Chapter 085

"Lin Ran, did you land yourself a sugar mommy? What's your relationship with Miss Luo of the Luo Group?"

"Senior Lin Ran, I love you! I want to have your babies!"

"What's so special about a kept man? Just a pretty face."

"Damn, old man, your breath reeks of jealousy."

"Ahhhhh! Lin Ran, I love you!"

The cacophony of screams nearly shattered the sky. Lin Ran never expected to become this popular at school.

Once just the campus heartthrob, he'd now skyrocketed to superstar status.

With bodyguards clearing the way, Lin Ran finally reached the library construction site.

After a brief meeting with Wu's Father, he had to leave—the crowd was overwhelming even for the security team.

Lin Ran headed straight to Principal Tang's office. The university promptly issued a statement:

[We urge everyone to behave civilly and refrain from disrupting Lin Ran's academic and personal life. Violators will face severe consequences.]

Only then did the situation slightly improve.

With the chaos addressed, Lin Ran turned to real business.

During their last meeting, Principal Tang had promised to introduce him to education bureau officials—today was that appointment. Otherwise, Lin Ran wouldn't have come.

The two drove directly to the education bureau. This wasn't about connections—Lin Ran came with an offer the authorities couldn't refuse.

At the Capital Education Bureau headquarters, Lin Ran met its director—a man he'd previously only seen on television.

Despite being over sixty, Director Chen Xiao remained dedicated, unwilling to retire with unfinished work in education.

"Old Tang, so this is the young man you mentioned?"

Principal Tang nodded. "Yes, this is Lin Ran."

Director Chen studied Lin Ran. "Have a seat. I hear you want to take on the Jingda Elementary construction project? Did you bring your proposal?"

Lin Ran stepped forward with a respectful student's bow.

"Director Chen, I'm not here for business. I want to contribute to education—at no profit. As for our company's capability? Money is no object."

"Your bureau provides the land; we handle everything else. You'll only pay construction costs. Labor, interior work, even teaching materials—Suran Group covers it all."

Lin Ran had calculated the benefits. Success meant enormous gains—not from the bureau, but for Suran Group.

Director Chen stared in shock, his mind racing. "Name your terms. I don't believe in free lunches."

Lin Ran sat silently, memories flooding back—his family, the humiliation.

The only way he'd ever seen his birth mother was in dreams.

Two tears escaped before he could stop them.

Both Principal Tang and Director Chen rushed to comfort him.

"Son, why the tears?" Chen asked gently. "I'm not some monster."

"I... have a painful family history," Lin Ran began hoarsely. "@##¥%..."

As Lin Ran spoke, Director Chen's expression darkened. Finally, he slammed the desk.

"Disgraceful! That man doesn't deserve to be a father! And that stepmother? Your brother? Vile creatures!"

Principal Tang looked equally stunned and heartbroken. He knew Lin Ran was Lin Tianba's son, but never imagined such suffering.

Prejudice could destroy souls—Lin Tianba's bias would crush any child. That Lin Ran achieved so much was remarkable.

Though sixty, Chen's fury carried youthful intensity. When he finally calmed, he turned to Principal Tang.

"Old Tang, you let that bastard Lin Jian attend Jingda just because Lin Tianba donated a dormitory? That stains your university's reputation!"

The principal didn't argue, but Lin Ran interceded: "Don't blame him. Principal Tang prioritizes campus development. Students respect him deeply."

Grateful for Lin Ran's grace, the principal silently acknowledged this young man's boundless potential.

Director Chen sighed, then asked, "You mentioned being married to Miss Luo of Luo Corporation? That's how you escaped Lin Tianba?"

At Luo Yao's name, Lin Ran's face lit up. He nodded.

Now, he had her.

After a confirming glance at Principal Tang, Director Chen softened.

"You've endured enough. Tell me your plan."

Between Luo Yao's influence and genuine admiration, Chen would never obstruct Lin Ran.

Here was no ordinary student—Lin Ran possessed both ambition and the courage to expose old wounds. Unlike naive peers, he was destined for greatness.

Lin Ran wiped his nose, embarrassed by the outburst. This vulnerability wasn't part of his strategy—there were cleaner ways to secure the construction rights. Exposing Lin Tianba had been unplanned.

Yet facing Director Chen, he'd felt an inexplicable trust. The stern official radiated paternal warmth.

For the first time, sharing his burden lifted Lin Ran's spirits. Some scars never fade, no matter how hidden.

"Director Chen, I genuinely want to contribute. Our university's new library proves my capability—I'll make Jingda Elementary equally impressive. But first, I need to use that land against my father... to reclaim what's mine."

As Lin Ran explained, Director Chen's expression shifted from confusion to awe, then approval. He immediately greenlit the proposal.

Leaving the bureau, Lin Ran felt tranquil. Success would accelerate his plans—but failure wouldn't stop him. Backup plans B through D stood ready.

The Lin family would fall.

Reborn into this life, none of his past tormentors would escape unscathed.

Principal Tang gave a meaningful shoulder squeeze.

"I believe in you, Lin Ran. As for Lin Jian—"

"Thank you, Principal. I'll handle Lin Jian myself. Without the Lin family's backing, he's nothing."