Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Chapter 88
Jiang Ning nodded, sensing that Lin Wen wanted to speak privately. He followed Lin Wen out to the balcony, the cool evening air brushing against his face. As they stepped outside, Lin Wen exhaled a long, steady breath, his hands gripping the railing with a firmness Jiang Ning hadn’t seen from him before.
“What’s on your mind, Lin Wen?” Jiang Ning asked, his tone soft but serious.
Lin Wen didn’t respond immediately, staring out into the distance as if gathering his thoughts. He took another drag from the cigarette, the smoke curling upward into the dimming sky.
“I’ve been thinking,” Lin Wen said finally, his voice steady, though there was a hint of frustration in his eyes. “About everything that’s happening. My family… this whole mess with Lin Wu…”
Jiang Ning remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
Lin Wen turned to face him, his expression hardening. “I’ve been too weak for too long. Always afraid to fight back, always trying to keep the peace. But now… now I see what’s really at stake. I have to protect my family, Jiang Ning. I can’t keep letting these people walk all over us.”
Jiang Ning’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What are you saying?”
Lin Wen’s voice grew more intense. “I know you’re strong. I’ve seen what you can do. But I can’t just sit back anymore. If we’re going to survive this, if we’re going to make sure Lin Wu and the others don’t crush us, then we need to act. We need to fight. And I can’t sit here and wait for you to do everything.”
Jiang Ning studied Lin Wen for a moment, impressed by the change in his demeanor. Lin Wen had always been gentle, but this new resolve was something else entirely.
“You’re ready?” Jiang Ning asked, his voice a bit softer now.
Lin Wen nodded firmly. “I’ve been pushed around for too long. I can’t afford to be weak anymore. I’ll stand with you, Jiang Ning, no matter what comes.”
Jiang Ning let out a quiet breath, considering the gravity of Lin Wen’s words. “We’ll need to be careful. Lin Wu and his allies won’t hesitate to destroy us if we show any weakness. But if you’re with me, we’ll make sure your family’s safe.”
Lin Wen’s eyes glinted with a mix of determination and fear. “I trust you. And if I have to walk into the fire, then I’ll do it. For my family.”
Jiang Ning reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I’m glad you’re with me. Together, we’ll make sure no one gets away with hurting your family again.”
They both stood in silence for a few moments, the weight of their conversation settling between them. The storm was coming, and there was no turning back now. Whatever it took, they would face it together.
Inside, Su Mei and Lin Yuzhen continued to tend to Lin Wen’s wounds, unaware of the quiet, steely resolve that had taken root in Lin Wen’s heart. The peace they had hoped to maintain was slipping away, replaced by the certainty that war was on the horizon. But as long as they stood united, they knew they could weather whatever storm came their way.
