Peerless Young Master

Lin family, meeting room.

There were two people sitting on the left and right of the main seat.

On the left is the head of the Lin family, and on the right is the great uncle.

There were also seven people sitting on both sides below, including middle-aged men and white-haired old men.

They are the leaders of the branch.

There were three young men standing in the hall.

They are Lin Ruolin, Li Xuan, and Lin Haitao.

Everyone looked solemn, making the atmosphere in the hall even more heavy and depressing.

The uncle's face was calm, his eyes deep, and he spoke slowly: "Everyone, I asked you to come here today because there is an important event that requires you to be witnesses."

"Jitang, the restaurant is the foundation of the family. It is thanks to the restaurant that the family has been able to gain a firm foothold in Qingfeng City and expand its branches step by step.

But now the restaurant has fallen into ruin in your hands and is on the verge of bankruptcy. Not only have you not thought of a way to improve the restaurant business, you have even rejected the solutions I proposed.

According to clan rules, if the head of the family does something that seriously damages the interests of the family and puts everyone in the family into an irreparable situation;

As the head of a branch, I have the right to remove you from your position as the head of the family, take back all family assets including the restaurant, and select someone who is capable of leading the family out of its predicament to become the new head of the family."

Jitang is the name of the head of the Lin family, Lin Jitang.

Although the great uncle's voice was soft, it was extremely clear to everyone in the hall and was deafening.

"Grand uncle, the restaurant business is not doing well, and Jitang cannot escape the blame. But what you just said has put the family into an irretrievable situation, and Jitang cannot agree with it," said the head of the Lin family truthfully, neither humble nor arrogant.

The restaurant business is not doing well, this is an indisputable fact.

But just because the restaurant's business is not doing well is not enough to depose him from his position as the head of the family.

"The restaurant is the foundation of the Lin family. Without the foundation, the Lin family will be overthrown. Isn't this going to put everyone in the family into an irretrievable situation?" Great Uncle argued.

"Grandpa has been at home for a long time, so it's normal that he doesn't know the restaurant's current situation. Now that the restaurant business has improved, it's only a matter of time before it returns to normal."

"Are you talking about Mr. Zhao?"

How could Great Uncle not know that the other party's final trump card was Mr. Zhao.

"That's right," said the head of the Lin family very frankly, "I think great uncle is also aware of Mr. Zhao's craftsmanship. With him in charge, the restaurant business will be booming in no time, and you will not have less than what you deserve."

"But as far as I know, Mr. Zhao is not in charge of the restaurant. The person who is currently in charge of the restaurant is just his apprentice. How can he be compared with Mr. Zhao?"

"You don't have to worry about this, great uncle. In short, I can assure you that Mr. Zhao will definitely be in charge of the restaurant." The head of the Lin family looked at everyone. Only by convincing them could he suppress great uncle.

"Jitang, Mr. Zhao hasn't come out of seclusion for a long time. Can you really convince him to take charge of the restaurant?" An old man from the branch spoke, obviously surprised that Mr. Zhao came out of seclusion.

Anyone who works in the restaurant business knows Mr. Zhao.

"Uncle San, Mr. Zhao had some personal matters to attend to and was unable to arrive in time, so he sent his favorite disciple, Han San, to the restaurant first.

The restaurant's business has now recovered to 70% of its previous level. In a few days, the restaurant will be able to fully recover as before," explained the head of the Lin family.

"If Mr. Zhao takes action, the situation can be reversed in no time."

"It's been a while since I've seen Elder Zhao take action. I didn't expect the Patriarch to actually convince him. It seems he put a lot of thought into it."

Everyone in the branch was talking about it, and their tone revealed their admiration and recognition for Mr. Zhao.

Seeing this scene, Lin Haitao frowned, his eyes flickering, and he was a little anxious: "Everyone knows the reputation of Mr. Zhao, but the conditions for inviting him out of retirement are so harsh.

