Chapter Fifty-Two: Apology

I tried my best to hold back my laughter, remaining silent for quite a while before finally speaking, “You… you can go, that’s fine, pfft…”

By the end, I couldn’t contain myself any longer and burst into laughter, making the atmosphere in the car suddenly awkward. I rubbed my nose, cleared my throat, and said, “Ahem! You just go, I’ll give you directions.”

With that, the car started up again. After a while, under my guidance, we pulled up slowly in front of my house. Two men in black opened the car doors for Lin Fang and me. I slung my backpack over my shoulder and stepped into the gate, Lin Fang following behind. He commented, “Master, your residence is impressive—mountains, water, greenery. Must have cost quite a bit.”

I nodded, about to reply, when my master’s voice echoed from the balcony, “Indeed, it cost quite a bit. What, kid, do you want to reimburse me? That would be great.”

Lin Fang and I turned to look. My master stood on the balcony, holding a teacup, watching us. I greeted him; he nodded and stepped back. Moments later, he came downstairs, and Lin Fang and I entered the living room. My master gestured to the sofa, saying, “Sit wherever you like.”

Lin Fang nodded, agreeing, while I told my master, “Master, I’ll go shower first.”

He nodded, and I dashed upstairs. Half an hour later, we finally set off for Shu Xiang Garden. Once the cars lined up at the entrance, several polite attendants opened our doors and said, “Welcome, Chief Lin.”

Lin Fang nodded, ushering my master and me inside. As soon as I walked in, I was captivated by the surroundings and couldn’t help but marvel, “This place is wonderful, all in a classical style. I love it.”

“Haha, Master, as long as you like it. I arranged the most luxurious, largest private room for you. Come, sit down, let’s chat.” Lin Fang chimed in.

He led us inside. The room was spacious, with a round table carved with intricate patterns, matching the decor. It felt like stepping into an old teahouse.

After we sat, Lin Fang clapped his hands. The attendant instantly understood and brought a bottle of red wine from a cart, pouring us each a glass. Lin Fang raised his glass and said, “Master, I toast you with this cup as an apology for my mistakes last night. In the clan, I’ll rely on you in the future. I’ll drink up, you do as you wish.”

He drained his wine in one gulp. I didn’t usually drink, but to save face, I took a small sip. Unlike beer, the wine had a sweet taste. It was my first time drinking red wine, so I didn’t know much about it.

Lin Fang sat down and said to my master and me, “If there are no objections, shall we start with the food? Let’s eat and chat.”

I glanced at my master, who signaled to me, so I nodded. Lin Fang smiled and told the attendant, “Serve the dishes.”

Soon after, the attendants brought out a spread of delicious, fragrant dishes. I had to admit, the food in this upscale restaurant was quite appetizing. As we ate and chatted, Lin Fang asked about my grandfather, and I answered.

“Master, if I may ask, how is the previous patriarch? Is he still in good health?” Lin Fang asked as he took a bite.

I was hungry and devouring my food when my master nudged me back to attention. I replied, “Oh, Grandpa? He’s doing well. He still thinks about everyone in the clan. Just recently, he asked if I’d seen any clan members.”

My master shot me a glance, subtly gave me a thumbs up, and whispered, “You’re learning fast, but mind your manners. Don’t eat like you haven’t had a meal in ages.”

I chuckled sheepishly. Lin Fang watched us and laughed, “Is that so? Then I’ll visit the old patriarch myself when I have time.”

I nodded, continuing to eat. After a while, the door to the room swung open. I looked up, puzzled, and saw Lin Feng, his arm in a cast, entering with a sulky expression, complaining, “Dad, I’ve been beaten up like this and you’re still eating? Aren’t you going to avenge me? I can’t take this lying down.”

Lin Fang saw Lin Feng and, upon hearing his words, stood up abruptly, strode over, and slapped him across the face. Lin Feng froze, staring at Lin Fang, “Dad, what’s wrong with you?!”

Lin Fang glanced at me from the corner of his eye. I kept eating, unconcerned. Lin Fang said, “Revenge? What revenge? Can’t you do something proper for once? All you do is cause trouble. Do you want to drive me mad? Apologize now!”

