Chapter Six: The Ling Family Must Not Be Humiliated

"Grandfather, don't worry. I would never do anything I'm not confident about." Old Master Ling sighed deeply. Though he said nothing more, Ling Xiao could see at a glance that his grandfather did not believe he could stand up to the Hua family.

Ling Xiao did not try to explain further. Some things cannot be resolved by mere words—they require proof.

"Enough. It's not often grandfather and grandson get to meet. Why talk about such troubling matters? I just bought some pork; let me cook you a few dishes and we can share a drink together."

"Let me light the fire for you."

"No need. You've just come back; take a good rest and spend time with your friend. I can manage on my own."

With that, he ignored Ling Xiao's protests and hobbled quickly into the kitchen.

Ling Xiao's eyes stung with unshed tears.

Once, the Ling family was prosperous and powerful. He never imagined that now, in his old age, his grandfather would have to endure such hardship.

If the Hua family is not destroyed, what face does Ling Xiao have to call himself a son of the Ling clan?

He and Ming Cheng sat quietly for a while when, suddenly, a plump woman barged in through the door, cursing loudly.

"Old man, get out here! I've got something to say to you!"

Grandfather Ling hurried out from the kitchen, wiping his hands on his clothes and forcing a smile.

"Niece-in-law, what brings you here today?"

The fat woman waved her hand dismissively.

"Don't try to cozy up to me. Our families are no longer connected by blood. I'll get straight to the point—it's nearly time to plant corn. Have you bought the seeds and fertilizer for us or not?"

Grandfather Ling's eyes widened in astonishment.

"Didn't I just buy you a plow and harrow? Why do you need me to buy seeds and fertilizer again?"

The fat woman's eyes bulged, as if she could eat him alive.

"What do you mean? My husband Lin helped you apply for the poverty relief subsidy. Was that out of charity? Shouldn't you show some gratitude? Do you really think the village chief is a pushover?"

Grandfather Ling looked troubled.

"But... but the subsidy is so little. After getting you the farm tools, there's barely anything left—not even enough to buy seeds and fertilizer. If I give you everything, I'd have to pay out of my own pocket!"

"So what if you have to pay a bit? Your eldest son is in the capital, your second son works in Jiangzhou City—aren't they all filthy rich? Even a strand of their hair is thicker than our legs! If it's too much trouble, just give us your land to farm. Then, out of my boundless generosity, I won't ask you for seeds and fertilizer."

Grandfather Ling's face flushed red with anger.

"This... this is nothing but robbery!"

The fat woman's expression turned cold.

"What did you say? Did you just call me a robber? Want me to slap you dead right here?"

As she spoke, she actually rolled up her sleeves, ready to strike.

Startled, Grandfather Ling stumbled back in fear, nearly falling over. Fortunately, a strong hand steadied him from behind.

He turned and glanced back.

"Xiao Xiao."

"What’s going on?" Ling Xiao's face was terrifyingly cold.

Those who knew him understood: Ling Xiao was rarely angry, but once provoked, he would not rest until blood was shed.

Grandfather Ling looked uncomfortable.

"When you’re not home, she comes every few days to extort me. I'm an old man, crippled and alone. So... so I just... sigh!"

With that, the old man turned away, wiping tears from his eyes.

Ling Xiao patted his back gently, comforting him.

"Grandfather, do not be afraid. With me here, no one will ever bully you again."

He took a step forward, his gaze icy, making the fat woman shiver uncontrollably.

"Why... why are you looking at me like that?"

Ling Xiao's voice was glacial. "I’ll give you five minutes to explain—why have you been bullying my grandfather?"

The fat woman sneered.

"Explain? What’s there to explain? I’m not the only one in this village who bullies him. And who do you think you are? What gives you the right to interfere?"

Ling Xiao clasped his hands behind his back, his face frosty.

"When it comes to the Ling family, no one is more qualified than I am!"

The woman frowned, scrutinizing him for a moment before suddenly exclaiming, "Oh! So that’s it. I wondered where this brat came from all of a sudden. You’re Old Ling’s second son’s boy! I can’t believe you’re still alive—I thought the wolves had dragged you off!"

Ling Xiao’s face remained cold and indifferent.

"You have four minutes left."

The fat woman scoffed.

"Do you really think you can hit me? You brat, give it up. If you were half as capable as you claim, three years ago your parents wouldn’t have been stabbed to death, and you wouldn’t have had your legs broken! With your sorry state, you think you can act tough in front of me? I could kill you with one fart!"

Ling Xiao narrowed his eyes.

"I've changed my mind. Whether you explain or not, you will pay the price. Ming Cheng—slap her."

"Understood!"

Ming Cheng grinned and leapt forward, long eager for action. At Ling Xiao’s command, he couldn’t be happier.

In a few quick strides, he was before the fat woman. He raised his hand and slapped her so hard she flew across the courtyard.

When she landed, her already swollen face had become as puffy as a pig’s head.

"You... you actually dared to hit me?"

For a moment, she was stunned, but then she began to screech.

"I’ll fight you to the death!"

Ming Cheng only chuckled, then slapped her again, sending her flying once more.

But he didn’t stop there. He stomped on her chest and unleashed a flurry of slaps.

"How dare you, you fat pig! Even the president would treat my young master with respect, but you’re bold enough to throw a tantrum? You’ve got some nerve!"

The sound of slapping echoed wildly through the courtyard, her shrieks turning to wails.

"Stop! Please, stop! Ling Xiao, I was wrong! Please, stop! My whole face is about to explode!"

"Stand down!"

Ling Xiao’s command stopped Ming Cheng instantly. He returned, grumbling under his breath, as if he hadn't had enough.

Ling Xiao ignored him, tossing a pen and paper to the fat woman, his face icy.

"Write down the names and home addresses of every single person who has bullied my grandfather. Not one name is to be left out. If you do, I’ll slap you to death."

The woman hesitated, then asked, "If I write them, will you let me go?"

Ling Xiao stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze as sharp as a blade, like a king sentencing a criminal.

"You are in no position to bargain with me. Write—or die."

"Fine, I get it!"

Gritting her teeth, the woman quickly scribbled a long list of names and addresses. The page was soon filled, densely packed like a swarm of ants.

"Here... here they all are!"

Ling Xiao took the paper and immediately handed it to Ming Cheng.

"Leave a finger for each one. Not a single person is to be left out."

"Yes, sir!"

Ming Cheng took the list and vanished instantly.

Grandfather Ling couldn’t help but plead, "Xiao Xiao, let it go. It’s not such a big deal. Don’t make trouble with so many people!"

Ling Xiao silenced him with a single sentence.

"The Ling family will not be humiliated."