Chapter 104: The Mad Tiger

Chapter 104: The Mad Tiger

“Dad, who are you calling, sneaking around like that?”

A curious voice suddenly sounded behind the middle-aged man.

Startled, he quickly turned around and saw a fiery, seductive young woman—his daughter. Relieved, he let out a breath and then shot her a glare. “What nonsense are you talking? Since when have I been sneaking around?” His tone was fierce, a sharp contrast to the humble voice he had just used on the phone.

“Pfft. You were hiding here making a call all by yourself and spaced out so much you didn’t even see me come in,” the girl muttered, eyeing him with suspicion.

“You little brat, are you feeling mischievous again?” the man narrowed his eyes.

“Here we go again,” the girl shrugged. “Dad, can’t you be a little more ambitious? You always say that line. Besides, you couldn’t beat me now even if you tried.”

“Who says I couldn’t beat you? Last time I went easy on you, you little brat, otherwise—” The middle-aged man’s face flushed, but before he could finish, the girl interrupted.

“Stop! I didn’t come back today to fight with you. I have something important to discuss.”

“What important matter? Don’t tell me you want me to pull strings to get you back into the SWAT team. Don’t even think about it. I, Ling Tianhu, am a man of integrity—I would never stoop to such backdoor dealings,” the man’s face darkened instantly.

This imposing middle-aged man was none other than Ling Tianhu, commander of the Kun City Garrison, known in the outside world as the Mad Tiger. A man of absolute authority, he was a figure of great influence throughout the East Sea region.

“Dad, I’m not asking you to pull strings. I just want you to ask around. A few days ago, I submitted a report for merit recognition, but there’s been no news. I want to know what’s going on.” The girl came over and clung to Ling Tianhu’s arm, speaking in a sweet, coaxing voice.

If Chu Fei were here, he’d surely break out in goosebumps—because this coquettish daughter was none other than rookie police officer Ling Yujiao.

The mighty T-Rex suddenly turned into a little kitten; the sight was truly startling.

“No news just means it didn’t go through. What’s so strange about that?” Ling Tianhu said indifferently.

“That can’t be. I was originally part of the SWAT team but was demoted to the police department for a mistake. Now, having earned merit, I should naturally be reinstated. I suspect someone is sabotaging me behind the scenes.” Ling Yujiao frowned. “Dad, please help me find out who’s causing trouble. I won’t let them get away with it.”

Ling Tianhu felt goosebumps rise as well; he knew his daughter’s character far too well. He quickly withdrew his arm and coughed, feigning composure. “I can ask around for you, but I won’t help you pull strings. Our China is a country that values justice and the rule of law.”

“I know, I promise I won’t make you pull strings,” Ling Yujiao said with a headache. Her father always lectured her endlessly, and she had his whole spiel memorized.

“Good that you understand...” Ling Tianhu nodded in satisfaction, then looked at his daughter meaningfully. “Jiao Jiao, it’s not that I’m blaming you, but why does a girl like you have to go to the SWAT team? Is that a place for girls?”

“Why can’t girls join the SWAT team?” Ling Yujiao raised her chin proudly. “Our Ling family isn’t just about heroic men; women must be heroes too. You and my eldest brother are both special forces veterans. Why can’t I become a special police officer? I don’t want to bring shame to the Ling family.”

“Being a police officer brings shame to the family?” Ling Tianhu was utterly speechless.

“Anyway, I’m determined to be in SWAT. If you and grandpa hadn’t secretly interfered back then, I’d already be a special forces soldier by now,” Ling Yujiao snorted, then eyed Ling Tianhu suspiciously. “Dad, you didn’t secretly sabotage my return to SWAT this time, did you?”

“Impossible. Do you think I’m that kind of man?” Ling Tianhu glared but his eyes flicked to the ceiling.

“Heh, I know Dad, you’re the most just man. Alright, just remember to ask around for me. I’m off to accompany Mom now.” Ling Yujiao gave him a strange look, then smiled sweetly, stopped at the door, turned back, and winked with a lowered voice: “Don’t worry, I won’t tell Mom about your sneaky phone call.”

“I really wasn’t—”

“Got it. That’s our little secret.” Ling Yujiao cut him off with a mischievous chuckle before dashing out.

“Damn it, I really wasn’t cheating,” Ling Tianhu muttered in frustration but had no way to explain. Some things, he didn’t even tell his wife, let alone his children—principles, especially regarding his eldest son, were taboo.

At that moment, Ling Tianhu suddenly noticed a figure peeking inside. He snapped coldly, “You little brat, what are you sneaking a look for? Get in here.”

“Hey—”

A sheepish laugh came from the door as a handsome young man appeared—Ling Bin.