If my cousin really has this ability, why did she only send an apprentice instead of the real person?"

"Ruolin, what Haitao said is true. You haven't completely convinced Mr. Zhao." The uncle's tone was a little low and full of scrutiny.

"Grand Uncle, Mr. Zhao has been in Manchun Garden for a long time. It's natural that he feels sad to leave so suddenly. It's understandable that he needs some time to adapt.

Please rest assured that Mr. Zhao will definitely show up at the restaurant," Lin Ruolin said.

"It's ridiculous. All the elders are here, and my cousin is still lying?"

"Ruolin, what is going on? Didn't Mr. Zhao agree to it?" someone asked, feeling confused.

"Is what Haitao said true?"

"Could it be that Master Zhao didn't agree to come out of seclusion, and that disciple was just someone you invited to cook? If that's the case, it won't be easy to reverse the situation."

For a time, everyone was talking about it.

They recognized Mr. Zhao.

But it is limited to Mr. Zhao.

Lin Ruolin stood aside, her eyes flickering. She wanted to speak, but didn't know what to say.

She did not completely convince Mr. Zhao.

"Since my cousin doesn't dare to speak, then I will speak for you. If you want to invite Mr. Zhao to come out of retirement, you need to send his son to one of the four major academies.

"With the Lin family's current strength, they naturally can't do this. That's why my cousin went to invite Master Zhao out of retirement, but all he got was a disciple." Lin Haitao revealed a smug look.

"I told you, Mr. Zhao hasn't taken action in many years. Even if he did, he wouldn't come to a small place like the Lin Family Restaurant."

"If what Haitao said is true, then the head of the family is lying to us."

For a moment, several people found it difficult to explain this fact and were quite dissatisfied.

"Jitang, what is going on?" an elder asked, obviously angry.

The head of the Lin family sat in the main seat, his expression solemn, his brows locked with deep worry: "Everyone, with Mr. Zhao's strength, it is only a matter of time before the restaurant business becomes prosperous.

Once the Lin family recovers and regains its footing, it won't be difficult to send a student to one of the four major academies."

"So you didn't invite Mr. Zhao?"

Although the uncle spoke slowly, his voice was resounding, and no one dared to ignore him. He then looked at everyone:

"The four great academies are sacred places of study that countless students in the city dream of entering. My Lin family is not without male heirs, so how can you just give away such an important place?"

"Jitang, when did the Lin family become yours alone? You don't even need to inform us about such an important decision."

Faced with the questioning of his great uncle, the head of the Lin family remained silent and had nothing to say.

If it was before, who would want to give the admission quota to the academy to as long as it was beneficial to the family, no one would dare to ask like this.

As expected, if a person has no power, anyone can bully him.

"Brother, you're going too far. The places in the four academies are so precious. Even during the heyday of our Lin family, there was probably only one.

You actually gave such an important gift to a cook. Have you considered us?"

The person who spoke was named Lin Jisong, the third child.

The reason for being so angry was that he had a very talented child who was considered a leader among the male members of the Lin family.

Naturally, I am extremely concerned about the places in the four major academies.

"Uncle San, this matter is my decision, it has nothing to do with my father."

At the critical moment, Lin Ruolin stood up and said, "If we can use a quota to get Mr. Zhao to take action and help the Lin family move to a higher level, this deal is worth it.

When the Lin family becomes powerful, there will be more than one vacancy."

Lin Jisong suddenly became furious: "You are just a woman, and you really think that you are the young master of the family and can ride on the necks of all of us? You don't even need to say a word about such a big thing, and you are still here making excuses."

This made Lin Ruolin's face darken, and a hint of grievance and unwillingness flashed in her eyes; she pursed her lips tightly, her chest rising and falling slightly, as if she was trying her best to suppress her inner emotions:

"Does Uncle San think that what I said is wrong?"

Lin Jisong was so furious, not only because of his own selfish motives, but more because he was dissatisfied with Lin Ruolin and the head of the Lin family.

