Chapter 52: The Overbearing Rival in Love

As for his attire, the man was impeccably elegant, exuding charm in an Armani suit that spoke of refined taste. The faint scent of cologne he wore was enough to captivate many young women.

He walked straight toward Lin Grace, a confident smile on his face, completely disregarding Ling Tian and the eighteen boxes of money he had brought. Clearly, this man was not ordinary.

"Brother Zihao, you've returned to the country?" At that moment, Lin Grace, upon seeing the man, immediately revealed a sweet smile, gently pushed Ling Tian aside, and moved toward him.

Damn! Who is this guy? Lin Grace's reaction left Ling Tian deeply unsettled; it seemed this man was his rival in love. Brother Zihao? Please! Lin Grace had never called him brother, and he was a few months older than her anyway. Ling Tian did not consider this man a threat, but Lin Grace’s attitude toward him stirred a pang of jealousy.

"Of course I came back for your birthday. When you were little, you promised you would marry me when you grew up. Now you’re eighteen, so I’ve come to have you fulfill that promise." The man looked at Lin Grace with affectionate indulgence.

"Brother Zihao, I said that when I was eight. You can’t take it seriously." Lin Grace blushed, embarrassed that her childhood infatuation had become a promise in Liu Zihao's eyes.

"But I took it seriously, Grace. I’ve waited ten years for you." The man continued to smile warmly, but this smile was particularly irritating to Ling Tian. Ten years waiting for Grace? Who would believe that? Just looking at him, Ling Tian suspected he had been involved with countless women. What an act!

The other guests watched with amusement. Lin Grace’s grandfather remained calm, her parents frowned slightly, clearly troubled by the presence of this man.

Ling Tian could no longer hold back. He strode forward, pulled Lin Grace into his arms, and looked at the man with open provocation. "I’m Lin Grace’s boyfriend now. If she marries, it’ll be to me." His eyes brimmed with contempt; he cared nothing for the man before him.

"Brother Zihao, I already have a boyfriend. His name is Ling Tian, and he treats me very well. Ling Tian, this is Liu Zihao, the only son of our province’s governor." Lin Grace cooperated, leaning into Ling Tian’s embrace. She liked the man before her, but only as an older brother. She had no intention of marrying him; the affection was purely fraternal. Perhaps as a child she had dreamt of marrying him, but after seeing him date many women, her image of a perfect prince was shattered. Now, he was just a brother. Most importantly, at eighteen, Lin Grace could not fathom this twenty-eight-year-old man, and the gap between them felt insurmountable.

"Your boyfriend is about your age, isn’t he? Grace, how could a boy like him protect you? What can he offer you?" Liu Zihao clearly looked down on Ling Tian. Indeed, from the perspective of a twenty-eight-year-old man, an eighteen-year-old boy seemed too immature to be a worthy rival.

To Ling Tian’s annoyance, several in the crowd nodded in agreement, apparently acknowledging Liu Zihao’s viewpoint—or perhaps simply recognizing his status as the governor’s son.

Ling Tian narrowed his eyes. Rumor had it that not even the governor’s son could win Lin Grace’s heart. It seemed true. This was Liu Zihao, the governor’s son. So what? In his previous life, someone like this wouldn’t have even entered his circle. In this life, his own family background was hardly inferior.

Now Ling Tian was beginning to realize that although his family was discreet, it must possess considerable power—there was no other explanation for their wealth.

Ling Tian remained silent, wanting to hear Lin Grace’s response.

Lin Grace smiled faintly, then looked up at Liu Zihao and said, "Brother Zihao, Ling Tian is quite capable; he can protect me without any problem. As for what he can give me? Just look: this bracelet, this ring, those eighteen boxes of cash—all birthday gifts from him. You can rest assured. He’ll treat me well."

For some reason, seeing Liu Zihao’s disdainful gaze toward Ling Tian made Lin Grace unhappy. She didn’t want others to belittle Ling Tian. Though she often criticized him herself, she disliked anyone else doing so. Besides, Ling Tian was certainly not lacking.

Those who had nodded before now found Lin Grace’s words convincing. Ling Tian’s financial means alone could guarantee her a good life.

Ling Tian was delighted by Lin Grace’s reply; clearly, in her heart, he was superior to this man. He looked at Liu Zihao with renewed provocation, holding Lin Grace even tighter.

Liu Zihao, however, did not spare Ling Tian another glance. He had seen plenty of rich heirs—boys with no real ability, relying solely on family wealth, believing money could buy everything. Once deprived of their family’s shelter, they were nothing. He considered himself different; although he too was a privileged child, he believed he had genuine ability.

