C16 Not Optimistic

Tang Hao offered a smile, but he didn't pay any attention to Lin Qing. Instead, he turned to Lin Mengyao, who was still in shock from the incident with Yang Wenfeng.

"Mengyao, it's getting late. This bizarre banquet is finally over. We should head back and get some rest."

"Eh… Oh…"

Lin Mengyao was still processing Tang Hao's ferocious defense on her behalf. She felt grateful for Tang Hao's intervention, yet she couldn't help but worry about him. Although she was aware of Tang Hao's significant status, she was uncertain whether he could stand up to the Qrapo Group. After all, Tang Hao had left Yang Wenfeng in a dire state, and the Yang family would likely seek vengeance.

Tang Hao took Lin Mengyao by the hand and assisted Lin Quansheng as they made their way to the exit. But as they stepped outside, they encountered Lin Qing, his expression darkening as he returned.

He extended his hand towards Tang Hao. "The car keys."

"The car keys? But Mr. Lin, didn't you have nothing but contempt for our old car? Why come to us for the keys?" Tang Hao inquired, feigning ignorance.

Lin Xinguo's family had a total of five or six cars, but they had all been mortgaged to pay for the clothes. They wouldn't be available for some time. The villa where the banquet took place was quite a distance from Lin Mansion and was rather secluded. For the wealthy used to being chauffeured in luxury cars, this was no issue. However, with the Lin family's cars gone, the parking lot was left with nothing but empty spaces and a somewhat dated Mercedes.

Naturally, Lin Qing had come to Tang Hao for the keys.

"Hmm, my apologies," Tang Hao said with a cold chuckle. "My father-in-law has difficulty walking, so we need the car to get him home. Besides, this car is his personal property, isn't it? Oh... now I recall."

Tang Hao continued, well aware of the situation. "Young Master Lin had to mortgage his own cars just to buy me clothes. What an unfortunate predicament."

After a brief pause, Tang Hao offered a solution. "Given that our car can't fit everyone, it looks like you'll have to manage with a taxi ride home. Sorry for the inconvenience."

"Don't worry, once the taxi drops you off at home, give me a call. I'll transfer the fare to you—it's like I'm treating you to the ride, considering how out of the way this place is."

"I doubt there'll be any taxis around here. You might have to wait patiently. If all else fails, you can always take 'Route 11' back home."

"What's 'Route 11'?"

Lin Qing, having been raised within the Lin family, was unfamiliar with the colloquialisms of the common folk.

"It means to walk, dummy. Can't believe you didn't know that."

Tang Hao raised two fingers and shook them, mimicking the motion of walking.

"You... You actually have the nerve to suggest the old lady walk home? What is your intention?"

Lin Qing was nearly beside himself with anger at Tang Hao.

He was itching to rip Tang Hao to shreds, yet he dared not lay a hand on him.

He was well aware that if he did, he'd be the one at a loss.

Tang Hao turned to face Old Mrs. Lin, his smile vanishing in an instant, replaced by a chilling frost.

"Hmph... Perhaps this old lady needs to realize who among the wealthy was the only one willing to fork out the money for her hospital bills before she comes strutting around here."

At Tang Hao's words, Lin Xinguo and his son's faces turned pale.

Old Mrs. Lin looked on, her expression one of confusion.

When Old Mrs. Lin was hospitalized, nobody wanted to foot the bill. It was Lin Mengyao who paid out of her own pocket, allowing the old lady to receive further treatment.

But once Old Mrs. Lin regained consciousness, Lin Xinguo and his father shamelessly took all the credit, even going so far as to slander Mengyao in front of Old Mrs. Lin.

Tang Hao could predict such manipulative tactics with ease.

He left everyone at a loss for words.

Tang Hao helped Lin Quansheng into the car, while Lee Wanqing stood there, unsure of what to do next.

She wanted to leave, but feared that accompanying Tang Hao might draw the Yang family's wrath upon her.

Yet, if she stayed, Old Mrs. Lin and her entourage showed no gratitude towards Lee Wanqing, treating her with nothing but disdain.

Caught in an awkward moment, Lee Wanqing felt utterly out of place.

Lin Mengyao, witnessing Lee Wanqing's discomfort, was tempted to reach out to her mother. But considering Lee Wanqing's avoidance and previous actions, Lin Mengyao felt a chill in her heart. She opened her mouth to speak, yet ultimately, no words came out.

Tang Hao was acutely aware of the situation, but he chose to remain silent. With a press of the accelerator, he sped off, leaving nothing but a cloud of dust in his wake.

Upon returning to Lin Mansion, he made sure his father-in-law was comfortably settled. Then, Tang Hao and Lin Mengyao retired to their bedroom. Although they still slept in separate beds, Lin Mengyao's initial awkwardness had faded, replaced by a newfound ease.

Given that Lin Mengyao had already asked Tang Hao to take responsibility, it was only right that he be given the opportunity to do so. Lin Mengyao snuggled into bed, her head peeking out as she gazed at Tang Hao.

"Tang Hao, do you think Grandma and the others are alright? Could it take them a long time to get back?" Lin Mengyao had endured such humiliation at the hands of Old Mrs. Lin and Lin Xinguo during the banquet. Anyone else might have wished for them to meet a tragic fate. Yet, Lin Mengyao's kindness extended even to those who had wronged her.

Sometimes Tang Hao found it hard to comprehend Lin Mengyao's nature—was it kindness or naivety? He smirked slightly and responded, "Don't fret over them. Together, they've lived for centuries. Besides, the suburbs aren't the wilderness—it's just a matter of making a phone call. There are plenty of solutions; it's not as if there's no signal in the mountains. You'd be better off worrying about yourself."

"Now that Lin Qing is the new patriarch of the Lin family, he'll likely seize control of all the family's assets. Do you really intend to let your parents be thrown out on the streets to beg? Those assets are rightfully yours, you know."

"You should at least show some spirit and reclaim what's rightfully yours. You ought to at least put up a fight. Even though Old Mrs. Lin is still in charge, that won't be the case after today."

"Her influence will gradually diminish, and Lin Xinguo and his son's ruthless ambitions will likely become increasingly overt. Eventually, Old Mrs. Lin will probably be cast aside, completely forsaken by Lin Xinguo and his son."

"Ah? Then Grandma is in a really pitiful situation."

"Better worry about yourself first. If I'm not mistaken, you might be the one getting thrown out on your ear tomorrow."

Tang Hao looked at the clueless Lin Mengyao, feeling utterly helpless.