"Father, what is that person's identity? Why is the Southeast City Lord treating him with such solemnity?"
"I don't know the specifics, but I am certain he must have come from the Imperial Capital!"
The Xia family head frowned, "Only someone from the Imperial Capital would warrant such solemnity from the Southeast City Lord!"
"From the Imperial Capital!"
His expression shifted slightly. Xia Junwen didn't know what to do. He was well aware that if he offended someone he shouldn't, he would bring disaster upon himself, potentially even implicating the entire Xia family.
"You don't need to worry too much. When we go to the Yang family this time, you must not offend them again. I will personally go to apologize, and I don't think there will be any problems!" the Xia family head advised.
"That's right. Although I had friction with him, it was I who was injured!"
Xia Junwen nodded, "As long as I get through this tribulation, I will definitely behave myself from now on!"
The reason for his感慨 was that he knew this matter was not simple. For the City Lord to treat someone with such solemnity, it couldn't be a trivial matter.
Not long after, the Southeast City Lord, with his entourage, arrived at the Yang family's residence, walking with caution, not daring to show the slightest disrespect.
In the Yang family's main hall, Yang Shiyun frowned, "Dad, the Xia family is here, and even the City Lord has come!"
"Let's go meet them!"
Yang Shihai frowned. Lu Fan was in the room accompanying the old lady. Having Lu Fan handle this matter might only make things worse, so he could only brace himself.
Looking at the figures approaching, Yang Shihai said directly, "Are you all here to demand an explanation from my Yang family?"
"Yang family head, are you well?"
The Southeast City Lord smiled, "Please don't misunderstand. I am here today to visit Mr. Lu, not to be an enemy of the Yang family!"
"Visit Mr. Lu?"
Yang Shihai looked suspicious, unsure of the intentions of the people before him.
"That's right, that's right. We are here today to visit Mr. Lu. May I know where Mr. Lu is?"
The Xia family head said repeatedly, "Please, Brother Yang, introduce us." (S novel)
"I see you are all prepared. Are you trying to arrest my nephew?"
Yang Shihai said coldly, "As long as I am here, I will never let you act recklessly!"
"Brother Yang, you truly misunderstand!"
The Southeast City Lord said respectfully, "Mr. Lu's status is noble. How could I dare to act rashly? I am indeed here to pay my respects to Mr. Lu!"
Seeing the Southeast City Lord's sincerity, Yang Shihai looked incredulous. This was the dignified City Lord of Donghai City, personally coming to visit, and seemingly quite obsequious towards Lu Fan.
"Uncle, what's happening?"
As they were talking, Lu Fan's voice rang out. He stepped forward, his gaze falling on the Southeast City Lord and his group, his eyes sharpening, "Why are you here?"
"It is my incompetence that caused the Xia family to offend Mr. Lu!" the Southeast City Lord said repeatedly, "I have come specially today, hoping I haven't disturbed Mr. Lu!"
Lu Fan did not answer. His gaze fell on Xia Junwen, "What, didn't you say you were going to make me pay? Now that you're here, why do you still look so pathetic?"
"It was all my foolishness before. Please, Mr. Lu, do not blame me!"
Xia Junwen quickly cupped his fists, his expression flickering between anger and unease. If he had known of Lu Fan's status, he would never have dared to act so presumptuously.
"You brat, why aren't you quickly apologizing to Mr. Lu!"
The Xia family head said coldly, "If Mr. Lu is displeased, you'll be in deep trouble!"
Yang Shihai and Yang Shiyun exchanged glances, finding it unbelievable. They had thought these people were here to deal with Lu Fan, but it seemed they had overthought it.
"Mr. Lu, if you need any help in Donghai City, I will spare no effort!" the Southeast City Lord said quickly.
"This Southeast City of yours isn't that great!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, "There are probably many like the Xia family who bully the weak. They are like tumors!"
"Mr. Lu, you are right!"
The Southeast City Lord quickly cupped his fists, "I will pay attention in the future and will never let them act with impunity!"
"Please, Lord Lu, show mercy!"
The Xia family head said quickly, "It's all my fault for being foolish and offending Mr. Lu. As long as Mr. Lu forgives and forgets, the Xia family is willing to be your servants."
"Why is it necessary for you to do this, Xia family head!"
Lu Fan smiled, "I am just an ordinary person. You are omnipotent in Donghai City. Why do you need to apologize to me!"
"Mr. Lu is joking," the Xia family head quickly said, "For the City Lord himself to come here, Mr. Lu's status must be extraordinary. How could my Xia family not know!"
"So, you are here to apologize because my status is noble?"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, "If it were someone else, wouldn't the Xia family have dealt with them long ago?"
The Xia family head's expression changed drastically. At Lu Fan's words, he felt a chill down his spine and sensed Lu Fan's hostility.
Xia Junwen was also terrified. If they were just minor figures, he wouldn't have paid them any mind. But now he had kicked an iron plate. He dared not be too reckless, or it would be courting death.
"Oh, right, these ancient calligraphy and paintings are specifically to honor Mr. Lu!" the Xia family head said quickly, "I hope Mr. Lu can spare my Xia family a way out. From now on, the Xia family will never dare to act recklessly again!"
"Since you are so sincere, I will accept them!"
Lu Fan waved his hand, "But I'll say this upfront: the Yang family holds a significant place in my heart. If anything happens to the Yang family in the future, whether it's the City Lord's mansion or the Xia family, you will face dire consequences."
"Mr. Lu, please rest assured. As long as I am City Lord, such a thing will never happen!" the Donghai City Lord stated directly.
"Thank you then!"
Lu Fan cupped his fists. He didn't pursue the matter further. These were ultimately minor issues. Since they could be resolved now, there was no need to make things too difficult.
"Since the City Lord has come all this way, why not stay for dinner tonight?"
Yang Shihai smiled, "We can have a few drinks then!"
The Southeast City Lord stood frozen, glancing at Lu Fan, not daring to answer lightly.
If he stayed, and Lu Fan was displeased, he would be in trouble. But if he directly refused, Yang Shihai was Lu Fan's uncle, and it would be impolite to refuse.
"Uncle has personally invited you, I'm sure the Donghai City Lord won't mind!"
Lu Fan's expression was indifferent, not taking it too seriously.
"Naturally, naturally!"
The Southeast City Lord nodded quickly, a look of joy appearing on his face. To dine at the Yang family was his honor.
If it were the Yang family on any other day, it wouldn't matter. But now, the Yang family was not ordinary. With Lu Fan presiding, let alone a mere City Lord, even an elder from the headquarters would probably not dare to put on airs.
Lu Fan's status was not low. In Dragon Country, he was quite famous, even respected as a guardian god. The Donghai City Lord was very aware of this.
"Xia family head, would you like to stay for a drink?" Yang Shihai looked at the Xia family head.