Lin Chen was planning to use himself as a human shield, betting that Spencer wouldn’t dare let his companion beast bite him.
But unexpectedly, his white moonlight came to his aid.
It was indeed Wenzel’s companion beast.
Seeing it again, Lin Chen was happy, but turning against a stranger in front of his master and someone his ‘friend’ was about to teach a lesson, he was worried that it would put Black Panther in a bad situation.
Lin Chen’s dark eyes were filled with worry.
The others were stunned by this scene.
No one was unaware that Black Panther was Wenzel’s companion beast, named Joe. It was always elusive, and a very individualistic panther unlike other companion beasts that constantly guarded their masters.
At least just now, they hadn’t seen the black panther.
In other words, Wenzel was very lenient with it.
The elusive Joe suddenly appeared, baring his fangs and exuding an imposing aura, his icy eyes unapproachable.
For a moment, he intimidated the brown bear and the monitor lizard, keeping them at bay.
What was going on?!
Spencer, of course, assumed it was Wenzel’s order. He looked at Wenzel in bewilderment, his freckled face filled with shock: “Wenzel, what do you mean by this?”
Hearing his name, Wenzel finally turned around as if only now noticing the commotion in the room, and asked unhurriedly, “What’s wrong?”
Spencer, caught in his indifferent glance, quickly dropped his sharp tone and put on a fawning smile: “I’m sorry, I was out of my mind. Please ask your companion beast not to interfere.”
In terms of status, although they had grown up together, Wenzel had held the title of duke for many years while Spencer was merely the son of a duke.
Normally, their interactions weren’t so formal, but now Spencer wanted Wenzel’s support, so he was deliberately being obsequious.
Wenzel should give him face, right?
A family friend, and a stranger—Wenzel indeed had no reason to refuse. He called out, “Joe.”
Lin Chen, while watching the battle, also paid attention to the black panther and its master. So the black panther’s name was Joe…
Very cute.
Hearing its master’s call, Joe immediately looked up but remained in a fighting stance, seemingly having no intention of withdrawing from the battle.
Spencer gritted his teeth, thinking Wenzel was doing it on purpose; the other party wasn’t seriously commanding his companion beast.
But why?
He couldn’t figure out why Wenzel would oppose him. They were both top talents, and knew each other since childhood. Their relationship, both between themselves and their families, had always been mutually beneficial. Even without genuine affection, there was always a sense of obligation.
“Wenzel?” The owners of the brown bear and the monitor lizard also spoke tentatively. Compared to Spencer, who hadn’t yet inherited the title, they naturally valued Wenzel’s opinion more.
“Joe has his own ideas,” Wenzel said, casually taking a sip of his drink, indicating he wouldn’t interfere anymore.
“Sorry, Spencer,” the other two said to Spencer, withdrawing their companion beasts as well. “They can’t really fight Joe.”
This was Wenzel, after all. Who would dare mess with him?
They hadn’t wanted to get involved anyway, and now they had a convenient way out. In fact, they should thank Wenzel for intervening.
Spencer, spoiled and pampered, used to being the center of attention, had never suffered such humiliation. Seeing his tiger no match for the lion, he blurted out in desperation, “Wenzel, you did this on purpose!”
Being addressed by his first name for the second time, the young duke’s eyes darkened.
Among those present, probably only Lin Chen believed that Duke Howard hadn’t meant it.
He was conflicted. On one hand, he was grateful to the black panther for standing up for him, on the other hand, he worried about angering the panther’s owner and putting Joe in a difficult position.
He was truly caught in a dilemma.
The only good news was that Parker’s fighting ability completely overwhelmed Tiger Gus.
One was the king of the forest, and the other the king of beasts. They fought fiercely, fangs and claws clashing constantly. Judging from their fighting skills, the king of the forest was clearly superior.
Its attacks were agile and ferocious, each strike a deadly blow. Soon, everyone was overwhelmed by the lion’s imposing presence.
