Standing Next To You
Chapter 96: The Ending Might Change

Chapter 96: The Ending Might Change

Their wives attempted to calm their husbands down. But no one wanted to back out.

The first and second branches started arguing, oblivious to the darkening expression on Old Master Lin’s face.

Bei Sangyun watched the whole drama with a bored expression. She was not interested in this common scene.

She glanced at the old man’s face. Surely, the old man was about to explode any second.

As she had this thought, a roar halted the argument between the first and second branches.

"Why is it so difficult to have a peaceful meal with all of you? I simply asked one question, and you two started bickering like children!" Old Master Lin slammed his hand on the table in frustration.

The first and second branches fell silent, though they continued to exchange angry glances.

Meanwhile, the other branches, including Lin Ginxian, observed the drama with schadenfreude, clearly relishing the spectacle of the first and second branches being scolded.

"Lin Zhe is indeed capable, but he lacks experience. A little competition will be beneficial for his growth. Why are you blaming Lin Fei for giving your son an opportunity to prove himself once more?" Old Master Lin turned his stern gaze toward Lin Baozhi.

Lin Baozhi wanted to argue but his wife tugged on his sleeve and shook her head.

Old Master Lin then addressed Lin Fang, "And you! Don’t blame Lin Zhe for your son’s incompetence."

Lin Fang clenched his fist in shame but didn’t dare to respond.

"As fathers, I understand that you are supporting your sons. However, remember that we are still family, bound by blood. The competition between the heirs is intended to give everyone a chance to prove themselves, and the most capable successor will emerge from our family. I have chosen this process so our Lin family will be greater than before. It’s not meant to turn us against each other," Old Master Lin spoke solemnly. As he concluded his statement, his gaze settled on Bei Sangyun.

Bei Sangyun raised an eyebrow. Was the old man considering what she had mentioned before?

Interesting.

She did not expect the old man to humble himself and admit that the Lin family he had been so proud of was indeed deeply flawed. Much less listen to the words of someone from the younger generation.

Old Master Lin took a deep breath to compose himself. "I wish for the Lin family to grow stronger by encouraging the competitiveness of each family member. However, if this competition threatens to damage our relationships within the family, I would rather hand over my entire wealth to a stranger."

The adults were taken aback by Old Master Lin’s statement.

"Father, what do you mean by that?"

"A stranger? Father, have you found an outsider to be the next successor?"

"Father must be joking."

The adults found it hard to fathom how the prestigious Lin family could fall into the hands of a stranger.

The Lin family had amassed immense wealth over the years, and according to tradition, only those with Lin family blood were meant to inherit it.

"What I mean is, if this competition leads to harm among family members, I am willing to donate the Lin family’s wealth to charity. Of course, I will set aside a portion for your children to secure their futures. However, for the generations to come, you and your descendants will need to work hard."

"Father, that’s quite unreasonable! Our ancestors worked so hard throughout their lives for the betterment of future generations. Please don’t deny my future grandchildren the comfort they deserve."

Old Master Lin’s sons earnestly pleaded for him to reconsider.

Old Master Lin rapped his hand on the table, silencing the room. "I said ’if’! If I discover that any of you resort to foul play or harm others in this competition, I will revise my will."

"Father!" Lin Ginxian and the others voiced their objections.

"I do not require your consent, as I have already made my decision. If it is the only way to protect our family, I am willing to risk my entire fortune rather than see our family crumble."

Everyone was taken aback by the old man’s decision. It was too unbelievable.

Had the old man gone senile? Many in the room seemed to think so.

Even Bei Sangyun was surprised. She hadn’t anticipated that the old man would go to such lengths and make such a drastic decision.

In the past, such actions were unheard of; the old man had allowed his children and grandchildren to engage in ruthless competition until only one emerged victorious.

Bei Sangyun observed the scene with an intrigued look on her face.

With the old man’s threat, no one would dare to resort to underhanded tactics openly, at least not in the presence of the old man.

If these people heeded the old man’s words, there’s the possibility that their foolish mistakes might not occur, then things would change vastly from the past.

Perhaps the Lin family’s ending might come out differently.

However-

Bei Sangyun smirked coldly as she watched the expression of the adults at the table.

That is, of course, if these people changed.

The rules might change, but if the root cause of the problem— the people themselves—remained the same, no matter what efforts the old man employed, the Lin family would still be led to ruin.

Bei Sangyun tapped the table with her finger, deeply in thought.

"Everyone quiet down. This is not the only announcement I have today."

Old Master Lin called for silence, addressing the room once more.

Everyone fell silent and looked at Old Master Lin with trepidation, wary of hearing another unexpected declaration.

"My friend’s family has arrived in the country, and in the next few days, they will be here. His grandchildren will be staying with us. I’d like a member of the younger generation to take on the role of host for the two children."

Old Master Lin turned his gaze toward the younger generation. "I trust that you are all adequately prepared for this responsibility."

A collective sigh of relief swept through the room, as this announcement was what most had expected to hear today.

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A/n: The Lin family appeared in this Chapter:

Lin Baozhi- Old Master Lin’s first son. Lin Zhe’s (the oldest grandson) father.

Lin Feng- the second son. Lin Fei’s father.