"What were you doing earlier?"
Wei Hong was speechless.
To Wei Hong, it felt like a question that penetrated his very soul.
Afterward, as Wei Hong adjusted his emotions and tried to say something, Chu Wansong had already hung up the phone, giving Wei Hong no room to save face!
All of this was because the matter involved Jiang Wuming—Chu Wansong was furious about this!
As for whether doing so would offend the Wei family.
He didn't care and wasn't afraid!
On one hand, as Wei Hong had said, Chu Wansong treated Jiang Wuming like his own child.
On the other hand, Chu Wansong had learned some secrets from Qin Linhai, and he deeply understood what Jiang Wuming meant to this country and even to this world—Jiang Wuming's future was the stars and the sea!
...
"Grandfather, Chu Wansong refused?"
Wei Qianyuan had been paying attention to Wei Hong. Sensing the change in Wei Hong's expression, he realized something, but still asked with reluctance.
Wei Hong's face was grim, and he remained silent, indirectly providing the answer.
"Since the Qing Hong merged, Chu Wansong has become a bit arrogant, completely unable to place himself correctly..."
Wei Xiang, with a frown and a grim expression, complained.
As an evergreen figure in Donghai's officialdom, the Wei family had dominated Donghai for many years, with deep roots, and their influence was terrifyingly potent.
Because of all this, in the past, Chu Wansong not only bowed to Wei Hong but also kept a low profile and was polite even when meeting Wei Xiang.
Today, Chu Wansong's refusal of Wei Hong created a stark contrast that displeased Wei Xiang greatly!
"Enough nonsense, go call Huangfu Qing!"
Wei Hong said coldly, interrupting Wei Xiang, and then turned to go upstairs.
Even Wei Xiang was displeased by Chu Wansong's refusal, let alone himself!
At this moment, he experienced for the first time the sense of powerlessness that came with losing authority after stepping down.
Before this, because most of the core members of the Wei family and Wei Hong's disciples held positions within the system, often key posts, Wei Hong hadn't felt it much.
Unlike Chu Wansong, Huangfu Qing readily agreed to Wei Xiang's request.
This was because, since the incident at the Donghai Hotel, the Huangfu family, including Huangfu Qing, had been living in fear, worried that the Wei family would take action against them. They also wanted to mend fences but didn't know how.
In such a situation, Wei Xiang's call was like a light in the darkness, giving Huangfu Qing a glimmer of hope!
After hanging up the phone, Huangfu Qing immediately rushed to the Donghai Martial Arts Academy.
He had heard from Huangfu Weixia that Jiang Wuming was staying at Xia Xueqin's Sword Valley.
However—
When Huangfu Qing arrived at the Sword Valley, Xia Xueqin told him that Jiang Wuming had already moved out.
The accommodation prepared by the Donghai Martial Arts Academy for Jiang Wuming had been completed. It was named the Zhanlong Hall, located on a mountain peak on the northernmost side of Shenxianju.
This name was chosen by Jiang Wuming, and the location was decided by Ren Xiaoyao.
In the north, there is a city called Loulan, and there is also a hero named Jiang Zhan!
Zhanlong Hall was the closest place in the entire Shenxianju to the ancient city of Loulan!
...
"Huh... Isn't that Da Xiong's dad?"
When Huangfu Qing arrived at Zhanlong Hall, Xia Dong, who was discussing martial arts with Jiang Wuming, exclaimed.
Since Jiang Wuming moved into Zhanlong Hall, Xia Dong came to Zhanlong Hall every day under the pretense of seeking guidance in martial arts from Jiang Wuming, clinging to him like sticky candy.
And she had seen Huangfu Qing at the Ninja Hotel and recognized him at a glance.
"Master Wuming, are you free now?"
Huangfu Qing stood outside the fence of Zhanlong Hall, his face filled with an obsequious smile, a stark contrast to his arrogant demeanor at the Ninja Hotel in the Land of Ninjas that day.
What the heck?
Seeing this, Xia Dong's eyes widened, and her innocent, pretty face was filled with confusion—Brother Wuming had ruined the major marriage alliance between the Huangfu family and the Wei family, so why was Da Xiong's dad still so respectful to Brother Wuming?
Jiang Wuming narrowed his eyes, and a thought struck him. He immediately deduced that Huangfu Qing had come to find him with something to ask for, and it was definitely about Wei Qianyuan's matter!
After reaching this conclusion, Jiang Wuming stroked Xia Dong's little head: "Xia Dong, I have a guest. You should go back first."
"Okay."
Xia Dong pouted, nodded, and then glared at Huangfu Qing with some dissatisfaction—You old man are disturbing my alone time with Brother Wuming!
"Uncle Huangfu, please come in."
Jiang Wuming got up, escorted Xia Dong to the door, and then invited Huangfu Qing in, still addressing Huangfu Qing as uncle.
All of this was for the sake of Huangfu Weixia!
"Good!"
