Xu Neng felt his heart was about to jump out of his throat. If the villagers saw this scene, then... then... would the township head and county head dare to speak loudly to him in the future?
Therefore, when Li Ruiyu introduced him, Xu Neng inevitably became a little nervous and stuttered a bit.
Xu Zhengyang didn't sit at the same table as them. He sat at another table with Li Binghe, Li Bingzhe, and two other young men. Even Li Chengzong, the bodyguard, was able to sit at Xu Zhengyang's table only because of his special relationship with the Li family. Seeing his father's distressed state, Xu Zhengyang couldn't bear it. After thinking for a moment, he secretly sent a wisp of divine power into his father's mind to calm his tense and uneasy emotions.
With divine power at its peak, the effect was immediate. Xu Neng's mind became much more open and relaxed. He thought to himself, what's there to be nervous about? No matter how high your rank is, aren't you still just like me with two arms and two legs, and a head on your shoulders? Besides, no matter how useless I am, at least I'm a decent guy today!
Seeing this, Xu Zhengyang felt a little relieved. He then used his mental power to probe upstairs again, calming his mother down and preventing her from becoming too nervous.
Well, Xu Neng spoke much more easily after that. Although he still didn't dare to say too much, he would just smile and say a few words when asked something.
I won't go into the details of what was said and talked about at the banquet.
It was very ordinary and uneventful, just like a typical family gathering—polite, happy, and relaxed… It was nothing more than mentioning that Zheng Yang and Li Bingjie were engaged, a perfect match, and so on.
There's nothing special about it, and there won't be any melodramatic scenes, like looking down on Xu Neng and Xu Zhengyang's family background, or Ji Feng mocking them as country bumpkins, which would make Xu Zhengyang unleash his power and sweep aside everyone with his words and actions, playing dumb to outmaneuver them.
This situation simply will not occur.
Admittedly, among the elders at this table, there were two men from the Jiang family who were dissatisfied, and upstairs at the women's table, there were also two women from the Jiang family who looked down on Xu Zhengyang's family, including Miao Anzhi and her daughter Li Bingying.
But after all, they have different identities and different levels of cultivation and character, so they simply cannot do such disgusting things or say such disgusting things; or perhaps, they disdain to do or say such things.
On the day he returned from the United States, Xu Zhengyang had a meal with Li Binghe and they drank a few glasses of wine together. In addition, Li Binghe was always an open-minded person, so the estrangement between the two caused by the conflict on the highway last time had long been eliminated.
Unlike the villagers, the people didn't drink and laugh as freely.
They chatted warmly, calmly, and comfortably, drinking and eating, and no one seemed restrained because of their special status.
Judging by the time, it was after several rounds of drinks. Under Li Ruiqing's guidance, Xu Zhengyang first went upstairs and toasted with Li Bingjie. Then the couple went downstairs together and toasted everyone at each table.
After toasting, Xu Zhengyang did not return to his original seat. At Li Ruiyu's suggestion, he sat down at the table where the elders were seated.
Xu Zhengyang remained unrestrained, neither humble nor arrogant. While his speech was not exactly refined, it was certainly not vulgar, and he was far from being smug or boastful.
In short, he gives people the impression of being down-to-earth, steady, dignified, and with a touch of authority.
The guests present grew increasingly suspicious. This seemingly unknown figure was indeed extraordinary. If their previous understanding of Xu Zhengyang's background was true, then this young man was no ordinary person. At such a young age, with no connections or education, he possessed such composure and magnanimity. Now, as the son-in-law of the Li family, with such a powerful backer, it was truly difficult to fathom where he would go in the future, or what high position he would attain.
Little did they know that Xu Zhengyang had no intention of, and could never, step into their circle.
Volume 5, Spirit Official, Chapter 243: Willing to Give
The crackdown on organized crime before the Spring Festival did not unfold as Li Ruinan had hoped.
Time was too short, and this country is not a place where the Li family can have absolute power.
However, the "crackdown" has been placed on the decision-making table, and the sword of Damocles is hanging high. A nationwide crackdown on organized crime could be launched at any moment.
