C20 An Unfriendly Guest Had Arrived

Lin Feng stood next to Xia Ming, his face twisted in a visible struggle.

Refuse Xia Ming?

Without a doubt, Xia Ming would not hesitate to reveal the evidence. Then, Lin Feng would be facing a lifetime behind bars!

Lin Feng had once thought Xia Ming was nothing but a pushover, but now he realized that everyone had been wrong. The man who appeared weak was far from it.

Now that Xia Ming held damning evidence against him, it was likely that no one else could escape either.

But if he just gave in to Xia Ming, Lin Feng would likely never have a chance to recover. The core power of Lin's Group, a company worth billions, would slip through his fingers.

In the moment before Xia Ming finished his countdown, Lin Feng caved in, "Grandma... I have something to say!"

Hmm?

At that moment, all eyes were on Xia Ming and Lin Feng. Xia Ming's mysterious words had sparked everyone's curiosity.

What had happened in that alley two years ago?

Grandma, seated at the head, shifted slightly and said, "Feng, speak up!"

Lin Feng sighed deeply, giving Xia Ming a meaningful look before speaking, "Grandma, after giving it a lot of thought, I've realized that I'm not up to the task. I don't have the capacity to shoulder such a heavy responsibility. The CEO position at Lin's Group should go to my cousin Shuyu. I'm better off living the carefree life of a privileged heir!"

"..."

What the heck?

Did they hear that right?

Everyone's faces were a picture of astonishment, utterly baffled.

What was happening?

Hadn't Lin Feng been adamant about his claim just moments ago? And now, in the blink of an eye, he was renouncing the CEO position?

This made no sense!

Grandma nearly rose from her chair, "Ah Feng, what are you saying? You're not delirious, are you?" Her breathing quickened.

This coup, the result of years of planning by Lin Feng, Grandma, and Lin Zhong, was on the verge of success. And now, at the final hurdle, Lin Feng was backing out?

Abdicating in front of so many people? Was he out of his mind?

Lin Feng felt like he was swallowing something vile, but with his vulnerability in Xia Ming's grip, he had no choice but to tread the path laid out for him, no matter how much he resisted.

"Grandma, there's no need for concern. I'm completely lucid now! Brother-in-law's words were a wake-up call, and I've come to recognize my errors and shortcomings. I owe Brother-in-law and my cousin an apology! Grandma, Father, Third Uncle, please don't try to convince me otherwise. I've made up my mind. I'd rather die than take on the CEO role. I wholeheartedly endorse my cousin for the position..."

Lin Feng couldn't risk claiming the CEO title; to do so would be to sign his own death warrant.

A formidable woman, capable of murder!

It would be enough to land Lin Feng behind bars for over a decade.

How many decades does one have in a lifetime?

Lin Feng's earnestness was so convincing that even Xia Ming nearly fell for it. What a waste of talent if this guy didn't pursue acting.

Lin Feng's resolute declaration left Grandma without grounds to pressure Lin Shuyu any further. And if Lin Shuyu were to step down, who would lead Lin's Group?

Second Uncle, Third Uncle, and Grandma were all advanced in age and had little to do with managing the company. It was out of the question for them to take over.

Lin Feng's father, Lin Zhong, was visibly distressed. "Mother, this... Ah Feng, he..."

Lin Zhong knew his son well enough to understand that Lin Feng wouldn't be spouting nonsense unless his life was at stake.

Grandma's brow furrowed as she turned to Xia Ming, realizing that Lin Feng's outburst followed his exchange with Xia Ming. "Xia Ming, what exactly did you say to Ah Feng?"

Before Xia Ming could respond, Lin Feng interjected, "Grandma, please don't blame Brother-in-law. He really didn't say much! He simply inspired me with his words. I agree with Brother-in-law, that's all there is to it."

Lin Feng spoke as he briskly approached Grandma and his father, Lin Zhong.

"What exactly happened, Ah Feng?" Lin Zhong demanded, his face clouded with concern as Lin Feng reached his side.

Lin Feng looked utterly dejected as he said, "Grandma, Dad... Xia Ming found out about that incident from two years ago. He's got photos and some crucial evidence... I have no choice but to back down."

Shock flickered in Grandma and Lin Zhong's eyes upon hearing Lin Feng's confession. Their gaze towards Xia Ming now carried a layer of complexity.

They were well aware of Lin Feng's actions from two years prior. To protect their grandson (son), they had strategized and pulled some strings.

And now Xia Ming was privy to that information? He even had a photo!

Xia Ming had kept his cards close to his chest!

Facing Grandma's gaze squarely, Xia Ming spoke calmly, "Grandma, now that Lin Feng has stepped down from the president's role, according to what you've just said, Shuyu is the only one fit for the position, isn't she? Does anyone else have any objections?"

Xia Ming's words were like a provocation, and he turned to his second uncle, third uncle, big uncle, and aunt, asking pointedly, "Since everyone's here, please feel free to voice any concerns!"

Lin Zhong was seething, looking at Xia Ming as if he were itching for a fight.

What was there to say?

With Lin Feng bowing out, what was there left to argue about?

All eyes turned to Grandma, the linchpin of the decision.

Despite her anger turning her face ashen, Grandma knew she was cornered. Xia Ming held Lin Feng's fate in his hands, and she couldn't just stand by and watch her grandson be ruined. On the issue of the presidency, she had no choice but to yield.

"Fine," Grandma conceded with finality. "If Feng doesn't want to be president, then let Shuyu continue in the role. That settles it!" Her decision was binding, leaving Second Uncle, Third Uncle, Aunt, and the others with their dissatisfaction unvoiced.

Lin Shuyu, standing next to Xia Ming, exhaled a deep breath of relief.

She had braced herself for a no-win situation, yet it had been defused by just a few exchanges between Xia Ming and Lin Feng? It felt surreal to Lin Shuyu.

"Xia Ming, what on earth did you say to Lin Feng?" she whispered, linking her arm through Xia Ming's, seeking answers.

Xia Ming offered a mysterious smile. "It's a secret!"

Gu Zhenshan leaned in, eyeing Xia Ming with a thoughtful expression. "Xia, you're quite the enigma, aren't you? Ha ha!"

The guests settled into their seats in the hall. Lin Zhong, the steward, invited everyone to enjoy some pastries while they waited for a few more arrivals before the banquet would commence.

The person they were anticipating was none other than Zhao Chengyi from Zhao Corporation, as Lin Feng had previously mentioned.

Zheng Chengyi's intention for attending today was to vie with Xia Ming for his wife, but Xia Ming seemed unfazed. After all, Xia Ming had a few tricks up his sleeve when it came to dealing with Zhao Chengyi.

At the head table, Grandma, Second Uncle, Third Uncle, First Uncle, and Aunt were all mingling, murmuring about matters unknown to the rest.

Xia Ming, Lin Shuyu, and Gu Zhenshan sat at a table towards the back, their conversation brimming with joy.

Roughly ten minutes passed when a cheerful young man's voice echoed at the entrance of the hall, "Grandma, Chengyi is terribly sorry for being late!" A young man in a crisp white suit strode into the hall with purpose. Catching sight of Lin Shuyu, his eyes sparkled. "Shuyu, you've grown even more beautiful since I last saw you. I'm truly smitten!"