"Who the hell are you cursing?" Lin Xiaolong jumped down from the vehicle and shouted.
"Haha, Lin Xiaolong, I'm obviously cursing you, you bastard," Liu Erhu yelled arrogantly.
"You really are a bastard in the truest sense of the word," Lin Xiaolong sneered.
The surrounding crowd couldn't help but burst into laughter. Tang Qi hopped out of the car, laughing so hard she was shaking. "Lin Xiaolong, was this guy kicked in the head by a donkey? He actually called himself a bastard."
"He was born with a difficult labor; it’s a case of oxygen deprivation," Lin Xiaolong replied.
The crowd laughed even louder.
"Damn you, Lin Xiaolong! You dare insult me? You’re looking for death!" Liu Erhu clenched his fists.
Seeing Lin Xiaolong emerge from a Mercedes G-Wagon with a hot beauty, Liu Erhu felt deeply confused. How could a big fool like Lin Xiaolong know a woman who drove a Mercedes G-Wagon? Such a car cost over a million; Lin Xiaolong couldn't possibly have friends or relatives of that caliber. He had intended to test the waters, but Lin Xiaolong had insulted him the moment he stepped out, making him look like an idiot. He wasn't about to swallow that. He shook his fists, intending to strike.
Seeing this, Lin Xiaolong stood before him, sneering. Liu Erhu suddenly came to his senses. *Right, this kid is a skilled fighter. I brought so many people last time, and they were all wiped out by him in a few moves. If I attack now, won't I just get beaten up even worse?*
He quickly relaxed his fists. "Lin Xiaolong, I won't lower myself to the level of someone as uncultured as you."
A chorus of boos rose from the surrounding crowd. A hoodlum like him had the nerve to talk about culture. Liu Erhu glared around, and everyone quickly averted their eyes, terrified of drawing his ire. He gave a disdainful snort and looked back at Lin Xiaolong.
"I’m here for two things today. First, Er Lai and Baldy Three were stung by wasps yesterday afternoon because of you. You owe them 50,000 in compensation. Second, two days have passed; you have five days left to pay back the 150,000 you owe me. If you don't have it ready, I’ll have no choice but to take your property."
Tang Qi, seeing the thuggish behavior of Liu Erhu and his two companions, stepped forward to confront them, but Lin Xiaolong pulled her back. Tang Qi glared at Liu Erhu but kept quiet. She was curious about the situation and wanted to see how Lin Xiaolong would handle it.
"Liu Erhu, don't worry about the 150,000. Since I said I’d pay, I will. If I truly can't, you can take the homestead—I won’t go back on my word," Lin Xiaolong said calmly.
"That's good. All the villagers are listening; I’m not afraid of you reneging," Liu Erhu said triumphantly. His true goal was the land, and he also hoped to force Lin Xiaoxue to work as a hostess at his karaoke parlor. That was why he was tolerating Lin Xiaolong for now; otherwise, he would have brought dozens of men to settle the score.
"As for these two fools," Lin Xiaolong looked at Er Lai and Baldy Three, "I was harvesting a beehive; what does that have to do with them? They were the ones who lacked sense, trailing behind me like parasites. If the wasps didn't sting them, who would they sting? They deserved it."
"Kid, you're pretty good at acting the rogue, aren't you? Fine, I’m staying at your house and I’m not leaving," Er Lai threatened, not expecting Lin Xiaolong to talk back.
"Right, we’re staying. You're covering our food and lodging, and I’m taking Lin Xiaoxue’s room and sleeping in her bed," Baldy Three added.
The two walked straight into the house, completely shameless.
"This is my house. I'm warning you—get out, now!" Lin Xiaolong shouted from the yard. They ignored him and kept shouting inside, "Which one is Lin Xiaoxue’s room?"
"Xiaolong, these two are way out of line. Should we call the police?" Tang Qi asked.
"No need." Lin Xiaolong smiled coldly and raised his voice. "Fellow villagers, you all saw it. These two broke into my home without permission. That’s trespassing. They’re breaking the law, and I am acting in legitimate self-defense by removing them."
