V1: Chapter 16: Disobedient Children Must be Punished

When she was a man, Liang Lin frequented underground taverns, partly to relax with a drink, and partly to glean untold stories and opinions among the common people.

However, it was still somewhat dangerous for two women to go to such places. Therefore, Liang Lin bought two black cloaks.

Squeak~

Pushing open the heavy, dilapidated wooden door, a whiff of dust mingled with the smell of beer hit them.

The lighting was dim, and an old chandelier hung precariously from the ceiling, making one worry it might fall and hit someone on the head.

Most of the waiters were men, moving among the customers, carrying large glasses of draft beer and ale from glass bottles.

Taking a few steps further in, they could finally see the bar counter in the dim light. A bearded man was wiping glasses with a handkerchief.

The tavern was unsanitary; dust and grease were everywhere, food scraps and mud of unknown origin littered the floor, along with animal droppings.

"Two bottles of draft beer and ale," Liang Lin said, walking up to the bearded man, holding up two fingers. Then, she pulled a silver coin from her pocket and tossed it onto the table.

The bearded man was visibly startled by the delicate female voice. Seeing the silver coin on the table, he realized that the two young women before him were either wealthy merchants or nobles.

"Miss, draft beer and ale might not be suitable for you. The taste isn't as good as wine. Ladies here usually drink wine, and... two bottles of draft beer and ale only cost ten Vitcoins, you..."

"I know, consider the rest your tip."

Liang Lin didn't want to order wine.

Ordering wine would reveal her wealthy background. While nobles and rich merchants often frequented the tavern, most customers were commoners and bandits. She didn't want to reveal her identity and attract unnecessary trouble.

Her reluctance didn't mean those with ulterior motives wouldn't.

"Miss, your voice is very pleasant. Take off the hood of your cloak and let us see your beautiful face."

A burly man, twice the height of Liang Lin, with broad shoulders and a scar on his face, stood in front of Liang Lin and Liang Di. Behind him were two equally ferocious-looking men.

See? Unnecessary trouble has arrived.

Since we're here, let's just accept it.

Liang Lin lowered her head, remaining silent, wanting to see Liang Di's reaction.

Liang Di, too, was waiting for Liang Lin to resolve the matter.

Based on her understanding of Liang Lin, she knew she would absolutely not tolerate anyone who disrespected her; she would definitely retaliate fiercely, perhaps even resorting to violence.

But this time, Liang Lin remained silent, as if she didn't exist.

"Miss, why aren't you saying anything?"

Yes, Liang Di, what would you do if I didn't protect you?

Liang Lin chuckled to herself.

Using magic in front of so many people would surely cause panic, wouldn't it? She couldn't kill or knock them all unconscious; some would inevitably escape and spread rumors about Miss Liang Di of the Langwendi family.

Oh~

Liang Di was clever enough to quickly see through Liang Lin's intentions.

She thought this child had learned her lesson, but she hadn't expected her to still be playing these little tricks on her. She had pretended to be obedient for so long; now her true colors were finally showing.

Disobedient children must be punished.

Liang Di remained silent, leaving the three burly men opposite her as if they had encountered two mute individuals.

Gradually, the three men grew increasingly enraged.

“You filthy bitch, don’t push your luck! I talked to you, don’t you hear me?”

The burly man began to physically assault Liang Lin, shoving her.

Liang Lin: “?”

Wait, what?

Wouldn’t the person in the wheelchair be easier to bully?

Why push her, and not Liang Di?

It’s truly baffling; these people don’t even pick on the weakest link.

Liang Di slowly turned her head, her eyes misting over, her body trembling uncontrollably, seemingly out of fear, tears welling in her eyes, threatening to spill onto her cheeks at any moment.

“Sister, sister, I’m scared…”

Huh?

Liang Lin is at a loss.

"Sister, aren't you the most skilled swordsman in the academy? Sister, you'll protect me, right?"

"..."

Alright, alright, screw it.

Liang Lin was at a loss. She had originally wanted to see Liang Di make a move, but now she had to take matters into her own hands.

"Which filthy hand did you use to touch me just now?"

Liang Lin gripped the longsword at her waist.

The burly man hadn't realized the seriousness of the situation. He smugly raised his left hand.

"This one, so what? You want me to play with you with this hand..."

Before he could finish speaking, blood splattered.

Liang Lin dodged in disgust, but it still splattered onto her cloak.

Looking at the dusty ground, a severed arm lay there quietly.

"Disgusting."

"Get out of here, you lowlife."

Liang Lin took out the gold badge symbolizing nobility.

Liang Di frowned.

Liang Lin's approach was too extreme. She came to the tavern to investigate something, but Liang Lin directly revealed her identity. It seems she can't continue investigating today.

Foolish villainess.

"Alright, Sister Liang Lin, let's go. I don't want to stay here anymore."

"But we don't have our drinks yet..."

"Consider it compensation for causing the disturbance."

Decisive and ruthless, cutting off someone's arm as easily as drinking water, and that phrase "lowlife," all show that Liang Lin is a vicious woman.

Liang Di's vigilance returned, and she was very dissatisfied with Liang Lin's performance today.

Just wait and see, you lovely villainess, after my legs have fully grown back...

Liang Di touched her lower body; a section of thigh had already grown there. In about half a month, she would no longer need a wheelchair.

Back home.

"Liang Lin, did you have fun with Liang Di today?"

Auston's recent behavior has been strange.

So, were they expecting her to say something like, "I'm happy to be with Liangdi"?

"I'm quite happy. Of course I'm happy to be with my sister."

Auston smiled contentedly, raised his hand, and gestured for a servant to bring a plate of cookies.

"These were made by our new chef. Take them and eat with Liang Di."

What did that mean?

Although suspicious, Liang Lin still took the cookies to Liang Di's room.

Inside the room, several maids were cleaning.

"Here, these are cookies for you."

Liang Lin casually broke off a cookie, popped it into her mouth, and chewed it carefully. It was indeed fragrant and crispy.

"You gave these to me?"

Liang Di asked, reaching for the cookies on the plate.

"No, Auston asked me to bring them to you."

Liang Di's outstretched hand suddenly paused, then silently withdrew.

"I'm full. I don't really want any sweets. You can eat them all."