chapter 40 Damn idiot, stupid ===

"Who are you referring to? Humphrey?" Les' eyebrows froze, and then he seethed with anger! "The biggest mistake the Quinnell family ever made was befriending the Herberts! By trying to assist them, your father jeopardized our family and even his own life! Regardless of the past friendship between our families, it's all gone now! It's the Herberts family who owe us, not the Quinnells family! I warned you long ago to sever ties with Humphrey and avoid any association with him. Why didn't you listen? See, this is the consequence of ignoring my advice. The Herberts family are harbingers of disaster. They will only bring misfortune upon our family! If it weren't for the Herberts family, how could the Quinnells have fallen so low? This is a grudge Les will never relinquish. Les harbored no ill will towards Humphrey himself. He admired the young man, who was more delicate and beautiful than any girl. He once believed Humphrey and Meral were a perfect match. However, life resembles a cloud like enigmatic and ever-changing. For the Quinnell family today, Humphrey is an absolute catastrophe! Ever since the Quinnell family faced turmoil from the Herbert family last year, Les had gravely cautioned Meral against nurturing any high hopes of involving herself with Humphrey henceforth! The collapse of the Herbert family has left Humphrey with nothing. Furthermore, Humphrey is entangled in a blood feud and foretelling a turbulent future. Meral cannot endure the turmoil that comes with associating with him. The Herbert family had already taken the life of his elder brother, but he would never permit Humphrey to harm Meral again! Nevertheless, Meral disregarded his advice and persisted in communicating with Humphrey! She even instigated significant trouble by assaulting Mr. Youngblood! In a hushed and raspy tone, Les inquired, "When did he return?" Meral clenched her lips and murmured, "Yesterday." Les chuckled bitterly, a mix of emotions evident in his laughter. "The Herbert family crumbled. I always knew he'd seek revenge someday! Humphrey, always valuing love and justice, was a remarkable and independent lad since childhood. With the Herberts still standing, I'd have bet on his success surpassing even Dempsey's. But alas, the Herberts family are no more! How could this fledgling lad stir up trouble now? To strike Mr. Youngblood right after returning to Lymelathe City? Utter foolishness!" Les bellowed in frustration, hands grasping his head tightly. Despite his resentment, Les secretly admired Humphrey. Deep down, he yearned for Humphrey's return to restore the nation and elevate the Quinnell family once more. The Quinnell family's downfall, a consequence of past events, required the Herberts to acknowledge their debt to the Quinnells! Yet, Humphrey's immediate troubles upon his return were beyond disappointing! Fitch sat there and said with a sneer, "So it was Humphrey who beat the son of the Youngblood family for you? To be honest, I also have some impressions of that boy Humphrey, a sissy who looks even more effeminate than a sissy. Speaking of which, Humphrey can be regarded as my sister-in-law's nephew. Although he is not a close relative, he is at least somewhat related to her. However, he was so courageous that he dared to touch the Youngblood family. Too bad, I guess I won't be able to see that boy because it won't be long before his life is taken away by the Youngblood family! Both of you, please stop crying and arguing in my office. It makes my ears hurt. Think about whether you should go to Youngblood Mansion to plead guilty now. If you want to go, come with me now. If not, get out of here." Fitch waved his hand and sneered again and again. Les slowly stood up from the ground. For a moment, he seemed to be several years older. His back was bent. He took out his cigarette case, took out one with trembling hands, and lit it with difficulty. In the smoke, he said slowly in a low voice, "Mr. Wade, I can't give my niece to someone else to be a slave and live or die at the hands of someone else. Could you please look at the little friendship we had back then and give my Quinnell family a way to survive? I, Mr. Quinnell, kowtow to you!" With a swift motion, Les knelt before Fitch once more, bowing his head with a resounding thud! Tears welled in Meral's eyes as she clutched Les's arm, attempting to raise him, "Uncle Quinnell! Please don't kneel for him, stand up, stand up!" Fitch, gazing in amusement chuckled until he was breathless. Eventually, he let out a smile and feigned a sigh, "Mr. Quinnell, it's not that I, Fitch, lack sentiment or refuse to aid you. There's truly little I can do in your defense. Why did your niece provoke the Youngblood family?" Les's blood trickled from his forehead to the ground. Ceasing his bowing, his expression turned desolate, his heart heavy. At that moment, a faintly recognizable voice echoed from beyond the door. "That's right, Uncle Quinnell. You sought someone else, but you ended up with a hound from the Youngblood family. How could a loyal hound betray its master?" With those words, a tall figure materialized at the office entrance. Adorned with sword-like brows and starlit eyes, akin to a jade tree swaying in the breeze his bearing was regal and poised. Every step exuded an aura of the most radiant star in the cosmos, possessing an irresistible allure. Whether man or woman, all were drawn to him, their eyes following his figure eagerly, even Cora, with her captivating appearance and impressive aura, was overshadowed by his glorious presence. In his presence, any remarkable individual seemed to fade into the background and become a mere accessory. The three individuals in the office turned to look. Just one glance sent shivers down their spines. Humphrey's radiant appearance and commanding demeanor seemed almost otherworldly. "Humphrey!" Meral exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes. Humphrey turned towards her gently and reassured, "Fear not, I am here and will not allow any injustice to befall you." Fitch composed himself and shouted indignantly, "Humphrey, are you so audacious as to refer to me, Fitch as a mere dog?" Humphrey gave Fitch a cold glance and chose to disregard him. Instead, he confidently approached Les, assisting him to his feet, "Uncle Quinnell, it's been a while." Les taken aback, looked at Humphrey. Pushed his hand away and stepped back. He pointed at Humphrey sternly and inquired, "Did you take Meral and confront Kirk?" Humphrey affirmed, "Indeed." "Jerk! Idiot! Stupid!" Les ranted consecutively, yet his rage persisted, "Are you Herbert family members wanted to wipe out the entire Quinnell family?"