Chapter 186 165: Reconciliation

After learning that Tang Tianyi finally agreed to reconcile, Lu Qi immediately shared this good news with Xu Chunliang.Unexpectedly for everyone, the key to the situation's reversal was the bar providing surveillance footage from that night.

Lu Qi felt that Xie Chunlei's change began with last night's disaster at the bar. Perhaps the lesson learned from the incident was like the proverb "when the city gates catch fire, the fish in the moat suffer."

While driving past the Seven Star Bar today, he noticed the bar had already suspended operations for rectification. Such a big incident had caused a significant impact.

Last night, the bar's patrons demanded compensation; many were frightened by the sudden chaos, and some even acted impulsively, using stones and bottles to smash the bar's exterior, with many windows shattered.

Due to last night's extreme chaos, it was impossible to pinpoint specific suspects—precisely the kind of collective accountability law doesn't punish, leading the bar to accept their bad luck.

When Lu Qi asked about the bat attack incidents from last night, Xu Chunliang claimed they had nothing to do with him.

Privately, Lu Qi sorted through their recent experiences, noticing that each snake or insect incident seemed to have a shadow of Xu Chunliang. Though no direct evidence pointed to him, it was too much of a coincidence that he was always present.

Investigations into the cell phone store uncovered Han Tianchi's criminal gang, known for using snakes to commit crimes—a typical case of animal-related crimes. Lu Qi knew Xu Chunliang also had the ability to manipulate snakes.

Moreover, he had once witnessed wasps attacking movers, a scene similar to last night's incident at the Seven Star Bar, making it hard not to speculate on a possible connection.

Xu Chunliang vehemently denied any involvement, suggesting that according to Lu Qi's logic, everyone was a suspect.

Don't suspect me; I'm suspecting you! Why does something always go wrong when I meet you? I guess I need to stay away from you in the future.

Lu Qi reminded Xu Chunliang to never engage in illegal activities; otherwise, their brotherhood would be over. It served as a friendly warning in advance.

As Xu Chunliang was chatting with Lu Qi, his grandpa approached, prompting him to quickly end the call, as he was still hiding the bar incident from the old man, who seemed unaware based on his expression.

Xu Changshan placed freshly washed blueberries in front of Xu Chunliang: "Eat more blueberries; they're good for your eyes."

Xu Chunliang reached out to grab some but was slapped on the back of his hand by his grandpa.

"Go wash your hands!"

Xu Chunliang chuckled and nodded, washing his hands before emerging to see a truck parked next door with renovation materials. Ever since the incident, the neighboring "Pretty Breast" shop remained closed, but it seemed a new owner was moving in, signaling the start of renovations.

Xu Chunliang said, "Grandpa, should I check what they're doing?"

Xu Changshan shook his head; he had become increasingly indifferent towards Huichun Hall's business, a sentiment both of his daughters supported during their visit.

Everyone has their own aspirations, and young people should pursue what they like without being forced to inherit Huichun Hall, as self-sufficiency and happiness in life are enough, without imposing many demands on the next generation.

Xu Changshan observed Xu Chunliang's growth since joining Changxing, even Dean Gao claimed his future was boundless, and it indeed seemed so.

Xu Changshan regretfully added, "The family went on an outing yesterday, but you were absent. Your cousins missed you."

Xu Chunliang smiled, saying, "Didn't you tell me to prioritize work? I need to finish my phase work report for the leadership after the holiday."

Xu Changshan replied, "No matter what, you must not miss lunch today."

Today's lunch invitation was from Gao Xinhua, arranging a family gathering at the Marriott Hotel, conveniently located near where Xu Chunliang's aunts resided.

Xu Chunliang said, "Don't worry, when Dean Gao invites, I better show up, or he'd give me a hard time."

Xu Changshan laughed heartily, "You sure know how to handle people!"

"When are my aunts leaving?"

Xu Changshan sighed, "Your older aunt's family is leaving tomorrow morning; they're all busy with work. Your younger aunt will stay a few more days."

As they chatted, Zhen Chun got out of a taxi in the distance, waving with a shout, "Grandpa, Cousin!"

In the past couple of days, she had become much more cheerful and closer to them, running over to hug Grandpa's neck and giving him a peck on the cheek, then doing the same to Xu Chunliang.

Xu Chunliang wiped his face, "Your drool is all over me; I'll get you a pig's tail to chew next time."

Zhen Chun clung to Grandpa's neck, playfully complaining, "Grandpa, Cousin dislikes me."

Xu Changshan chuckled, "I'll teach him a lesson!"

Xu Chunliang said, "Just call me 'cousin'; the 'little cousin' doesn't sound right."

Zhen Chun called out, "Little cousin, little cousin, little cousin!"

Xu Chunliang helplessly picked up a blueberry and flicked it into her mouth while she was talking, finally silencing her.

Xu Changshan asked her why she returned to Huichun Hall, and Zhen Chun said she just missed her grandfather and came to see him specially.

Xu Changshan noticed that his granddaughter was getting sweeter with her words and told her to sit down while he went inside to get her more snacks.

