"I've been living as a door-to-door son-in-law in Jiangcheng for so many years according to that person's request. Now everyone knows I'm just a useless waste and pose no threat to anyone, what else do you want?"

"Aren't you done trying to get rid of me? Sending you to clean house for me?"

On the streets of Jiangcheng, Lin wears secondhand clothes and carries a garbage bag in his hand, his face expressionless.

But standing before him was a luxuriously dressed old man, who was now somewhat sweating.

"Grandpa, you misunderstood. I came to take you back. And that is your mother; calling her like that is inappropriate."

Lin sneered, "Mother? In my eyes, she's nothing but a venomous viper driven by greed."

"When my father disappeared, he took the opportunity to seize control of the Lin family. Because he was afraid that I would challenge his power, he fabricated a lie about me murdering our mother and usurping the throne, using it as an excuse to drive me out of the Lin family. Is someone like this worthy of being called a mother? I even doubt she is my biological mother."

The old man sighed and said, "Your mother was also confused back then. After all, you are the only descendant of the Lin family. Taking over the Lin family, with power naturally comes some prejudice towards you."

Now that I have realized my past mistakes, I deeply regret them. Moreover, I am now seriously ill, growing weaker by the day. You are the only remaining descendant of the Lin family and are also waiting to return and take charge. As one of China's top families, the Lin family cannot be without a leader.

As the only descendant of the Lin family? When it came to this topic, Lin Xin remained unfazed, even a little amused.

For many years, I have been subjected to daily mockery and cold indifference. When I was at my most humiliated, did anyone ever show me the slightest bit of concern?

"Before, I was the despised son-in-law who had been disowned by the Xu family. Now, because the Lin family has no heirs, they want me to return and take charge again. Do they really think that I, Lin, am a dog that can be called at will and dismissed at will?!"

"From the moment I was abandoned, I was no longer a member of the Lin family, and the fate of the Lin family had nothing to do with me."

"I'm just a nobody now, I couldn't possibly be worthy of the Lin family. Go back and give up on this foolish idea."

Lin threw away the trash and turned to leave in large strides, leaving only the elderly man in fine clothes with a bitter expression.

Although the family heir's inheritance was enough to shock the world, Lin had no thoughts about it.

As early as when he was driven out of the Lin family's home, he had no feelings for the Lin family anymore.

He is now the despised son-in-law of the Xu family, a second-rate clan in Jiangcheng. He is known as a waste throughout Jiangcheng.

No one knows that he was once the undisputed master of the Lin family in Kyoto.

But all of that doesn't matter anymore. In the past few years living in Jiang City, Lin has gotten used to people looking down on him.

... He also learned to endure hardship and accumulate knowledge for future success.

Back home, as soon as he opened the door, a glass of water was hurled at Lin's head.

If Lin hadn't reacted quickly and dodged in time, his head would have been seriously injured.

"Lin, saying you're useless is giving you too much credit. You can't even take out the trash without dragging your feet. Were you a maggot in your past life?"

A sharp and cutting voice rang out, followed by the sight of a woman with her arms akimbo and a haughty expression. It was Lin's mother-in-law, Song Wan Yue.

"Alright, stop wasting time with him. Hurry up and pack your things. Everyone on my father's side is almost here. If we arrive late, I'll get scolded by my brothers again."

A man in his fifties walked over and glared at Lin with displeasure.

This person is Lin's father-in-law, Xu Guohua. He is the worst off in the Xu family.

"Hmph, you still have the face to say that. Just thinking about how your family looked at us, I get angry."

Song Wanyue ignored Lin and turned to pack her things.

Lin didn't say a word, she bent down and picked up the water glass that had fallen to the floor, and put it back on the table.

When he was turning, a dashing figure appeared in his line of sight, her eyes were vacant.

This is Lin's wife, Xu Suqing.

Xu Suqing's figure is graceful and alluring. Her curves are perfectly accentuated, with not an ounce of excess fat anywhere. Her long, slender legs curve seductively, captivating the gaze of every man.

With that stunning face and sparkling eyes, the word "exquisite" is an understatement.

It was precisely because Xu Suqing's beauty was too outstanding that when she married Lin back then, it caused quite a stir.

