Chapter One, The Bastard of the Slums

Just as the aftermath of this incident had not yet concluded, another event surged into public view with astonishing speed: the head of the Wayne Industrial Group of Riverbank Star, Lord Lin Wei of the Lin family, has brought back his illegitimate son, whom he had abandoned on Garbage Star No. 12 in Haizhou.

For this remote and almost forgotten garbage planet on the edge of the empire, it is as rare as two meteors falling into the same crater.

This was the first slap he had received from childhood to adulthood. How could he possibly endure the explosive anger that surged from his chest to his forehead at such a moment, when he was facing so many people and preparing to establish his authority

That fortunate boy from the slum is named Lin Hai. It is said that his mother possesses quite a bit of beauty. Otherwise, she would not have had such a fleeting romantic entanglement with the head of the Lin family, Lin Wei, back in the day

The first incident occurred a month ago, the sensational Haizhou No. 12 event, where twelve mechas of the Norman family of the Empire crashed, reportedly with only one surviving.

Lin Hao's words came to an abrupt halt, akin to a gasping goose.

Sometimes ... it is still synonymous with "low-key"

Lin Wei showed no anger, his tone very cold, "Go back to your room."

Lin Hai's shoulder dipped slightly, and he was unsure of the reason. The thin monkey's vicious punch unexpectedly glided past the curve of Lin Hai's shoulder. Lin Hai's shoulder then naturally shifted, colliding with the thin monkey's armpit.

He directly reached out his hand and pushed Lin Hao aside.

Lin Wei approached the two individuals, looking at Lin Hao, and without giving him a chance to explain, shouted, "Do you know how important today's meeting is... Making a commotion here, what kind of decorum is that! Get back to where you came from!"

Lin Hai followed the man in black through the long corridor of the mansion, resembling a palace, and was about to head to the room that had been arranged for him.

Ah... a woman with that illegitimate child. Especially those women with some beauty, one can only imagine how they have lived these years. Even how they managed to raise that country bumpkin into adulthood... remains a question mark...

This is clearly a spoiled and arrogant young man

A woman's exclamation suddenly rang out

At this moment, the source of the "Louse Scandal," the "louse" Lin Hai, boarded a spaceship leaving the Haizhou Garbage Star slum and arrived at the Lin Family Manor

Prior to this, Lin Hai had imagined meeting his younger brother, but he did not expect that it would begin under such circumstances

Then came a stern and intimidating reprimand from a middle-aged man, "Stop it!"

Lin Hao's slow and mocking words echoed in his ears again, "You are the country bumpkin they speak of. How is life in Haizhou Star? I heard you make a living by scavenging. You also have to support that sickly woman, it must be quite difficult... Well, she is dead now, you are no longer burdened, and you have been brought here, you must feel relieved at last"

Bang

His expression was dominated by indignation and disbelief; he could not understand why, despite having the numerical advantage on his side, he had still been slapped twice.

Lord Lin Wei has a legitimate son, Lin Hao, born of his legal wife

... ...

Lin Hao trembled at the sound

A resounding slap landed squarely on Lin Hao's slightly plump face, causing his quivering facial flesh to twitch under the wide-eyed gaze of the crowd in the front hall, still strikingly vivid.

A few deep, meaningful laughs from older men echoed through the crowd

Beside her stood a dignified middle-aged man wearing a brass lily medal on his chest. His face was gaunt, yet it could not conceal the sharpness in his gaze

The panic in Lin Hao's eyes flashed and disappeared, and he was about to turn and retreat quickly, but it was already too late

That being said, the woman has now passed away in the slums. The country bumpkin has been brought back; does Lin Wei intend to provide compensation and prepare a formal identity for him

His life, from the twenty years after his birth, was spent on a garbage planet. His world, his understanding, and his friends had never left that place, which had been abandoned by the mainstream and was piled high with refuse. He had never known what paternal love was, had no concept of brotherhood, and felt somewhat anxious about those potential "relatives" that might exist.

