Chapter 16: I’m Not a Pervert! Playing dumb, deflecting force with force…

Chapter 16: I'm Not a Pervert! Playing dumb, deflecting force with force...

"Huo, Huo Zong."

Jiang Fengmian's voice quivered slightly. He pressed his fingers against his lower back frantically, wracking his brain but failing to come up with a good excuse.

Help, I'm really not a pervert, I swear.

Waaah, believe me, kid.

Jiang Fengmian was a mess inside. In his state, who would believe he was normal? He didn't believe it himself either.

"Hmm."

From that single word, Jiang Fengmian couldn't tell if Huo Zong was angry. He scrunched up his face and forced a smile; his feet felt like they were nailed to the ground, unable to move an inch.

"Let's go once you're ready."

Huo Zong was the first to move, and Jiang Fengmian stood there for a moment before following.

One after another, they walked in awkward silence. Jiang Fengmian tried to start a conversation several times, but seeing Huo Zong's indifferent expression, he decided to keep quiet.

In the back seat of the car, with half a person's distance between them, Jiang Fengmian turned his head to look over. He saw Huo Zong's closed eyes and his fingers twisting rhythmically. Jiang Fengmian took a breath and tentatively stretched out his hand.

"Jiang Fengmian."

"Ah?"

Jiang Fengmian snapped upright, quickly pulling his hand back and hiding it behind his back, his face full of obedience.

"I'm here, Huo Zong, what's up?"

Huo Zong's eyelashes, like crow feathers, cast a small shadow under his eyes. As the car moved, half of Huo Zong's face alternated between light and shadow, causing Jiang Fengmian to anxiously hold his breath for no reason.

"Button your collar."

Jiang Fengmian blinked. That's it? That's all?

He was nervous out of his mind, thinking it was some life-and-death matter, only to find out it was just about buttoning his shirt.

Huo Zong's steadfast old cadre persona had probably found it intolerable for a long time and had held back until now.

Jiang Fengmian responded with an "Oh," and silently buttoned another one, explaining just in time before Huo Zong could say anything, "The top one's too tight."

"Hmm." Huo Zong averted his eyes and imperceptibly pinched his burning earlobe.

Huo Zong was still immersed in the immense shock, unable to recover for a long time.

Anyone would find it strange to see someone obsessively sniffing the scent on your shirt, right? At that moment, Huo Zong's energy surged, rushing straight to his head, his temple throbbing. He subconsciously felt like calling out to Jiang Fengmian.

His wrist itched unbearably, his fingertips digging into his palm as he stared intently at Jiang Fengmian's actions. His eyes were clear, filled with careful excitement.

He couldn't quite put his finger on the feeling, but after Jiang Fengmian turned away, Huo Zong quietly sighed in relief. He stepped very slowly, as if expecting Jiang Fengmian to catch up and explain.

Jiang Fengmian's situation was special, he shouldn't have considered it with normal thinking, he had overthought.

"Huo Zong, we've arrived."

Huo Zong half-closed his eyes, his mind swirling with various thoughts. It wasn't until the driver had repeated himself that Huo Zong finally responded with a soft "Hmm."

Red silk adorned the old mansion everywhere; even the withered tree at the entrance had not been spared. It was said that Huo Qing had specifically consulted someone, who stated that bright red was auspicious and would bless him with good health and longevity.

Huo Qing's birthday banquet was exceptionally grand. The luxury cars that came to congratulate him were parked outside the parking area, and the mansion was lavishly decorated, exuding opulence.

Huo Qilin was at the entrance, receiving the guests. When someone kindly inquired about the injury on his face, his smile faltered, he paused for a moment, shook his head, and swiftly regained his composure.

The old man had no idea what came over him yesterday. He came back injured, but the old man only offered symbolic concern, too lazy to even feign care.

"I'm sorry, Grandfather. I have no idea what's gotten into my uncle. The password for his door is my grandmother's death anniversary. I merely complimented his filial piety, saying that my grandmother's spirit in heaven would surely bless him. But then he went crazy."

