52: Lou's father's decision, Xu's father found the uncle

As a chef at the Steel rolling mill, how could He Yuzhu not understand the preciousness and importance of the Encyclopedia of Culinary Arts?

He knew the book was extraordinarily valuable, yet he still lent it to Lou Xiaoe without hesitation, an act that undoubtedly demonstrated his full sincerity.

Tan Yali was deeply satisfied with He Yuzhu's sincerity, and a relieved smile appeared on her face.

"Thank you, Mom." Lou Xiaoe was secretly delighted, not expecting to easily gain her mother's approval with just a book. This greatly eased her worries.

This also meant that Sha Zhu had already overcome half of the obstacles in future tests, and his chances of success had greatly increased.

Lou Zhenhua was slightly startled upon hearing Tan Yali's words, a look of surprise on his face. He turned to her and asked, puzzled, "Yali, are you really not going to test him anymore?"

In Lou Zhenhua's opinion, they hadn't even met He Yuzhu yet and knew nothing about his character. Making such a decision so easily seemed a bit rash.

"No need. The fact that he lent out this book already shows me his sincerity."

Tan Yali's tone was firm and serious, her eyes revealing an unquestionable resolve.

Seeing that her mind was made up, Lou Zhenhua sighed helplessly. He thought to himself, since his wife was so insistent, he still needed to send someone to investigate. After all, this concerned his daughter's lifelong happiness, and there could be no carelessness.

Lou Zhenhua knew very little about cooking, so he wasn't in a position to evaluate the "Complete Culinary Collection."

Thus, he turned his attention to the topmost of the three extremely large and thick books, gently opened a page, and read carefully.

As he read deeper, Lou Zhenhua's eyes gradually brightened, and he keenly perceived the preciousness of these books.

With his rich experience and knowledge, he concluded that these books were sufficient to fill the gaps in the nation's relevant fields.

Moreover, based on his experience, even if these books weren't unique copies, they were likely extremely rare overseas.

If these books were printed and published overseas, they would undoubtedly cause a sensation, and sales would surely be considerable.

Thinking of the one hundred and twenty volumes of the Encyclopedia of Medicine that Lou Xiaoe had mentioned earlier, Lou Zhenhua was even more astonished.

He thought, such a vast scope probably covered all types of diseases worldwide.

Consequently, Long Feiyang's mysteriousness in his mind instantly soared, like an unfathomable enigma.

Lou Zhenhua knew that if the Encyclopedia of Medicine could be presented to the nation, then the Lou Family would no longer need to live in constant fear.

After all, as former capitalists, the Lou Family, under the current circumstances, walked on thin ice with every step, having to be extremely careful, fearing that one misstep could lead to eternal damnation.

After much deliberation, Lou Zhenhua quickly made a new decision: "Xiao'e, add a radio and a sewing machine to your transaction with Long Feiyang. In the future, you must maintain a good relationship with Long Feiyang; this will be of great benefit to our Lou Family."

"Also, as long as He Yuzhu passes my test and proves his character is sound, then you two should register your marriage as soon as possible. The dowry our Lou Family provides will certainly be generous, including a watch, bicycle, radio, sewing machine, and furniture—everything will be complete, not a single item missing."

Lou Zhenhua's eyes revealed a decisive and resolute look. He had made up his mind to quickly send people to thoroughly investigate He Yuzhu's character.

In his opinion, as long as He Yuzhu was a suitable candidate and a good match for his daughter, then everything must be arranged as soon as possible, without any delay.

"Dad, you're not trying to exchange me and the dowry for the 'Encyclopedia of Medicine,' are you?"

Lou Xiaoe's eyes widened in surprise after hearing her father's words. A thought suddenly flashed through her mind, and she questioned her father directly and impolitely.

In her opinion, marriage was a big deal, and she wanted to spend more time with Sha Zhu, to get to know each other deeply and see if they were truly compatible, rather than rushing into marriage and getting a certificate.

Lou Zhenhua's face immediately showed a hint of embarrassment when his daughter asked him that.

To be honest, he did have such a thought, but this was also based on the premise that his daughter would be happy and He Yuzhu was indeed a good match.

