Standing Next To You-Chapter 480: The Chosen Heir

Fei Chuan and Lin Sanju approached the front, heading to the table adjacent to Old Master Lin and the other prominent figures.

Due to Fei Chuan’s identity and status, he couldn’t sit at the same table as Bei Sangyun. However, his gaze drifted to her.

She was holding the purse he had given her.

Fei Chuan’s fingers brushed over the brooch pinned to his suit. They were the same shade of deep purple.

If they stood side by side, anyone would instantly notice how perfectly their accessories matched. Would people mistake them for a couple?

"You and Lin Sanju must be very close. I’ve heard you’ve helped him quite a bit," Old Master Lin’s voice pulled Fei Chuan back to the present.

Fei Chuan lowered his hand and turned to the old man with a polite smile. "Lin Sanju is a good friend. I’m happy to help him whenever I can."

"And I’ll make sure I’m worth it," Lin Sanju chimed in with a grin.

Old Master Lin didn’t comment further but gave a curt nod, accepting Fei Chuan’s greeting. While the old man was warm and welcoming to the other distinguished guests at the table, his attitude toward Fei Chuan was slightly reserved.

Lin Dayun, seated nearby, couldn’t take her eyes off Fei Chuan. The more she looked at him, the faster her heart raced.

Who would have thought she’d meet Fei Chuan face to face here? Was he really Lin Sanju’s friend?

"Big Brother," Lin Dayun suddenly spoke, breaking the silence, "I didn’t know you were friends with Sir Fei."

Lin Sanju blinked, startled. It was rare for Lin Dayun to initiate a conversation with him. In fact, aside from their earlier greeting for their grandfather, they hadn’t spoken much at all.

"We went to the same high school," Lin Sanju replied simply.

"Oh." Lin Dayun’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. She glanced at Fei Chuan, her voice softening. "So you grew up here in the country? If I had studied here, we might have met earlier. My cousin is so fortunate to have met you."

Fei Chuan merely smiled in response, offering no further acknowledgment. Since she hadn’t been formally introduced to him, nor introduced herself, he saw no reason to engage.

Lin Dayun paused, clearly waiting for a reply that didn’t come. Her gaze flickered toward Lin Sanju, silently urging him to make the introduction.

But Lin Sanju pretended not to notice. He could guess exactly what was running through Lin Dayun’s mind, and introducing her to Fei Chuan felt like stepping into dangerous territory. It wasn’t worth the trouble—not for him, and definitely not for Fei Chuan.

"Dayun’s right. You truly are lucky to have met Mr. Fei," Lin Zhe who was across from their seat, finally spoke, breaking his silence with a deliberate smirk.

"If not for him, you wouldn’t have secured support from the foreign investors. And let’s not forget the royal banquet invitation he gifted Grandfather—that gave you quite the boost. It’s thanks to him that you’re here, competing with me."

His tone was laced with mockery as he leaned back in his chair, casting Lin Sanju a cold smile. "How I wish I had a ’good friend’ like him."

Lin Sanju, unfazed by the jab, replied calmly, "Yeah, I’m really glad I have friends."

Lin Zhe’s smile faltered for a moment before he adjusted his glasses, his gaze sharpening. "Oh, yes. I also heard you have a woman. Is that what’s motivating you so much lately?"

Lin Sanju blinked, momentarily caught off guard. When did he have a woman?

"You have a girlfriend, cousin? Is she here?" Lin Dayun chimed in, her curiosity piqued. She glanced at Fei Chuan and added, "Perhaps Mr. Fei knows about it?"

Fei Chuan didn’t bother to respond to Lin Dayun’s probing. Instead, he glanced at Lin Sanju, who appeared genuinely clueless about the accusation. Fei Chuan took a sip of his drink, deciding not to intervene. It was clear Lin Sanju could handle this.

Lin Sanju shook his head, smiling faintly. "Brother, where did you hear such a thing? Someone must be spreading baseless rumors. Don’t believe everything you hear so easily."

Lin Zhe raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Oh? But for a rumor to spread, there must be some truth behind it. Are you certain you’re not in a relationship?"

Lin Sanju chuckled, the sound light but laced with subtle tension. "You seem more interested in my love life than my own mother. But, out of respect for you as my elder cousin, I’ll answer: I don’t have a girlfriend right now."

Lin Zhe tilted his head, studying him. "Oh? Well, since you insist, I suppose I have to believe you."

Lin Sanju merely smiled, but inwardly, he was on guard. For Lin Zhe to bring this up so pointedly, there had to be a reason. He made a mental note to tread carefully, especially with women around.

The conversation tapered off as the event continued. All attention shifted to Old Master Lin as he stood on the stage, commanding the room with his presence.

Everyone waited with bated breath as the old patriarch slowly began his speech, speaking of the qualities required for the Lin family’s next leader. His deliberate pauses only heightened the tension in the air.

When he finally announced the name, the crowd erupted into applause.

"...My grandson, Lin Sanju, come up here with me, child."

Lin Sanju rose from his seat, his expression composed but tinged with emotion. He made his way to the stage amidst the applause of the Lin family members and guests.

Old Master Lin opened his arms and hugged him warmly. "Please lead the family to greatness. I have high expectations of you."

"Thank you, Grandfather," Lin Sanju replied, bowing his head respectfully.

The room buzzed with congratulations for Lin Sanju.

The supporters of the fourth branch cheered the loudest, their excitement almost exaggerated, filling the entire hall. Their lively cheers isolated the first branch.

The first branch forced out a smile. But beneath their polite expressions, a sense of awkwardness and bitterness lingered, like a shadow over the celebration.

Lin Zhe watched as Lin Sanju was surrounded by congratulatory smiles and praises. The eyes beneath his glasses were cold and deep.