In fact, Zhou Xuan had misjudged the situation. He did intend to call Wei Haihong, but in reality, he hadn't made the call yet. It was Lao Wu who made the call. At the time, they were in the store, and neither Zhou Xuan nor Lao Wu noticed or paid any attention to it.
Old Wu has many influential people in his circle, which Zhou Xuan and ** are unaware of. Old Wu has taught at the university for decades, with countless students, many of whom hold high positions of power or come from wealthy and influential families. The student he made the call to was one of his earliest students, a deputy director-level official in the Beijing Public Security Bureau. His family is prominent, and although he doesn't have the same reputation as Old Master Wei, he is still a remarkable figure. He is only around forty years old and is a key figure being groomed by his family, with a bright future ahead of him.
When Lao Wu told the student about it on the phone, the student had no doubt about Lao Wu's character and immediately called the branch office, which in turn called the police station. The pressure was applied layer by layer. Zhou Cangsong hadn't received any bad treatment on the way because he was in a police car, even though the officers who escorted him were quite rude. But once at the police station, everything changed. He was treated well, with plenty of tea and a comfortable seat. There was no questioning or taking statements. Instead, those troublemakers were brought before Zhou Cangsong and slapped hard in front of him. Then they all apologized to Zhou Cangsong. The station chief, Zhou Yucheng, treated Zhou Cangsong like an ancestor, personally driving him back. He then called over Fatty Chi, gave him a severe beating, and made Fatty Chi apologize to Zhou Cangsong and the police.
While at the police station, Zhou Yucheng called Fatty Chi and berated him mercilessly, calling him blind and reckless for acting without understanding the situation. He questioned whether the Zhou family was someone to be trifled with. Fortunately, he had some connections; the branch office had given him a brief warning over the phone. This order came directly from the provincial headquarters, telling him to keep his eyes open and not cause trouble.
In the antique shop, Zhou Yucheng tried to get close to Zhou Cangsong again, mentioning that they were from the same family five hundred years ago. Zhou Cangsong, easily swayed, was already relieved. Besides, he had little experience; a police station chief was a very high-ranking official in his eyes. For such an official to be so obsequious and friendly, what was there to be ashamed of?
Zhou Xuan smiled. A slap followed by a sweet treat—that was the best approach. If they only focused on venting their anger and got rid of Zhou Yucheng, then there would be Zhao Yucheng, Qian Yucheng, Sun Yucheng—and they had no connection with him. They might run into each other every few days. While they weren't afraid, these kinds of incidents would definitely affect their business. It was better to cultivate a good relationship with Zhou Yucheng, letting him know that they couldn't be offended. Then he wouldn't dare to mess with them. Wasn't that better?
As for Fatty Chi, it's the same. He must know now that he still doesn't have the final say in Panjiayuan. In business, there's no need to go to extremes. The best outcome is if he doesn't dare to bother Zhou Zhangdian again.
Zhou Xuan thought for a moment and immediately said, "I have other things to do. How about this, Dad, Boss Zhang, you two go. Boss Chi is so sincere, and Director Zhou is so kind. It would be disrespectful not to go, right?"
Fatty Chi and Zhou Yucheng both nodded repeatedly in agreement. Although Zhou Xuan wasn't going, the fact that he allowed his father and a few others to go meant he wouldn't hold a grudge about what happened today and wouldn't blame them. This was a kind of promise, so how could they not be happy!
Fatty Chi had someone drive over, and Zhou Yucheng couldn't very well drive a police car to the place where the dinner was being held; that wouldn't be a dinner party, but rather inviting trouble.
They also brought out the Hummer and let Zhou Cangsong and his son Zhou Tao get in, and then invited Zhou Yu and Xiao Cheng to join them.
When Zhou Yucheng and Fatty Chi saw the Hummer that had been driven out, they were immediately taken aback. Zhou Yucheng, in particular, was surprised not only by the value of the Hummer but also by the license plate.
