novelOfficially Laying Their Cards Out
| ← Ch.038 | Ch.040 → |
Translator: Lordbluefire Editor: Lordbluefire
The stern, silver-haired elderly strode over as swiftly as the thunder, moving like the wind. Every strand of his hair was pencil straight. There was a malicious glint in his eyes, like a northern goshawk soaring across the skies above as it overlooked the crowd below.
"Head Butler!" For the regular clansman of the Feng Clan, he was an important person who ruled their fate.
The nosy spectators bowed their head in respect, not daring to even let out a gasp.
The person who fought against Feng Lin was alarmed, then seized the opportunity to escape from the area of Feng Lin's techniques. They stood unmoving at their spot; their body stayed idle.
Feng Lin didn't bow. Instead, his eyes remained fixated on the approaching silver-haired elderly. There was a hint of recognition amid their unfamiliarity.
This was the elderly who had informed him of his interview at their clan's factory.
That was right, he was Feng Clan's Head Butler, also known as Butler Ying. *
(T/N: 'Ying' in his name is also the same word used for 'eagle'. )
That conspicuous hooked nose and the pair of eagle eyes would truly make one shudder in fear.
"You two, come with me!" The silver-haired elderly stopped in front of them, sizing them up before turning on his heels and walked towards the house, projecting an air of prestige and dignity.
Feng Lin and Feng Lang followed suit.
"Hey! These two fellows didn't do this on purpose right!"
"What an act! They pretended to fight in order to gain the Head Butler's attention. This way, they can cut the queue and enter!"
"How crafty those two are!"
...
Those who had spent half a day queuing were stunned by the scene, and their frustrations were beyond compare.
Yet, none of them dared to go overboard with their impudence in front of the Head Butler. Instead, they merely maintained their death glares upon Feng Lin and Feng Lang.
They were spectators to the conflict which arose from queue cutting. In the end, they were the ones who suffered the indignance of having their queue being cut. Who could they seek justice from? How could they keep their frustrations at bay from this?
Feng Lin didn't know if this was a case of queue cutting, but he knew that he didn't!
Moreover, according to his observations, this Feng Lang fellow didn't have such intention either.
With the Head Butler's amassed power, the rascal trembled ceaselessly as he trailed behind. It was obvious that he was terrified and couldn't bear it. Only his eyes continued shooting resentful glances at Feng Lin from time to time.
He had originally viewed Feng Lin as a low-grade clansman and merely wanted the latter to give up his place for him.
He was a high-grade clansman, what was wrong with doing that?
Who would've known that this rascal would be so bold as to retaliate?
Now they were doomed; they angered the Head Butler. All that was left for them were the consequences they must bear.
See, nothing would have happened if you have obediently given up your place, right?
If I get punished by the Head Butler, I'll make sure to make you pay!
Filled with bitter resentment, he pushed all the responsibility and blamed them onto Feng Lin.
Feng Lin didn't notice his gaze and even if he did, he wouldn't care.
Following the Head Butler, the two of them stepped into a spacious room.
The silver-haired elderly leaned against the chair, observing the two of them from a distance; he didn't seem to have any intention of letting them sit."Spill! Why did the two of you fight in the clan and violated the rules! If there isn't a valid reason, then don't blame me for being harsh!"
An ugly smile emerged from Feng Lang's features, crying injustice at once."Third Granduncle, I've been wronged! It's this rascal who instigated it and provoked me. You must punish him severely!"
The culprit began blaming his victim.
"Shut up! Don't give me that frivolous attitude, " The Head Butler thundered in anger, his steely gaze remained impassive, "How many times have I told you? In here, I am Feng Clan's Head Butler, not your Third Granduncle! It's useless even if you cried to the Heavens; you can dismiss the idea of me ever bending the rules in order to favor you!"
Feng Lang's scrawny stature shivered in fear at that, no longer brave enough to breathe a word.
"Feng Lang, do you think I don't know you by now?! How many times in this month have you caused trouble? If it wasn't because you are the patriarch's eldest grandson, I'd have you confined long ago!" The Head Butler roared again, reducing Feng Lang into silence from his fear.
