To alleviate Elder Mr. He's guilt, Madam He quickly comforted him, "No one could have foreseen this. It's not your fault. You're right, we watched that child grow up. We may not know him intimately, but he's incapable of murder. Unless there's a misunderstanding!
In any case, if you have time, remember to talk to the boy and understand his psychological changes during this period. After all, the Meng family's collapse and the deaths of dozens of people overnight must have been difficult for him. Perhaps his mindset has become distorted because of it!"
"Yes, do you feel unwell in any way? If you do, remember to tell us promptly. Ziyu might be staying at a hotel outside. I've already asked Zinian to open the passage to the basement. If you miss Ziyu, you can call him anytime to come over!" Elder Mr. He said with a smile, his eyes filled with unspeakable tenderness.
Madam He winked at Elder Mr. He as a gesture of comfort, "It's alright. With Ziyu and everyone around, I feel much better.
You don't need to worry about me now. I want to sleep. Perhaps I'll feel better after a nap? Go attend to your own affairs. Go ask that boy what happened.
I don't want this good child to stray further. If we end up on opposite sides, it will be difficult for both of us to be caught in the middle! Oh, right, Lishu's competition is approaching. She's been busy with my affairs, so remember to handle some of her trivial matters for her!"
"Alright, you sleep then. I'll have someone stand guard outside. Remember to call them if you need anything." After saying this, Elder Mr. He reluctantly turned and left the room.
----
The Study.
Meng Lei nervously opened the door and entered the study. In all his time in Huaxia, Elder Mr. He had never interfered with him. Now, being summoned for a talk, and recalling the trouble those two bitches had caused him and held him back incessantly these past few days, he felt that this conversation had a different ulterior motive!
The study lights were off, and the afterglow shone in through the window, making the atmosphere suddenly oppressive and cold. Meng Lei adjusted his mindset and then asked, "Uncle He."
Elder Mr. He turned around, looking at Meng Lei with a complex expression. "Xiao Lei, due to the great upheaval in the family, I haven't mentioned many things to you before. It was mainly to avoid overwhelming you and causing further distress.
However, the massacre of an entire family is no small matter. You are the sole survivor of the Meng family, and you must bear some responsibility. So, have you thought about seeking revenge during these past few days?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the innocent smile on Meng Lei's face froze. He veiled the hatred in his eyes and then replied, "I haven't thought about it. I am the sole survivor of my family. If I die, the Meng family will truly disappear from this world.
I don't want to pursue the culprit. My only thought right now is to live well, to live on behalf of the more than ten family members. Uncle He, will you think I'm unambitious?"
After speaking, Meng Lei cautiously glanced at Elder Mr. He, trying to discern his true thoughts from his face. He had expected that by appearing so unmotivated, the He family would lower their guard against him.
Unexpectedly, Elder Mr. He slammed his hand on the table in exasperation, glaring at him furiously and demanding, "How could the Meng family produce such an unpromising young man? If you give up on revenge, how can you face your wrongfully deceased loved ones?"
Meng Lei couldn't quite grasp the meaning behind the elder's words. However, now was not the time to reveal himself. Thus, he put on an air of self-abandonment and said, "But I am not yet fully developed. How can I have the right to seek revenge? Uncle He, what do you think I should do? You are my father's good friend, and now you are the person closest to me. Whatever you say, I will do. I believe you will give me a better idea."
It was no wonder Meng Lei had committed such heinous acts. It turned out his mindset was not as mature as he had imagined. Elder Mr. He originally thought that with the He family's help, pushing Meng Lei forward all the way, they could reclaim the Meng Group. Now, it seemed the situation was more complex than he had anticipated!
They could go to great lengths and find ways to regain the Meng Group, but if Meng Lei lacked responsibility, how would they handle it once it was recovered? Did Meng Lei have the capability to manage the company's operations? Would the Meng Group decline day by day in an instant?
Thinking this, Elder Mr. He gritted his teeth, as if regretting that Meng Lei was not living up to his potential, and gripped his cane tightly. "In three days, you will leave the courtyard. I can give you a small company. How far you can develop it will be your own fortune.
Another option is to return to..."
Elder Mr. He opened his mouth. His cautious demeanor truly didn't seem like that of a murderer. He wanted to inquire about the truth of the matter, yet he felt that leaving some room for maneuver was necessary. Meng Lei's situation was always special. Perhaps after leaving the courtyard and developing on his own, he would improve once he matured!
With this thought, Elder Mr. He nodded wearily, "Alright, you go back and consider this matter carefully. It's not too late to tell me your decision."
"Mm." Just as Meng Lei was about to leave, Elder Mr. He's voice echoed in his ears again, "Xiao Lei, do you hate me? Do I still have a chance to make amends? Can you treat me as a close person again, and continue to trust us?"