Chapter 80: Lin Shuimei Takes Action

"Really?" Lin Shuimei hadn't processed it yet. When she realized what Lin Sangqian had just said, a flicker of delight appeared on her face.

"Of course," Lin Sangqian replied with a smile. "After all, we're family."

Lin Shuimei hadn't expected Lin Sangqian to relent, but since she could stay, that was a good thing.

"Can I live here?" Lin Shuimei asked uncertainly.

"Yes," Lin Sangqian nodded. "But I just thought about it—the house only has a few rooms, and they're all occupied. If you want to stay, you'll have to sleep on the floor in the storage room."

Lin Shuimei's smile faltered, irritation stirring inside her, but she forced herself to swallow it.

"Fine! Sleeping on the floor it is."

For the benefits promised by Wanhua Restaurant, what did one night of discomfort matter?

"Laner, please bring a bedding set and take her to the storage room," Lin Sangqian said to Zhao Laner.

Zhao Laner nodded and led Lin Shuimei away.

As soon as they left, the others crowded around Lin Sangqian, gazing at her expectantly.

Lin Sangqian: "...Why are you all staring at me like this?"

"What's your plan?" Lin Hongda asked. "Daughter, don't tell me you genuinely want to take in Lin Shuimei."

"Of course not," Lin Sangqian sneered. "I just want to see what she and Wanhua Restaurant are really up to."

"Wanhua Restaurant?" Lin Wenyan was momentarily confused. "What's the connection?"

"The other day, Brother Yang told me he happened to see Lin Shuimei walk into Wanhua Restaurant," Lin Sangqian explained.

Yang Shi had recognized Lin Shuimei and remembered she had some connection with Lin Sangqian, so he mentioned it to her.

It was an offhand comment, but Lin Sangqian had taken it to heart.

She suspected that perhaps Lin Shuimei had struck some sort of deal with Wanhua Restaurant.

If this wasn't resolved soon, they'd always have to be wary of them.

"I see," Lin Yanbei snorted. "Since you've started working with Fuman Restaurant and their business is thriving, Bao Mingzhi must be getting anxious."

"But what will they have Lin Shuimei do?" Liao Shuxia asked uneasily.

Lin Sangqian thought for a moment, then whispered something to Lin Hongda, who nodded quickly. "Got it."

Lin Sangqian continued, "Lin Shuimei's visit reminds me—Father, Mother, brothers, it's about time we reclaimed what those so-called relatives owe us."

"Exactly!" Liao Shuxia slapped the table. "Why should they enjoy themselves at our expense?"

"Yes, we should give it some serious thought..."

...

The storage room had been cleaned, so it was tidy, but it could never compare to a proper room.

Zhao Laner placed the bedding on the floor. "Lay it out yourself. I'm leaving."

"Wait," Lin Shuimei called out angrily. "Why aren't you helping me?"

Zhao Laner turned, puzzled. "Why should I help you?"

"You're the Lin family's servant, aren't you?"

Hearing this, Zhao Laner wasn't offended. She just chuckled lightly. "Even if I'm a servant of the Lin family, I belong to Miss Lin Sangqian. What does that have to do with you? Are you paying me? Feeding me?"

"What do you mean? Are you saying I'm not as good as Lin Sangqian?" Lin Shuimei retorted furiously.

Zhao Laner was speechless, thinking Lin Shuimei must have something wrong with her head.

"I can't be bothered with you. Let me give you some advice: if you want to settle here peacefully, you'd best not stir up trouble."

With that, Zhao Laner ignored Lin Shuimei and walked out.

Lin Shuimei angrily kicked the bedding on the floor.

What was she so smug about? Just wait—when Lin Sangqian falls into the hands of those people from Wanhua Restaurant, who knows what will happen!

In the morning, Lin Shuimei woke up sore all over.

The bedding was so thin, it was no different from sleeping directly on the floor.

Even sleeping on the stove bed at home was better than this.

Fuming, Lin Shuimei secretly cursed the entire Lin family.

When she got up and left the storage room, she saw that Lin Sangqian and the others had already finished breakfast and were cleaning up.

She hurried over, nervously asking, "You've finished eating? What about me?"

"I only agreed to let you stay here, not to feed you," Lin Sangqian replied calmly. "So you'll have to figure it out yourself."

Lin Shuimei looked around anxiously, but found that every single bowl was empty—not a grain of rice left for her.

How could they do this? Not even give her a meal?

She trembled with rage, but remembering her mission, she forced a smile. "Alright, I understand."

Because of the end-of-month festivities and yesterday's warming feast, Lin Sangqian had given Aunt Niu and the others the day off, so they didn't come today.

The Lin family, with nothing to do, sat chatting in the courtyard. Lin Shuimei had nowhere to sit and could only squat nearby, unable to join in the conversation.

Neither lunch nor dinner included Lin Shuimei. She could smell the delicious food, her mouth watering, but she couldn't bring herself to beg for a bite.

By the end of the day, she felt like a fool.

As dusk fell, Lin Shuimei took a deep breath, knowing her patience had reached its limit.

Everyone else had gone inside, leaving only Lin Sangqian enjoying the cool air in the courtyard.

Lin Shuimei approached, head lowered. "Sangqian, could you accompany me for a walk? I'm feeling down and want to clear my head."

"Not interested," Lin Sangqian said. "Go by yourself."

"It's so late—I’m a bit scared to go alone," Lin Shuimei replied.

"Oh, then I'll have my brothers go with you."

Lin Shuimei wanted to slap Lin Sangqian.

What was wrong with this girl?

Her eyes flickered, and she said, "Actually, I have something to tell you—about my parents."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"They're jealous you moved to town and are plotting to steal your money and house!" Lin Shuimei said urgently. "They've even made a plan. Don't you want to know?"

Lin Shuimei thought surely this would catch Lin Sangqian's attention.

Indeed, Lin Sangqian frowned. "Is that so?"

"Yes. If you walk with me, I'll tell you their plan. After all, you let me stay here, and I'd like to repay you."

"Very well." Lin Sangqian nodded and walked out with Lin Shuimei.

Lin Shuimei sneered inwardly. As expected, Lin Sangqian was still a fool—so easy to trick.

But what she didn't know was that, after they left, another person quietly followed, keeping a close eye on them from behind.