Chapter 64: Interlinked Rings

"You—! Fine! Well done, Ling Xiao! How arrogant you are! Just wait, after today, I'll settle the score with you!" With that, Uncle Ling stormed off in anger to greet Deputy Mayor Chu.

The old patriarch, Ling, couldn't help but feel a bit worried. "Xiao Xiao, your uncle's guest holds considerable power. If you've offended him, won't you face trouble in the future?"

Ling Xiao smiled calmly. "Grandfather, you don't need to worry about me. He doesn't have the qualifications to provoke me."

The old man looked puzzled. The shock his grandson had brought him today was overwhelming. But did he really have the strength to contend with Ling Da? He glanced at Mu Yiren, who stood nearby, only to find her just as composed, not a hint of anxiety on her face, deepening his confusion.

Before long, Ling Da returned, accompanied by several people. Third Uncle Ling followed behind, carrying gifts and now behaving even more obsequiously than before, completely transformed into a servile lackey.

Walking beside Ling Da was a man wearing gold-rimmed glasses. Many who saw him couldn't help but react, their expressions shifting.

Among the villagers of Ling Family Village, those with a bit of insight called out, "It's really Deputy Mayor Chu! I once attended a meeting in the township and was fortunate enough to see him there. Who would've thought he'd come to our remote Ling Family Village!"

"No wonder Ling Da is so impressive now! He truly isn't what he used to be. Even such a distinguished figure can be invited here!"

"Indeed! Looks like Ling Family will ultimately rely on Ling Da. No matter how talented Ling Xiao is, he's still a step behind Ling Da!"

"With a son like this, the old patriarch can be proud for life!"

Ling Da listened with immense satisfaction. The frustration he felt from being overshadowed by Ling Xiao earlier vanished instantly, leaving him comfortable as if he'd just chewed a piece of gum.

Ling Xiao, even if you can gather so many wealthy people, so what? In front of me, you still can't compare!

Deputy Mayor Chu stepped before the old patriarch, offering a gentle smile and extending his right hand. "Uncle Ling, happy birthday. Congratulations on reaching your seventieth year."

The old man quickly wiped his hand on his new clothes, then extended it with a broad smile and shook the deputy mayor's hand. "Chu… Deputy Mayor Chu, how kind of you! To take time from your busy schedule to celebrate this old man's birthday, you've really gone out of your way!"

Deputy Mayor Chu chuckled. "You’re too modest, Uncle Ling. Ling Da and I were classmates and have been friends for many years. His father's birthday, of course I must come and celebrate!"

He glanced at the wealthy guests nearby, secretly amazed. "Ling Da, your display today is a bit too grand, isn’t it?"

Ling Da was startled, then hurried to explain, "Chu, you misunderstand. I didn't invite these people; my nephew did!"

"Oh?" Deputy Mayor Chu cast Ling Xiao a glance. "It’s true that heroes emerge from the young! I never expected you, at your age, to achieve so much. But don’t be proud—learn from your uncle, and who knows, you may accomplish great things in the future."

Ling Xiao’s expression remained indifferent. "Mind your own business."

Deputy Mayor Chu frowned. Though Ling Xiao's abilities impressed him, such arrogance would ultimately hinder his progress.

He sighed, disappointment filling his gaze as he looked at Ling Xiao.

Uncle Ling immediately barked, "Ling Xiao, what nonsense are you spouting? Do you know who you’re speaking to?"

Ling Xiao glanced at him coolly. "Say one more word, and I’ll show you who you’re talking to."

"You—!"

Before Ling Da could speak further, Deputy Mayor Chu waved his hand, signaling, "Forget it, Ling Da. He's just a child. If we argue with him, we’ll look childish ourselves."

"Chu, you’re thoughtful as ever! Come, let’s go inside for tea—no need to stoop to his level!"

"After you, Ling Da."

"After you, Chu."

Just as the two prepared to enter the courtyard, another voice suddenly rang out behind them.

"Ling Shao, I’ve come uninvited to pay my respects to the old patriarch. Surely you won’t mind?"

Upon hearing this, Deputy Mayor Chu stopped immediately, frowned, and turned to look. "Director Cao?"

"Well, what a coincidence! Isn’t that Deputy Mayor Chu? What brings you here as well?"

"I’m friends with Ling Da, here to celebrate his father's birthday—but you, what brings you here?"

Director Cao laughed. "I admire Ling Shao and came specially to pay my respects to his grandfather. What, is that not allowed?"

Deputy Mayor Chu frowned slightly. Director Cao’s status wasn’t as high as his, but he was still not an ordinary figure—compared to most present, he carried considerable weight.

Moments ago, he thought Ling Xiao arrogant, but never expected Ling Xiao could even attract Director Cao.

"Director Cao, forgive my bluntness. For someone of your position to come to such a place for a child is... somewhat irregular, isn’t it?"

Director Cao chuckled. "Chu Tianxiong, watch your tone. It’s the weekend; we’re all visiting relatives and friends, and I have every right to do so! Don’t bring your work attitude here and act so strangely!"

Chu Tianxiong’s gaze grew cold. This Cao dared to challenge him over a mere youth? How audacious!

"Cao Zhen, what did you just say? Say it again!"

Chu Tianxiong’s aura surged, making everyone around feel a tightness in their chest. Truly, Chu Tianxiong’s presence was extraordinary!

But just then, another voice sounded, instantly dispelling Chu Tianxiong’s imposing aura.

"Chu Tianxiong, you certainly know how to throw your weight around!"

Startled, Chu Tianxiong glanced toward the source of the voice. In an instant, his aura vanished, cold sweat breaking out all over him.

Without another word, he hurried forward, ignoring the shocked stares of everyone, and bowed deeply.

"High Official Sun, you... you’re here?"

"Hmph! I’ve come to celebrate Ling Shao’s grandfather’s birthday. The moment I arrive, I witness you flaunting your authority here—quite impressive! Who do you think you are? Would you like to show off your power to me as well?"

Ling Family Village fell utterly silent!

High Official Sun had come—to their humble mountain village!

And he was here because of Ling Xiao!

Good heavens, what on earth had Ling Xiao done? It seemed as though he could bend the entire city of Jiangzhou to his will!

Was this a dream?