020. Xiao Qiang’s Persuasion

Hua Xiong was very confident, believing that with surveillance and the protection of a secret room, no one could find this place. Yet, unexpectedly, Lin Shan managed to slip in unnoticed.

The evidence on the computer could utterly destroy Hua Xiong’s reputation and even send him to prison.

After some thought, Lin Shan quietly left Hua Xiong’s room, climbed out the window, and went to a computer shop to buy a large-capacity hard drive. He then copied all the data from Hua Xiong’s computer onto it.

The best way to handle such evidence would be not to keep it at all.

But people like Hua Xiong often have peculiar habits—they like to keep such things, indulging in them when alone, which often leads to their downfall.

For instance, a certain photography enthusiast ancestor...

After finishing the copying, Lin Shan quietly left through the window again, leaving no trace.

Having done this, Lin Shan returned home and descended into another world.

There was no change in the courtyard; he had locked the gate when he left. Even if some thief came in, there wasn’t much worth stealing in his yard.

Lin Shan opened the gate, intending to reacquaint himself with the surroundings, but as soon as he opened the door, he saw someone squatting right at his doorstep.

Hearing the door open, the man immediately stood up, and upon seeing Lin Shan, exclaimed with delight, “Mr. Lin, I’ve been waiting for you for many days.”

This man was Yin Ziwei. After Lin Shan had shown his “remarkable medical skills” last time, Yin Ziwei had become utterly impressed with him.

“So it’s you. What brings you here?” Lin Shan asked.

Yin Ziwei dusted off his clothes and smiled, “Mr. Lin, my master asked me to invite you to the manor when you have time. He said he found a martial arts manual that you might like.”

Xiao Qiang had boasted earlier that whoever cured Xiao Xiao would be rewarded with the entire Xiao family’s fortune, and he wouldn’t refuse.

But now that Lin Shan had truly cured Xiao Xiao, if Lin Shan asked for the family fortune, it would be embarrassing.

So, first, he gave a hundred taels of gold to test Lin Shan, who accepted it without making any demands.

This gesture earned Xiao Qiang’s respect but also a bit of guilt. Over the past days, he had carefully sought out a boxing manual to present to Lin Shan. Since Lin Shan was absent, he sent Yin Ziwei to wait here.

Lin Shan understood Xiao Qiang’s intentions and said to Yin Ziwei, “Xiao Master’s kindness is much appreciated. Brother Yin, please lead the way.”

Hearing Lin Shan call him “brother,” Yin Ziwei quickly waved his hand, “Mr. Lin, I’m not worthy of ‘brother Yin.’ Just call me Old Yin.”

Lin Shan nodded.

The two proceeded to the Xiao residence.

After announcing Lin Shan’s arrival, he was immediately ushered into the guest hall. Soon, Xiao Qiang’s voice came from nearby.

“Brother Lin, long time no see! I’ve missed you!”

Xiao Qiang emerged from a rear room, with Xiao Xiao following him. Xiao Xiao’s gaze toward Lin Shan still held a trace of awkwardness.

“Master Xiao, thank you for your kindness,” Lin Shan said, standing and cupping his hands in respect.

He was genuinely interested in the boxing manual. Xiao Qiang smiled, “Brother Lin has done me a great favor. I have searched for a long time to find this manual, hoping it will help you.”

He then reached out, and a servant handed him a booklet, which he passed to Lin Shan. Lin Shan took a deep breath and accepted it.

The cover bore the title:

“Little Jade Sun Fist”

This was presumably the name of the martial art. Holding back his curiosity, Lin Shan did not immediately open it but thanked Xiao Qiang again.

Xiao Qiang waved his hand, “Our friendship doesn’t require such formality. Brother Lin, I have an idea you might like to hear.”

Lin Shan gestured for him to continue.

“I want to invite you to be a martial arts guardian for the Xiao family. What do you think?”

Lin Shan instinctively wanted to decline; he did not have time to run errands for Xiao Qiang.

But sensing Lin Shan’s hesitation, Xiao Qiang quickly added, “Brother Lin, don’t rush to refuse. Being a guardian for our family is no big deal. I won’t trouble you much. We have two guardians now, both fighters. Since you’re interested in martial arts, you can spar and exchange skills with them.”

This immediately piqued Lin Shan’s interest.

Though he possessed the Changchun Technique and the Little Jade Sun Fist, he still did not fully understand the intricacies of martial arts. Having a guide would be ideal.

Seeing Lin Shan’s interest, Xiao Qiang pressed further, “If you’re willing, I can have the two guardians come out now for a detailed discussion. How does that sound?”

Xiao Qiang was not truly impressed by Lin Shan’s fighting ability—after all, Lin Shan was older and probably lacked much potential.

What he truly valued was Lin Shan’s medical skill, coupled with a good impression of him, hence the invitation.

Lin Shan was indeed tempted and nodded, “If that’s so... then I’ll trouble Master Xiao.”

Xiao Qiang shook his head, “It’s nothing. I’ll make the arrangements. Xiao Xiao, please look after Brother Lin.”

With that, he stood and left the hall.

Xiao Xiao stuck out her tongue, then looked at Lin Shan, “Brother Lin, thank you again for before.”

Seeing her, Lin Shan involuntarily recalled the sensation of his fingers tracing over her smooth back. He shook his head, “No need to mention it. I hope my suddenness that day didn’t trouble you.”

A flush spread over Xiao Xiao’s cheeks. She whispered, “In this world of martial artists, small matters don’t count. Brother Lin, I heard Mr. Lu taught you a martial art?”

Lin Shan nodded, “Yes, I’ve already cultivated some true qi these past days.”

Xiao Xiao’s eyes widened in disbelief, staring at Lin Shan, “Brother Lin… what did you say? You’ve already cultivated true qi?”

Lin Shan smiled and nodded. Lu Yun had praised him as a prodigy, though Lin Shan himself hadn’t felt extraordinary.

“Indeed, I have, but I don’t yet know how to use it.”

This was also why Lin Shan was eager to learn a martial art.

Xiao Xiao regained her composure, her expression brightening, and hesitated before asking, “Brother Lin, how old are you?”

Lin Shan answered truthfully, “Thirty.”

“Ah?” Xiao Xiao found it even harder to believe. Lu Yun had previously told Lin Shan that cultivating martial arts was best started young. After growing up, tendons and bones harden, and impurities accumulate in the meridians, making progress much harder.

Yet Lin Shan seemed an exception—his cultivation went smoothly.

At that moment, Xiao Qiang’s voice came again from the rear room, “Guardians, this way please.”