Once inside, Ling Bin glanced back to make sure no one was around, then pulled out a cigarette and offered one to his father, lighting one himself. He asked, “Dad, why did my sister rush in just now? Is it about the SWAT team?”

Ling Tianhu glared at his son irritably. “Isn’t that obvious? I don’t understand why a girl can’t just be a girl. Why must she obsess over joining the SWAT team? Is that a place for women?”

“I don’t think the SWAT team is suitable for women either,” Ling Bin agreed. He genuinely revered his father—not just because of his high rank, but because of his fearsome life story. To Ling Bin, his father was an absolute idol.

“It’s all your fault. Jiao Jiao only has you as a brother. She grew up looking up to you, so she has to do whatever you do. Not a bit girly at all. Why did you insist on joining the army back then? If you hadn’t, not even as special forces, maybe she wouldn’t want to be in SWAT,” Ling Tianhu scolded his son.

“I—” Ling Bin’s face twisted with the urge to cry. He thought about how someone had forced him to enlist, saying that a Ling family man who didn’t serve wasn’t a real man, even threatening to emasculate him and send him to Thailand for training.

And now this?

The old saying is true: the father is always right, unreasonable or not, with overwhelming authority.

Feeling his words had been harsh, Ling Tianhu chuckled awkwardly. Then a thought struck him. He looked up at his son and asked with a smile, “Kid, stuck here in this small Kun City all the time, aren’t you bored?”

“Not at all. I think it’s good. A man must be steady and reliable, one step at a time...” Ling Bin answered without hesitation, like reciting a lesson.

“Get lost! I’m not asking you to recite family rules. I want your honest thoughts.” Ling Tianhu’s face darkened. He realized his son was very much like himself—full of empty rhetoric and rigid doctrines, but deep down, not really believing a word. Just like him: though he was commander now, inside he was still the untamed Mad Tiger, only holding back because of his position.

“Hey! If I tell the truth, will you hit me?” Ling Bin smiled nervously.

“Today’s an exception. Speak your mind freely. I won’t lay a hand on you.” Ling Tianhu waved his hand generously.

“Really? Then I’ll be honest.” Ling Bin was still unsure.

“Enough talk! When have I ever gone back on my word? Speak up, or I’ll deal with you directly. Don’t think I won’t hit you just because I care about your sister! Want me to give you a good beating?” Ling Tianhu glared fiercely.

Ling Bin broke out in a cold sweat. This was his father—a commander who acted like a bandit. Still, he relaxed a bit and said with a wry smile, “Of course I’m bored. Being stuck in Kun City, this godforsaken little dump, is killing me. If it weren’t for you and grandpa forcing me back, I’d never come. Being a special forces soldier is so much more exciting.”

He cautiously eyed Ling Tianhu, ready to bolt at any sign of trouble.

Unexpectedly, Ling Tianhu didn’t get angry but smiled meaningfully.

But to Ling Bin, that smile was chilling. He instinctively took a step back and warned, “Dad, you’re not going to change your mind and hit me, are you?” He was already near the door.

Ling Tianhu’s eyes snapped open. “Where are you running off to? I said I’m not hitting you. Get back here.”

“Yes, sir!” Ling Bin slowly moved back, still wary.

“I know it’s frustrating to be stuck here, but you’re the only son of the Ling family. Your father and uncles have three daughters each. Grandpa worries about you getting into trouble outside, so...” Ling Tianhu said meaningfully.

“I understand. That’s why I have to come back,” Ling Bin nodded, understanding the reasoning but not accepting it willingly.

“I know you’re frustrated, especially these past two years. So, I’m going to make it up to you. Want a chance?” Ling Tianhu suddenly said, eyes flickering.

“Dad, are you going to let me back into the military?” Ling Bin’s eyes lit up.

“Nonsense! Do you want grandpa to emasculate me and send me to Thailand for training?” Ling Tianhu’s face darkened.

Ling Bin dared not say a word, only forced a smile.

“You won’t go back to the army, but I can give you a chance to vent—vent all you want. I’ll take the blame for you. How’s that? Fair enough, right?” Ling Tianhu said.

“What kind of venting opportunity?” Ling Bin asked, baffled.

“Do you know what the hottest news in East Sea is these days?” Ling Tianhu asked fiercely.

“What news?” Ling Bin was momentarily stunned before realizing. “Dad, you mean the Lin family’s proposal at the Fu family’s birthday banquet?”

“That’s the one. So, aren’t you feeling repressed? How about I take you to crash that banquet? Dare you?” Ling Tianhu’s eyes flashed with ferocity.

“Huh?”

Ling Bin was dumbfounded, staring at the fierce, almost man-eating glare of Ling Tianhu. He thought: how many shots of horse urine did this old man drink to say such reckless, crazy things?