Free Web NovelChapter 714: Chapter 684: Beauty and Wisdom
Xu Changshan watched as the two brothers led the group away, feeling a sense of loss. To what extent has affection turned cold in the face of money? Just because the elder brother didn’t leave the entire inheritance to his two adopted sons, they didn’t remember the kindness of upbringing and even forgot the basic filial duties of a son.
Xu Changshan couldn’t help but think of his own three children. Compared to his elder brother, he was lucky in this regard. At least, these three valued family over money.
Xu Chunliang said to Grandpa Xu, "Grandpa, why are you being so polite to those two bastards?"
Xu Changshan sighed and said, "No matter what, they were once father and sons with your great-uncle. If your great-uncle is aware, he probably hopes they would see him off one last time."
Xu Chunliang said, "Not necessarily. He already wanted to sever ties with them."
Xu Changshan said, "Just angry words, no need to take them seriously." He always felt that people have feelings, even the Zhou brothers were just blinded by interests. Someday, they would regret their actions today.
Mo Han came up to the grandfather and grandson and said she had things to do and would leave first.
Xu Changshan also had a good impression of this girl, especially when Zhou Yisheng came with a group of shrews to cause trouble, she stepped in to quell the chaos. Although her methods were very direct and rough, it showed her decisiveness and extraordinary intelligence.
When saying goodbye, Mei Ru Xue arrived specially because she was attending the funeral. Mei Ru Xue chose to wear black and stood next to the always black-clad Mo Han, resembling a pair of competing beautiful sisters.
Mo Han said, "I was just saying I hadn’t seen Director Mei."
Mei Ru Xue chuckled and said, "I can’t help much either. Besides, with friends like you all around, it’s all the same."
Xu Chunliang looked at the unhidden fatigue on Mei Ru Xue’s pretty face and knew it must have been a hard journey for her. He gently said, "You’re working so hard learning; there’s no need to make such a special trip."
Mei Ru Xue said, "I couldn’t stop worrying!"
Mo Han somehow felt her words were a double entendre. Elder Xu made a greeting and quickly avoided involvement, as it wasn’t appropriate for him to meddle in young people’s affairs. Besides, his beloved grandson could handle it, unlike others.
Mei Ru Xue first went to pay her respects in the mourning hall.
Due to her relationship with Xu Chunliang, Mei Ru Xue knelt to pay her respects while Xu Chunliang burned incense. After she rose, she went to console Xu Jia’an and Xu Jiawen. In fact, she still hadn’t quite figured out this suddenly appeared great-uncle of Xu Chunliang’s. Even if Elder Xu found his long-lost brother, the funeral was indeed grand.
After Mei Ru Xue finished her rituals, Xu Chunliang suggested she rest at the old home.
Mei Ru Xue looked at Xu Chunliang donned in mourning attire and whispered, "Was this Elder Zhou and Grandpa Xu real brothers?"
Xu Chunliang nodded, "Same father, different mothers."
Mei Ru Xue said, "You’ve never mentioned it before."
"I only found out recently." He opened his thermos and handed it to Mei Ru Xue.
Mei Ru Xue took a few sips. Seeing Xu Chunliang in mourning attire felt a bit funny, but it wasn’t appropriate to joke about it. She softly said, "You’ve made such a big scene; be careful that people don’t use it against you."
Xu Chunliang said, "If it rains, or mom wants to remarry, just let it be. My grandpa only has this one brother, and he only recently found out about it. Having a grand ceremony will make him feel better."
Mei Ru Xue held his hand and said, "Take care of yourself too."
Xu Chunliang said, "I’m in perfect health."
Mei Ru Xue sighed; this guy couldn’t speak seriously for long.
At this moment, a voice exclaimed from outside, "Oh, I didn’t interrupt you, did I?"
It was Ji Jiajia who appeared at the door.
Mei Ru Xue hurriedly withdrew her hand, and Xu Chunliang glared at Ji Jiajia, "What’s wrong with you? Why aren’t you keeping vigil but coming here?"
Ji Jiajia said, "Even a donkey pulling a mill for the production team needs a break. I’ve been here for such a long time; you must at least let me have a drink of water." She smiled and approached Mei Ru Xue, unabashedly looking her over, "So pretty. Is this my teacher’s wife?"
Mei Ru Xue’s face turned slightly hot. She had heard Xu Chunliang talk about accepting apprentices before and guessed Ji Jiajia’s identity. She smiled gently, "You must be Jiajia."
Ji Jiajia nodded, "That’s me, Xu Chunliang’s first disciple, Ji Jiajia."
Xu Chunliang found her hard to manage; she even referred to her master by his full name.
Mei Ru Xue poured her a cup of water. Ji Jiajia took it and said thank you. Just then, more guests came to pay their respects, and Xu Chunliang quickly went to greet them. He was a bit uneasy about Ji Jiajia, so he gave Mei Ru Xue a look, and Mei Ru Xue sent him an understanding glance, assuring him it was fine to go.
Ji Jiajia finished her water, sat across from Mei Ru Xue, and continued to look at her, "Your name is Mei Ru Xue, right?"
Mei Ru Xue smiled, "You know me?"
"I do. You’re my master’s official girlfriend and fiancée. I heard you’re an official too."
