Linfeng was silent.
It would be hypocritical if he said words of encouragement right now. He was once in Jang Shin's shoes, and like his friend said, Linfeng attained recognition, status, and love with his own abilities, after overcoming many hurdles.
Linfeng was able to improve his family's status from a mere butler family after years of planning, gaining the support and recognition of the family. His ZD World became an international success, a massive and tangible achievement which became his trophy. Linfeng also became the sixth king, establishing his own prestige and status in the high society.
Besides, Linfeng also had Xiong Zhi's unconditional support.
But Jang Shin was different.
Linfeng personally thought that Jang Shin was not as mediocre as he claimed, but his friend indeed lacked the family's support, proof of achievements, and status.
At this moment, Jang Shin could only either choose himself, or love.
To gain recognition of his own abilities without people saying that it was due to the help of the Tang family, he could only choose himself and let go of love.
If he chose his feelings of love for Tang Xinyang, then all his actions later would likely be attributed to the Tang family, and Jang Shin's self esteem would plummet even lower.
Jang Shin was about to pour himself some more wine when Linfeng's hand stopped him. "I think that's enough. The party has just started. You need to sober up."
Jang Shin obediently put down the glass. "Alright." He went silent.
The men's table was silent as each kept to their own thoughts.
Linfeng sighed internally. Right now, Jang Shin was in the state battling entanglement. No matter what Linfeng said right now, it would not go to his brain. The final decision relied on Jang Shin alone.
He was the only one who could help himself.
However, Linfeng was worried for his friend's happiness.
If he really chose himself, would he be truly happy?
Linfeng once again felt lucky that he had fallen in love with his Young Miss, that his Young Miss took the initiative while knowing of his difficulties, and did not give up on him at all despite his plans. He was extremely thankful that he made the decision to stay by Xiong Zhi's side.
Linfeng could only root for Tang Xinyang. He wanted his two closest friends to attain happiness. He hoped that Tang Xinyang would not let go of Jang Shin no matter what kind of stupid decision he made.
Because he felt that it was just a matter of time before Jang Shin fell totally in Tang Xinyang's trap.
****
After having a brief talk with the people on the first row, Lu Yin Ze excused himself to the restroom.
While walking on the empty hallway, he suddenly felt a cold shift in the air behind him.
Lu Yin Ze looked back.
Silence.
It was an empty hallway. However, he had an uncanny feeling that he was being watched. He tried to ignore it but he could not shake of the feeling.
Lu Yin Ze was not good at martial arts. Still, he had experienced prolonged exposure to Linfeng's and Guan Gao Huan's battle with qigong. He had been practicing martial arts as well.
His gut was telling him that someone was following him. Yet the long hallway was really empty, and he could not hear any sound.
Lu Yin Ze did not feel scared and continued to the restroom. This was the Tang's place. This one was the safest place where they could be. He stepped into the restroom while being cautious.
Inside, Lu Yin Ze met a blonde-haired man.
"Mister William," he greeted the tall man who was washing his hands on the sink.
"Second youngmaster Lu Yin Ze." William greeted him back.
The two were not close but still were acquainted. They were people who belong to the same circle so they had already met each other in the banquets before.
After a short greeting, Lu Yin Ze went to one of the cubicles while William went out.
A few steps outside in the hallway, William's blue eyes flashed.
"Who's there?" His voice was deep and low.
The hallway was silent.
A person appeared from the shadows.
William recognized the skill. 'Shadow', a very high skill that only masters could perform.
William's guard rose high. This skill was an important weapon of assassination and espionage.
"I did not meant to scare you, but you truly have sharp senses, Sir William."
William saw a man wearing a mask. His cold and emotionless voice made William instantly recognize the person behind the mask.
'So it is them after all.'
He nodded internally. Only a handful of people could hide themselves in the middle of the crouching tigers.
This man hiding his presence... He instantly understood.
William's brows rose and his handsome face turned into disgust.
"You..."
"...?"
"You are stalking your little brother?"
Lu Jin: "...."
William waved his hand. This was a problem within the Lu family. He better stay out of it.
"As long as you don't harm me or my friends, I won't go around telling people of your unusual fetish."
Lu Jin: "..."
He did not correct WIlliam anymore. Lu Yin Ze was not his only target.
Regarding William saying that he would not be interfering with his affairs, Lu Jin was not surprised at all.
However...
"These friends you speak of... Do they include Zhou Linfeng?"
In fact, he already knew the answer. Zhou Linfeng was recently crowned as the sixth king by the brotherhood founded by William.
If Lu Jin's instincts were right, this Zhou Linfeng would become someone they needed to take out in the future. Especially right now that Guan Gao Huan seemed to treat Linfeng as his mortal enemy. If Linfeng's SC Company grew more, then it would undoubtedly become a thorn in his father's eyes.
No matter how he saw it, Zhou Linfeng was bound to become their enemy. With the added fact that Linfeng spied on them earlier, this feeling had only gotten stronger.
William stopped in his tracks.
His unreadable blue eyes were deep as he turned around to stare at the man before him.
"You heard me."
Lu Jin did not back down. The Grand family might be troublesome to deal with, but if they stand in the way, he would definitely not hesitate to go against them. Especially if William used his surname Grand to back up his friend, the sixth king, Zhou Linfeng.
This would be a good opportunity to see what kind of attitude William had in this. To be precise, he wanted to know if the Grands would stand in their way, or watch on the sidelines again.
Lu Jin asked. "Will you go that far for your friends?"
The temperature around them suddenly plummeted.
William narrowed his eyes. He was not idiot. He knew that his answer would not only refer to himself but to the Grand family's position as well. He was the heir, so his will would be controlling the path of the Grand family in the near future.
For a short time, the two stayed silent and unmoving.
William suddenly showed a smile that was not a smile. "Suit yourself," he said coldly. He turned his back and walked forward.
Golden hair strands lightly fell on his forehead, highlighting the deep blue eyes which looked solemn and serious.
These bastards...
'Youngest, what did you do? How did you make such a dangerous enemy for yourself?'