Lin Hai furrowed his brow; he felt very unfamiliar with this new environment. This unfamiliarity brought with it a sense of vigilance. Out of instinctive self-defense for his dignity, he certainly could not allow the other party to show off and assert dominance in front of him

At that moment, the steward of Lin Hai's manor, including the steward named Li An who was carrying a worn wooden box, suddenly stopped in his tracks. Everyone looked at the young boy who appeared across the corridor, their expressions showing some emotion.

The imposing force of Lin Hai's push carried with it a certain spirit forged from his struggles in the slums since childhood. Thus, Lin Hao first felt a chill in his heart, and in that moment of distraction, he realized that he was unable to resist and had been pushed to the edge of the corridor, where he was pinned against the wall

Meanwhile, the tall, monkey-like bodyguard swiftly struck down from his left side with a powerful punch aimed at his forehead, his expression turning dark and fierce, "You dare to make the first move!"

Understood. This is to establish one's authority in public.

Lin Hai's well-proportioned hand firmly grasped his neck, choking him.

In the suffocating atmosphere of the luxury sedan, Lin Hai observed the serious and intimidating expressions of the men in black surrounding him

It is indeed the case, but it is a pity to have that fortune yet lack the blessings. This woman ultimately could not surpass the high threshold of the Lin Group. How could someone with no background be worthy of becoming Mrs. Lin? In the end, she left with resentment. In recent years, there have been vague reports of her being lost in Haizhou, that garbage star, until her passing last week finally confirmed it

What does this mean? Does he know who he is? It implies that Lin Hao, from the noble circle of the Riverside Star, is not even considered a significant figure in his eyes

No, it is not that simple

Lin Hao's face, accompanied by the anxious and fearful gaze of his raised head, was pale yet flushed, exquisitely tender, presented before him

Lin Hai took a step forward, calmly raised his hand, and delivered another solid slap to his face with a sweeping motion

Since he is not foolish, Lin Hai does not understand why he would risk offending himself and jeopardizing his future relationship with his brother.

... ...

The expressions of the black-clad security guards surrounding Lin Hao changed dramatically. These individuals understood what kind of formidable figure Lin Hao was within the aristocratic circles of the Ring Star District 2. Yet today, instead of intimidating that illegitimate child at home, he was unexpectedly grabbed by the neck and slapped in return

These bodyguards are clearly Lin Hao's lackeys, and now they are taking advantage of the situation to act. This illegitimate child truly has no standing at all

The bodyguard, whose face was full of flesh, kicked sideways with a swift motion, concealed by several other bodyguards, making it impossible for anyone to see that he was using underhanded tactics. After the incident, Lin Hai found himself with no one to reason with. Lin Hai let out a cold smile, gliding forward, and in the moment when everyone's eyes blurred, he sidestepped the opponent's foot and collided into his embrace. The burly man bent over like a shrimp. Although Lin Hai appeared to be dodging, in reality, at the moment of close contact, his elbow had already bent sharply, transforming the elbow tip into a sharp point, ruthlessly stabbing into the area beneath the opponent's heart.

As an illegitimate child, having spent twenty years in a slum, modern society is to him like another world

In Lin Wei's study, Lin Hai is standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, beneath his well-defined brows are two deep, ink-black eyes

The Lin Family Manor is located here

Lin Hai's expression remained calm, and his demeanor was very composed, even when someone slapped him while gripping his throat, he still maintained his composure

He spoke with a rise and fall in his tone, saying, "But let me make it clear to you in advance, there are rules here, and if you do not abide by them"

The several bodyguards in black nearby wore expressions of hostility. Among them, a tall and thin one shouted, "Let's talk nicely!" but in reality, he had already lunged at Lin Hai, delivering a punch straight to his solar plexus.

At that moment, Lin Hao stumbled backward.

Traveling in a black spaceship and a luxury car through a bustling metropolis never seen before, Lin Hai pursed his lips and sat upright, not allowing himself to experience the exquisite comfort of the leather seats, as if he were two individuals out of sync with this era

As he watched the few bodyguards approach with cold, mocking expressions and an unpredictable demeanor, it seemed they were intent on stopping Lin Hai from continuing his outburst. However, regardless of their positioning or stance, they effectively blocked and suppressed any resistance he might offer. Lin Hai understood the situation clearly; having fought countless battles in the slums, he was well accustomed to the kind of overt persuasion that masked covert attacks and backstabbing.

