Chapter 229: The Phoenix Man Who Soared Before the Apocalypse (34)

Father Huo was different from Father Su. This was his own son, after all. The moment he saw Young Master Huo pulling that constipated-looking face, he smacked him on the back of the head.

“You little brat! I asked you to help out a bit and you’re already acting like it’s beneath you.”

Young Master Huo rubbed his head in grievance and looked at his old man with a face full of accusation. “Come on, I didn’t even say anything. I just spaced out for a second. Why’d you hit me?”

Father Huo huffed and glared. “Sure, you didn’t say anything, but your face said it all. You’re helping with this whether you want to or not. If you don’t, our whole family will be sleeping on the streets tonight and end up zombie chow.”

“But seriously, I really can’t help with this…”

“You—” Father Huo jumped up from the couch, ready to beat his son down.

He couldn’t beat up other ability users, nor did he dare to. But when it came to his own son, his fists practically moved on their own.

Young Master Huo shielded his head with his arms. “Wait, wait! At least let me finish what I was saying! If the people you were just talking about are the ones outside, then it’s already taken care of.”

“What—”

Father Huo froze mid-swing, staring at him in disbelief.

The other elders also looked completely stunned.

Young Master Huo grinned smugly. “They tried to rob Young Master Shen just now, but he took care of them. Beat them all into submission. They’re all squatting outside now like obedient little puppies.”

Father Su: “???”

Mother Su: “???”

Father Huo: “???”

Mother Huo: “???”

“Hehe~” Young Master Huo, clearly enjoying the drama, continued, “You guys probably don’t know this yet, but Young Master Shen is an ability user too. A triple-attribute one at that. Super powerful. Let me put it this way—he could take on a hundred of me by himself. Otherwise, how do you think we made it here so easily?”

“Hiss—” Father Su stared at him in disbelief.

Shen Xiuyan responded with a polite and well-behaved smile.

Father Su turned to his daughter, cautiously asking, “Is… is that true?”

Su Mingyue nodded emphatically. “It’s true!”

And that was just scratching the surface. What Young Master Huo knew was only the tip of the iceberg. Her husband’s capabilities were far beyond that. If she revealed everything, everyone in the room would probably be scared stiff.

“I need a moment to process this.”

This revelation had already blown Father Su’s mind. He couldn’t help but grin like a fool. An ability user! A real ability user!

His son-in-law was an ability user. That meant their family’s chances of surviving the Apocalypse had just skyrocketed. What kind of dumb luck was this?

He always knew his daughter had the best judgment.

She’d found such an incredible husband!

Let those prestigious families laugh at him all they want. Now who’s laughing at who?

Father Huo looked at Father Su’s giddy, undignified expression and shook his head helplessly.

He voiced the most important question on everyone’s mind. “You really beat up all those people outside?”

Young Master Huo puffed up proudly. “Not us. Young Master Shen did it all by himself!”

Father Huo: “…”

This idiot son of his. That smug look on his face—Father Huo couldn’t even bear to look. It wasn’t even you who beat them up, so what are you so proud of?

He shook his head in disappointment.

Young Master Huo stared wide-eyed at his father in disbelief.

That look—he was mocking him, wasn’t he?

He was! He totally was!

He protested, “Why are you looking at me like that? I worked hard to get in with someone powerful. People would kill for a connection like this!”

“Pfft—hahaha!” Father Su burst out laughing. “You’re quite the character, young man. My son-in-law’s not that great. Not worth all this leg-hugging.”

Father Huo shot his old friend a sideways glance. Cut it out with that smug, sky-high expression. We all know what you’re really thinking.

And come on, there are only three outsiders here. We all know he’s your son-in-law. No need to emphasize it like that…

So what if he’s an ability user?

It’s not like your family’s the only one with one!

His son was an ability user too, and he wasn’t bragging. You’re acting like your son-in-law is some kind of god. Is that really necessary?

Unfortunately, his idiot son wasn’t on the same page. Hearing Father Su’s words, Young Master Huo continued to flatter shamelessly. “Oh come on, Uncle, don’t say that. If Young Master Shen is only average, then I doubt there’s anyone strong left in this world.”

“Hahaha, you’ve got a silver tongue, kid. Not like your old man. I like you.”

There wasn’t a parent alive who didn’t enjoy hearing praise about their child. And Young Master Huo’s sweet talk was practically dipped in honey, making Father Su feel all warm inside.

Shen Xiuyan interrupted their mutual admiration with a helpless tone. “Alright, that’s enough. Young Master Huo, could you go bring in the leader from outside?”

“On it!”

Young Master Huo scurried off. Not even a minute later, Brother Lei came in, looking like a scared little quail, trailing behind him.

The moment Father Su saw Brother Lei, he flinched.

He couldn’t help it. The guy’s fierce face from when he kicked them out was still fresh in his memory. He had a bit of a trauma response.

But then he remembered—wait a minute, his son-in-law was here. What was there to be afraid of?

These were all people his son-in-law had beaten down. Nothing to worry about.

Instantly, Father Su straightened up again.

He puffed out his chest and mocked, “Well, if it isn’t Brother Lei. What brings you to our humble little temple? Don’t tell me you’re here to pick another fight and toss us out again?”

Brother Lei rubbed his hands nervously. “No, no, not at all.”

Fight? What fight? That was a one-sided beatdown.

His whole body still ached from the thrashing he got. He couldn’t even find a doctor. He was pitiful beyond words.

Shen Xiuyan spoke calmly from the side, “So it was you who tried to kick my father-in-law out?”

“Misunderstanding, total misunderstanding.” Brother Lei shook his head furiously. “If I’d known he was your father-in-law, I wouldn’t have dared.”

He turned to Father Su and bowed repeatedly. “I’m so sorry. I was blind before and offended you. Please forgive me.”

Father Su was startled by his sudden change in attitude.

This was nothing like the arrogant man from before. Just yesterday, he’d been looking down his nose at them. Now he was groveling. What kind of beating did his son-in-law give him to cause such a change?

Shen Xiuyan said, “I’m not the one who needs to forgive you.”

Brother Lei immediately nodded and bowed again. “Yes, yes, you’re right. Sir, we were wrong. Please forgive us.”

Father Su looked constipated. Thinking about all the crap they pulled, he really didn’t feel like forgiving them.

Shen Xiuyan noticed and gently said, “You don’t have to be afraid of him, Father-in-law. I’m here. Say whatever you want. Do whatever you want. These people are yours to deal with.”

Father Su felt the pressure and waved it off. This kind of thankless task wasn’t for him. “Forget it. You handle it. You young people are more decisive. Besides, this family’s future depends on you.”