Actually, even without Li Ruiyu's faction bringing it up, the crackdown would have inevitably begun. Every year, this kind of work is done symbolically, targeting those who stand out, those who are insignificant, and those who are particularly conspicuous. Those capable of taking the blame deserve to be shot. And they're prominently displayed for the public to see, as a way of giving taxpayers an explanation.
Of course, this crackdown, driven by those with ulterior motives, will inevitably be more intense than any crackdown in previous years.
When Xu Zhengyang learned of this news from Li Ruiqing's phone call, he was at the Yunlai Hotel in Zehe City, hosting a banquet for Yao Chushun and the employees of Guxiangxuan. Originally, Xu Zhengyang wanted to invite the people from Jinghui Logistics Company to join the meal as well, which would have been just one more table. However, Wu Juan said that it was the end of the year, the busiest time for logistics companies. So, they decided to postpone the meal until after the New Year.
Xu Zhengyang, holding his phone, listened to Li Ruiqing's words and paused for a moment, thinking, "Why are you telling me about this crackdown?" But then he quickly realized the reason. He couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time, thinking, "If the crackdown is really because of me, wouldn't I be very unhappy and think you're stealing my business?"
"Please wait a moment." Xu Zhengyang gave everyone present an apologetic smile, then got up and walked outside. Once outside, he said, "Uncle, the crackdown is a good thing, and I definitely support it wholeheartedly. If, um, there's anything I can help you with, please let me know."
“If needed, I’ll definitely come to you. Haha.” Li Ruiqing laughed. “Zhengyang, if anything happens in the future, try to let me know so that government agencies can handle the issues. It’s always better than you having to resort to extreme measures yourself. You should understand what I mean.”
"Hmm," Bing Zhengyang said, "Actually, haven't I always been like this before?"
Li Ruiyu sighed helplessly. Yes, weren't all the things Xu Zhengyang did in the past ultimately handed over to the police? It was just that he vented his anger a little before handing them over. Well, understandable. "Zhengyang, in the future, be more discreet in your actions and behavior. Many people are watching you closely these days."
"Okay, don't worry."
After hanging up the phone, Xu Zhengyang walked to the end of the corridor, stood by the window and finished a cigarette before returning to the private room.
Today is the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month. We invited Yao Chushun and the others to dinner, but only Xu Zhengyang came. Li Bingjie did not come.
Li Bingjie returned to Chenghe City with Xu Zhengyang, but she's now staying with Jiang Lan in the courtyard house. Since Li Bingjie's return from abroad, her relationship with Jiang Lan has noticeably improved. This is naturally due to Jiang Lan's personality change and Li Bingjie's growing affection for her mother. Although no one has told her what exactly happened, Li Bingjie has a vague idea. Therefore, she wants to spend more time with her mother, hoping that the rift between her mother and Xu Zhengyang can slowly disappear with her presence.
Seeing Xu Zhengyang walk in from outside, Yao Chushun said with a smile, "Damn it, you've really become a busy man now, you can't even take a break from eating a meal."
Jin Changfa said, "Master Gu, if Zhengyang is no longer busy, then our Gu Xiang Xuan should close down or be given away."
The people around the table all nodded and smiled in agreement. Their gazes toward Xu Zhengyang were full of admiration.
When Xu Zhengyang was ill, Gu Xiangxuan was forced to sell itself to Zheng Ronghua. After learning the truth, everyone in Gu Xiangxuan had the idea of leaving, but they stayed because of the persuasion of Master Gu, Yao Chushun, especially Jin Changfa and Gao Da.
In truth, no one believed Yao Chushun's claim that Xu Zhengyang would recover; they only stayed to work out of respect for Yao Chushun. As for Xu Zhengyang, "So what if he recovers? Does he really think he can take Gu Xiangxuan back from Zheng Ronghua's workshop?"
Nobody believed it.
However, after Xu Zhengyang recovered from his illness, Zheng Ronghua obediently handed over the huge antique shop, Gu Xiang Xuan, to him.
This caused everyone to be secretly astonished. Just who was Xu Zhengyang? What kind of formidable strength did he possess to force Zheng Ronghua to submit? The reason everyone was so surprised was that they couldn't understand this. If Xu Zhengyang had a powerful background, then even if Xu Zhengyang was ill, Zheng Ronghua wouldn't dare to take away Gu Xiang Xuan.
