A pale, thin, and tall young girl, wearing white sneakers, light-colored jeans, a white down jacket, and long hair, stood looking at him with a stubborn and embarrassed expression.
He knew that she was definitely the protagonist of today's story.
To be honest, this girl was exceptionally beautiful, and quite eye-catching at first glance.
What a shame.
Standing with such a motley crew lowered her appeal to passersby.
With a poor family background and poor education, she likely had significant flaws, and Hu Jiasheng couldn't bring himself to like her.
"So, she's a classmate of Zhan Jingrui?"
After a brief appraisal, Hu Jiasheng gestured towards He Yao with his chin.
As He Yao's gaze met Zhan Jingrui's family for the first time, filled with such disdain and coldness, her heart felt as if it had plunged into an abyss.
Ma Songhan replied, "Yes. I believe Mr. and Mrs. Tang have seen her before. The two children have always interacted as classmates, and I always thought it was healthy. I didn't expect..."
Tang's father and mother, who had finished reviewing the medical reports, stepped forward and also looked at He Yao.
Indeed, Zhan Jingrui had brought this girl home before, and they remembered her.
At that time, he had said they were going out to buy study materials.
Regardless of whether Rui Rui's relationship with her was true or not, getting involved with someone like her was not good for him. Everyone felt a bit heavy-hearted, but no one showed it.
As the male party, he bore the primary responsibility in such matters. If he appeared guilty, their troubles would be even greater.
"I apologize. Zhan Jingrui is boarding at our home, and we are not his legal guardians. He doesn't stay with us on holidays, so..."
Hu Jiasheng shrugged with a faint smile.
"So you can't control him, and you don't intend to, is that right?"
Ma Songhan smoothly picked up the conversation.
"Alright, I understand. Since you're not taking responsibility, and we can't reach him, we'll have to report it to the authorities."
"The child is still young and shouldn't be bullied. The school must also provide an explanation."
He Yao instinctively looked at him, wanting to deny his words, but he squeezed her hand hard, almost causing her excruciating pain.
"Let's go, we're leaving."
He called his family with a stern face and turned to leave. Tang's father stepped forward with his elegant gait.
"Mr. Ma, please wait."
Seeing a glimmer of hope, Ma Songhan stopped and looked at Tang's father expressionlessly.
Tang's father smiled calmly.
"Whether we are Zhan Jingrui's guardians or not, and whether this matter is true or not, as neighbors, when you come to us for help, I believe I should do something for you."
"First, such a thing happening at their age is indeed inappropriate, especially since you have a daughter. I feel pained for you."
"Second, we are a loving family. We will certainly help when it's within our ability. If Mr. Ma needs any assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We won't refuse."
"Third, such matters are not good for anyone if they get out. If both parties were willing, adult interference can also cause psychological harm to the children. So, shouldn't we also listen to the children's opinions?"
As expected, an old fox.
He didn't want to involve the authorities, nor did he want to make a scene, and he didn't want to take responsibility. He wanted to resolve the matter quietly, yet he spoke so nobly.
Ma Songhan sneered inwardly but maintained his composure.
"We are all experienced. We can understand our child. Being young and ignorant, they were momentarily swayed by sweet words. Her opinion doesn't represent anything."
"The little thing certainly cannot be kept. The harm it has caused us is lifelong and irreversible."
Tang's father nodded, "Exactly, we are all experienced and can understand. So, Mr. Ma, what are your specific demands?"
He actually intends to extort him?
Hu Jiasheng frowned slightly, "Dad..."
Mr. Tang didn't turn around and raised his hand to stop him.
Ma Songhan looked back at He Yao, then at He Yao's mother, and pondered for a moment.
"I wouldn't have come forward without solid evidence. Zhan Jingrui, to satisfy his selfish desires, bought a property in the Sunshine Garden complex on Changjiang South Road..."
Tang's father continued to look at him calmly, but Hu Jiasheng was shocked.
Zhan Jingrui, what a kid.
He always appeared aloof and indifferent, and reclusive, not liking to interact with people.
Not only was he dating behind their backs, but he was also making such a big move.
He even bought a property for the girl. Impressive.
Tang's father nodded in agreement, "So, is there a problem with the property?"
"No problem. I just want to remind everyone to control Zhan Jingrui and not to harass us there anymore."
The implication was that the property was theirs.
Tang's father had no objections.
"Reasonable. We can do that. Asheng, you can take some time later to check the ownership of that property. If it's under Zhan Jingrui's name, have it transferred, and don't let him go there again."
This meant, "You came for this property, didn't you? Then take it."
At this point, Hu Jiasheng understood.
The other party had enough leverage and came prepared.
The Zhan family was prominent and attracted attention. Regardless of whether this matter was true or false, they were gambling on the Zhan family's reputation. Therefore, they either had to crush them decisively and eliminate future troubles, or bribe them with money.
His father-in-law chose the latter, valuing face.
It was always good to leave a way out, which would be beneficial to Rui Rui.
Hu Jiasheng respectfully agreed.
"Since you said the physical examination report just came out, and the subsequent arrangements haven't been made yet. Asheng, you arrange for the hospital visit as well. You two personally attend to them and ensure their nutrition is well taken care of."
Tang Nannan and Hu Jiasheng both replied, "Understood, Dad."
He Yao stood outside the door, her arm throbbing in pain, looking at Zhan Jingrui's family.
Each of them was so well-dressed and elegant, yet also so condescending.
Throughout the entire interaction, they didn't spare her a second glance, nor did they ask for her opinion, nor did they doubt the truth of the matter.
Yet, they dismissed her so casually.
It was as if this matter was utterly insignificant, like shooing away beggars.
She had only known about the significant status difference and the insurmountable gap between herself and Zhan Jingrui before.
It was only now that she truly felt that unbridgeable chasm that existed between classes, inherent in their very being.
The feeling of being looked down upon was unbearable.
The feeling of being looked down upon by the family of the person you liked was unbearable.
She had never felt so ashamed, so much like crawling into a hole.
She had told Zhan Jingrui before that she would never regret being with him.
But at this moment, she truly felt regret.
When Zhan Jingrui made a mistake, his family wouldn't scold or punish him. It was as if he had bought an unsuitable toy, and they would simply help him exchange it.
In the span of just a few minutes, heaven had truly shown her the vast difference between the heavens and the earth.