At the same time, a question arose in their minds: was this really the rich young master’s companion beast?
This was clearly a demon from the arena.
It exuded a murderous aura built from countless souls devoured by its fangs.
Gus was no match for it.
Spencer, no longer caring about questioning Wenzel, roared at Lin Chen, “Stop the lion!”
“If it dares to hurt Gus, I’ll kill you!”
“You lowly commoner!”
“Who do you want dead?” As the voice rang out, a tall figure suddenly appeared in the doorway. It was Si Ang who had rushed over. His eyes were like sharp blades, making it impossible to look him in the eye.
Spencer saw Si Ang and immediately shouted, “Si Ang, stop your lion! We don’t need to fight over something like this!”
In his eyes, Lin Chen was nothing more than a lowly lover. Si Ang must have lost his mind to argue with him over a lover.
In high society, interests are intertwined. Even if Si Ang wasn’t part of their circle, he wouldn’t easily break the rules.
Upon hearing this, Si Ang stared coldly at Spencer and commanded, “Parker, don’t stop until there’s blood.”
Spencer was stunned: “…”
What did he say?
The spoiled young nobleman couldn’t be sure if he had misheard.
Si Ang had no time to appreciate how ugly Spencer’s face was. He desperately wanted to check on Lin Chen’s condition, so he walked straight to his little brother, who was standing against the wall.
The moment Lin Chen saw Si Ang arrive, a look of relief appeared on his face. He had really been worried.
“Brother Ang,” Lin Chen called out. This was the second time. His Brother Ang was always a timely help, giving him a great sense of security.
After his Brother Ang marries, his sister-in-law will definitely be very happy.
“Sorry I’m late,” Si Ang said, leaning closer and glancing at Lin Chen from head to toe. He was alright. He apologetically patted Lin Chen’s hair.
Lin Chen: “…”
His brother Ang was spreading rumors about him again, but it was for his own good. He cooperated by whispering in Ang’s ear, “The other party warned me not to associate with Madam Sandy. Do you know what happened?”
“Hmm.” Si Ang raised an eyebrow, a hint of disgust flashing in his eyes, and softly replied, “A nephew is lusting after his widowed aunt. He’s just throwing a fit of impotent rage because he can’t have her.”
This shocking news made Lin Chen shudder.
This was too beastly. He felt disgusted for Madam Sandy.
“Si Ang, why are you doing this!” Spencer exclaimed, alarmed. He hadn’t expected Si Ang to actually oppose him for a lover; this was beyond his expectations.
He thought that people like them all treated their lovers the same way, and even gave them away if necessary.
Si Ang turned around, shielding Lin Chen behind him: “He’s my man. Insulting him is insulting me, don’t you think?”
Spencer choked. He was used to being arrogant and hadn’t thought that far ahead!
“I’m not targeting you, I’m just advising him to stop harassing my aunt.” He became serious, and adopted the airs of a noble young master.
“You mean, I deserve to be provoked by you?”
“No, you misunderstand!”
Si Ang said to himself, “Fine, I accept your provocation. Parker, kill it.”
Spencer’s face changed drastically, and was incredulous. How could someone be so ruthless!
Didn’t the other party know what killing a person’s companion beast meant?
It was tantamount to taking a life from their family, and a blatant declaration of war.
Just for a lover?!
Spencer: “No! Simon, tell your lion to stop!”
“Isn’t my apology enough?!”
His Gus was really going to get hurt!
The scene descended into chaos, escalating irreversibly. The others nearby, weighing the pros and cons, quickly stepped in to smooth things over.
“Si Ang, can we call a truce?”
“Let’s talk this out.”
William: “Otherwise, the three of us can attack together. Even your companion beast, no matter how powerful, won’t stand a chance.”
Of course, they couldn’t attack together. Wenzel’s black panther was still eyeing their companion beasts menacingly, and showing no sign of letting its guard down.
“The person you need to apologize to isn’t me,” Si Ang sneered.
