Chapter 62: The Arrogance from Yanjing

Though the atmosphere was a bit awkward, Madam Ling paid it no mind. She pulled her daughter along, striking the pose of a wealthy lady, and strode confidently into the courtyard. As she passed Ling Xiao, she snorted lightly, not even deigning to glance at him out of the corner of her eye. Her arrogance surpassed even that of an emperor!

Ling Ran and Ling Xin both wore equally haughty expressions. Ling Ran did glance at Ling Xiao, but it was nothing more than a fleeting look. Talented young men in Yanjing were as countless as grains of sand; throw a brick, and you’d hit a dozen. In his eyes, Ling Xiao was just a pretty face living off Mu Yiren—even if he drove a Rolls-Royce, so what?

Little did the eldest uncle’s family know, in their disdain for Ling Xiao, that they were squandering their final chance. Ling Xiao’s gaze grew ever more tranquil; those who knew him understood—this was the sign of a tyrant about to be unleashed.

Ling San’s wife, trying to lighten the mood, approached. “Ling Xiao, aren’t you going to greet your uncle? He’s made his mark in Yanjing now. Later, if you need help with anything, having his support would open new doors for you!”

Ling Xiao gave a cold smile. “No need to put on an act of kindness. I, Ling Xiao, do not need to curry favor with him.”

With that, he took Mu Yiren by the hand and walked straight to his grandfather.

The smile faded from Ling San’s wife’s face. “Hmph! Stubborn fool. Just because he’s connected to Mu Yiren, he’s grown so arrogant. He’ll regret it soon enough!” With that, she flounced her sleeves and entered the Ling family compound.

Ling Xiao and Mu Yiren approached his grandfather and offered comfort. “Grandfather, please don’t be too upset. Your health is what matters.”

The old master Ling looked up and heaved a long sigh, shaking his head with a wry smile. “It’s not myself I pity. I pity your father. I raised these two beasts, and they caused his death. I’ve failed your father!”

Ling Xiao’s face was calm as he gazed into the distance. “You need not feel guilty. Today, before all of Jiangzhou, I will avenge my parents and Yiren’s parents as well. It’s time these debts were settled.”

The old man patted Ling Xiao on the shoulder. “Do as you see fit. I had hoped to give your uncle a chance, to preserve his bloodline, but now, I see it was mere wishful thinking on my part. I thought I was their grandfather—how laughable that seems now!”

With those words, he turned and walked into the courtyard, hands clasped behind his back, shoulders stooped, his figure radiating utter defeat. Ling Xiao’s fists clenched, his gaze growing colder still.

The old master entered the courtyard and glanced into the main hall. To his dismay, the eldest uncle sat in the seat of honor—his seat! Madam Ling occupied the chair that had once belonged to his own late wife. How utterly absurd—they weren’t even dead yet! He clenched his fists; his disappointment in his son deepened. His son had brought all his airs of authority home.

At that moment, a shout came from outside. “Look! A whole fleet of Mercedes has just arrived at the village entrance!”

Hearing this, the eldest uncle, who had been laughing and chatting in the hall, fell silent, his expression tinged with surprise. “I didn’t expect them to arrive so soon!”

Ling San hurried to flatter him. “Big brother, at your word, who would dare not come to give you face?”

Ling San’s wife chimed in, fawning even more. “Exactly! Now that you’re back, it’s a return in glory! These people are counting on currying favor with you, hoping for your patronage. They’ll surely treat you like royalty!”

The eldest uncle gave a pleased chuckle; clearly, their flattery had struck a chord.

“Come on, let’s go out and greet them. Though they’re here to seek my favor, I can’t be too arrogant, or word will get out and breed resentment—wouldn’t want my reputation tarnished.”

“Of course, big brother, you’re always thoughtful. Let me join you.”

With those words, they headed out into the courtyard. Upon seeing the old master, the eldest uncle, hands behind his back, spoke loftily, “Father, come with me to greet the guests. They’re all Jiangzhou’s top dignitaries—not people one meets every day.”

Ling San quickly echoed, “That’s right! And it’s all thanks to eldest uncle’s connections this time. Father, with your seventieth birthday, your name will surely be renowned throughout Jiangzhou!”

The old master replied irritably, “If you want to greet them, you go. Today is my birthday, I’m the most important! If they want to see me, they can come in; if not, then don’t! I won’t go out to greet anyone. Hmph!”

The eldest uncle frowned. “Father, don’t act like a child. Are you trying to embarrass me?”

The old master gave a cold laugh. “Don’t call me father! I have to grovel on my birthday, just to play second fiddle to you? I’m not even fit to be your father! Not even worthy to be your lackey!”

The eldest uncle’s face turned dark, and Ling San quickly stepped in to mediate. “Father, don’t be stubborn! Just give big brother some face. He’s made it in Yanjing, come a long way to visit, and brought these dignitaries to honor you. Isn’t that a glorious thing?”

The old master spat on the ground and strode toward the door. “Do as you wish. My old face means nothing to you—you’re just looking for another chance to trample me underfoot!”

Ling San then tried to console the eldest uncle. “Big brother, don’t mind him. You know his temper—stubborn as a mule!”

The eldest uncle shook his head and sighed. “To be born as his son—what rotten luck! Short-sighted, no ambition. He’s never helped me at all. Now that I return in glory, not only is he not happy for me, not willing to let me show off a little, he throws a tantrum! Ridiculous!”

“Don’t be angry, big brother. Let’s go—cars are already at the gate!”

“Enough. Let’s greet the guests first. We’ll talk after today.”

With that, he straightened his back with the air of a lord and strode outside, hands behind him, Ling San trailing behind like a lackey. The two brothers looked more like master and servant than siblings.

Soon, they reached the entrance. By now, a large crowd of villagers had gathered—after all, several Mercedes arriving at once meant these were no ordinary visitors. Who wouldn’t want to see for themselves?

As the eldest uncle appeared, Ling San, frowning in annoyance, shouted, “Make way, don’t block my brother’s path!”

The villagers, intimidated, quickly stepped aside. The eldest uncle, full of self-importance, strode straight toward the Mercedes. He was guessing which distinguished guest might be inside, when several sharply dressed, imposing businessmen began to step out from the cars.