeing the disappointment in his brother’s eyes, his heart sank even further. “We must go straight back to the French estate.”
Lin Suxing noticed that her brother's fingertips, which were tapping the tree trunk, were slightly white.
“Just a few days while you were preparing for the audition for ‘I Am Immortal,’ something happened at home.” Lin Siyi’s gaze fell on the last glimmer of light on the lake. “Your father and mother officially filed for divorce.”
He took a deep breath, the crisp mountain air stinging his lungs.
“The matter has reached my grandparents. My father flew to France this afternoon,” Lin Siyi said, her lips tightening. “I’m worried he won’t be able to handle the illegitimate child issue.”
The last sentence was spoken very softly, but Lin Suxing could see the taut muscles on her brother's neck.
"I'm sorry," Lin Siyi finally turned her gaze back, her eyes filled with tired apology, "I just said I would take you to relax, and now I have to make you face all this again."
Lin Suxing took a half step forward and grasped her brother's cold wrist. The birch trees rustled behind him.
“It’s alright,” he shook his head, his gaze clear and firm. “I understand your desire to protect this family, brother. Can we rush back now? When will his flight arrive tonight?”
"...We can make it." Lin Siyi patted his head, feeling increasingly guilty towards her sensible younger brother.
Once he has dealt with these annoying family disputes and business matters, he will definitely make time to travel with his younger brother.
As dusk completely enveloped the foothills, the last rays of sunlight illuminated the intertwined figures of the two brothers.
***
A black-winged raven took flight from an ancient oak grove, soaring over the enclosed forest, its skies a tapestry of autumnal hues of gold, red, and deep green.
Beyond the forest's edge, a meticulously arranged and magnificent French-style garden unfolds like a green carpet.
The garden features intricate embroidered patterns formed by meticulously manicured boxwood hedges, interspersed with classical sandstone sculptures and tranquil circular fountain pools.
At the end of the garden, the core building of the manor stands majestically.
It was a typical Renaissance-style mansion, its light honey-colored limestone walls gleaming warmly in the setting sun.
The towering, dark gray slate roofs are adorned with decorative chimneys and dormer windows, their steep slopes a classic feature of French architecture.
A crow traced an arc in the air and flew toward the side of the main building. There, a three-tiered terraced garden was built following the gentle slope of the land, connected by an ornate double-run staircase.
On the lowest terrace, a unique ornamental vegetable garden comes into view, with nine square flower beds edged with dwarf boxwood, resembling colorful chessboards.
Finally, it folded its wings and landed on the open window frame.
"Enough!"
Mr. Lin Dechang, seated in a Louis XV-era gilded armchair, slammed his mahogany cane heavily on the ground, the dull thud echoing like thunder in the high-ceilinged hall.
His stern gaze swept over his son, who was poised to fight, while his aged hands, clenched in a fist, trembled slightly.
Lin Yuan's chest heaved violently. Completely ignoring his father's angry rebuke, he stared at him with bloodshot eyes, his voice hoarse with extreme rage: "What right do you have to act like a father to me here?! You did such a disgraceful thing, bringing this kind of woman and bastard into the house, how can you face my mother?! How can you face Isabella?!"
"How dare you!" Lin Dechang's face turned ashen with anger at his son's direct address of his wife by her given name and his blatant disrespect. "Is this how you talk to me? Where is your manners?!"
Jenna, who had been cowering beside the old man, dressed in a well-tailored but still somewhat worldly outfit, immediately seized the opportunity to shine.
She gently took the old man's arm, her voice soft yet clearly provocative: "Yuan-ge, how can you talk to Dad like that? No matter what, he's still an elder..."
Her pretentious act of acting as if she were the lady of the house instantly extinguished Lin Yuan's last shred of reason.
He abruptly turned the gun towards her, his finger almost touching Jenna's nose, and his harsh words sprayed out like venom: "Shut up! You bitch! Who do you think you are to speak here? A whore who will lay her legs on any man for money and to climb the social ladder, dares to point fingers at my Lin family?!"
He became increasingly agitated as he spoke, then suddenly seemed to remember something, and turned to the ashen-faced old man in an extremely sarcastic and mocking tone, saying, "Oh, right, my dear father. This 'pure and innocent' and 'understanding' Miss Jenna beside you, before climbing into your bed, she fawned over your son quite a bit! The first time she saw me, she kept throwing me flirtatious glances and even invited me aboard her private yacht to see her new glow-in-the-dark swimsuit... She even said she wanted to play glow-in-the-dark poker with me in bed!"
