Chapter Eighteen: The End of the Birthday Banquet

Lin Feng issued his command, his stern voice echoing through the banquet hall and stunning everyone present into silence. Tang Ke Nian dared not defy Lin Feng’s wishes; with a gesture, he had all the beautiful women and every piece of jade offered as birthday gifts taken away. Not even a single hair from the jade remained.

In less than ten minutes, the grand birthday gifts worth tens of millions had vanished completely, as if riding a roller coaster—one moment soaring, the next plummeting. Old Master Yao’s face changed abruptly; he never imagined that Lin Feng, whom he regarded as a worthless coward, would dare to embarrass him so much in front of the entire family, showing him not the slightest respect.

Not virtuous? Unworthy? Old Master Yao trembled with rage, his right eyelid twitching violently, nearly coughing up blood in his fury! What should have been a joyful seventieth birthday celebration had turned into this spectacle.

Now, the hall was plunged into dead silence, the Yao family members holding their breath as they watched the old master intently. Lin Feng’s actions were bold and cathartic, venting the years of oppression he had suffered—but anyone could see that he had thoroughly offended Old Master Yao.

The eldest aunt and Yao Xingye were shocked, though inside they were secretly delighted: "Well done, Lin Feng! You’ve dug your own grave. After offending the old master, do you really think you can stay in the Yao family? Dream on! Just wait until I ruin you!"

The eldest aunt and Yao Xingye were overjoyed, feeling as though fortune had smiled upon them. Yao Qianqian and her parents were furious and shocked—especially her mother, who glared fiercely, picked up a porcelain bowl, and raised it to smash it against Lin Feng’s head, only to be restrained by her husband.

Yao Qianqian gazed at Lin Feng’s proud, solitary figure, momentarily dazed, but quickly shook her head, sighing inwardly: "Ah! Still the impulsive scholar. Since you’ve already leveraged the Tang family’s connections, why not do things thoroughly and elevate our branch in the old master’s eyes? Acting on impulse like this, you’ll never achieve anything great."

Lin Feng paid no heed to the Yao family’s reactions, nor did he intend, as Yao Qianqian imagined, to use the Tang family’s influence to secure a position with Old Master Yao.

Why? Because Yao Qisheng, that old tyrant, was not worthy!

Lin Feng could still recall vividly how his grandfather had once knelt before this old man, begging for a marriage alliance. For that alone, Lin Feng would never forgive him. And all these years, the Yao family’s suppression and humiliation of him had been enabled and condoned by this old tyrant—how could Lin Feng repeat the "foolish filial piety" of his previous life?

To spare him was already an act of mercy—should Lin Feng kneel at his feet, begging for his favor? How utterly ridiculous!

"You..."

Old Master Yao raised his trembling hand, rage burning in his eyes, ready to rebuke Lin Feng. But as he glanced at the Tang family standing behind Lin Feng, he could only swallow his anger and let it fester inside.

He waved his hand wearily, sighing, "Let’s end the birthday banquet here. I am tired. Go on, disperse, all of you."

"Grandfather! We can’t just leave! Lin Feng is disrespectful and rebellious—he must be punished!" Yao Xingye protested relentlessly, grabbing Lin Feng’s sleeve and raising his palm, threatening to slap him. "Today, I, Yao Xingye, will discipline this unfilial descendant for you!"

A sharp slap rang out. Just as everyone expected Yao Xingye to vent his anger on Lin Feng, Lin Feng moved like lightning, landing a resounding slap on Yao Xingye’s face.

The blow was so forceful that Yao Xingye, nearly two hundred pounds, was sent flying, crashing through the banquet table and falling to the floor. Clutching his swollen cheek, he howled in pain, rolling about desperately.

Old Master Yao watched as his favorite grandson was sent flying by Lin Feng’s slap, and he sprang to his feet! He glared furiously at Lin Feng, gripping his cane as his whole body shook with rage.

Lin Feng, meanwhile, lifted his chin, hands in his pockets, staring directly at Old Master Yao—a silent challenge, as if to say, "Go ahead, try it if you dare!"

Lin Feng’s arrogant demeanor only made Old Master Yao hesitate, unwilling to actually punish him. Without understanding the exact nature of Lin Feng’s connection with the Tang family, he dared not risk offending them.

"Ah, just let it go," Old Master Yao sighed, seeming to age several years in an instant. He waved his hand in defeat, ending the birthday festivities.

Lin Feng merely shrugged, unconcerned, and turned to leave, striding out of Tianhe Hotel.

"Son!" The eldest aunt and uncle hurried to tend to their child, helping Yao Xingye up and glaring resentfully at Lin Feng’s departing figure, cursing him silently.

...

Outside Tianhe Hotel, Lin Feng’s mother-in-law grabbed him, hands on her hips, snapping angrily, "Lin Feng! What is your relationship with the Tang family? You clearly arranged the birthday gifts—why did you hide it from us?"

"The Tang family only showed such kindness because my grandfather once saved Old Master Tang. It’s simply a repayment of gratitude. As for the birthday gifts, I told you I had prepared them, but you didn’t believe me. How is that my fault?"

Lin Feng casually made up a reason, glossing over his connection to the Tang family.

His mother-in-law exploded, scolding loudly, "Repayment? This was such a golden opportunity! You should have had the Tang family let Qianqian manage one of their listed companies—then the entire Yao family would be at our mercy! And you wasted it? You even returned all the birthday gifts! Now look, everything’s lost. Do you expect them to repay you again? Lin Feng, you are unbelievably foolish!"

Her intent was clear: she wanted to seize the opportunity, exploit Tang family’s gratitude for greater gains, and enrich themselves.

Seeing her insatiable greed, Lin Feng shook off her hand, straightened his sleeve, and replied coolly, "Why should I?"

"You..." Lin Feng’s icy answer stunned his mother-in-law, leaving her speechless.

Indeed, why should he? Everyone had witnessed how the family of three mistreated Lin Feng over the past three years. Why was he obligated to use his favor to help Yao Qianqian rise to the top, making sacrifices for others?

Should he abandon his dignity, becoming a man who gives everything for a woman, as if that were the only way to be a real husband?

Was Lin Feng supposed to degrade himself?

Yao Qianqian heard this and looked up abruptly, her whole body trembling. She had thought Lin Feng acted on impulse, but now she saw he felt no remorse; instead, he was selfish and arrogantly proud! A useless man who still acted so selfishly—utterly hopeless!

She was plunged into deep disappointment.

"Enough, enough! Arguing in the street—aren’t you ashamed? If you must quarrel, do it at home."

"Lin Feng, your mother-in-law isn’t really blaming you, just thinks it’s a shame that you used up the Tang family’s connection so quickly. Also, the old master has agreed to let you work at the family company—so prepare yourself well," his father-in-law said, frowning slightly, patting Lin Feng’s shoulder in a much gentler tone.

Though the Tang family’s favor had been used, the gratitude remained, and perhaps it could be leveraged in the future.

Lin Feng nodded, unwilling to say more, and took a taxi back alone to Shuiyue District.

He returned quietly to his study and began his cultivation.