Song Peiwan paused in her tracks, and after a moment, spoke without turning back, "I know, when the time comes, I won’t make it difficult for you for the sake of the family’s interests, but right now I just want to do something I want to do, is that alright?"
"Wan’Er..."
"No need to say anything, brother, I understand it all; I’m a member of the Song Family, after all. Since I’ve enjoyed a life far better than ordinary people, I have to accept the fate it brings. I accept it!"
"But let’s not talk about the incident at the Great Buddha Temple. He wasn’t there at that time, so it’s understandable, but now I’ve been back for two days. Has anyone from the Yang Family come to ask about it?"
Song Linqing fell silent, only able to watch his sister leave with eyes full of sorrow.
Because everything Song Peiwan said was true. It’s been two or three days since the incident at the Great Buddha Temple, yet the Yang Family has been completely indifferent, not even sending a letter, as if they were unaware of it.
This ambiguous attitude deeply worried and angered Song Linqing.
Meanwhile, upon returning to her quarters, Song Peiwan sat in a chair, lost in thought.
Xiaoman knew her mistress was feeling troubled but dared not say anything, choosing to stand by and serve quietly.
"Xiaoman." Song Peiwan suddenly called out.
"Yes, Miss, I’m here." Xiaoman hurriedly stepped forward.
"What do you think the Yang Family really wants?"
Xiaoman fell silent.
Although she had been pondering the matter, when Song Peiwan finally asked, she was at a loss for words.
"Miss, our families have been friends for generations. Maybe they simply overlooked this matter..."
"Friends for generations..." Song Peiwan suddenly let out a cold laugh.
"What a nice-sounding term!"
The next morning, Song Renqiang arrived again.
This time, he brought along someone Zhao Ya was quite familiar with.
Li Chunfeng.
Song Renqiang came with many fresh vegetables, fruits, and necessities, smiling as he talked with Zhao Ya.
"Last time, everything was prepared in a rush, and many items were missing. So yesterday, I instructed people to purchase more supplies. Commander Zhao, do you find them suitable?"
"Thank you, Steward Song!" Zhao Ya expressed his gratitude, pretending to be surprised upon seeing Li Chunfeng nearby.
"Isn’t this Leader Li?"
Li Chunfeng was a small head of the hospital guard, but because of his connection with Song Renqiang, he was often respectfully called Leader Li.
Song Renqiang quickly introduced him, "Commander Zhao, this is my adopted son, Li Chunfeng. I wanted to bring him over to meet you, but you two already seem to know each other."
"Of course, we know each other. I’ve met Leader Li several times while working as a guard." Zhao Ya smiled.
Song Renqiang laughed heartily, but Li Chunfeng remained silent, prompting Song Renqiang to urge him, "Hurry up and greet Commander Zhao!"
Reluctantly, Li Chunfeng cupped his hands, "Greetings, Commander Zhao!"
Then he stepped aside in silence.
To be honest, Li Chunfeng didn’t understand why his godfather was so attentive to this young man.
He hadn’t even gotten out of bed that morning before Song Renqiang dragged him out, saying he wanted him to meet the new rising star of the Song Mansion.
Wasn’t it just this fellow surnamed Zhao, whom he already knew?
Heard he seemed to have saved the eldest miss once during the incident and was immediately elevated upon returning.
Li Chunfeng felt both envious and resentful about it.
He believed that if he had been the one sent, he could have done it too, and even better than that fellow.
But now there’s no point in discussing it, so Li Chunfeng planned to wait for his godfather to leave, then go find the woman he hooked up with last night for some fun.
Tsk tsk, that woman might be a bit older, but she exudes quite an alluring vibe, almost like that Xia Hongyu.
Thinking of how close he was to being with Xia Hongyu made Li Chunfeng angry.
Dammit.
If I ever find out who messed things up for me that night, I’ll kill you.
Li Chunfeng was lost in his thoughts when Zui’Er walked out of the kitchen.
"Ya, time for a meal. Oh, Steward Song is here too!"
"Miss Zui’Er!" Song Renqiang greeted with a friendly smile.
Noticing there were outsiders present, Zui’Er nodded and quickly retreated indoors.
Li Chunfeng’s eyes lit up at the sight of Zui’Er, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her until she disappeared inside, reluctantly withdrawing his gaze.
He thought no one noticed his subtle actions.
But he didn’t realize that as soon as he looked at Zui’Er with those suggestive eyes, Zhao Ya noticed.
Zhao Ya’s heart turned cold, and a flash of murderous intent crossed his eyes.
However, he quickly concealed this intent and chatted amiably with Song Renqiang.
After chatting for a while, Song Renqiang and Li Chunfeng bid farewell and left.
Once they exited the small courtyard, Song Renqiang led Li Chunfeng into a small alley.
"Godfather, why did you bring me here?" Li Chunfeng asked, puzzled.
Song Renqiang remained silent, gesturing for Li Chunfeng to come closer.
Without any suspicion, Li Chunfeng walked up quickly.
"Godfather..."
Before he could finish, Song Renqiang raised his hand and gave Li Chunfeng a sharp slap.
The slap was extremely harsh.
Li Chunfeng was slapped silly, clutching his cheek and wailing, "Godfather, why did you hit me?"
"Why did I hit you? Hmph, I hit you because you’re an unambitious fool."
Song Renqiang sneered, pointing a finger at Li Chunfeng’s nose and questioning.
"Tell me, why did you act so glum in front of Commander Zhao and respond so half-heartedly? Do you think he just got to where he is through luck because he was a minor guard before?"
Li Chunfeng, holding his face, spoke with grievance, "Is that really a reason to hit me, godfather? And was I wrong to think that?"
"Fool, if Zhao Ya truly depended on luck, he’d have been burnt to death at the Great Buddha Temple. Let me tell you the truth: Zhao Ya is highly valued by the Patriarch now. His composed and introverted nature even I find difficult to see through, and you dare look down on him?"
At this point, Song Renqiang was filled with regret, "I dragged you out early in the morning just so you could connect with him more. Yet, you disappointed me. You’re hopeless!"