"Little Chen…" Liang Mulan called out softly to Lin Chen.
Lin Chen placed the folder on top of the shoe cabinet before he entered the door. His hands went to unbutton his vest as his body carried a faint smell of alcohol.
"I was just having a meal with Old Zhou from the discipline inspection commission. Second Uncle's situation is likely far more serious than we thought. He really supported the wrong party this time, and once they catch him, they're definitely going to push him to his death to set an example. I'm afraid he cannot be saved this time."
Lin Chen removed his vest and lay it across the back of the sofa before naturally sitting down beside Lin Nuan. His deep gaze looked towards Lin Jingquan, and his deeply set eye sockets held an almost untraceable hint of exhaustion as he said, "Dad, now is not the time for brotherly love and loyalty. Time is tight; saving one is better than none. Second Uncle told me to pass you the message. He has the same intentions."
Lin Jingquan did not think of such an ending. He kept silent as he pulled the ashtray over and tapped his cigarette against its edge, his brows tightly drawn together.
When Lin Jingquan and Lin Jinghui were in their glory, it wasn't that they didn't think of such a possible outcome. As the older brother, Lin Jingquan once assured Lin Jinghui that if things really got to that step, he would definitely sacrifice himself for Lin Jinghui to be able to survive.
Lin Jingquan had never forgotten that swear.
"Dad, if we decide to save you, Mom, Little Nuan, and Ran Ran cannot go overseas, that action will be too obvious!" Lin Chen said, his deep and slow voice not loud but still full of strength. "The company's financial department is already rushing to balance the accounts, but there will more or less be some flaws. Once you get brought in for questioning, you will never be able to escape! The worst case scenario will be in court, but your life will definitely be saved. To think of an even worse scenario, even if you do have to enter jail, once all is calm, we can use some tricks to get you out sooner."
Lin Chen had arranged everything neatly and his strong, mature aura resonated in his every word and gesture. He showed no hint of panic, looking so steady that it felt as though he could easily lift up the huge burden pressing down on the Lins.
Lin Jingquan continued smoking his cigarette and kept quiet.
Lin Nuan got the general gist of what happened; their second uncle, Lin Jinghui, supported the wrong political side, which led to this disaster.
"Brother, what can I do?" Lin Nuan asked after calming down upon Lin Chen's analysis, wanting to help with something.
Lin Chen's deep gaze shifted to Lin Nuan's face, and a hint of warmth rose in his eyes, as he said, "You can help me to take good care of Mom and yourself!"
Lin Nuan lowered her head. The tall lamp behind the couch shone on Lin Chen, his shadow falling on the bag resting in her lap, making it appear all the heavier.
Lin Jingquan kept silent the whole time. Lin Chen knew that his father was still planning to try and keep Lin Jinghui alive using his own life.
"Dad… Second Uncle let me bring a message to you." Lin Chen said suddenly.
Lin Jingquan raised his head, the white of his eyes completely bloodshot, unaware of whether it was because of his tiredness or his frustration.
Sensing that it was about time, Lin Chen stood up and grabbed his vest, wearing it on top of his clean white blouse. He buttoned it up, and his tall figure stood there as he said in his deep voice, "Relationships are thin as paper in this society, please take good care of yourself."
Lin Jingquan forced down the large waves of emotions in his eyes, unwilling to reveal his weak side in front of his children, but the remaining half of his cigarette broke between the grip of his fingers.
Lin Chen wore his vest properly and said to Lin Nuan, "Are you staying at home or going back tonight?"
Lin Ran raised her head and looked at Lin Nuan. Seeing that she kept her silence, she said after a slight pause, "Didn't you say that you're also a member of the Lin family! What, are you thinking of escaping now that something has happened!"
"I'm staying tonight…" Lin Nuan replied.
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