"Cough cough...you...what nonsense are you talking about!" Old Master Lin Dechang was so shocked by this sudden green hat that he coughed violently, almost choking on his own saliva, and his wrinkled face instantly turned red.
"I didn't! Darling, don't listen to his slander!" Jenna's face changed drastically, and she denied it sharply. She grabbed the old man's arm tightly, tears welling up in her eyes, looking as if she had suffered a great injustice. "Lin Yuan, he... he's just unhappy with himself, so he wants to slander me and throw mud at me. Husband, he's trying to sow discord between us!"
Looking at Jenna, who was in his arms with tears streaming down her face and speaking with unwavering conviction, and then glancing at his son, who seemed to be going crazy and was talking nonsense, the old man's heart tipped almost without hesitation in favor of the former.
His gaze toward Lin Yuan was filled with distrust and disgust: "Lin Yuan! You're acting improperly yourself, and you want to drag others down with you? You're hopeless!"
Earlier, when Mr. Lin Dechang wanted Lin Yuan to stop the mass-marketing and vulgar marketing of the brand, the two had a fierce argument.
The argument ended with Lin Yuan's stubbornness and complete disregard for the old man's earnest advice.
From that time on, Old Master Lin was completely disappointed in his son.
He wished he had never had this son!
His father's undisguised favoritism and complete denial of his own character were like the last straw, utterly crushing Lin Yuan.
Years of pent-up discontent, career setbacks, and the fear of having their self-worth completely negated erupted at this moment.
"I'm hopeless?! Fine! Fine!" He laughed angrily, took a step forward, and roughly ripped Jenna aside, who was blocking the old man's way.
Jenna gasped in surprise and was suddenly thrown to the ground, looking utterly disheveled.
Lin Yuan stopped looking at her. He leaned forward, his hands gripping the armrests of the old man's chair. His bloodshot eyes were fixed on his father's cloudy yet still sharp eyes. His voice trembled with extreme anger and a near-desperate sorrow:
"Tell me! Haven't you disliked me for a long time?! Haven't you thought I was a good-for-nothing, incapable of carrying on the Lin family's business?! That's why you created this bastard child, just waiting for the day you could use him to replace me?! Isn't that right?!"
He finally roared out the question that was deepest in his heart, the one that he feared most and cared about most, the core issue that had completely "broken down" him.
The living room was deathly silent, save for his heavy, painful breathing and Jenna's soft sobs as she lay on the floor.
*
In the French countryside in late autumn, a sleek, all-gold Alfa Romeo 4C Collezione GT sports car rips through the tranquility of the tree-lined avenue outside the estate like a sharp lightning bolt.
The wheels kicked up a few withered maple leaves, and with a precise and clean drift, came to a steady stop in front of the grand gate of the main house.
The car door swung open, and Lin Siyi stepped out first. He wore a perfectly tailored dark blue wool coat, with a restrained tomato-red turtleneck sweater peeking out from the collar.
The man's brow was furrowed, and he quickened his pace after hearing the faint roar coming from inside the building!
Lin Suxing, who was right behind him, exchanged a glance with him. Without saying a word, they quickly walked through the corridor and headed straight for the living room where a fierce argument was taking place.
The argument in the living room continued, and the three people at the center of the storm did not notice Lin Siyi's arrival. Instead, it was the old butler, who was pacing back and forth at the door, who noticed them: "Young Master Siyi, you're finally back!"
The old butler, who was at his wits' end and didn't know how to mediate the fight, was now overflowing with emotion and immediately grasped Lin Siyi's hand: "They're arguing, please try to mediate!"
Having said that, he immediately turned around and shouted in a loud voice, "Master, Siyi is back! Siyi is back!"
In an instant, the argument in the living room seemed to be muted. Lin Yuan, the old man, and Jenna all turned their heads and looked in the direction of the old housekeeper.
Lin Siyi stood tall at the door, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable power: "Grandpa, Father, please calm down."
Lin Yuan, who had been arguing and blushing, was overjoyed when he saw Lin Siyi!
He felt as if he had wings. With Lin Siyi by his side in today's game, he was sure he could successfully drive that shameless woman and bastard out of the manor!
However, Mr. Lin Dechang, who was sitting upright on the French sofa in the main seat, seemed not to have heard his eldest grandson's words at all.
His eyes, which had been sharp as a hawk's due to his rage, were now fixed on the young man beside Lin Siyi, and all the expressions on his face froze and faded in an instant.
The soft light filtering through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room enveloped Lin Suxing perfectly.
