Standing Next To You
Chapter 117: Illegitimate Daughter?

Chapter 117: Illegitimate Daughter?

Nestled in a remote valley, far from the hustle and bustle of city life, lay a tranquil haven - a natural hot spring.

Steam rose from the crystal-clear, mineral-rich waters, carrying with it a fragrant hint of earth and warmth.

Lin Xiaoni, clad in a provocative swimsuit, submerged half of her body in the water.

"This is one of the best hot springs our family owns. Winter is coming. This is the best time to show you our hot springs," she said, her voice laced with a sweet smile, as she explained to Richard and Sophia.

The night before, she and Richard had hit it off and become friends.

She promised to show him some fun, so she immediately invited them to the hot spring. She seized the opportunity to befriend the Simons while the foolish Bei Sangyun chose to attend school instead of spending time with them.

"This place is really wonderful. I’ve visited many places, but this one easily makes it into my top ten," Sophia commented with a smile. "The Lin family lives up to its reputation."

Richard’s hand slowly snaked around Lin Xiaoni’s waist. "But I think beautiful girls like you make this place even more enchanting."

Lin Xiaoni bashfully smiled. This man was truly smitten with her, and they had only met yesterday. Her charm was simply irresistible. So, what if she didn’t get the role of the host? She still felt like the true winner.

"Why aren’t your cousins here?" Sophia suddenly inquired.

Lin Xiaoni wanted to roll her eyes. ’Of course they’re not here because I didn’t invite them.’ But she replied instead, "They have school. They couldn’t come."

"And you don’t have school?" Sophia probed.

Lin Xiaoni smiled. "I can skip school if I want to. I’m not a nerd like them."

How could she attend school and miss this opportunity to get ahead of her cousins? It’s not like she could achieve the top rank of her grade by having full attendance.

Sophia covered her mouth to hide her mocking smile. Lin Xiaoni was truly obvious and stupid, but she liked it. Such people were easier to manipulate compared to Lin Sunji and Bei Sangyun.

"Xiaoni, can you tell us about your cousins? I spoke a lot with Lin Sunji yesterday. She told me about your other cousin, Sangyun. Apparently, they aren’t on good terms."

Lin Xiaoni’s eyebrows shot up. Lin Sunji had already reached out her claws at Sophia, and she did not have any clue at all.

That Lin Sunji dared to get ahead of her? In her dreams!

Lin Xiaoni’s eyes glinted.

"Actually, those two are always at each other’s throats, especially at school. Lin Sunji believes she’s the best but constantly loses to Bei- to Sangyun. She’s arrogantly competitive to the core. It’s best not to befriend her."

Lin Xiaoni didn’t mince words and openly said what was on her mind. She didn’t hold back in tarnishing Lin Sunji’s reputation to the two newcomers.

Sophia raised an intrigued eyebrow.

Richard was seated beside Lin Xiaoni, silently listening as she spilled a lot of negative details about Lin Sunji. When she finished, he softly pinched her waist and casually asked, "So what about your other cousin? Why does she come across as cold and indifferent?"

Lin Xiaoni pouted. She had plenty of negative things to say about Lin Sunji, but she had a wealth of criticism for Bei Sangyun.

"How could she not be different? She didn’t grow up with us. She came from a backwater village and was raised by vulgar people. Her personality is the most unpleasant."

"...She was raised outside?" Sophia inquired, clearly surprised. She and Richard exchanged meaningful glances.

"Yes. She’s an illegitimate child who appeared out of nowhere. Uncle Ginxian found her and took her in because there was no one else to contest for the inheritance in their branch. Since her arrival, the competition among us has become more challenging. That woman is a skilled pretender and has manipulated Grandpa’s opinions. People often praise her for being smart, but she’s the rudest of all of us. She truly has no manners. I advise you to be cautious and not get too close to her."

A wicked grin crept onto Richard’s face. "...An illegitimate daughter, you say?"

Sophia was smiling brightly too. They found a weakness they could take advantage of.

...

When Bei Sangyun returned home, the Simon children swarmed around her with enthusiasm. Especially, Sophia.

"Why does our host spend so little time with us? Lin Xiaoni took us to the hot spring today," Sophia complained, hugging Bei Sangyun’s arm.

Bei Sangyun furrowed her brow. This familiar gesture brought back unpleasant memories. She calmly removed Sophia’s grip from her arm.

"I’m busy with school. If you’re bored, you can always hang out with Xiaoni."

Sophia looked down at her hand, which had been removed by Bei Sangyun. Her eyes darkened momentarily, but she quickly refocused on Bei Sangyun.

"Grandpa Lin said that if we want to find something out, we should ask you. How about we go shopping tomorrow? I want a new dress."

Bei Sangyun paused in her steps, gazing at Sophia. "Lin Xiaoni has three rooms just for her dresses. You might want to check there to see if there’s something you like."

If not for Grandma Bei leaving today, she wouldn’t be this patient to these bastards. She couldn’t act recklessly so she had been holding it in.

Sophia was taken aback. She couldn’t help but feel that Bei Sangyun was actively pushing her toward Lin Xiaoni.

Didn’t she want to grow closer to her and her brother, especially given her uncertain status?

Building a good connection with them could work to her advantage. But it seemed like Bei Sangyun was determined to keep her at arm’s length, and that had been the case since their arrival.

Sophia did not follow Bei Sangyun anymore. She stared at her back with a darkened gaze.

...

Bei Sangyun had successfully evaded Sophia’s attempts to get closer.

However, later that night, just after she finished her call with Grandma Bei, Butler Xin came knocking on her door. He wore an awkward smile as he spoke, "Your father is upset."

Bei Sangyun sighed. "Again? Why this time?"

"I spotted Sophia leaving his room. Do you get the idea why?" Butler Xin teased.

Seeing realization dawn on Bei Sangyun, he began to reprimand her, "You need to cooperate or at least pretend. Tonight, your grandma is leaving. You can at least show that you’re doing well. Just for two days, until we can completely hide your grandma."

Bei Sangyun nodded. "Understood. I’ll handle it." That sly Sophia had spilled the beans to Lin Ginxian.

Since Sophia came to Lin Ginxian instead of Old Master Lin, she must be already aware of her true status in this family.

That was quick. This happened too soon compared to the past.

Lin Sunji had gone to school today, so it had to be Lin Xiaoni who told Sophia.

Unlike in the past, where Lin Sunji had played with words to drop hints about her background to the Simons- dragging out before the Simons became aware of her illegitimate background- Lin Xiaoni had no patience for such games.

Bei Sangyun headed to Lin Ginxian’s study, and as expected, the man launched into another round of scolding. An unfortunate vase was broken again.

Bei Sangyun promised to arrange a meeting to take the two out somewhere tomorrow. Only then did Lin Ginxian allowed her to leave.

The night at the Lin mansion proved to be another sleepless one for Bei Sangyun.