C22 A Gift to Apologize!

Everyone turned their gaze outside and noticed a plainly dressed middle-aged man approaching.

Upon the man's entrance, even Xu Shaoning was taken aback momentarily before he hastened to greet him with a warm smile. "Ah, Mr. Lee, what a pleasant surprise to run into you as soon as I arrive. I consider myself very fortunate."

Lee Donghua appraised him briefly. "You are..."

Before Xu could introduce himself, Wang Changyu stepped in, "Hello, Mr. Lee. This gentleman is the CEO of Strong Dragon Group, Xu..."

"Xu Shaoning," Lee Donghua interjected, having recalled the name. He gave Xu another once-over and, with a hearty laugh, commented, "Indeed, a man of distinction. Qingyang City's future is in the hands of exceptional young men like you and Xiaolong."

"You're too kind, Mr. Lee," Xu Shaoning replied, though inwardly he was far from pleased.

To be compared to a country bumpkin was hardly a compliment in his ears.

Lee Donghua, however, was not interested in prolonging the conversation. With a brief gesture, he turned and made his way to Zhang Xiaolong.

"Zhang Xiaolong, you've been quite elusive," Lee Donghua said, clapping him on the shoulder. "I headed straight for the police station after wrapping up some business, but you'd already left. I was ready to visit Clear River Village to find you if we didn't cross paths today. It seems fate has brought us together after all."

"Mr. Lee was looking for me?" Zhang Xiaolong was genuinely surprised.

Though he wasn't sure of Lee Donghua's stature, Xu Shaoning's deference indicated that Lee must be a significant figure in Qingyang City.

Zhang Xiaolong's impression of Lee was favorable. He had not only stood up for him against Mr. Bi and his gang but had also defended him in front of a formidable policewoman like Yeh Mei.

"Mr. Lee, surely you're not confusing me with someone else? This young man is just a farmer. If not for Miss Chen's sake, he wouldn't have been allowed in today. You're seeking him out..." Wang Changyu began, but abruptly checked himself.

"It seems I've come to the wrong place," Lee Donghua said, his voice growing cold. "Thirty years ago, Lee Donghua from Qingyuan County was just a peasant. Since this isn't a place for peasants, I, bearing the Lee surname, should know my place."

Many in the room couldn't help but smile at this. Wang Changyu had really stepped in it now. Everyone knew that Lee Donghua came from humble beginnings, and through his intelligence and diligent work, he had built a formidable reputation over the past thirty years. Moreover, he had always looked out for those from his own rural background.

By showing such contempt for Zhang Xiaolong in Lee Donghua's presence, Wang Changyu might as well have slapped Mr. Lee himself.

"No, Mr. Lee, that's not what I meant. How could he possibly be compared to you?" Wang Changyu became even more panicked, not wanting to cross this influential figure.

"If we must make comparisons, then it's I who can't measure up to Zhang Xiaolong. Thirty years ago, I was just a naive kid who knew nothing beyond brute strength," Lee Donghua said, patting Zhang Xiaolong with a look of deep admiration. "But now, Zhang Xiaolong is this year's national College Entrance Examination Top Scorer. Just on that merit alone, his future achievements are bound to surpass mine by a hundredfold."

The room took in Zhang Xiaolong, who appeared very young, with renewed interest, as they hadn't realized his impressive status. Curiosity buzzed in the air.

Chen Yaru's eyes sparkled with surprise and respect as she regarded Zhang Xiaolong, having also been unaware of his accomplishment.

Truth be told, the College Entrance Examination wasn't highly regarded by those present; a high score often just meant ending up as another employee in their offices. However, Zhang Xiaolong's composed demeanor and his articulate rebuttal to Wang Changyu, combined with his status as the top scorer, ensured that no one would underestimate him again.

"Mr. Lee, you give me too much credit. The College Entrance Examination success was just a stroke of good fortune," Zhang Xiaolong humbly replied, not one to boast about his academic achievements.

"Luck needs a strong foundation to hold it up," Lee Donghua said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "And please, don't call me Mr. Lee. After all, I'm from Qingyuan County just like you. We're practically from the same neck of the woods, and I'm not that much older than you. If you're okay with it, just call me 'brother.'"

*Cough! Cough!*

The crowd seemed to collectively stifle a cough at Lee Donghua's words. He wasn't much older than Zhang Xiaolong, just by a couple of decades, give or take.

"No way!" Chen Yaru objected before Zhang Xiaolong could even get a word in.

"What's this? Aren't you the young lady from Distant Vast?" Lee Donghua looked surprised. "I was addressing Zhang Xiaolong. Why are you reluctant to call me 'brother'? Would it somehow be a disadvantage for you?"

"It's me who would be at a disadvantage. Last time, you told me I could call you Mr. Lee," Chen Yaru stated boldly, pulling Zhang Xiaolong closer to her side. "So, he should call you Mr. Lee too. I refuse to be considered a generation below him."

Observing the pair standing side by side in perfect harmony, Lee Donghua had an epiphany and playfully ribbed, "You've got quite the eye, young lady. This little brother of mine has barely arrived, and you've already staked your claim."

"That's right!" Chen Yaru clung to Zhang Xiaolong's arm as if she was afraid he'd slip away if she loosened her grip. "So, Mr. Lee, you can't treat me unfairly. However he addresses you, I'll do the same. After all, he and I are on the same level."

"Ru, stop causing trouble with Director Lee," Chen Zhaomin chided as he approached, admonishing his daughter.

"But I'm only speaking the truth," Chen Yaru retorted with a pout.

Chen Zhaomin's frown deepened, ready to continue, but Lee Donghua interjected with a chuckle, "Come on, Old Lee, let the young ones have their fun. It's their laughter and chatter that keeps them young. I've always been envious of you for having such a treasure of a daughter."

"This girl is always up for a bit of fun, but she's no match for Director Lee's son. With his return from abroad, Qingyang City is likely to gain another young entrepreneur," Chen Zhaomin said, offering his flattery.

Lee Donghua gazed at Zhang Xiaolong with a grin. "Having such a treasure of a daughter at home, you won't have trouble drawing in young entrepreneurs."

Zhang Xiaolong was already feeling awkward with Chen Yaru's arm pressed tightly against his, the occasional touch and her scent adding to his discomfort. Lee Donghua's jest only heightened his embarrassment.

Chen Zhaomin, on the other hand, was quite taken aback. He hadn't been in the hall earlier and was unaware of the events that had transpired. He had always seen potential in Zhang Xiaolong but was surprised to find that Lee Donghua was acquainted with him and seemed to hold him in high regard. This piqued his curiosity even further.

"Mr. Chen," Xu Shaoning approached him with purpose, "I've returned to clear up a past misunderstanding with Yaru. I've brought this gift as a token of my apology, prepared with great care. I hope you'll accept it, considering the long-standing relationship between our families."

With all eyes on him, Xu Shaoning presented an exquisitely crafted sandalwood box, cradled gently in his hands.