"Alright, come with me to handle something later, then you can scram to the hospital to keep Granny Wang company. Don’t say I never gave you a chance."
Uncle Fu immediately wore a grateful expression.
"Thank you, Young Master Lin."
Lin Ran’s words were like imperial decrees in the estate—if he told him to scram, he had to scram.
"What exactly are we going to handle?"
The question made Lin Ran’s eyes gleam with excitement.
Before going to Modu, Lin Ran had thought he was ruthless enough—at least when it came to settling scores with the Lin family.
But after everything that happened in Modu, Lin Ran realized he was practically a saint compared to Luo Yao.
No matter the situation, Luo Yao’s cruelty was always swift and without hesitation.
"Now that we’re back in the capital, of course I have to check on how my dear ‘son’ is doing. And Lin Jian—I don’t know why, but if I don’t mess with them, I feel restless."Uncle Fu could already tell—Lin Ran was becoming more and more scheming.
When had the young master started changing?
It seemed to be right before the semester began, after that time when the young lady brought him back. He started behaving—well, at least in front of her.
But toward everyone else? He’d only grown harsher.
The old Lin Ran had been too kind-hearted, desperately protecting a family full of scum.
That was why Uncle Fu could never bring himself to dislike him.
Back then, his feelings toward Lin Ran were mostly, "That poor kid."
"Understood. I’ll prepare the bodyguards."
Lin Ran nodded. He never took unnecessary risks.
Even though Lin Tianba’s family posed no threat to him now, bodyguards were still a must—it was called insurance.
Jiang Feihua spoke up, "Can I come along?"
Lin Ran’s expression darkened, his voice icy.
"The capital estate isn’t like Modu. If you don’t want to lose a limb, keep your mouth shut and stick to your job."
Jiang Feihua’s face stiffened. No matter how professional she was, Lin Ran’s direct insults were hard to swallow.
"My apologies, Young Master Lin. I understand."
Lin Ran didn’t bother explaining. After all, Jiang Feihua was doomed sooner or later—why waste words on someone destined for ruin?
Once Jiang Feihua left, Lin Ran and Uncle Fu departed the estate.
Outside, Lin Ran gazed at the snow piled along the roadside and sighed. The North and South really were different.
"Little Tong, what’s the deal between you and Qi Chengwei now?"
A faint hint of happiness flickered across Little Tong’s face.
"It’s good. She didn’t forget me. We’re starting over—hopefully, this time it’ll have a happy ending."
Lin Ran raised an eyebrow. "You’re not rushing to the altar? Guess the love isn’t that strong."
Little Tong shook his head. "It’s not about love. We’re just being more cautious now. Chengwei said she wants to focus on her career first. Once she’s truly free, we’ll get married."
"Sorry for splitting you two up. You’re not upset about the long-distance thing, are you?"
Little Tong hesitated before answering.
"Actually… no. Because I realized something."
"What?"
"I realized… Chengwei’s possessiveness seems way stronger than before. She wasn’t like this in the past."
Lin Ran: "..."
Oh, now we’re talking my expertise.
"Heh. Good luck with that. Not every man can handle a woman like that. And how strong can her possessiveness be? Stronger than my Yao Yao?"
Little Tong immediately shook his head. "Don’t get mad, Young Master Lin. Don’t punish me, and please don’t tell the young lady."
Lin Ran nodded, and Little Tong continued.
"I think the young lady’s possessiveness toward you is… kind of terrifying."
Lin Ran’s face darkened. "You’re great at talking. Next time, don’t."
Just then, Uncle Fu handed Lin Ran something black and ominous.
"Young Master Lin, the young lady asked me to give this to you. Said you can use it if you’re in danger. But since you’ve never trained with it, maybe Wang Bao can teach you later."
Lin Ran took it—it was heavier than expected.
Even just holding it, the cold aura radiating from it was unmistakable.
Was this the intimidation and security of a "liberator"?
"Got it."
The motorcade cruised through the capital’s streets, other cars yielding as usual.
The life of the wealthy—simple, unadorned, and boring. Lin Ran was used to it by now.
They stopped outside a nondescript motel. Surrounded by bodyguards, Lin Ran strode inside.
The first thing he saw was Jia Laoban, shirtless and working out.
Jia Laoban’s face lit up at the sight of Lin Ran. "Young Master Lin! You’re finally here. I’ve been rotting away in this place."
Lin Ran eyed his bulging muscles and sighed—he really needed to hit the gym.
"You’ve worked hard."
"Not at all! I’ve even gained weight. My days are just bullying Lin Jian, working out, and punching stuff."
Lin Ran chuckled and clapped Jia Laoban’s shoulder.
"Where are they?"
"Upstairs. Lin Jian’s been in a foul mood lately. Throws tantrums every day. When I get sick of it, I curse at him or smack him around. After I’ve had my fun, he takes it out on Lin Tianba—beats the hell out of him."
"And this morning…" Jia Laoban leaned in, whispering something into Lin Ran’s ear.
Lin Ran’s eyes widened.
"Holy shit. Lin Jian really is a piece of work. The things he’ll do—ha! Did you get it on video?"
Jia Laoban smirked.
"Of course. The room’s rigged with hidden cameras. Lin Tianba was furious—screaming his head off but completely helpless."
Lin Ran felt a rush of satisfaction.
"Young Master Lin, want me to send it to you?"
Lin Ran’s face instantly turned stern.
"If you value your life, don’t show me that stuff. If Yao Yao finds out, both of us are dead."
"Ah—right. My bad." Jia Laoban paled, realizing the consequences if the young lady discovered he’d shown Lin Ran such footage.
A chill ran down his spine.
"Good. Just remember to send it to me later."
Jia Laoban: "???"
Upstairs, Lin Ran heard Lin Jian’s muffled voice before he even reached the door.
"I really envy my brother for having…"
Without hesitation, Lin Ran kicked the door open. A foul stench assaulted them. Little Tong swiftly handed Lin Ran a gas mask, while Wang Bao sprayed air freshener.
Lin Ran grimaced—any desire to torment them vanished instantly.
"Who’s there?"
All three members of the Lin family turned toward the door, only to see a masked entourage.
Lin Ran: "Your daddy."