Chapter 61: Arrogance

The next day.

As the city lights began to shine, the Lin family stepped out of their home, impeccably dressed and ready for the evening. The men wore suits with ties; the women with figures donned elegant evening gowns, while those of a certain age—such as the second aunt and her peers—opted for their most extravagant attire, borrowing jewelry from friends when their own was insufficient.

“Big sis, that twelve-million diamond necklace looks stunning. Could I borrow it sometime?” Lin Shuqi cast a jealous glance at the glittering necklace around Lin Shufeng’s neck as they sat in a seven-seater SUV.

Lin Shufeng adored her necklace, named “Unique Beauty.” She had spent the previous night admiring it, and now, unable to resist, kept fiddling with it in the car.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. If something happened to a twelve-million necklace, it wouldn’t be good for either of us,” Lin Shufeng replied with a tone that sounded like advice, but her meaning was clear.

Borrow her necklace? Absolutely out of the question.

Lin Shuqi pouted, then secretly signaled Zhao Minghui when Shufeng wasn’t looking.

Zhao Minghui understood immediately: the gesture meant she wanted him to buy her a necklace. He found Shuqi’s slyness exhilarating, relishing the covert exchange. After a moment’s thought, he gave her an “OK” sign.

With Zhao Minghui’s promise, Lin Shuqi’s mood brightened considerably. Suddenly, she pointed out the window in excitement. “Sis! Everyone, look! Isn’t that Lin Shuyu and that useless Hong Yu at the bus stop?”

“Where? Where?” The others leaned to the window.

“Haha, it is them.”

“How embarrassing, really. It’s the twenty-first century and they can’t even afford a car?”

“They could probably buy one—used cars are cheap—but buying isn’t the same as maintaining. Poor couples have endless woes.”

“Shuyu is a department manager; her salary isn’t bad. She could afford a car, but supporting an extra burden like that loser makes things difficult.”

“Second uncle, don’t drive so fast. We’re about to pass them.”

“Hurry up, let’s go over and say hello, keep in touch with family.”

Lin Jiarong had no real issue with Shuyu’s family, but yesterday’s events had left him furious. As an elder, he’d been shoved by Hong Yu—a younger, live-in son-in-law. He couldn’t let it go.

So, acting as chauffeur, he didn’t stop normally; instead, he sped to the bus stop and performed a flamboyant swerve.

Hong Yu and Lin Shuyu were mid-conversation when the SUV suddenly barreled toward them, startling them both.

Hong Yu quickly pulled Shuyu back several steps, then, seeing the SUV stop, strode over in a rage.

---

Unexpectedly, before Hong Yu could reach the car, the window rolled down.

“Well, well, isn’t that Shuyu and Hong Yu, the useless one?”

“What are you doing here? Waiting for the bus?”

“I know you can’t afford a car, but you could at least take a taxi, right? Or do you lack even that much money?”

“Everyone knows the story. No need to point it out. Shuyu has to save money. Otherwise, how would Hong Yu eat?”

“Oh, I almost forgot—Shuyu has to support a freeloader. Poor thing, really, Shuyu’s the one who suffers most!”

The Lin family poured on the humiliation. After what had happened, they no longer considered Shuyu one of their own. As for Hong Yu, he’d always been their target—a live-in son-in-law, theirs to ridicule at will.

Second aunt, seated by the window, said to Lin Shuqi, “Shuqi, our SUV still has seats. Let Shuyu come aboard—she’s still family, after all. Show some pity.”

Lin Shuqi sneered, “Mom, some people are destined for public transport. Why bother making an effort that won’t be appreciated?”

“And anyway, this SUV costs over a million. We ride it, but those bus-taking paupers shouldn’t.”

Second aunt laughed, “Shuqi’s right. If they dirty the seats, we’ll have to pay for cleaning.”

Mother and daughter bantered happily, and the rest of the Lin clan chimed in from time to time.

Lin Shufeng idly toyed with her diamond necklace, then grew impatient. “Let’s go. No need to waste time on these people.”

“And the air here really is filthy—never mind that they’re used to it, but a whiff makes me uncomfortable.”

Lin Jiarong felt indebted to Zhao Minghui, who had arranged for the family’s release, so he obeyed Zhao and his wife without question.

He sneered, “You two stay here. Trash breathes trash air—it fits.”

With a roar, he floored the accelerator and sped off.

Watching the tail lights disappear, Lin Shuyu fumed, “Did they really come here just to humiliate us?”

“Anyone would think they were driving a Rolls-Royce.”

“And Shufeng is wearing that diamond necklace—I can’t help but feel… it pains me.”

Hong Yu stared coldly into the distance, then turned to smile at Shuyu. “Shuyu, they’re laughing now. But soon, I promise they won’t be.”

---

Outside Tianlan Hotel.

The SUV slowed and rolled to a stop at the entrance.

“Are you guests of the Lin family?” Several men in suits approached as soon as the car stopped, two of them opening the doors.

Lin Shufeng was the first to step out, smiling. “Yes, you must be sent by Chairman Zhang?”

“Yes, Miss Lin, Chairman Zhang is waiting for you in Tian Room One,” replied the apparent leader respectfully.

Lin Shuqi climbed out and looked around. “Where’s my grandfather? I don’t see him.”

The man in the suit answered, “The Lin patriarch arrived earlier. Chairman Zhang has already escorted him into the private suite.”

The Lin family nodded. As the suited men led the way, excitement bubbled in their whispers.

“Tsk, tsk, I never expected our Lin family to have such a grand reception.”

“The Zhangs really want to work with us. By the way, does Tianlan Hotel actually have a Tian Room One? I’ve never heard of it.”

“I think they do, but it only opens for distinguished guests. Maybe we underestimated our family’s influence?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Our Lin family is decent, but nothing special in Fengzhou. Any credit goes to Minghui.”

“Ah, sorry, Minghui, I hope you don’t mind?”

Zhao Minghui was growing nervous. Yesterday, he’d asked his father, who was equally baffled and warned him that the situation was probably much deeper than it seemed—best not to get involved lightly.

Hearing his father’s advice, Zhao Minghui began to regret his involvement.

But now, he had no choice. The Lin family pampered and celebrated him, holding him up as their hope. Without him, he’d have no place in the household.

Seeing Minghui’s unsettled demeanor, Lin Shufeng tugged at his sleeve. “Husband, you’re the star tonight. Try to cheer up.”

Minghui managed a wry smile. “I understand. I’ll do my best.”

Meanwhile, Hong Yu and Lin Shuyu had boarded the bus, heading for Tianlan Hotel as well.