Chapter 409: 263 Confrontation vs. Stab with a Soft Knife, One More Ruthless Than the Other (2 Updates)_2
Criticizing someone by indirect implication, are you suggesting he is even worse than a beast?
"I still have some matters to attend to, so Iâll be leaving now." With things coming to this point, how could Jiang Zhaolin have the face to stay.
"Mr. Jiang, the check." Tang Yunxian glanced at the check on the tea table.
Jiang Zhaolin snatched it up, crumpled it in his palm, and was about to reach the door when he was called back again.
"And those things..."
Jiang Zhaolin took a deep breath, carrying the items, and just as he got to the doorway, the door was pushed open from outside, and he ran into the old Master Tang head-on.
"OhâZhaolin, when did you get here?"
"Just arrived." Jiang Zhaolin was fuming inwardly, but this was the Tang Familyâs territory, and he had no place to vent, his face twisted with anger, his words, seeming to be pried out from between clenched teeth.
"Are you... leaving?" Old Master Tang, leaning on a walking stick, had had surgery some time ago. With his granddaughterâs engagement and Old Master Shen keeping him company, his days had been comfortable, and heâd gained weight, looking even more kind and benevolent when smiling.
"I..."
"Still carrying the items?" Old Master Tang frowned, looking over at Tang Yunxian who had come out upon hearing the noise, "Yunxian, whatâs going on? He comes over and you donât call to notify me! Our guest is carrying items over, what did you do to upset him like this?"
"Dadâ" Tang Yunxian furrowed his brow, how did his father return so early?
"Zhaolin, come in and sit down." The old man grabbed his hand and ushered him inside.
"Old Master Tang, I really must be going."
After such an ugly scene earlier, how could Jiang Zhaolin have the face to continue staying.
"Now that you are here, stay a little longer." Old Master Tang turned his head to look at Tang Yunxian, "A guest who has come from afar, and even brought gifts, and you want to send him away?"
"Yes, come in and have a seat." Old Lady Shen smiled warmly.
Jiang Zhaolin had just been sternly rebuffed, almost to the point of rage, with Tang Yunxian all but personally throwing him out, along with his gifts. What was Old Master Tang playing at now?
With the three elders being overly enthusiastic and Jiang Zhaolin still holding the items, he found himself in a very passive position, inexplicably being dragged back into the living room.
After exchanging pleasantries, Old Master Tang looked at him smilingly, "I heard Shuyan has already woken up, how is she? No serious issues, I hope?"
"Sheâs alright." What else could Jiang Zhaolin say in such a situation.
"Thatâs good to hear..." Old Master Tang exhaled a long breath of relief.
"Thank you for your concern."
Jiang Zhaolin was filled with a tumult of thoughts, unable to discern Old Master Tangâs true intentions. Logically speaking, he should be tougher to deal with than Tang Yunxian, so why was he being so cordial?
"When will she be able to leave the hospital?" Old Master Shen inquired.
"Itâs unclear, she may need to recuperate for a while." They were so polite that Jiang Zhaolin had to return the civility.
In someone elseâs territory, it was inappropriate to have an outburst when the hosts were all smiles.
"Itâs enough that sheâs alive; I also wanted to mention, if needed, I could introduce her to a few good doctors," said Old Master Shen with a smile. But his next words sent a chill down Jiang Zhaolinâs spine, "After all..."
"Sheâll have to go to prison later."
She canât afford to lose her life!
...
Tang Wan was also baffled, not knowing what game her grandfather and Old Master Shen were playing. They knew about what Jiang Shuyan had done and were so furious they were nearly ready to storm Beijing; how could they possibly speak to Jiang Zhaolin with such gentle and soft voices?
It turned out they were playing with a soft knife.
This cut was far more vicious than her fatherâs approach.
Jiang Zhaolinâs face paled instantly.
"Nowadays, many parents are too indulgent with their children, spoiling them into brazenness. If they donât suffer a great loss, they donât learn to fear." Old Master Tang shook his head in resignation, "Zhaolin, I know that besides congratulating Wanwan, you surely came to apologize as well."
"Actually, thereâs no need; she has learned her lesson, and the law will punish her further."
"Whether we forgive her is irrelevant; the main thing is to make the child realize her mistakes, so that when she comes out, she wonât commit such outrageous acts again. Thatâs whatâs truly important."
"Punishment is just a means; education, making her recognize her wrongs, is the essence. Isnât that right, Zhaolin?"
Old Master Tang was all smiles, but each sentence was like a poisoned hook, scraping across Jiang Zhaolin bit by bit.
It hurt fiercely and was malicious.
He was effectively cut off from any chance of retreat.
And it was spoken as if it were for his consideration, for the future of Jiang Shuyan.
Jiang Zhaolin gritted his teeth in silent resentment but still had to keep up a smile, "Youâre absolutely right."
"Youâve come all this way, it wasnât easy; stay for a meal before you go," Old Lady Shen proposed warmly.
"No need, I still have some matters to take care of."
"Thereâs always time for a meal, and youâre Xiaowuâs uncle; we should treat you well." Old Master Shen added, "Old Tang, isnât it about time you brought out your treasured Floral Carving Wine?"