Chapter 179 159: Bar

Zheng Peian was the main contributor tonight, and the younger generation took turns toasting him.Xu Jiawen couldn't help but remind him not to overdrink. She understood Zheng Peian's sentiment and was very grateful for his care for her father over the years.

Zheng Peian said, "When good things happen, I feel refreshed. I'm used to being alone, but I'm glad to have merged into this big family. I'm happy because I finally have a sense of belonging."

Xu Changshan said, "Peian, no one here sees you as an outsider. I've long considered you a son of mine."

A son-in-law is like half a son, but even his two sons-in-law couldn't compare to his closeness with Zheng Peian. Perhaps in a father's eyes, sons-in-law took away his precious daughters, making it hard to find them pleasing.

Xu Changshan particularly disliked the younger son-in-law, Zhen Guowei. It was his daughter's choice, so he didn't interfere, but he always had his reservations.

Perhaps it was because of regional differences and significant cultural gaps, along with his inherent distorted sense of superiority, that made Xu Changshan quite displeased. However, they rarely met, and things have been relatively peaceful over the years.

Zheng Peian was quite touched, nodding repeatedly. His parents had passed away, and he had no siblings, so emotionally he truly regarded Xu Changshan as a father. Of course, at first, it was because he liked Xu Jiawen, but the feelings were unrequited.

Xu Jiawen didn't fancy him and later met her husband, Zhen Guowei, while studying abroad. The couple moved to Xiangjiang after marriage, both being highly educated, with one teaching at the Chinese University and the other at City University.

Zheng Peian knew there was a gap between them and never harbored any extravagant hopes. In his eyes, Xu Jiawen and her husband were like a couple blessed by the heavens, but surprisingly, they had now divorced.

To say he had no feelings for Xu Jiawen in his heart was impossible. He hadn't slept well the entire previous night, and after a night's consideration, Zheng Peian realized that even if Xu Jiawen was divorced, the chances between them were slim.

These years, Xu Jiawen kept progressing, while he had almost stood still. Let it be just friends; if he had any more inappropriate thoughts, he might not even be able to keep that friendship.

Xu Jia'an, who was also quite familiar with Zheng Peian, asked about his current family situation.

Zheng Peian stated that he was still single and had grown accustomed to the single life.

Zhen Chun said, "Uncle Zheng, haven't you married because you've been waiting for my mom?"

Everyone was stunned, and Xu Jiawen blushed, "What nonsense is this girl talking about?"

Xu Chunliang, on the other hand, somewhat appreciated his little cousin's straightforwardness and said with a laugh, "Kids say the darnedest things, kids say the darnedest things!"

Zheng Peian said, "It's not that I never married; I did get married and then divorced."

Xu Jiawen looked coldly at her daughter. If she dared to mention her own divorce, she wouldn't let it slide.

Luckily, this time Zhen Chun didn't dare say anything unabashedly. Her mother repeatedly instructed her not to upset her grandfather. The family already had one divorced household; adding another might be too much for the elderly to handle.

Zhen Chun asked, "Uncle Zheng, why did you divorce? No kids?"

Zheng Peian shook his head. "My ex-wife was a fiery Miao girl. We got married less than a week after meeting, and divorced in less than half a year."

Xu Changshan sighed, "I don't understand you young people. You take marriage so lightly without thinking through why you're getting married. Once married, you must be responsible. You can't divorce easily."

Zhen Chun, full of curiosity, asked, "Uncle Zheng, tell us why you divorced back then?"

Xu Chunliang noticed his little cousin's penchant for gossip. Worried about Zheng Peian's discomfort, he proactively stepped in to help, "Just irreconcilable differences."

Zhen Chun said, "That's the favorite excuse of irresponsible men."

Everyone laughed. This time, it was Xu Jia'an's turn to say that kids say the darnedest things.

Zheng Peian laughed, "You've said it all."

Xu Changshan hadn't been this happy in a long time. Xu Jia'an called his younger brother, Xu Jiaxuan, on a video call.

In the video, Xu Jiaxuan was in his office in Manhattan. He first greeted his father and, seeing the whole family gathered, expressed his envy. In fact, he occasionally called his son, but Xu Chunliang never picked up. Xu Jiaxuan thought his son was angry with him, but really, Xu Chunliang just didn't want to call him dad.

Xu Jia'an used the camera to scan over each of the young people, and Xu Jiaxuan called out their names one by one.

Zhen Chun and the others had visited North America for a trip last year, and as their uncle, he hosted them throughout. Ironically, he was more estranged from his own son. Xu Jia'an handed the phone to Xu Chunliang, "Chunliang, have a word with your dad."

It was then Xu Chunliang realized the reason for this video call was not without cause. It was likely his eldest aunt had heard about the lack of communication between him and his father and was using this opportunity to help mend their relationship.

If he hadn't known beforehand, Xu Jiaxuan might not have recognized his son. He said excitedly, "Chunliang, I'm your dad!"

Xu Chunliang said, "I know you."

Xu Jiaxuan awkwardly laughed and said, "I'm so happy. Son, I heard you found a job. Congratulations, you've been through a lot these years because of my busy work..."

"Being busy isn't an excuse. We're all the same father's children. If your sisters can come to see Grandpa, why can't you?"

"Uh... I... I sent money back!" Xu Jiaxuan was left tongue-tied by his son's questioning.