Spencer was furious. No way! Did Si Ang want him to apologize to a lowly commoner? That was outrageous! That was blatant humiliation!
He refused: “Don’t even think about it!”
Si Ang: “Then let’s settle this once and for all.”
Spencer: “Don’t go too far!”
He, the son of a duke, apologizing to a commoner who was his lover—if word got out, people would laugh their heads off.
“I won’t offend others unless they offend me.” Si Ang looked at him coldly: “You’ve shamelessly stuck your face in front of me, so don’t blame me for hitting you. If there’s a next time, I’ll let your Evans know what going too far means.”
The conflict escalated to a family matter, and Spencer’s face immediately changed. His neck flushed red, and he dared not utter a word. Adding to the tenSi Ang, the tiger, being steadily pushed back by the lion, was beginning to show signs of injury. He roared in humiliation, “Enough! I apologize, I apologize to him! Tell your lion to stop!”
In truth, his family had warned him not to provoke Si Ang, but he hadn’t listened, and now he’d kicked a hornet’s nest.
Si Ang showed mercy: “Parker, come back.”
Hearing his master’s command, the enraged lion finally released its hold on the tiger. It still bared its white fangs, its expression fierce and terrifying, with traces of blood visible at the corners of its mouth.
“Parker,” Si Ang called again.
Only then did the lion, half-crouched, reluctantly retreat to Si Ang’s side.
The young noblemen were witnessing Si Ang’s lions fight for the first time, and its ferocious appearance truly terrified them. They felt this lion didn’t seem like a pampered cub raised by Si Ang, but rather a seasoned adult lion that had submitted.
Spencer’s tiger, on the other hand, had been raised from a cub and had never experienced the true cruelty of the jungle.
Today, it was completely stunned.
Companion beasts often resemble their owners, and the contrasting states of the two companion beasts reflected their owners’ upbringing.
The former lived a precarious life surrounded by wolves.
The latter, raised in luxury, likely had only combat experience from hunting in the forest.
In this comparison, it was obvious whose companion beast was more ferocious.
Parker was extremely agitated, repeatedly trying to charge back and kill the tiger. Lin Chen crouched down, hugged the tense lion, and gently soothed it, “Our Parker won! You’re amazing! Thank you for protecting me.”
“Calm down, the battle is over.”
“Relax.”
The sudden interruption of the killing thrill had greatly agitated the lion, but Lin Chen’s presence calmed it, and allowed it to quickly regain its composure.
Parker nuzzled Lin Chen’s forehead as if seeking praise.
“Okay, a kiss.” Lin Chen didn’t hesitate, and kissed the lion’s brow.
A pair of light golden eyes silently watched Lin Chen hug the lion, and complex emotions almost overflowed from their depths.
It had received such treatment before.
Lin Chen’s heart skipped a beat when their eyes met.
“Gus!” Spencer knelt beside his companion beast, seeing the bloody wound. He was frantic and immediately contacted medics.
Although he was in a terrible state, Si Ang showed no sympathy whatsoever: “Apologize.”
Si Ang’s words only fueled Spencer’s rage: “It injured my Gus like this!”
Si Ang: “What does that have to do with you needing to apologize?”
If the tiger is stronger, the lion is the one who gets injured. It’s all about strength, why should companion beasts have to consider human relationships when they fight?
Spencer’s face flushed red, and he reluctantly glared at Lin Chen, saying, “I’m sorry, I apologize for my slip of the tongue. Please forgive me.”
Lin Chen picked at his ear; this was the most defiant apology he’d ever heard.
“His name is Lin Chen.” Not that kind of thing, not Si Ang’s lover, and certainly not a commoner; he was simply Lin Chen with a name and a surname.
Spencer said, humiliated, “Lin Chen, I’m sorry.”
Hearing his name called, Lin Chen stepped forward from beside Si Ang, speaking politely, “Although your apology wasn’t sincere, I forgive you. After all, the companion beast is innocent.”
