“Old Sam, why do you think there are so many fake things these days? Fake diplomas, fake ID cards, fake work permits, fake degree certificates, fake driver’s licenses. But you know what, these fake documents really look just like the real ones. I bet even a veteran traffic cop with over a decade of experience probably couldn’t tell the difference.”

As for James Bolton’s nasty personality, Frank Shelton knew it all too well and simply ignored him. But Linda Lane didn’t have that kind of self-restraint. James Bolton’s attitude made this girl’s fiery temper flare up again. She lost it, pulled out a card from her bag, and threw it at James Bolton.

“Check it, look it up online, this is my ID card. Take a good look—is it real or fake!”

Her voice was sharp, shrill, and high-pitched, already bordering on hysterical. This time, the middle-aged woman who had been pretending to be the Buddha, smiling serenely on her ‘lotus seat’, finally stood up and came down to earth. She reached out and tugged gently at her daughter’s uninjured arm, quietly admonishing:

“Linda Lane, look at you—do you have any ladylike manners at all? How can you be so rude!”

“Mom~, look at this awful guy, he…”

The way this girl pouted and tattled was actually quite feminine, her voice sweet and crisp, like a warm breath blowing right at the belly of a salty old uncle—there was a hint of youthful allure to it.

“Linda Lane! You…” Linda Lane’s mom, who had been smiling like the Empress Dowager, suddenly put on a stern face and actually looked rather imposing.

……

After a while, Linda Lane, finally calmed down by her mother, suddenly seemed to remember something. She turned her head and shouted at James Bolton, who was watching her and her mom like he was enjoying a show:

“Oh, you sly guy, don’t think you can change the subject—apologize!”

Everyone in the room, including Ethan Lane and Linda Lane’s mom, was stunned for a moment. James Bolton also looked puzzled. “Apologize? For what? Because my car accidentally blocked your way? Is that highway your family’s?”

Linda Lane put on a strong, triumphant tone:

“Not that! Don’t think I didn’t hear what you said in the hospital room earlier! Who were you calling your grandson?”

Only then did James Bolton realize what she was getting at, and he started laughing again.

“Little girl, before we talk about the grandson thing, let’s first discuss who’s responsible for this car accident! My car was broken down and parked in the emergency lane, right?”

Linda Lane nodded.

“I put a warning sign behind the car, didn’t I?”

Linda Lane nodded again.

Chapter 004: Grandson and Pretending to Be a Grandson

“So, in this accident, I didn’t do anything wrong. And you were the one at fault, so you’re fully responsible, right?” James Bolton continued to ask in his unhurried way.

At this point, Linda Lane still showed no sign of guilt and replied confidently, “Yes, so what!”

James Bolton’s smile grew wider, and in a tone as sleazy as a creepy uncle luring a little girl to look at goldfish, he said, “Little girl, since you admit all that, let your uncle teach you a lesson: when it’s all your fault, even if you’re not a grandson, you have to pretend to be one! After all, I heard your dad introduce himself, and unless he used a fake name, your father’s name is Ethan Lane, not Li Gang.”

The phrase “My dad is Li Gang” had already become famous nationwide thanks to a certain arrogant rich kid. With her natural curiosity, Linda Lane had long heard of this person and was very familiar with all the gossip and details about the incident. So as soon as James Bolton finished speaking, Linda Lane burst out laughing. Her bad mood vanished as quickly as it had come. She shot James Bolton a fierce look and said playfully, “I’m not as tasteless as that Li kid! You creepy uncle!”

After the joke, the atmosphere in the hospital room became completely relaxed.

At this point, Ethan Lane finally stepped forward at the right moment and said gently, “Mr. James Bolton, about the compensation issue…”

Clearly, Ethan Lane was a seasoned negotiator. He knew that bringing up sensitive topics while the mood was good might make James Bolton less likely to make excessive demands out of embarrassment.

James Bolton was straightforward about it. After all, he hadn’t been seriously hurt, and to be honest, he’d actually benefited from the accident—he’d gotten a game system, and his martial arts dreams were within reach. He should probably be thanking them! So he didn’t make a fuss and said cheerfully, “Although I wasn’t seriously injured, you have to take responsibility when you make a mistake. That’s the rule, and it’s a lesson—hopefully your daughter will learn from it. Just because nothing happened this time doesn’t mean she can keep driving recklessly. If she regrets it next time, it’ll be too late.”

James Bolton’s words made Linda Lane roll her eyes again, but under her mother’s tugging, she finally just curled her lips and said nothing.

James Bolton acted as if he hadn’t noticed Linda Lane’s expression and continued, “Here’s the deal: let’s forget about the nutrition and emotional damages. But I can’t skip the lost wages and medical expenses. Don’t worry, my injuries aren’t serious, I’m not going to try to scam you. Altogether, it should be about ten thousand yuan or so. As for the car repairs, aside from what the insurance covers, you’ll have to pay the rest.

Hmm, as for the compensation… besides what the insurance pays, just cover the remaining repair costs for me, and while you’re at it, help me get a thorough maintenance done. That’s about it—what do you think?”