C146 Fighting'!

His voice had regained some of its former aloofness.

Zhang Chen arched an eyebrow and said with a smile, "That's the right approach. Besides, you secured this deal. What if your absence causes it to fall through?"

Lin Zhiqing didn't give much credence to his words.

After all, they had discussed everything; only the contract signing remained. Surely, a change in personnel wouldn't derail their partnership.

Yet, Zhang Chen's remarks had stirred the competitive fire within Lin Zhiqing.

She got ready in a no-nonsense fashion and headed straight for the living room.

Her stride was decisive, her silhouette exuding efficiency and competence.

Zhang Chen was immediately struck by a sense of familiarity.

Before long, they reached the ground floor.

Lee Fengqin's voice, tinged with urgency, rang out, "Zhiqing, what are you planning to do?"

Lin Zhiqing replied coolly, "I'm going to see my grandfather. I want some answers."

Lee Fengqin's voice rose with anxiety, "Have you lost your mind? Even if you go, what can you accomplish? The Lin family is under your uncle's control now!"

"Your uncle will surely take your Second Uncle's side!"

"And considering your grandfather's health..."

"This won't benefit your future at all!"

Lin Zhiqing was taken aback.

Zhang Chen grew anxious.

He had finally convinced her to reconsider, and he didn't want Lee Fengqin's words to revert her back to her previous state of mind.

"The credit is rightfully Zhiqing's. She can't accept this injustice, even if she's fired tomorrow."

Zhang Chen countered swiftly.

A complex gleam flickered in Lin Zhiqing's eyes.

Lee Fengqin's anger flared. Her voice, sharp and acidic, filled the air again, "Since when is it your place to dictate the Lin family's affairs?"

"Have you even sorted out your own matters?"

"Zhang Chen, what are you really thinking? How does it benefit you if Zhiqing is fired?"

"What good does it do you if we're thrown out of the Lin family?"

A profound sense of helplessness welled up in Zhang Chen. He said, "This has nothing to do with me. But if things keep going this way, Zhiqing's done for. She'll never be able to hold her head high again!"

Lee Fengqin's fury escalated, and she hissed, "She won't be able to hold her head high? What do you know? Stop spouting nonsense!"

"You talk a good game, but where are the results to show for it?"

"What's with the act? The Lin family doesn't welcome you. Scram!"

With that, she began shoving Zhang Chen away.

Zhang Chen's brow furrowed in frustration.

At a loss for words, Lin Zhiqing's sharp command cut through the tension, "Enough!"

"I've made up my mind. Zhang Chen is right; our family needs this achievement. Why should I just hand it over?"

She swiftly grabbed Zhang Chen's arm and strode towards the exit.

Zhang Chen was taken aback.

He never expected Lin Zhiqing to suddenly take his hand.

It was a first in their history.

Lee Fengqin called out anxiously, "Zhiqing! Don't be rash! Mind your manners!"

She knew there was no stopping Lin Zhiqing once her mind was set.

Though her heart brimmed with discontent, she ultimately directed all her fury at Zhang Chen.

Undeterred, Lin Zhiqing led Zhang Chen to the car.

They quickly departed, heading straight for the Lin's compound.

Five minutes later, they pulled up at the entrance.

Lin Zhiqing stepped out and walked confidently into the courtyard, with Zhang Chen close on her heels.

Throughout the journey, Lin Zhiqing had been wrestling with her thoughts, and now her eyes glinted with a steely resolve.

Zhang Chen noticed several luxury cars parked inside; clearly, Lin Guofeng and Lin Guolong were home.

Lin Zhiqing approached the villa's entrance and knocked.

A middle-aged woman, clad in a housekeeper's attire, answered the door.

"Where's my grandfather?" Lin Zhiqing asked, her tone even.

The housekeeper paused, then with a smile, she said, "Ah, you must be the young miss. Your grandfather is inside. Please, come in."

Without hesitation, Lin Zhiqing entered.

Zhang Chen followed silently.

Inside, he saw the living room was filled with people.

Old Master Lin sat in the place of honor on the sofa. Despite his stooped posture, he looked much healthier.

Lin Guolong, Lin Guofeng, and his daughter were all present.

"Zhiqing, Zhang Chen, you've arrived."

Old Master Lin offered a kindly smile and spoke softly.

A complex expression flickered in Lin Miao's eyes as she gazed intently at Zhang Chen.

Lin Guolong, however, furrowed his brow slightly and asked, "Zhiqing, didn't you request the day off? What brings you here?"

Lin Zhiqing cut to the chase, her voice cool, "Grandfather, there's something I need to discuss."

A flicker of anger crossed Lin Guolong's eyes as he frowned more deeply.

He had been outright ignored!

With a chuckle, Old Master Lin encouraged, "Please, go on."

Zhang Chen leaned silently against a nearby table, patiently awaiting the outcome.

Lin Zhiqing began measuredly, "Grandfather, Second Uncle must have mentioned our recent collaboration with Hongtai Hotel."

Lin Guolong's eyes narrowed slightly, a gesture that didn't escape Zhang Chen's notice.

He hadn't anticipated Lin Guolong's ability to conceal his true nature so well.

But now, it all made sense.

With a son like Lin Junkai, Lin Guolong was bound to be anything but straightforward.

A glint of wisdom shone in Old Master Lin's eyes as he smiled warmly, "This partnership is crucial for the Lin family, and we owe much to your Second Uncle for that."

His gaze lingered on Lin Zhiqing with intention.

Lin Guofeng's fingers lightly drummed the edge of the sofa, absorbing the conversation in silence.

Without delay, Lin Zhiqing pressed on, "Grandfather, while I recognize the benefits of this partnership for our family, I'm not seeking praise. I just want to clarify that I was the one who secured this contract."

Her declaration caused both Lin Guolong and Lin Guofeng to shift uncomfortably.

Old Master Lin's eyebrows arched as he inquired slowly, "Guolong, weren't you the one who claimed to have brokered this deal?"

Though Old Master Lin's voice remained even, it carried an undeniable authority.

Zhang Chen couldn't help but smile.

This was the Lin Zhiqing he knew well—decisive and resolute in her actions.

Anxious, Lin Guolong hurried to clarify, "Father, I did indeed negotiate the contract, but Zhiqing did offer some assistance."

His eyes sought Lin Zhiqing's.

Unfazed, Lin Zhiqing replied icily, "Grandfather, I was solely responsible for negotiating this contract from start to finish."

Old Master Lin settled back into the sofa, his expression thoughtful.

Meanwhile, Zhang Chen's smile broadened subtly.

Clearly, Old Master Lin had already come to understand the situation.