Chapter Eighteen: Liang’s Uncharacteristic Behavior

Su Zheng did not insist further; indeed, this was not the place to perform acupuncture. It was better to find a quiet spot first. He swiftly pressed several points on Chen Muxue’s neck, temporarily staunching the flow of blood.

Just as he was about to help Chen Muxue away, Old Lady Chen personally blocked their path.

“Stop! You’re not going anywhere. You’ve caused so much trouble—wait until Mr. Liang arrives to settle everything before you leave!”

She waved her phone in the air; clearly, she’d already informed Liang Xiaoyu’s father.

Su Zheng’s expression turned icy. He cared nothing for the Chens or this Mr. Liang. At this moment, anyone who dared block his way was his enemy.

“Su Zheng, don’t act rashly. No matter what, she’s still my grandmother. Do you want me and my parents to be condemned by everyone?” Chen Muxue, seeing Su Zheng’s readiness to use force, spoke weakly.

Su Zheng paused, his raised hand slowly lowering.

“I won’t leave, but bring me a box of silver needles. I need to treat Muxue immediately. Hurry!”

He showed Old Lady Chen no courtesy, his voice cold and commanding.

“Hmph! Go get them for him. What a nuisance!” Old Lady Chen waved her hand impatiently, signaling a servant to fetch the needles, clearly doubting Su Zheng’s medical skills.

Thus, Su Zheng carefully took Chen Muxue’s pulse and found a strange energy flowing within her. For the moment, he could not diagnose the cause.

No wonder the hospital told her she was terminally ill; the problem was indeed serious.

The silver needles soon arrived. Su Zheng employed a special acupuncture technique, first alleviating Chen Muxue’s pain and discomfort. He decided to search for the root of her illness and prepare a medicinal ointment to restore her appearance once matters here were settled.

Meanwhile, Old Lady Chen had ordered attendants to help Liang Xiaoyu onto a lounge chair and stationed several burly men nearby to guard against Su Zheng acting out again.

“Su Zheng, just you wait—I won’t let you off! Neither you nor your ugly woman will escape! You’ll both die, damn it—ah, ouch!” Liang Xiaoyu’s face was swollen like a pig’s head. His attempt to shout aggravated his wounds, making him grimace in pain.

“Don’t be upset, Young Master Liang. It was my fault for not restraining that lunatic. I feel terribly guilty. Rest assured, once your parents arrive, I will fully cooperate. Whatever Mr. Liang wishes to do with that madman, I will support it!” Old Lady Chen now stood before Liang Xiaoyu, quietly expressing her stance.

“I want them dead—both of them, they must die!” Liang Xiaoyu growled with venom. Never in his life had anyone dared lay a finger on him, and today he’d been beaten to a pulp, his anger morphing into pure hatred as he waited for his father to arrive and avenge him.

“Old woman Chen, let me tell you—these two are dead today. Leave the man alive for me; I’ll break his limbs and toss him in the trash to fight stray dogs for food. As for that wretch Chen Muxue, I’ll find dozens of vagrants—hmph! She’ll beg for death and not find it!”

Seeing himself so well protected, Liang Xiaoyu grew bold, voicing his vicious intent with a slurred, hoarse yell.

“Su Zheng, you… you’ve ruined my daughter! What am I supposed to do?” Lü Hongmei was terrified, this woman petrified by Liang Xiaoyu’s cruelty, clinging to Chen Muxue and sobbing helplessly.

“Su Zheng, if it comes to that, don’t worry. I won’t let you be shamed. Before I’m dishonored, I’ll bite my tongue and end my life. There’s no need for you to feel humiliated,” Chen Muxue’s eyes held their usual icy clarity, but her words were resolute, tinged with tragic determination.

Su Zheng’s heart ached. The more Chen Muxue spoke like this, the more ashamed he felt.

How could he have forgotten her indomitable nature, even doubting her faithfulness? He had been a fool!

“Muxue, don’t worry. I’ve already said it—no one will harm you, not even if the king of heaven himself comes!” he vowed, his gaze hardening on Liang Xiaoyu once more as he stepped forward.

“Hey, you all, keep an eye on that lunatic! Don’t let him near me!” Liang Xiaoyu shouted in terror, calling to those around him.

The Chen family’s servants dared not be negligent, watching Su Zheng warily, ready for anything.

“Hmph! Why should I waste my energy on a dying man?” Su Zheng suddenly thought better of it, shaking his head and losing interest in a fight.

“Jianguo, when the Liang family arrives, I hope you’ll stand firm. Don’t do anything foolish, understand?” Chen Xiong now spoke sternly to his younger brother.

Clearly, he wanted the entire family to distance themselves from Su Zheng and Chen Muxue, lest they be implicated.

As for the fate of Su Zheng and his wife, that was already sealed—they had brought it upon themselves.

Chen Jianguo nodded meekly, not daring to protest.

Lü Hongmei, however, glared at him fiercely, clutching her daughter even tighter.

Soon, the sound of chaotic footsteps came from outside. Everyone present knew it must be Liang Xiaoyu’s parents arriving with their people.

Indeed, the first to appear was Liang’s father, followed by Liang’s mother, her face covered in bruises. Both wore dark, furious expressions.

A large group entered behind them, all burly men exuding a fierce, menacing air.

“Dad, Mom, that worthless bastard did this to me! Look at what he’s done—avenge me!” Liang Xiaoyu cried out, his excitement unmistakable at the sight of his parents.

Lü Hongmei clung to Chen Muxue, her face ashen.

Chen Jianguo fared no better; unable to watch his daughter suffer such torment, he stood rooted to the spot, eyes full of dread.

The rest of the Chen family, however, looked on as if at a spectacle. After all, the old lady’s intention was clear—she meant to throw Chen Jianguo’s family under the bus as scapegoats, so the others felt relieved, free of fear.

All eyes were on Liang’s father.

He seemed not to hear his son’s shouts, striding straight toward Liang Xiaoyu.

“Dad, please, help me—”

A crisp slap rang out.

Liang’s father clenched his teeth, eyes blazing with hatred, and struck Liang Xiaoyu hard across the face.

Everyone froze in shock.

Who could have predicted that Liang’s father would beat his own son first?

Was this a mistake? Surely not!

Even if Liang Xiaoyu’s face was swollen like a pig’s head, any father would recognize his own son’s voice.

“Please, stop! Xiaoyu is innocent—if you must hit someone, hit me instead!” Liang’s mother dropped to her knees with a thud, begging her husband through tears.

Liang Xiaoyu’s cry of pain was cut short by the bizarre scene before him.

“Dad… cough, cough… why did you hit me? Mom, what’s going on? I don’t understand any of this!” he muttered in confusion, even rubbing his eyes as if convinced he must be dreaming.