NOVEL NEXT Chapter 34: Mutual Apologies
Chapter 34: Mutual Apologies
Xu Lian opened the door and welcomed the three members of the Pei family inside, while the more than ten guards stayed outside by the gate.
Seeing that Xu Lian had brought guests home, Li Xiya and Yang Chan’er, who were busy working in the yard, quickly retreated inside to avoid being seen.
Just from a glance, Pei Heng was a bit surprised and said, “I’ve heard for a long time that the women in Manager Xu’s family are beautiful. This first glimpse proves it—truly rare beauties. Manager Xu is very fortunate.”
Pei Zhaoxi’s face grew even colder, and she remained silent.
Xu Lian ignored her, gesturing for Pei Jifeng and Pei Heng to enter the living room. Pei Zhaoxi silently followed behind.
Wang Cuiyun brought in tea. Seeing the Pei family’s noble attire, she immediately understood that the guests were of high status. She smiled brightly, warmly taking Pei Jifeng’s hand. “Welcome to our humble home, Master Pei.”
Pei Jifeng was slightly taken aback and awkwardly smiled, “Madam, my apologies for the intrusion.”
Xu Lian’s lips twitched as he said to Wang Cuiyun, “It’s getting late. Please go and prepare the meal.”
Wang Cuiyun hesitated, reluctant to leave. “We have honored guests, so I must offer tea and water to show hospitality. I cannot be negligent.”
Xu Lian glared at her. “Go and cook.”
Reluctantly, Wang Cuiyun left.
Xu Lian sighed and said, “She’s from the maternal side of the women in the family. She’s not well-versed in formalities. Please forgive the Pei family for any offense.”
Pei Jifeng quickly replied, “Not at all. Madam Xu’s family is so warm-hearted. Clearly, Manager Xu’s household is in harmony.”
After a polite exchange, Pei Jifeng got to the point. “I’ve brought my son and daughter to visit. The first reason is to thank Manager Xu for his assistance; the second reason is that my daughter was thoughtless and offended Manager Xu. I’ve brought her here to apologize.”
Hearing this, Xu Lian immediately understood that Pei Zhaoxi hadn’t mentioned the incident where she had schemed against him, nor had she mentioned being dealt with by Xu Lian. Perhaps she didn’t want to face her family’s reprimands, or maybe she was too ashamed to speak of it.
Xu Lian glanced at her, and noticing the coldness in her eyes, clearly saw the subtle threat in her gaze, warning him not to mention the incident.
Since she wasn’t bringing it up, Xu Lian wasn’t going to either. “Pei family head is too kind. Your son has already given me this house and three hundred taels of gold as compensation. I often drink and listen to music with your son, and we share a close relationship. Helping each other is only natural. As for the little misunderstanding with your daughter, it’s just a trivial matter, not worth mentioning.”
Pei Jifeng smiled and said, “Manager Xu, your straightforward character and broad mindset are admirable. My Pei family is honored to have a friend like you.”
The Pei family valued Xu Lian’s connection with the Quarry Patrol Inspector, while Xu Lian valued the practical benefits the Pei family provided—like the house, gold, and tiger bones.
In the end, it was all about mutual benefits.
Xu Lian knew this well. In this world, true friendship was scarce; everything came down to interests.
“Zhaoxi, don’t you want to apologize to Manager Xu?” Pei Jifeng glanced at Pei Zhaoxi, mildly reproaching her.
Pei Zhaoxi’s face remained icy, and her voice carried a sharp coldness. “Manager Xu, I’m sorry.”
Xu Lian couldn’t help but feel a little guilty. “Miss Pei, you’re too polite… I should also apologize to you.”
Seeing that both sides had exchanged apologies, the tension eased. Pei Jifeng laughed heartily. “It’s good that everything is cleared up.”
Xu Lian raised his tea in place of wine, toasting Pei Jifeng and Pei Heng, and the conversation flowed smoothly.
As the night fell, Pei Jifeng stood up to take his leave.
Xu Lian tried to persuade him, “Why don’t you stay for dinner before leaving?”
Pei Jifeng politely declined, citing “it’s not safe to travel at night” as his reason.
It wasn’t the night travel that was dangerous, but rather the Night Patrol people. Xu Lian suspected the Pei family had their own jade token, which granted them the “immunity from bloodshed” privilege.
He wasn’t sure what level the token was, but it was almost certainly not a high-ranking one, and it definitely wasn’t purple.
Whether it could also ensure that the Night Patrol people would stay away was uncertain.
