Chapter 30 THIRTY

Chapter 30: Chapter THIRTY

"Uncle, do you not fear retribution, or do you think my family is some pushover?"

Gao Jin’s expression is murderous. Like if he was given the chance, he’d fly over the stand and choke Xin Linhua right there and then.

The judges all lean back on their seats, fiddling with their pen.

The judge in the middle has the final say, so the fact he’s not saying anything and just observing put the others in a tight spot as well.

The court is for institute business, not politics. This issue should be resolved between the two families but the head judge looks far too entertained.

Then again, if you’ve been doing nothing but resolving minor cases that are few and far per year, this kind of show is not something you want to end early.

"Sire." A judge whispers to him "Are we just going to watch?"

"What’s wrong with that?" The head judge answers "If you’re bored, you can leave."

The other clamp their mouths shut. They all shake their heads and return to their positions.

Down below, Gao Jin is trying to turn the tables by claiming the video is fake, but Xin Linhua is not giving him any breathing space.

"Uncle Gao." Xin Linhua’s mocking smile jabs at the man’s eyes "I understand what you’re feeling. The Gao family is not the way it used to be. I’d be angry too if someone crippled my ill mannered, self centered and selfish son, but trying to get him the death penalty is going too far, don’t you think?"

"Too far?" Gao Jin finally drops the act "I have one son, and you crippled him."

"He’s still alive."

"You think that’s enough!?"

"You don’t?" Xin Linhua’s tone changes "Your blasted son aside, you want to use me to get back at my father? Sure, you can’t go after my brothers unless you want to get– it’s normal to come after the weak one. A defect can’t fight back.

"Xin Tangzi is a child fanatic. If his son dies, he’ll lose his shit and grieve for a long time. You want to watch the downfall of a man who didn’t cause yours. But uncle...did you stop to think– what will Xin Tangzi do if he finds out that I got his son killed?

"Lemme answer that for you– your family name won’t even go down in China’s history. It’ll be erased throughout history."

Xin Tangzi watches his son from the spectator’s stand. He’s used to Xin Linhua being Xin Linhua. Stubborn, lazy and spoiled. All the traits he loved about his son. But this side of Xin Linhua is new. A side he never thought he’d live to see.

"As much as I’m having fun doing this, I’ll leave it to my father to decide what to do next." Xin Linhua turns to the judges "The issue is between my family and the Gao, I’m sorry to have brought it up here."

"No need for apologies." The head judge shakes his head "Now then, let’s carry on."

The judge flips through his note and clears his throat.

"Guide Xin Linhua stands on trial for assault and attempted murder. But in light of new concluding evidence, the charges have been dropped and the court has reasons to believe that he was acting based on self defense.

"Goa Chengi’s medical costs and rehabilitation will be Guide Xin’s responsibilities. He may have been acting in self defense, but the other party is in a coma at the moment so he’ll be held accountable.

"The institute will decide what to do with the Captain...Hao. Not only did he fail to do his job, he used his position to fabricate evidence and slandered a guide. Here’s my verdict."

The judge shuts his book and hit the gavel three times.

"Court dismissed." He announces.

The five judges gather their coats and notes, leaving the courtroom almost immediately.

"Uhn... that’s it?" Xin Linhua blinks.

"You can call the judges and let them charge you for murder since you’re not satisfied."

Xin Linhua turns. He knows that voice– Xin Linhai, his first older brother.

Two figures appear behind Xin Linhai, Xin Tangzi and Xin Linge, his father and second brother.

Xin Linhua stares at the three smiling faces before him with complicated emotions.

Part of him feels apathetic– the real Xin Linhua is dead and they’ll never know. He’s an imposter harboring their family member’s body.

The other part feels complicated. He has a family now, one that won’t exploit him or see as a weapon. If anything, they want him to be a spoilt, useless heir who leaves a trail of trouble behind for them to clear up.

"Brother..." His voice is hoarse "You didn’t have to come..."

"Heh!" Xin Linge sneers "I thought you disowned us since you refused to pick up any of my 242 missed calls."

"D-Disowned?" Xin shakes his head "Never."

"Let it be that way." Xin Linhai ruffles his hair "By the way, that was insane. When did my little brother become such a responsible person?"

Both brothers keep ruffling his hair and pulling his cheek, but Xin Linhua smiles through it.

The old Xin Linhua would have thrown a tantrum and shoved at them. He’ll tell them not to treat him like a kid.

He’s basking in the pain of having his cheeks pulled. Having a family isn’t so bad.

"Move aside." Xin Tangzi swats his sons away.

"F-Father..." Xin Linhua tentatively tests the word on his tongue. Feels strange.

"Oh wow, so you remember you have a father eh." Xin Tangzi laughs softly "Heavens help me, I can’t even get mad at you."

"I’m sorry–"

"Don’t be." Xin Tangzi pats his head "Thanks to you, whatever I do to the Gao family from now on will be perfectly justified."

"By the way..." Xin Linhai’s expression suddenly turns serious "Why do you want the Gao family heir dead?"

"W-What?" Xin Linhua blinks "D-Dont say that! Since when–"

"Oh, Please." Xin Linhai rolls his eyes "I could detect the murderous aura oozing from you when you heard about his survival."

"So what is it?"

Xin Linhua stays quiet for a few seconds. He debates whether he should tell them about his guiding abilities.

"The audio was lost in the video, but seeing how you were hesitating from the start, it seems like he has something on you." Xin Tangzi frowns.

"It’s nothing." Xin Linhua waves it off "I’ll spare him this time. If he doesn’t learn his lesson, I’ll make sure he skips the hospital and dives straight into a grave."

"Don’t do that." Xin Tangzi gently grabs his hand "Leave it to your brothers and I."

"Okay." Xin Linhua nods.

"Xin Linhua." A voice calls out.

Xin Linhua turns. His scalp begins to tingle. Rong Weilan. Rong Yufei’s father.