He dashed into the courtyard in a blur. Before they could reach the bedroom, Lin Xiaolong grabbed them by the scruff of their necks. They shrieked in pain, feeling as if their necks were about to snap. With a heave, he dragged them out like dead dogs and shoved them toward the gate.
*Whoosh.* The two flew out like sandbags and slammed into the ground. They groaned, feeling as if their internal organs had been rattled loose, and rolled around in agony.
"Help! Murder! Lin Xiaolong is trying to kill us!"
"My bones are broken! Lin Xiaolong, you have to pay for my checkup!"
"I have a concussion! My head is killing me!"
The villagers and even Liu Erhu were stunned. He knew Lin Xiaolong was strong, but he didn't expect this—tossing two grown men like that took immense power. Still, seeing Er Lai and Baldy Three’s performance, he smirked inwardly. *Let's see how you handle this, Lin Xiaolong. They'll bleed you dry.*
The villagers worried for Lin Xiaolong, thinking he was too young to realize how he’d just been trapped. But instead of panicking, Lin Xiaolong just smiled. "Mom, Xiaoxue, Tang Qi, let's go inside. It's time to eat the braised turtle."
Xiaoxue looked at her brother, "But, brother, them..."
"Don't worry. This is legitimate self-defense against thugs trespassing. As for them rolling around in the dirt, if they aren't ashamed and don't mind the filth, let them stay there. Everyone can just treat them like monkeys in a show."
"Exactly, it's just like watching a monkey show—quite entertaining," Tang Qi added with a laugh.
Er Lai and Baldy Three froze, unsure what to do. They didn't want to end up as the village joke instead of getting paid.
"Hmph! Lin Xiaolong, you injured them! Do you really think I won't call the police to have you arrested?" Liu Erhu yelled. "It's just one phone call away!"
"Go ahead! Call them!" Tang Qi stepped forward, furious. "I can testify that these two broke into a private home and tried to harass a girl. I want to see whose word the police take—yours or mine."
"Who... are you?" Liu Erhu asked, sounding uncertain. He was well-connected at the local station, but this woman drove a G-Wagon and clearly had status. If she testified, the outcome wasn't guaranteed.
"It doesn't matter who I am. I’m here as a guest, and you're ruining my meal. If you don't get lost, I’ll make sure you pay dearly," Tang Qi threatened.
Seeing Tang Qi defending him, the villagers began to whisper. Liu Erhu’s eyes darted around, and he turned to leave in a huff. "Lin Xiaolong, we’ll see. You have five days left—don't disappoint me."
Er Lai and Baldy Three saw their boss leaving and scrambled to follow him, afraid of what might happen if they stayed behind.
***
Seeing them slink away, the neighbors gave Lin Xiaolong a thumbs-up. "Xiaolong is really something. Not only is his mind sharp, he can fight, too!"
Wang Yanhong curled her lip, "What's so great about it? When he can't pay back the money, he'll lose the house anyway." She stomped off, annoyed that the drama she’d come to watch had ended with Liu Erhu looking like a fool.
Once the crowd dispersed, Lin Xiaolong led Tang Qi inside.
Wang Ju looked at the beautiful young woman nervously. *Is this a girlfriend for Xiaolong? She’s so pretty and has such a nice car—would she ever settle for Xiaolong?*
"Mom, this is Tang Qi, a friend of mine. She was driving through and I invited her for a meal," Lin Xiaolong explained.
"Hello, Auntie. I didn't expect to run into Xiaolong, so I didn't bring a gift. I hope you don't mind," Tang Qi said graciously.
"Not at all! It’s our blessing that Xiaolong has a friend like you. Come, come inside and sit," Wang Ju beamed.
"Hello, Sister Tang Qi," Xiaoxue greeted her.
"Xiaoxue, you’re so beautiful!" Tang Qi grabbed her hand, clearly fond of her.
