DTTM 46

Chapter 46: What Will You Give Me in Return?

For dinner tonight, Zong Yanlei did not use the spacious dining hall for entertaining guests, but instead chose the family small dining room.

The room naturally felt more compact, with smaller spaces and smaller table, making it easier to communicate and chat. But on the other hand, it was impossible to avoid making eye contact without the concealment of vases and decorations on the table. The suddenly closer distance also blurred the boundaries between hosts and guests.

“The flowers you brought are beautiful.”

At the round dining table, Wuxi Li sat to my left, Zong Yanlei sat to my right, and Zong Yinzhuo sat next to Wuxi Li, facing me diagonally.

I never imagined that one day I would be able to dine with Wuxi Li.

Although I excelled in dealing with all kinds of different people and could speak to people in a way that suited them, I still couldn’t help but feel a little nervous in front of this former master.

“I’m glad you like it.” I tried my best to maintain aristocratic table manners with an awkward smile. “I knew you were here today, so I specially chose this bouquet. Sunflowers suit you very well.”

As soon as I finished speaking, Zong Yanlei gently kicked my calf under the table. Under Wuxi Li’s gaze, I resisted the urge to look at him. I pretended nothing happened, and pulled my leg back a little.

“You bought it yourself? There’s been so much news about you in Penglai lately, haven’t you been recognized?” Wuxi Li took a small sip of the red wine in her glass.

“I disguised myself a little.”

Just as she said, there were still more than a dozen reporters waiting outside the Sun God Racing Team headquarters, wanting to interview me. Today, I hid in Xu Chengye’s car and barely managed to get out. When buying flowers, I also made sure to cover the lower half of my face with a scarf. However, I could still feel the “watchful” gazes from afar. If it wasn’t reporters secretly photographing me, then it must have been some unknown force secretly following me.

I heard that A-Qi and the others have been secretly moved and protected by Zhong Xiaoshan, and even his grandfather was taken away. Zhong Xiaoshan was probably worried that I would fall into the hands of Wuxi Kunpeng, so he specially sent his men to protect me.

“It’s best to be careful. You shouldn’t go out alone anymore.” Zong Yanlei solemnly instructed, then turned to Wuxi Li, “Mother, after the Prime Minister’s Office issued the statement, has Zhong Xiaoshan taken any action?”

“During the cabinet meeting in the afternoon, the two discussed the matter fairly amicably. Wuxi Kunpeng is in charge of the Royal Police Department, while Zhong Xiaoshan is in charge of the military. Logically speaking, the nationwide use of heavy weapons to arrest terrorists is a quasi-military operation and should be under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of National Defense. But General Zhong not only approved the martial law, but also agreed not to interfere in this operation. It’s really strange.”

“If the police department possesses firepower capable of rivaling the military, wouldn’t that be a ‘second army’? How can Zhong Xiaoshan tolerate this?”

“Given his temper, he shouldn’t have been able to tolerate it, which is why it’s strange.”

“And His Majesty?”

“He still hasn’t been shown up.”

Such a sensitive topic, yet the two of them brought it up in front of me without any apparent concern. However, their relationship seemed closer than before?

My gaze fell on Zong Yanlei.

If this were the Wo Republic Army…

My gaze shifted slightly, and I looked at Wuxi Li again.

What about her?

Or, just like many years ago, the Wo Republic Army had nothing to do with it from beginning to end; it was all just a political tactic used by the nobles of Penglai to eliminate dissidents.

The ultimate goal… the position of head of the Wuxi family? Or that higher, more dazzling throne?

“Daddy, I don’t want to eat this!”

Suddenly, a childish voice interrupted Wuxi Li and Zong Yanlei’s conversation, and also broke my reverie.

Zong Yinzhuo, with a carrot skewered on his fork, shakily offered it to Zong Yanlei.

Zong Yanlei said nothing and handed his plate to the butler, who then removed the carrot from Zong Yinzhuo’s fork and the rest of the carrots from his plate.

“This child even dislikes vegetables just like you did when you were little.” Wuxi Li said, putting down her cup. She turned towards Zong Yinzhuo, and wiped a bit of sauce off his lips with her thumb. “But whose table manners does he take after? Our Xiao Mitang has become a gluttonous tiger.”

“Like Grandma.” Zong Yinzhuo tilted his head back and obediently let her wipe his face.

“Grandma wouldn’t do that…”

I was kicked in the calf again. And perhaps in retaliation for my indifference last time, this time he not only kicked me, but also slid down to my ankle and lifted my trouser leg with the toe of his shoe.

“Clang!” My hand slipped, and the drink cup collided with the plate, the jarring sound echoed throughout the room.

I quickly put down the cup and said apologetically to Wuxi Li, who was frowning, “I’m sorry, I didn’t hold it properly.”

I took a deep breath and swung the foot under the table away.

“Oh, then…like Uncle!” Zong Yinzhuo stared at me with bright eyes, then turned to Wuxi Li and told her innocently.

Upon hearing this, Wuxi Li’s expression immediately became subtle. She withdrew her hand, glanced at me with a hint of disdain, and then abruptly changed the subject.

“Bishop Wei has already arrived in Baiyujing. As long as the eyes are confirmed to be the teacher’s, he will take them back for burial. He has always been frugal and simple. You are going to Zengcheng, which is very close to his diocese. Why not give him a ride along the way?”

