37. Break His Leg (Asking for Votes!)

Xu Ming had always considered himself a man blessed by fate. In the early nineties, his father, after being investigated and disciplined by his work unit for certain issues, was forced to leave and start a business. Unexpectedly, he amassed assets worth tens of millions.

When the new century arrived and the company, lacking any real competitive edge, began to decline, an out-of-town firm suddenly emerged and bought them out. This turned his father’s millions in assets into millions in cash, with even a handful of shares thrown in for good measure—a steady stream of wealth ensured.

As a result, Xu Ming had naturally landed a middle-management position in a major corporation. He had money and leisure; all he lacked was a beautiful woman by his side.

As luck would have it, his father even managed to snag him a great catch at the matchmaking plaza!

Initially, upon hearing that the woman was a university lecturer and a graduate student, Xu Ming pictured a desperate, marriage-hungry spinster—plain, dowdy, thick glasses perched on her nose.

But one look at her photo, and Xu Ming felt that the heavens truly favored him!

As for the conditions set by her parents, compared to the prospect of marrying a fair-skinned, long-legged beauty, they were nothing at all.

A female teacher, no less! In this day and age, after being influenced by foreign trends, men seemed to harbor a peculiar longing for women teachers—the dream girl had stepped into reality. Spending a bit of money was only to be expected.

After meeting her the previous night, Xu Ming’s restless heart had already begun to boil. Today, when he received a call from her parents confirming that their daughter had agreed, he went over in high spirits.

Since the money had already been spent, he was even prepared to buy her some “clothes” after their meeting, then take her to an upscale hotel for a little role-play…

Had it not been for the sudden appearance of her inexplicable student boyfriend, perhaps his dream might have come true!

...

The three members of the Feng family, seeing their daughter’s companion ignore them and focus instead on the would-be son-in-law, finally snapped back to their senses.

Feng’s father hurried over with a compensatory smile. “Little Xu, I’m really sorry about today. We had no idea Lifang would do something like this.”

“Rest assured!” Feng’s mother chimed in quickly. “We’re not unreasonable people. Since we’ve taken your money, this marriage is set.”

She then turned to Chen Ling, her expression darkening. “Young man, let me make this clear, our Lifang doesn’t have a boyfriend. This is our family matter, and you’d best not meddle.”

Feng’s younger brother was blunt and rude. “If you know what’s good for you, get lost! Otherwise… hmph!”

“Can you all just quiet down? All this racket over some money,” Chen Ling interrupted impatiently, beckoning Xu Ming. “Care to talk?”

Xu Ming, surprised, gave a small snort. Curious to see what this young upstart would say, he nodded. “Go ahead.”

Chen Ling pulled over a chair and sat down. “I hear you gave them six hundred and sixty thousand? And signed an agreement?”

“That’s right. I have the transfer slip, signatures, and fingerprints. If they try to deny it, I’ll take them straight to court.” Xu Ming was brimming with confidence. What could a half-grown kid possibly do?

Chen Ling looked at him. “How about this—I’ll give you six hundred and sixty thousand, you return the agreement, and we call it as if nothing ever happened. How about it?”

Feng’s mother was about to speak, but Feng’s father stopped her, calculating privately. He’d thought his daughter had only pulled someone in as a shield, but this young man just offered six hundred and sixty thousand without blinking—he clearly had money. If Xu Ming refused and they started bidding against each other…

Wouldn’t that mean the highest bidder wins?

With that, Feng’s father signaled his wife and son to stay quiet and sat back to watch.

Xu Ming took note of these small gestures, but since he’d put down real money and had the agreement in hand, how could he give up so easily?

He sneered. “Kid, you’re being awfully naïve. I did give six hundred and sixty thousand, but if you think you can settle things with that same amount, you’re dreaming. Tell you what, if you double it and give me one point three million, then I might consider…”

“So there’s nothing to discuss then?” Chen Ling shook his head, clicking his tongue. “Fine, take this family to court, then. After all, the agreement doesn’t have Teacher Feng’s signature—it has nothing to do with her.”

