Standing Next To You-Chapter 352: The Balance in the Lin Family

In the mansion of the fifth branch, Lin Xiaoni’s parents were left speechless after hearing the news she brought.

Her mother, Xiao Mi, covered her mouth in shock. "She really announced it to the whole school?" she asked again to confirm.

"She didn’t announce it directly. It was the principal—no, the entire school—who congratulated them. Look, this is from the forum." Lin Xiaoni showed her parents the saved screenshots on her phone.

"The twins know about it too. Everyone at school knows," Lin Xiaoni added.

Xiao Mi pondered deeply. "...But the fourth branch didn’t mention anything at the last family dinner. Knowing Li Mei, she would seize this opportunity. So why are they staying silent?"

Xiao Mi thought of the last family dinner. They had thrown quite a few hints for the fourth branch to join in throwing slanders at the third branch. But they ignored it as if they weren’t hearing anything. The fourth branch had been acting strange since then, too.

"This is good news. Good job reporting it to us, Xiaoni," her husband, Lin Xiao, said. "Lin Ginxian has been holding on. I don’t know how he’s managed this long, but with this scandal involving his daughter, the pressure on him will increase."

"But husband, do you think it’s wise to report this to father right now? He said last time that he wouldn’t meet any of us," Xiao Mi voiced her concern.

"Don’t worry. I can discuss it with the first branch. I’ll have a meeting with Lin Zhe later. I will mention it in passing. I’m sure father won’t turn down a visit from Lin Zhe."

Xiao Mi nodded. Using the heir of the first branch as the means to provoke the old man would be better. At least if the old man got angry, it would be Lin Zhe who would received his anger, not them.

....

That night, during the secret meeting of the first and fifth branches, Lin Xiao casually mentioned it to Lin Zhe as a rumor he had heard from his daughter. Lin Zhe quickly caught on.

He smiled politely at Lin Xiao. "What a surprise. I didn’t expect that our third cousin is a romantic. She’s really bold. But uncle, although this matter has been concealed by the school, do you think grandfather is unaware?"

Lin Zhe’s eyes behind his glasses glinted. "Grandpa has eyes and ears everywhere. It would be impossible for him not to know about this."

He knew very well why Lin Xiao mentioned it. The fifth branch wanted to use him as a sword to strike Bei Sangyun by reporting this to the headmaster, increasing the pressure on the third branch. But why should he be the one to do it?

If he ruined the old man’s mood because of this, he would be the one to suffer. Besides, he meant what he said—the old man would already know.

"It crossed my mind as well. But the real question is, if father knows about it, why has he had no reaction? Is he fine with one of our family members dating an outcast and an unfavored member of another great family? Aren’t you curious?" Lin Xiao continued to taunt.

Lin Zhe maintained his respectful attitude. "If uncle is so curious, why don’t you ask father?"

Lin Xiao’s smile faltered, then he laughed. "I’m just telling you because you seemed curious too. Anyway, Lin Ginxian is still holding on. A little push will help." He gazed at Lin Zhe meaningfully.

Lin Zhe smiled back, but when he lowered his head, his gaze turned cold.

The fifth branch had been acting cocky ever since the first branch approached them for cooperation. They must have thought they held the reins in this partnership. How ridiculous.

"No matter what ways Lin Ginxian uses to hold on, it’s inevitable that the third branch will still lose. He will run out of options soon." He replied.

Lin Zhe sipped his drink, a cold glint in his eyes. He hadn’t expected Lin Ginxian to fare well despite the two branches cornering him.

It made him wonder if there was a talented person on Lin Ginxian’s side who was able to predict his plans.

Well, it doesn’t matter. The downfall of the third branch was within his grasp.

*****

At the same time, in the main study of the Lin mansion, Old Master Lin had a dark expression after hearing the head butler’s report.

"The men I sent have confirmed that the rumors are true. There have been several sightings of the Third Young Miss and the Young Master of the Fei family together in various shops and dating sites in the past few days. The school has also officially congratulated the two."

Old Master Lin slapped the table. "That brat. I have overlooked her rude manners and despicable attitude because I felt sorry for her. But now she’s taking advantage of that and doing whatever she wants."

"Should I summon her, Head Master?" Head Butler Yang asked.

Old Master Lin pondered for a long time, then shook his head. "...No need. She was wronged last time, and as her grandfather, I didn’t get justice for her. She must be rebelling against me through this method. Youngsters like her are only infatuated for a short time. There’s no need to make it a big deal." Old Master Lin calmed himself down.

He was indeed in the wrong last time. Although he gave substantial compensation to the third branch, his granddaughter’s feelings must have been hurt by his decision.

"Just keep an eye on them. I believe the Fei family will not tolerate this. It would be better if they were the ones to initiate breaking up the two children. But..."

Still, how could she choose an outcast of the Fei family? She could have chosen better. Old Master Lin’s gaze hardened.

"That brat still needs to learn that she can’t just do whatever she wants. Summon Lin Ginxian."

"Yes, Head Master."

Head Butler Yang stood by for a long time, prompting Old Master Lin to glance at him.

"Do you have something to say? Spill it."

"The first and fifth branches are cooperating right now and attacking the third branch. If we summon the Third Master for this, it will greatly affect their current struggle. The balance between the five branches will surely be broken."

Head Butler Yang voiced the concern in his heart.