Just as Xu Changshan left, Zhen Chun mysteriously said to Xu Chunliang, "Little cousin, the police station contacted me about reconciliation. Do you think I should sign?"

Xu Chunliang replied irritably, "Aren't you big enough to decide for yourself?"

"I'm respecting you, okay?"

"There are plenty of elders at home, you don't need to respect me. It's not like I told you to go there. If you really can't decide, you can ask our cousins."

Zhen Chun said, "Little cousin, they're no good; both of them together can't compare to you. You're really handsome!"

Xu Chunliang, flattered, almost couldn't sit still: "Enough, stop already. You keep sweet-talking me, and I'll tell grandpa everything about the trouble you caused."

Zhen Chun suddenly realized she should be cautious and quickly went to help her grandfather, who was coming out with fruits and snacks. "Grandpa, you brought me so many goodies, you really spoil me."

Xu Changshan chuckled, "It's been years since you came back, you need to eat more. Look at how thin you are."

Xu Chunliang laughed, "Did you hear that? Grandpa blames you for not visiting him."

Zhen Chun said, "Grandpa, I'll come to see you often from now on, and visit my little cousin."

Xu Chunliang thought, this girl is a troublemaker; she caused such a big mess on her first visit back. It might be better if she comes less often.

Xu Jiawen, not finding her daughter, called and was surprised to learn she had gone back to Huichun Hall. She feared her daughter might say something inappropriate, so she gave her a few reminders over the phone.

Zhen Chun's attitude towards her mother wasn't friendly; after exchanging a few words, she hung up the phone and, while their grandfather wasn't around, asked Xu Chunliang to accompany her to the police station.

Xu Chunliang reluctantly made up an excuse for his grandfather. Xu Changshan wasn't suspicious and simply reminded them not to eat lunch too late.

Accompanying Zhen Chun to the police station, the officers on duty treated them with courtesy. Tang Tianyi's lawyer was also present.

Under the supervision of the police, both sides discussed. Xu Chunliang let Zhen Chun decide; as long as she felt it was appropriate, he had no objection. But he insisted on one point, that he wouldn't apologize to Tang Tianyi's side.

This incident was caused by Tang Tianyi, so the apology should come from him to Zhen Chun.

Zhen Chun, sober this time, insisted she wouldn't sign the agreement unless Tang Tianyi apologized to her.

Tang Tianyi's lawyer didn't argue, citing Tang Tianyi's hospitalization, and apologized to Zhen Chun on his behalf. He proposed that both parties drop further charges and reconcile.

Zhen Chun had originally hoped her little cousin would take charge, but Xu Chunliang showed no intention of speaking. She had to make the decision herself. As they had the upper hand, she glanced at the mediation agreement, found the terms fair enough, and signed it.

Tang Tianyi's lawyer also signed and extended his hand to Xu Chunliang: "We wouldn't know each other without a fight; I'm sure we'll have the chance to meet again."

Xu Chunliang didn't shake his hand: "Tell Tang Tianyi that my cousin forgiving him doesn't mean I forgive him. I'll judge by his future conduct. If he dares to misbehave again, I'll settle all debts, new and old, with him."

The lawyer chuckled, thinking to himself that the young man should be careful, and then filed the documents and left.

The police officer at the station also had a copy, and he personally saw Xu Chunliang out the door, shaking hands with him: "Director Xu, say hello to Director Chen for me."

Xu Chunliang was stunned for a moment. Director Chen? He didn't know him. It must have been Lu Qi pulling strings behind the scenes.

After leaving the police station, he called Lu Qi, informing him that the matter was successfully resolved. He thanked Lu Qi for his generous help and asked him to thank Director Chen.

Lu Qi was also somewhat baffled; he hadn't contacted Director Chen. He was just a small officer, not someone who could influence a top director, let alone ask for a favor. Lu Qi asked Xu Chunliang if he might have gotten his facts wrong, maybe he sought assistance elsewhere?

Xu Chunliang thought it over. Gao Xinhua knew about the incident, but he wasn't in a convenient position to intervene. Even if he wanted to help, he probably couldn't liaise with the head of Dongzhou's public security system. The likeliest person to have been involved might be Mei Ru Xue; anyway, he would be seeing Gao Xinhua at lunch and could ask him then.

In adversity, true feelings are revealed. The bar incident significantly heightened Zhen Chun's favorable impression of Xu Chunliang. Her cold demeanor in Dongzhou was all an act, mainly due to the shock of her parents' divorce, and on the way to the Marriott, she spilled the details about her parents.

Only then did Xu Chunliang learn that the reason for her parents' divorce was Zhen Guowei's infidelity. Her aunt had wanted to reconcile, but Zhen Guowei was determined to end the marriage, which eventually led to the divorce.

Xu Chunliang found it odd; it was clearly Zhen Guowei at fault, so why was Zhen Chun so hostile towards her mother?

Zhen Chun explained that he didn't understand, that a divorce isn't solely one-sided. Her mother's neglect of the family due to being absorbed in her career was also a significant factor. In her view, she was the one most affected by the whole situation, and she resented both her parents equally.