Chapter 0171

Originally, he had thought things through today—he might have been too harsh on Lin Ran in the past. If possible, he wanted to try mending their relationship, reluctantly allowing Lin Ran to become his son again. As long as Lin Ran regained his father's love, he would surely return to the Lin family and help him overcome this crisis.

It wasn’t surprising that Lin Tianba thought this way. The image of Lin Ran from the past was too deeply ingrained. Back then, Lin Ran would sacrifice everything for his family—he was the kind of son who asked for nothing in return.

"In the room next to ours, honey, do you know? This ward costs 400,000 a day, and Xiao Jian and I could only scrape together enough for one day."

Lin Tianba waved his hand dismissively. "Don’t worry, I have money."

While the court hadn’t frozen his assets yet, he might as well spend it. Besides, this was for himself and his family—the money had to be spent.

"Yuemei, that ungrateful son Lin Ran is running wild now, relying on Luo Yao’s backing, but Luo Yao might not truly care for him..."

As he spoke, Lin Tianba forced himself to calm down. There was no other choice—after all, the other side had Luo Yao’s support. But how could Luo Yao protect him forever? He was Lin Ran’s real family.

"That ungrateful son has just been led astray after getting involved with Luo Yao. For his own happiness, as his family, we must guide him back. Blood ties are the hardest to sever."

Seeing Lin Tianba’s cowardly demeanor, Liu Yuemei felt a twinge of disgust inside.

"You’re right, dear. Family should be cherished above all. But will Xiao Ran really come back to his senses?"

Lin Tianba: "I’m his father. Even if there was some unpleasantness before, he’s already vented his anger. As long as I agree to take him back as my son, he’ll be grateful and help the Lin family through this crisis."

Liu Yuemei fell silent. If Lin Ran returned to the Lin family, it would indeed be the best outcome. With all that money he had, as long as he handed it over, all their current troubles would disappear, and she wouldn’t have to live in fear anymore.

Once the Lin family regained its former glory, even if the Liu family knelt before her begging for forgiveness, she wouldn’t spare them—she’d make sure they lost everything.

But would things really go so smoothly?

"Honey, do you think Xiao Ran will even agree to see you?"

Lin Tianba froze, then sank into silence.

Truth be told, Liu Yuemei’s concern was valid. Given their strained relationship, Lin Ran might just have his bodyguards throw him out.

After a moment’s thought, he said to Liu Yuemei, "He holds a lot of resentment toward me as his father. You go first and test the waters. Tell him I hope we can sit down and talk, father and son."

Liu Yuemei shuddered instantly, recalling what Lin Ran had done to her earlier that day.

He had trampled her dignity into the ground—so many nurses had witnessed it. Even now, her head was still wrapped in bandages.

Concussion.

But their current predicament left them no choice but to rely on Lin Ran. She had to compromise.

"O-okay, dear."

Pride didn’t matter now. Once they had money again, pride would follow.

The top priority was getting father and son to meet and finding a way to reclaim Lin Ran’s money—including that necklace he had bid on last time. All of it rightfully belonged to the Lin family.

Besides, this time she was just delivering a message for Lin Tianba. Surely she wouldn’t get beaten again... right?

"Honey, Xiao Ran gave me a concussion. My head still hurts a little. Can I go later?"

Liu Yuemei wasn’t actually dizzy—she was just mentally preparing herself.

Lin Ran’s recent actions had left her traumatized.

Especially today. The humiliation had been even worse than when he’d thrown her out last time.

"That ungrateful wretch! You’re still his mother, and he dared to hurt you like this? Yuemei, don’t worry. Once he returns to the Lin family, I’ll make sure you get justice for everything you’ve suffered."

Lin Tianba knew Liu Yuemei was injured, and it pained him deeply.

But for the sake of the Lin family and their future, he couldn’t give up on Lin Ran.

"Thank you, dear."

That night, after steeling herself, Liu Yuemei went alone to the neighboring ward and knocked on the door.

When the door opened, she saw a somewhat familiar figure and immediately trembled.

"You’re… Mother Hen Stews Mushrooms?" The man inside looked at her in pleasant surprise.

"No, I’m not." Liu Yuemei frantically shook her head.

"You are! Still trying to fool me?"

Terrified, Liu Yuemei glanced around nervously. "I’m really not! You’ve got the wrong person!"

"Heh, do I look stupid to you? If you weren’t her, why are you panicking? Still lying? Well, since you’re here, might as well make yourself useful—get in here!"

Liu Yuemei was yanked inside. When she emerged an hour later, her heart was pounding the entire time.

Back in their ward, Lin Tianba had grown impatient waiting.

"What took so long? What did that brat say?"

"H-He… He said he doesn’t want to see you."

"That little—! I’ll go myself!" He stood up, but Liu Yuemei quickly stopped him.

"Honey, listen to me. Xiao Ran is just throwing a tantrum right now. If you go, he might have those people beat you again. I think we should wait. He’ll calm down eventually."

"Don’t worry, I’ll keep trying to persuade him. You’re his father, after all. Once we let him return to the Lin family, he’ll be groveling at your feet in gratitude."

Liu Yuemei was panicking inside, terrified that Lin Tianba would rush over and discover what had just happened.

Lin Tianba sighed helplessly.

"You’re all too soft-hearted. I… Fine. Even though I’m the head of this family, I’m still your husband. This time, I’ll listen to you."

Tears streamed down Liu Yuemei’s cheeks as she threw herself into Lin Tianba’s arms.

"Honey, I love you. I really, truly love you so much."

"I love you too. We’re the most devoted couple in the world."

"Mhm."

Lin Jian, who had just woken up, frowned in confusion. Something felt off about his mother’s emotions.

At the very least, hugging Lin Tianba and declaring her love was… unusual.

But he didn’t dwell on it. Right now, he was in too much pain himself—his tongue hadn’t fully healed, and he had multiple fractures.

As he lay there, he started crying.

What sin had he committed to deserve this? Lately, it seemed like he was either injured or on his way to getting injured again.

And how could a worthless nobody like Lin Ran be worthy of Luo Yao—a woman so outstanding and beautiful?

Luo Yao wasn’t the shallow type to care only about looks. What on earth did she see in Lin Ran?

He was the rightful heir of the Lin family. Only he deserved Luo Yao. Why couldn’t she see that?