Chapter 128: My Brother Shall Not Be Dishonored

The Song family took Ling Xiao to a decent restaurant in Jiangnan. Though it lacked high-end prestige, Ling Xiao found the food far more delicious than any exotic delicacy; at times, the warmth of kinship is something money can never replicate.

Over the meal, the family caught up on daily life. Ling Xiao learned that his uncle was now a minor section chief, though still in an acting capacity and not yet confirmed in the role. His aunt worked as a middle school teacher. As for his cousin, Song Kang, he had left school early to run a second-hand real estate agency with a few friends, relying on his father's connections to keep the business afloat.

Halfway through the meal, his uncle’s superior arrived at the restaurant, and he hurried off to toast the man. Seeing that the Song family was not living particularly comfortably, Ling Xiao secretly resolved to find an opportunity to elevate their status in the future.

After lunch, while his aunt stayed at the hotel to wait for his uncle, Song Kang pulled Ling Xiao aside with a mysterious air. They left the restaurant, hailed a taxi, and headed straight for a car dealership.

Ling Xiao looked on with slight confusion. "Are you planning to buy a car?"

"Of course! I’ve wanted one for ages, but the old man wouldn't give me the money. I just closed a deal on a second-hand villa a couple of days ago and made a few thousand in commission. I’m planning to buy one on credit. Help me take a look, will you?"

"I’m not really an expert on cars."

"That’s fine, just help me check out the exterior and interior design."

"Alright, that I can do."

As they entered the showroom, a salesperson immediately approached them. "Good afternoon. Are you two looking to buy a car?"

"Yes. Something with a down payment under eighty thousand, road-ready, a sedan. Any recommendations?"

"With a down payment under eighty thousand, you’re looking at a total price of over one hundred and fifty thousand. The Volkswagen Lamando, Lavida, Honda Civic, or Mazda Axela... those are all excellent choices."

"Do you have them in stock?"

"Some of them, yes."

"Take me to see them."

"Certainly, sir. Please, follow me."

Song Kang followed the salesperson, while Ling Xiao wandered aimlessly through the showroom. He had little interest in cars; if he wanted one, he could possess any brand on earth with ease. Whether it was a limited-edition LaFerrari, a bespoke Lamborghini, or a Bentley or Rolls-Royce, there was nothing he couldn't afford or acquire.

Before long, however, Ling Xiao heard an argument erupt from Song Kang's direction. He frowned slightly and walked over.

Standing before Song Kang, in addition to the salesperson, were a man and a woman. The man wore designer clothing—an Italian bespoke label even more high-end than Armani—and was adorned with expensive watches and jewelry, giving him the air of a nouveau riche. The girl was quite pretty, but her brow carried a haughty arrogance, clearly not someone to be trifled with.

"Song Kang, what’s going on?"

Song Kang’s eyes were bloodshot, his fists clenched tight, teeth gritted as he spat out every word: "This bitch is actually cheating on me!"

The girl opposite him immediately pulled a sour face and said coldly, "Hey! Song Kang, watch your language. What do you mean 'cheating'? We aren't even married! Who I go shopping with is none of your business!"

"Ma Lian, you stinking slut! We’re engaged, and you’re here acting all lovey-dovey with this guy, arm-in-arm. You’re telling me that’s not cheating?"

"You—!"

Before Ma Lian could retort, the man patted her bottom and said, "Baby, don't lower yourself to his level. It’s beneath you."

Ma Lian immediately put on a saccharine voice. "You're right, Young Master Song. He’s just a pathetic loser trying to reach for the stars. Arguing with him only lowers our standing."

Song Kang cursed furiously, "Go to hell, you bitch! You didn't mind when you were spending my family's money, did you? Who the hell do you think you are?"

Ma Lian’s expression turned icy. "Song Kang, stop wasting your breath. We are finished. From now on, I am Young Master Song’s woman! If you want to blame someone, blame your own incompetence. We’re both named Song, but look at him—he’s here looking at Mercedes and BMWs, and you’re looking at Chevrolets and beat-up Hyundais. Can you give me the life I want?"

"You—! Damn you! Ma Lian, you spent so much of our family's money! My father even gave up his chance at a promotion for your father because of us. How can you say that? Do you have no shame?"

"That was your family’s choice. I never forced you!"

Her indifferent tone completely infuriated Song Kang. "Fuck you!"

Song Kang could no longer restrain himself and lunged forward with a punch. Ma Lian’s expression shifted, but Young Master Song stepped in and kicked Song Kang square in the stomach, sending him staggering back seven or eight meters. Had Ling Xiao not caught him, he would have crashed to the floor.

Young Master Song sneered, "You actually dare to hit a woman? Let me tell you, Ma Lian is my woman now. If I ever see you pestering her again, I’ll beat you every time I see you until you’re so scared you’ll hide the moment you catch a glimpse of me."

Ma Lian looked triumphant. Ignoring Song Kang’s rage, she pecked Young Master Song on the cheek. "Young Master Song is the best."

She turned to Song Kang and said coldly, "Song Kang, mark my words: as of today, you have nothing to do with me! I’ll return your family’s dowry tonight. And you’d better behave yourself—Young Master Song is not someone your family can afford to provoke! If you dare to cross him again, watch out, or your father might be forced into early retirement!"

Song Kang, previously consumed by rage, visibly trembled at these words. Though he hated Ma Lian, he could not bring harm to his father.

Watching this, Ling Xiao shook his head. His cousin was still ultimately held back by fear. However, while he might be cautious, Ling Xiao would not stand by and watch him be bullied.

Stepping forward, his expression cold, he said, "Apologize to my cousin."

Ma Lian and Young Master Song froze, then burst into laughter. "Hahaha... Song Kang, where did you find this idiot? He's hilarious! He wants Young Master Song to apologize? He doesn't even realize that if Young Master Song were to apologize, he wouldn't even dare to accept it!"

Though furious, Song Kang was wary of the man and pulled on Ling Xiao’s sleeve. "Forget it, Ling Xiao, let's go. It’s just my bad luck today, and at least I’ve seen this bitch for who she really is."

Ling Xiao didn't budge, his face remaining cold. "That won't do. You are my cousin, Ling Xiao’s cousin. How can you let others humiliate you so easily? Besides, he kicked you. If you won't settle this debt, I will."