“I’m also very sorry for hurting such a beautiful and obedient tiger.” He even bowed.
His words were undoubtedly rubbing salt into Spencer’s wounds, both killing and wounding his spirit.
Si Ang smiled, and couldn’t help but pat Lin Chen’s head. He was able to tell that the other genuinely felt sorry for the tiger that had been taken in by the wrong person.
He probably wished he could raise it himself.
This scene made them appear quite intimate.
The apology had been received so there was no need to stay any longer.
“Let’s go.” Si Ang led Lin Chen and Parker towards the door, then, as if remembering something, he specifically instructed Spencer, “I introduced Madam Sandy. She likes Lin Chen very much. If you have any objections, you can talk to me, or your aunt, instead of picking on the weak. That will only make you look incompetent, Young Master Spencer.”
He left, and Lin Chen followed. He turned back to look at the black panther one last time, and the two stared at each other for a full three seconds. It was silent yet seemingly exchanging a thousand words.
“Lin Chen?”
“I’m coming.”
They then hurriedly parted.
“He’s crazy!” Spencer was filled with shame, shock, and anger, unable to believe it. Why would Si Ang introduce his lover to Sandy? Could it be that the three of them…?
Such things weren’t uncommon in their circle. Spencer felt a surge of jealousy just thinking about it. No, his aunt, his beautiful and noble aunt, would never be like those other ladies who indulged in such frivolous pursuits!
Looking down at the tiger’s wounds, Spencer’s anger overwhelmed his reason. He roared, “Wenzel, why did you do this to me?!”
“If you hadn’t interfered, my Gus wouldn’t be injured!”
The three companion beasts together could definitely defeat Si Ang’s lion!
He shouldn’t have been humiliated.
The high and mighty Spencer of the Evans family had become a laughingstock.
Seeing Spencer’s emotions spiraling out of control, the other noblemen beside him pleaded, “Spencer, don’t be like this, this has nothing to do with Wenzel…”
“This was all your fault for being too impulsive. Si Ang hates nobles so much so how could he possibly give you face?” William, the brown bear’s owner, looked disappointed in Spencer.
He had long known Spencer was immature. It was one thing for him to bully those below him since no one dared to challenge the Evans family.
But how dare he act so arrogantly towards Si Ang?
The most foolish thing was that Spencer turned around and blamed them for not helping, acting like a child who hadn’t been weaned.
Upon hearing this, Spencer’s pride was severely wounded: “Wasn’t it you who stood by and did nothing?”
He assumed that his family had always been united against external threats, especially against the formidable Si Corporation.
Wasn’t that a consensus?
William almost burst out laughing: “Are you suggesting we unite against the Si Corporation because of your inexplicable jealousy?”
Suppressed laughter rippled through the room, clearly the result of their best efforts to hold back.
Spencer looked up angrily, seeing their gazes practically screaming, “Are you out of your mind?” His face flushed red with rage, and he snapped, “I know, it’s Wenzel’s idea! You’re all afraid of him!”
*Clang.*
A glass of strong liquor was suddenly slammed onto the marble table, making a sharp, jarring sound.
The room fell silent. Everyone stared at Wenzel.
Clearly, after time and again, Wenzel was furious. He had reached his limit with this fool, Spencer.
He stood up, his long legs carrying him closer to Spencer.
The spoiled young nobleman swallowed hard, finally sensing the impending danger. He stammered, “You… what do you want?”
He trembled violently.
Wenzel possessed a face so handsome it was almost mesmerizing, but the other man’s methods were like those of a demon. He only dared to be so arrogant because he was the family heir.
Wenzel, now standing before Spencer, grabbed Spencer’s neck with one hand, tightened his grip, and slammed him against the wall without hesitation.
The force wasn’t great but it was enough to intimidate.
Wenzel: “I hate being wronged.”
Spencer saw stars from the impact, his eyes reddening with fear and pain.