Lin Xiaolong got to work, prepping the ingredients. He and Tang Qi made the "Farewell My Concubine" dish—a classic stew of turtle and chicken. Tang Qi insisted on helping, getting soot and dirt on her fair face while tending to the fire, looking completely delighted.
They ate in the shade of the big paulownia tree in the yard. The spicy, fragrant dish was a hit, and Tang Qi laughed, worrying she’d gain weight from eating so much.
By the time they finished, it was dark. When Tang Qi prepared to leave, Xiaoxue tried to convince her to stay, but Tang Qi declined, promising to take Xiaoxue out in the county city soon.
Lin Xiaolong walked her to the car.
"Is your family really in debt to that thug, Liu Erhu?" Tang Qi asked.
"Don't worry about it. I can handle it," Lin Xiaolong said.
"What do you mean 'don't worry'? Aren't we friends?" Tang Qi snapped.
"I thought you were going to report me for molesting you?" Lin Xiaolong teased.
Tang Qi punched his arm. "Shut up! If you're short on money, call me. I’ll pay it back for you."
"No, I told you I can handle it."
"Why are you being so stubborn? Can't you let me repay you for saving my life?"
"If I saved your life, shouldn't you be repaying me with your hand in marriage?" Lin Xiaolong joked.
Tang Qi blushed. "If I offered myself, would you even dare?"
"Ha! What would I be afraid of?" Lin Xiaolong retorted.
"Fine. I won't leave tonight. I'll stay and sleep in your room," Tang Qi stared at him.
Lin Xiaolong was caught off guard and stammered, "I... I’m not staying home tonight. I have to guard the cherry orchard."
"Isn't the wilderness even more exciting?" Tang Qi smirked, watching him squirm.
"Big sister, please, quit messing with me. If you really stayed, I’d be the one worried," Lin Xiaolong laughed.
"Who are you calling 'big sister'? Don't call me that ever again," Tang Qi said, feigning anger.
"Then what should I call you?"
"Call me Tangtang or Qiqi. Tang-jie is fine too."
"Fine. How about we go to the orchard now?"
"Get lost!" Tang Qi jumped into the car and swatted him through the window. "You pervert, don't forget to call me!"
"Drive safe," Lin Xiaolong cautioned.
"Bye-bye, my life-saver!" Tang Qi chuckled, and the car roared away.
Lin Xiaolong stood there for a long time, the scent of her perfume still lingering in the air.
"Brother, when did you two start dating?" Xiaoxue asked mischievously.
"We just met today."
"Met today and she’s already here for dinner and flirting with you? Brother, you're good!" Xiaoxue teased.
"Little brat, what do you know?" Lin Xiaolong ruffled her hair. "I’m heading to the orchard tonight. Can't have anyone causing trouble."
"Is that really necessary?" Xiaoxue asked, unaware that someone had poisoned their cherry trees with Paraquat.
"It is. We’re counting on these cherries to pay our debts." Lin Xiaolong grabbed a tattered fan and headed toward the orchard.
He didn't tell her about the poison; he didn't want her to worry. Now that he was back to his old self, he would handle it.
At the edge of the orchard stood a small shack his father had built years ago. Upon arriving, Lin Xiaolong gathered some leaves from a common plant, crushed them to extract the juice, and rubbed it on his arms. It was a simple trick from the Shennong Arts—an effective insect repellent that kept the bugs away.
He sat by the doorway, looking out into the darkness. To most, the area near the Longyang Reservoir would be terrifying at night, but Lin Xiaolong felt at ease. The air was fresh, and the spiritual energy here was more abundant than at home.
He took out the jade bottle, but it was empty. He pulled the stopper, and the residual spiritual energy inside drifted out. He greedily inhaled it before sitting cross-legged to practice the Longyang Formula. He didn't notice that while he practiced, the spiritual energy from the surrounding air was also flowing into the jade bottle.
By midnight, his eyes snapped open. His ears twitched. Rapid footsteps were approaching.
*Someone is coming.*
A cold smile crossed his lips. *Poisoning ten of my trees with Paraquat in the daytime wasn't enough? They're coming back for overtime? Just how much do they hate me?*