Lin Hai felt a slight sense of unease deep within.

He slightly curled the corners of his lips, exuding an imposing presence without anger, "Do not add to the ridicule any further!"

Black can embody solemnity and gravity, instilling a sense of reverence in people

This is the second time in just one month that the people of the Imperial Riverbank Star Zone have heard the name "Haizhou No. 12"

Two slaps, clean and swift, without the slightest hesitation. Just like Lin Hai once meticulously sorted through the mountain of garbage in Haizhou Star.

Unfortunately, these individuals have already taken notice of his abrupt presence

In the face of these, Lin Hai felt no hatred, no anger

Then this person proceeded forward as if he had not seen him at all

Lin Hai turned around, opened the door, and left. The study behind him resembled a gray-toned painting. Lin Wei sat in the large leather chair, his expression languid, like an elderly man in decline who did not know how to repent. Gazing at Lin Hai's silhouette, he felt lost and despondent in his moment of hesitation.

Lin Hao's inherent arrogance surged to the forefront. He stepped forward and pointed a finger fiercely at Lin Hai, "Who do you think you are, acting like a big shot in front of me? Do you really think you are my brother? You are nothing but the illegitimate child of a whore!"

I do not know what those family members, whom he has not seen for twenty years, are like, their personalities, and what their attitude towards him is really like

The empire cannot allow Lin Wei to pass his lordship title to an illegitimate child. The Lily Flower nobility would also not agree.

Lin Hao was filled with a strange anger; he could forgive the other party's indifference, but he would never forgive their attitude

Suddenly transitioning from a place like a garbage planet to another world is akin to a fish being thrown onto land, suffocating from lack of oxygen

The prominent figures in the lobby, who wore expressions tinged with sympathy and mockery, were evidently unaware that they had been rudely insulted as "bastards" by this unremarkable fellow

Do not mention the empire; even on our side of the riverside star, it is also a joke. No matter how this fellow is, he will always be labeled as a bastard

And now, the insignificant young man from the garbage planet is riding in a black sedan, driving along the highway, heading straight for the heart of this metropolis

However, Lin Wei did not become angry. On the contrary, the originally fierce gaze of the eagle softened for a moment as it fixed its eyes on Lin Hai. The clenched fist slowly relaxed, revealing a hint of fatigue. He waved his hand and said, "After all, he is your brother. I do not expect you to rely on each other, but mutual respect and trust are necessary. I do not wish for such an incident to occur a second time... You may go back now"

The family meeting did not conclude until late at night, after which the family members gradually departed

Lin Wei sat in the wide and large leather chair, his expression as imposing as an eagle, his voice resonating in the slightly cold air. "You know that today's meeting is very important. In front of so many people, you have given them the opportunity to stab you in the back. This is Riverside Star, no longer the place you used to know... Why did you take action against your brother?"

Lin Hai also turned to look aside. A middle-aged woman, dressed elegantly with sparse eyebrows and light-colored eyes, emerged from the front hall. The earlier exclamation had come from her. Upon seeing her son with a swollen face, her previously refined demeanor could not help but give way to a surge of anger.

The thin monkey was struck as if by a giant bell, screaming as it flew backward. It crashed heavily into Lin Hao, who was pouncing forward like a leopard under the imposing presence of the bodyguards.

He is the current head of the Lin Group, Lord Lin Wei of the Empire

Lin Wei's body had been tormented by years of illness, resulting in a gaunt appearance; otherwise, he would undoubtedly possess a rare and transcendent demeanor. Nevertheless, even in this state, the eagle-like cold gaze he directed at Lin Hai sent a shiver down Lin Hai's spine.

