Standing Next To You

Two months later...

At the Lin mansion, the fourth branch of the Lin family was having a meal together. Ever since Lin Sanju became the head of the Lin family, their branch had undergone major changes—not just externally, where their supporters had grown, but internally as well.

The family, once driven by self-interest and ambition, had now become more harmonious, striving instead for peace and the growth of their children.

Li Mei, who had once prioritized her children's success over their well-being, had transformed into a gentle and caring mother. Lin Ruo, meanwhile, had become a proud and supportive father.

If their former selves could see them now, they would be shocked to realize these were the same people. But with time, their habits changed—and they had become the kind of parents they had always wanted to be.

"I heard your instructor recommended you again for the art competition at your university," Li Mei said, looking at her daughter with pride. "He believes you have a good chance of winning this year."

"There are a lot of talented painters this year. I probably won't stand a chance," Lin Sunji replied as she took a bite from one of the dishes on the table. "He's probably just saying that so you'll give him more money. He has connections with the judges—spend more and maybe I'll win."

"I don't bribe people anymore and I don't have to. The instructor came to me because he genuinely sees talent in you," Li Mei said, handing her a serving of meat. "And why are you eating so little? Are you on a diet?"

Lin Sunji pouted. "I gained two kilograms in the last two months! My classmates said my waist isn't as thin as before."

"Tsk. Why do you care so much about what they say? You still look perfectly fine. Don't starve yourself just because of others' opinions. You'll be the one suffering, not them. Anyway, are you joining the competition or not?"

"I am! Even if I lose, just being chosen as a candidate is already a big achievement for me." Lin Sunji, who used to care only about winning and being number one, had changed a lot over the past year. Perhaps it was because she was no longer fighting for the heir position and now lived a more comfortable life, free from the constant judgment of others. She still cared about what people said about her appearance—but not as obsessively as before.

Lin Sanju watched this scene with a quiet smile. Then, a pair of chopsticks holding a piece of meat appeared above his bowl. Lin Ruo smiled and placed the food on his plate.

"You should eat more. You've been staying up late again," Lin Ruo said.

Lin Sanju scooped the meat up with some rice and ate silently, his expression warm.

The Lin family continued eating in harmony, with Lin Sunji and Li Mei chattering back and forth. After the meal, the family moved to the living room as usual.

Ever since the couple started attending parenting classes, a new ritual had been added to the fourth branch's weekly routine. Every Saturday after dinner, they would gather in the living room to share updates about their lives.

So far, it had worked well for their family.

Lin Sunji shared updates about her university life—like participating in the competition, venting about a particular classmate who commented on her waist, and tattling about instructors who favored other students' work. Her storytelling lasted for nearly an hour, but no one in the family grew bored of listening to her.

She was expressive and animated when she told stories, her emotions always on point. The family even considered Lin Sunji's storytelling time an entertaining weekend show they looked forward to.

In contrast, Lin Sanju's way of sharing was dry and brief, lasting only a few minutes. He usually talked about the company's progress or the new coffee he had tried. Even when his parents asked about his social life, he had nothing to share.

"No woman's caught your eye yet?" Lin Sunji suddenly asked.

"It's still too early for me to consider marriage," Lin Sanju replied.

"I'm not asking about marriage! There's the getting to know each other phase—and dating, you know. I even heard someone saw you getting along with a blonde woman," she said, scrutinizing him.

Li Mei and Lin Ruo perked up with interest. Their eyes lit up as they turned to Lin Sanju.

"Who is she? Which family is she from?—Ah, never mind that," Li Mei said quickly. "It doesn't matter what background she has. We won't restrict your marriage. You can marry whoever you want."

They were serious. After all, one of the core lessons in their parenting classes was not to pressure their children into arranged marriages they didn't want, nor to meddle excessively in their adult children's love lives.

If Lin Sanju wanted to marry someone from a humble background—even someone poor or in debt—they were willing to give their blessing. As long as the woman had a clean background and no criminal record, that was enough for them.

Lin Sanju froze at Lin Sunji's question. Seeing his parents' expectant expressions, he looked away.

"...I don't even know her that well. She just returned my jacket when she recognized me."

Lin Sanju was telling the truth. When he met that person again at that hotel party, she just returned his jacket. They had only exchanged first names and chatted casually about random topics. Their conversation did not even last for ten minutes. They hadn't even exchanged contact information before they separated.

Some people must have seen their interactions then and created rumours. People were reading too much of it, when it was just a simple chat.

However, his hesitant tone only fueled the fire already burning in the eyes of the three.

"Ohh... based on your reaction, you're definitely interested in her!" Lin Sunji said with a teasing grin. "You're finally stepping into adulthood, brother!"

"You should get to know her better! Invite her over next time. It doesn't matter who she is. If you like her, we'll support you! We'll help you block the rumors!" the couple added enthusiastically.

Li Mei was even thinking: If the woman's background truly is modest and not on par with ours, I'll just find her a godmother to elevate her status. After all, if a woman from a humble background married the head of the Lin family, she might be bullied by high society.

To prevent that, Li Mei was willing to find her a strong backer.