Speaking of Alice, Gu Xingdong hadn't forgotten that when Xiao Bai was critically ill, the reason he didn't get the news promptly was precisely because this woman had hung up Li Shu's call.
This woman wasn't an easy one to deal with either. To avoid unnecessary trouble, he'd best keep his distance.
With this thought, Gu Xingdong's refusal became even more resolute: "If you don't have anyone available, I can send my subordinates to protect Alice!"
Seeing that he was adamantly refusing to return to the military, Yang Zhiguo became anxious. He slammed his hand heavily on the table and stood up excitedly, saying, "Nonsense! How can their strength compare to yours?"
Gu Xingdong narrowed his eyes and said faintly, "One person's strength indeed cannot compare to mine. But what if I arrange for several people then? It shouldn't make much of a difference. Xiao Hei and the others were all trained by me personally!"
Yang Zhiguo's chest heaved with anger. "You... you're simply unreasonable! I've already offered you a way out, and you're forcing me into an awkward position?"
After speaking for a long time without seeing any reaction from Gu Xingdong, he could only turn to Li Xiu Lan for help. "Sister-in-law, please persuade your son to come back with me, won't you? If Alice isn't protected, I fear those thugs won't give up and will attack them again. If anything happens and I'm blamed by the higher-ups, I'm finished!"
Li Xiu Lan deeply wished for Gu Xingdong to return to the military, as it was a matter of honor.
However, thinking of Xiao Bai's critical illness and how Chen Li Shu's call was hung up by another woman, she didn't want this honor to lead to the disintegration of their family. So, after only a few seconds of thought, she gave her answer:
"I respect my son's wishes. Our family is perhaps not fortunate enough to enjoy this honor. I'm truly sorry, Director Yang. You've been troubled by us quite a bit these past few days!"
Alas, no matter how he tried to persuade them, this family was unmoved. Yang Zhiguo rubbed his forehead with a headache, but he knew very well that the cause of this situation was his most beloved niece, Zhang Wan'er!
Everything has its limits. Since he couldn't persuade them, he wouldn't try anymore. Yang Zhiguo, being a leader, would look bad if he pleaded so humbly to a subordinate. He had his own pride!
So, after a moment of silence, Yang Zhiguo promised, "The gates of the military are always open to you. Just let me know when you want to return. Let's all calm down for a while.
The Zhang family has already started arranging blind dates for Zhang Wan'er. You might as well wait until she finds a husband and no longer has the intention to pester you before returning. Alright, it's getting late, I won't overstay my welcome. I'll be going now."
With that, Yang Zhiguo, with a vexed expression, picked up his briefcase and turned to leave.
At the doorway, seeing Chen Li Shu's figure, his steps faltered. After a moment of hesitation, the corners of his mouth curved upwards slightly, and he said with a face full of guilt, "Li Shu, I've wronged you this time. I sincerely apologize to you here!"
Chen Li Shu shrugged her shoulders with great magnanimity and said soothingly, "There's nothing right or wrong. Director Yang has also helped our family a lot during this time, hasn't he? I understand that Director Yang is a good person, and some things are beyond your control."
Seeing Chen Li Shu's understanding nature, Yang Zhiguo felt even worse.
About five minutes after leaving the Gu residence, the phone in Yang Zhiguo's pocket rang.
As soon as the call was connected, Zhang Wan'er's impatient voice came through: "Uncle, how did your talk with Gu Xingdong go? Is he willing to come back?"
Speaking of this matter, Yang Zhiguo became angry. For the first time in his life, he yelled at Zhang Wan'er, "This matter has nothing to do with you. Remember, he has a wife.
I've already discussed this with your parents, and we all agree to find you a blind date! Stop fixating on someone you shouldn't. With the Zhang and Yang families behind you, what kind of man can't you have? Why must you be so devoted to Gu Xingdong?"
When Zhang Wan'er heard the word "blind date," she exploded like a cat with its tail stepped on. "I don't want to go on blind dates! Don't force me anymore. Uncle, can you please tell me why he's unwilling to come back?
He can't be in business now, and he won't return to the military, so he can only stay at home. How will he make a living? Is it because I didn't apologize proactively that he's unwilling to forgive me and won't come back? If that's the case, I can go and apologize to him now!"
Seeing Zhang Wan'er's stubbornness, Yang Zhiguo felt a sharp pain in his heart. "Zhang Wan'er! During my conversation with them, no one mentioned you. The Gu family has a capable woman. Even if he doesn't come to the military and has no job, do you think he'll starve to death?"
After finishing speaking, Yang Zhiguo hung up the phone. He looked up at the sky and took a deep breath, thinking that it was good he had left the military. Both of them could calm down. Once the Zhang family found a suitable blind date for Zhang Wan'er, and they both had their own lives, perhaps the situation would improve.
----
Meanwhile, at the Dynasty Grand Hotel.
After hanging up the phone, Zhang Wan'er stood frozen in place. The only sentence echoing in her mind was that Gu Xingdong hadn't mentioned her once during her long stay at the Gu family's home.
"How could this be? How could this be?" A hint of resentment flashed in Zhang Wan'er's eyes. Why did Gu Xingdong hate her so much that he didn't even want to blame her!
Just as her emotions were getting out of control, a pair of fair, smooth hands were placed on her shoulders.
"Dear Miss Wan'er, you still have wounds. You should listen to the doctor and rest in bed, not get out of bed to move around freely, let alone get angry."
Upon hearing this voice, all of Zhang Wan'er's anger transformed into grievance. She turned around and asked in a hoarse voice, "Miss Alice, do you think I did wrong? I shouldn't have fallen for someone who has no future.
I spent several years with Gu Xingdong and was by his side during his most difficult times. I thought we would develop feelings over time, and I trusted him too much. I thought we would eventually confess our love, but who knew he would go home and get married."
Hearing Zhang Wan'er's words, Alice's brows furrowed, and she clenched her fists in extreme anger. "According to you, Chen Li Shu is the interloper? I detest people who snatch others' happiness the most! If you can, could you tell me what's happening now?"