There can only be one reason: Zheng Ronghua is only afraid of Xu Zhengyang personally.
As a result, the people at Gu Xiang Xuan couldn't help but secretly admire him. They had really underestimated this young boss; it turned out he was quite capable. It's just that we weren't qualified to know yet.
In the past few days, I've heard that Yao Chushun, Jin Changfa, and Gao Da often talk about Xu Zhengyang. Jin Qiming and Wang Jiayu, two young men, also know a little about what Xu Zhengyang has done. They regard Xu Zhengyang as their idol and admire him immensely. They even dreamed of being as powerful as Brother Xu someday. How wonderful that would be!
"Brother Zhengyang, you must come to Guxiangxuan often in the future, otherwise we will hardly remember what you look like." Wang Jiayu said expectantly.
"Good, good, Jiayu, have you become more familiar with the antique business in the past two years?" Xu Zhengyang asked with a smile.
"Not bad," Wang Jiayu said happily.
Yao Chushun looked at Wang Jiayu approvingly and said, "This child has talent. In another three to five years, he should be able to become a manager."
Wang Jiayu was so proud of himself that his face turned red.
Xu Zhengyang nodded and looked at Jin Qiming, saying, "How are you? Don't let Jiayu, this half-baked apprentice, surpass you, his senior brother."
"Hey, that's just how I am," Jin Qiming said with a smile.
“Learn from Master Gu and Master Jin well. The antique business is very profound. Once you learn these things, you’ll never have to worry about food and clothing for the rest of your life.” Xu Zhengyang said with a smile, like an elder. Then he turned to Master Gu and said, “The New Year is coming soon. I said I would give this Gu Xiang Xuan to you, Master Gu. From now on, Gu Xiang Xuan is yours.”
Everyone was shocked. Good heavens, Gu Xiangxuan, just like that, gave it away?
Yao Chushun immediately shook his head and said, "Damn it, don't give me that crap. What would I do with this piece of junk?" Even now, although Yao Chushun was shocked by the series of events that occurred after Xu Zhengyang recovered from his illness, his mindset had long since changed after Bu Mingyuan's death. So no matter what Xu Zhengyang's identity was, even if he really was a god, Yao Chushun still regarded Xu Zhengyang as his friend, a true friend.
Money wasn't really of much use to Yao Chushun. After all, his son's operation of Gu Xiang Xuan was primarily aimed at making money for Xu Zhengyang.
So no matter what Xu Zhengyang said, Yao Chushun resolutely refused.
Left with no other option, Xu Zhengyang said, "Then let's not refuse anymore. Here's the deal: you give them 20% of my half of the shares. As for how to divide them, Mr. Gu, that's up to you. The remaining 30% will be donated from the annual profits."
"ant!"
Xu Zhengyang looked at the wide-eyed crowd and waved his hand with a smile, saying, "There's nothing to be surprised about. Let's just leave it at that."
Yao Chushun curled his lip and said, "Damn it, I'm so old and I still haven't completely seen through things, but you're really rich and powerful. Fine, I'll do as you say. I might as well donate all my money, except for what I spend myself. There's no point in keeping it."
"Not planning on getting another partner?" Xu Zhengyang joked with a smile.
Yao Chushun glared, about to unleash a torrent of abuse, when Gao Da chuckled beside him, "Master Gu should have a target by now, right?"
"Go to hell!" Yao Chushun's face turned red.
"Really? That's great, haha." Xu Zhengyang clapped his hands. Wang Jiayu had told him about this privately with a joking smile when he went to Gu Xiang Xuan earlier today, but Xu Zhengyang wasn't curious about it. Isn't it true that one needs companionship in old age to live comfortably?
Yao Chushun gave a helpless bitter smile, raised his glass and said, "Come on. Let's drink. Damn it, I'll work harder and try to get married in Zhengyang next year."
Everyone burst into laughter and raised their glasses.
After finishing his drink, Gao Da whispered a few words to his wife. He said, "Since you two, Gu Ye and Zheng Yang, have decided to do this, we, the old couple, will save our wages for our coffins. As for the shares that should be distributed to us, we'll donate them too. It's a way for me to accumulate some good karma. I've done a lot of grave-digging in my life, and I often can't sleep well at night. Sigh, a person shouldn't do anything against their conscience."