The boy's skin was so fair it was almost translucent, and the unique blend of determination and compassion in his eyes was exactly the same as that of Isabella, the lady from a French noble family who was the embodiment of elegance and kindness, in his memory when she was young.
His smooth facial contours and full lips perfectly recreated the stunning beauty and radiance of Jiang Heyun when she first entered the Lin family.
The old man's withered fingers, gripping the mahogany cane, trembled slightly uncontrollably.
Lin Siyi keenly noticed his grandfather's discomposure. He stepped forward at the opportune moment and introduced him in a clear and solemn tone: "Grandpa, this is Lin Suxing, whom I mentioned to you on the phone before. Our Lin family's bloodline, which has been lost for many years, has only recently been officially found."
He paused, then continued speaking slowly and deliberately: "He is my own younger brother, and also your... real grandson."
Mr. Lin Dechang seemed to be struck in the heart by these words; his lips moved slightly, but he couldn't utter a sound immediately.
He seemed utterly exhausted, yet also desperately seeking confirmation of some lost treasure, as he slowly raised his trembling hand towards the boy in the halo of light, his voice hoarse beyond recognition:
“Child…come closer to me, let Grandpa…take a good look at you.”
These brief words, like a muffled thunderclap, silently exploded in the living room, which had just been filled with the smell of gunpowder.
Lin Yuan forgot to roar, and Jenna, who had fallen to the ground, forgot to perform. They both watched as the tall young man slowly walked towards Old Master Lin.
Lin Suxing followed his instructions and stepped forward, stopping a few steps away from the old man. She bowed slightly and, with a clear voice carrying just the right amount of respect, called out, "Grandpa."
This sound made Old Master Lin Dechang's heart tremble.
He scrutinized the boy so close to him, and the more he looked, the more alarmed he became.
The charm in his eyes and brows, the lines of his nose, and even the slight stubbornness revealed when he purses his lips, all seem to have been imprinted from his wife Isabella and his beautiful daughter-in-law Jiang Heyun, blending into a unique, clean, and resilient temperament belonging to this young man.
"Good, good child..." the old man murmured, his sharp eyes replaced by a complex tenderness.
Just then, Lin Siyi, who was standing to the side, casually mentioned in his usual calm tone: "The fact that we were able to successfully renew the contract with the Blyoni family and retain our most important fabric channel for 'Lin Heritage' was largely due to Su Xing's innovative idea of incorporating the Suzhou embroidery technique of 'virtual and real stitches' into top-quality cashmere."
Upon hearing this, the old man raised his gray eyebrows slightly, and his gaze toward Lin Suxing was filled with undisguised appreciation and satisfaction.
This is not just a resemblance in appearance, but also a transmission of abilities and spiritual energy!
"Siyi! Stop talking, we need to get down to business!" Lin Yuan, who had been ignored for a long time, couldn't help but interrupt the warm moment between the group.
He thought his eldest son was there to support him, but seeing Lin Siyi busy catching up with the old man, he finally couldn't wait any longer and called out.
The middle-aged man's fighting spirit was rekindled. Pointing at the pale-faced Jenna and the two-year-old child in her arms who was too frightened to make a sound, he shouted sternly, "Quickly! Let's get this woman and this bastard from who-knows-where out of the house! Let her and her bastard get out of our Lin family!!"
This rude roar completely interrupted the warm first meeting between the old man and his grandson.
Lin Dechang's face instantly darkened. He glared at his son with displeasure and gripped his cane tightly: "Nonsense! Nuonuo is also my bloodline! What right do you have to make him leave?"
"Bloodline? Based on the child of this woman who has slept with who knows how many men?!" Lin Yuan was so enraged by his father's favoritism that he completely lost his mind. He roared furiously and rushed forward, reaching out to grab the child in Jenna's arms. It looked as if he wanted to pick up the toddler and throw him out!
"Sir! Please calm down!" The old butler, who had been standing silently by the side, reacted quickly, stepping aside to block Jenna and the child, thus stopping Lin Yuan's movements.
But the elderly butler was no match for Lin Yuan, who was in a frenzied state. When Jenna saw that the butler couldn't hold on, she immediately screamed and ran behind Mr. Lin: "Oh my God! My God! Darling, he's trying to kill us!"
The baby in Jenner's arms was already crying loudly because of the noisy argument around them. Now, Jenner pinched the baby's tender little arm hard to get the old man's pity, and the baby cried even louder: "Waaaaaah! Wa ...
The scene was extremely chaotic at one point.