Feng Lin couldn't help but cast a sidelong glance at him. Never would he have expected this skinny and weak person to be the patriarch's eldest grandson. He didn't sense much potential from Feng Lang when they exchanged blows earlier either.
Was he the good-for-nothing in their line of direct descendants?
Could it be that this rascal was a protagonist of the story, one who would turn their fate around from being a loser?!
A small clan, direct descendant, good-for-nothing... These traits all matched Feng Lang well!
Feng Lin sized up the scrawny guy; he exuded an aura of wretchedness and dejection from head to toe...
It was evident now that he was not it!
"And what's with you?" The Head Butler's attention shifted to Feng Lin. It was a lot colder than before.
With Feng Lang, he was annoyed. After all, the former was the patriarch's eldest grandson and though they didn't grow to become a respectable figure, he couldn't punish them as he willed either.
Feng Lin was different. He was a mere low-grade clansman and didn't require much concern.
As a Head Butler, he had the power to control Feng Lin's fate.
With Feng Lin, he was utterly callous; the minute Feng Lin gave the wrong answer, the consequences would be unimaginable.
In the face of the person who held the key to most of their clansman's fate, anyone would feel the pressure.
Feng Lin returned the gaze and, in a manner neither servile nor overbearing, he spoke up, "I was queuing up before this person forced his way into the queue. That was why we fought. If the Head Butler has doubts, you can watch the surveillance footage!"
"Head Butler, don't listen to this lad's nonsense!" Realizing the circumstances were against him, Feng Lang defended at once.
"Did I allow you to speak?" the Head Butler said coldly.
Feng Lang stopped immediately and didn't dare to utter another word.
Looking at Feng Lin who maintained a calm disposition since the start, the Head Butler was surprised; this person's temperament wasn't too bad. Not everyone would be able to remain this calm and composed in front of him.
He picked out the building's surveillance footage and projected the scene which was captured on the optical computer's log. It appeared clearly and crisply in front of them. With such conclusive evidence, there was no use denying anything.
The Head Butler shot a glance at Feng Lang before revealing his verdict, "Ten thousand star coins will be deducted from your allowance this month!"
"No, Head Butler! I'll only be left with fifty thousand star coins this way; that's not enough!" Feng Lang lamented and was just about to continue when he was caught by the Head Butler's deadly stare. Silencing himself, it was all he could do before turning towards Feng Lin with a resentful stare.
Stupid rascal, you make me lose so many star coins. I'll make you pay once we're out of here!
As expected from the descendant of the patriarch. Even if he was a loser, his allowance was still in the tens of thousands range.
Thinking back about how his parents barely earned five thousand star coins from slogging away day after day in the factory, Feng Lin clenched his fists. Not only that, but they had to pay 70% taxes to the clan!
If this isn't explicit exploitation, then what is?
At the thought that he, too, would have to follow this tragedy of a destiny, Feng Lin's gaze turned so deep and dark; it was almost like staring into a bottomless pit.
It's about time that this cold and apathetic clan lay their cards out on the table!
He had already been struck by an epiphany.
At that moment, the Head Butler's gaze swept over, having no intention of letting Feng Lin go scot-free. In a sinister way, he began, "Low-grade clansman, Feng Lin. I recall that you'll be going to the clan's energy factory for an internship in three weeks! What are you doing here out of the blue? If there's nothing important, then don't blame me for being discourteous!"
So, he's a low-grade clansman who's about to intern at the factory!
Feng Lang glanced over and lost his interest. It was truly degrading to hold a grudge against such a character.
But Feng Lin's next words had his eyes widening in surprise.
"I reject!" Feng Lin said simply.
"What?" Hearing that, the Head Butler's expression darkened at once.
No one ever dared to speak to him in this manner before. How utterly disgraceful!
"I said, I reject the internship!" Afraid that the Head Butler didn't hear him clearly, Feng Lin confirmed his notion with an unwavering expression.
Standing on the sidelines, Feng Lang was stunned.
There was someone who actually had the guts to defy the Head Butler!
This is truly a rebellion!
| ← Ch. 038 | Ch. 040 → |