"Offering an apology with a birch branch?"

Lin Mu took the birch branch from Luo Jinping's hand, a cryptic expression crossing his face.

Surprise showed on everyone's faces. Would Lin Mu really beat Luo Jinping? He surely wouldn't dare!

After all, the Luo Family was a major power, and Luo Jinping was Luo Huai'an's only grandson. If Lin Mu were to strike him, the Luo Family might not say anything publicly, but they would certainly hold a grudge in private.

But if he didn't, Luo Huai'an's plan would succeed. After all, they had come to offer the apology with the birch branch. The failure to act would fall on Lin Mu, a sign of his cowardice. In that case, not only Lin Mu but the entire Qin Family would lose face.

"Lin Mu, since Elder Master Luo has come in person to apologize, why not just let it go?" Qin Hongshu said. He was well aware of Luo Huai'an's intention; speaking up now wasn't for Lin Mu's sake, but for the Qin Family's.

"Indeed, Lin Mu. It's best to be forgiving when one can. Since Young Master Luo knows he was wrong, let's just put this matter to rest," Qin Hongbo added. As the head of the main branch of the Qin Family, he had to speak up now. Otherwise, in the future, whenever Lin Mu was present, he, Qin Hongbo, would lose all authority.

Lin Mu remained unmoved.

Luo Huai'an, however, said, "That won't do. Since Master Sun has commanded it, Mr. Lin should go ahead." He was pressuring Lin Mu.

"There was harmony between the general and the minister in ancient times. Although this good-for-nothing grandson of mine is no match for Mr. Lin, as long as Mr. Lin can let go of his anger and forgive Jinping this once, our Qin and Luo families can still be on friendly terms in the future."

A faint smile played on Luo Huai'an's face. He had started by demanding Lin Mu act, but now he was talking about making peace. The message was clear: just go through the motions. This would not only save face for the Luo Family but also give the Qin Family one less enemy and one more friend.

Qin Hongbo and the others exchanged glances, a flicker of excitement in their eyes. If they could get on good terms with the Luo Family and have Luo Huai'an owe the Qin Family a favor, it would be far more beneficial than letting Lin Mu vent his anger.

Everyone watched Lin Mu, waiting to see his choice. Would he antagonize the Luo Family, or would he consider the bigger picture and compromise?

The members of the Chen Family grew slightly nervous. If Lin Mu did the Luo Family a favor, they would certainly have to repay it. If the Qin and Luo families were to join forces, what family in River City could possibly stand against them?

"Lin Mu, remember, you are the Qin Family's son-in-law. You must prioritize the bigger picture," Qin Hongshu reminded him, hoping he would choose wisely.

Suddenly, Lin Mu laughed.

He looked at Luo Huai'an and asked, "You're saying it was Sun Tianyang who sent you?"

Luo Huai'an nodded. "Indeed. It was Master Sun."

"Hmm." Lin Mu nodded, handing the birch branch back to Luo Huai'an. "Since it was Sun Tianyang's command, then... you do it."

You do it? What did he mean by that? Was he telling Luo Huai'an to punish his own grandson?

Luo Huai'an was also taken aback, completely unprepared for Lin Mu to turn the choice back on him.

"Since Master Sun sent you, I'm sure Elder Master Luo wouldn't want to disappoint him, would you?" Lin Mu said with a smile, looking directly into Luo Huai'an's eyes.

In that moment, Luo Huai'an felt a flicker of panic. This young man is so quick-witted! He's tossed this problem right back to me.

No one could criticize a grandfather for disciplining his own grandson. But if he did, not only would his plan fail, but his grandson would also have to endure a real beating.

The others were startled by Lin Mu's words, but Qin Yan's eyes lit up. That guy... he actually tossed the problem right back at the Luo family?

The smile on Luo Huai'an's face stiffened. "Since it was Jinping who offended Mr. Lin and Miss Qin, it is, of course, up to you to decide his punishment."

"Really?" Lin Mu looked at Luo Huai'an.

"Really!" Luo Huai'an gritted out.

"Regardless of whether he lives or dies?" Lin Mu pressed.

"Life... If taking Jinping's life is what it takes to appease you and Master Sun, then by all means, take it!" Luo Huai'an stared hard at Lin Mu, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"Grandfather!" Luo Jinping snapped his head up to look at his grandfather. If Lin Mu kills me, I'll have died for nothing!

"Excellent!" Lin Mu looked at Luo Huai'an and said coolly, "Since Elder Master Luo has spoken so generously, if I were to refuse, wouldn't I be wasting your kind offer?"

Everyone stared at Lin Mu in shock. Does he actually intend to kill Luo Jinping? Does he dare?

"Lin Mu, don't be reckless!" Qin Hongshu said coldly.

"Shut up!" Lin Mu snapped. "The Old Madam said I was to handle this matter. You have no right to interfere."

Faced with Lin Mu's rebuke, Qin Hongshu was rendered speechless.

"Lin Mu, I think you should just let it go. If you do this, you'll make a true enemy of the Luo Family," Qin Yan said, speaking up.

"Make an enemy of the Luo Family?" Lin Mu suddenly laughed. "A mere Luo Family? They have never been worthy of my notice!"

His declaration seemed to make the very air tremble.

The next moment, Lin Mu raised the birch branch high and lashed it fiercely at Luo Jinping.

CRACK!

A crisp snap echoed, and a shiver went through everyone present.

"Aaargh!"

Luo Jinping collapsed, a deep gash on his face exposing the bone beneath. A strike from a birch branch could indeed tear flesh, but it required immense strength to inflict such a wound. Lin Mu is being utterly merciless!

The expressions of the Qin Family members changed drastically.

The members of the Chen Family, however, showed undisguised delight. Lin Mu had now thoroughly and completely offended the Luo Family. Striking Luo Jinping's face was a direct slap to the face of the entire Luo Family!

Even Luo Huai'an's expression changed. His gaze toward his grandson held a flicker of heartache, but he clenched his jaw and said nothing.

Not a single member of the Luo Family spoke. But every one of them stared daggers at Lin Mu, their eyes burning with fury and hatred.

WHOOSH!

The air whistled as Lin Mu raised his arm again, the branch descending heavily once more.

"No!"

"Stop!"

The first cry was from Luo Jinping, the second from Qin Hongshu.

CRACK!

But it was too late. Lin Mu brought the branch down again without the slightest hesitation.

"Aaaargh!"

The branch struck Luo Jinping's face again. In an instant, his once-handsome features were a bloody ruin. He let out one last, shrill scream before he fainted.

Seeing the unconscious Luo Jinping, Luo Zhong's eyes rolled back, and he fainted as well. A foul stench suddenly filled the air from where he stood. He had been so frightened he had lost control of his bladder and bowels.

Gazing at the unconscious Luo Jinping, everyone was shaken to their core. Lin Mu... he's ruthless!

Qin Hongshu glared at Lin Mu, his eyes spitting fire.

Luo Huai'an's cheeks trembled, a clear sign he was struggling to suppress the inferno of rage within him.

So frail? Lin Mu glanced at Luo Jinping, tossed the bloody branch to the ground, and turned to walk toward the old mansion.

He paused for a moment and said, "Luo Family, listen well. It doesn't matter to me if you're displeased with me. Hate me if you want. If you seek revenge, come find me, Lin Mu!

"But remember this: next time, it won't be so certain that Luo Huai'an's grandson keeps his life!"

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