However, his unique and transcendent identity could not be made public; the fewer people who knew about it, the better. Even those who did know would never dare to reveal it.
Even the highest-ranking figures within the country should be kept in the dark if possible; let alone those abroad, they should absolutely not be allowed to know Xu Zhengyang's secret.
Therefore, the Li brothers always had to find a proper, at least plausible, reason to explain why they were so concerned about Xu Zhengyang's situation in Dunsibo, and even informed the US embassy to lodge a strong protest with the US government.
But how can this be explained? You see, Xu Zhengyang's background and identity are just ordinary.
The two brothers were both frowning, thinking that they would ask Xu Zhengyang what was going on when he returned, and then listen to his thoughts.
Hearing footsteps outside the door, Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing stood up simultaneously, exchanging a glance. They couldn't help but smile wryly. Were they really that nervous?
Xu Zhengyang and Li Bingjie walked in side by side.
This time, Qingling didn't follow her around like glue.
"Dad, Uncle," Li Bingjie called out shyly, then blushed and lowered her head, secretly glancing at her father and uncle's expressions, like a child who had stolen something and felt guilty in front of their parents.
In this situation, if it were any other girl, who wasn't young anymore, bringing her boyfriend home wouldn't be anything to be embarrassed about. The problem was Li Bingjie's special family background, her personality, and the fact that Xu Zhengyang was no ordinary person. Therefore, Li Bingjie felt quite awkward and nervous.
Surprisingly, Xu Zhengyang didn't show any shyness. He had been wondering how to shamelessly bring up this matter later, but seeing Li Ruiyu and the other man, he felt inexplicably at ease. He had intended to call them "uncle," but ultimately didn't, and instead smiled and said, "I'm sorry for the trouble I caused you on this trip to the US." This was the truth. Even if Xu Zhengyang was unsophisticated and didn't know what had happened because of him, he was certain that these two knew about what had happened in the US and had offered some assistance.
"It's alright, please sit down." Li Ruiqing smiled and gestured for the two to sit down.
Li Ruiqing's expression remained as calm as ever. However, his usually imposing eyes now held a hint of embarrassment. Although he had known and understood that there was essentially no other possibility between his daughter and Xu Zhengyang, as a father, seeing his daughter, who had just returned from abroad, visit him with her boyfriend—a boyfriend who had clashed with his family and whose identity was extremely strange and unusual—made Li Ruiqing feel very awkward.
The nanny, Wu Ma, made tea and poured water, greeted Li Bingjie kindly and gently, and was about to turn and leave when Li Ruiyu said, "Bingjie, go upstairs with Wu Ma first. Zhengyang and I have some things to discuss."
"Okay." Li Bingjie obediently got up, secretly glanced at Xu Zhengyang, then blushed and lowered her head to walk upstairs.
For once, Aunt Wu's face lit up with joy. She genuinely liked Xu Zhengyang; he was so sensible, polite, and had such a good temper… Aunt Wu had watched Li Bingjie grow up, and having not seen her for so long, she naturally missed her terribly. With Xu Zhengyang's arrival, Aunt Wu was even happier, joyfully holding Li Bingjie's hand and watching her blushing cheeks, her happiness only growing with each passing moment.
Although Wu Ma hadn't said anything yet, Li Bingjie had already gleaned something from Wu Ma's expression out of the corner of her eye, and became even more shy.
In the living room, Li Ruiyu pointed to the cigarettes on the table and said calmly, "Have a smoke."
Xu Zhengyang smiled, and without any ceremony, reached for a cigarette on the table, took one out, lit it, and said with a smile, "Bingjie was homesick, so she rushed home as soon as she got off the plane. I'm also a bit forgetful and forgot to buy some things..."
These words sounded apologetic, but there wasn't a trace of apology in his expression. He was clearly self-righteous.
But to be honest, Xu Zhengyang was thinking about how to bring up his marriage to Li Bingjie the whole way, and didn't even think about buying a gift.
Fortunately, in such a family, with both parties in such positions, no one really cares whether you buy anything or not.
The concept of social etiquette and courtesy is completely disregarded by them.
“Zhengyang, why don’t you change your temper even when you’re abroad? Just because of a little conflict, you acted impulsively and killed that gang leader. This isn’t our country, is it?” Li Ruiqing said with a smile, sipping his tea, without smoking.
"Well, it's not because of Wu Guanxian, it's really because Bingjie scared me that I got angry," Xu Zhengyang said seriously. Now that they were back in the country, in this villa, in front of everyone, Xu Zhengyang naturally didn't need to say anything in riddles.
Li Ruiyu said with a slightly reproachful tone, "Nonsense, aren't you afraid of being targeted? You even assaulted a police officer at the FBI, you..." Li Ruiyu shook his head and didn't finish his sentence.
"Haha, Zhengyang is just young and impetuous, it's understandable that he has a bit of a temper," Li Ruiqing chimed in.