Everyone thought that marrying someone like Lin, a good-for-nothing, was a terrible waste.

When Lin saw Xu Suqing, a smile appeared on his face. He was still very satisfied with his wife.

Although Xu Suqing had always been cold and even distant towards him.

Xu Suqing cautioned, "At the Xu family banquet later, you'd better not go. After all, all the relatives will be present today, and it's inevitable that they will humiliate you. Since you are destined to become a laughingstock, don't go, so as to avoid embarrassing me."

"It's not good that only our family is absent, everyone else is here."

Lin didn't mind, and chuckled in response.

"Do as you please, just follow me when the time comes and don't say a word. As for what others may say, just bear it."

Looking at Lin Man's nonchalant expression, Xu Suqing felt a pang of sympathy and injustice in her heart.

Who wouldn't want a husband who can achieve great things and become a renowned figure?

But I never expected Lin to be the best of the best, both intelligent and beautiful, with everyone looking up to them. But even the most basic safety seems out of reach, and they always act like it doesn't matter, which is infuriating, frustrating, and helpless all at once.

He has no power, no connections, and no background. That's fine, but he doesn't even have any real skills!

But so many years have passed, and at home, besides doing housework like washing, cooking, and mopping the floor well, there is no sign that he has done anything decent.

Suddenly, I felt a pang of pity for Lin, but at the same time, I was also saddened by my own fate. In the prime of our lives, did we really end up with someone like this?

As for Xu Suqing's attitude, Lin had no complaints, because he also knew that over the years, this nominal marriage between the two of them was indeed unfair. After all, no one would be willing to marry a stranger without a foundation.

Moreover, it was common knowledge that he was a fool. So, he could also understand Xu Suqing very well.

Xu Guohua's family packed up their things and drove to the Xu family villa.

"Lin, I'm going to the old man's place later. Be smart about this. You know what you're like in the eyes of the Xu family. If you screw this up and lose us someone, when we get back, I won't let you off easy."

Song Wanyue muttered under her breath, feeling extremely agitated.

Because I also know, taking Lin to the Xu family dinner is bound to be embarrassing, and there's no way to avoid it.

When they arrived at Xu's villa, the four of them walked in together. Lin trailed behind.

At this moment, almost all the relatives of the Xu family were gathered in the hall, the scene was incredibly lively.

The Xu family, a second-rate family in Jiangcheng, runs a sizable family business. In the eyes of ordinary people, they are considered a big family.

After the death of Madam Xu, the matriarch of the Xu family, Old Master Xu, her son-in-law Xu Zhenyun, began to hold sole power. All matters concerning the Xu family were now decided by him. The Xu family's development to this day was not only due to Madam Xu but also to a significant contribution from Old Master Xu. And now, financial control is firmly in the hands of Old Master Xu Zhenyun.

It can be said that whoever wins over Mr. Xu Zhenyun's favor will gain more real power in the future.

On the shelf in the living room, there were not antiques. The old man was proudly introducing his collection to everyone with a beaming face.

His biggest hobby is collecting antiques, he always treats them as treasures.

A group of relatives surrounded the old man, with attitudes of utmost respect.

To please his grandfather, he showered him with flattery, speaking nothing but praise.

Even Song Wanting and Xu Guo-hua, as a couple, couldn't resist the temptation. They showered praise upon Old Master Xu Zhenyun, leaving him beaming with delight.

Lin glanced at the shelf. He immediately understood; the quality was average, and there were even two fakes among them. They were far from genuine treasures.

When he was at the Hayashi residence in Kyoto, he had seen all sorts of treasures and even met a true master. He knew a great deal about antiques and his skills were only surpassed by none present.

Xu Zhenyun was delighted, but then he caught sight of Lin Danran's watch and his face immediately fell.

Of all the people present, only Lin hadn't praised him, as if she looked down on his collection.

"Lin, you've been standing there for ages, not a word. Don't tell me you look down on these old man's treasures?" Xu Zhenyun stared at Lin and questioned directly.

Lin was startled. He never expected to get shot while lying down.

He immediately shook his head and said, "No."

Everyone turned to look at Lin, their faces filled with scorn and reproach.