"Xiao'e, your dad is doing this for your own good. You two can spend some time together these next few days. If you truly don't want to, we will absolutely not force you."

Seeing the atmosphere was a bit tense, Tan Yali quickly stepped forward to smooth things over for Lou Zhenhua, gently comforting Lou Xiaoe.

Although Lou Xiaoe was still somewhat displeased after hearing her mother's words, she knew her parents were doing it for her own good and was speechless for a moment.

Under the current circumstances, it was almost as if Sha Zhu had already passed her mother's test, while she herself was now being urged to marry by her parents.

However, Lou Xiaoe thought, Sha Zhu was praised by the neighbors in the Siheyuan, so his character should be fine. At most, he was a bit stubborn, spoke bluntly, and had a "foul mouth."

Lou Xiaoe shook her head in frustration and slowly walked upstairs.

After confirming that Lou Xiaoe had returned to her room and wouldn't overhear their conversation, Lou Zhenhua and Tan Yali's expressions instantly turned grim.

Tan Yali's face was filled with anger. She gritted her teeth and said, "Zhenhua, that Xu Damao dared to deceive our daughter. His intentions are truly malicious. We absolutely cannot let him off so easily; we must teach him a good lesson."

Her daughter being deceived caused Tan Yali's usually gentle temper to instantly erupt. The anger in her heart was like a raging inferno, almost consuming her reason.

Lou Zhenhua's face was equally grim, his eyes revealing a cold killing intent. He said coldly, "Yali, don't worry. I will send people to deal with this matter immediately. He will certainly pay for his actions."

--- Xu Fugui hurried to Siheyuan No. 95, Nanluoguxiang. His steps were slightly heavy as he walked directly into the courtyard.

When his gaze fell upon Long Feiyang's house, his eyes became deep and complex, as if he were contemplating something.

Then, he walked towards the middle courtyard.

"Old Yi, long time no see."

Xu Fugui greeted First Uncle first, his tone carrying a subtle hint of urgency.

"Xu Fugui, you're here about your son, aren't you?"

First Uncle looked up at Xu Fugui, his brows slightly furrowed, his eyes revealing a hint of displeasure and doubt.

"Old Yi, you really know me."

Xu Fugui gave a bitter smile, saying helplessly, "That child Xu Damao was scared stiff. He said Long Feiyang wanted to kill him, and I just can't rest easy, so I came to find you."

Xu Fugui didn't intend to beat around the bush and directly stated his purpose.

"Please, Old Yi, help mediate. Don't let things get out of hand."

Xu Fugui's eyes were full of pleading. He knew that if this matter wasn't handled well, it could bring considerable trouble.

First Uncle's brows furrowed even tighter after hearing Xu Fugui's words. He asked doubtfully, "Did he really say that?"

"Yes." Xu Fugui nodded, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes, as if he was hiding something.

First Uncle frowned deeply, thinking to himself, "Could Long Feiyang really be so enraged that he wants to kill someone?"

"Xu Fugui, do you know what your son did?"

First Uncle's tone became serious, his eyes fixed on Xu Fugui, as if trying to find an answer on his face.

"Xu Damao only said he met a girl who was a guest at Long Feiyang's house. He kindly went to warn the girl, but then Long Feiyang beat him, and Long Feiyang even harbored murderous intent towards him."

Xu Fugui recounted Xu Damao's original words exactly. In fact, he knew in his heart that Xu Damao hadn't told the truth. He came this time to understand the real situation and then figure out a solution.

"Hmph, your son tried to steal that girl. He immediately slandered Sha Zhu and Long Feiyang. That girl was invited back by Long Feiyang as a blind date for Sha Zhu. At that time, all the neighbors were present, and that girl personally identified Xu Damao."

First Uncle unceremoniously gave a rough account of the matter, his tone carrying a hint of anger.

Xu Fugui truly had a headache this time. He never expected his son to do such a despicable thing.

This was truly a grave offense, and he had offended two people at once.