“Apologize? Dad, what did I do wrong? Who should I apologize to?” Lin Feng protested.

Seeing his son’s obstinate attitude, Lin Fang’s anger flared. He grabbed Lin Feng’s hair and dragged him toward me, slamming him against the table, “Are you asking for a beating? I told you to apologize.”

Lin Feng glared, about to retort, but when he saw me sitting nearby, he was stunned. He turned to Lin Fang and said, “Dad, he’s the one who broke my arm. You have to stand up for me.”

With a thud, Lin Fang kicked Lin Feng to the ground, barking, “Damn it, when did I father such a bastard? I told you to apologize.”

Realizing Lin Fang was truly enraged, I looked at Lin Feng sprawled on the floor and said, “Enough, a lesson is enough. Don’t hit him. Lin Feng, I apologize for breaking your arm earlier. That was my mistake. As for other matters, let’s not bring them up. Oh, and don’t think about Chu Mengxi anymore.”

Lin Fang, hands on hips and breathing heavily, pointed at Lin Feng, “Hear that? The master has spoken. If he weren’t here, I’d break your legs today. You go to school to fight? I’ve been too lenient. Get up and apologize to the master!”

He kicked Lin Feng again. Lin Feng’s face changed, looking at me in disbelief, “Master? Dad, what are you talking about?”

“How many times do you need me to tell you? Apologize! Are you asking for trouble?” Lin Fang shouted, eyes wide.

After that, Lin Fang turned to me, “Master, let me apologize on behalf of my son. It’s my fault for not disciplining him properly.”

I waved it off, indicating it was nothing, and calmly picked up another bite from the plate. Lin Feng stood frozen, staring at me for a long time without speaking. Lin Fang sighed, kicked him again, and ordered, “Get out! I’ll deal with you at home, you brat.”

Lin Feng clutched his leg and was chased out. The door closed once more. I set down my chopsticks. Thanks to my adaptability, I was growing used to Lin Fang’s manner. I told him, “Just talk to him properly when you get home. This meal was great, but it’s getting late. We should head back.”

I wiped my mouth with a napkin and stood up. Lin Fang hurried over, saying, “As long as you’re pleased, I won’t keep you any longer. I’ll see you out.”

I nodded, and master and I left Shu Xiang Garden. In the car, I breathed a sigh of relief and asked master, “Whew, how did I do just now? Did I manage alright?”

He nodded, gave me a thumbs up, and smiled, “Excellent, you’re learning quickly, especially those last few lines.”

I laughed, feeling content. On the way, I reclined my seat and lay back, but when master reached an intersection, he suddenly braked. I shrank down and quickly sat up, looking out the window. A woman and a burly man were blocking our car. Master frowned and got out; I followed him. The woman was crying, pleading, “Please, save my child!”

Master paused, saying, “What happened? Tell me slowly, don’t panic.”

The man beside her hurriedly explained, “My son suddenly developed a high fever that won’t go down. The IV drip didn’t help. Earlier, while sleeping at home, he started convulsing on the bed. I rushed over, pinched his philtrum, but it did nothing. Then he suddenly stopped moving. I felt his head—it was ice cold, like a block of ice. We were terrified, grabbed him, and ran out, but couldn’t get a taxi. Please, take us to the hospital, save our child, please!”

When he finished, he knelt down. Master quickly helped him up, saying, “Come on, get in the car. Don’t waste time.”

Master ran to the back door and opened it. The man and woman thanked us repeatedly; the woman hurried in with her son. I got in as well. Master started the car, checked the rearview mirror, and asked, “Which hospital?”

“The Children’s Hospital, please! You’re our savior,” the man replied urgently.

Master nodded and floored the gas, even running several red lights without hesitation. Soon, we arrived at the Children’s Hospital. I helped them carry their son into the emergency room, then master and I sat on a bench in the hospital corridor. The man squatted, the woman stood, both drenched in sweat. Her eyes were vacant, hands clasped in prayer, quietly whispering for her child’s safety.