As the head of the family, since he has no male heirs under his command, he handed over the management of the restaurant to his daughter and did not allow their branch members to interfere. This was a bit bullying.

But what made him angry were the rumors outside, saying that the Lin family had dozens of people, but could not find a useful man, and actually let a woman show up in public and run a restaurant, which was really ridiculous.

Remarks like these, coupled with the idea that men are the most respected in this world, made Lin Jisong feel humiliated a lot.

Therefore, he naturally did not have a good attitude towards Lin Ruolin.

“This Mr. Zhao hasn’t appeared for a long time, and he suddenly appeared now. Who knows how much of his skills are left? Otherwise, why would he come to a small place like my Lin family?

There are many people in the entire Qingfeng City who can provide places for the four major academies. Why hasn't anyone else asked Mr. Zhao to come out of retirement after all this time?

According to what you said, using a quota to help the Lin family move up a level is such a groundless statement;

Then can I also say that I will give this quota to Liang'er, so that he will pass the imperial examination and become a high-ranking official in the future, and my Lin family will rise to prominence? "

As he spoke, his sharp eyes stared at Lin Ruolin, and finally fell on the head of the Lin family: "Why didn't the eldest brother give this spot to Liang'er?"

Yes, yes, that’s it, let’s have a quarrel.

The more intense the quarrel, the better, and it would be best if you completely fall out with each other.

Seeing this scene, Lin Haitao showed a delighted expression on his face, and looked at Lin Ruolin with eyes full of pride and provocation;

But when he saw Li Xuan, his eyes suddenly became sinister, just like a hungry wolf seeing food, with a green glow in its eyes.

"Things have their priorities. Giving this position to Mr. Zhao will not only allow the restaurant to recover business as quickly as possible and turn the tide, but also gain an extremely powerful master chef to manage the restaurant.

If I give this position to your son, even if he eventually becomes a high-ranking official, it will probably take more than ten years."

Seeing that the atmosphere was getting heavier, Li Xuan spoke up to help.

"Who do you think you are? You are just a son-in-law, a person who is not presentable. How dare you speak nonsense in front of us? Get out now," Lin Jisong said coldly.

Li Xuan's face suddenly turned gloomy.

"Third brother, Li Xuan is right. Things have their priorities. You should understand this principle."

At this time, the head of the Lin family spoke, his eyes fixed, his tone firm, without any sign of compromise as at the beginning.

"Jitang, let's not talk about the quota. Let me ask you, who is the chef in charge of the restaurant now?"

Soldiers against soldiers, against generals.

When dealing with younger people, Lin Jisong can still show off his seniority.

Facing the head of the family, I am not qualified.

"Of course it's Master Zhao's disciple, Han San."

“How’s the craftsmanship?”

“As good as the previous chef”

"Can it be surpassed"

“Not yet”

"When will Mr. Zhao take over as chef?"

“Not for a short time”

The two asked and answered each other in a concise and clear manner.

Hearing this, the corner of the uncle's mouth curled up with an imperceptible sneer: "Since Han San can't surpass the previous chef, how can the restaurant business recover as before? Do you really think Qingchun Restaurant is eating free meals?

Or would the people behind Qingchun Restaurant give face to an apprentice?"

As expected, upon hearing this, the head of the Lin family's expression suddenly turned ugly and his brows furrowed.

Since the two previous chefs were unable to suppress Qingchun Restaurant, what difference would it make if Han San came in now?

The situation faced by the restaurant is still difficult to reverse completely, and the current good business of the restaurant is just a flash in the pan.

"Grandun is right. With only Han San, he is no match for Qingchun Restaurant. Who knows when the restaurant's business will decline?"

"The Wang family is a big family in the city. We can't deal with them at all. I think it's very difficult for the restaurant business to recover."

"How can that be? The restaurant is our foundation. If we lose the restaurant, how will so many people eat and drink?"