Xu Zhengyang put away his smile and said seriously, "Believe it or not, those people from the FBI really did follow us. They followed us all the way, and only left after we got onto the Fourth Ring Road."
"Um?"
Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing were both taken aback, and then their brows furrowed.
"Zhengyang, what are you thinking?" Li Ruiqing asked.
"Think what you want. Do whatever you want." Xu Zhengyang waved his hand dismissively with a smile, saying, "It's alright. First, with my identity, they won't be able to find anything out. Second..." Xu Zhengyang's eyes turned cold, and he sneered, "I don't like being followed and monitored."
Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing exchanged a glance and nodded calmly.
Just as Xu Zhengyang said, the FBI wouldn't be able to find anything about him. After all, who would have thought Xu Zhengyang was a deity? Moreover, the two of them knew Xu Zhengyang's temperament very well. If FBI agents tried to follow and monitor him here, they would likely only end up in serious trouble.
The problem wasn't that the Li brothers were worried about; rather, they were concerned about how to prevent the people in their own country from continuing to be suspicious because of this matter.
“Zhengyang, your identity… is too sensitive. It’s best if as few people as possible know about it.” Li Ruiqing looked at Xu Zhengyang with a serious expression.
"Mm." Xu Zhengyang nodded.
Li Ruiyu, with a cigarette between his fingers, frowned and said, "But have you considered that if they're watching you, people here will also find out and start to suspect your identity?"
Xu Zhengyang paused for a moment, then quickly understood the reasoning behind it, and couldn't help but feel a little guilty. After thinking it over, he decided, "Let's not talk about this anymore. Um, Uncle, and Second Uncle, there's something I'd like to discuss with you two..."
"Hmm? What is it?" Li Ruiqing asked, puzzled.
Li Ruiyu also looked puzzled.
It was rather strange that Xu Zhengyang's tone suddenly softened and became shy, and that he suddenly addressed them as "uncle" and used the formal "you" (您).
"Well, after the New Year, in March, it will have been three years since the old man passed away..."
After saying this, Xu Zhengyang finally showed a hint of shyness on his face. He looked at the two of them with a puzzled expression and continued, "It's like this, I'm thinking of getting married to Bingjie next March."
Li Ruiyu was stunned.
Li Ruiqing turned his head to look at Li Ruiyu in surprise.
Although this wasn't exactly sudden—in fact, the two brothers had been expecting it—the problem was... that bringing it up now seemed a bit inappropriate. Yet, it was also the perfect time.
Intelligent people don't need the other party to spell things out too clearly; the brothers Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing immediately understood the crux of the matter. Now, Xu Zhengyang and Li Bingjie's engagement was the most appropriate reason, although it would be somewhat embarrassing, somewhat biased, somewhat absurd, and somewhat making a mountain out of a molehill, but it was definitely acceptable.
Imagine if those who wanted to know the truth knew that Xu Zhengyang and Li Bingjie had returned from the US to get engaged. Then everyone would understand why the Li brothers were so angry. Putting aside their positions and status, just considering them as parents, their daughter and prospective son-in-law were about to get engaged, possibly even with the date already set, and then this happened in the US. As fathers and fathers-in-law, it's no wonder they were furious.
Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing had considered this method, but given their social standing, they couldn't very well ask their daughter to marry Xu Zhengyang. That would be too shameful. Not only would it be beneath their status as elders, but the whole family had previously disapproved of Xu Zhengyang, and now they were willing to marry their daughter to him. It was just too much... After all, the father and uncle were prominent figures in both the military and political circles; their reputations were incredibly valuable. How could they possibly stoop to such a shameful act?
So now that Xu Zhengyang has taken the initiative to bring it up, it has a hint of a marriage proposal.
This is truly a win-win situation for everyone.
Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing were increasingly impressed by Xu Zhengyang's keen insight and sharp mind. He was incredibly intelligent, able to pinpoint the key issues instantly and solve all the difficult problems with ease.
Little did Xu Zhengyang know, he hadn't even considered that possibility.
He just felt that Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing didn't need to bother with such things, always overthinking and complicating simple matters. He simply said: "Xu Zhengyang is a citizen of this country. He has been treated unfairly abroad. Shouldn't our government departments help him?"
What a simple and perfectly reasonable reason! Let anyone who wants to question it have their say!
As for my identity, that's naturally a secret. If you don't admit it, who would dare to do anything to you two? Besides, if anyone has any suspicions, let them investigate. It would be a miracle if they found anything.
Furthermore, even if Xu Zhengyang's identity were clearly revealed to these special individuals, so what? Wouldn't they still have to keep it a secret?
Hmm, could it be that you, Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing, are planning to keep me, Xu Zhengyang, as a trump card, hiding it away and using it in political struggles or competitions between nations when necessary?
Xu Zhengyang lowered his head, pursed his lips, took a deep drag of his cigarette, and then looked up, looking quite embarrassed, and said, "Um, do you guys think, um, agree to our relationship?"
