The scene was silent.
Everyone's eyes were wide open, filled with disbelief.
Were you sure you were concerned about Liang Dongfang?
If you truly cared about him, why would you hand over your shoes?
This was a typical move to crush someone's spirit!
"Husband, perhaps we should let this matter go!" Leng Qingmei's voice chimed in.
In her opinion, Liang Dongfang bringing his son to apologize and making him kneel to publicly humiliate him was already a sufficient display of sincerity. If Chen Nan continued to press further, it might provoke a desperate reaction. If that were to happen, it would be an unnecessary loss.
Unexpectedly, Chen Nan said dismissively, "My dear wife, you misunderstand. Patriarch Liang's discipline of his son is their family affair. How can we, as outsiders, interfere?"
"That would be impolite."
A hint of displeasure flashed deep within Leng Qingmei's eyes. She felt Chen Nan was lecturing her.
Slap, slap, slap!
Liang Dongfang picked up Chen Nan's shoes and, gritting his teeth, fiercely struck his son across the face. He had no choice but to comply with Chen Nan's wishes and resolve this conflict as quickly as possible. Then, he would leave this place that had stripped him of his dignity.
After more than a dozen blows, Liang Jian's orifices began to bleed, and he fell unconscious.
"Young Master Chen, my son has fainted. Please put on your shoes to avoid catching a chill," Liang Dongfang said with a forced smile, personally bending down to place the shoes by Chen Nan's feet.
If he had felt angry before, he now felt genuine awe towards Chen Nan. One thing was certain: his relationship with City Lord Yuan must be very close. Otherwise, this young man wouldn't be so brazen, even using his shoes as a prop. This was typical of a petty person who had gained power. Bullying others with his influence. This was also consistent with how a nobody who suddenly gained power would behave. Therefore, no matter what, he could not offend such a person. Who knew what the consequences would be if he angered him?
"Patriarch Liang is truly ruthless!" Chen Nan casually put on his shoes, assuming an air of superiority. "I have seen your attitude. Send Young Master Liang for treatment! From this day forward, our grievances are settled."
Liang Dongfang was overjoyed. "They say one doesn't know each other until they've had a fight. I hope Young Master Chen and my son can become friends in the future. Well, I shall not disturb you further. Farewell." With that, he signaled to two servants and quickly took his son away from the Leng family residence.
Leng Qingmei watched Chen Nan drinking chicken soup, her expression unreadable. "Do you feel you went a bit too far just now?"
Chen Nan lay back on the reclining chair with some effort, his tone indifferent. "Liang Jian repeatedly tried to take my life. I merely administered a small punishment. How can that be considered excessive?"
Were the past grievances truly settled? Of course not. Let alone the promise Chen Nan had made to the host to avenge him, even by his own nature, Liang Jian deserved to die.
"You should rest and recover!" Leng Qingmei said, leaving with her maid to the backyard.
Chen Nan eagerly said, "Ziwei, quickly, quickly, see if there's anything in the box..."
Before he could finish, Song Ziwei, like a gust of wind, opened the wooden box, her face filled with anticipation and joy. It was then that Chen Nan remembered that compared to himself, Song Ziwei was even more of a money-grubber. Some things didn't need to be said by him.
"What is this? It's all supplements and medicinal herbs. There's no sincerity at all," Song Ziwei said with a look of disappointment.
Chen Nan was also depressed. He had been hoping to buy medicinal herbs for a medicinal bath if there was money.
"I'll keep these medicinal herbs. As for the supplements, you can send them to Mother tomorrow," Chen Nan added. "Don't mention my injury."
Song Ziwei nodded. "I can agree to that, but can you promise me you'll start working on the manuscript tomorrow?"
Chen Nan felt like crying. "Is catching up on the manuscript more important, or is my life as your young master more important?"
Song Ziwei lowered her head shyly. "It's mainly because I want to see the rest of the plot!"
Chen Nan rolled his eyes. This girl could steer the conversation in an unexpected direction so quickly. What was even more outrageous was that he couldn't find any evidence of her doing so.
"Alright, alright, I'll work on the manuscript tomorrow after breakfast, okay?" He sighed, placed the bowl of chicken soup on the table, and swayed as he walked towards his room. He had eaten and drunk. As a patient, it was not unreasonable to sleep, right?
Song Ziwei summoned her courage and nervously asked, "Young Master, there's something I'd like to ask."
Chen Nan turned back, curiously asking, "What is it?"
Song Ziwei cautiously asked, "Do you feel stifled when you're writing stories?"
"How do you resolve it when you feel stifled?"
"Do you need help?"
These three simple questions left Chen Nan speechless. Especially the last question, which made him wish he could strangle the host. What a pure young girl! Look! She's been corrupted by being around you! He ignored Song Ziwei and returned to his room alone.
"The Liang family father and son came to apologize. If nothing unexpected happens, they should have learned that City Lord Yuan is still alive."
"Otherwise, they wouldn't have come to apologize."
"But..."
"If they know City Lord Yuan is alive, the Chen family should also be aware of this, right?"
"Why haven't they sent anyone?"
"Given Chen Bo Han's sycophantic nature, since he learned that I've been favored by City Lord Yuan, he would naturally try to mend our relationship."
Chen Nan couldn't quite understand the Chen family's attitude. Before he could ponder further, an intense fatigue overcame him, and he closed his eyes, sinking into dreams.
------
In the medical hall.
Liang Jian, bruised and swollen, his face unrecognizable, weakly opened his eyes.
"How are you feeling now?" Liang Dongfang asked with concern. Although it had been satisfying to vent his dissatisfaction with Chen Nan onto his son during the beating, as a father, he was still heartbroken.
Liang Jian weakly said, "Father, I'm already a bit dizzy. Can you stop hovering in front of my eyes?"
Liang Dongfang looked at the doctor. The doctor quickly said, "Master Liang, Young Master Liang has sustained head injuries, so dizziness is normal. He'll be fully recovered with a few days of rest."
Hearing this, Liang Dongfang finally breathed a sigh of relief and looked at his son. "Chen Nan has forgiven you. After your injuries heal, mingle with him more."
"If we can glean any insights from him, it will be immensely beneficial to our Liang family."
Tears of humiliation welled up in Liang Jian's eyes. However, he bit his lip and nodded heavily. For the sake of his family's rise, he had to endure this humiliation.
------
The next day.
After breakfast, Chen Nan began to work on his manuscript. Song Ziwei, carrying the supplements sent by the Liang family, left the house. At lunch, Song Ziwei ran back, her face full of wounds and panic. Her swollen eyes indicated that she had been crying.
Chen Nan's anger surged. "Who hurt you?"
Song Ziwei sobbed, "It was the maid of the First Madam. It's not just that she hurt me, she even injured Madam!"
A fierce killing intent rose in Chen Nan's heart, his eyes reddening. "No matter who it is, anyone who harms my mother will pay a heavy price!"
"Let's go. We're returning to the Chen family to seek justice for my mother!"