"Alright, those few bucks of yours, Grandpa doesn't care about. If you really have filial piety, come back often. You'll grow old one day too; aren't you afraid of karma?"

Everyone was dumbfounded. Those who knew were aware it was the son reprimanding the father; those who didn't might have thought it was the father teaching the son a lesson.

Xu Changshan felt satisfied hearing this; his grandson said what he had been holding back in his heart. This unfilial creature truly thought sending a bit of money would suffice?

Xu Jiaxuan was left speechless by the scolding, sensing his awkwardness all the way across the Pacific: "Chunliang... I... I... let me say a few words to your grandpa."

Xu Chunliang handed the phone to his grandpa, but Xu Changshan hung up directly, thinking that more sweet talk wasn't as good as a visit back home.

Liang Shude noticed the atmosphere was a bit off and raised his glass to propose: "Let's wish the old man good health and a long life."

Mei Ru Xue followed suit, realizing this family was indeed quite interesting.

After dinner, Mei Ru Xue took her leave, as it was a Xu Family reunion, and it wasn't appropriate for her to stay too long.

Xu Chunliang escorted her to her car, smiling, "Thanks!"

Mei Ru Xue asked, "Thanks for what?"

Xu Chunliang replied, "Thanks for giving me so much face."

Mei Ru Xue understood what he meant. Almost everyone tonight assumed she was his girlfriend, and for the sake of face, she didn't clarify the misunderstanding in front of everyone.

Mei Ru Xue handed him a red envelope, but Xu Chunliang didn't accept it, asking her to keep it, as it was a token of the old man's goodwill.

Mei Ru Xue didn't insist, waved at him, and drove away.

As Xu Chunliang watched Mei Ru Xue's car disappear into the distance, preparing to head back, a purple Porsche Cayenne stopped in front of him.

Liang Linan and his sister, along with Zhen Chun, got out. From the Cayenne emerged a chubby young man named Du Yunqiang, a classmate of Liang Linan's from their study abroad days. Before Liang Linan came to Dongzhou, he contacted him, and Du Yunqiang specifically took them out for fun.

Liang Linan also invited his cousin to join, but Xu Chunliang had little interest in nightlife and said he would stay back to chat with family.

The Xu Jia'an sisters went to scrub pots and wash dishes, while Zheng Peian and Liang Shude accompanied the old man for a smoke and a chat.

Seeing Xu Chunliang returned, Liang Shude was somewhat surprised and asked why he didn't go along with them to have fun.

Xu Chunliang honestly said he wasn't interested in nightclubs.

Zheng Peian remarked on how different young people of this generation are from the past. Back then, at most, they'd sing karaoke, but now it's all about clubbing. He couldn't understand what was so appealing about it, just drinking without eating wasn't enticing.

Liang Shude laughed, "Young people have their ways of life. We as elders shouldn't interfere."

Upon hearing that some of the kids went clubbing, Xu Changshan couldn't help but frown. In his concept, bars were not places for decent people; such places were a mix of people and what if they encountered trouble? Xu Changshan voiced his concerns to them.

Zheng Peian reassured him not to worry; Dongzhou's security is very good now, and the entire society is cracking down on crime. Bad people have become docile, and for the past few years, there have been fewer reports of criminal events.

Despite these words, Xu Changshan remained uneasy. The three kids were from out of town, unfamiliar with the place. He insisted Xu Chunliang go along with them. The old man was particularly trusting of Xu Chunliang now, knowing that his grandson had become increasingly capable since beginning to work.

Xu Chunliang didn't want to go initially, but after hearing his grandpa's request, he had no choice but to comply. He went out, hailed a taxi, and headed for SEVEN STAR.

Getting out of the cab at the bar entrance, Xu Chunliang immediately spotted Du Yunqiang's Porsche in the parking lot, the purple wrap was particularly eye-catching.

As he entered the bar, the flashing, chaotic lights, and the deafening sound effects made him feel like he was in a trance-like scene.

A waiter approached him, asking how many people were with him, and Xu Chunliang said he was looking for someone, scanning around but not seeing where his cousins had gone.

On stage, two DJs were wildly dancing, while a crowd of men and women below jerked awkwardly to the music. Xu Chunliang felt everyone seemed to have gone a bit crazy, and he felt the urge to give each of them a poke to bring them back to their senses.

While searching around, a short-haired woman waved at him from afar. Xu Chunliang focused his eyes and recognized Zhao Xiaohui, a host from Dongzhou TV Station.

Seems like Dongzhou is indeed small; you bump into acquaintances no matter where you go.

Zhao Xiaohui was also alone, and when Xu Chunliang approached her and sat down, he said, "Yo, Sister Xiaohui, what a coincidence?"

Zhao Xiaohui smiled, "Seems we're destined! I was just worrying about having no one to drink with."

Her makeup was exaggerated today, with fiery red lips and newly cut short hair styled in a wet, tousled look. She picked up a cigarette from the table, but Xu Chunliang said he doesn't smoke.

Zhao Xiaohui took one for herself, while Xu Chunliang produced a lighter to light it for her. Zhao Xiaohui was momentarily surprised. Why carry a lighter if he doesn't smoke?

Xu Chunliang explained that the lighter is a tool he carries to serve his superiors, and Zhao Xiaohui understood. No wonder he was held in high regard by his bosses, despite his young age.