"It's you?"
Upon seeing the slender man, Shen Lang's face showed a hint of surprise.
The thin man before him was none other than Xiong Zi, who had sparred with Shen Lang before.
"Yes, Brother Shen, it's me," Xiong Zi scratched his head and said, "I didn't expect to see Brother Shen here. It's truly fate."
Xiong Zi had always been arrogant and untamed, but after losing to Shen Lang, he was completely convinced of Shen Lang's prowess. Therefore, he showed great respect to Shen Lang, even changing his address from "Brother Shen" to "Big Brother Shen."
"I also didn't expect to meet you here, let alone that you are the 'Big Brother' Zhao Qiang mentioned," Shen Lang said with a playful expression.
"Xiong'er, you know him?" Zhao Tianlong asked, greatly surprised to see Zhao Xiong and Shen Lang chatting amiably. Zhao Qiang also couldn't believe that Shen Lang knew his elder brother, and that his elder brother seemed to harbor some apprehension towards Shen Lang.
"Dad, this is Shen Lang, Big Brother Shen. Don't let his young age fool you; when it comes to fighting, none of us in the entire special forces team can match him," Zhao Xiong said, looking at Zhao Tianlong standing and then at Zhao Qiang kneeling on the ground. He continued in a somewhat shocked tone, "Big Brother Shen has repeatedly helped the Military Guard Department solve cases and is a meritorious official. Our director, Old Song, even privately considers recruiting him into the Military Guard Department."
Zhao Xiong glanced at Zhao Tianlong and then at Zhao Qiang kneeling on the floor, and said with some astonishment, "Although Big Brother Shen is incredibly powerful, I know his character. He's not the type to bully others. How did you provoke him?"
If others had insulted his father and brother for no reason, Zhao Qiang would have believed it. But if it were Shen Lang, Zhao Qiang wouldn't believe it for a moment. He, Lie Hu, and Qin Long had all provocatively challenged Shen Lang before. Shen Lang could have severely injured them during their matches, and no one could have said anything against it. However, Shen Lang hadn't. Each time, Shen Lang had eased his force at the crucial moment, ensuring they remained unharmed. If Shen Lang treated them with such consideration, he would be even more so with others. Therefore, there had to be a reason.
"Zhao Qiang, you explain," Zhao Xiong said. Zhao Xiong immediately saw the crux of the problem: Zhao Qiang must have acted recklessly and was taught a lesson by Shen Lang, then called his family for help. Zhao Xiong knew his father's temperament. Although he was angry about Zhao Qiang's usual misbehavior, upon hearing that Zhao Qiang was being bullied and was even in danger, he would rush to his son's aid.
"Big Brother, the situation is like this..." Facing Zhao Xiong's sharp, knife-like gaze, Zhao Qiang dared not lie and told the whole story truthfully.
"Bang—"
As Zhao Qiang finished speaking, Zhao Xiong kicked him to the ground.
"You useless piece of trash! It's bad enough that you're having an affair and messing around, but you even tried to smear your girlfriend and then take it out on others! How could I have a brother like you?" Zhao Xiong cursed as he took out his belt.
"Slap—" Zhao Xiong whipped Zhao Qiang with the belt, instantly tearing Zhao Qiang's suit to shreds, with blood splattering and flesh exposed. It was evident how hard Zhao Xiong had hit him.
"Ah—" The intense pain caused Zhao Qiang to cry out immediately. However, as Zhao Qiang's scream began, Zhao Xiong stepped forward and struck him again with the belt. This whip was even heavier, not only revealing Zhao Qiang's torn flesh but also faintly exposing his white bones.
"Big Brother, I was wrong! I promise I won't do it again," After just two lashes, Zhao Qiang let out a pig-like scream and rushed forward to grab Zhao Xiong's leg, begging for mercy. Despite being a simple cowhide belt, the pain it inflicted made Zhao Qiang feel that life was worse than death. He would rather die than endure another lash.
Zhao Tianlong was surprised by Zhao Xiong's 180-degree change in attitude towards Shen Lang and his apprehension towards Shen Lang, causing him to lash out at Zhao Qiang. Zhao Tianlong intended to intervene but was silenced by a glare from Zhao Xiong. Zhao Xiong's meaning was clear: begging for mercy was acceptable, but the one to do the begging shouldn't be him, but Shen Lang.
"You're begging me?"
"No, you should apologize to Big Brother Shen and Teacher Zhao, whom you slandered," Zhao Xiong roared as Zhao Tianlong, understanding his intention, abandoned the idea of pleading. Then, he whipped again. However, this time, the belt did not land successfully. Just as the belt was about to strike, Shen Lang stepped forward and grabbed Xiong Zi's wrist, stopping him. "Xiong Zi, no matter what, Zhao Qiang is your biological brother. Hitting him like this in front of your father will only break the old man's heart."
"No, if this continues, it's too cruel." Seeing Shen Lang intervene, both Zhao Xiong and Zhao Tianlong were overjoyed. Shen Lang had finally stopped him at a critical moment. Now, it would be time for apologies, pleasantries, and for the matter to be dropped. Yes, at least that's what Zhao Xiong and Zhao Tianlong thought. However, their wishes were good, but reality was cruel.
Shen Lang had stopped Zhao Xiong, but a cruel smile appeared on his face. He snatched the blood-stained belt and said, "I am an outsider, so let me."
"Slap—" After speaking, Shen Lang swiftly swung the belt, hitting Zhao Qiang's back.
"Ah—" With a scream, Zhao Qiang's flesh was torn open, and his white suit was instantly soaked red with blood.
"What?" Neither Zhao Xiong nor Zhao Tianlong had expected Shen Lang to do this. They stood frozen, completely at a loss for words. However, what surprised them even more was that after whipping Zhao Qiang once, Shen Lang threw the belt onto the ground. He looked at Zhao Qiang and said calmly, "If it weren't for your elder brother, based on your attempt to have me and Teacher Zhao's hands and feet broken, I would have crippled your hands and feet, and you would have spent the rest of your life bedridden."
"Tha... Thank you." Zhao Qiang, hearing Shen Lang's words, knew that Shen Lang had let him off after one lash. He looked up and said to Shen Lang with difficulty, "Don't worry, Big Brother Shen. I will never do evil again, and I will never harass Zhao Min... oh, no... Sister-in-law."
"What sister-in-law? Zhao Qiang, don't talk nonsense," Zhao Min said to Zhao Lang with a huff. However, as she said this, Zhao Min's face was flushed with shyness, and her head was bowed low.
"Big Brother Shen, thank you for your magnanimity. Rest assured, I will discipline him properly from now on and will never let him act recklessly," Zhao Xiong said. Knowing that Shen Lang had spared Zhao Qiang's limbs after only one lash was a great sign of respect.
"Big Brother Shen, the Zhao Group and I owe you a great favor. If you ever need our help, please don't hesitate to ask. We will not refuse," Zhao Xiong said to Shen Lang with cupped fists.
"Good—" Shen Lang replied, "I've heard your words. Now, take your brother to the hospital to treat his injuries."