Half of Huo Qilin's face was swollen. His movements were awkward as he sat down, playing up his severe injuries.

"Grandfather, did I say something wrong? Uncle must be very upset too."

"What does he have to be upset about? That ungrateful man."

Huo Qing's chest heaved. "Tsk, what's the use of pretending? If it weren't for Huo Zong, A Lan wouldn't have died. Can his pretending bring her back to life?"

"Xiao Lin, you've suffered. I have the best medicinal ointment. I'll give Huo Zong a scolding when he gets back."

Huo Qilin had been about to mention joining the company, but seeing Huo Qing looking exhausted with his head propped up, he decided to keep quiet. He had just hit on Huo Qing's sore spot. Better to say less.

"Xiao Lin, sometimes you can't be too impulsive. Maturity and stability will get you far. Go get the medicine."

"I understand, Grandfather."

Huo Qilin balled his fists, his face twisting in anger. He hobbled up the stairs, cursing the old man with each step. He was clearly the victim of an unjust ordeal.

"Huo Zong really didn't come. He's not even concerned about his father's 70th birthday. It's all busy work for the eldest young master and the young master."

"Tsk, I heard he's been forced into a marriage with that fool from the Jiang family. How pitiful, to be matched with a fool. It seems the entire capital is afraid he might beat her to death."

***

"Exactly, to not show up at such an important occasion, that fool is probably in big trouble. Just wait, news will spread through the capital in a few days."

"Who doesn't know Huo Zong is sick? There's nothing he could do that would surprise us."

The voices of the discussion suddenly stopped as they saw Huo Zong approaching, their faces turning red and hot, wishing they could sink into the ground.

How did Huo Zong manage to hear that?

"Uncle, you're back. I thought you... I'm sorry, I didn't mean it."

Huo Qilin's eyes were filled with fear, subtly rubbing his side. His injuries were obvious, and he was barely standing while greeting the guests at the entrance.

As a son, Huo Zong arrived late for his father's birthday. The implications in the conversation suggested that Huo Qilin's injuries might have a different story behind them.

Those closer to Huo Qilin exchanged glances, understanding without words.

Huo Zong's fierce reputation remains intact. He even beats his own nephew, after all.

Huo Zong's sharp gaze landed on Huo Qilin, but he said nothing.

An inexplicable awkwardness settled in the air. It was unknown who shouted "Mr. Huo," but the people engaged in discussion were jolted awake and began greeting him one after another.

"Mr. Huo."

Huo Zong glanced at those people, nodding slightly. He had just taken a step when he felt someone gently grab his wrist.

"Brother, that bad man is looking at me. I am scared."

Trembling uncontrollably, Jiang Fengmian looked at Huo Qilin in fear. It seemed that only by staying close to Huo Zong could he find a sliver of security.

Huo Zong said coldly, "Don't be afraid, he won't dare to harass you again."

Was it the kind of harassment they were imagining?

It's surprising that Huo Qilin would harass Huo Zong's people. Even if he was a fool, harassing him was essentially picking a fight with Huo Zong. No wonder he got beaten.

Serves him right.

How absurd, they actually thought Huo Zong was having one of his episodes.

"No, Uncle..."

Huo Qilin's face turned red as strange looks came from all directions. He clenched his fists, stammered for a long time, but couldn't form a coherent sentence.

Jiang Fengmian nodded, his eyes fixed on Huo Zong without blinking. He carefully touched Huo Zong's fingers, tentatively scratching once before forcing his own fingers in.

"Brother, there are so many bad people. Are they also speaking ill of us?"

Huo Zong's entire attention was focused on the fingers Jiang Fengmian was holding. The temperature of his neck rose, while his aura grew colder.

"They are really bad, brother. You're strong and healthy, you have no illness, and I'm not a fool."

"It's so strange, why does the Huo family still want to be friends with people who speak ill?"

Surprise flashed in Huo Zong's eyes. It was unclear whether Jiang Fengmian meant it intentionally or not, but this remark actually gave him an opening. Compared to this group of genuine fools, Jiang Fengmian appeared clever and quick-witted.

