The arrangement was less of a fifty-fifty split and more of a handout to the He family to quell the incident.
The Lu family had considerable connections within their circles. If they truly wanted to invite businesses to set up shop, a single word would have them flocking.
Just as the atmosphere in the room grew tense, the people sent by Mrs. He returned. Seeing this, Chen Lishu straightened up, her gaze fixed intently on her subordinate.
The matter of the young girl being defiled had become a persistent thorn in her side. If it couldn't be resolved, she wouldn't be able to forgive herself for a long time to come.
Perhaps sensing Chen Lishu's anxiety, the elder Mrs. He reached out, gently patting her back in comfort, before urging, "What is it? What were your findings?"
The subordinate replied with utmost respect, "The situation is as Young Master Lu stated. They were out of town for the past two days and had no contact with anyone from the mainland."
Upon hearing this, Lu You breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, his wayward son hadn't committed such a despicable act and provoked someone they shouldn't have. Otherwise, no matter how powerful the Lu family was, if the other party sought retribution, he wouldn't be able to protect him.
Since the culprits were not Lu Chen or Qin Yue, the sternness on elder Mrs. He's face softened considerably. She then slowly said, "Very well, this matter is concluded."
Hearing this, Lu You's face lit up with a fawning smile. He incessantly rubbed his palms together and asked, "Now that this matter is concluded, perhaps you, Eldest Sister He, could reconsider a collaboration between our two companies? I know your He family are all good people, and I feel at ease and secure working for you! I hope we'll have the opportunity to work together again."
Elder Mrs. He tapped her fingers lightly on the table. Just as Lu You thought there was a chance, she ruthlessly refused, "Our He family is not a partner for just any cat or dog! When I said the matter was concluded, I meant we would not pursue your son's scheme against my daughter. However, his attempt to take her to a mental hospital and publicly humiliate my daughter has yet to be resolved! You caused our He family to lose so much face tonight; demanding an apology from you should not be considered excessive. I advise you to hurry and contact the media to issue a public apology to Lishu. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to use special means to achieve my goals!"
What? An apology?!
Lu You thought his ears were playing tricks on him. He quickly dug into them, then stared at the woman with a bewildered expression.
Elder Mrs. He's face contorted into a disdainful smile. She reiterated, enunciating each word clearly, "Don't worry, your ears are fine. I said you need to publicly apologize to Lishu!"
If it weren't for the woman's status, Lu You would have gladly poured this cup of tea onto elder Mrs. He's face and called her shameless and overbearing!
Suppressing his anger, Lu You continuously coached himself mentally. After a few deep breaths, the corners of his mouth curved upward as he said unhurriedly, "Eldest Sister He, have you perhaps mistaken the situation? Miss Chen clearly misunderstood my son and disrupted her company's plans. She publicly berated and attacked my son. How is it that we are the ones apologizing now? Apologizing is not much of an issue, but I fear such a sudden apology might lead to public speculation, making it seem as though Miss Chen is abusing her influence. This would be even worse for her current reputation! Since Miss Chen was not injured, there's no need to make such a big fuss out of this. Let's consider it a case of meeting through conflict, which might even deepen the bond between the two young ones. What do you think?"
"Bond? What bond?" Chen Lishu, who had been silent, finally stepped forward. The primary issue was that Mother He didn't fully grasp the situation. Lu You was articulate and presented his arguments so smoothly that Mother He, being a reasonable person, felt somewhat speechless despite her desire to support her. Not wanting Mother He to be put in a difficult position, she ultimately chose to step in.
Under Lu You's puzzled gaze, Chen Lishu spoke with disdain, "Blame your son's absent frontal lobe for being led around by a woman. He actually stepped forward to provoke me and attempted to confine and humiliate me! The biggest mistake today was that it affected my mood. If your Lu family refuses to apologize, then I don't mind using some special means to protect myself! Oh, and I believe the events that transpired were clearly captured by cameras. Then, it will be clear who was in the wrong when it's broadcast online, won't it?"
The Lu family was wealthy and influential. A minor news story could easily be resolved with money. The main concern was that doing so might offend the He family.
The smile on Lu You's face gradually faltered. He hadn't expected the daughter adopted by the He family to be so audacious, not even sparing him some face. Despite his internal displeasure, he dared not show it. After a moment of hesitation, he could only concede, "Indeed. Rest assured, Eldest Sister He, I will give you a satisfactory answer regarding this matter. The banquet is still ongoing, so I won't disturb your enjoyment. I'll take my son out for now and we can connect later."
With that, Lu You's face darkened. He seized Lu Chen's wrist and forcibly dragged him out of the lounge.
Seeing this, Qin Yue couldn't help but shiver. She could only bite her lower lip to suppress her fear. She believed her presence was minimal, and Chen Lishu and elder Mrs. He were not paying attention to her. She quietly slipped out of the lounge.
However, Chen Lishu and elder Mrs. He had noticed her subtle movements all along. Watching her retreating back, elder Mrs. He asked, "Just let her go like that? I've heard about all the trouble she's caused you. Why don't we just deal with her once and for all while we have the chance!"
"The banquet is crowded and full of prying eyes. What happened today was witnessed by many. If someone were to suddenly disappear, it would definitely raise suspicions. Our He family is clean and has no need to dirty our hands over such a trivial matter. Qin Yue is beyond redemption now. When the Lu family apologizes to me, they will undoubtedly shift all the blame onto Qin Yue. Everyone will know that Qin Yue has offended members of the He family, and who would dare associate with her afterward? Qin Yue is a pampered little princess of the Qin family. Without her privileged lifestyle, she surely won't be able to endure it. Such punishment is far less costly than us acting directly, and it can deliver a fatal blow to our enemies!" Chen Lishu's face showed a meaningful smile. She was no saint who could endlessly forgive those who had wronged her!