Chapter 97: Refusing to Enlist

In the Lin family’s grand hall, Elder Lin stared speechlessly at the somewhat devious Elder Xie. After carefully contemplating what Elder Xie had just proposed, he remained doubtful and asked, "Is this really going to work?"

"Whether it works or not, you take the lead. Test the waters with Lin Feng and see how he reacts. If it succeeds, that’s for the best; if not, we can figure out another way later," Elder Xie replied, helplessly offering comfort to the skeptical Elder Lin.

The two remained deadlocked on the topic for a while. Eventually, Elder Lin told Elder Xie that he would try his best to communicate with Lin Feng, but ultimately, any decision would rest with Lin Feng himself. Satisfied that Elder Lin was willing to exert some effort, Elder Xie left the Lin residence.

By evening, the entire Lin family had enjoyed a pleasant dinner. Because so much had happened that day, Elder Lin sent the men of the family to the study immediately after the meal to discuss the day’s events.

Once the men were seated in the study, Lin Yu took the initiative to pick up the teapot and began pouring tea for everyone—a chore Lin Feng had intended to do, but Lin Yu had insisted, and Lin Feng, unable to refuse, let him take it.

"Elder, I have something to say, so I’ll just say it! Lin Feng, let me ask you: are you willing to develop a career in the military?" As soon as everyone was settled, Lin Chuanming anxiously glanced at the Elder before turning to ask Lin Feng.

"Join the military?" Before Lin Feng could respond, and before the Elder could react, the other direct descendants of the Lin family were bewildered by this sudden news, asking in unison.

Lin Feng’s father, Lin Chuanzhi, was particularly curious as he watched Lin Chuanming, wondering why he would ask such a thing. When had Lin Feng ever had anything to do with the military?

The Elder finally snapped out of his thoughts. He had been involved in this plan, but since his eldest son had already brought it up, it saved him some trouble. He, too, looked at Lin Feng with curiosity, waiting for his answer.

Lin Feng himself was baffled. He couldn't fathom why his uncle would ask such a question, but seeing everyone in the study staring at him, he felt speechless.

"Why are you all looking at me like that? Is there a flower on my face?" Lin Feng rubbed his nose and asked the room, feeling at a loss for words.

"Don't change the subject. Tell us your thoughts—are you willing?" Lin Chuanming, sounding a bit impatient, pressed him further.

"No, Uncle, why are you so insistent on pushing me into the military? Look at me—what would I even do there? Be a soldier? Am I even cut out for that?" Lin Feng frowned as he addressed his anxious uncle.

Lin Chuanming was unaware that Minister Xie had already spoken to Elder Lin about this matter; otherwise, he would never have brought it up himself, as it was a thankless task. Unfortunately, he had been too eager. Had he waited a moment longer, perhaps the Elder would have brought it up first.

"Listen, do you think I want you to go be a soldier? I know what kind of person you are. It’s because of the Tiger Head Gang incident. Your individual combat ability is so strong that the national leadership has taken note. Minister Xie specifically requested that you be recruited into the military as an instructor to train personnel, and he promised that if you agree, the state will grant any conditions you require," Lin Chuanming explained helplessly. Such generous terms were like a gift from heaven to those in the system. If Lin Chuanming had that kind of talent, he would have accepted the Minister’s offer immediately, but alas, he did not.

After hearing Lin Chuanming’s explanation, the Elder joined in the persuasion, offering his own contribution: "That's right, Lin Feng. You should seriously consider it. When Elder Xie left this afternoon, he specifically stayed behind to talk to me about you joining the military."

Lin Feng looked at the expectant faces of the Elder and Lin Chuanming, then at the others who watched with a mix of calm and longing. He shook his head firmly.

Seeing his reaction, the Elder felt a deep sense of disappointment, even though he had anticipated the answer. To be honest, if Lin Feng were willing to pursue a military career, the Elder believed his future would be limitless—he would surely surpass Lin Chuanming’s current rank and might even have a strong chance of succeeding Minister Xie one day. Unfortunately, Lin Feng’s ambitions lay elsewhere.

While Elder Xie remained silent, Lin Chuanming could not sit still. Seeing Lin Feng’s refusal, he quickly interjected, "Lin Feng, you don't have to give me an answer right now. You can take a few days to think it over."

Lin Feng was a straightforward person, and he truly disliked the stifling nature of military life. He refused Lin Chuanming again with certainty: "Uncle, there’s no need to say any more. I’ve already thought about it, and I will not be joining the military."