“Take care. Travel slowly,” Xu Lian said as he saw the Pei family off at the gate, bowing his hands in farewell.
He watched the carriage disappear into the distance before closing the door and returning inside.
It was worth noting that as Pei Zhaoxi climbed into the carriage, she shot Xu Lian a cold glare. Clearly, this “little chili pepper” still held a grudge against him.
Xu Lian reflected on this. In a world where food had no spices and tasted bland, encountering a sudden spiciness felt like an unexpected but oddly satisfying experience.
“Who were those guests?” Wang Cuiyun asked during dinner.
Xu Lian replied, “The head of the Pei family, the eldest young master, and the young miss.”
“The Pei family, one of the three great families?” Wang Cuiyun asked in surprise. “So your relationship with the Pei family is now so close that they come to visit?”
She then frowned slightly. “Why didn’t you tell me their identities earlier?”
“If I had told you, would you have thrown yourself at the old master’s feet?” Xu Lian teased with a smile.
Xu Lian understood her too well and simply couldn’t afford to lose face.
Wang Cuiyun muttered, “I’m just trying to show our family’s hospitality and help you build good relations.”
“There’s no need for that.”
Xu Lian replied, “Listen carefully, from now on, if guests come to our house, don’t overdo it just because they’re well-dressed or have some status. With my position now, I don’t need to please anyone. If I act overly enthusiastic, others will look down on me. Do you understand?”
Wang Cuiyun frowned and said, “Although you’re in charge of the quarry and you still have some power, but compared to the Pei family, it’s nothing. What gives you the right to be on an equal footing with them?”
Xu Lian couldn’t and didn’t want to explain his connection with the quarry patrol inspector, so he simply said, “Never mind, don’t worry about my matters. Just enjoy a peaceful life at home.”
Li Xiya understood and said to Wang Cuiyun, “Brother Lian is doing well outside; he has his own ways of handling things. Mother, let’s not make trouble. We have to trust Brother Lian.”
“I’m just worried that he’s so young and has become a manager. He might be reckless, not fully understanding the dangers,” Wang Cuiyun said as she chewed on a piece of horse meat, her mouth greasy.
“You should know that the higher you stand, the harder you fall. Our good life didn’t come easily, we need to cherish it.”
Xu Lian had long since gotten used to her opportunistic attitude and couldn’t be bothered to argue with her.
After dinner, they drank tea to aid in digestion.
They began to talk about the trivial matters of everyday life. When they used to live in the old street, it was chaotic and there was always something to gossip about. But now that they had moved to the “wealthy district,” the environment was stable, and it was hard to know what was going on in other people’s homes. So the conversation was limited to what vegetables were being grown in the front yard, which flowers had wilted in the back yard, and other such topics.
Xu Lian also shared some fresh news with them from outside. Like the other women in the neighborhood, they spent their days at home and were incredibly bored, so it was necessary to provide them with some conversation topics.
The sound of bamboo clappers tapping came from outside, signaling that it was time to rest.
When Li Xiya saw that Xu Lian hadn’t brought back a blood vial, she grabbed a kitchen knife and a ceramic cup, preparing to deal with the Night Patrol people.
Xu Lian stopped her, saying, “From now on, I won’t need to bring back any blood, and you don’t need to deal with the Night Patrol anymore.”
Wang Cuiyun was alarmed. “That won’t do! If the Night Patrol doesn’t get blood, they’ll break in!”
“Last night, I brought back a vial of blood, but the Night Patrol didn’t drink it, so I poured it out. I forgot to tell you,” Xu Lian explained. “Now I have immunity against blood, so I don’t need to supply the Night Patrol with blood anymore.”
Blood immunity was a secret privilege for ordinary people.
Wang Cuiyun was skeptical and asked many questions.
Xu Lian patiently explained it to her until she finally felt reassured.
Later that night, the purple jade token began to glow, and Xu Lian knew that the night patrol people had avoided his house.
Li Xiya rested her head on his arm, her black hair flowing like a waterfall.
“Brother Lian’s status is rising, even the Night Patrol doesn’t need to be dealt with anymore. I don’t feel worthy to be the first wife. You should marry a daughter from a prominent family to help your future.”
“If Sister Xiya says something like that again, I’ll be upset. No matter how many women enter our family in the future, you will always be the first wife, and that will never change.”
Xu Lian made this promise. If it hadn’t been for Li Xiya keeping him in the family back then, he would have been kicked out and never reached his current position.
He had a special affection for Li Xiya-not just love, but respect.
To prevent Li Xiya from overthinking, he could only work diligently. This was the most effective approach, more tangible than words.