He thought to himself, no wonder Long Feiyang was so enraged, even to the point of wanting to kill. Sha Zhu would certainly not let it go either and would definitely retaliate against Xu Damao.

Now, this grudge was truly solidified.

Xu Fugui sighed deeply. Although he was curious why Long Feiyang would help Sha Zhu with a blind date, at this moment, his son's safety was the most important thing.

"Since the matter has already happened, I can only try to mend relations. Old Yi, you know that if something really happened to my son, Long Feiyang would certainly be executed, and then the reputation of this Siheyuan would be completely ruined."

Xu Fugui knew that Yi Zhonghai valued the reputation of the Siheyuan the most, so he deliberately used these words to provoke First Uncle, hoping he would be more proactive in helping solve the problem.

If this trick didn't work, he would have to resort to more drastic measures.

First Uncle's face showed a hint of helplessness after hearing Xu Fugui's words.

He thought to himself, no matter what, he couldn't let anyone in the courtyard get into trouble. After all, they had been old neighbors for many years.

"I will handle it. However, you need to prepare items for an apology."

First Uncle's tone carried an unquestionable authority.

"Compensation, there will definitely be compensation, and Sha Zhu's side too. We will compensate and sincerely apologize."

Xu Fugui quickly agreed readily. As long as the problem could be solved and his son was safe, he was willing to pay some price.

Next, the two began to discuss specific compensation plans. They talked back and forth for a long time before finally determining a general direction.

Only then did Xu Fugui leave the Siheyuan with relief. His figure looked somewhat lonely in the afterglow of the setting sun, and he was still pondering how to completely resolve this matter and ensure his son would be well-behaved in the future, no longer causing any trouble.

--- After Li Wenting had fallen asleep peacefully, Long Feiyang quietly got up and silently walked into the basement.

In the basement, lights flickered, and various instruments and equipment emitted faint glows, creating a mysterious and tranquil atmosphere.

"Red Queen, have you found the location of Xu Damao's parents' house?"

Long Feiyang asked in a low voice, his voice echoing in the empty basement.

Red Queen's electronic voice immediately responded: [Master, not yet. Xu Damao entered an unmonitored area, but I have analyzed his approximate path of action. Additionally, a stranger entered the Siheyuan tonight. This person lingered and gazed at the Master's door, then went to Yi Zhonghai's house in the middle courtyard, and has now left.]

Following Red Queen's report, the basement's display lit up, clearly showing the figure of a middle-aged man—it was Xu Damao's father, Xu Fugui.

He stood at Long Feiyang's doorway, his eyes revealing an elusive expression, quietly looking at Long Feiyang's house.

"This is Xu Damao's father, Xu Fugui. Why would he suddenly come to the Siheyuan? And he even went to First Uncle's house? What's going on here?"

Long Feiyang looked at the image on the display, his brows furrowing tightly, a premonition of uneasiness rising in his heart.

Long Feiyang thought to himself, no matter what Xu Fugui's purpose was this time, Xu Damao had to be dealt with.

As for the Xu Family, if they all carried "dark energy," meaning they harbored ill intentions and had bad character, then they would be dealt with together to eliminate future troubles.

Even if they currently showed no malice, they would continue to be monitored, just in case.

However, the most urgent task at hand was to quickly find the specific location of Xu Damao's parents' house.

"Red Queen, is the route Xu Fugui took back overlapping with the route Xu Damao took when he left?"

Long Feiyang asked again, a hint of urgency in his eyes.

Red Queen quickly replied: [Yes, Master. I have already sent the analyzed path to your phone.]

Hearing Red Queen's reply, Long Feiyang nodded slightly, just as he was about to turn and leave the basement to track Xu Fugui's whereabouts, Red Queen spoke again.

[Master, the two phones you previously deployed have left the coverage area of Skynet. Tonight, within the Skynet coverage area, three robbery incidents and thirteen theft incidents have occurred. Ten of these thefts occurred on the street, and the other three were home invasions. Since the phones have left the signal range, I am currently unable to contact the two holders.]

Long Feiyang's steps paused slightly after hearing Red Queen's words. He thought to himself that this sudden situation would likely cause some trouble for his plan.