HBWnovel Chapter 425 Intolerable
Chapter 425 Intolerable
Xu Tian wasn't offended by the butler's attitude. He knew full well that in such situations, remaining calm and polite was crucial. He cupped his fists slightly, performed a standard salute, and said with a gentle smile, "I'm Xu Tian, and I've come to visit General Li Hua. Please let the butler know." His voice was steady and calm, and his eyes revealed sincerity and expectation, making it difficult to feel any resentment.
When the butler heard this, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes. He frowned slightly and thought to himself: "This kid is looking for Li Hua? Judging from his clothes, he doesn't look like someone from a prominent background. How could he know the general?" So he raised his voice and asked: "Who are you? What do you want from Li Hua?" He stared at Xu Tian intently, as if he wanted to find some answers from his face, with a hint of vigilance in his eyes.
Xu Tian noticed the change in the steward's face and understood his concerns. He maintained his smile and spoke calmly, "Steward, you may not know, but I was once a soldier under General Li Hua, following him through battles across the country, through life and death. Now that I've heard you're living here, I miss you so much that I've decided to visit and reminisce." His eyes revealed a touch of reminiscence and emotion, like the deep concern of a long-lost subordinate for his general. As he spoke, his mind involuntarily replayed the fierce battle scenes, and his respect for General Li Hua deepened.
The steward's expression grew even more complex after hearing Xu Tian's words. A flicker of hesitation and caution flashed across his eyes as he thought, "Li Hua's former subordinate? This can't be taken lightly. If he truly is someone with connections, I'll be in for a rough ride if I offend him." His expression darkened slightly as he snorted coldly, "Wait here. I'll go in and announce everything."
Xu Tian nodded slightly and said, "Thank you, butler. I am very grateful." There was a hint of gratitude in his eyes. He stood quietly outside the door, watching the butler turn around and walk into the mansion. The door slowly closed behind him.
At this moment, Xu Tian's heart was like the surging waves of a lake, unable to calm down. His heartbeat involuntarily quickened, and the scene of his reunion with General Li Hua kept replaying in his mind. He recalled the general's bravery on the battlefield, and the general's caring for his men. Those past memories were like bright stars, illuminating his heart. He prayed silently, hoping that this time he could meet General Li Hua smoothly and get some clues about Lin Feng from him. He paced slowly on the steps in front of the door, clenching and unclenching his hands, trying to ease the tension in his heart.
The streets became increasingly crowded, and the darkness gradually enveloped Lingyuan City. Xu Tian stood alone in front of the Li family's gate, his figure appearing somewhat lonely under the dim light, but his eyes were filled with anticipation.
Finally, the suffocating silence was broken by the sound of shuffling footsteps from within. With a creaking sound, the door slowly swung open, and a man who resembled a butler emerged first, followed by a middle-aged man in his forties or fifties. He wore a deep purple brocade robe, delicately embroidered with cloud patterns at the corners. He wore a belt inlaid with beautiful jade, a testament to his distinguished status. His face was slightly round, his skin fair, but the wrinkles around his eyes and forehead, like the marks of time, clearly revealed the vicissitudes of life he had endured. His narrow eyes, slightly narrowed, held a sharp and arrogant gaze. This man was Li Zhe, the eldest elder of the Li family.
The butler stepped out of the door, pointed at Xu Tian, and shouted at the top of his voice: "This is the man looking for Li Hua." His voice was sharp and harsh, with a hint of pride and flattery on his face, as if he was showing Li Zhe his diligence, and as if he was taking this opportunity to please his boss.
Seeing this, Xu Tian quickly stepped forward, put his feet together, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply. He said, "I am Xu Tian, and I have come specially to visit General Li Hua." His voice was steady and sincere, resonant like a bell, and his eyes were filled with respect and longing for Li Hua. As he saluted, his mind involuntarily flashed back to the time he had fought alongside General Li Hua. During those war-torn days, General Li Hua's bravery and commanding presence had left a deep impression on him, and he was full of anticipation for this meeting.
Li Zhe raised his chin slightly, glanced at Xu Tian with contempt, raised the corners of his mouth slightly, and said disdainfully: "Looking for Li Hua? Who are you?" His tone was icy cold, as if Xu Tian was just an insignificant ant, not worth his attention at all.
Xu Tian was not angry at Li Zhe's attitude. He took a deep breath, tried to calm his emotions, and patiently explained: "You don't know, I was once a soldier under General Li Hua. I followed the general into battle and experienced countless life and death tests. Now I heard that the general lives here, and I am very worried about him, so I took the trouble to come and visit him." His eyes flashed with memories, and those fierce battle scenes seemed to be right in front of him. Every time they shared life and death, his friendship with General Li Hua became deeper, and it also made him more determined to meet the general.
After hearing what Xu Tian said, Li Zhe's face showed even more disdain. He snorted coldly and said, "Li Hua's subordinates? Tsk! There is no Li Hua here. You've come to the wrong place." His voice was full of impatience, as if Xu Tian's arrival was an extremely troublesome thing and he just wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible.
Xu Tian's heart tightened. He keenly sensed a hidden secret in Li Zhe's words. But he suppressed his anxiety and politely asked, "Excuse me, where is General Li Hua right now?" He stared intently into Li Zhe's eyes, trying to catch a clue, not missing a single subtle change in his expression.
Seeing Li Zhe's attitude, the Li family's housekeeper also plucked up his courage. He stepped forward, put his hands on his hips, and shouted at Xu Tian: "Our elder has said that there is no Li Hua here. Get out of here! Don't be an eyesore here." There was a smug look on his face, as if he was proud of being able to perform in front of the elder. At the same time, he also wanted to use this tough attitude to intimidate Xu Tian and make him retreat.
However, the butler's words completely infuriated Xu Tian. His patience and politeness crumbled in an instant, and a fierce glint flashed in his eyes, like an enraged cheetah. With lightning speed, he suddenly raised his right foot and kicked the butler in the chest with a powerful force.