The people in the branch clan were whispering to each other. Although their voices were low, they were like an undercurrent that was difficult to calm down.

In their opinion, without Mr. Zhao in charge, the restaurant business will fail sooner or later.

"In my opinion, my eldest brother is too old to manage the restaurant well. It would be better for him to step down and let someone more capable take charge of the restaurant," Lin Jisong said.

Although the others frowned, they did not speak to stop them. After all, the whole family depended on the restaurant for their livelihood.

If the restaurant is gone, how can we feed so many people?

“My elders, my father has been in charge of the restaurant for so many years, and he has seen all kinds of storms;

Business is always a win-lose situation. When we were winning, you never said a good word. Now that business is bad, you want to remove my father from his position as head of the family. Isn’t that too much?” Lin Ruolin was emotional, and her anger was hard to suppress.

"Ruolin, everything else would be easy to talk about, but this time it's the Wang family who attacked us. They're clearly targeting you, and we're the innocent ones.

I only dismissed your father from his position as the head of the family and didn't send you to the Wang family as an apology. I've already given your father a lot of face," Lin Jisong said calmly.

"Everyone, the Lin family is now in a critical situation. It is time for us to unite as one and overcome the difficulties together.

For the sake of our family, and for the sake of your family, please do not be soft-hearted and let the family foundation be destroyed in our hands."

"Raise your hands if you agree to remove Lin Jitang from his position as the head of the family." After saying this, Great Uncle raised his hand.

"I agree," Lin Jisong immediately seconded.

"I agree"

Then, another person raised his hand.

According to the rules, more than half of the votes are required to remove the current head of the family.

In other words, there are eight people in total, including the great uncle, and they need five votes.

Now, there are three votes, and two more votes are needed.

This made Lin Ruolin extremely anxious, tears welling up in her eyes: "You can't do this, the restaurant is my father's life's work, you can't just take it away like this.

I have already convinced Mr. Zhao. Just give me a little more time and I can let him take charge of the restaurant.

My dear elders, you have all watched Ruolin grow up, and you know that I will not lie."

Trying to play the emotional card? No way... Lin Haitao also spoke up: "I agree with what Grandpa said. The Wang family is so wealthy and powerful that they can crush us with just a little effort.

This time the Wang family suddenly took action against us, which clearly showed that my uncle's family had offended the Wang family.

He is selfish and wants to drag all of us down with him. It's simply despicable.

Elders, please don't hesitate for the sake of family ties. The Wang family will show no mercy."

"I agree"

At this time, another person raised his hand.

Great Uncle already has four votes, and he only needs one more vote to exercise his power and remove Lin Jitang from his position as the head of the family.

“I, Lin Jitang, have taken over the Lin family for fifteen years. I have gone through countless ups and downs and led the restaurant to become bigger and stronger step by step.

We have been working diligently for so many years and have not dared to slack off for even a moment; now, because of such a small matter, you are going to enforce the clan rules and have no regard for brotherhood at all.

Do you still have me as your big brother in your hearts?"

The head of the Lin family questioned, his voice echoing in the empty hall, carrying a bit of vicissitudes and unwillingness. His eyes swept over the brothers and sisters in front of him, some of whom lowered their heads and remained silent, while others had flickering eyes.

Li Xuan asked quietly: "Will Mr. Zhao come?"

He finally realized that if he wanted to keep the situation under control today, then Old Zhao would be the key.

"I sent someone to ask him, but he didn't respond at all." Lin Ruolin bit her lip, her eyes red, and her stubborn eyes revealed a complex emotion of indomitable spirit and despair.

Alas, Li Xuan sighed, he really guessed it.

Since Great Uncle is pressing forward step by step, he naturally has to take the uncertainty factor of Mr. Zhao into consideration.

Since Lin Ruolin can paint a rosy picture for the other party, then Great Uncle can naturally do the same.

Li Xuan looked outside and blinked. Why hasn't Manager Zhao appeared yet?

Is it time to get stuck...