"Grace, you’re still too young. Everything Ling Tian gives you comes from his family. Is there a single cent he earned himself? A boy like that isn’t worthy of you. Away from his family’s protection, he’s nothing. I’m different. I graduated from Harvard University; even the current U.S. president is my classmate. I have my own company and can give you the very best."

His demeanor was exceedingly proud, as if he were a president himself, as if he were leagues above Ling Tian, which made Ling Tian deeply irritated.

"May I ask how old you are?" Ling Tian looked coldly at Liu Zihao.

"I’m twenty-eight, ten years older than Grace." Liu Zihao was not sure why Ling Tian asked.

"Then you’re ten years older than me. You’ve had ten extra years, yet this is all you’ve achieved—even with your governor father’s protection. Do you honestly think you’re so capable? Let me tell you, even without relying on my parents, I’d still be better than you. My earning power is beyond your imagination."

Ling Tian looked at him with unconcealed disdain. How dare he question his ability? There were few people in the world who could. Ling Tian lived for pleasure, but he would not allow a rival to look down on him.

"Hah, anyone can boast! What earning power do you have?" Liu Zihao thought Ling Tian was bluffing. So young—what could he do besides chase girls?

"Hmph! We have too much money. My parents said that if I earned any more, it would just be causing trouble for the family, so they only let me spend. That’s why, even though I’m a miracle doctor, I’ve never accepted a fee. Otherwise, I’d have made plenty of money myself."

Ling Tian spoke the truth. He could have charged for treating Lin Grace’s grandfather or Li Youran, but there was no need—one was the grandfather of the girl he was courting, the other his own woman. Chasing women was his goal; money, he truly didn’t lack.

"Hah! What nonsense. You, a miracle doctor? Grace, how could you choose such an unreliable boy for a boyfriend?" Liu Zihao was convinced Ling Tian was lying. He had never seen anyone exaggerate so much—miracle doctor? More like miracle fraud! Though he didn’t say it aloud, out of respect for Lin Grace.

"Ling Tian isn’t lying. He really is highly skilled in medicine; you could indeed call him a miracle doctor." This time, Lin Grace’s smile vanished and she no longer called him Brother Zihao. She spoke seriously, and her words stunned everyone present.

People looked at each other in disbelief. Was Ling Tian truly skilled in medicine? How could that be? So young—even if he had some knowledge, he couldn’t possibly be a miracle doctor.

"Haha! Zihao, it’s been years—you’ve become more handsome! Come, let Uncle take a good look at you! Your aunt has missed you dearly." At that moment, Lin Grace’s father walked over, breaking the awkward atmosphere. He did not wish to argue about whether Ling Tian was a miracle doctor. Ling Tian truly was, but emphasizing it now would embarrass Liu Zihao, so he changed the subject.

Lin’s father took Liu Zihao to Lin Grace’s mother, who warmly greeted him. The families were old friends, and as the governor’s son, Liu Zihao must be treated with respect. Having met Lin Grace’s parents and grandfather, Liu Zihao chatted amiably with the family. Smart as he was, he did not dwell on the earlier issue, but Ling Tian, his rival, was firmly lodged in his memory.

"Grace, happy birthday! Here’s Chanel No. 5 for you. Eighteen is adulthood; a young lady ought to wear some perfume." At this moment, a stunning woman approached. Her figure was strikingly voluptuous where it should be, slender where it should be—an absolute beauty. Ling Tian secretly swallowed.

"Thank you, Sister Qin. Ling Tian, this is my cousin, Qin You, who manages the family’s cosmetics company. My sister is a real beauty." Lin Grace smiled broadly as she accepted the perfume and introduced the woman to Ling Tian.

"Hello, beautiful sister!" Ling Tian was delighted to meet her, quickly reaching out for a handshake. The beautiful woman graciously shook his hand.

Ling Tian, however, observed Li Youqin carefully, trying to discern what kind of woman she was. After Lin Grace’s near-kidnapping and her grandfather’s attack, he suspected someone in the family. Excluding Lin Grace’s aunt’s family, the other two uncles, their children, and relatives were all suspects.

Today, none of the others had come—only Li Youqin attended Lin Grace’s birthday party. Of course, the family’s business kept everyone busy; perhaps that was the truth, or perhaps it was an excuse. Maybe the unpleasant episode at the hospital meant her uncles did not want to attend. The second uncle was away, and Song Xiaomei’s parents were abroad enjoying yet another honeymoon, so they sent Song Xiaomei.

Ling Tian’s intuition told him that Li Youqin was no simple woman.