Chapter 449: Apology

Hearing that voice, all the passengers in the train car turned toward the door in unison.

The man who suddenly barged in appeared to be in his thirties. His face was broad and brutish, his short hair stood up like needles, and he was nearly 1.9 meters tall. His muscular build bulged beneath his suit, and his sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, radiating a dangerous aura. He was not someone to be trifled with.

Behind him, a group of people surged in, including the man and woman who had been slapped by Chen Lingxin earlier.

“Brother, that’s her! She’s the one who hit me.”

The woman held one hand to her face and pointed with the other toward Chen Lingxin and Lin Xiao’s seats, her expression full of resentment. “You have to stand up for me and for BaoBao.”

“BaoBao?”

Hearing that, the other passengers cast odd glances at the man. A man being called “BaoBao” was certainly something unusual.

“I told you, my name is Zhao Bao, stop calling me BaoBao.” Zhao Bao looked visibly uncomfortable under everyone’s gaze and snapped at the woman, his tone tinged with anger.

“Bao… BaoBao… I…” The woman began to explain, flustered at his anger.

But before she could finish, the muscular man she had referred to as her brother scolded coldly, “How are you talking to my sister?”

Zhao Bao seemed to fear the muscular man. He stood behind the woman, head lowered, silent, his eyes shifty.

Seeing this, the man ignored Zhao Bao and stepped toward Chen Lingxin and Lin Xiao.

As he moved, the group behind him followed, crowding the already narrow aisle. Passengers in the car frowned, clearly annoyed but not daring to speak up.

“Master, looks like those two really went and got someone to back them up,” Chen Lingxin said, hearing the commotion behind her. Her expression, however, remained completely untroubled. “Say, what if they really try to start something? We’re on a train, and there are so many people around. It’s not really a good place for a fight, right?”

“You just thought of that?” Lin Xiao opened one eye, glanced at her, then closed it again. “You’re on your own for this one. I’m not getting involved.”

“Hmph, that’s so irresponsible! Didn’t my dad ask you to take care of me?”

“Old Master Chen asked me to keep you from causing trouble. This little spat doesn’t even count.”

Lin Xiao turned to face the window, clearly uninterested. “Relax. Those people who came to make a fuss aren’t much. Their leader’s cultivation is only at the Bright Force level. He’s no match for you.”

“Fine, I’ll handle it myself,” Chen Lingxin muttered, pouting.

As they spoke, the man arrived in front of them.

When he got a good look at Chen Lingxin’s beautiful face, he clearly froze for a second. A flicker of surprise passed through his eyes, and the fierce expression on his face eased slightly. In a low voice, he asked, “You’re the one who hit my sister?”

Chen Lingxin stood up in a flash, arms crossed over her chest, a mocking smile on her lips and a slight arch in her brow.

“That’s right. I did. What are you going to do about it?”

Even though the man was far bigger and had a group behind him, she showed not a hint of fear.

The man didn’t speak. He squinted slightly, sizing her up carefully, then glanced several times at Lin Xiao, who sat beside her.

Chen Lingxin’s calm—bordering on arrogant—demeanor made the man uneasy. He began to suspect he’d picked the wrong target.

Especially that man. Something about him reminded the man of someone he’d heard about.

The Southern Martial Arts Exchange Conference was fast approaching. Experts from all over were traveling to Dongzhou, including many young prodigies of frightening strength.

Those were the kinds of people he absolutely could not afford to offend.

“This young lady, I’m Xu Chao, the senior disciple of Tianfang Martial Hall.” The man suddenly softened his tone and extended a friendly gesture. “May I ask your name, and this gentleman’s as well?”

Chen Lingxin had expected a fight and was disappointed when he suddenly tried to make peace.

“Tianfang Martial Hall? I’ve heard of it. You’re from Jiangnan Province, right? Based in Fenggao City? Your head is Xu Fang, yes? You share the same surname, are you his son?”

Her words made Xu Chao’s expression shift dramatically.

“I’m Chen Lingxin. I assume you’ve heard of me.”

Xu Chao’s eyes flickered—from shock to recognition to relief.

He was immensely grateful that he hadn’t acted impulsively. Otherwise, the consequences might have been unimaginable.

In Jiangnan Province’s martial arts world, the Chen family was known far and wide. The Chen Martial Hall was one of the so-called Four Great Halls in the province.

Although martial arts in Jiangnan had declined, and the Four Halls might be a joke to people from other provinces, they were still major powers compared to small halls like his.

And more importantly…

Xu Chao recalled a certain person who had shaken Jiangnan Province recently, rumored to be connected to the Chen family.

Cold sweat beaded on his back. His thick face twitched as he forced a smile. His attempt at a grin made him look worse than if he’d kept a straight face.

“I didn’t expect to run into Miss Lingxin here. What a pleasant surprise. I’ve heard of your reputation for a long time. Looks like this was just a misunderstanding. We’re all people from Jiangnan’s martial world, no need to turn water against the Dragon King’s temple.”

Chen Lingxin smiled faintly. “So you’re not going to avenge your sister?”

Xu Chao turned and glared at his sister and Zhao Bao. They both seemed to realize things had gone south. Shoulders slumped, heads hung low.

“Miss Lingxin jokes. I only came to find out what happened. If my foolish sister offended you, rest assured, I’ll give her a good lesson.”

“She didn’t offend me. Her boyfriend, though…” Chen Lingxin sneered. “All show and no substance. Nothing but a stuffed pillow. Better have her open her eyes next time. Don’t get tricked and still help him count the money.”

Xu Chao’s eyes instantly turned cold. He cast a sideways glare at Zhao Bao.

Zhao Bao shivered violently, shrinking further with a visible tremble.

“Zhao Bao, apologize to Miss Lingxin now.” Xu Chao’s voice squeezed through clenched teeth, every word icy cold. “If she doesn’t forgive you, I’ll break your legs myself.”

“Brother, I…” Xu Chao’s sister tried to speak up for her boyfriend, but Xu Chao silenced her with a single glare.

Under Xu Chao’s fierce gaze, Zhao Bao looked terrified. Though the car was air-conditioned, his face was drenched in sweat.

He hung his arms at his sides and bowed deeply toward Chen Lingxin in a ninety-degree salute. “Miss Lingxin, I was wrong. Please be magnanimous and forgive me.”

Chen Lingxin felt extremely satisfied inside but kept a calm exterior. Imitating Lin Xiao’s usual tone, she waved her hand casually.

“Forget it. Let’s end it here. I won’t pursue it further.”

Zhao Bao was relieved, retreating into the crowd, not daring to show his face again.

Thus, the incident was quietly resolved.

Sensing the tension had eased, Xu Chao cautiously asked, “Miss Lingxin, may I ask who this gentleman is?”

He pointed at Lin Xiao, who had kept his eyes closed and hadn’t spoken once. His tone was cautious, mixed with curiosity.

Lin Xiao heard the question but had no interest in such meaningless socializing. He didn’t respond.

“You’ve already guessed, haven’t you?” Chen Lingxin said flatly.