This Bishop Wei, named Wei Lian, was… Yi Yingzhen’s successor. The two not only shared similar personalities and ideals, but even their physiques were… remarkably alike. When I first met him, I even thought, “Is he related to Professor Yi by blood?”

When Professor Yi was assassinated, he was serving as the deacon of Professor Yi’s diocese. Upon learning of Professor Yi’s death, he wept all the way from the diocese to Baiyujing, and by the time he arrived, both his eyes were swollen like walnuts.

Not long after Professor Yi’s death, he quickly filled the vacancy and was promoted to bishop. Today, like Professor Yi, he was widely praised and loved by believers.

Six months ago, twos bishops were caught in scandals, shaking the very foundations of the faith and causing the Church’s credibility to plummet. However, this crisis became his opportunity. In the latest round of papal candidates, he, who initially had little chance of winning, suddenly became the most remarkable dark horse.

“Okay,” Zong Yanlei replied before looking at my plate. “What’s wrong? Is the food not to your liking?”

Everyone’s food was customized according to their taste and needs. Wuxi Li’s diet was mostly fruits and vegetables, Zong Yanlei’s was mostly meat, and Zong Yinzhuo’s was a balanced mix of meat and vegetables. As for me, maybe because he was afraid my stomach couldn’t handle it, my meals were mostly light and soft, which didn’t look appetizing, and eating them… made me even less hungry.

“No, it’s delicious.” But since it was Zong Yanlei’s good intention, no matter how hard it was to eat, I still scooped up a large mouthful of the white paste that was supposedly made of fish and mashed yam and put it in my mouth.

After dinner, we moved to Zong Yinzhuo’s game room. While playing with the child, they continued the conversation that had started at the dinner table.

“How has Princess Chu Luo been doing lately?”

“Much the same as always…”

Or rather, I was responsible for playing with Zong Yinzhuo, while Zong Yanlei and Wuxi Li continued their conversation.

After helping Zong Yinzhuo assemble a helicopter, perhaps because I had eaten too much of the various kinds of porridge tonight, I got up, excused myself to the two people on the sofa, and headed to the restroom.

This game room was probably added later; there was no restroom inside, so you had to go to another room next door if you needed to use the facilities. Just as I finished and was washing my hands, there was a knock on the door.

“Knock-knock-knock!” Three sounds of equal length.

I turned off the water and ran to open the door with my wet hands. Before I could open it fully, Zong Yanlei impatiently grabbed the door frame, pushed it, and squeezed in.

“These flowers were meant for me, so why did you say they were Mother’s?” He closed the door behind him, and naturally wrapped his other arm around my waist.

I stumbled and fell into his arms, and reflexively pushed against his chest.

“I’ll give you flowers next time.”

Actually, I had no idea why I suddenly panicked so much that I directly handed the flowers I was hiding behind my back to Wuxi Li, saying that it was a gift for her… But I had already given it to her. It was just a bouquet of flowers. Did he really have to block me in the restroom to confront me?

“So what about this time?” Zong Yanlei lowered his eyes, his burning gaze lingering on my lips. “What will you give me in return?”

“I…” He was being really unreasonable. I opened my mouth, but was momentarily speechless.

“Never mind.”

I thought he meant to let it go this time. But the next second, he suddenly leaned over me, his target obvious. My lips became the point of compensation he demanded.

So it meant “Never mind, I’ll get it myself.”

I unconsciously clutched the clothes beneath my hand, and our hot breaths mingled as our lips were about to touch when a sudden, urgent knocking sounded at the bathroom door.

The hand around my waist suddenly tightened.

“Get lost!” He was like a wild beast whose meal had been disturbed.

The person outside was not intimidated by him and quickly explained the purpose of the call: “It’s a call from Bazel. They said that the master’s condition is critical, and he might… he might not make it.”

Upon hearing this, both Zong Yanlei and I were taken back.

“Father?”

Zong Yanlei hesitated for a moment, looked at me, and finally, like a hungry beast spitting out its prey, reluctantly released me from his grasp.

“You stay here with Xiao Mitang tonight, I’ll be back as soon as possible.” He straightened his clothes and opened the door with a cold face.

The butler outside had already retreated a considerable distance the moment the door opened, not daring to look up: “Madam is waiting for you in the car…”

Zong Yanlei didn’t even glance at him, and walked quickly towards the door.

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When I returned to the game room, Zong Yinzhuo immediately threw himself into my arms: “Uncle, where did Daddy and Grandma go?”

“They went to see Grandpa.” I picked him up from the ground and noticed he was constantly blinking, I knew he was sleepy. I asked, “Do you want to sleep?”

The child nodded and gave a sweet, soft “Mmm”.

I helped him take a bath, dressed him in his pajamas, and carried him to bed, just like last time.

“Uncle, you can’t disappear again when I fall asleep.” He grabbed my index finger.

“I promise I won’t leave this time.” I brushed the stray hairs from his forehead to the side.

“Could you tell me a story?” He turned to face me with a face full of expectation. “Aunt Chun’s stories are all the same, I’m tired of hearing them…”

“What story would you like to hear?”

He glanced at my right eye: “I want to know how your eye got sick.”

I was somewhat taken aback; I never expected that Zong Yinzhuo would be interested in this story.

“Actually…” I began to recall the story about this eye.