Hidden truth, intricate love

Lin Yue sat on the chair, took a deep breath, looked up at Li Hao, and there was a hint of complicated emotions in her eyes: "Li Hao, I'm really sorry. Today was supposed to be your birthday, but my brother's incident turned it into this..."

Li Hao shook his head, gently held her hand, and comforted her, "Lin Yue, don't say that. You've been through so much today, and you need someone to accompany you even more. My birthday is not important. What matters is that you can find your inner peace. You've done well and tried your best to balance family affection and self-esteem, but your kindness should not be seen as weakness by others."

Tears welled up in Lin Yue's eyes, and she nodded gently. "I know, but he's my brother. I've always felt a responsibility to my family, and sometimes I unconsciously lowered my boundaries and wanted to help him more. But today I realized that perhaps the help and tolerance I gave him, not only didn't make him better, but instead became a reason for him to keep asking for more."

Li Hao looked at her and said firmly, "Family love should be mutual, Lin Yue. You've given your heart, but you've been repeatedly consumed by unreasonable demands. If you compromise without a bottom line, he'll only become accustomed to dependence and demands, and you'll bear even more pressure. Now is the time to set boundaries for yourself. No matter how he threatens or blackmails you, you need to protect yourself."

Lin Yue sighed and said slowly, "Li Hao, you're right. I can't be held hostage by these emotions anymore. His words today finally made me see clearly how wrong I've been all along—I can't help him endlessly, especially when he's unwilling to even give me respect."

She paused, as if trying to sort out her thoughts, and continued, "However, I still feel very sad. I don't know how to face him in the future."

Li Hao looked at her tenderly and patted her hand gently. "Lin Yue, perhaps you can choose to keep an appropriate distance from him. Stop being controlled by his emotions and demands, and let him learn to take responsibility for his life. This doesn't mean you're giving up on him, but it's for him to truly grow and learn to be independent."

Lin Yue nodded thoughtfully, a sense of determination gradually emerging in his heart: "You are right, Li Hao. I should learn to stick to my bottom line and not give in easily."

Li Hao looked at her with a smile, his eyes full of encouragement: "I will always support you and stay by your side. No matter how much pressure he puts on you in the future, you are not alone."

Lin Yue was deeply moved by his gentleness and determination. She leaned gently on his shoulder and whispered, "Thank you, Li Hao. I really feel a lot more relaxed with you by my side. Perhaps it is because of you that I can find the courage in this matter."

The two of them sat there quietly, as if the whole world had returned to peace. Lin Yue felt her heart gradually relax, and the guilt and loss in her heart were gradually replaced by a sense of relief.

The next morning, Lin Yue had just walked into the office, ready to start her day, when her phone rang again. Lin Hao's name appeared on the screen, and her heart sank, a faint sense of unease. She answered the call, trying to remain calm: "Hello, brother?"

Lin Hao on the other end of the phone was still filled with impatience and anger, his tone cold and aggressive: "Lin Yue, you're really amazing! With those high-sounding words yesterday, did you want me to give up? I'm telling you, no way!"

Lin Yue took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. "Brother, I've already made it very clear to you. Five hundred thousand is too much. I really can't meet your request. And your attitude yesterday was really disappointing."

When Lin Hao heard her words, he was immediately furious and sneered, "Lin Yue, you really dare to act so noble in front of me? Don't think I dare not do anything to you. If you don't help me raise this money, I will make sure you can't stay in the company!"

Lin Yue felt a surge of anger, and her tone turned cold: "Brother, do you really think I owe you anything? I've been trying my best to help my family for so many years, why do you have to force me unreasonably?"

Lin Hao paid no attention to her words, his tone becoming increasingly harsh: "Lin Yue, don't act so noble. I'm making this clear today. No matter what you say, you have to give me the 500,000 yuan, whether you want to or not! Otherwise, just wait and see!"

Lin Yue was completely enraged by her brother's attitude. She knew that no amount of compromise or concession would earn her brother's understanding, so she calmly responded, "Brother, if you continue to threaten me, then I can only choose not to help you anymore. I don't care about your so-called good show."

Upon hearing this, Lin Hao was immediately enraged and roared, "Lin Yue, you really think you're so great, don't you? I'll make you regret it!"

After saying that, Lin Hao hung up the phone angrily, leaving Lin Yue standing alone at the office door, feeling bitter and powerless.

Lin Yue walked into the office and sat restlessly in her seat, her mind replaying Lin Hao's roars and threats. She knew her brother might not give up easily, but she also didn't want to be manipulated by him unreasonably.

Just as she was thinking about how to deal with the situation, Li Hao's message came.

**"Lin Yue, how are you today? If you need anything, I can take you to see a friend who has a lot of experience in law and might be able to give you some advice."**

Lin Yue felt a warm feeling in her heart when she saw the message. She immediately replied, "Thank you, Li Hao. I do think I need some legal help to prevent my brother from continuing to act recklessly."

After get off work that day, Li Hao took Lin Yue to see a legal advisor. The advisor patiently listened to Lin Yue's situation and advised, "Ms. Lin, you can protect yourself through legal means. First, you can convey your bottom line and position to your brother through a formal lawyer's letter. Second, if he continues to threaten or harass you, you can call the police."

Lin Yue nodded, feeling a sense of relief. The consultant's advice made her realize that she didn't have to passively endure it; the law could back her up.

Li Hao looked at Lin Yue with encouragement in his eyes: "Lin Yue, I will always be by your side in this matter. All you have to do is learn to stand firm. I believe in your courage."