With that, he took Feng Lifang’s hand and made to leave. This was not the scenario Feng’s father had anticipated. Alarmed, he blocked their way and confronted his daughter. “You’re just going to walk out like this? Will you really stand by while your mother and I go to court? Is this what you call filial piety?”

Feng’s father knew well that this was his daughter’s Achilles’ heel. Every time he wanted something from her, he’d press the word “filial” upon her, and she’d have no choice but to submit.

But this time, Feng Lifang disappointed him. “Dad, if you insist on this, then this will be the last time I call you father. Whatever you want—money, things—if I have it, I’ll give it to you.”

“But you cannot trade my marriage, my lifelong happiness!”

“I am no longer the weak daughter you can butcher at will!”

With those words, she clung tightly to Chen Ling’s hand as if it were the source of all her courage.

Her declaration stunned the entire Feng family.

Was this really the timid, obedient girl who never dared raise her voice at home?

Xu Ming was also taken aback, because Chen Ling was right—if Feng Lifang truly disregarded her family and refused at all costs, he really had no way to force her.

“If you dare take one step out that door today, you’re no longer our daughter! The whole village will point fingers at you—you unfilial girl!”

Feng’s father made one last desperate attempt to threaten her.

The threat worked; Chen Ling could feel Feng Lifang trembling violently.

Reputation? Filial piety? Blood ties?

Every one of them is a crushing mountain on the human heart.

On her own, Feng Lifang could never bear such a weight.

“Don’t be afraid, I’m here,” Chen Ling said, pulling her close. Then he turned to the Feng family. “Shame on you! Have you no decency? Anyone with a shred of self-respect would never sell their own daughter!”

He then addressed Xu Ming. “Think about it—there’s no way she will ever marry you. Either take the money and leave, or drag this family of beasts into court with you. It’s your choice.”

“What did you say?” Feng’s younger brother exploded, swinging a fist, but Chen Ling was faster, kicking him hard and sending him sprawling to the floor, clutching his stomach and unable to stand.

Feng’s parents, seeing their precious son beaten, rushed forward, but Chen Ling blocked them easily and called out to Feng Lifang, “Go open the door.”

Soon, with Bu Chunsheng’s overwhelming presence and Zhang Peng’s assistance, the three Fengs were huddled obediently on the sofa, while Xu Ming sat ramrod straight in his chair, the very picture of a chastened schoolboy.

“I hadn’t wanted to use force, but you wouldn’t quit while you were ahead,” Chen Ling muttered. “Honestly, I should have done this sooner instead of wasting my time arguing.”

He turned to Xu Ming. “Have you made up your mind?”

“Y-yes, yes!” Xu Ming nodded frantically.

He thought to himself, “Lust is a blade—better a live coward than a dead fool.” He’d remember this humiliation, but revenge could wait ten years. He knew where Feng Lifang worked; finding out who this kid was wouldn’t be hard. Just a university student—he’d ruin him later.

Chen Ling, unaware of these venomous thoughts, simply took the backpack from Bu Chunsheng and handed it over. “Count it if you want—make sure it’s all there. Once we leave, it’s out of my hands.”

Xu Ming was dumbfounded. Six hundred and sixty thousand! How long would it take to count all that?

He unzipped the bag, saw the neat stacks of hundred-yuan bills, and waved his hands. “No need—I trust you…”

After handing over the agreement, he fled as fast as he could, pausing only to shout back from a distance, “You little punk, just you wait!”

Chen Ling only laughed and turned to the three Fengs. “Fine. Let’s count this as my bride price. This matter ends here.”

He was about to leave when Feng’s mother called out, “Wait!”

“What is it?” Chen Ling frowned.

“He also promised to help pay off my son’s loans…”

With that, Chen Ling finally understood what it meant to be a true parasite—and why Xu Ming had taken all this humiliation in stride.

So it was just a way to unload a massive burden!

“There are three of you and six hands between you. If you can’t pay off your own loans, then go sleep on the street!” Chen Ling snapped. “If you dare ask Teacher Feng for money again…”

He pointed at Feng’s younger brother, his voice icy. “I’ll break his legs!”

The three of them shuddered and didn’t dare utter another word.