Hearing this, Han Haoming lowered his head, calmly took a sip of his drink, and then slowly said:
"I was only in my teens then, just starting middle school. I only remember my dad working at a large company, and he was fired for theft.
Later, because of this incident, his reputation was affected, making it difficult for him to find a decent job. He had to take odd jobs to make a living.
Even later, he developed depression, and two years later, he jumped from the rooftop, ending his own life."
"Theft? No way? Wasn't your dad a retired soldier? How could he steal?" Shen Xi felt there must be some hidden secret.
Retired soldiers were all high-quality individuals educated by the state, how could they do such despicable things?
"My mother, all our relatives and friends, and I all believed he wouldn't do such a thing. So, after he committed suicide, we made a scene at Zhuo Sheng Group.
They were afraid of a bad influence, so they cleared my father's name, published a public apology in the newspaper, and compensated our family a sum of money. That's how it ended."
Han Haoming looked at her melancholically and continued,
"Shen Xi, do you think my father's death has nothing to do with the Qin family? How could I possibly get involved with the daughter of my enemy?"
"What you're saying makes sense. If it were me, I wouldn't be able to do it either," Shen Xi empathized with him, then added, "But, according to the information Qin Si Ye told me, his father didn't know much about this matter back then, nor was he involved. Perhaps your enemy is someone else."
Han Haoming said coldly, "Even if he doesn't know the details of this matter. As the president of the company, he bears undeniable responsibility when an employee is framed, dismissed, and finally commits suicide due to depression."
Hearing this, Shen Xi suddenly fell silent. She had to admit that Han Haoming's words had merit.
After all, this was a matter of life and death.
It was imaginable that Han Shan's suicide back then was a devastating blow to their family, like a thunderbolt from the blue, a collapse of the mountain ridge.
And for the teenager, who was only in his teens and on his educational path, what kind of blow had it dealt to his young heart.
Taking a sip of her drink, Shen Xi slowly looked up, her gaze full of sincerity.
"Han Haoming, I can understand your pain. Qin Xiuzhi indeed bears undeniable responsibility in handling this matter, but that was only at the management level.
I will have Qin Si Ye investigate the real mastermind and get you an answer.
As for the matter between you and Si Yue, I still hope you can reconsider."
"Shen Xi, please don't try to persuade me anymore. We can never be together in this life," Han Haoming said calmly, pausing slightly. "Qin Si Yue is a good girl. Please tell her not to waste her time on me anymore and to find someone else..."
Before he could finish the word "suitable", a familiar voice echoed from the center of the hall, "Sister Xi, what a coincidence, you're dining here too."
Shen Xi turned her head and saw Qin Si Yue walking towards them gracefully in a beige long dress.
"Yes," Shen Xi quickly stood up, glancing at Han Haoming opposite her.
Han Haoming also slowly stood up, his expression somewhat complicated.
From the direction of the hall, his seat was blocked by a flowering tree, so Qin Si Yue hadn't seen him just now.
At this moment, their eyes met, and Qin Si Yue couldn't help but be startled, pausing in her steps.
She felt in a dilemma. If she had known Shen Xi was dining with him, she wouldn't have come to say hello.
Although she had always longed for this man and thought about seeing him every day, he kept her at arm's length. Why should she seek embarrassment?
In matters of love, it takes two to tango.
She had her own pride and couldn't be too subservient, clinging to him shamelessly.
"I'm sorry, I've interrupted your meal." Qin Si Yue's small face felt a little warm for some reason. "My colleagues are waiting for me. Goodbye."
"Si Yue, wait." Shen Xi stepped forward and pulled her to the table. "Everyone knows each other. It's rare to meet here today, why don't we dine together?"
Hearing this, Qin Si Yue couldn't help but look up at Han Haoming, wanting to see his reaction.
The man's expression was as usual, and he said politely, "Then let's dine together."
Following that, Qin Si Yue was coaxed by Shen Xi into sitting down beside her.
She quickly took out her phone and sent a message to her colleagues.
After the waiter brought a set of tableware, the three of them began to eat and chat.
However, the atmosphere was clearly different from before, much more awkward.
Shen Xi, to break the ice, kept finding topics to engage them in conversation.
At this moment, Qin Si Yue suddenly stood up with her cup, looking seriously at the man opposite her, "Han Haoming, you saved me at the bar last time, and I haven't had a chance to thank you.
Today, please allow me to express my deepest gratitude with this cup of drink."