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.
âHead Butler!â 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 Linâs techniques. They stood unmoving at their spot; their body stayed idle.
Feng Lin didnât 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 clanâs factory.
That was right, he was Feng Clanâs Head Butler, also known as Butler Ying.*
(T/N: âYingâ in his name is also the same word used for âeagleâ.)
That conspicuous hooked nose and the pair of eagle eyes would truly make one shudder in fear.
âYou two, come with me!â 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.
âHey! These two fellows didnât do this on purpose right!â
âWhat an act! They pretended to fight in order to gain the Head Butlerâs attention. This way, they can cut the queue and enter!â
âHow crafty those two are!â
...
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 didnât know if this was a case of queue cutting, but he knew that he didnât!
Moreover, according to his observations, this Feng Lang fellow didnât have such intention either.
With the Head Butlerâs amassed power, the rascal trembled ceaselessly as he trailed behind. It was obvious that he was terrified and couldnât 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 wouldâve 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, Iâll make sure to make you pay!
Filled with bitter resentment, he pushed all the responsibility and blamed them onto Feng Lin.
Feng Lin didnât notice his gaze and even if he did, he wouldnât 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 didnât seem to have any intention of letting them sit. âSpill! Why did the two of you fight in the clan and violated the rules! If there isnât a valid reason, then donât blame me for being harsh!â
An ugly smile emerged from Feng Langâs features, crying injustice at once. âThird Granduncle, Iâve been wronged! Itâs this rascal who instigated it and provoked me. You must punish him severely!â
The culprit began blaming his victim.
âShut up! Donât give me that frivolous attitude,â The Head Butler thundered in anger, his steely gaze remained impassive, âHow many times have I told you? In here, I am Feng Clanâs Head Butler, not your Third Granduncle! Itâs useless even if you cried to the Heavens; you can dismiss the idea of me ever bending the rules in order to favor you!â
Feng Langâs scrawny stature shivered in fear at that, no longer brave enough to breathe a word.
âFeng Lang, do you think I donât know you by now?! How many times in this month have you caused trouble? If it wasnât because you are the patriarchâs eldest grandson, Iâd have you confined long ago!â The Head Butler roared again, reducing Feng Lang into silence from his fear.
Feng Lin couldnât help but cast a sidelong glance at him. Never would he have expected this skinny and weak person to be the patriarchâs eldest grandson. He didnât 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!
âAnd whatâs with you?â The Head Butlerâs attention shifted to Feng Lin. It was a lot colder than before.
With Feng Lang, he was annoyed. After all, the former was the patriarchâs eldest grandson and though they didnât grow to become a respectable figure, he couldnât punish them as he willed either.
Feng Lin was different. He was a mere low-grade clansman and didnât require much concern.
As a Head Butler, he had the power to control Feng Linâs 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 clansmanâs fate, anyone would feel the pressure.
Feng Lin returned the gaze and, in a manner neither servile nor overbearing, he spoke up, âI 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!â
âHead Butler, donât listen to this ladâs nonsense!â Realizing the circumstances were against him, Feng Lang defended at once.
âDid I allow you to speak?â the Head Butler said coldly.
Feng Lang stopped immediately and didnât dare to utter another word.
Looking at Feng Lin who maintained a calm disposition since the start, the Head Butler was surprised; this personâs temperament wasnât too bad. Not everyone would be able to remain this calm and composed in front of him.
He picked out the buildingâs surveillance footage and projected the scene which was captured on the optical computerâs 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, âTen thousand star coins will be deducted from your allowance this month!â
âNo, Head Butler! Iâll only be left with fifty thousand star coins this way; thatâs not enough!â Feng Lang lamented and was just about to continue when he was caught by the Head Butlerâs 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. Iâll make you pay once weâre 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 isnât explicit exploitation, then what is?
At the thought that he, too, would have to follow this tragedy of a destiny, Feng Linâs gaze turned so deep and dark; it was almost like staring into a bottomless pit.
Itâs 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 Butlerâs gaze swept over, having no intention of letting Feng Lin go scot-free. In a sinister way, he began, âLow-grade clansman, Feng Lin. I recall that youâll be going to the clanâs energy factory for an internship in three weeks! What are you doing here out of the blue? If thereâs nothing important, then donât blame me for being discourteous!â
So, heâs a low-grade clansman whoâs 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 Linâs next words had his eyes widening in surprise.
âI reject!â Feng Lin said simply.
âWhat?â Hearing that, the Head Butlerâs expression darkened at once.
No one ever dared to speak to him in this manner before. How utterly disgraceful!
âI said, I reject the internship!â Afraid that the Head Butler didnât 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!