LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 13:
Chapter 13: Lin Shengnan’s Reversal:
As Lin Shiyan prepared to respond, Lan Lin broke into tears, sobbing, “I’m so heartbroken over Coke. He’s been with me since he was just a tiny pup, no bigger than my hand. I’ve raised him like my own child for two years.”
“Every month, I spent over 10,000 yuan on dog food alone. Vaccinations and regular check-ups cost tens of thousands more. Every time he heard my voice, he would run downstairs and leap into my arms like a baby.”
“Such a well-behaved dog… and that traitor killed him. It wasn’t enough to take his life—he even roasted him and ate him! If he hadn’t admitted it himself, I wouldn’t have believed that someone could be so cruel.”
Lin Shengnan was stunned. She had little interaction with her biological brother, Lin You. Her impression of him was that he was timid, cautious, and unkempt, always out of sync with the rest of the Lin family. However, killing a small animal? That was unthinkable.
This kind of behavior was reminiscent of McDonald’s syndrome. Arson could very well be the next step. Unfortunately, Lin You had been raised in a monastery, so there was no way to verify other early warning signs, like bed-wetting. On the other hand, Lin Tianyang had wet the bed until he was five, a fact Su Li mocked him for relentlessly.
Lin Shiyan, sensing the gravity of the conversation, changed the subject. “Mom, is Tianyang going to the hospital for a check-up?”
Lan Lin wiped her tears and composed herself. “The doctor said it’s nothing serious—just a bit of a scare.”
Lin Shengnan took a piece of braised mutton offered by Lin Shiyan and found it delicious.
She grabbed another piece and spoke with her mouth full, “What could happen? Tianyang is an excellent swimmer.”
Lan Lin slammed her chopsticks on the table, her voice tinged with dissatisfaction. “Shengnan, what are you talking about? Being able to swim doesn’t mean you can’t drown.”
“Haven’t you ever heard the saying, ‘It’s the swimmers who drown, and the stubborn who die first?’”
“Do you think Tianyang would frame Lin You? He admitted it himself! No one forced him. If you don’t believe me, ask Shiyan.”
Realizing she had crossed a line, Lin Shengnan quickly lowered her head. “Mom, I know you don’t like people criticizing Tianyang. I was just analyzing the situation.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve been studying criminal investigations lately, and I’ve developed a habit of overanalyzing. By the way, are you just going to let Lin You go?”
Lan Lin sighed heavily. “Don’t mention that ungrateful son again. He’s probably been brainwashed by his adoptive monk father and wants to sever ties with us.”
“Have we ever treated him poorly? Shiyan, tell me—how have I treated him? And yet, he has the audacity to betray me like this? I’m so angry!”
“Ever since I came into this family, I’ve been accused of targeting Tianyang. I raised him from infancy to adulthood. What more does Lin You want? Should I drive Tianyang away just to please him?”
Lin Shiyan, chewing on another piece of mutton, added, “Didn’t you hear him this morning? He forced Dad to choose between him and Tianyang. He’s completely delusional.”
Finished with her meal, Lin Shengnan absentmindedly said, “Lin You, help me get another bowl of soup…” The words hung in the air as she froze.
A cold realization dawned upon her.
Was this how she had been treating Lin You? Had it become second nature to her?
Lin Shiyan was equally stunned.
Yes, they had been treating Lin You like a servant—ordering him to peel oranges, fetch tissues, and do countless other tasks. Wasn’t that how everyone in the family treated him?
Having studied criminal psychology, Lin Shengnan had developed a habit of reflecting on her own behavior.
Humans are social creatures, and where there’s society, there’s hierarchy.
In the Lin family, Lin Yuan and Lan Lin undoubtedly occupied the highest positions, with Lin Tianyang firmly in the second echelon. But where did Lin You stand?
He was the only male with Lin family blood. Logically, shouldn’t his status be higher?
This line of thought left Lin Shengnan cold with shame. She wiped the sweat from her brow and asked hesitantly, “Mom, you said you’ve been good to Lin You. Could you give an example?”
“For instance, in terms of food, clothing, or care?”
Lan Lin was momentarily speechless.
Her mind was consumed by Lin You’s defiance, and she couldn’t recall a single instance of genuine care. Or was there nothing to recall at all?
Of course not—Lan Lin prided herself on being fair. If Lin You suffered, it was because he brought it upon himself. If only he were half as capable as Tianyang…
Slamming her chopsticks on the table, Lan Lin retorted angrily, “Shengnan, what nonsense are you talking about? My kindness to Lin You is obvious. Do I need to spell it out?”
“Are you questioning me? He’s the child I carried for ten months. Do you think I don’t feel pain for him?”
Lin Shengnan could only remain silent. Among the seven sisters, she was the most independent, having joined the military academy at eighteen. Though she shared the family’s disdain for Lin You, her sense of justice made her reevaluate.
She stretched and said casually, “I saw Lin You on my way back from the army. He was injured and limping along the highway, heading for the temple.”
“I thought he might have stolen something from home to support his monk father and siblings, so I checked. He hadn’t taken anything. He didn’t even have money for a ride.”
“He planned to walk over fifty kilometers to Dinghui Temple. There were only a few stale buns in his bag, likely his own meager meal.”
Her words reminded Lin Shiyan of the earlier confrontation, but arrogance kept him from reflecting. Self-awareness, after all, is rare.
“Katsuo, don’t overthink. I bet he won’t last three days outside. He’s just doing this for attention.”
Lin Shiyan added smugly, “If you don’t believe me, let’s visit his school tomorrow. I want to see how he’s managing.”
Wiping her mouth, Lin Shengnan said, “Sure. Mom, do you want to come along? No. 27 Middle School is just five kilometers away. It’ll be quick.”
Turning to Lin Shiyan, she asked, “Second sister, should I drive your car, or should Lao Qin take us?”