“Hello.” Guo Xuyang, having sensed the situation, did not greet them with much enthusiasm.
“I apologize to you all for the trouble my son has caused,” Xu Shiyang said.
“The second generation are all like this nowadays. You don’t need to be so deferential. Children’s misbehavior isn’t cultivated in a day.”
Guo Xuyang spoke without considering Xu Shiyang’s feelings.
“I am truly very sorry. Had Dahai not told me, I would have committed an unforgivable mistake today as well.”
“Power is granted by the people, not a private possession. Since Master Xu is here today, I will not pursue the matter of Xiao Fan and the police’s involvement.”
Guo Xuyang directly stated his stance.
“Are you gentlemen available? I’ll host you tonight to make amends.”
“Never mind. I merely came to check on the businesses of a few shops and didn’t expect to encounter this. We already have plans for this evening.”
Xu Dahai, knowing that Guo Xuyang was now on the radar of higher-ups, stopped Xu Shiyang before he could say more. Seeing that Guo Xuyang was barely acknowledging Xu Shiyang, he knew the matter was still unresolved. He then said, “Yangzi, I only just heard about Xiao Fan’s incident. I can’t believe this little brat dared to provoke you. He deserves it. Don’t be angry. Come to my place later and introduce yourself properly.”
Guo Xuyang, seeing that Xu Dahai had spoken, could no longer maintain his aloofness. “Master Xu has invited us, so of course we must go. Ye Zi, let’s go.”
Xu Dahai quickly moved ahead to accompany them.
Xu Shiyang’s face turned pale, then purple, but he had no choice but to swallow his pride. One must bow their head under a tiled roof. Who knew Guo Xuyang had such powerful backing? If he were just an ordinary troublemaker, Xu Shiyang would have taught him how to behave today, stripping him bare would have been a light punishment. But circumstances were beyond his control, and he could only suffer in silence, unable to utter a word. He followed behind them, his stomach churning with anger but nowhere to vent it.
Guo Xuyang certainly did not care about his feelings. Had Xu Dahai not shown up today, he would have taught Xu Shiyang a lesson, and flaying him alive would have been considered lenient. It was impossible to reach his current position without engaging in some unsavory dealings.
The group followed Xu Dahai to his home in Xuhui District.
“Brother Xu, how long have you been back?”
“I just returned yesterday. I saw Tong Xin in Kyoto a couple of days ago, and she mentioned you.”
“Oh, what did she say about me?”
“Didn’t you go to Kyoto to propose?”
“She told you about that too?”
“Yes. I stayed in Kyoto and visited the base for a few days.”
“Didn’t you go home at all?”
“Only your team had leave. We’ve been training. I heard from Boss Jiang that personnel would be adjusted next, and our team had the most members screened out.”
“What do you mean?”
“Captain Xin said that with so many of us, we wouldn’t make much of a difference; you alone would suffice.”
“Isn’t he just provoking people? How can he talk like that?”
“He’s motivating us to give our all. The competition is fierce this time, with four members being eliminated, almost half. Everyone’s training is about the same, and no one wants to be cut. So everyone is pushing themselves to the limit.”
“It’s a good method, but it puts me in a difficult position.”
“It’s just a means of motivation.”
“You won’t be eliminated anyway.”
“You believe that so much?”
“Of course. You and Xin Dali are fine. If everyone else had your level of skill, there would be no need for screening. Besides, being eliminated isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”
“What? Brother, do you have some inside information?”
“No. Where would I get inside information? Why are you home alone? Where is your wife?”
Guo Xuyang quickly changed the subject, having spoken too much.
“Your wife is still at her mother’s house.”
“No way? Aren’t your parents-in-law in a hurry?”
“The person I fancy doesn’t fancy me, and the person who fancies me, I don’t fancy. So it’s been delayed like this.”
“Tell me, who do you fancy? Whose eyes are so big that they don’t fancy you?”
“You know her.”
“I know her? From our team?”
“Yes.”
“Tong Xin? No way! Isn’t that you being an old ox eating young grass?”
“What are you thinking? Li Minxi’s sister.”
“Holy crap, you want to be my comrade? That’s a big leap. When did this happen?”
“I’ve been pursuing her for a long time, but she hasn’t agreed.”
“Wasn’t she dating that Pi Xiaoqian?”
“Pi Xiaoqian retired, and they broke up long ago.”
“You know Pi Xiaoqian too?”
“We were in the same recruit company and had a good relationship.”
“You’re stealing someone’s girlfriend, brother.”
“She never fancied Pi Xiaoqian. Moreover, after Pi Xiaoqian became a big fatty, she fancied him even less.”
“Even if she didn’t fancy you, you shouldn’t be stealing her! Isn’t that a bit unethical?”
“What do you know? Matters of the heart cannot be stopped.”
Guo Xuyang was somewhat speechless upon hearing this. Indeed, he didn’t understand. It was just that he was even more formidable than Xu Dahai; he had directly taken the person. What a damn thing. But he couldn’t tell Xu Dahai about this, nor could he tell Pi Xiaoqian. Why? Because in a moment of impulse, he did something he shouldn't have.
“Then what is Li Minyu’s idea?”
“He gives me no chance at all.”
“Then who do you say fancies you?”
“Someone from Shanghai. We were in the same compound before. Later, I don’t know how she took a liking to me; she’s been pestering me, and I can’t shake her off no matter what.”
“Brother, I’ve realized men are all perverse. Don’t be angry, I’m not talking about you. Tell me, why do you chase after someone who is unreachable instead of someone who likes you?”
“That’s fate. Otherwise, why do they say love is blind?”
“Brother. Let me give you a piece of advice. This woman who is pestering you, if she truly likes you, I suggest you take her. Isn’t there a saying? If you can’t find someone you like, find someone who likes you. At least she’s sincere towards you. What do you think?”
“I can’t tell. You seem to know a lot about these things. What’s the deal with those few girls?” Xu Dahai gestured towards Yu Er and the others.
“My friends and subordinates.”
“I don’t believe you.” Xu Dahai smiled and made a gesture that men would understand. Guo Xuyang certainly wouldn’t tell him the truth. After all, they had only known each other for less than a month, and he hadn’t figured out the other person’s background.
“If you don’t believe me, so be it. Who is that Xu Shiyang to you?”
“My own brother. What brother? What are you talking about?”
“So, you’re also from the second generation?”
“What second generation, third generation? Nothing like that. Xiao Fan is my nephew. Although this brat is usually a bit arrogant, his nature isn’t bad, and he has principles. Who would have thought he would provoke you?”