The Grandfather's Lecture and The Engagement Decree
Mentioning those little hussies—girlfriends—made the old man furious. For a seventy-year-old, the happiest part of the day was comfortably sleeping until dawn. But those little hussies—girlfriends—were nothing but headaches. As soon as they had a drink, they'd run outside the manor and howl like unsatisfied she-wolves, sometimes for half the night. If the howling were all, it would be fine, but they also cursed.
Scum, trash, betrayer! Insult after insult, making his blood boil. He nearly grabbed a gun to shoot them, but he couldn't do that. After all, they were his dear grandson's women, and one of them might even become his future granddaughter-in-law. If he killed them, he'd never hear the end of it.
After careful consideration and finding no other way, Changlin Shaw, a man who had never backed down in his life, had to swallow his pride and let them run rampant.
"Boy, your grandpa knows you're strong-willed, and you have your own ideas about everything. That's why I haven't interfered with your life since you were little."
"You didn't want to go to school, I allowed it. You didn't want to join the organization, I allowed it. You didn't want to take up an apprenticeship, I allowed that too. Even when you later established rules and developed your own influence, I turned a blind eye and let you run wild. I couldn't help it—you're my grandson! But when it comes to women, I must interfere. I simply must."
The old man sat up straight, his expression utterly serious.
"A beautiful woman bringing disaster! It's not just a simple saying. Your grandpa has been there; I have more experience than you. You think you're young and energetic, and having dozens of girlfriends is perfectly fine? I'm telling you, that's impossible. Young men need to know moderation, or you'll regret it when you get old. Lust is a steel knife scraping bone—how many heroes have died under this blade? Look no further than your Grandpa Fu; if he had simply been less promiscuous back then, he wouldn't be without even one person to mourn him today."
Hearing this, Grandpa Fu immediately took offense.
"Boss, wasn't it you who..."
"Shut up! You don't get a say in this."
Lin Fu, puffing and glaring, grabbed the hunting rifle and headed toward the firing range. The old man ignored him and continued his scolding.
"Four or five lovers is enough. Why do you need so many? Can you even keep up with them? Aren't you afraid they'll cheat on you? And the race issue! I'm not a racist, but I do hope my future great-grandson has black hair and yellow skin. Look at the women you choose—white, black, and even brown. You... you... how can you have such peculiar tastes!"
Luke's body stiffened, and his face instantly flushed bright red. He wanted to crawl into a hole. Damn it! He swore he'd give them a good talking-to later. Cursing him was one thing, but why involve Grandpa? If they aren't embarrassed, I certainly am!
The old man sighed. "I won't—and can't—manage your affairs. In short... you look after yourself!"
"Grandpa, I swear right now, from today on, absolutely no woman will be shouting outside the manor. I'll cut off ties with them."
"Cutting ties is fine, but don't hurt them. After all, you've slept in the same bed. Even a day's marriage deserves a hundred days of kindness."
Hearing this, the old beggar beside them could no longer hold back and cackled with a twisted smile.
Luke's mouth twitched violently, his face frighteningly dark. He couldn't do anything but suppress his anger and hiss,
"Don't worry, I won't hurt anyone."
"Since you've made your decision, I won't interfere. Next, let's discuss the engagement. Has Billy told you about it?"
Luke kept his face tight and replied without emotion,
"I'm only seventeen. By law, I'm still a minor."
"Get out!"
The old man burst into curses.
"Don't pull that nonsense with me! You have dozens of girlfriends, and you still have the nerve to call yourself a minor? You may be shameless, but I'm not!" He took a breath and continued, "I've realized something these past few years: you're not a man of constancy. You fall for everyone you see. Calling you a scumbag would be a compliment. Since you're so unreliable, I'll take charge of your marriage, to prevent you from bringing in any unsuitable people."
"I met the girl. She's quiet, virtuous, even-tempered, and very reasonable. Her grandfather saved my life when we were young, so our two families are practically generations-long friends. I am very satisfied with her as my granddaughter-in-law. Tomorrow, I'll call her over. You two will meet, and we'll get the engagement settled first. This will also rein in your heart, so you stop messing around all the time."
Luke's face crumpled. "Grandpa..."
"This matter is settled. There's no room for discussion. And don't you dare use any of your methods to threaten her. If you dare bully her, I'll break your legs."
The old man snorted coldly and rolled his wheelchair away, giving Luke no chance to argue.
Luke looked up at the sky and sighed deeply. This life is impossible to live.
The Grand Master and the Kryptonian
The old beggar glanced at Luke disdainfully. "Stop sighing. You're getting a good deal and still complaining. There should be a limit to shamelessness. By the way, who is that girl who came back with you?"
"Why do you ask about her?"
"She has a powerful energy inside her. Very powerful!"
Luke curled his lip dismissively. No kidding! Which Kryptonian doesn't have powerful energy?
"If you want to know, go ask her yourself. Don't come to me. But as a friendly reminder, she has a bad temper. When you talk to her, don't put on that arrogant, high-and-mighty act. People die that way."
Luke, having just been scolded, felt miserable and needed somewhere to clear his head, and figure out how to deal with those girlfriends—no, hussies—of his.
The old beggar was rebuffed but was accustomed to Luke's attitude. He sauntered to the front yard and found the Kryptonian girl eating a sweet pastry. He raised his head slightly and spoke with a pretense of profoundness.
"Young lass, from which school or sect do you hail? Could you inform this old man?"
Linda didn't even look up. "Who are you?"
"I am the Lingxu Zi of Kunlun Mountain, the 63rd generation leader of the Lingxu Sect."
"Never heard of you. Also, I'm in a bad mood and don't feel like talking. If you have nothing else, go away."
The old beggar was instantly embarrassed, though years spent with Luke had given him a certain level of brazenness. He cleared his throat and said,
"The thing is, I observe that your steps are light, your eyes show divine light, and your limbs are well-proportioned and long—you are the perfect material for martial arts training. If you have no sect, this old man can reluctantly take you as a registered disciple and pass on the unique arts of the Lingxu Sect."
Linda put down her pastry, her eyes taking on a strange expression, as if she were looking at an idiot.
"Did that bastard, Luke Shaw, not tell you who I am?"
The old beggar's heart skipped a beat, sensing something was wrong. He mumbled, "He didn't say anything."
Linda laughed coldly and placed her hand on the table.
CRACK!
Large cracks instantly spread across the four-inch-thick marble table. She picked up a slab of the stone and, without exerting much force, crushed it into powder that drifted down.
"Do you think I need to become your disciple?"
The old beggar: "..."
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