Director Shen wasn't looking down on this kind of person. It was only natural for him to repay his family after being educated by them. Not everyone was born into a privileged family; many were struggling poor children.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have agreed to his marriage with Yu Lili.
However, his arrogant and selfish demeanor had truly opened Director Shen's eyes. A person's character had nothing to do with their background.
As Director Shen was lost in thought, another incident occurred outside. Su Ning had arrived!
A crowd gathered, abandoning their work to watch the show. Would there be a fight?
Director Shen's expression was grave; he wanted to see how Xu Donglai would handle this.
Su Ning's face was red and his neck was thick with rage, like a volcano about to erupt. "You pair of scoundrels, you still dare to come to the factory? Yu Lili, have you no shame? Running away with another man, a person like you should be drowned in the village."
Yu Lili wiped away tears of shame and indignation. She knew she was in the wrong.
Xu Donglai shielded her and bowed deeply to Su Ning. "I apologize on Lili's behalf. As you know, she and I were together before. It was only because my family had trouble that Lili had to marry you. Now that I'm out, I will bear all the consequences. If you want to hit or scold, do it to me. I apologize."
Xu Donglai's move caught Su Ning completely off guard and also earned him the crowd's favor. They nodded in support. "Su Ning, let it go. The marriage wasn't finalized anyway. Just consider it fulfilling their wishes."
"Fulfilling someone's wish is also a virtue."
Some even sneered, "You didn't lose out either. Didn't Director Shen compensate you a hundred yuan?"
Su Ning's pride was wounded. "Do you want this money? They have insulted my character. No amount of money can compensate for that."
Xu Donglai straightened up, his eyes turning cold. "If that's how you see it, then let's settle this like men. A one-on-one fight, a duel, whatever you want. If I, Xu Donglai, am afraid of you, I'll kneel and kowtow to you."
Su Ning faltered. Xu Donglai, who dared to confront Director Wang, was clearly not someone to be trifled with. He was tall and sturdy, while Su Ning was a frail intellectual. Standing before Xu Donglai, he was like a scholar facing a soldier.
Yu Lili's eyes were also cold. She knew Su Ning wouldn't dare. He would be terrified to death. She didn't like his personality; not every girl liked this kind of literary type. Yu Lili preferred Xu Donglai's roguish charm.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense. Just then, Director Shen came down. "What are you all doing gathered here? Don't you have work to do?"
The crowd dispersed. Xu Donglai rubbed his nose, unsure what to say, and finally called out, "Good morning, Director Shen."
Director Shen ignored him and looked at Su Ning. "I thought the matter that day was settled. You're still unwilling to let it go. This has nothing to do with Lili. It was I who had second thoughts. You didn't even fully pay the bride price, and your family atmosphere didn't match ours. Seeing your relatives, I worried my daughter would be wronged if she married into your family, which is why I went back on my word. This has nothing to do with them. Whatever grievances you have, come to me."
Yu Lili started crying again, this time out of gratitude.
Director Shen took out an envelope and handed it to him. "The money before wasn't enough to compensate you. This is a small token of my sincerity. Take it. But this is the last time. After this, I don't want to hear any slander against my daughter from your mouth, or don't blame me for turning hostile."
Su Ning thought for a moment, then finally accepted it and left without a word.
Yu Lili held Director Shen's hand, deeply moved. "Mom, thank you."
"Don't hold me. Did I say I forgive you?" She turned and left. Yu Lili was at a loss. Xu Donglai, however, was quick-witted. He pulled her along. "Mom, we still need a letter of introduction to get the marriage certificate. We'll need your help."
"Did I agree to let my daughter marry you?"
Xu Donglai: "It's okay. I'll eventually make you agree. I'll treat Lili well. Have some candy..."
"I don't want it. Take it away." Yu Lili still stuffed it into her pocket. Director Shen didn't throw it away, and Yu Lili's spirits lifted.
They went to the office and handed out candy to everyone they met. Xu Donglai was adept at handling people and was generous, immediately winning over the middle-aged and elderly aunties in the office.
Director Shen called them into her room. "What are your plans for the future?"
Xu Donglai answered honestly, "The factory wants me to take over my parents' job, but I don't want to. My friends and I are starting a cold drink factory and making money through business."
"Nonsense! Is doing business a proper job? Returning to the factory is a secure job, something many people are desperately trying to get into!" In the older generation's ideology, doing business was shameful; working in a factory was a glorious path.
Xu Donglai insisted, "I know you mean well, but the factory salary is only thirty to fifty yuan a month. I have younger siblings to support, and there will be children in the future. It's barely enough to survive, how can I provide them with a good life? I'm starting a factory, not setting up a stall on the street to sell goods. It's not shameful."
Director Shen frowned. "How much capital is needed to start a private factory? And the procedures, they're very difficult to handle. Can you manage?"
"I can't, but my friend can. Without him, this matter between us wouldn't have worked out..." Xu Donglai trailed off, realizing he had almost revealed Xie Ge.
Director Shen caught the hint. "I'd like to meet this friend of yours."
"They're back from the county and are returning home soon. They're definitely trustworthy. If not for him, I'd still be inside, and my brother would have been sold off by our aunt. Our family would have fallen apart." Xu Donglai's eyes reddened; he couldn't bear to think of such a consequence.
"Perhaps another time. I'll inquire about the procedures for you."
"Thank you, Mom!" Both were overjoyed. This meant she had accepted their relationship.
The letter of introduction was issued smoothly. The two rode a bicycle, Yu Lili holding onto Xu Donglai's waist, happily going to get their marriage certificate. Su Dan Novel Network.
Xie Sui hadn't expected things to go so smoothly. Director Shen was indeed wise; leaders had a broader mind and demeanor that they, as juniors, couldn't compare to. He also hadn't expected Xu Donglai to sell him out so completely. Director Shen now had him in mind.
When they returned with their marriage certificate, a meal was already prepared at home. Xie Sui bought a bottle of wine and toasted him. "We're going back tomorrow. Let's keep in touch by phone."
"Brother Xie, stay a few more days."
"No, the children are waiting at home. I'll visit again next time, with the whole family. Don't find us troublesome."
"How could we? We'd be delighted. Sister Wanwan, I'll toast you too." Lin Wanwan drank with them, happy for them. A marriage blessed by family was truly wonderful.
Little Xu Dongfang was reluctant for Uncle Xie to leave. He had saved him from his aunt, like a great hero. "Uncle Xie, how old is your son? If he comes to my house, I'll play with him."
"He's five years old. Thank you, Uncle. They're twins, so they'll be quite a handful for you."
"Really? Sister Wanwan is too amazing." Yu Lili exclaimed. Women, after marriage, yearned for children. She spoke of twins with envy.
Xie Sui was displeased. "Why aren't you saying I'm amazing?" Everyone burst into laughter. Men had such amusing vanity; they needed praise for such things.
The lively atmosphere was broken by a knock at the door. Xu Donglai opened it and instantly exploded in rage. "What are you doing here? I haven't settled accounts with you yet, and you still have the nerve to come to my house?"