His hands trembled slightly due to the emptiness within, and he did not know what the future held for him

The manor's foyer was filled with many people, and Lin Hai knew that a meeting was currently taking place within the manor. As he passed through the corridor, he could faintly see the foyer, where among the lively conversations were young and handsome talents, elegantly dressed women, and middle-aged men with bulging bellies, casually holding cigars.

Lin Hai stared unflinchingly at Lin Wei's fierce eyes, his pupils resembling a lake under the night sky. "That is my mother... in name, she is also his mother. Although she is now deceased, if he speaks of her with any disrespect... I would not hesitate to make him understand what respect truly entails"

Lin Hai noticed that Lin Hao's eyes flickered with ambiguity, and beneath his slightly plump face was a hint of cunning and cleverness, clearly not the type of foolish dandy.

He is actually very lonely and insignificant

Cattle lice are the arch-nemesis of the riverside farmers, as the planet's climate is conducive to the growth of such pests. Therefore, when they reproduce on a large scale, they become a nightmare for the fields. Cattle lice are thus named, more so as a humorous metaphor used by gentlemen and ladies to mock the disastrous spread of scandals.

However, what Lin Hai saw was Lin Hao, after this remark, casting a gaze that seemed to be both present and absent towards the crowd in the front hall

Area 2 of Ring Star is the premier gathering place for the wealthy and social elites of Riverside Star. Compared to the vast lower-class residential areas, it is merely a small corner, yet it attracts the most dazzling lights of the planet at night

At a critical moment, Lin Hao leaned to one side, deflecting most of the force from the thin monkey's impact. The momentum of the leaping leopard immediately crumbled, stumbling forward a couple of steps, and it barely managed to maintain its balance by using both hands and feet. Raising its head, its slightly pale and plump face was thus presented before the standing Lin Hai.

Lin Hao's small hat fell to the ground, his expression still maintaining the previous air of aloofness and arrogance, but the redness and swelling of his face, along with his stiff gaze, left him momentarily dazed

Instead, I looked at those loquacious big shots in the front hall, wearing a sympathetic smile. "These privileged individuals, is this all they can do behind the scenes? They are truly not even at the level of those uncouth widows from Haizhou. Compared to the neighbors on the garbage planet, they are simply a bunch of unrefined country bumpkins.

These words, accompanied by the faint rustling sounds of those individuals, drifted subtly in the air above the manor

The once noisy foyer fell silent. A faint trembling voice came from the originally tranquil corridor, "This is an attack..." Then suddenly, there was a hysterical scream, "You dare to attack me... I will kill you!"

The crowd in the lobby felt a slight chill, as they did not expect that this seemingly harmless illegitimate child, who appeared somewhat out of place in this luxurious environment after transitioning from a garbage planet, would actually dare to take action against Lin Hao, a notorious figure among the young elites of Riverbank Star!

Uh

The understated black sedan came to a stop at the side entrance of the square-shaped manor, carrying a person who had to remain low-key. The man in black paused slightly when facing Lin Hai's worn wooden box, before finally taking it. At this moment, the circular driveway of the manor's main entrance was filled with various cars, as the Wayne Group was holding a meeting today involving key figures of the group and relatives from both inside and outside the family

The garbage star is black, the spaceship is black, and even the car waiting at the airport is black

The previous piece of news may evoke a sigh of regret, while the latter has spread throughout the upper circles of Riverside Star like a tick.

Upon seeing this father, the debauched Lin Hao immediately wilted like a mouse encountering a cat, his cheeks swollen, lips thin and sinisterly pressed together, his gaze darting back and forth over Lin Hai. The bodyguards around him also quickly retreated, huddling beside Lin Hao.

illegitimate child, slum, bumpkin

He then looked at Lin Hai, who was also encountering the unfamiliar presence he referred to as father for the first time.

Neither servile nor arrogant, yet no one knows what kind of wrath this statement will provoke in Lin Wei

He was a slightly plump boy, approximately sixteen years old, wearing a small beret and boots. Approaching with an air of arrogance, he looked at Lin Hai and let out a dismissive snort from his nostrils, saying, "You have arrived!"

Lin Hao's cheeks are swollen high on both sides