Mei Ru Xue intentionally said, "Did I disappoint you?"
"No, you’re genuinely beautiful. No wonder my master is fond of you."
Mei Ru Xue said, "It seems that apart from my looks, I have nothing else going for me."
Ji Jiajia giggled, "I’ve just met you, so my impression of you can only stay on the surface. Anyway, any woman who can win my master’s heart must be quite formidable."
Mei Ru Xue laughed, "You have quite a sharp tongue for someone so young."
Ji Jiajia said, "I’m not that young. Many women are married with children at my age."
Mei Ru Xue said, "Hearing you say that makes me feel old."
Ji Jiajia laughed, "It depends on who you compare yourself to. Who’s older, you or my master?"
Mei Ru Xue said, "I am!"
Ji Jiajia took a closer look at her, "I can’t tell. My master appears older than you."
Mei Ru Xue said, "He worries about too many things, which is why he’s been looking a bit weary lately. But I like how he is now."
Ji Jiajia said, "You’re definitely not the only one who likes him."
Mei Ru Xue smiled, "At last, you appreciate my taste."
Ji Jiajia’s eyes lit up. Actually, she intended to make Mei Ru Xue feel uncomfortable, but no matter what she did, Mei Ru Xue easily handled it. In front of Mei Ru Xue, Ji Jiajia felt like a clueless child. Intelligence doesn’t equate to wisdom, and Ji Jiajia was nowhere near Mei Ru Xue in terms of wits.
Ji Jiajia wasn’t just some inexperienced brat. After encountering Mei Ru Xue, she began to truly understand the phrase ’beauty with brains.’ Previously, she only associated this phrase with Hua Zhuyue, but when dealing with Hua Zhuyue, she could act as she pleased, as Hua Zhuyue was tolerant of her antics. She wasn’t afraid of Hua Zhuyue at all.
She was impressed by Mo Han’s decisive handling of troublemakers. She had the capability to do the same, but her first instinct was to rally her international friends to start a brawl, showcasing a difference in approach.
Even now, meeting with Mei Ru Xue, she couldn’t drop her tough exterior. But after a few exchanges, she found her own immaturity quite amusing.
The more Ji Jiajia looked at Mei Ru Xue, the more beautiful she seemed, and quietly asked, "Since master took me as an apprentice, you aren’t mad, right?"
Mei Ru Xue said, "Why would I be mad? I trust he has his reasons for everything he does, so I support him unconditionally."
Ji Jiajia laughed, "You’ve really got it all figured out. No wonder among so many beautiful women, he chose you."
Mei Ru Xue teasingly said, "If your master hears that, he’ll surely punish you."
Ji Jiajia said, "You’re not going to tell him our conversation, are you?"
Mei Ru Xue teased her on purpose, "Who do you think I’m closer to, your master or you?"
Ji Jiajia said, "Well, that’s obvious. But we have plenty of time to get to know each other. Who knows, we might become great friends in the future."
Mei Ru Xue laughed, "You’re quite sharp, little one."
Ji Jiajia tried to please her, "Sister, have you eaten?"
Mei Ru Xue shook her head, and at that moment, Fu Xuedong arrived with some food, "Sister, master asked me to bring you dinner."
A warmth spread in Mei Ru Xue’s heart, knowing that even with Xu Chunliang’s busy schedule, he still cared for her.
Ji Jiajia saw the warm smile on her face and, sensing the warmth, expressed her envy, "Master really cares about you."
Mei Ru Xue softly said, "I feel the same about him."
Ji Jiajia was dumbfounded, thinking this was blatant public display of affection!
Zhao Feiyang arrived slightly late, but arriving at eight in the evening showed sincerity.
His arrival slightly surprised Xu Chunliang since Zhao Feiyang had already sent condolences through Gao Xinhua, and now came in person, showing he valued what happened to the Xu Family. Xu Chunliang didn’t think much of it and didn’t connect Zhao Feiyang’s visit with Secretary Zhou’s appearance.
After paying his respects, Zhao Feiyang offered some words of comfort to the Xu Family, finally coming over to Xu Chunliang, holding his hand, saying, "Chunliang, my condolences."
Xu Chunliang said, "Thank you, Dean Zhao."
Zhao Feiyang replied, "No need for formalities between us. If you need any help, just let me know."
Xu Chunliang said, "Everything is arranged, and the local government has offered a lot of support."
When Zhao Feiyang heard the words ’local government,’ he couldn’t help but admire the finesse. Xu Chunliang had indeed managed the situation well, and even acknowledged Xu Chunliang’s capability. Secretary Zhou’s personal presence meant Jizhou authorities showed due respect, which was expected.
Zhao Feiyang continued, "I still have work these days, so I can’t stay long. When is the cremation?" He planned to attend the memorial.
Xu Chunliang assured him not to make another trip. Zhao Feiyang’s visit was already a show of respect. They no longer worked within the same system, so Xu Chunliang let bygones be bygones. In truth, there wasn’t any irreconcilable conflict between Xu Chunliang and Zhao Feiyang—it was mainly between Xu Chunliang and the Huayuan Group.
The second part of the update is published, thank you all for your concern. To sum up, Little Octopus from Jiangsu has been accepted to a college, and is in the process of selecting a major these days.
