C11 A Dumb Loss

"I suspect Lin Qing is just putting on airs," someone remarked.

The bystanders always had their biting comments ready, and they never held back, much to the chagrin of the subject of the gossip. If their remarks hit the mark, the person would be mortified; if they were off base, it was seen as slander, which only fueled the anger more. Lin Qing's face alternated between red and white as he listened.

As the rental company staff were leaving, they addressed Lin Qing, "Mr. Lin Qing, as per the lease agreement, once the compensation is paid, the right to use the clothing transfers to the compensator. This garment will then belong to you, Mr. Lin."

Before Lin Qing could respond, Tang Hao interjected, "Young Master Lin, this garment is soiled beyond repair. It might as well be given to me. I don't mind wearing dirty clothes, but you, as the head of the Lin family, wearing something that's been dirtied and paid for as compensation, would be quite unseemly."

Lin Qing's facial muscles twitched at Tang Hao's words. The value of his collection of designer suits didn't even come close to ten million yuan. He had wanted to reclaim the garment, but Tang Hao's comment had effectively checkmated him. In front of the crowd, Lin Qing couldn't possibly take the clothing back now. Even if he managed to get it back from Tang Hao in secret, he would never be able to wear it with dignity.

It would be scandalous if the Lin family patriarch was caught wearing his mentally ill brother-in-law's clothes. Lin Qing's reputation would be ruined.

After a series of complications, all because of one glass of wine, Tang Hao ended up profiting five million yuan. He retained the ten-million-yuan garment and gained an additional five million in compensation.

"This fifteen-million-yuan glass of red wine was truly worth it. My thanks to you, Patriarch Lin, for your generous gesture," Tang Hao expressed with gratitude.

"The Lin family patriarch is indeed a man of great wealth and taste. To purchase a ten-million-yuan garment for his brother-in-law, let's give a round of applause for his magnanimity," someone called out.

Tang Hao no longer referred to him as his uncle-in-law but addressed him directly as Patriarch Lin.

Applause erupted, led by Tang Hao.

The surrounding guests joined in, though many cast looks of sympathy, disdain, and incredulity at Lin Qing, as if they were watching someone foolish.

Lin Qing was at a loss for words, a victim of his own folly.

"Hehe, my dear brother-in-law, you're too kind. As your uncle-in-law, it's only right that I give you a proper gift. I didn't get to give you anything on your wedding night, so consider this making up for it."

Lin Qing's words came out through clenched teeth, each one forced through gritted frustration.

It was clear how furious Lin Qing had become.

Tang Hao, all smiles, completely ignored Lin Qing's fierce expression and gave a polite gesture of thanks.

"Then I'm grateful for your generous gesture, uncle-in-law."

With that, Tang Hao turned his attention away from Lin Qing and continued to enjoy the food and drinks with Lin Mengyao.

After all, indulging in the feast was the priority; everything else was trivial.

Following the incident, the party's mood shifted to a subtle awkwardness.

The joyous vibe from the Lin family's patriarchal succession quickly dissipated.

Most guests remained seated, engaging in conversation with familiar faces, but the chatter was dominated by the Lin family's latest scandal.

Lin Qing's 'flawless' performance had become the talk of the evening.

After the debacle, Lin Qing no longer had the face to continue his rounds of toasting and had to retreat to his seat of honor.

Due to the ostracism by Old Mrs. Lin and the Lin Xinguo family, Lin Quansheng and his family were relegated to dine at the less prestigious guest tables.

Tang Hao, however, was unconcerned. The food was the same, regardless of where one sat. He preferred the comfort of sitting among strangers over enduring the company of Lin Xinguo and the scowling Old Mrs. Lin.

Old Mrs. Lin, observing the twisted expressions on Lin Xinguo and Lin Qing's faces, scolded them, "Enough, wipe those sour looks off your faces. You've brought this on yourselves. How can you not be ashamed in front of all these people?"

"Today, even if it's just for show, we must get through this. The banquet must be a success, or I'll hold the two of you accountable."

"Grandma, it's not my fault. That madman was the one who insisted on showing off. Who could have guessed that he would wear such expensive clothes?"

The Lin family, with their limited vision, were merely a third-tier clan in Jaafmont, having never encountered anything of higher status. It was no surprise they were unfamiliar with such matters.

"Enough, we can discuss this later. To take a lunatic so seriously, you must be quite capable," Old Mrs. Lin's biting sarcasm deepened Lin Qing's embarrassment.

Arguing with Tang Hao was a lose-lose situation for Lin Qing. If he won, people would say he was petty enough to argue with a lunatic, but if he lost, he'd be deemed even worse than one. Lin Qing was in a no-win situation, like Zhu Bajie looking at himself in the mirror—neither human nor beast.

Fuming, Lin Qing couldn't help but glance over at Tang Hao. With his exceptional hearing, Tang Hao caught Old Mrs. Lin's rebuke and turned around, pointing at the wine stain on his clothes and giving Lin Qing a sarcastic thumbs up. Lin Qing was so infuriated he nearly passed out.

Lee Wanqing noticed Lin Qing's foul mood, but he was now the head of the Lin family. To distance herself from Lin Quansheng's family and avoid future reprisals from Lin Qing—not to mention to curry some favor—Lee Wanqing shamelessly approached to offer a toast.

"My dear nephew, today marks the splendid occasion of you taking the helm as family head. Here, let your aunt toast to your ascending career and ever-brightening future."

But Lin Qing, still seething from Tang Hao's provocation, was in no mood to show kindness to Lee Wanqing. Without turning, he bellowed, "Get lost, get the hell away from me!"

His shout drew the attention of all the guests in the vicinity. Lee Wanqing was left standing in mortifying stillness. She had humbled herself to offer a toast to a younger family member, only to be rebuffed and insulted. As an aunt, the humiliation was too much to bear.

Lee Wanqing hadn't anticipated such disrespect from Lin Qing, yet she dared not retaliate. She could only sulk away to the side with a darkened expression. Meanwhile, Lin Quansheng merely lifted his head to give Lee Wanqing a brief look, completely disregarding her presence.

It seemed as though Lee Wanqing had no connection whatsoever with their family.

Just then, a portly young man with a wrinkled face, resembling a Shar Pei dog, approached Lee Wanqing.

"Hello, Aunt Lee."

Lee Wanqing observed the young man, adorned with gold and silver, clearly a scion of a wealthy household. However, she did not recognize him.

Her previously somber expression quickly transformed into a smile.