Standing Next To You-Chapter 485: Lin Zhe’s Show II

"I’ve witnessed how the fourth branch worked tirelessly to rise and compete against us. It was a tough competition. Although my side did its best, we couldn’t match your branch’s dedication. I would be honored to serve and work alongside Lin Sanju," Lin Zhe said with a smile.

His words and tone were so sincere that the people around, who had been anticipating a dramatic confrontation, were left stunned.

The first branch had lost decisively, and their bitterness was apparent to everyone. No one expected Lin Zhe, who had been unusually quiet until now, to step forward and greet the fourth branch with such genuine warmth.

Li Mei and Lin Ruo were the most surprised. They never thought anyone from the first branch would come to congratulate them—much less the heir himself.

The couple exchanged a quick glance before responding to Lin Zhe’s remarks.

"It was indeed a tough competition. We look forward to your support," Li Mei replied with a polite smile. Yet inwardly, she remained cautious. She knew all too well how the first branch operated. Would they really accept this defeat so easily? She doubted it.

From the corner of his eye, Lin Zhe noticed Old Master Lin making his way toward them. His smile grew even more sincere. "Of course. Although I wasn’t chosen, the two decades of hard work and training I invested in preparing to lead the family won’t go to waste. I’ll make sure my skills and capabilities contribute to supporting my cousin."

Clap. Clap. Clap.

"That’s wonderful to hear, Lin Zhe. You’ve made me proud, my son." Old Master Lin clapped as he approached. When he reached Lin Zhe, he patted him on the shoulder and looked at him with pride.

"I knew I could count on you. It was a difficult decision to choose between you and Sanju, but you possess the qualities of an elder. When Sanju falters one day, you’ll be the guiding light by his side. I trust you’ll support him."

"Of course, Grandfather."

Old Master Lin chuckled. "That’s the spirit. Unlike your father, who stays in the corner sulking about the loss, you’ve accepted the outcome and adapted to the change. With these qualities, I believe you’ll help lead this family to greatness."

"Don’t be too hard on Father, Grandpa. He only wanted the best for me. He’ll come around and see that cousin Sanju will do an even better job than I could."

Old Master Lin nodded in satisfaction and praised him again. Lin Zhe maintained his polite smile throughout.

Lin Zhe glanced around and asked, "Is Cousin not back yet? I haven’t had the chance to congratulate him."

Li Mei, who had also been anxiously waiting for her son, tugged at her husband’s sleeve and whispered, "You should send someone to call him back." She then turned to Old Master Lin and Lin Zhe, smiling politely. "He excused himself earlier for an important call. How about we toast at our table in the meantime, Grandfather?"

"Oh, an important call? I wonder if it’s from the investors he met at the Royal Banquet. He must be receiving some good news," Lin Zhe chimed in.

For the main protagonist to step away from the crowd for a phone call, it had to be something absolutely significant. A call from foreign investors, potentially contributing greatly to the family’s business, seemed plausible.

Old Master Lin nodded, sharing the same thought. "That must be it. It would be nice to hear good news soon."

Li Mei smiled but remained unsure. Even though it was not an important call, her son wouldn’t disappear this long. "He didn’t share the details with us, but I believe we’ll hear good news soon."

"Good news? Is Master Lin Sanju getting married?"

A loud voice suddenly broke through the chatter of the crowd, causing heads to turn.

The speaker, a man dressed in a sharp dark blue suit, looked around at the surprised faces and shrugged innocently. "What? Did I mishear something? I saw Master Lin Sanju earlier with a woman, and they seemed rather intimate. Isn’t that the good news?"

The room fell silent before gasps rippled through the guests. Lin Sanju, the newly appointed heir, spotted with a woman and acting intimate? Could he be engaged?

Those who hadn’t caught the earlier discussion began whispering among themselves.

"Is there an engagement announcement coming soon?"

"Oh my, I wasn’t expecting to hear two major announcements tonight. Who is the lucky woman?"

"Master Lin Sanju hid this from us so well! I always thought he was single."

"There’ll be a lot of disappointed ladies eyeing the title of Mrs. Lin tonight."

Murmurs and speculations spread quickly as the guests tried to piece together the situation, their excitement and curiosity filling the air. Their words were unstoppable, quickly reaching to the ears of the people at the front.

Li Mei and Lin Ruo frowned. As far as they knew, Lin Sanju wasn’t seeing any woman. They were certain this was all just a misunderstanding.

Old Master Lin, overhearing the murmurs, turned to Lin Sanju’s parents in surprise. "Lin Sanju brought a woman here?"

Li Mei quickly shook her head. "It’s probably a misunderstanding, Grandfather. He has never introduced any woman to us. They must have seen something and jumped to conclusions."

"It’s certainly unexpected to hear that Lin Sanju has a woman," Lin Zhe added with a light chuckle. "But he’s a man, after all. There’s nothing wrong if he has set his eyes on someone. Besides, I believe my cousin wouldn’t disappoint Grandfather—or any of us—by choosing the wrong partner. Don’t you agree, Grandfather?"

Old Master Lin nodded thoughtfully. "I have never forced any of you to marry someone for connections against your will. I’ll give my approval as long as the person brings no shame to our family and comes from a respectable background. You both understand that, right?" He directed his gaze at Lin Ruo and Li Mei.

Lin Ruo nodded immediately. "Yes, Father. I trust my children to make good choices."

"However, this seems like a misunderstanding," Li Mei added hurriedly. "My son has been so focused on his heir training and the family business that he hasn’t had time for personal matters. It wouldn’t be right to assume things and risk damaging both his and that woman’s reputation."

"You’re absolutely right, Auntie. Let’s not jump to conclusions," Lin Zhe replied with an easy smile. "We can wait for my cousin to clarify, but for now, the second event is about to begin. He must be attending to something important, so it’s best not to disturb him. How about I step in and assist with the tour instead?"

The couple sighed in relief as the topic finally shifted. However, a flicker of disappointment crossed Li Mei’s face. This was supposed to be her son’s moment—to lead the guests to the museum hall.

Traditionally, it wasn’t an official rule in the Lin family, but it was well known that the chosen heir was the one who ceremoniously opened the doors to the museum hall, inviting everyone to glimpse the family’s history.

This was her son’s privilege as the chosen heir.

As Li Mei hesitated, Old Master Lin gave his approval to Lin Zhe.

"It’s just leading everyone to the museum," he said firmly. "Lin Zhe can escort the guests to the hall, and Lin Sanju can catch up and lead the tour inside. We can’t keep our guests waiting."

With Old Master Lin’s approval, the couple had no choice but to proceed with the second event without their son.

Lin Zhe stepped forward confidently, guiding the guests out of the current venue and toward another part of the mansion. As they walked, he spoke eloquently about the history of the Lin family, captivating the audience.