This license plate belongs to a high-ranking officer within the garrison region. Anyone from there, like Zhou Baocheng, could be easily killed with a flick of their little finger. How could he not be alarmed?
He didn't even realize it himself, but this car was really good. After Brother Hong gave it to him, he didn't have to worry about any expenses. He could just park it anywhere on the street, and the traffic police would treat him like he wasn't there. They would fine other people, but his car would be treated as if it didn't exist.
He did receive a benefit, but he thought it was just a regular military license plate because, in local areas, traffic police generally don't offend people driving military vehicles.
Fatty Chi and Zhou Yucheng exchanged a glance, both secretly alarmed. Fatty Chi was even more regretful, thinking that his bunch of subordinates were all incompetent and hadn't even investigated this, letting him stir up such a hornet's nest!
Zhou Xuan said goodbye to them and then took a car home alone. At home, his mother, Fu Ying, Zhou Ying, and Aunt Liu were all holding the merchants' advertising leaflets, picking out things they liked and commenting on them. They were all preparing for Zhou Xuan and Fu Ying's wedding.
Zhou Xuan was both happy and worried. He had been looking forward to marrying Fu Ying for a long time, but there were too many trivial matters that were too annoying.
After thinking for a moment, Zhou Xuan slipped out again. He hitched a ride to Brother Hong's house.
I haven't visited Hun Ge's house since returning from Luoyang, and I feel a little guilty about it, considering how much the old man cares. I haven't even greeted him since I got back.
At Wei Haihong's house, there were two guards, as well as the old man and Wei Haihong himself. Wei Haihong's wife was not home.
As soon as Zhou Xuan arrived, Wei Haihong happily pulled him to sit down. The old man looked at him for a long time before saying, "You've lost some weight!"
Aunt Wang brought out teacups, and Zhou Xuan thanked her. He then secretly glanced at the old door but didn't see Wei Xiaoqing and her sister. "They probably don't live nearby," he thought.
The old man seemed to have discerned Zhou Xuan's thoughts, sighed, and said, "Young Zhou, I have a question for you."
"Sir, please speak!" Zhou Xuan said respectfully.
"You know, I love my granddaughter Xiaobi very much," the old man sighed. "I understand Xiaoqing's feelings. I usually don't interfere in the affairs of you young people, but Xiaoqing is too stubborn and inflexible, she just can't see things clearly!"
Whenever Zhou Xuan heard about Xiao Qing, he would feel inexplicably flustered. He felt guilty because of Wei Xiao Qing's feelings for him, but he also understood that he only treated her like a younger sister. He only liked Fu Ying. What made him feel guilty was Wei Xiao Qing's kindness and understanding. She was good to their family. The better she was to them, the more Zhou Xuan felt sorry for her. If it were a girl with Wei Xiao Yu's personality, it would naturally not matter.
The old man said sadly, "I've lived long enough. A lifetime of military service, I've experienced everything I was meant to experience, seen everything I was meant to see. I was supposed to die, but you pulled me back. I guess this is God's last gift to me in this world. Alas, at the end, with children and grandchildren all around, I thought I had no more worries, but I just can't let go of those two girls, especially Xiaoqing."
Zhou Xuan remained silent; he couldn't say anything about Xiao Qing's matter.
After a long silence, the old man asked again: "Xiao Zhou, putting aside our past relationship, just tell me about your relationship with Hai Hong. What are your feelings for Xiao Qing?"
Zhou Xuan hesitated for a moment before replying, "Grandpa, as you know, I have a girlfriend, and I would never betray her. Xiaoqing is a good girl, and to be honest, I am far from good enough for her. I'm not being pretentious; it's the truth. Please understand, Grandpa!"
The old man remained silent for a long time. In his heart, he had such thoughts. Xiaoqing had feelings for Zhou Xuan. Although Xiaoqing's parents objected, believing that Zhou Xuan was not good enough for Xiaoqing in any way, the old man understood that it was not a matter of whether he was good enough or not, but whether Zhou Xuan was willing. If the Wei family could keep such an extraordinary person like him, it would be a blessing for the Wei family.
