Someone nearby laughed loudly. The rest of the people also burst into cheerful laughter.

The children, their cheeks flushed, obediently expressed their thanks.

George Clark cupped his hands to those around him without saying a word, and after handing out the gifts, sat upright in his seat with a smile.

Next was the third child, Thomas Clark, who raised his hand and scattered a handful of silver pieces.

“Third Master Thomas Clark, one tael of silver for each person!” the servant in charge of announcing the gifts shouted joyfully.

Then came the second child, Lily Clark. She also grabbed a large handful of silver from her purse and distributed it with a beaming smile.

Each person received one and a half taels as well.

Henry Clark was still waiting for the children to run over and crowd around him for money, but unexpectedly, the kids retreated directly after the second child finished, and the announcer left as well. Clearly, they had never intended for him to hand out rewards. After all, among the four siblings, he had no income and relied solely on family support, so it really wasn’t appropriate for him to give out reward money.

But now, as the eldest, sitting in his chair, he suddenly felt all eyes turn toward him. He heard some people asking about his situation, and even with his thick skin, he felt a bit embarrassed for a moment.

George Clark, sitting not far away, snorted coldly, glanced at him, then shook his head and started chatting with the third child, Thomas Clark.

“Next is the Lantern Festival dumplings. The filling was brought all the way from the seaside at Yundi…”

Whoosh…

James Clark hadn’t finished speaking when a sudden cold wind blew in from outside the main hall, making everyone shiver involuntarily.

The lanterns hanging on the pillars of the houses on both sides suddenly went out with a whoosh.

James Clark frowned, about to continue speaking.

“Someone has broken in!!” Suddenly, a servant outside shouted, but the voice was abruptly cut off, as if someone had forcibly choked his throat.

At once, the people in the main hall became restless.

“Dad, I’ll go take a look.” Thomas Clark stood up and said loudly.

“Mm, be extra careful.” James Clark showed no sign of surprise, clearly having anticipated this. He ordered someone to relight the lanterns.

Thomas Clark, who had a military background, somehow found a sharp knife, held it upside down, and strode out of the main hall. A few robust men, eager for excitement, followed behind him.

Henry Clark sat in his seat, frowning slightly. He had already heard people say that the Lin family seemed to be in some trouble, but he hadn’t expected a problem to arise now. After all, this was the Lantern Festival, when there were the most people around.

He glanced back at Yvonne Harris, who had somehow already appeared behind him.

“That person is very strong,” Yvonne Harris whispered, her eyes shining.

Henry Clark nodded slightly.

Those lanterns going out just now was no accident; it was obvious someone had extinguished them directly with a palm strike. He had only ever seen such skill from his uncle-master Yun Zi.

Chapter 8: Lantern Festival (Part Four)

The commotion outside grew louder and louder, as if many people were chasing the intruder.

James Clark glanced at John Clark beside him, as well as several guests seated in the guest area, and felt a bit more at ease.

“Have a few of the children go inside and hide first. The rest, disperse as planned,” he ordered directly.

Immediately, several guards entered from the side to escort the young masters and ladies into the inner rooms to hide.

George Clark exchanged a look with his father, stood up calmly, and led his second sister toward the inner rooms. On the other side, Grace Clark, accompanied by two sisters, also headed for the inner rooms.

Henry Clark, however, walked up to James Clark.

“Da… Dad, I practice martial arts too. I can stay here and help out a bit.” He still wasn’t quite used to calling him Dad.

After sparring with Uncle-Master Yun Zi for a while and having seen blood, he was no longer as afraid of fighting as before. At a time like this, every extra person meant more strength.

“You’re just a child, get inside right now,” James Clark said sternly, “This isn’t your place to speak. Go inside and hide!”

“But Dad…” Henry Clark tried to say something more.

“I’m not dead yet! You’re not even listening to me now, are you?” James Clark was getting angry. He pointed at the inner door, “Get inside and hide, now!”

He was fully prepared this time, just waiting for the enemy to walk into the trap. His sons and daughters were the roots of the Lin family, the hope for its future. If any of them were hurt, it would be a huge loss. Even if the eldest wasn’t doing as well, he was still James Clark’s own flesh and blood. If anyone dared to harm them, he would fight them to the death!

Henry Clark and Yvonne Harris stood together, both frowning. A master capable of this level was probably not someone the family could handle. He had witnessed Uncle-Master Yun Zi’s sinister techniques, and with him and Yvonne Harris, maybe there was still some chance. Outsiders didn’t understand how formidable internal martial arts experts could be—only those who truly knew would understand.

“But…”

“No buts!” James Clark cut him off with a shout.

Seeing James Clark lose his temper, Henry Clark had no choice but to turn and walk toward the inner door, frowning. As he turned his head, he happened to see George Clark’s cold expression, with a clear hint of mockery in his eyes.

The fourth child had never gotten along with him since childhood, so it was only natural for him to gloat at a time like this.

At this moment, Sophia Carter also came over to gently comfort Henry Clark. He felt speechless inside and could only respond perfunctorily to his mother.

Crack!