A cold sweat broke out on their backs. Those attending the birthday banquet were all wealthy and prestigious. Who wouldn't want to hitch a ride on the Huo family's big ship to sail smoothly and fearlessly forward?

Officially, Huo Qing was the head of the family, but everyone knew that Huo Zong was the de facto patriarch.

"Mr. Huo, you've misunderstood. No, no..."

Huo Zong's voice was like shards of ice, his condescending gaze peeling away their disguise inch by inch, revealing their bitter bones.

The once noisy banquet hall fell deathly silent. Huo Qing hobbled over step by step with his cane, the sound of each step pounding on their sensitive nerves.

"What's going on?" Huo Qing's voice had an effect, and those people instantly fell silent.

Jiang Fengmian's gaze shifted around those people, and he asked in confusion, "Huo Zong, they say the Huo family is all talk and no substance, relying on you, yet they still curse you. I don't understand, Huo Zong, what does 'all talk and no substance' mean?"

"It means we fall short." Huo Zong said with a half-smile, his eyes devoid of any emotion.

The Wang family, the Zhou family, and the Qi family—the three clans had indeed raised some "good sons" in their small enterprise.

A few words sold those people out completely. Huo Qing was practically tearing his hair out. When did outsiders have the right to judge the Huo family?

Was it the Huo family that was all talk and no substance, or was it the patriarch who was all talk and no substance?

"No, no, Mr. Huo, that's not what we meant. It's truly a misunderstanding."

If it weren't for a misunderstanding, why would they be so flustered?

"The Huo family doesn't work with two-faced people. If you look down on the Huo family, there's no need to come to the birthday banquet. Xiao Zheng, show them the door."

Huo Qing's face turned ashen as he gestured for the few people to get out. The Huo family didn't welcome them, and neither did he.

The birthday banquet was going well until Huo Zong returned and stirred up chaos.

The security immediately and courteously escorted the few people out. They might point fingers and gloat about Huo Zong, but he was still the head of the Huo family, the family's face. Those who insulted him didn't deserve to step through the door.

Watching the hard-earned connection severed, the few people looked devastated and incredulous. Hadn't they been told that Huo Qing cared the least about these things? What's going on today?

Huo Qing didn't care what others said about Huo Zong, but his own reputation was another matter. He wouldn't allow anyone to trample on it recklessly.

As the farce ended, the onlookers gathered around, offering their well-wishes to Huo Qing.

His expression eased up a bit.

Huo Qing looked at Huo Zong's empty-handedness, then his gaze slid to the hands tightly clasped together between Huo Zong and Jiang Fengmian. A flash of disgust appeared in his eyes.

Huo Zong really wasn't picky, not even caring about a simpleton.

"Huo Zong, is this how you return?"

Huo Zong had already lowered himself by returning to Huo Qing's birthday banquet. It was a great favor. He looked down on Huo Qing, his cold gaze full of mockery.

"Huo Zong, are you mute?"

"Since you're back, there should at least be some formalities, right?"

"You begged me to come back."

Huo Zong wasn't afraid of Huo Qing's cold gaze. He sneered, "If it weren't for your reputation, my return wouldn't matter. Huo Qing, this is all the capability you have."

Unseen eyes gathered, all waiting to see how Huo Qing would react.

Surrounded by bright red silk, Huo Qing felt hatred rising. He remembered what Huo Qilin had said, and without thinking, he raised his cane and swung it towards Huo Zong.

Jiang Fengmian quickly stepped in front of Huo Zong. He closed his eyes slightly, expecting pain that never came. Jiang Fengmian opened his eyes to find that Huo Zong had grabbed Huo Qing's cane.

"I said, this is all the capability you have."

"Fine, Huo Zong, you're really something."

Dah.

The cane fell to the ground. Huo Zong's arm dropped, and he grabbed Jiang Fengmian's wrist, stepping over the cane and leaving.

Crack. Huo Qing's mask of hypocrisy, worn for a day, shattered completely.