Chapter 299: Old Sang by the Big Goose Lake

Mu Zixi shivered, her face full of disbelief.

Is this Xu Xiaoshou?

If she hadn't witnessed the terrifying destructive power of her own *shixiong*, she might have really thought he was a weak, defenseless pretty boy.

But no!

This guy is a big bad wolf!

All of this is just an act!

The young girl really wanted to shout something, but in the midst of Xu Xiaoshou's sobs while covering his face, he suddenly shot her a sharp glance, and Mu Zixi fell silent.

"Received admiration, passive value, 1."

As expected, people always sympathize with the weak.

Not everyone knew about Xu Xiaoshou's past fierce exploits, and under his pitiful words, everyone's expressions completely changed.

They shifted from initially enjoying the spectacle to feeling sympathy, and eventually, even a touch of empathetic pity arose.

"That's too awful! I can't stand it anymore. I'll testify for this brother—he really didn't move a muscle from start to finish!"

"Yeah, yeah, President, please see the truth. This time, it's not this young brother's fault. We can all vouch for it. It was... Young Master Fu who struck first."

"Baby, don't cry. Big sister will stand up for you!"

"That's right, Young Master Fu, your behavior is really excessive. He's so pitiful!"

Fu Xing: ???

What did I say?

From beginning to end, wasn't it this guy who kept babbling on?

"Received doubt, passive value, 1."

Shi Ti, the president, felt like his head was about to explode ten times over.

He finally understood that while Xu Xiaoshou's story might have been a bit too vivid, he probably really hadn't done anything.

Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many bystanders testifying for him.

The hole in *Dan Ta*, the alchemy furnace explosion—maybe it all really should be blamed on... Fu Xing?

But how could he blame him for that?

He's the son of the city lord. Was he supposed to pull down his pants and spank him like when he was a kid?

What a joke!

But if he had to swallow this anger...

Even though Shi Ti was known as a famously good-natured person, anyone would be furious if their house got blown up!

He suddenly turned to the guard—after all, this was all his fault.

"Do you have anything to say?"

The guard was almost scared to death. Losing his job was one thing, but if the president personally kicked him out, who would ever hire him again?

Would he really have to go work as a thug for some families?

He felt his future was utterly dark.

Xu Xiaoshou couldn't bear to watch anymore and spoke up: "You can't entirely blame him!"

"Actually, if we're getting to the bottom of it, it's all because Young Master Fu's cultivation isn't strong enough..."

Fu Xing: ???

His eyes bulged, and he wanted to retort, but Xu Xiaoshou ignored him and continued:

"The guard brother is actually a good person and protected everyone's safety."

"Most importantly, he told me that Young Master Fu's surname is Fu; otherwise..."

Xu Xiaoshou's voice suddenly trailed off—otherwise, it wouldn't have been just getting thrown out.

But he didn't dare say it out loud. Everyone here was an adult; they all cared about face.

Fu Xing, however, felt like he had lost all face.

What was there left to save?

Xu Xiaoshou hadn't said it explicitly, but did he think everyone present was a fool? If he didn't spell it out, no one would get the implication?

He argued, "Don't get cocky. Fist techniques aren't even my specialty. If you've got the guts, let's compare swords!"

"Uh..."

Xu Xiaoshou was stunned and quickly backed away.

"No need, absolutely no need!"

Fists might spare a life; a hidden sword drawn would leave a corpse for sure.

You can't just pull that out carelessly!

"Shut up, all of you!"

Shi Ti, the president, blew his beard and glared, trembling with anger.

He looked at the young man in front of him, whose tongue was as slick as if it had been oiled, and said sternly, "What's your name?"

"Xu Xiaoshou."

Xu Xiaoshou replied quickly: "I'm here specifically to find you!"

"No need to find me." Shi Ti waved his hand dismissively, not letting him continue. "Based on what you're saying, no one was at fault in this incident. So, who's going to take responsibility?"

"Him!"

Xu Xiaoshou pointed at Fu Xing.

"This guy is the main culprit. Even if you feel awkward about punishing him, he should at least cover the damages!"

Fu Xing nearly choked, feeling like he couldn't breathe.

How can you say I should pay as if my money is yours, and make it sound so smooth?

But thinking about the bet, and that line "weakness is the original sin"...

"Fine."

Fu Xing agreed.

Xu Xiaoshou immediately added: "Of course, you'll cover the damages, but don't forget about our bet!"

Fu Xing: "..."

"Received curse, passive value, 1."

Shi Ti, the president, watched the two of them going back and forth and felt exhausted.

"You lot, get out of here. *Dan Ta* doesn't welcome you. Leave now!"

"What about me?" The guard looked at him with teary eyes, full of grievance.

"Sigh!"

Shi Ti, the president, couldn't bring himself to do it in the end. He knew this guard; he'd been guarding *Dan Ta* for years and had always been diligent.

If he fired him over this, he'd feel bad about it.

"Keep him on probation. All of you, disperse."

He waved his hand, signaling everyone to scatter.

After all, this involved the face of the city lord's mansion; he didn't want things to escalate. Otherwise, no one would save face.

Let things calm down, and as long as *Dan Ta* gets repaired afterward, that would be the best outcome.

"President, President."

Fu Xing followed right behind him, rubbing his hands. "I'm here to watch my sister's assessment. That is..."

Shi Ti paused, his eyelid twitching wildly, but he finally said helplessly, "Go ahead, go ahead. Once you pick her up, get out of here for me!"

As he stepped forward, another voice came from behind.

"President, President!"

Shi Ti: "..."

He turned around—it was Xu Xiaoshou!

"What else do you want?" Shi Ti gritted his teeth.

He could tolerate Fu Xing for the city lord's sake, but how dare this kid speak up?

*Dan Ta* was in this state partly because of you, wasn't it?!

"Well..."

Xu Xiaoshou smiled awkwardly and said, "I can't leave yet. I'm here to take the *Lian Dan Shi* badge assessment..."

"Ha?" Fu Xing's mouth dropped open.

The crowd, who had been about to leave, suddenly stopped in their tracks.

Take the assessment...

Are you sure you're here for that?

You're here to blow things up!

"Received doubt, passive value, 66."

"You're a *Lian Dan Shi*?" Shi Ti was equally shocked.

"Not yet, but I will be soon."

Shi Ti laughed. This kid was really innocently cheerful and lively!

Even with his good nature and kindness, if someone bombed his house and then said they wanted to join the family...

Was that possible?

It was utterly ridiculous!

"Are you sure you want to take the assessment now? And that you can pass?" Shi Ti felt a toothache coming on; this was making him sick.

Xu Xiaoshou said seriously: "I have full confidence in my abilities. At the same time, I believe you're not the kind of person who would judge based on trivial matters outside of skill."

Trivial matters... and calling him that...

The onlookers instantly felt a surge of respect. This Xu Xiaoshou was truly full of courage!

"Received admiration, passive value, 66."

Shi Ti was amused by the anger. Just as he was about to speak, Xu Xiaoshou changed tack.

"If the president really wants to consider things beyond skill..."

He turned back and held out his hand to the twin-tailed girl behind him: "The letter."

A letter fell into his hand.

Xu Xiaoshou took a deep breath, gazed into the distance with deep emotion, and said, "President, do you still remember Sang Lao by the *Da E Hu*?"