Chapter 2: Cuckolded in Broad Daylight?

As soon as the words were spoken, the door was suddenly kicked open with a loud crash.

A young man dressed in splendid attire strode in, followed closely by a group of people.

Before Zhao Kai and his wife could react, the young man pointed at Lin Fei’er and demanded, “Lin Fei’er, hand over mother's belongings!”

“Brother, what do you mean by this?” Lin Fei’er looked at Lin Zhengting in disbelief. “You’ve already expelled me from the Lin family. What more do you want?”

Lin Zhengting sneered, “I cast you out because your husband brought disgrace to our family. And now, you are no longer related to the Lin family in any way. You are unworthy of our parents’ keepsakes!”

He caught sight of the small box in Lin Fei’er’s hand and lunged forward to snatch it.

“Lin Zhengting, aren’t you taking things too far?” Zhao Kai’s gaze was icy as he stared at Lin Zhengting. This man’s relentless aggression had gone beyond the bounds of decency.

“Well, look who it is. Isn’t this the useless son-in-law I threw out of the Lin family?” Lin Zhengting jeered, his eyes mocking as he looked at Zhao Kai. “What are you trying to prove, acting tough in front of me?”

Zhao Kai let out a cold laugh. “If anyone’s pretending to be tough, it’s you.”

“You dare talk back?” Lin Zhengting roared and swung his hand at Zhao Kai.

But Zhao Kai caught his hand and, with a sudden pull, dragged Lin Zhengting close, then locked his arm tightly around his neck.

Seeing this, Lin Zhengting’s men rushed forward, but Zhao Kai shouted, “If you come any closer, he dies! We’ll see who’s faster—me or you!”

The men halted instantly, their faces anxious as they looked at Lin Zhengting.

Lin Zhengting struggled, gasping, “Zhao… Zhao Kai, would you really kill me?”

Zhao Kai’s voice was cold. “You bring a gang to my house to cause trouble—why wouldn’t I?”

“What… what do you want?” Lin Zhengting stammered in panic.

“Tell your men to leave.”

“No way! If they leave, I’ll be in even more danger!” Lin Zhengting refused flatly. “You won’t dare kill me. Let’s see who can outlast the other.”

Zhao Kai scoffed. If it were the original Zhao Kai, perhaps he wouldn’t dare.

But he was not the original. In his previous life, he was a renowned corporate chairman, who built a fortune worth billions through ruthless determination. Without his iron will, he would have perished in the cutthroat world of business.

“I’ve got nothing to lose. Try me and see if I dare!” Zhao Kai tightened his hold.

In an instant, Lin Zhengting’s eyes rolled back and his hands flailed desperately.

Only then did Zhao Kai ease his grip. “Now do you believe I’m capable of killing you?”

“Madman! You’re a lunatic!” Lin Zhengting cursed, then barked at his men, “Get out, now! Do you want to see me die?”

The men exchanged glances, then reluctantly withdrew.

“Zhao Kai, they’re gone. Are you satisfied now?” Lin Zhengting snapped. “Let me go.”

Zhao Kai glanced at him, then signaled to Lin Fei’er, “Go keep watch outside. If they return, tell me immediately.”

Lin Fei’er was petrified. How had this man suddenly unleashed such strength?

“Hurry up!” Zhao Kai urged.

“Oh…” Lin Fei’er startled and hurried out.

Zhao Kai then kicked Lin Zhengting away and said, “What about the five hundred taels you promised?”

Though the original deal was shady, he had done the work for Lin Zhengting and deserved payment. Otherwise, wouldn’t he be left empty-handed?

Lin Zhengting rubbed his neck and edged away. “I’ve already given you such a beautiful sister—you still want money?”

“Think carefully. Money or your life—you can only choose one.”

Zhao Kai sneered, “I’m penniless now, bound to starve to death sooner or later. Might as well take you with me before I go.”

“You…” Lin Zhengting was furious, but soon broke into laughter. “Zhao Kai, you don’t dare. You’re just bluffing.”

“But I won’t say I won’t give you a chance. If you agree to do one thing for me, I’ll give you a thousand taels—right now! And from now on, I’ll pay you monthly, enough for your expenses.”

“Oh?” Zhao Kai hadn’t expected this. He smiled. “What is it?”

Lin Zhengting grinned slyly. “You can keep Lin Fei’er, but you must not touch her. She belongs to me!”

“You—you call yourself a human? She’s your sister!”

“Hmph! What sister? You know I’m just an adopted child.” Lin Zhengting’s smile was cold. “If I weren’t afraid that exposing this would ruin my claim to the Lin family’s fortune, I wouldn’t have married her off to you.”

Zhao Kai frowned slightly. “Fine, I agree. Give me the money.”

“Deal!” Lin Zhengting seemed to have expected Zhao Kai’s answer. He pulled out a banknote for a thousand taels and handed it to Zhao Kai. “Tonight, drug her for me. I want to have a good time.”

His eyes gleamed with greed.

Zhao Kai took the banknote, but his expression changed abruptly. “Do you take me for a fool? You want me to wear a cuckold’s hat willingly?”

“You… you tricked me?”

“What else?” Zhao Kai shot him a scornful glance. “Idiot.”

“You… Aren’t you afraid I’ll report you to the magistrate and have you arrested?” Lin Zhengting threatened.

“Young Master Lin, you should know I’m just a street hustler. My acquaintances come from all walks of life.” Zhao Kai paused, then continued, “If you try to report me, I’ll tell the storytellers about how you schemed with me to seize the Lin family’s fortune, threw your sister out, and now want to claim her for yourself.”

“The story of Lin family’s adopted son turned traitor—such a scandalous plot, I’m sure people will love to hear it.”

“The magistrate is greedy. If he hears of this, he’ll seize the Lin family’s assets and silence you for good.”

“Do you really dare report this?”

Lin Zhengting was furious. “Fine! You’ve got guts! Just wait and see!”

With that, he stormed out.

Zhao Kai watched his retreating figure with disdainful amusement.

You want to play games with me? Even the big shots in the business world couldn’t outplay me—who do you think you are?

“Fei’er! Come in, we’ve got money!” Zhao Kai called out, waving the banknote.

No answer came.

Zhao Kai grew anxious and rushed outside.

But Lin Fei’er was nowhere to be seen.

On the ground lay the box—her mother’s keepsake.

Damn it! Where had she gone?

But one thing was certain: she hadn’t been taken away by the Lin family.