Lin Siyi took a deep breath. Instead of trying to appease his furious father, he turned to his grandfather, whose face was ashen. His tone was calm to the point of being almost cruel, and he went straight to the heart of the matter: "Grandpa, Father is so agitated because he is worried about your future distribution of property and that you will undermine his and his lineage's right to inherit the inheritance."
He looked sharply at the old man, as if he already had a plan in mind: "You insist on keeping this child by your side, even at the cost of breaking with your father. Can you tell me your plan?"
These words, like a scalpel, precisely dissected the hidden pain that Lin Dechang had always been unwilling to speak of.
He seemed drained of all his strength, slumping back in his chair. After a long silence, he wearily admitted, "Yes... I'm afraid... I'm afraid that the hard work of generations of the Lin family, the golden brand of 'Lin Heritage,' will be ruined by that little beast's short-sighted pursuit of quick success! I'm afraid that after I close my eyes, I will have no face to meet the ancestors of the Lin family!"
These words, spoken with deep sorrow, indirectly acknowledged his extreme disappointment in Lin Yuan.
The living room was silent, save for Lin Yuan's heavy, unwilling breathing.
In the oppressive silence, Lin Siyi stepped forward. His tall figure stood in the center of the living room, his gaze calm yet firm as he looked at Old Master Lin, and he spoke clearly, word by word:
“Since you have this concern, and your father may not understand your good intentions at the moment.” He paused, then said firmly, “From now on, I will take over the family affairs, especially the management and planning of ‘Lin Heritage’.”
Lin Siyi's words were exactly what Mr. Lin Dechang wanted to hear.
Looking at his calm, capable, and determined eldest grandson, and then thinking of his child, who was still learning to speak and was named Lin Nuonuo, as well as the reality that he and his wife Isabella were old and frail, the idea that had been on his mind for so long finally became within reach.
The illegitimate children are too young, they are too old, and Lin Yuan…
He glanced at his son, who seemed to have gone mad, and could only sigh in his heart; he was indeed utterly useless.
Several years ago, he did consider letting Lin Siyi take over in advance, but at that time, this outstanding grandson declined on the grounds that he "wanted to go to North America to gain experience and accumulate knowledge, and dared not take over the heavy responsibility of the family rashly."
Now, the time is ripe. Lin Siyi has volunteered, possessing the ability, prestige, and even the courage to prioritize the overall situation, making him the best candidate to take over the reins.
"Good! Good! Siyi, with your words, Grandpa is relieved!" A rare look of relief appeared on the old man's face. He gripped his cane tightly, almost ready to make a decision on the spot.
However, at that moment, Lin Yuan, who had just been persuaded to return by the old butler and was standing at the door panting heavily, clearly heard the conversation between his father and eldest son.
They actually dared to openly "plot" how to kick him out of the core of power right in front of him, completely ignoring his existence and feelings!
"You...you...!" Lin Yuan felt as if all the blood in his body rushed to his head, and his vision went black.
His last shred of reason snapped, and he let out a roar that was not human, like a wild beast driven to the brink of despair, and lunged at the old man... or rather, at Lin Siyi and Lin Suxing in front of the old man!
"Grandpa! Watch out!" Lin Suxing was the closest. Seeing his father rushing over like a madman, he didn't think twice and stepped aside to block his seated grandfather.
"Bang!" A heavy fist, filled with all of Lin Yuan's anger and humiliation, slammed into Lin Suxing's thin shoulder blade. The boy groaned, his face turning deathly pale with pain, but he gritted his teeth and did not back down.
"You unfilial son! How dare you!" The old man was shocked and furious, and suddenly stood up.
But this is just the beginning.
Having succeeded in his attack, Lin Yuan's bloodshot eyes swept over the coffee table next to him, and he grabbed the heavy Baccarat crystal ashtray inlaid with gold patterns!
The hard crystal refracted a cold, dazzling light under the lamp, and a golden light was drawn along the arc of Lin Yuan's arm as he swung it!
"You all forced me to do this!!" he roared, raising his arm high and swinging the heavy crystal ashtray fiercely at Lin Suxing, who was still protecting his grandfather!
Time seemed to stretch out infinitely at that moment.
The crystal object, carrying the power of madness and destruction, drew a deadly arc in the air with a whistling sound, and was about to crash heavily into Lin Suxing's beautiful but bloodless face!
-----------------------
Author's Note: [Winking face] Actually, the success of the negotiation also has something to do with my husband, though Xingxing doesn't know that yet.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
