Ch. 52 - Lei Tianbao's Apology

At the entrance of Linjiang Middle School, Lei Tianbao arrived with Lei Meng in tow.

Zhang Zhengyuan had arrived even earlier.

He stared coldly at Lei Tianbao, his eyes carrying a threatening glint.

"Lei Tianbao, you're a smart man. You should know what to do. Miss Ling is not someone you can afford to offend!"

Lei Tianbao lowered his eyes, but instead of getting angry, he smiled.

"Commander Zhang, you are right. That's why I brought my brother to apologize. I misunderstood Miss Ling last time, and to express my remorse, I personally came to apologize to her."

Zhang Zhengyuan suddenly laughed, then patted Lei Tianbao on the shoulder.

"You truly deserve to be the leader of the Thunder Mercenary Group, who rose from a thug to your current position. You are flexible and adaptable. I admire you."

"You flatter me. Now you won't stop me, will you?"

Zhang Zhengyuan stepped aside. "Go ahead."

Those who clearly understood their position and were not controlled by their emotions lived longer.

And, since ancient times, those who lived following their hearts were the ones who lived longer.

Inside the school gates, Ling Qingxue slowly walked out with Wu Liang.

"Little Xuexue, the Thunder Mercenary Group leader must have come to apologize, right? He wouldn't dare to make a move in front of the old headmaster."

Ling Qingxue smiled faintly. "Probably. He can't kill me, but he's wary of my potential. He has no choice but to reconcile!"

This was all part of her plan.

For the weak, borrowing the tiger's might was a sound survival strategy. Once she became a true tiger herself, she'd shed that label of weakness.

Lei Tianbao had no backing; what else could he do but apologize?

Upon seeing Ling Qingxue, Lei Tianbao immediately stepped forward and bowed slightly, his attitude extremely respectful.

The leader of the top mercenary group in Linjiang City, a Fourth Rank mid-stage mercenary, bowing and apologizing to an eighteen-year-old girl undoubtedly had a huge visual impact, attracting many students to watch the show.

"My god, our school beauty Ling is amazing! Even Lei Tianbao had to come and bow down to apologize!"

"Heh, she's definitely going to one of the top ten martial arts universities in the country. She'll be a Seventh Rank martial artist at the very least. If he doesn't apologize now, will he even survive?"

"Damn it, geniuses have so many privileges, everyone protects them..."

Hearing all the comments from these kids, Lei Tianbao remained unmoved, a gentle smile still on his face.

"Miss Ling, a few days ago, there was a misunderstanding. My younger brother was spoiled rotten, and he's become quite arrogant. I came here today specifically to apologize, and I hope you can forgive him."

As he spoke, Lei Tianbao coldly glanced at Lei Meng.

Receiving the signal, Lei Meng immediately walked over and bowed, just like Lei Tianbao.

"Kneel down!"

He was about to apologize when he was startled by Lei Tianbao's sudden voice.

Kneel?

He was made to kneel before a little kid who was only a Second Rank martial artist?

"Kneel down!"

Lei Tianbao's voice rang out a second time, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Lei Meng gritted his teeth, finally kneeling on the ground with a thud that echoed in everyone's ears.

This kneeling stunned everyone.

"Damn, he really knelt! He is a Third Rank late-stage martial artist!"

"Lei Tianbao is a ruthless man, not only to himself but even more ruthless to others. We've truly witnessed it today!"

"After kneeling, Lei Meng will probably never be able to hold his head high again..."

Lei Meng knelt before Ling Qingxue, his teeth clenched, and after a long while, he slowly spoke.

"Miss Ling, I misunderstood you before. Please forgive me!"

Ling Qingxue glanced at the two of them, her expression calm.

"Since it was a misunderstanding, it's cleared up now. No need to kneel, and stop blocking the school gate."

Lei Tianbao smiled and kicked his brother.

"Miss Ling has forgiven your mistake. From now on, behave yourself and go home."

"Thank you for your magnanimity, Miss Ling!"

Lei Meng stood up, then stumbled into the crowd and disappeared.

He had been completely humiliated today.

Lei Tianbao took out a storage ring and smiled as he handed it to Ling Qingxue.

"Miss Ling, I didn't confirm the situation beforehand, so I've prepared some gifts as compensation for your emotional distress. If you ever need my help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. I will not refuse!"

Ling Qingxue accepted the storage ring.

"Commander Lei, you're too kind. Let's put this matter behind us. I wish you great success in your martial arts endeavors."

"Then, I would also like to wish you in advance to be admitted to a top martial arts university and bring glory to Linjiang!"

Having done all this, Lei Tianbao slowly left under everyone's gaze.

A guard beside Zhang Zhengyuan was so shocked that he could barely speak.

"Lei Tianbao is incredibly patient! I've never seen a man with such endurance!"

Zhang Zhengyuan sneered. "That's why he's a Fourth Rank mid-stage martial artist, while you're only a Third Rank early-stage!"

This wasn't mockery; it was his honest opinion.

Not many people could be as patient as Lei Tianbao.

He understood his situation, so he apologized immediately.

He disregarded his pride, specifically choosing the gate of Linjiang Middle School to apologize to Ling Qingxue. Was it because he couldn't do it privately?

Of course not!

A private apology would preserve his dignity, but it wouldn't guarantee that Ling Qingxue wouldn't retaliate someday.

But here, facing everyone's ridicule, he was extremely confident he could completely dissuade Ling Qingxue from any thoughts of revenge.

Why?

Ling Qingxue was angry, so he put himself on display to let her vent her anger.

If he still faced retaliation after that, it only meant Ling Qingxue was petty and not worth befriending.

Could such a person become a true powerhouse?

Could such a person be considered a true friend?

Anyone with a modicum of sense would know that letting this matter rest was the best option.

Ling Qingxue's final congratulatory remark undoubtedly indicated her genuine acceptance of reconciliation.

"Your composure is remarkable!"

Zhang Zhengyuan slowly walked towards Ling Qingxue.

"Miss Ling, the City Lord sent me to pick you up. Our City Lord's Mansion's secret place will open this afternoon. Is now a convenient time for you?"

Ling Qingxue nodded slightly and then got into the car with Zhang Zhengyuan.

Today was the day Zhao Xin had promised her entry into the City Lord's Mansion's secret place.

Moreover, it was also the day when Wu Liang would likely finish digesting the Black Flame Phoenix's skeleton.

However, the fact that Lei Tianbao had just arrived to apologize provided her with some additional resources and also eliminated the potential trouble of the Thunder Mercenary Group.

"Little Xuexue, should we still seek revenge against the Thunder Mercenary Group?"

Ling Qingxue shook her head calmly. "He's already backed down. We don't need to push our luck any further. Even an honest person will kill if pushed too far, let alone someone as troublesome as him!"

As things stood, a Fourth Rank mid-stage martial artist, if truly reckless, could be a grave danger even for her, a former Imperial Rank expert.

Even a cornered dog will jump over a wall, and a cornered rabbit will bite. It was just a minor conflict; Ling Qingxue wasn't the type to hold a grudge over something so trivial.

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Notes

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