He felt wronged and wanted to cry.
Wenzel would rather help a stranger than his family friend.
“What a heartless, cold-blooded, ungrateful wretch,” Spencer thought bitterly.
“And,” Wenzel’s cold, thin lips parted, uttering words that instilled even greater despair in Spencer, “if you are Evans’ future, then Evans has no future.”
With that, Wenzel released Spencer, the fool infatuated with his aunt, then threw his gloves on the ground and walked away.
Spencer couldn’t believe that simply disciplining a commoner was so serious.
He’d done this before!
When had Wenzel ever treated him like this!
“No, Wenzel, what are you saying?”
Spencer got up and chased after him: “We grew up together!”
Only when his throat was gripped did he realize the serious consequences of Wenzel’s rejection—consequences he couldn’t bear.
But Wenzel was already gone. Lin Chen and Si Ang checked Parker’s body and, finding no wounds, breathed a sigh of relief. Lin Chen said apologetically, “It’s all my fault, I caused you trouble.”
Si Ang said, “It’s not your fault.”
Lin Chen sighed, “It all started because of me.”
If it weren’t for introducing him to connections, Si Ang wouldn’t have introduced him to Madam Sandy. He worriedly said, “That person can associate with Wenzel so his status must be quite high.”
Si Ang scoffed, “Just a noble young master without an heir title, there are plenty of them. What are you afraid of?”
Lin Chen sensed Si Ang’s confidence and clicked his tongue in amazement. The richest man was indeed powerful.
Si Ang said, “He’s a bully who picks on the weak and fears the strong. Don’t worry, he won’t dare to mess with you again.”
“Do whatever you want, don’t hold back.”
“Hmm…” Lin Chen still had reservations. How could he not?
Si Ang saw his worry, thought for a moment, and then offered some words of comfort: “You have exceptional skills but no connections, so it’s inevitable that you’ll be suppressed. Even if you blindly submit and humble yourself, they won’t let you off the hook, understand?”
“Mm,” Lin Chen understood.
“So what you need isn’t to back down, but to grow quickly. Emotional intelligence can’t solve problems; only a strong fist can.” Si Ang added, these were his heartfelt words, his motto.
Lin Chen nodded, clearly understanding: “That’s true, Brother Ang.”
He knew, of course, that it’s better to have some backbone, otherwise, one is easily bullied.
Thinking of this, he felt even more grateful to Si Ang.
“Brother Ang, have you finished your work?” He remembered that Si Ang was there for networking, yet he had taken up so much of his time.
“Rushing me to leave? You don’t like what I said, do you?” Si Ang raised an eyebrow, glancing sideways at him. It was rare for him to be so lecturing, wasn’t it?
“How could that be?” Lin Chen quickly said, “You can listen to my teachings anytime, but your work can’t be neglected.”
Si Ang teased him, “I do have something to do.”
Lin Chen: “Okay, you go ahead, Parker and I are going to get something to eat.”
Si Ang added worriedly, “If anyone bullies you, have Parker bite them. I’ll pay for any injuries.”
Lin Chen readily agreed, “Okay.”
He thought to himself, “Where can you find such a good older brother? He’s better than a blood brother.”
Just as he was thinking this, he suddenly met a pair of resentful eyes. It was Lu Zhibai, the original owner’s older brother. How unlucky!
Lin Chen casually looked away, “Parker, let’s go.”
Lu Zhibai saw Lin Chen dressed impeccably, radiant, and accompanied by Si Ang’s lion, clearly indicating that Lin Chen was very successful in high society, even more so than him.
His face contorted with rage. His younger brother, Lu Wuyou, was still locked up in detention while Lin Chen was here living the high life.
But he couldn’t do anything about it.
The opportunistic Count Lu En had already solemnly warned his entire family not to cause any more trouble for Lin Chen, lest they incur Si Ang’s retaliation.
Unless Si Ang rejected Lin Chen one day.
