Chapter 20

That year, Lin Mushang was only six or seven years old, and his two younger siblings were just over a year old. The family had very little land, and not only was there not enough food to eat, but there wasn't even enough firewood.

At that time, the old man still lived with his eldest son, Lin Zheng.

One day, seeing how pitiful Lin Mushang's family was, the old man asked Lin's mother to go to his field and cut some corn stalks to use for firewood.

Lin's mother took her three children to the old man's field to cut the corn stalks.

When they arrived, Lin Zheng and his wife were already in the field harvesting. Seeing Lin's mother cutting the corn stalks, they didn't say anything.

But after the cutting was done, they said that since the old man lived with them, the things in the field should belong to them.

Lin's mother couldn't bear it and argued a few words.

To her surprise, Lin Zheng and his wife actually beat her right there in the field!

Many years later, even though Lin Mushang no longer remembered the specific details, the image of his mother returning home in tears remained like a venomous snake in his heart.

At that time, Lin's father was lazy and fond of drinking, despite the family's dire poverty. He spent his days drinking with a group of people from the village.

But he was still a man, and after learning about the incident, he rushed to Lin Zheng's house that night and fought with them.

However, Lin Zheng was his older brother, and going alone, he not only failed to get justice for his wife but was also hit by Lin Zheng's wife.

From then on, Lin Zheng's family became even more arrogant. Not only did Lin's mother often suffer, but Lin Mushang also faced many hardships.

Lin Zheng's eldest son, Lin Changling, was six or seven years older than Lin Mushang, and his second son, Lin Changyong, was the same age as Lin Mushang. In such a situation, being robbed of marbles, mocked, and beaten almost became a daily occurrence.

If it weren't for the old man's protection, Lin Mushang's life would have been even more unbearable.

However, perhaps it was a stroke of luck, as Lin Mushang's family, due to the lack of land, had to go out to work, and their financial situation gradually improved.

On the other hand, Lin Zheng's family, because of their domineering nature, were tied to their land and became increasingly poor.

By the time Lin Mushang was in junior high school, his family had already built a new house, while Lin Zheng's house remained dilapidated.

Lin's mother had always looked down on Lin Zheng's family, and she had achieved this.

However, when Lin's parents went out to work, the old man, who was left to manage the household, was naturally bullied.

Lin Mushang had almost always been bullied by Lin Changyong and his older brother, Lin Changling, since he was young!

Thinking about this, Lin Mushang's hatred flared up again, and he kicked Lin Changyong, sending him rolling to the side.

"If you dare to come to my house again, just wait and see what I'll do to you! Get lost!"

Seeing Lin Changyong flee in a sorry state, Lin Mushang spat and turned around, only to see Changshan staring at him in shock.

"Go home by yourself!"

Lin Mushang wouldn't take out his anger on a child, but he didn't show any good face either.

The old man, seeing Lin Mushang's unusual behavior, hesitated to speak, "Xiao Mu, you... sigh!"

Lin Mushang comforted the old man by patting Lin Ye's head and said calmly, "Don't worry, Grandpa! I won't let myself be bullied by such scum for the rest of my life!"

Lin Ye and Lin Lin were extremely happy to see Lin Mushang's display of power, easily driving Lin Changyong away. They often had their snacks stolen.

After the commotion, Lin Mushang took out the clothes from his bag and let his younger siblings try them on. The old man, while scolding Lin Mushang for spending money recklessly, couldn't help but be delighted with the windproof cap in his hands.

...

In this world, when you feel good, there will always be someone who feels bad because of you!

After Lin Changyong fled, he didn't go home but ran to the river where he had been earlier, giving cigarettes to a few idle young men.

These people were all dropouts from the village who refused to go out to work and spent their days causing trouble.

"Brothers, it's like this. Lin Mushang even dared to hit me! We'll give him a good beating later, and I'll share the strawberries and cherries he bought with all of you!" Lin Changyong said with hatred.

The young men, upon hearing about the strawberries and cherries, although they pretended to be calm while smoking, couldn't help but swallow their saliva.

In the countryside, ordinary fruits were common, but rare treats like strawberries and cherries were hard to come by. That's why Lin Mushang had bought so many from town to treat his family.

However, before they could find Lin Mushang, Lin Mushang had already found them...

...

After talking with his family, Lin Mushang turned on the computer and played "Tom and Jerry" for his younger siblings. He said he was going to buy something and left the house.

The old man sighed, knowing from his experience what Lin Mushang was going to do.

But...

"That Lin Zheng's family is too outrageous! Since Xiao Mu is now mature, let him handle it. Seeing how he dealt with them just now, I don't think anything serious will happen..."

The old man thought to himself and put the matter aside, looking lovingly at his twin grandchildren.

In the countryside, there were no secrets.

Lin Mushang just needed to give some candy to a few playing children to find Lin Changyong.

"Hey, you found me here! What do you want? Looking for a beating?" A ruffian-looking young man sneered at Lin Mushang.

He was called Chen Shaofei, the leader of the village's troublemakers, known for his viciousness in fights and considered a bully among the young men in the village.

Lin Mushang ignored the provocation, "I came here to tell you to stay out of my family's business! If you meddle too much, watch out for your own hands!"

Lin Changyong glared, but after being beaten by Lin Mushang earlier, his confidence was shaken, and he seemed somewhat timid.

Chen Shaofei laughed and walked up. When he was about three or four steps away, he suddenly lunged forward, flicking the cigarette butt at Lin Mushang's face!

In such a situation, most people would flail to knock the cigarette away, even though they knew the danger came from the other person, they couldn't resist their instinctive reaction.

But this was too childish!

Lin Mushang slightly turned his head to avoid the cigarette, then sidestepped and kicked Chen Shaofei's knee with his back leg.

This was a low-level move from Jeet Kune Do, a grappling and disarming technique without a name, which Lin Mushang called "reverse kick," suitable for dealing with ordinary young men.

A chicken knife might not be able to kill a cow, but it was enough to kill a chicken!

Hit in the knee, Chen Shaofei's right leg buckled, and he lost his balance, falling to the ground. Before he could get up, Lin Mushang stomped on his back, and the impact against the ground made the strength in his chest dissipate like the air in his lungs.

PS: Thanks to Mr. Wu Yu for the 100 and to Nitianzhi for the donation.

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