"That man who shares the same name as you is really something else. He cheated not long after getting engaged. If they were to get married, who knows what would happen?" Mr. Wang said indignantly. If his daughter were to marry such a man, he would feel like committing murder.
Lin Chang's expression froze.
Lin Li clenched his fists tightly, his face turning extremely unpleasant.
During the conversation, many people subtly brought up the matter, especially those who were in the know, casting strange glances at Lin Li. Some even mentioned the issue of Qin Ruoyao's pregnancy.
Lin Li could barely stand it.
Lin Chang felt a surge of resentment toward Lin Li. If it weren't for Lin Li's involvement with Qin Ruoyao, he would still be basking in the admiration of others.
Of course, Lin Chang's greatest hatred was reserved for Lin Xuan.
It was all Lin Xuan's fault for exposing Lin Li and Qin Ruoyao's affair. If it weren't for that, none of this would have happened.
Outside the banquet hall.
Lei Hui received a sudden phone call. After listening to the report on the other end, his expression turned serious.
"Alright, I'll head back right away."
He hurried back to Lin Xuan's side with his phone. "Boss, something's come up at the company. I need to go back and handle it."
"Go ahead," Lin Xuan nodded.
Lei Hui left in a rush.
Lin Xuan entered the banquet hall alone. He wasn't fond of the usual business flattery, so he found a quiet corner to sit by himself.
Lin Li noticed him and frowned.
Isn't that Lin Xuan?
What is he doing at such a high-profile business banquet?
Lin Li's first instinct was to look around, wondering if Lin Xuan had come with Su Hua.
But he didn't see Su Hua anywhere.
So, Lin Xuan had come alone?
Lin Li narrowed his eyes.
It seemed Lin Xuan had sneaked in.
Lin Xuan had orchestrated that scene at his birthday party, causing him to lose face in front of everyone.
This time, he would make sure Lin Xuan was humiliated in front of all these people too.
A cold smile curled on Lin Li's lips.
"Dad," Lin Li approached Lin Chang. "Isn't that my brother? Did you invite him to such a high-profile business banquet?"
"Lin Xuan?" Lin Chang frowned. "What is he doing here?"
He followed Lin Li's gaze and saw Lin Xuan sitting alone, sipping his drink.
Lin Chang's face darkened instantly. He strode over to Lin Xuan with a cold expression.
"Lin Xuan!" Lin Chang said through gritted teeth.
Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow and leisurely set down his glass.
"Chairman Lin," Lin Xuan said with a mocking smile. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
"Lin Xuan, do you even know where you are?" Lin Chang said in a low voice. "How dare you sneak into such a high-profile event?"
Lin Xuan glanced at him dismissively. "And what does that have to do with you? Don't forget, we've already cut ties. You have no right to interfere in my affairs, Chairman Lin."
"Lin Xuan, if you're not embarrassed, I am! How dare you use my name, Lin Chang, to get in here?" Lin Chang hissed.
Lin Li's scandal had already tarnished his reputation. Now, having Lin Xuan—a good-for-nothing who had even cut ties with the family—show up would only invite more gossip behind his back.
One of the main reasons he attended this banquet was to build relationships with top-tier companies. If possible, he hoped to secure collaborations with them.
But Lin Xuan was hell-bent on opposing the Lin family. He might even sabotage things.
So, he had to make sure Lin Xuan left the banquet.
Lin Chang pointed toward the exit. "Get out of here right now!"
"Chairman Lin, why should I listen to you?"
Lin Xuan remained seated on the couch, completely at ease.
"Fine, fine," Lin Chang said, laughing bitterly. "If that's how it is, don't blame me for what happens next."
"Lin Li, go call the event organizers."
Lin Qingwan arrived and quickly got a rough idea of what was happening from Lin Li.
"Dad," Lin Qingwan said, frowning. "Just let Lin Xuan stay. It's good for him to see the world."
Lin Qingwan thought back to all the previous banquets, where her father had always brought Lin Li and never Lin Xuan.
She felt it was unfair to Lin Xuan.
Now, Lin Xuan harbored a lot of resentment toward the Lin family. If they kicked him out this time, it would only deepen his hostility.
Lin Li subtly clenched his fists.
As expected! Lin Qingwan was clearly siding with Lin Xuan, always speaking up for him.
"Didn't Lin Xuan claim he's cut ties with the Lin family?" Lin Chang sneered. "If that's the case, how did he get an invitation to a business banquet like this?"
"If he's so bold, he shouldn't rely on the Lin family for anything!"
"Lin Li!" Lin Chang barked. "Go call the organizers now."
"Dad..." Lin Li hesitated.
"Are you disobeying me too?" Lin Chang's cold gaze bore into Lin Li.
"Alright, I'll go call them."
Lin Li had no choice but to do as Lin Chang said and fetch the organizers.
Lin Qingwan anxiously said, "Lin Xuan, just apologize to Dad. If you talk to him properly, he'll let you stay."
Lin Xuan scoffed. "Lin Qingwan, don't you think you're being hypocritical?"
"Lin Xuan, you..." Lin Qingwan looked hurt.
"Qingwan, don't bother with him," Lin Chang said coldly. "He's an ungrateful wretch. No matter how kind you are to him, he'll never appreciate it."
Lin Qingwan felt a deep sense of helplessness.
All she wanted was for the family to be together and happy. Why was it so difficult?
She had no idea how to reconcile Lin Xuan with their parents.
Lin Li returned with the event organizers.
"Chairman Lin," the staff member said respectfully.
"He's no longer my son. He has no right to be here. Take him away," Lin Chang ordered.
Lin Li was inwardly gleeful.
He had already contacted the media. Once Lin Xuan was kicked out, he would have the reporters splash the story everywhere.
This time, Lin Xuan would be utterly humiliated.
The staff member frowned.
He approached Lin Xuan. "Sir, may I see your invitation?"
Lin Li smirked inwardly.
How could Lin Xuan possibly have an invitation?
Su Hua never attended these kinds of events. She wouldn't even accept the invitation, let alone give it to Lin Xuan.
Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow.
He calmly pulled out the invitation and handed it over.