We knew each other since we were kids.

Li Dongfeng sneered, "Lin Li, I'd like to ask you something. Since Lin Xuan has so many powerful people protecting him, why didn't you tell me?"

"Aren't you just trying to achieve your goal with the least amount of money?"

Lin Li was momentarily speechless.

He had previously hired people from the dark web to deal with Lin Xuan, but that attempt had also failed.

At the time, he thought it was just a coincidence.

And while it was true that Lin Xuan likely had many bodyguards, he was afraid that revealing this would increase the cost—so he kept it all a secret.

"Since the mission failed, why didn't you inform me?" Lin Li gritted his teeth as he asked.

If he had known,

he would have arranged his own people in advance. If Lin Xuan dared to show up at the banquet, his men would have rammed their car into him. Even if Lin Xuan didn’t die, he wouldn’t have been able to appear at the banquet again.

"Lin Li, if I hadn’t staged the illusion of a successful mission, would you have obediently handed over the money?" Li Dongfeng scoffed coldly.

"You—"

Lin Li was furious, his chest heaving with anger.

"Lin Li, don’t be so quick to question me."

Li Dongfeng’s expression suddenly darkened. "Do you have any idea I almost lost my life to Lin Xuan? So, isn’t it fair for me to demand a little extra from you?"

Lin Li clenched his jaw. "Aren’t you afraid I’ll expose your dealings on the dark web? Your reputation in the underground circles would be ruined, and you’d never be able to hold your heads up again!"

"Oh wow, that’s a really serious threat. I’m so scared," Li Dongfeng mocked, pretending to pat his chest in fear.

Then his tone shifted sharply.

"Lin Li, go ahead and expose us. Just remember—we know who you are. If you’re not afraid of our retaliation, then by all means, do it."

"We’re all desperate men, Lin Li. If you dare to cross us, you’d better guard that pitiful little life of yours."

With that, Li Dongfeng hung up.

Lin Li’s fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.

These people knew his identity. There was nothing he could do against them.

How did this happen?

Weren’t the dark web’s security measures supposed to be impenetrable? Weren’t his orders supposed to be completely anonymous?

Why had his real identity been exposed both times?

This time, Lin Li had no choice but to swallow his bitterness in silence.

He gripped his phone tightly.

Damn it!

Not only had he lost twenty million, but Lin Xuan was completely unharmed.

At the same time, a deep sense of dread rose in Lin Li’s heart.

Would Lin Xuan expose his true identity?

No—

Lin Xuan might not even know that he was the one the Jiang Family was really looking for.

He couldn’t panic now.

Steadying himself, Lin Li returned to the banquet hall, where Jiang Manting came looking for him.

"Li’er, where did you go just now?" Jiang Manting strode up to him.

"Nowhere special, just taking a walk," Lin Li replied evasively, avoiding her gaze.

"Eldest Cousin, did you need me for something?"

Jiang Manting smiled gently. "I wanted to introduce you to someone."

Since the Jiang Family had decided to build a good relationship with Lin Xuan, they wanted everyone in the family to get along with him.

Jiang Manting valued Lin Xuan not only because of an inexplicable sense of familiarity but also because of his abilities.

Lin Xuan possessed extraordinary medical skills.

Who didn’t fear illness and death?

Having a connection with someone like Lin Xuan could only benefit the Jiang Family.

"Alright," Lin Li nodded.

"Eldest Cousin, who is this person you want me to meet?" he asked as they walked toward Grandpa Jiang.

Jiang Yutong chuckled. "You already know him—it’s Lin Xuan. He was the one who saved Grandpa when he was critically ill last time."

Lin Li’s fists tightened instantly.

It was Lin Xuan after all!

He hadn’t expected the Jiang Family to hold Lin Xuan in such high regard!

At the same time, his unease grew.

If Lin Xuan was this close to the Jiang Family, even if he hadn’t discovered that Lin Li was the real cousin Jiang Manting was looking for, he would eventually find out.

No—

He had to make the Jiang Family despise Lin Xuan as soon as possible.

That way, even if they later learned that Lin Xuan was their true relative, he would no longer be a threat.

Jiang Yutong led Lin Li to where the Jiang Family was gathered.

"Mr. Lin Xuan, let me introduce you—this is the cousin our family is recognizing. This banquet is being held in his honor," Jiang Yutong said.

"Lin Li?" Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow. "I know him."

Lin Li’s fists clenched harder.

Why did it feel like Lin Xuan could see right through him, as if all his thoughts were laid bare?

"You know each other?" Jiang Yutong asked in surprise.

Lin Li’s heart pounded.

"How could we not?" Lin Xuan smirked. "His father is the CEO of Starlight Group, Lin Chang. Our company recently had a major conflict with them."

"And, come to think of it, Lin Li and I actually met when we were very young."

"Right, Lin Li?" Lin Xuan arched a brow at him.

Lin Li forced a smile. "Yes, we’ve known each other since childhood."

He glanced nervously at Grandpa Jiang and Jiang Manting.

He was worried that Lin Chang’s underhanded tactics against Lin Xuan’s company would tarnish his image in their eyes.

Feigning remorse, he said, "Lin Xuan, I’m sorry for what our company did to yours. I had no idea—if I’d known, I would’ve tried to stop my father."

"Mm, of course you didn’t know. As the sole heir of Starlight Group, it’s only natural you’d be kept in the dark," Lin Xuan agreed with a nod.

Jiang Yutong watched Lin Xuan with amusement.

His sarcastic, sharp-tongued retorts were just like hers.

She had always felt that she and Lin Xuan were kindred spirits.

Lin Xuan’s words also stirred doubt in Jiang Manting’s heart, and she couldn’t help but glance at Lin Li.

Was her cousin really unaware of all this?

Lin Li’s fists trembled.

Damn it!

Why did Lin Xuan have to bring this up?

Then, with exaggerated magnanimity, Lin Xuan added, "Don’t worry, I hold no grudge against Starlight Group. After all, your company has already gone bankrupt—it’s gotten what it deserved."

But the Lin Family hadn’t.

They would be next.

Lin Qingwan’s company, the Lin Family’s wealth—

The skincare products he and Jiang Yutong had developed together… Lin Qingwan was probably already analyzing their ingredients.

"I won’t keep you from your family reunion. I’ll take a walk outside."

With that, Lin Xuan picked up his glass and left the banquet hall.

Jiang Yutong wanted to follow, but it was clear Lin Xuan wanted to be alone.

She worried that pushing too hard might push him away entirely—ruining her chances of ever being acknowledged as his sister.

So she stayed behind.