Since he could reclaim the Lin Corporation Building, Lin Chen naturally didn't refuse. This would solve many of his current problems. The building held a special meaning for him—it carried the blood, sweat, and memories of the Lin family, along with irreplaceable relics. He Tianchi did well on this matter, and Lin Chen took note of the favor.
"Alright. I'll remember this favor."
Hearing Lin Chen's words, He Tianchi was overjoyed. While the Lin Corporation Building meant little to the He family, this favor from the Dragon Palace's young master was priceless. The benefits were unimaginable. Thankfully, he had been the one to acquire the building. Who would've thought the young master of the Dragon Palace turned out to be the Lin family's eldest son?
He Tianchi put away his phone and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the night sky.
"Lin Chen has returned. The skies over Jiang City… are about to change."
—
On the busiest street in Yancheng, a towering skyscraper pierced the clouds. Above its grand entrance hung four bold characters: Lin Corporation. It was once a symbol of the Lin family's glory. Passersby all knew those letters were about to be taken down. The Lin family's presence—like the family itself—was soon to vanish.
Lin Chen stood at the entrance, staring up at the familiar building. This place held countless memories of his family. He would never allow anyone to desecrate it.
"Lin Chen! What are you doing here?"
A sharp female voice cut through his thoughts.
"This isn't your family's property anymore!"
Lin Chen frowned slightly and turned toward the voice. It was Wang Luobing—an old acquaintance.
She had been a classmate of his in university. Her family had modest wealth and ran a small company. Lin Chen remembered her because she was best friends with Liu Ruyan—his former fiancée.
Back when Liu Ruyan was engaged to Lin Chen, Wang Luobing had reaped many benefits from the Lin family, including lucrative project deals that kept her family's business afloat.
Logically, she should've been grateful. Without the Lin family's support, her company would have folded long ago. And now that the Lin family had fallen, so too had her business.
Instead, she blamed the Lin family for her downfall.
Upon spotting Lin Chen outside the building, she felt an indescribable glee.
With her chin held high, she sneered, "My family went bankrupt because of yours. And now, your precious building has been bought by the He family. Meanwhile, I've earned my place at He Corporation through hard work."
"Miss Zhang personally promoted me to supervisor and assigned me here."
"And my first order of business? Taking down the Lin Corporation sign!"
"This place will be renamed He Jewelry! You, Lin Chen, are nothing now. And me? I'm management! I bet you never imagined things would turn out like this!"
Lin Chen gazed calmly at her, unmoved. To him, she was nothing more than a clown.
He Tianchi was merely a chess piece his master had given him. The building already belonged to him again.
This pest? He'd fire her soon enough.
"No one will take that sign down. As long as I wish it, this place will always belong to the Lin family," he said, his tone cold and steady.
Wang Luobing burst into mocking laughter. "Hah! You've really lost your mind!"
"You were in prison for five years—did it fry your brain?"
"The Lin family is bankrupt! The building's been auctioned off—it doesn't belong to you anymore!"
Lin Chen nodded calmly. "True. He Tianchi bought it. But he gave it back to me."
Wang Luobing snorted with laughter, her face full of contempt. "You're insane. Utterly delusional."
"Saying that the richest man in Jiang City gave you a building? That's rich! Clearly too many Lin family members died and scared you stupid!"
"You're not even worthy to shine his shoes! He wouldn't spare you a glance!"
Lin Chen's expression darkened. Wang Luobing had once acted sweet and obedient before him. He hadn't thought poorly of her.
Now, he realized he'd simply been too naive. Her past kindness had all been an act. A very convincing one, he had to admit.
"Honestly, your whole family deserved what happened. You're lucky you even survived!" she spat, revealing her true colors.
She had always been jealous of Liu Ruyan—of her engagement to Lin Chen, her connection to the Lin family. Wang Luobing had long wished she could have taken Liu's place.
Now, with the Lin family destroyed, and the once-unreachable heir under her heel, she could finally bask in the thrill of revenge.
Smack!
Lin Chen struck her across the face.
"Enough noise."
He hadn't cared about this insect, but her shrieking was insufferable—like a buzzing fly.
Wang Luobing crashed to the ground, blood trickling from her lip. She clutched her cheek, eyes wide in disbelief.
He hit me? This loser actually dared to hit me?
"Lin Chen! You're dead!" she shrieked like a banshee. "I'm a supervisor at He Jewelry! You assaulted me on He's property! You're finished!"
Just then, a man with a beer belly—easily over 180 pounds—waddled over.
"Baby, are you alright?" he said, rushing to help her up.
She collapsed into his arms and sobbed, "Darling, thank god you're here! That scum hit me! Boohoo…"
"He even claimed… even claimed President He gave him this building!" she wailed.
"Darling, you have to teach him a lesson!"
The man, who had just groped her rear, glared at Lin Chen with disdain.
"I'm Liang Xiaolong, general manager of He Jewelry's local branch. You hit my woman and insulted our president?" he sneered. "You've got a death wish!"
"Listen here. I'll give you a chance. Get on your knees, kowtow, and slap yourself ten times. Maybe I'll let you live."
Given Liang's position—and his family ties with He Tianchi—he wasn't just bluffing. If he wanted someone dead, it wouldn't be hard.
Smack!
Lin Chen slapped him across the face.
"Since you're giving me a chance, I'll give you one too. Call He Ling. Tell her Lin Chen is here. And she better come down immediately."