Chapter 187

Lin Dongfan reopened the Song Wen suicide case on his first day on the job!

This matter not only refreshed the worldviews of Peng Tianhua and others, it also startled the lofty and isolated Uncle Lin Zhenhua.

Evening.

Lin Dongfan accompanied Lin Zhenhua for a walk in the courtyard: "Uncle, you called me out—could it really be just to have me keep you company on a stroll?"

"I told you before, before you secure this position, you must not interfere in Jianglan's affairs. Today you reopened the Song Wen suicide case—don't you know this case involves the Gao clan of Jianglan?"

Lin Zhenhua stopped, gazing at Lin Dongfan, wanting an explanation.

Lin Dongfan smirked dismissively: "Those people from the Investigation Division gave me a show of force at first sight today, but aren't they now subdued by me? I think I can hold this position."

"You brat, that's overconfidence."

Faced with the righteous and confident Lin Dongfan, Lin Zhenhua could only laugh it off.

Overconfident!

This seems not necessarily a bad thing.

On the contrary, if even with the family's full backing he couldn't carve out a path of blood, that would be the true tragedy.

If the Lin family produced a lump of mud that can't stick to the wall.

The old master would surely be so angry he'd ride a crane westward to his death.

This is actually fine; at least this kid hasn't disappointed the family, whether working in Nanzhou or Jingcheng, he remains bright‑hearted, daring to venture and strive.

Lin Zhenhua patted Lin Dongfan's shoulder reassuringly: "Since you're confident you can secure this position, go ahead and act freely."

"Uncle, what exactly is the background of Gao Peng of Jianglan?" Lin Dongfan had never figured this out; in his previous life he couldn't reach such bigwigs, and even in this life he still hasn't seen it clearly.

Lin Zhenhua replied with a half‑smile: "When Zou Yugang was in charge of Wuzhou, Gao Peng always served as his secretary. Later, as Zou Yugang rose steadily, Gao Peng rose with him. Zou Yugang needed Gao Peng to steady the Jianglan stronghold, and conversely, Gao Peng needed this old leader's patronage and care."

"Is Jianglan Zou Yugang's stronghold?"

"From Nanzhou to Wuzhou, then to the provincial‑ministerial level. All told, he governed Jianglan for twenty years. Such a twenty‑year foundation can indeed be called a stronghold."

"Putting it that way, was my great‑uncle's transfer away from Jianglan actually him being squeezed out?"

"Don't gossip without evidence."

Lin Zhenhua dropped the inappropriate topic there.

He turned and walked back.

Lin Dongfan continued to accompany him, and at last he understood why Uncle Lin Zhenhua had been treading on thin ice, cautious all along—it turned out the opponent was that strong.

Lin Zhenhua suddenly reminded Lin Dongfan: "Reopening the investigation into Song Wen's suicide will inevitably touch the core interests of the Gao clan. Before moving against the Gao people, you must have solid evidence. Moreover, you yourself must be utterly clean; you must never give anyone a handle to grab, for forging requires strength in oneself."

"I understand."

"Our Lin family is small in numbers, and you are the sole heir. Frankly, I don't want you dragged into these struggles. I'd rather you stay away from officialdom and live a peaceful life."

"Uncle, you're showing no faith in me."

"It's not that I lack confidence in you; I just don't want you to slip up. Because of the nature of your work, people in the anti‑corruption bureau are naturally disliked. Usually, folks from other units avoid you like the plague, but if you ever make a mistake, they'll jump at the chance to kick you when you're down."

"That's true."

Regarding what Uncle said, Lin Dongfan now deeply feels it.

Just like Leng Chuan, Zhang Xiaoguang, Jian Sining, Tang Xia, and others—aside from a few colleagues in their own unit, they hardly have any friends within the system and are unwelcome wherever they go.

If you invite someone out to play, the first thing they think is whether you're trying to investigate them.

How awkward.

Compared to the friendless Leng Chuan and company, Lin Dongfan considers himself fortunate; besides his unit's colleagues, he also has friends like Su Yuhong, Yang Qing, Zhang Yong, and others.

Lin Dongfan assured Lin Zhenhua: "Uncle, don't worry; I'll listen to you, and from now on I'll act steadily, avoiding battles I'm not sure of."

Hearing that, Lin Zhenhua smiled with relief.

This was the first heart‑to‑heart talk between uncle and nephew.

And from this conversation, Lin Dongfan realized one thing—Uncle isn't unwilling to point his sword at Jianglan; rather, he prefers to stay still, but if he moves, he will strike with a sword that chills fourteen provinces.

From this perspective, Uncle is the true strong one.

Like the rebellious Aunt Lin Yuzhi, compared to Uncle she's still a bit weaker, because true masters are like Uncle—they don't lightly draw their swords.

Returning home, Lin Dongfan pushed open Aunt's door.

Lin Yuzhi leaned against the headboard, a sea‑mud mask on her face, a lollipop in her mouth, and a thick 'Military Industry White Paper' in her hands.

Quite the explosive vibe.

Lin Dongfan joked: "From afar, she looks like an over‑aged girl with a high sugar intake; up close, she's actually holding a white paper that only the bigwigs love—what a split personality..."

"If you've got gas, let it out; if not, don't."

Lin Yuzhi didn't even lift her eyes, turning to the next page of the white paper and continuing to read.

Lin Dongfan sat beside the bed and began kneading Lin Yuzhi's leg: "Here's the thing—Uncle gave me a courtyard house; as the Lin family's eldest sister, shouldn't you also show some gesture?"

"Haven't eaten? Put some strength into it."

Lin Yuzhi enjoyed the massage while sucking on sugar and reading.

She didn't even lift her leg to kick.

It seems this courtyard house has finally found its place.

Lin Dongfan grinned with delight: "Lady Lin the Immortal, is this pressure okay?"

"Not bad."

"As for the courtyard house..."

"No way."

"Lady Lin the Immortal, that's not very proper—being the Lin family's eldest sister, what about your stature, your wealth, your kindness?"

As soon as the three‑part question was uttered, Lin Dongfan stopped the massage.

Lin Yuzhi also closed the white paper.

Like a judge.

His eyes fixed on Lin Dongfan: "You already have three courtyard houses, and besides, how many clones do you have? I might as well have you give me the Forbidden City."

"I actually want the Forbidden City, but the key is you don't have that strength." Lin Dongfan laughed.

Lin Yuzhi pointed at the doorway and ordered: "You helped me press for less than thirty seconds, then you want a courtyard house from me? Get out, I don't know you."

"Are you sure you want me to get out?"

"Get out."

I was originally going to predict the military-industrial system and its development direction 15 years from now, but since you're not interested, forget it—I'll let this supreme essence rot in my stomach.

Stop!

Great Immortal Maiden Lin, your emotions are so unstable tonight—should I get out or stop? Please give me an unambiguous order.

"It's just a courtyard house? Grit your teeth, your aunt I can't not afford it." Lin Yuzhi patted the edge of the bed, laughing like an innocent girl: "Sit here, aunt doesn't mind your dirty butt."

That's more like it.

One careless mistake, and another courtyard house was swindled—finally the whole family was drained dry.

Lin Dongfan also happily raised the corners of his mouth: "Aunt, I'm not saying this about you, but if you had this insight earlier, you'd have become a leader in the military-industrial field."