Chapter 59: Present

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    I am happy to see you are in good health.

    I apologize for making you worry, father.

    Father and son look at each other for several silent seconds. Even without saying a single word, they can understand each other perfectly. The slightest change in their expressions says more than a hundred words. It is a testament to how close they are.

    Dr. Liu, thats wrong!

    Unfortunately for Su An, she is completely unable to read either of them.

    You cannot be so understanding with him, she says, pointing at Liu Jin. If you are, Boss will do something like this again. If that happens, this Su An will become an old woman before her time.

    Faced with the distraught Su An, Liu Jianguo smiles gently.

    It is natural to be concerned. Tournaments can be quite dangerous, after all. But for that very reason, I had already come to terms with this possibility.

    You had?

    Liu Jin blinks then blushes when he realizes he spoke at the same time as Su An. His father nods.

    It is as I told you before, son. This is not the first tournament I have been witness to.

    It is not exactly what he said before. Before the tournament, his father had been telling Liu Jin about his experience participating in tournaments. Su Ans presence, however, means his father is not going to tell him any stories about those right now. Not for the first time, Liu Jin curses his late-night conversation with Xiao Fang. Had it not been for that, hed have probably been able to talk with his father a little more yesterday.

    His fathers past, it seems, will remain as elusive as ever for now.

    I have seen what the pressure of a tournament can do to people, especially those who are still young. Ambition. Grudges. Hopes. It is a dangerous combination. From the moment you told me you would participate, I anticipated something like this. You are, after all, my son. You have unfortunately inherited much of my stubbornness.

    That is

    Liu Jin frowns.

    Is his father right?

    Liu Jin would like to tell himself that the only reason he got into the ring with Yun Han is due to the task Xiao Nan left for him. If that talk hadnt happened If he had then not revealed anything to Xiao Fang, then surely he wouldnt have fought Yun Han.

    Right?

    That Liu Jin cannot answer the question immediately worries him.

    It is possibleprobable eventhat Liu Jin would have fought Yun Han even if Xiao Nan had never talked to him. Maybe there is a part of him that wanted the fight to happen, and the tournament just provided the circumstances for it. The notion is one Liu Jin is not comfortable with, yet it does not feel like one he can dismiss. The more he thinks about it, the more right it sounds.

    Maybe he wanted to fight Yun Han.

    Could it be that he is actually stubborn?

    If you knew, then why did you allow Boss to participate, Dr. Liu? Su Ans tone is not accusing, but rather truly confused. She is utterly mystified, having expected a bigger reaction from his father after the fight with Yun Han.

    To be honest, so had Liu Jin.

    I have complete faith in my sons ability. If I had felt otherwise, I would have asked him not to participate.

    He would have asked, and Liu Jin would have obeyed without question.

    As much as he likes Xiao Nan, having to choose between Xiao Nan and his father isnt a choice at all.

    Su An groans into her hands. Her hair falls over her face.

    Doctor Liu, please dont be so supportive right now. Boss needs to be scared away from being reckless.

    Liu Jin pats her shoulder.

    I promise I will be more careful next time.

    Dont guarantee there will be a next time, Boss!

    At the very least, I cannot guarantee there will not not be a next time.

    It is not often one gets the opportunity to humiliate a competitor so publically. Congratulations.

    Liu Jin sighs.

    Unfortunately, I cannot say I am fond of the experience. If that is your preference, perhaps you may enjoy working with my brother-in-law instead. Liu Jin jerks his head in the direction of the ring where Xiao Fangs match has already begun. He doubts it will last more than a few seconds.

    Unthinkable. Song Daiyu places a hand over her chest and adopts a helpless expression. Can you imagine what would happen to an innocent young maiden such as myself if put near such a brash young man?

    Liu Jin gives her a flat stare.

    Somehow, Id be more worried about my brother-in-law if such a thing were to happen.

    I see you are in possession of an honest tongue. What a refreshing yet regretful malady.

    Putting that matter aside, Liu Jin says, realizing that he is already getting caught in her pace. It is fun, but there are more pressing concerns right now. I wonder how safe it is for you to be here today. The Yun Sect is not in the best of moods right now.

    Song Daiyu defeated a disciple of the Yun Sect yesterday. Normally, the defeat of a mere Inner Disciple would not matter much. At least, not when the fight between Yun Han and Xiao Fang looms on the horizon.

    However, one has to consider Yun Hans fight with Liu Jin.

    After something like that, the Yun Sect will be looking for someone to make an example of. Usually, itd be unthinkable for the Yun Sect to brazenly touch someone of Song Daiyus status, but the Yun Sect does not know who she is at the moment. The possibility of them accidentally harming her is not low.

    Song Daiyu, however, does not look worried. If anything, she seems a bit disappointed.

    Ah, thats no good. A more cunning man would have aimed the Yun Sect towards me. Can you imagine how bad the repercussions for them would be if they dared to hurt a daughter of the Song clan?

    Such things are not something I am interested in.

    Song Daiyu pouts.

    Youre no fun outside the ring.

    I merely do not find the prospect of placing you in danger entertaining.

    In danger? Song Daiyu laughs. Do you truly think any of the members of the Yun Sect present in this stadium represent a threat towards my person? Please, I happen to like you, so try not to disappoint me.

    Liu Jin frowns. Does she have some way to prove her identity then? Most likely, but her confidence does not seem born from just that.

    Was she holding back during their fight?

    Would you let something bad happen to me, Shitou?

    As long as this servant is around, not even a speck of dust will touch Mistress body.

    Liu Jin takes a step back.

    A man appears out of nowhere, suddenly looming over Song Daiyu. Though not quite as tall as Xiao Zheng, he is undoubtedly wider. Liu Jin doubts there is much fat on his body. The mans face and body look like they have been carved out of stone.

    His sudden appearance is not due to something like Art of the Roaming Thief or a trick of speed. His form just suddenly becomes visible from one moment to the next.

    As you can see, there is no need for you to worry about me. Though your concern is appreciated, do not be so foolish as to think a daughter of the Song family would ever travel without protection.

    I see.

    Well, although I say that, I must admit I will not be present to see how this quaint, little play ends. I trust I dont have to explain why.

    Liu Jin shakes his head in negative.

    No. I understand, and I wish you safe travels.

    During the first two days of the tournament, the only members of the Yun and Xiao Sect present have been those participating. Even the two disciples who put the new ring in place had to be called here.

    However, that will not be the case during the final day of the tournament.

    The final match will be between Yun Han and Xiao Fang. Everyone knows that.

    Isnt it natural for their fathers to be present?

    ~~~