Upon hearing Jiang Wuming's address, Huangfu Qing's pupils suddenly dilated, and his expression became subtly excited—He saw hope in persuading Jiang Wuming.
"Master Wuming, your courtyard is truly lovely. I've always wanted to find a quiet place to build such a courtyard, to be isolated from the world and live a life like in Taoyuan."
Huangfu Qing, having come with a purpose, did not rush upon entering the courtyard but instead praised Jiang Wuming's courtyard.
"With Uncle Huangfu's wealth, you can build such a courtyard anywhere in Donghai," Jiang Wuming replied casually.
Although he had deduced Huangfu Qing's intention, he would not ask proactively if Huangfu Qing didn't say it.
"Master Wuming, I've come to you today to ask for a favor!"
Huangfu Qing stopped at the entrance of the wooden house and stated his purpose.
"Uncle Huangfu, please speak."
Jiang Wuming looked at Huangfu Qing with a calm expression.
Hmm?
Sensing Jiang Wuming's reaction, Huangfu Qing's heart stirred. He realized that Jiang Wuming had guessed his intention and was somewhat surprised.
"Master Wuming, to be frank, after the incident at the Donghai Hotel, the Wei family has had a very bad opinion of our Huangfu family. You could even say we've gone from in-laws to enemies!"
Huangfu Qing had already prepared his speech and spoke fluently at this moment. He first explained the impact of the Donghai Hotel incident and then fabricated a lie.
"In the past few days, the Wei family has begun to use their resources and influence to strike at the Huangfu family's businesses."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Wuming remained silent, simply watching Huangfu Qing.
"These past few days, Weixia's grandfather and I have been thinking about how to ease our relationship with the Wei family. We finally decided to have Weixia go to the Wei family to apologize, but we were worried that Weixia, with her stubborn personality, might refuse, so we were very conflicted."
Huangfu Qing observed Jiang Wuming's expression. Seeing that Jiang Wuming had no intention of speaking, he continued, "As a result, I received a call from Wei Xiang today, and he told me about your situation with Wei Qianyuan."
At this point, Huangfu Qing paused, looked at Jiang Wuming with feigned difficulty, and stopped speaking.
"Uncle Huangfu, please speak directly if you have something to say." Jiang Wuming finally spoke.
"Wei Xiang told me that if I could persuade you to agree to Wei Qianyuan coming to you to admit his mistakes and apologize, to resolve the enmity between you and Wei Qianyuan, then they would no longer pursue Weixia's unilateral cancellation of the engagement!
Master Wuming, for Weixia's sake, please help the Huangfu family this once, okay?"
As Huangfu Qing spoke, he looked at Jiang Wuming nervously.
At this moment, he had completely forgotten the circumstances of his first conversation with Jiang Wuming at the Ninja Hotel.
On that day, Huangfu Qing looked down from above, telling Jiang Wuming to stay away from Huangfu Weixia, with contempt practically written on his face!
And now, he had completely thrown his dignity and pride to the wind, almost saying the word "beg."
The tables have turned, and how true this is!
However—
Facing the deeply humbled Huangfu Qing, Jiang Wuming calmly uttered two words: "No!"
"Uh..."
Huangfu Qing stood frozen.
He had not expected Jiang Wuming to refuse so cleanly and decisively, and his tone sounded irrefutable, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Firstly, the incident at the Donghai Hotel has nothing to do with me. Or rather, before Weixia publicly canceled the engagement ceremony and the engagement, I didn't know what she intended to do.
This was all her own decision.
As for why she did it, I believe you know better than I do.
Therefore, your mention of the Donghai Hotel incident means nothing to me."
Jiang Wuming explained, stating his first reason.
Huangfu Qing's expression changed again, becoming somewhat unsightly.
Although Huangfu Weixia refused to be engaged and married to Wei Qianyuan because she liked Jiang Wuming, if Huangfu Qing hadn't deceived and created misunderstandings between Jiang Wuming and Huangfu Weixia, and had personally spoken to Huangfu Weixia, the awkward situation at the Donghai Hotel would not have occurred.
In that case, even if this marriage didn't happen, the Huangfu family and the Wei family would still have had a good relationship!
"Secondly, perhaps you consider me Weixia's boyfriend, but in reality, besides being teacher and student, Weixia and I are just normal friends."
Jiang Wuming spoke again.
Huangfu Qing's face darkened further, and his heart sank.
If Jiang Wuming and Huangfu Weixia were truly together, then as a future father-in-law, whether by moral blackmail or emotional appeal, there would be room for negotiation in this matter.
"Finally, if Wei Qianyuan had only plotted against me, as a friend, I would have helped you and the Huangfu family out of consideration for Weixia."
Jiang Wuming spoke for the last time, his tone becoming sharp, "But this matter involves my sister—Wei Qianyuan attempted to humiliate my sister, and he must pay the price!
Even if the King of Heaven came to plead, it wouldn't work!!"