"Alright, alright, you all play the good guy. I'll donate all the money I earn in the future. Anyway, I've already left a considerable amount of money for the children. Let's make this clear first: I won't donate the money I leave for the children." Jin Changfa laughed heartily.
Jin Qiming and Wang Jiayu both blushed. They weren't at that level and were really reluctant to donate money.
"Brother Zhengyang, could I... could I donate a little less? I... I'm not married yet."
Everyone burst into laughter again.
Xu Zhengyang said, half-laughing and half-crying, "Alright, none of you need to donate. It's not like I'm putting up a show here and making it impossible for any of you to back down. That won't do. Focus on making money, and once you've earned enough, make sure you live a good life, comfortable and have money saved for emergencies. Just be a good person honestly; that's better than anything else. If everyone just donates whatever they earn, their motivation will be low, and this Gu Xiang Xuan won't last long."
Everyone present was stunned. Upon reflection, they realized that it was indeed true.
Why are we acting like big shots in front of Xu Zhengyang? He's not short of money, but can we compare ourselves to him? Doing good deeds and donating money isn't something to talk about publicly; you can do it yourself whenever you feel like it.
Xu Zhengyang didn't say these words on a whim, but rather after careful consideration upon returning.
Having experienced so much, especially learning about the history of the divine realm and its ultimate downfall in Heaven, and reflecting on the mortal world, Xu Zhengyang's thoughts have become increasingly clear and insightful. He now understands how naive and simple his past actions were. Indeed, since becoming a god, he hasn't done anything truly wrong. Even his conflicts with others and his instructing ghost messengers to frighten or intimidate people were all motivated by good intentions.
But do we really have to keep doing this?
No.
We must not let people lose their motivation to pursue their goals, their inherent courage, or their spirit of struggle and hard work.
Humanity cannot lose its faith; without faith, morality will decline and humanity will deteriorate. However, faith should not be a spiritual shackle for everyone, but rather a framework, a standard.
Now, besides pursuing immortality, Xu Zhengyang has another goal.
That is, to completely render the saying "every pitiful person has something hateful about them" absurd.
In other words, Xu Zhengyang hopes that in the future human world, people must be pitiful without being hateful, and can only be pitied; while hateful people need not be pitied at all.
To achieve this, it's not possible to eliminate the problem by having ghost messengers frighten or intimidate people, or by killing some people.
To address the symptoms, we must address the root cause. If we keep killing people, they will become numb to the problem, and that will backfire.
For example, this time, because they were worried that Xu Zhengyang would cause trouble if he continued to do things on his own, the brothers Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing decided to launch a nationwide crackdown.
This was an unintentional solution to the root cause of the problem by Xu Zhengyang.
Xu Zhengyang thought to himself, one day, the mortal world will become a truly fair world, and still a vibrant, developing, and prosperous one.
Legend has it that there once was a Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha who fell into the underworld and vowed not to become a Buddha until hell was emptied.
Xu Zhengyang thought it was nonsense to exorcise all the evil spirits. What good would it do to empty Hell? What should be done is to ensure that after death, no ghost drifts down the River of Oblivion, passes the Mingnie Terrace, and then flows into the Sanzu River, allowing the ghost messengers on the Mingnie Terrace to have some peace and quiet. That is the "true way of Heaven."
The road ahead is long and winding, with no end in sight.
After leaving the Yunlai Hotel, Xu Zhengyang and the others took a taxi back to the antique market. Since he knew they were going to drink, Xu Zhengyang naturally wouldn't have driven himself.
However, at the entrance of the antique market, Xu Zhengyang got out of the car and waved for them to go in first. He then stood under a sycamore tree by the entrance, quietly watching the white Hyundai sedan a dozen meters away.
There were two men in their thirties in the car. The man in the driver's seat frowned and said to his companion with a puzzled look, "He seems to have noticed us. He's staring at us."
"Probably not, you wait here, I'll get out and buy something." The man in the back said calmly, then opened the car door and got out, walking towards a public phone booth on the side, thinking of buying a pack of cigarettes.
However, when he got out of the car and glanced at Xu Zhengyang seemingly unintentionally, he was surprised to find that Xu Zhengyang had already walked over unhurriedly.