C70 Going to the Door to Ask for Punishment

"Lawyer's letter?" Lin Yin said with interest, picking up the document from the table and beginning to read.

The letter was from Wang's law firm, alleging that Lin Yin had maliciously damaged an antique belonging to their client, Wang Ziwen, valued at 60 million yuan. The antique in question was a pair of porcelain bottles from the official kiln of the Wei State during the Ming Dynasty. They intended to sue Lin Yin for sixty million yuan in damages for the antique, ten million for emotional distress, ten million for reputational damage, and ten million for legal fees.

The total demanded compensation was a staggering 100 million yuan.

And the wording was exceedingly formal.

Among the pile of documents, there were not only the lawyer's letters but also certificates of authenticity signed by the Qingyun City Porcelain Collectors Association, the Antique Appraisal Association, and various renowned collection experts.

Lin Yin felt like laughing and shook his head in disbelief.

Wang Ziwen had accused him of buying fake antiques for 30 million yuan, and now he wanted Lin Yin to pay double that amount? And he was claiming damages for reputation loss?

His reputation in the Qingyun City collecting circles was already non-existent.

He was truly shameless.

"Lin Yin, you good-for-nothing, do you get it? This lawyer's letter was circulated throughout the company first thing in the morning," Zhang Hongjun said sternly, "Yesterday, you intentionally damaged Young Master Wang's personal property at Mingbao House. Such actions are a smear on our company's name! You're bringing shame upon the Zhang Family!"

"It's not just embarrassing; he's practically a curse!" Zhang Hongxuan interjected without mincing words, "Now, the young master of the Wang Family is even preparing to hold a press conference to address the issue. This incident has had a tremendously negative impact and has severely tarnished our company's reputation."

Lin Yin responded coolly, "Anyone with eyes can see the truth of this matter. This is my personal issue. What does it have to do with you?"

"You're so full of yourself. How does it not concern us?" Zhang Hongjun was so furious that he burst out laughing.

Lin Yin was the Zhang Family's son-in-law and was considered a pushover. But Zhang Hongjun had never expected such insolence from Lin Yin, especially towards an elder and the current patriarch of the Zhang Family.

Shouldn't Lin Yin be respectful and speak humbly to him?

"Someone like Lin Yin actually managed to infiltrate the upper echelons and become a director's assistant. He's even been served with a lawyer's notice. He's facing a lawsuit."

"I've seen the lawyer's notice. The Wang Family's Young Master is demanding a hundred million from him. With the Young Master's resources, Lin Yin doesn't stand a chance in this lawsuit!"

"Lin Yin is done for. He can't even come up with 10 million, let alone 100 million. I bet he'll be kicked out of the company soon."

"And it's not just the company he's been thrown out of. Haven't you heard? He's been kicked out of his own home, too. He'll be homeless before we know it."

The senior management from Zhang Hongxuan's faction began to mock his misfortune.

"Elder Uncle, Third Uncle, what's happening?"

The commotion outside caught Zhang Qimo's attention. She rushed out of her office, her expression filled with concern as she looked at Lin Yin.

"Good, Qimo, you're just in time. I was about to call you out," Zhang Hongjun said sternly. "Go see the mess this good-for-nothing Lin Yin has created. The Wang Family's Young Master is suing him for 100 million yuan, and now the whole company is being dragged through the mud because of him."

Zhang Qimo, looking puzzled, approached Lin Yin and examined the lawyer's notice and the so-called expert appraisal certificates. Her face turned ashen, then flushed with anger.

"Elder Uncle, Third Uncle, this is utterly unfounded slander! I was there at Mingbao House when it happened," Zhang Qimo said defiantly. "How can you believe such nonsense? It was clearly a fabrication."

"Qimo, why are you defending this loser?" Zhang Hongxuan feigned a sigh. "The evidence is right here. We have authentication from the major associations in the collection industry and endorsements from top experts. Do you think Lin Yin's word outweighs the entire industry's authority?"

"Moreover, Lin Yin is broke. How can he possibly afford to fight this lawsuit?" Zhang Hongxuan said with contempt. "The Wang Family's Young Master is sure to win, and Lin Yin will have to pay up. If he can't, it's a serious offense, tantamount to a severe infringement of someone's property rights! You know, deliberately damaging someone's car can lead to imprisonment. He damaged the Young Master's antique worth 60 million yuan. He's definitely facing jail time!"

"No way, this is too absurd, right?" Zhang Qimo found it hard to believe. Wang Ziwen's tactics were just too underhanded.

"Absurd? There's nothing absurd about this. It's a very serious issue," Zhang Hongjun stated firmly. "Qimo, I'm advising you out of kindness to keep your distance from this loser. Otherwise, he'll end up getting you killed."

"Qimo, let me teach you something. You might not be familiar with the ways of the world. Just think about it—the Wang family's Young Master is a man of considerable influence. He has countless ways to make life difficult for Lin Yin," Zhang Hongxuan chided her with the authority of an elder. "Lin Yin fancies himself clever, challenging the Young Master Wang in a battle of collections. But what good is his so-called cleverness? Wang Ziwen has the money and the power. Whatever he says goes, and this incident is proof of that. Now, who would dare claim Lin Yin's previous appraisal was accurate?"

After speaking, Zhang Hongxuan let out a scornful laugh and continued, "Qimo, pay attention. This is a clear demonstration of a man's power and status. Lin Yin is leagues behind Young Master Wang. You really should consider the advice your Second Aunt gave you."

"Do you really think that people with money and power can just manipulate the law?" Lin Yin retorted with a cold laugh.

"Exactly! I'm telling you straight up that having money means I can manipulate the law. Ordinary folks like you just don't understand how it works."

At that moment, an incredibly arrogant voice echoed from outside the door.

Wang Ziwen swaggered into the Zhang's Group office, decked out in an ostentatious coat, flanked by Qin Fei and several of his henchmen.

"Young Master Wang has arrived. Please, take a seat and enjoy some tea," Zhang Hongxuan said, eagerly handing Wang Ziwen a steaming cup of tea.

Zhang Hongjun greeted Wang Ziwen with a reserved nod and smile. Although not as influential as Wang Ziwen, he was still the father-in-law of Sunn Family's heir, Sunn Heng, and he carried himself with a certain dignity, unlike the obsequious Third Bro.

"You spineless fool, last time you tried to convince me it was a fake. I had experts appraise it, and they all confirmed it's real," Wang Ziwen sneered. He glanced at Zhang Qimo and added, "Qimo, watch and learn. Lin Yin is not only incompetent, but he's also a very sly and despicable man."

"Director Zhang, retaining an individual like this in your company is undoubtedly a huge liability. It could gravely damage your company's reputation. I recommend that you terminate Lin Yin's employment immediately," Wang Ziwen declared with a smug look.

"Young Master Wang makes an excellent point, and I wholeheartedly concur. We cannot allow such malefactors to remain in our group," Zhang Hongjun affirmed with a nod.

"I'm in agreement. Lin Yin, make sure you're listening closely. As the Executive Director, I am formally notifying you that you are terminated, effective immediately. Leave the company at once," Zhang Hongjun stated contemptuously, sneering as he spoke. "Don't bother asking why. The reason is straightforward: you're embroiled in legal proceedings and carry a criminal charge. Our company will not harbor a suspect."