"Grandpa, everyone knows this forest is worthless. He's blind to treasures, how could he possibly understand collecting? Don't waste your time on him."

"Of course, it's strange to expect a stay-at-home husband who does chores all day to understand this."

"Hehe, I really don't know if he's truly naive or pretending to be. Even if he doesn't understand, he could at least say a few nice things, standing there like he knows everything, what's the point of putting on an act?"

……

All of Xu's relatives began to criticize Lin.

A son-in-law who only knows how to eat, wouldn't understand this high-brow stuff.

Song Wan Yue and Xu Guo Hua both wore grim expressions, they glared fiercely at Lin. Song Wan Yue muttered under her breath: "I told you not to bring him, now we only have shame to take home."

Xu Suqing's face also froze, biting her lip. She didn't expect that she just arrived here, and she would be embarrassed because of Lin.

After all, since Lin is her husband, if Lin brings shame upon himself, it is equivalent to bringing shame upon herself as well.

"Haha, this kind of person like Lin is well-known for being useless. Of course he wouldn't understand anything. How could he compare to grandpa's artistic talent? Grandpa, you don't need to pay attention to people like him, just ignore him."

At this moment, a burst of laughter erupted. Everyone turned to look, and a young man in his twenties or so walked over.

This person is the grandson of Xu Zhunyun, the son of Xu Suqing's uncle, Xu Jiashou. Because he is the eldest grandson of the Xu family and can be eloquent, he is deeply loved by Xu Zhunyun.

Most people almost certainly believe that the Xu family's business will eventually end up in the hands of Xu Jiahao.

Xu Jiahao believed he was born superior, looking down on Xu Guohua's family. Every time they met, he would inevitably belittle Lin Yi, reducing him to nothing. It was even said that Lin became Jiangcheng's infamous failure because of Xu Jiahao's scheming. He constantly spread rumors and blackmailed Lin behind his back.

"Jia Hao is right, Grandpa's artistic talent is something Lin, who has nothing, can't compare to. Grandpa should just ignore him."

"The old man's artistic taste is the highest in the Xu family, and Lin, in my opinion, even surpasses him. It is normal that he doesn't appreciate the old man's collection."

"Haha, it seems that Jiahao understands the old man best, doesn't he? They are all young people, but the gap between people is so huge, isn't it?"

"Forget it, Lin wouldn't even be worthy of tying Jiahao's shoes!"

……

A group of people flattered Hsu Chia-Hao, after all, he was the heir apparent of the Hsu family and it was crucial to cultivate a good relationship with him.

Xu Jiahao walked up to Xu Zhunyun and glanced at Lin with disdain in his eyes.

After all, he is the heir apparent of the Xu family. Every appearance needs some sparkle. It's just like a red flower needs green leaves.

And someone like Lin, this utterly insignificant person, is destined to be a mere foil throughout their life, or perhaps, just a stepping stone for him to reach greater heights.

When Xu Zhenyun saw Xu Jiahao arrive, his face finally relaxed a bit.

"Grandpa, unlike some fools who like to act smart when they don't know anything, I specifically brought you a gift this time. Have a look."

Xu Jiahao spoke, taking a scroll from the hand of someone behind him and unfurling it slowly.

Xu Zhenyun looked over and his eyes lit up immediately, exclaiming: "This… this is Tang Bohu's *Phoenix Proudly Displaying Its Image*?"

"Grandpa, your eyes are still sharp as ever. That's right, this is a genuine work by Tang Bohu. It took me a lot of effort to get it." Xu Jiahao said proudly, his face beaming with satisfaction. The people around him were all filled with envy.

Xu Zhenyun took the painting, looking at it as if he knew what he was doing. In truth, he only had a superficial understanding of antiques. The reason he liked to collect these things was simply to have people praise him.

Most of the time, he couldn't tell if it was real or fake. Since Xu Jiahao said it was an authentic work, it must be a genuine piece.

Xu Jiahao turned his head to look at Lin, saying triumphantly, "Lin, have you seen the antique I sent to grandpa? This is a genuine work by Tang Bohu, worth one million six hundred eighty-eight thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight. How about it, have you never seen it before?"