Li Ruiqing smiled and said, "Marriage is a matter of personal freedom. As long as you two are willing, what do we, as your elders, have to object to?"
Li Ruiyu, adopting the airs of a father, became even more authoritative and imposing, and said calmly, "Have you and Bingjie discussed it thoroughly?"
"Mm." Xu Zhengyang was secretly pleased, but said calmly.
"Alright." Li Ruiyu feigned helplessness, displaying a girl's outgoing nature and the saying "a girl grows up and can't be controlled," and said, "I still have to tell Bingjie's mother, about her..."
“No problem, no problem. I was just thinking of going back to visit Auntie with Bingjie this time,” Xu Zhengyang said with a smile.
Li Ruiyu then fell silent, wearing a smile befitting an elder.
Li Ruiqing said, "I was supposed to have a meeting this morning, but I'll make a call and cancel. We'll have lunch here today, which is a nice surprise."
"Hmm." Li Ruiyu nodded, then frowned and said, "Zhengyang, do your parents know?"
"Huh?" Xu Zhengyang was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said, "They don't know yet, but they've been looking forward to this day for a long time."
"Alright, stay here tonight. Tomorrow you and Bingjie can go back together, talk to your parents, discuss it, and set a date. As for whether to get engaged in Beijing or your hometown in Fuhe City, you and Bingjie can decide."
Xu Zhengyang was stunned. "Damn, no way? Even more anxious than me?"
Seeing Xu Zhengyang's expression, Li Ruiyu felt somewhat embarrassed and said with a stern face, "What's wrong? Is something wrong?"
"No, no problem!" Xu Zhengyang suppressed his excitement and nodded with a smile.
Li Ruiyu turned his head and called upstairs, "Aunt Wu."
"Yes," Aunt Wu replied, and soon came downstairs.
"Make a few more dishes this morning," Li Ruiyu said casually, then added, "Call Binghe and ask him to take a day off and come back for lunch this morning."
"Okay, okay."
Li Ruiyu then turned to Li Ruiqing and said, "Call your family of three over too, so the whole family can have lunch together this morning."
"Okay." Li Ruiqing nodded with a smile.
Xu Zhengyang listened in stunned silence. Goodness, this is serious.
Although I knew beforehand that there shouldn't be any more obstacles, I never expected things to go so smoothly. Moreover, my father-in-law and his brother seemed eager to finalize the marriage as soon as possible.
Could it be... Xu Zhengyang thought in a despicable way: They suspect that Bingjie and I have already consummated our relationship in the United States, and are therefore worried that others will gossip and bring shame to the family?
No, no, I have to call home right away and tell them.
"Um, I'll call home too."
"Hmm." Li Ruiyu nodded, looking like a strict father. He then glanced up at the upstairs, indicating that Xu Zhengyang could make a phone call upstairs if he felt uncomfortable.
Xu Zhengyang's heart raced. He chuckled awkwardly as he pulled out his phone and headed upstairs.
Who says that people are in high spirits when they have a happy occasion?
Xu Zhengyang felt a little dizzy and lightheaded.
Volume 5, Spirit Official, Chapter 239: If Only I Had Known This Beforehand
Lee Seo-yu's daughter is getting engaged.
The news spread quickly. Of course, it was only known to a small number of people within a specific field. Due to the special nature of their identities, their children and even their relatives are rarely known to outsiders, let alone disclosed to the public in the media.
Those who are qualified to know about this matter understand this principle, so they will not speak out. All they can do is offer their blessings, and when the time comes, they will take the invitation to give gifts and make a monetary contribution, and then have a drink and a meal.
None of that matters. What matters is that some extremely influential figures, after some hesitation, finally acknowledged and understood the Li Ruiyu brothers' actions, realizing that they had overreacted and made a mountain out of a molehill regarding Xu Zhengyang's arrest by the FBI in Dunsbo, USA.
That makes sense. If you put yourself in their shoes, you'd get angry too.
Let's not even talk about Xu Zhengyang's status as a prospective son-in-law. The US clearly knows Li Bingjie's identity, yet they still act this way towards Xu Zhengyang. If we don't respond, wouldn't that be more than just damaging to national dignity? We might even be testing the reaction of our own government's top leadership with this small matter.
As the saying goes, the higher one's position, the more complex one's thinking becomes.
What was originally a trivial matter could lead to countless conspiracies and schemes, and decades later, this tiny spark, almost completely extinguished, could ignite a wildfire.
Xu Zhengyang had never thought of these things.
However, when Li Chengzong left the capital and returned to Fuhe City to discuss the engagement with his family, he gave Xu Zhengyang some instructions on these matters on the way.
Xu Zhengyang couldn't help but smile wryly. Although the news hadn't diminished his excitement, it had left him feeling somewhat awkward. Normally, getting married is a big deal, a joyous occasion, and people would want the whole world to know they were getting married.