C46 North City Antique Street

"Do we really need to keep such close tabs on each other?" Lin Yin asked with a smile.

"Since I've joined the Zhang Family, you've endured a lot of undeserved hardship and criticism. It's only right that I take care of these matters now," Lin Yin explained.

Zhang Qimo replied earnestly, "These are two separate issues. Making money is hard for everyone, and I've never intended to rely on anyone else for my livelihood."

After a moment's thought, Lin Yin said, "You're at a crucial point in your career where you need to invest money. It's like using good steel for a blade's edge. You can pay me back when you've made it big."

"The way I see it, we're in this together. The more successful your career, the greater my benefit," she added.

Zhang Qimo gave Lin Yin a hesitant look and asked, "Is the money for the house your own savings, or did you actually take it from the company?"

Lin Yin reassured her with a smile, "Don't worry, it's all money I've earned legitimately."

Zhang Qimo didn't pursue the matter further. She knew Lin Yin had his own resources, but they had always kept their finances and networks separate, so she left it at that.

As they conversed, Wu Zheng had driven them to a bustling district in the heart of North City. He turned onto a street steeped in ancient charm and parked the car.

The street, adorned in traditional style, was lined with luxury cars and flanked by towering skyscrapers. Antique Street stood out impressively amidst these modern giants, a testament to Qingyun City's heritage.

Stepping out of the car, they made their way deeper into Antique Street. The street was lined with elegant and quaint shops and lofts, all exuding an old-world charm. The thoroughfare was spotless and devoid of street vendors, reflecting its high quality and cleanliness.

The shops offered an array of goods from jade and jewelry to calligraphy, porcelain, and antiques—a veritable treasure trove.

Lin Yin was well aware that Antique Street was in a league of its own compared to other antique markets. Situated in such a prime, expensive location, opening a shop here required significant capital and connections. Behind nearly every storefront was a wealthy patron.

Antique Street in North City enjoys an excellent reputation as the most professional hub for antiques in Qingyun City. Renowned collectors and affluent connoisseurs from Qingyun City's antique circles are often found frequenting this locale.

Lin Yin and Zhang Qimo strolled for a bit before arriving at a distinctive three-story shop adorned with mahogany and red tiles. Two elegant women in cheongsams stood at the entrance, welcoming guests. Above the door hung a plaque inscribed with "Mingbao House."

Lin Yin couldn't help but notice the array of luxury cars parked nearby Mingbao House, turning heads and clearly indicating the high caliber of clientele the place attracted.

"Qimo, you've arrived? I was just about to call you," a rich, magnetic female voice called out from a short distance away.

A middle-aged couple stepped out of a commercial RV nearby. The man, tall and broad-shouldered, exuded an air of authority and success. The woman, dressed in a chic black dress, retained an air of grace and sophistication, her hands adorned with a string of golden pearls.

"Second Aunt, Uncle," Zhang Qimo greeted them with respect.

This was Lin Yin's first encounter with Qimo's Second Aunt and Uncle. They were strangers to him, so no words were exchanged. However, Lin Yin had previously learned that Qimo's Second Uncle, Wang Zhong, was a figure of considerable stature within the elite circles of Qingyun City. With an exceptional background, he was a key authority within the influential Wang Family.

Wang Zhong was also deeply involved in the antique industry, recognized as a major player and possessing significant influence across various sectors.

Lin Yin recalled hearing about a dispute over the inheritance a year prior, when Master Zhang passed away. Qimo's Second Aunt, Zhang Hongyu, had boldly demanded shares in Zhang's Group or, alternatively, a cash settlement. Despite having been estranged from the Zhang Family for some time, her audacious claim for a portion of the inheritance was unexpected. Wang Zhong intervened, yet he managed to compel Zhang Hongjun and Zhang Hongxuan to acquiesce. They settled with a substantial payment to Zhang Hongyu, a testament to Wang Zhong's formidable clout in Qingyun City.

"Qimo, it's been years since we last met, and you've only grown more beautiful," Wang Zhong said with a faint smile.

"Qimo has always been a beauty, even as a child. She was adored by her family. Just a few years back, she was renowned as one of Qingyun City's most beautiful women," Zhang Hongyu said with a laugh.

"Second Aunt, you're flattering me too much," Zhang Qimo responded with genuine modesty.

Wang Zhong gave Lin Yin a sidelong glance, his face devoid of emotion, yet his eyes betrayed an unmistakable disdain.

"So, you're Lin Yin, aren't you?" Wang Zhong asked in a flat tone.

"Yes," Lin Yin confirmed with a nod.

"You're not bad-looking," Wang Zhong commented dismissively, "but a man must have a solid career. You're not yet worthy of Qimo."

"I'll head upstairs first. You and Qimo should have a thorough talk," Wang Zhong said indifferently to Zhang Hongyu before making his way into Mingbao House.

Zhang Hongyu cleared her throat awkwardly and cast a glance at Lin Yin, her face betraying her discomfort.

"Qimo, I was initially quite opposed to you bringing him along. But I've heard from your mother that exposing him to new experiences could be beneficial, to help him understand his own limitations," Zhang Hongyu stated calmly.

"I have your best interests at heart. Here's my advice: I hope you'll soon part ways with this useless man," Zhang Hongyu said bluntly. "You're the most celebrated jewelry designer in Qingyun City's jewelry industry. And you're so young. In the entire East Sea Province, there's no one as young and talented as you in the jewelry field."

"Don't worry, Qimo. Since your parents have entrusted you to my care, I'll make sure to introduce you to Qingyun City's high society. Just follow my lead, and I'll ensure your reputation soars. You're destined to become the greatest jewelry designer in East Sea Province!" Zhang Hongyu assured her.

Lin Yin inwardly shook his head at Zhang Hongyu's words. Qimo's designs had already fetched a staggering hundred million. He had once helped Qimo gain exposure in major media outlets. She was now a renowned jewelry designer and had long outgrown the need for such assistance.

"Thank you for valuing me," Zhang Qimo said graciously.

"We're all family here, so there's no need for formalities," Zhang Hongyu said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

Her gaze then turned icy as she fixed her eyes on Lin Yin. "Lin Yin, your reputation precedes you. You're infamously known as a pushover, a laughingstock of the Zhang Family. I can't fathom why my father ever saw something in you, to let you marry into our family and wed Qimo."

"Now that the Old Master has passed away, First Bro and Third Bro are running the family affairs, and they seem indifferent to this situation," Zhang Hongyu stated, assuming the role of a family matriarch. "Since I'm looking after Qimo now, it's my responsibility to handle this matter. I won't allow her to endure any hardships with you!"

With an authoritative air, Zhang Hongyu continued, "I've heard you're working as Qimo's assistant at Zhang's Group, correct? When you head upstairs later, remember to introduce yourself solely as Qimo's assistant. And from now on, you must never claim to be Qimo's husband in public. Have I made myself clear?"