That shouldn’t be too long.
Those in positions of power are all picky eaters. They get tired of the same thing after a while.
The day Lin Chen is abandoned…
He will naturally return to the Lu family crying, and beg for their forgiveness.
The food at the banquet was generally ignored, but Lin Chen ate with gusto. He was completely absorbed, and even ordered the chef to cook him a pot of seafood porridge. He felt warm all over afterward.
“Parker, let’s go outside to digest,” Lin Chen said, leading Parker outside.
In the vast manor, light snow fell, carpeting the ground. Lin Chen’s footsteps and Parker’s paws left two harmonious sets of footprints.
Lin Chen had ill intentions. He lured Parker to a cypress tree, and pretended to look for something: “Parker, look! A squirrel!”
Curious Parker easily fell for the trick. He smiled slyly, suddenly kicked the tree trunk, and ran away.
Snowflakes fell heavily, instantly covering Parker completely.
Lin Chen laughed loudly, “Hahahaha!”
The lion froze, seemingly realizing it had been tricked. It sneezed in annoyance, then trotted after Lin Chen, trying to pounce on him and teach this liar a lesson.
“Okay, Parker, I was wrong! I didn’t mean to trick you!”
“Roar—”
“Ouch, you’re pressing on me! My back—”
“Help!”
Lin Chen and the lion played around, laughing happily, constantly saying sweet things to appease Parker.
When they were tired and sat down, he suddenly noticed a black figure lying on a nearby artificial hill silently watching them. He didn’t know how long it had been watching but the figure was covered in snow.
Lin Chen’s laughter vanished abruptly, replaced by an inexplicable sense of guilt.
No, more accurately, guilt. He had disappointed the black panther’s advances, and used a whole host of reasons to ultimately not go to him.
Today, however, the other party rushed out to protect him; otherwise, he wouldn’t know how to handle the situation.
Three companion beasts attacking Parker alone would have certainly resulted in death or serious injury. This favor couldn’t be ignored.
Lin Chen patted Parker’s head: “Wait here for me, I’ll be right back.”
He originally wanted to go and greet the black panther named Joe, but after settling Parker in, Joe was nowhere to be seen.
Lin Chen was thoughtful. He felt that the big cat was deliberately avoiding him as if it were sulking.
He continued walking behind the artificial hill and suddenly saw the black panther. Was it really avoiding him?
“Joe.” Lin Chen knelt down in front of it, his knees scraping against the thin layer of snow, and his eyes full of guilt.
The black panther initially wanted to leave but hearing Lin Chen call its name, its ears twitched, and it didn’t move.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to not greet you before. I was just afraid your master would misunderstand.”
Lin Chen said, leaning closer to the black panther. Sensing no aversion, he tentatively put his arm around its shoulder and back.
The black panther didn’t seem angry with Lin Chen, nor did it struggle, but it also didn’t nuzzle him affectionately like before. Perhaps it disliked his strong lion scent.
Lin Chen: “…”
Understandable.
Cough, he was practically a jerk right now; it was already a miracle Joe hadn’t bitten him.
Lin Chen released Joe and thanked him again: “Thank you. Without you today, the consequences would have been unimaginable.”
“But Joe, don’t talk to me again next time.”
Lin Chen said this without daring to look Joe in the eye; his eyes were lowered.
“Don’t side with anyone except your master, not even me.”
It was obvious that a powerful figure like Wenzel would never allow a disloyal companion beast to remain by his side.
Si Ang was just an exception. Lin Chen wasn’t naive enough to believe that a few words of loyalty would convince Wenzel that he was harmless.
Joe gazed at Lin Chen. Perhaps it understood everything. Its deep eyes held calm composure and restraint but the joy of snoring in his arms that day was gone.
Parker, unable to see Lin Chen, anxiously searched for him.
The black panther, hearing the noise, vanished like lightning, leaving only faint plum blossom-like marks on the ground, quickly covered by the snow.