Chapter 22 - A Gift to Apologize
Everyone glanced outside and noticed a middle-aged man in casual attire approaching.
At the sight of this individual, even Xu Shaoning paused momentarily, only to swiftly extend a warm welcome. “Ah, Mr. Lee. What a delightful surprise to encounter you immediately upon my arrival. Truly, I'm fortunate.”
Lee Donghua sized him up. “You are…”
Wang Changyu promptly proceeded to make introductions. “Greetings, Mr. Lee. Allow me to introduce Director Xu from the Qiangloong Group…”
“Xu Shaoning,” Lee Donghua interjected, already aware of the name. He scrutinized Xu before bestowing a radiant smile, “You are clearly a man of capability. Going forward, Qingyang City will be in the hands of remarkable young talents like you and Xiaoloong.”
“Your compliments are too kind, Mr. Lee,” Xu Shaoning replied, but felt inwardly ill at ease.
The juxtaposition of him with a rural simpleton did not seem like high praise.
However, Lee Donghua was not keen on prolonging the conversation. With a subtle cue, he turned and headed towards Zhang Xiaoloong.
“Zhang Xiaoloong, Zhang Xiaoloong, locating you turned out to be easier than anticipated,” Lee Donghua commented, patting his shoulder. “I went to the police station right after wrapping up my affairs, but you had already departed. I even mentioned that if I didn't find you now, I would venture to Qinghe Village later. Running into you here must be kismet.”
“You were searching for me, Mr. Lee?” Zhang Xiaoloong was taken aback, finding the acknowledgment startling.
While she wasn't aware of Lee Donghua's influence, his interaction with Xu Shaoning indicated he must be one of Qingyang City's heavyweights.
Zhang Xiaoloong felt positively toward Lee Donghua. Not only did he stand up to people like Big Brother Bi, but he also spoke in his defense when confronting authoritative figures like Officer Yemei.
“Mr. Lee, are you certain you've identified the right individual? This young man is a mere peasant. Had it not been for Miss Chen, I wouldn't have admitted him today,” Wang Changyu began, before abruptly halting.
“It appears I've ventured into the wrong setting,” Lee Donghua remarked icily. “Three decades ago, even I was a farmer in Qing Yuan County. If this isn't a place for people of such origins, perhaps I should exercise more discretion.”
Most of the onlookers found the situation amusing. Wang Changyu had indeed met his match. It was well-known that Lee Donghua hailed from humble farming origins, using his wit to effortlessly navigate challenges. Over three decades, he had achieved tremendous success in agriculture, making many envious. He had always looked out for those from his hometown.
By openly disparaging Zhang Xiaoloong in Lee Donghua's presence, Wang Changyu might as well have directly insulted Lee.
“I didn't mean to equate Mr. Lee with anyone. How can anyone be on par with you?” A flustered Wang Changyu tried to clarify, not wanting to upset the influential man.
“If there's a comparison to be made, Zhang Xiaoloong would far outshine me. Three decades ago, I was merely a driven individual,” Lee Donghua remarked, glancing approvingly at Zhang Xiaoloong. “Zhang is this year's national top scorer in the college entrance exam. Just based on that, his potential far surpasses what I've accomplished.”
A murmur of surprise went through the crowd. They hadn't expected such an achievement from the young Zhang Xiaoloong, sparking their interest.
Chen Yaru was taken aback and impressed, her gaze towards Zhang Xiaoloong filled with newfound respect.
To many present, the college entrance exam didn't carry significant weight. A high score usually meant a studious future office worker in their view.
However, observing Zhang Xiaoloong's confident demeanor, hearing his sharp retort to Wang Changyu, and learning of his top exam score, no one dared belittle him any longer.
“Mr. Lee, I appreciate your kind words. Those who aced the exam were perhaps fortunate,” Zhang Xiaoloong responded, always modest about his accomplishments.
“Even luck requires capability to be meaningful,” Lee Donghua responded, raising his hand slightly. “And don't address me so formally. I too hail from Qing Yuan County, just like you. Call me ‘elder brother' if you'd like.”
Cough cough…
Once Lee Donghua spoke, many felt the urge to cough. He wasn't much older than Zhang Xiaoloong, meaning he was likely in his late twenties or early thirties.
“No!” Chen Yaru interjected before Zhang Xiaoloong could respond.
“Huh? Aren't you the young lady from Yuanbo?” Lee Donghua questioned, perplexed. “I was addressing Zhang Xiaoloong. Why this resistance? Is addressing me as your elder brother so distressing?”
“You put me at a disadvantage. You once said I could call you Uncle Lee,” Chen Yaru said, pulling Zhang Xiaoloong closer. “So, he should address you the same way. I refuse to be seen as a generation below him.”
Lee Donghua observed the pair together and remarked playfully, “You have a discerning eye, young lady. My dear friend here hasn't been around for long, yet you've already claimed him.”
“Absolutely!” Chen Yaru clung to Zhang Xiaoloong's arm as if fearing he might escape. “So, Uncle Lee, no teasing. Whatever title he uses for you, I'll use the same. After all, we're equals.”
“Xiaoru, please show respect to Director Li,” admonished Chen Zhaomin, approaching the group.
“I'm telling the truth.” Chen Yaru pouted.
As Chen Zhaomin looked sternly at the scene, Lee Donghua calmed him with a grin, “Come now, Old Li, youth should be vivacious. You're fortunate to have such a spirited daughter.”
“This young lady has a playful spirit, unlike the refined young master of the Lee household. Since his return from abroad, it seems Qingyang City may soon boast another budding entrepreneur,” praised Chen Zhaomin.
However, Lee Donghua responded with a wink at Zhang Xiaoloong, “With such a jewel in our family, we needn't fret over attracting young entrepreneurs.”
Chen Yaru's close proximity already had Zhang Xiaoloong blushing. Lee Donghua's playful comment deepened his embarrassment.
Meanwhile, Chen Zhaomin seemed taken aback. Having missed the prior exchange in the hall, he'd always respected Zhang Xiaoloong. He was surprised to see Lee Donghua not only knew him but seemed to hold him in high regard, which piqued his curiosity.
“Uncle Chen,” began Xu Shaoning, stepping forward, “I've returned hoping Yaru might let me clarify past misunderstandings. I've brought a token of my apology. Given our families' ties, I hope you'll accept this gesture.”
All eyes were on Xu Shaoning as he presented a finely crafted sandalwood box.
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