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Return to the City: The Strongest King-Chapter 1922 - 1823: Sincere Pursuit of a Girl_2
Qiao Yutong felt a bit awkward, unsure of what to do for a moment.
A true expert in flirting should step forward and embrace the girl at such times.
But Song Xiaodong didn't, because his approach was genuine and he despised using manipulative tactics.
"Alright, let's eat. You must be hungry!" Song Xiaodong quickly broke the awkwardness.
Qiao Yutong sniffled, lifted her head, and smiled at Song Xiaodong, her eyes distinctly reddened.
After a satisfying meal, they politely said their goodbyes.
Returning home, everyone else was asleep, except for Song Xiaoru and Li Sijie.
"What's up, why aren't you both asleep?" Song Xiaodong asked.
"You're back. We have something to discuss with you." Song Xiaoru said to Song Xiaodong.
"Oh," Song Xiaodong knew what they wanted to discuss.
Song Xiaodong sat down.
"Xiaodong, when exactly are you planning to deal with Sijie's relatives?" Song Xiaoru asked.
Song Xiaodong looked at Li Sijie, who showed no unusual expression.
"What's the matter? Did they cause trouble at your house again, or did they call you again?" Song Xiaodong assumed Li Sijie's relatives were causing her trouble again.
"No, they didn't contact me; it's my dad who called my sister." Li Sijie looked at Song Xiaoru.
"Oh." Song Xiaodong nodded. Li Sijie's relatives might not mess things up often, but Li Jianguo is still quite measured in his actions.
"Sijie's eldest uncle's wife and second uncle's wife keep staying at her parents' house, and the elders called." Song Xiaoru said.
"My dad said he'd arrange for tomorrow night to invite you for dinner so Feng Rao and the others can apologize to you." Li Sijie said.
"What do you mean?" Song Xiaodong asked Li Sijie.
"I'm still angry!" Li Sijie pouted.
"What do you think, sister?" Song Xiaodong asked Song Xiaoru.
"Xiaodong, I think it's like this. Her eldest uncle's wife always causes a scene at her parents' house, which isn't good, so let's just do it." Song Xiaoru said to Song Xiaodong.
"Then..." Song Xiaodong looked at Li Sijie, who nodded.
"Okay then." Song Xiaodong stood up to go wash up.
"I'll give Sijie's father a call then!"
"Okay!"
The next night, the Li family invited Song Xiaoru, Song Xiaodong, and Li Sijie to dinner.
Those who came were Li Jianguo and his wife, Li Fengrao and his wife, Li Fengshuo and Second Uncle's Wife.
Li Fengsheng and his wife did not come, considering their situation is somewhat different.
"Oh, sister-in-law and brother-in-law are here, this is..." Li Fengrao met Song Xiaoru for the first time.
"Hello, I'm Song Xiaodong's sister."
"Oh hello hello, please sit."
Li Fengrao apparently socializes frequently; he was adept at handling these situations, arranging seats, ordering food, and offering drinks effectively.
Eldest uncle's wife did raise a good child; or perhaps, if not for her influence, Li Fengrao could be an even better child.
"Xiaodong, last time, it was their fault for angering you. Now, I'm here to talk things over face-to-face. How about that?" Li Jianguo said with a smile.
"Uncle, since it's you who stepped in, I certainly came. But what happens next depends on them." Song Xiaodong gave Li Jianguo face but also hinted that it depends on their conduct.
Li Jianguo sensed the implication and turned to look at Li Fengrao and Li Fengshuo.
"Brother-in-law, last time, indeed, I didn't host properly. These relatives of ours did offend Mr. Song without knowing his capabilities. Today, I'm here to sincerely apologize; I'll down this drink first." Li Fengrao, seeing Li Jianguo's cue, stood up, raised a glass, and drank it in one go.
Song Xiaodong watched Li Fengrao, remaining still.
Li Sijie and Song Xiaoru, sitting on either side of Song Xiaodong, knew he was still holding his ground; they didn't respond either.
Seeing Song Xiaodong's lack of reaction, Li Fengrao sat back down with a rigid smile.
"Second Brother, how's the environment at Yiquan Temple?" Song Xiaodong pondered for a moment, then suddenly turned to ask Li Fengshuo.
Li Fengshuo was caught off guard, stunned for a moment before putting on a smile and replying to Song Xiaodong, "Mr. Song, Yiquan Temple truly lives up to its reputation; the environment is serene, the monks are dignified, and their chanting is like pearls of sound, indeed calming and refreshing. These days, I feel enlightened." Li Fengshuo adopted the manner he uses with his superiors, vastly different from his prior officious demeanor.
Too bad Li Fengsheng, who routinely reprimands Li Fengshuo, missed out on quite a show.
"Hmm, I've heard the monks there are quite spiritual. You listen to their chanting for a few days, perhaps reducing some official airs, and connecting more with ordinary folks." Song Xiaodong nodded in satisfaction yet kept his eyes lowered, contemplating his pants rather than the table.
"Yes, yes, Mr. Song is right. My days at Yiquan Temple have been rewarding; I'm grateful for this precious opportunity to learn more about Minghe's religious culture. I will drink this toast as a token of apology for the past incident." Li Fengshuo also drank his drink in one go.
Song Xiaodong still remained in a slouched posture, seemingly dispirited.
Li Jianguo observed Song Xiaodong, unsure of his thoughts, glanced up at Li Sijie, who also showed no reaction. Only Song Xiaoru, unable to stand the silence, subtly nudged Song Xiaodong.







