C141 Do You Think You Deserve It?

"First Elder, may I ask what you require of me now?" Ning Zongbao's anxiety intensified when Lin Yin remained silent.

Ning Zongbao was startled when Ning Que identified Lin Yin as the First Elder. He hastily phoned Hu Canghai to inquire further, then sought confirmation from Old Master Ning Taiji, only to discover that it was indeed the truth.

He was terrified, realizing the foolishness of his actions in assisting Wang Chengdao against the First Elder.

Thus, Ning Zongbao hurriedly approached Ning Que with utmost politeness to obtain Lin Yin's contact information. He incessantly ingratiated himself with Lin Yin and even went so far as to threaten Wang Chengdao.

"Where have you placed Ning Que?" Lin Yin inquired indifferently.

Ning Que had served him with unwavering loyalty; he could not allow him to be mistreated.

"Rest assured, First Elder, I will take good care of Ning Que. He is currently in Imperial City, serving as the chairman of a Ning Family company. The foundation of this company will not be inferior to his previous one," Ning Zongbao assured him, mopping the sweat from his brow.

He silently accused Ning Que of being devious. Ning Que was well aware of the First Elder's status yet had deliberately withheld this information, currying favor with Lin Yin in secret.

This maneuver had left Ning Zongbao in an awkward position within the Ning Family.

Nonetheless, Ning Zongbao believed his abilities surpassed Ning Que's. He was confident that with superior performance, he would surely gain the First Elder's recognition and admiration.

As a prominent figure of the Ning Family's second generation in Imperial City, Ning Zongbao understood the significance of the First Elder and the means by which Lin Yin had attained his position.

Decades ago, the Ning Family of Imperial City nearly faced annihilation. It was Old Master Ning Taiji who sought the help of the previous First Elder, who single-handedly averted disaster and saved the Ning Family from the brink of extinction. Following that, the previous First Elder vanished. However, the Old Master had established a family decree: any descendant of the First Elder must be revered as an ancestor by the Ning Family.

"I do not wish for Ning Que to be wronged," Lin Yin stated icily.

He harbored no favorable impressions of Ning Zongbao.

Regardless of whether Ning Zongbao acted intentionally or unintentionally, knowingly or unknowingly, his behavior had indirectly resulted in Qimo's abduction by the Wang Family.

If he dared to continue oppressing Ning Que, who was working for him, he would surely face punishment.

"Rest assured, First Elder, I will take good care of Ning Que. After all, he is my nephew," Ning Zongbao said, mopping his brow.

"First Elder, should you have any instructions in the future, please feel free to call me directly," Ning Zongbao spoke with reverence. "The Old Master would like to meet with you. If possible, he is willing to travel to East Sea Province to see you in person."

Lin Yin's brow furrowed slightly, but he offered no further comment.

He had met Ning Taiji only once in his childhood, and the Old Master held a lofty status within Dragon Country. His contributions were no less significant than those of his grandfather, Qi Wending, and they were of the same generation.

Why would he want to come to East Sea Province to see him now that he was so old? Could it be that the Ning Family was facing a problem they couldn't solve?

"Tell the Old Master that I am available anytime in East Sea Province," Lin Yin said calmly.

Since Ning Taiji was making the effort to visit, Lin Yin felt obliged to extend him the courtesy, especially considering the close relationship the Old Master had with his mentor.

"I will convey your message to the Old Master. I won't take up any more of your time," Ning Zongbao said respectfully.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Yin closed his eyes to meditate.

The Ning Family's situation was undoubtedly complex, and the issues with the Wen Family were still unresolved. The number of matters requiring his attention seemed to be mounting.

Soon after, Wu Zheng arrived at Snow Dragon Villa. He opened the car door, and Lin Yin, accompanied by Zhang Qimo, walked back to the villa.

Upon their return, Lin Yin's frown deepened as he surveyed the disarray in the living room. Various styles of shoes were strewn about, and an unpleasant odor pervaded the space, detracting from its ambiance.

The mismatched Western-style furniture in the living room was particularly jarring to him.

"Qimo, what happened to the furniture I had purchased?" Lin Yin inquired.

"You mean that cheap furniture you picked up? I tossed it in the trash long ago. Since you're living in this upscale villa with my daughter, you shouldn't be buying furniture that's only worth a few hundred yuan."

At that moment, a sharp and spiteful voice rang out.

Lu Yahui, adorned in opulence, looked at Lin Yin with a smug expression.

"Where have you been all this time? You come back and immediately start asking about furniture. Have you no shame?" Lu Yahui said haughtily, "Good timing, though. Now that you're back, your father-in-law and I need to discuss something with you."

"Is this the Lin Yin you were talking about?" Suddenly, a young woman in scant attire on the sofa scrutinized Lin Yin with a look of contempt.

"You have no right to marry my cousin. You're not worthy of her. The total value of your clothes probably doesn't even exceed five hundred dollars," the young woman remarked disdainfully.

Zhang Qimo's face soured as she interjected, "Lu Wei, watch your language; he's your brother-in-law."

"But he's not good enough for you," Lu Wei continued unabashedly.

Just then, another figure appeared: a flamboyantly dressed young man with earrings and a head of bleached hair, descending the stairs with an exaggerated air. He cradled a girl in his arms, who also sported an alternative style. He glanced at Lin Yin with scorn and said, "So this is Lin Yin? He looks so useless. Now that you're rolling in money, you should divorce him quickly."

"Lu Xiaojian, shut your mouth!" Zhang Qimo snapped, then turned to Lin Yin with an apologetic gaze.

She whispered to him, "Lin Yin, they're relatives on my mother's side; that's my cousin and his girlfriend."

"I understand," Lin Yin replied, his face betraying no emotion as he regarded Lu Wei and Lu Xiaojian.

"What do you understand? Are you upset? This villa was a gift from the company to my daughter, and you have no claim to it. I have every right to let my relatives stay here," Lu Yahui retorted coldly, then addressed Zhang Qimo, "Qimo, there's no need to explain anything to him. We're already being generous by letting him stay."

"Lin Yin, please, keep your cool for my sake," Zhang Qimo murmured into his ear, gripping his hand tightly.

She had seen Lin Yin's formidable temper flare up at the Wang Family's place and was genuinely worried that he might lose control and lash out at her relatives.

Lin Yin offered a reassuring smile. "I'll head upstairs for now. Let's go out for dinner later, you've had quite a shock with all that's happened."

Zhang Qimo nodded her head dutifully in agreement.

Continuing, Lin Yin made his way to the third floor, not sparing Lu Yahui and her relatives so much as a glance.

He deemed them unworthy of his personal attention—mere clowns beneath his concern.