But it was ultimately not meant to be. The more Zhou Xuan acted this way, the more the old man felt that his character was noble and rare. If an ordinary person were faced with such a situation, could they refuse? With the status and position of the Wei family, and with Wei Xiaoqing's own beauty, who could refuse?
In the capital, the scions of noble families who admired Xiaoqing could line up from the east gate to the west gate, but Xiaoqing didn't like any of them. The old man and Wei Haihong were also satisfied with the people she liked, but Zhou Xuan only had Fu Ying in his heart. This was a matter of fate, and they were not destined to be together!
Wei Haihong was also panting heavily. Although the brothers were still brothers, he had broken his niece's heart!
The old man was a true hero, able to take things on and let them go easily. After sighing, he quickly changed the subject, saying, "Xiao Zhou and Xiao Lan asked me to convey their thanks to you. You did a great job for the National Security Bureau this time, but since you didn't want to officially join, of course they can't openly reward you. As for your ID, Xiao Lan said you should keep it; it might come in handy sometimes, saving you from constantly needing help. If you need anything, his phone is always available for you!"
Joining the National Security Bureau was of course undesirable for Zhou Xuan. He didn't want to be a secret agent risking his life at any time. He preferred to make money, enjoy life, and live a comfortable life. That was better than anything else.
However, after what happened with Fatty Chi and Zhou Yucheng today, Zhou Xuan realized that having some power of his own was more important than anything else. Originally, there was no problem with the old man and Wei Haihong, but because of Xiaoqing's matter, although he wouldn't become enemies with the Wei family, he was still embarrassed to ask for help at any time.
The old man probably understood this as well. He wouldn't refuse to do anything to help Zhou Xuan, but given Zhou Xuan's personality, he would probably gradually distance himself from him. After all, Xiao Qing's matter made things awkward for both sides, and the Blue executives' intentions were in line with his own.
Zhou Xuan had never used that certificate, but he was aware of its power. He would naturally accept this gift from the Blue High-ups, since he had done a great deal for them. If it weren't for him, no one would have been able to get out from underground in Luoyang!
Zhou Xuan nodded and said to the old man, "Grandpa, I'll accept this gift. Please convey my thanks to the higher-ups at Lan."
Zhou Xuan smiled at the old man and said, "Grandpa, I came here today specifically to see you. I'd like to have another check-up on your health."
The old man chuckled and said, "See? I feel energetic, like I'm ten years younger than before!"
Zhou Xuan smiled and placed his hand on the old man's wrist. Icy energy seeped into the old man's body.
The old man's health was indeed fine; the cancer cells had been completely cleared, and his bodily functions had improved significantly. However, everyone has their limits, and the old man's body had reached its limit, making further improvement impossible. Zhou Xuan's methods weren't magic; he could only stimulate the old man's bodily functions and improve his constitution. This would be the easiest and most convenient thing for a young person, but the old man was ninety years old, and his body had reached its limits in every aspect. It was like an old car; no matter how much you cleaned it or oiled it, it was still an aging machine. When the time came, it would break down. This was the law of nature, something even God couldn't change.
After withdrawing his hand, Zhou Xuan nodded slightly and said, "Grandpa, your health has fully recovered, even better than I imagined!"
Wei Haihong was extremely grateful. He patted Zhou Xuan on the shoulder and sighed, "Brother, I won't thank you. Once we're brothers, we'll be brothers forever. Although I'd rather be your uncle!"
The old man suddenly said, "Young Zhou, speaking of treating your illness, I have another favor to ask of you, but I'd like to ask for your permission first, is that alright?"
"You're too kind, sir!" Zhou Xuan said with a smile. "Please go ahead!"
"Born, old age, sickness, and death are all ordained by fate; some things cannot be forced." The old man noticed Zhou Xuan's voice had lowered, and he turned his head to look out the window before turning back after a long while.