C65 Leaving Home

"Mom, that's really crossing the line..." Zhang Qimo frowned in disapproval, defending Lin Yin. "Remember, Lin Yin is the one who bought this house with his money."

"What do you mean 'Lin Yin bought it'? Didn't I tell you already? Without your help securing him the assistant director position, he wouldn't have been able to afford a house. He'd probably still be a street vendor!" Lu Yahui retorted with a snort, "Besides, isn't the property title in your name?"

"No, Mom, no matter how you look at it, Lin Yin transferred the house to me, and he was the one who paid for it," Zhang Qimo said, feeling quite ashamed. She thought her mother was being truly unreasonable.

Lu Yahui, on the other hand, saw things differently. She felt that Lin Yin buying the house was an expected act of filial piety.

"I've always said that this is the very least Lin Yin could do after mooching off us for two years!" Lu Yahui proclaimed with a sense of moral superiority. "And what's a two million yuan house anyway? Haven't you seen the millions in luxury gifts that Wang Ziwen presented as a token of affection?"

"Daughter, Wang Ziwen is obviously interested in you. If you two end up together, this house worth two million yuan will be insignificant," Lu Yahui said, eyeing the situation for its advantages. "This house is simply our due! Does the trouble Lin Yin has caused our family really amount to such a trivial figure?"

Lin Yin silently shook his head, fully aware of Lu Yahui's love for wealth. It appeared that Wang Ziwen's opulent gifts had only exacerbated her avarice.

"You can't talk like that, Mom. I've only met Wang Ziwen once!" Zhang Qimo replied, feeling helpless.

"He fell for you at first sight. Why else would he give you such expensive gifts so casually? He didn't even seek retribution after being humiliated by Lin Yin," Lu Yahui argued persuasively. "Consider this: you've seen Lin Yin's true nature today. He's not just lacking in ability; he also disregards our family's fate and shamelessly pursues affairs. In a way, Wang Ziwen is indirectly helping you. It's better for you to break away from Lin Yin sooner. Your Second Aunt has even said as much in confidence. Once you join the Wang Family, a life of grandeur awaits you!"

Zhang Qimo bit her lip, choosing to remain silent. She knew her mother was spellbound by the opulent lifestyle and had been swept off her feet by the lavish gifts from Wang Ziwen. At this point, her mother was beyond reach.

"Moreover, Qimo, your father's heart isn't strong, and all these terrifying events at home, especially because of Lin Yin..." Lu Yahui pleaded with genuine concern, "And yet you allow Lin Yin to wander around the house, which infuriates both of us. What if he aggravates your father's condition?"

Conflict was etched on Zhang Qimo's face. She sighed, feeling too embarrassed to even glance at Lin Yin, and with no way to convince her parents, she chose to say nothing more and stormed off to her room.

"Lin Yin, see what you've done? Even Qimo is utterly disappointed in you," Lu Yahui said with a scornful snort.

She looked at Lin Yin dismissively and continued, "The Zhang Family has agreed to hold a family meeting at the ancestral home soon, all because of your actions. Even if we wanted to keep you, it wouldn't be possible."

"Fend for yourself out there and stay out of trouble. In a few days, we'll hold the meeting, pay respects to our ancestors, erase your name from the family records, and your marriage will be officially annulled."

Lin Yin said nothing, dropped the keys on the sofa, and left the house.

"He still has the nerve to be rude to me?" Lu Yahui watched his retreating back with an icy stare.

"At last, the house is tranquil," Lu Yahui sighed contentedly, lounging on the sofa with her legs propped up, snacking on fruit and watching TV. She daydreamed about Qimo marrying into the Wang Family, and herself as the mother-in-law in an affluent home, living comfortably. Zhang Hongjun, Zhang Hongxuan, the First Bro, and Third Bro would all have to treat her with reverence.

Elsewhere, Lin Yin stepped out into the crisp night breeze of Water Garden, the wind sweeping the streets clear of fallen leaves.

Tap, tap.

Lin Yin lit a cigarette, took out his phone, and was about to make a call.

Then, a beep signaled an incoming text message.

Zhang Qimo sent a message of apology on behalf of her parents to Lin Yin, asking him not to hold any grudges and assuring him that she would quickly find a way to return his house. She also advised him to be careful while he was out.

Lin Yin couldn't help but smile as he replied, "No worries, I have some matters to handle myself. Rest easy. Good night, Qimo."

After sending the text, Lin Yin's expression deepened thoughtfully. If Wang Ziwen was looking for trouble, he would find it. But first, Lin Yin needed to secure a place to stay for the night.

He made a call to Jiang Qi, the general manager of Marine Real Estate Company. "Hello, Director Lin. This is Jiang Qi. How can I assist you?" Jiang Qi's voice was polite and mingled with music, indicating he was still entertaining late into the night.

"I'm looking to view a villa and move in tonight. Could you arrange that for me?" Lin Yin requested firmly.

"Of course! No problem at all, Director Lin. I'll personally come over to assist you. Where should I meet you?" Jiang Qi responded eagerly.

"Come to the entrance of Water Garden," Lin Yin directed.

Within five minutes, a white Maserati pulled up to the curb. Jiang Qi, donning a formal black suit, smiled at Lin Yin and politely opened the car door for him.

Lin Yin climbed into the back seat without a word.

The chauffeur started the car, and they sped away down the boulevard.

"Director Lin, my apologies for the wait. I was just finishing up some business," Jiang Qi said apologetically, offering a cigarette.

Lin Yin accepted the cigarette and asked, "What are the top villa communities in Qingyun City?"

Jiang Qi's eyes lit up at the question. "The most exclusive villas are in Snow Dragon Villa. It's a symbol of status and wealth, and not just anyone can buy in—it often requires an auction."

"But don't worry, Director Lin. If you're interested, I'll ensure everything is arranged for you to move in tonight," Jiang Qi added confidently.

As the general manager and a board member of Marine Real Estate Company, Jiang Qi had extensive connections and resources in the real estate industry.

"Let's go to Snow Dragon Villa," Lin Yin said decisively.

"Yes, Zhao, head to Snow Dragon Villa. Inform the property management to prepare a lavish welcome," Jiang Qi commanded with seriousness.