Led Astray

Jiang Yutong had left.

Jiang Manting picked up her phone again to check the games from both Starlight Group and Sky Veil Group.

After browsing for a while, she rubbed her temples in frustration.

Starlight Group was her aunt’s company—Lin Li’s family’s business. Yet, instead of concerning herself with Starlight Group, she was preoccupied with Sky Veil Group.

She really had been led astray by Yutong.

Feeling guilty at the thought, Jiang Manting called Lin Li.

Lin Li had been keeping Jiang Shuqin company when his phone, placed on the table, lit up.

To his surprise, it was Jiang Manting calling.

"Li, who’s looking for you?" Jiang Shuqin asked with concern.

Lin Li’s eyes flickered. "Just a friend, Mom. I’ll step out to take this call."

"Alright." Jiang Shuqin nodded, trusting his words without suspicion.

Lin Li carried his phone to his room, shut the door, and locked it before finally answering Jiang Manting’s call.

"Eldest Cousin," he greeted.

"Li," Jiang Manting’s voice carried warmth. "I’ve heard about what happened between your family’s company and Sky Veil Group. With Starlight Group in this state… are you alright?"

"Don’t worry, Eldest Cousin. I’m fine," Lin Li replied, shaking his head even though she couldn’t see.

Meanwhile, his mind raced. The fact that Starlight Group had plagiarized Sky Veil Group’s game and then framed them was already undeniable.

There was no room for excuses.

His priority now was to ensure the Jiang family didn’t associate him with Lin Chang’s disgraceful behavior.

"Eldest Cousin," Lin Li’s voice dipped with feigned remorse. "I’m sorry for making you worry. I had no idea Father would copy Sky Veil Group’s game. If I’d known sooner and stopped him, maybe the company wouldn’t be in this mess."

"It’s my fault. I should’ve noticed earlier."

Jiang Manting’s furrowed brows relaxed.

So, Li wasn’t involved.

That was a relief.

She sighed softly. "Li, don’t blame yourself. This wasn’t something you could control."

"Eldest Cousin, Mom isn’t doing too well emotionally. I should go back to her," Lin Li said.

"Of course. The recognition banquet is in a week—make sure you’re prepared," Jiang Manting reminded him.

"Mm."

The moment the call ended, Lin Li’s lips curled into a smirk.

Soon, everyone would know he was part of the Jiang family. They’d all come crawling to curry favor.

With his talent and the Jiang family’s backing, even if he started his own company, he’d thrive effortlessly in the business world.

But then—

Lin Li thought of Lin Xuan, and unease prickled at him.

"By the way, Eldest Cousin," he asked abruptly, "Last time, when Grandfather was in trouble, Lin Xuan came to treat him. You mentioned inviting him to the recognition banquet. Will he be coming?"

A sliver of hope lingered—maybe Lin Xuan wouldn’t show.

"Yutong personally delivered the invitation to Sky Veil Group a few days ago," Jiang Manting confirmed. "He said he’d definitely attend."

Damn it!

Lin Li’s grip on the phone tightened.

Lin Xuan was really coming. He had to prepare—no way would he let Lin Xuan expose him.

"Li, why ask about this suddenly?" Jiang Manting questioned.

"Nothing," Lin Li brushed it off. "I just thought, since he saved Grandfather’s life, it’d be great if he could come."

"Eldest Cousin, we should treat him well when he arrives."

"Don’t worry, I will," Jiang Manting assured.

After hanging up, Lin Li recalled the two banquets he’d hosted over the past year.

The first was his birthday party—where Lin Xuan exposed his affair with Qin Ruoyao, costing him Shen Qianqian and his reputation.

The second was his wedding with Feng Yaya—Lin Xuan publicly revealed his emasculation, ruining the ceremony and leaving his name in tatters.

Even now, people recognized him on the streets and mocked him as a eunuch.

This Jiang family recognition banquet was critical. He couldn’t afford any mishaps.

---

The next day, Su Hua left for work, leaving Lin Xuan idle at home.

Wang Dahe called him. "Xuan, wanna play basketball? We’re up against Yundu University. Lin Li’s on their team."

Lin Xuan raised a brow.

Lin Li was playing too?

It’d been a while since he last saw him—time for a reunion.

"Just a heads-up—the game’s at Yundu University, not ours," Wang Dahe added.

Lin Xuan: "Time?"

Wang Dahe brightened.

Xuan was in!

Perfect!

He’d been worried about losing to Yundu University.

Over the past year, Xuan’s skills had skyrocketed—his basketball plays were downright magical.

With him, victory was guaranteed.

"In an hour," Wang Dahe said eagerly.

"Got it. I’ll be there," Lin Xuan replied.

The moment Wang Dahe hung up, the university’s basketball team crowded around him anxiously.

"Well? What’d Xuan say?"

Wang Dahe grinned. "He’s coming."

"YES!" The team erupted in cheers.

"Between managing Sky Veil Group and spending time with Su Hua, I thought he’d be too busy. But he’s really joining! With him, we won’t lose!"

"Exactly! Xuan’s skills are insane."

The team spoke of Lin Xuan with near-reverence—to them, he was practically a legend.

"Let’s strategize against Yundu University," Wang Dahe suggested.

"Why bother? With Xuan here, Yundu’s a walk in the park," one player scoffed.

Still, they huddled to plan.

Yundu’s team had been insufferably arrogant. Before graduation, they had to crush them—just for pride’s sake.

Forty minutes later, Lin Xuan headed out.

He grabbed a random car from the garage—the latest Rolls-Royce Phantom—and drove to Yundu University.

After changing into his jersey at the campus, he met Wang Dahe, who’d been waiting.

The moment the Phantom rolled in, even without seeing the driver, Wang Dahe knew it was Lin Xuan.

Among students, few could afford such luxury.

(Thanks to Little Panda006, Master, and other sweethearts for the gifts!)