C14 Hubby

Soong Wei was startled by Xiao Ming's abrupt entrance, clueless about how the man had slipped in.

But Xiao Ming's frail frame and worn-out clothes seemed hardly a threat, so Soong Wei scoffed dismissively, "Where'd this country bumpkin spring from? Scram!"

Before Xiao Ming could utter a word, Soong Xixue interjected with a furrowed brow, "Stop stirring up trouble. You're all just eyeing the treasures my father possesses, aren't you? Well, let me make this clear: if it ever comes to that, I'd sooner donate every last dime than leave you anything."

"Damn it!" Soong Wei seethed at her words.

To him, Soong Xixue was nothing more than a pretty face, a mere social prop. The idea of her inheriting the Soong family wealth was ludicrous.

In this dog-eat-dog world, money was everything, and Soong Wei saw no issue in leveraging all his assets for financial gain, especially when it came to a cousin who was biting the hand that fed her.

"Soong Xixue, don't bite the hand that feeds you. Could you have made it in the provincial city without me all these years?"

"You've already upset Young Master Wang with your return to marry. You'll make it up to him today, or else I..."

"Bang!"

Mid-tirade, Soong Wei's words were cut off as a powerful blow to his abdomen sent him flying into the wall with a thud.

"Ah, ow, you little... you dare kick me..."

Struggling to rise, Soong Wei's words were slurred, his eyes brimming with malice as they fixed on Xiao Ming.

He couldn't place this stranger who looked like he belonged in the village. Later, he'd make him pay—no, he'd make him suffer.

Meanwhile, Soong Xixue stood rooted to the spot, dumbfounded.

Xiao Ming's intervention was wholly unexpected. She hadn't anticipated his readiness to resort to violence.

In her shock, she overlooked the improbability of Xiao Ming's slight build sending a grown man flying over ten meters, and she didn't even catch the moment he had struck.

Watching Soong Wei babble incessantly on the ground, Xiao Ming's brow furrowed.

He hadn't grasped the full story, but he had a general idea of what was happening.

It seemed to involve something akin to a family alliance through marriage.

In his world, such alliances were commonplace, but for a weaker family to marry off a daughter for survival was a profound disgrace. Typically, it was the family elders pleading with the young women to wed.

Why were the customs here so different?

To this young man, the act appeared honorable, even expected.

Could these be the norms of this world?

Xiao Ming frowned again.

But, he wasn't concerned with that.

What did their rules matter to him? Soong Xixue was his wife in name. How dare they suggest she keep the company of another man and even inquire about his parents' well-being?

In his past life, Xiao Ming would have already taught him the meaning of living in agony and longing for death.

But in this world...

Xiao Ming inhaled deeply, restraining the impulse to act, and said sternly, "Does it hurt? You have two options now. Either apologize to Xixue and leave, or...?"

He left the sentence hanging, his clenched and unclenched fists conveying a clear threat.

"Damn, you hick, you're asking for it." Soong Wei, barely standing with the support of the wall, snarled, "This is the Soong family's business. I suggest you back off, or I'll make you regret it."

Despite the kick, Soong Wei showed no fear.

It was expected for a rustic to be strong.

But as for fear, there were many in this world who could instill it in him, yet this simpleton before him was not one.

Xiao Ming chuckled and responded, "Well, in that case, this does concern me. I'm the 'country bumpkin' Xixue married, her current husband. You say it's a family matter, so let's discuss it properly."

Hearing this, Soong Xixue felt a touch of exasperation, yet a warmth spread through her heart.

Though sometimes irritating, as a husband in name, he had fulfilled all his duties. Perhaps she had been too petty.

Soong Wei, too, was taken aback by Xiao Ming's words, his face quickly contorting with displeasure.

"Seriously, you went and married a country bumpkin? Great, just great. You used to be Linjiang City's top goddess, drawing in those Young Masters like vultures to carrion. Now you're nothing but second-hand goods, someone's sloppy seconds, and you've screwed up my whole game. Not even Jesus could save you today."

Soong Wei was seething with rage.

For years, Soong Xixue's reputation had soared in Linjiang City's elite circles. She was stunning and carried herself with an air of unattainable grace, making her the ultimate challenge for countless wealthy heirs.

But catching her was one thing; their fates were no better than any of Soong Wei's other conquests, and he had used this to his advantage to infiltrate their exclusive circle.

Introducing Soong Xixue was the ultimate bait for these Young Masters.

Even Linjiang City's Young Master Wang had taken a keen interest in Soong Xixue, which had netted Soong Wei several lucrative deals.

But then, out of the blue, Soong Xixue announced she was getting married and hightailed it back to the sticks. Soong Wei, abroad at the time, rushed back only to find he was too late.

He'd assumed Soong Xixue's marriage was a ruse to dodge her suitors, figuring a little manipulation would set things straight.

After all, once a woman was 'cooked rice', what more could be done? She could be delivered straight to Young Master Wang's bed.

But this time, a real husband materialized, and Soong Wei was livid, his meticulous plans up in smoke.

The worth of an untouched, pristine goddess versus a married woman was incomparable. Soong Wei felt like he'd lost a billion yuan by not cashing in on Soong Xixue at her prime.

"Played with, second-hand, beyond salvation by Jesus..."

These words were a profound insult to Soong Xixue, her chest heaving with barely contained fury.

But someone else was even more incensed.

Xiao Ming stepped forward in a flash.

"Smack."

His slap sent Soong Wei spinning in place, a full 360 degrees.

"Ah, you bastard, pah!"

Blood and two teeth flew from Soong Wei's mouth.

In that moment, Xiao Ming's rage was palpable. He'd given Soong Wei a chance, yet the man persisted in his drivel. Clearly, he had no sense of self-preservation.

"Country bumpkin, you're really asking for it."

With a howl, Soong Wei grabbed a stool nearby and charged at Xiao Ming.

It finally dawned on him—why just take a beating when he could fight back?

But he was sorely mistaken.

"Thud."

Another kick sent Soong Wei flying, as Xiao Ming unleashed a flurry of punches, serving up a combination that didn't cost a dime.

In the midst of Xiao Ming's fervor, an unexpected softness enveloped his arm, followed by a gentle voice at his ear.

"Honey, that's enough. Stop fighting."