Hearing the refusal, Lin Chuanming remembered the orders Minister Xie had given him before leaving. Just as he was about to press further, he caught the Elder signaling him with a look. Although he had many questions, he deferred to the Elder and stopped, changing the subject.

Seeing that Lin Chuanming understood, the Elder nodded with satisfaction. Nothing could be rushed, especially with someone as stubborn as Lin Feng; one could only wear him down gradually. Pressing him too hard would only lead to a greater backlash.

"By the way, since everyone is here, I have a few things to announce! From today, the third branch will take over all of the Lin family's business affairs, and the third branch’s company in Zhanhai City will be merged into the family holdings. Additionally, Lin Yu will step back from business and enter the system to develop his career. If anyone has any opinions, feel free to share them." Seeing the room go quiet, the Elder addressed the men in the study regarding the main business of the day.

Lin Feng had been present when the Elder discussed these matters with his father earlier that afternoon, so he understood the situation perfectly and didn't need to offer an opinion now. Although Lin Yu was also a central figure in these changes, he was only of the third generation and lacked Lin Feng’s extraordinary abilities, so he could only listen. This was the tragedy of being born into a great family: ordinary people envied their status and wealth, unaware that the price paid was the loss of personal freedom, forcing them to submit to the family’s arrangements.

"Father, I accept this arrangement. Letting the third branch take over the family’s commercial assets is a great decision. The third branch has been in business in Zhanhai City for years; the fact that they became the top commercial force in Zhanhai City in just ten years shows their capability—it’s far better than Lin Yu. Furthermore, having Lin Yu enter the system is a wise move. Our third generation needs representation in the government; it will be very beneficial for the family’s future development!" As Lin Yu’s father and the eldest son of the family, Lin Chuanming was the first to speak up in support.

"I agree as well!" Lin Chuanyan added, though he offered little else, making his stance clear.

Seeing no opposition, the Elder nodded with satisfaction and continued regarding Lin Yu’s placement: "Then tell me, do you think it’s better for Lin Yu to enter politics or the military?"

"This concerns Lin Yu personally, so I think we should hear what he has to say," said Lin Chuanzhi. Having taken over the family’s business affairs, he had become much more attentive to family matters and offered his perspective.

The Elder and the rest of the second generation agreed with Lin Chuanzhi. For the first time since entering the study, everyone’s gaze focused on Lin Yu.

Under the immense pressure of their collective attention, Lin Yu steeled himself and said, "I choose politics. I’m afraid I wouldn't be able to adapt to life in the military."

Lin Yu’s answer disappointed Lin Chuanming, who shook his head and fell silent. Subconsciously, he had hoped his son would enter the military to inherit his own foundation and gain experience there.

The Elder understood Lin Chuanming’s disappointment, but there was nothing to be done; the third generation of the Lin family was sparse, and for the sake of the family’s future, these arrangements were necessary. With Lin Yu’s choice made, the rest would be easy. Relying on the Lin family’s influence in Yanjing, arranging a position for Lin Yu to gain experience and build his credentials would not be a problem.

"Elder, see if you can pull some strings and get my cousin a position in Zhanhai City," said Lin Feng. He had rarely shown interest in family matters, making this request a surprise to everyone.

His suggestion drew their curiosity. They did not understand why Lin Feng wanted Lin Yu to go to Zhanhai City.

"Lin Feng, tell us your thoughts. Zhanhai City isn't our territory, and I don't know anyone in the political circles there. Do you have a plan?" Lin Chuanzhi asked. He knew Lin Feng well enough by now to know that he planned three steps ahead.

Lin Feng indeed had his own intentions. Through their time together, he had grown quite fond of his cousin and intended to support him, eventually turning him into his own political representative. However, he did not want to reveal his full plan to the entire family, so he offered a half-truth: "The political scene in Zhanhai City is controlled by the Ma family. As it happens, they contacted me some time ago, expressing their willingness to stand with the Lin family. I’ve become quite close with the third generation of the Ma family, and I thought that collaborating with them in Zhanhai City would be a win-win. My cousin has no political experience, so starting in a top-tier city like Zhanhai will be a great help to his perspective and experience. Besides, with the Lin family behind him and the support of the Ma family—the top family in Zhanhai—he can act with confidence once he takes office. If any issues arise, I can step in immediately. Elsewhere, he might not have such favorable conditions."