"Haha, that's great. I've never seen that before."

Lin's face was expressionless, but he couldn't help but smile inwardly. He had never seen such an expensive fake before.

As soon as Xu Jiahao took out the painting, he could tell it was a fake and had no collectible value.

However, Xu Suqing had warned Lin not to speak before coming, so he just chose to remain silent.

But Xu Jiahao was clearly not about to stop there, and even in front of everyone, he tried his best to flaunt his superiority, shouting loudly:

"Lin, take a good look. Someone like you, with such low tastes and vulgarity, probably won't have the chance to see something like this painting again in your lifetime. You better hurry up and wash your eyes, and change that ignorant and brainless sickness of yours."

As soon as these words were spoken, the Xu family villa erupted in laughter. Everyone was watching Lin's joke.

Xu Suqing on the side had long been furious. Although she and Lin had no real relationship, regardless of what anyone said, Lin was still her husband. Xu Jiahao's public mockery of Lin was essentially an insult to her entire family.

If you don't make a stand, people may think it's okay to trample on it in the future.

"Xue Jiahao, don't be too much. Just send the painting, there's no need to keep making excuses to compare yourself."

Lin was stunned and suddenly looked at Xu Suqing. His mind was racing with a hundred thoughts.

For so many years, Xu Suqing had never said a word to him, and now she was breaking her silence for the first time.

"Haha, Su Qing, I'm just stating the facts. He's a clueless fool who thinks he's something special. And while I can offer Grandpa Tang Bohu's genuine artwork, what can he offer? I just said a few words about him, is that wrong?"

Besides, he's just a poor bum. I don't need to compare myself with him. As for your family, you have a useless husband who doesn't know how to behave. Don't you understand? At the family banquet, you didn't even prepare a decent gift. Are you guys really not putting grandpa in your eyes at all?

Xu Jiahao sneered, his words were even more ruthless, he just slapped a big hat on someone.

Xu Suqing's silver teeth bit her lip, her pretty face flushed red with grievance.

Over the years, our family's status has declined, and financially we are at the bottom of the Xu family. Even if we wanted to, we couldn't afford to give expensive gifts.

Looking at the Xu family, after receiving help, they have been thriving. They gave away hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of things just like that.

“Well, well, speechless now aren't you? You don't even know how to respect your grandfather. How embarrassing to show up at a family gathering like this? Hmph, I suggest you learn some manners. After all, filial piety comes first. If you can't even manage that, stay home and avoid embarrassing yourself, wouldn't you agree?”

Seeing Xu Suqing's family humiliated, Xu Jiahao felt immense satisfaction and glee. His joy was evident in his words and demeanor; he now bore the air of a future patriarch.

And the people in the villa, even more so, spoke up in agreement, one after another accusing Xu Suqing's family.

For a time, Xu Suqing's family was pointed at by thousands.

At the center of the storm, Xu Suqing's face was flushed with anger, but since she couldn't refute him, she could only grit her teeth and bear it.

And just then, Lin suddenly stood up and blocked in front of Xu Suqing.

Looking at Lin Jianyi's resolute back, Xu Suqing felt a strange sense of bewilderment. Her heart suddenly stirred with an inexplicable feeling.

Could it be... safe?

But is this possible? This Jiangcheng native, known by all as a failure, how could he possibly have such an awakening?

Lin Mian's face stiffened suddenly. She pointed at the painting in Xu Jiahao's hand from afar.

And the following sound was like a spring thunder, booming throughout the entire villa:

"Tang Yin's paintings have always been renowned for their fine and delicate brushwork and spacious compositions. However, this painting lacks finesse in its brushwork and has a cramped composition, falling far short of Tang Yin's usual standards."

"Furthermore, Tang Yin's usual signature is his name. However, the inscription on this painting is "Tang Bohu", clearly indicating a clumsy forgery made by someone in modern times who doesn't understand Tang Yin's artwork."

"But this is such a shoddy counterfeit, yet you treat it as a priceless treasure and even dare to present it to grandpa."

"Xu Jiahao, is this what you call filial piety? Who doesn't put grandpa in their eyes!"

Lin's words were powerful and commanding, silencing everyone in the hall. A hush fell over the entire place.