◇ 【051】 Xi Lang is worth it

Xi Yongming said amiably, "That's fine. You're A-Lang's friend, so it's already thoughtful of you to come."

"Come, let's come in and talk." Lin Ronghua took Gu Juan's arm and led him inside.

Gu Juan wasn't used to strangers being so affectionate with him, but Lin Ronghua's familiarity didn't repel him; instead, it made him feel very close. Perhaps it was because she was Xi Lang's mother.

The group settled into the living room. Including the Zhang, Han, and Li families, there were over thirty people in total. Fortunately, the Xi family's living room was large enough, otherwise it wouldn't have been able to accommodate so many people.

Lin Ronghua had already confirmed that Xi Lang and the others were not injured. Instead of asking about the situation, he asked the servants to serve tea and snacks, and then took Gu Juan to chat.

Xi Yongming sat aside, his expression solemn and majestic, "What exactly happened today?"

Zhang Muheng recounted the cause of the incident. When talking about the situation of being hit, he only said "I was lucky to escape" without mentioning any details.

Xi Yongming, hearing his evasive words, guessed there was something else going on, so he didn't ask any further questions. If he wanted to know the details, he could ask Xi Lang privately.

Xi Lang whispered in Gu Juan's ear, "I have to tell my parents about that."

There were so many people around that it was difficult for Gu Juan to ask too many questions. He nodded and said softly, "I believe you."

Xi Yongming said in a deep voice, "What a Xia Zhili! The Xia family must give us an explanation for this matter."

People from the Zhang, Han and Li families agreed.

"Right! If we don't show him what our families are capable of, he'll really think his Xia family is the only one that dominates the capital!"

"Xia Zhili is a terrifying lunatic. I think we should get rid of him as soon as possible!"

"This is an opportunity to strike a blow against the Xia family. We can make good use of it."

Xi Yongming added, "It's getting late today, everyone should go back first. I'll call the heads of each family to discuss what's next, so that the Xia family can understand who they've offended!"

The others had no objection and stood up to leave.

Zhang Muheng said, "Uncle Xi, let's go back first."

Xi Lang said, "I'll take you out."

When he got outside, he looked around and saw that there was no one around. Xi Lang whispered, "Mu Heng, Linzi, Ruicheng, I hope you can keep what happened tonight a secret."

Zhang Muheng smiled. "Need I tell you? Putting aside the friendship we four already have, from now on, you have another identity—our savior."

Han Lin and Li Ruicheng both nodded, still in shock as they recalled the thrilling experience.

After seeing Zhang Muheng and the others off, Xi Lang returned to the living room.

"Dad, Mom, Big Brother, let's go to the study and talk."

"You guys chat, I'll go see the two kids." Luo Qingyou smiled and nodded to everyone, then left first.

Gu Juan, Xi Lang and others came to the study.

Xi Yongming was a little surprised that Xi Lang had Gu Juan present. He asked, "Ah Lang, what exactly happened tonight?"

Xi Cong said, "I'm curious too. Both cars were smashed, which means the collision was quite violent. The person in the car behind was barely breathing, but the four of you are completely unharmed. This is a bit strange."

Xi Lang pulled the jade pendant from his clothes. "It was the jade pendant Xiaojuan gave me that saved me." He had carefully considered telling his family about the jade pendant's magical power. Gujuan had saved his life, a life-saving favor; he and his family couldn't pretend to be ignorant. Secondly, his family, including his seemingly indifferent mother, were shrewd people and wouldn't be easily fooled. Thirdly, his parents and eldest brother genuinely cared about him. Once they knew it was Gujuan who saved him, they would only treat her better in the future. He hoped his family would like her. Most importantly, his parents and eldest brother's concern for him was selfless and had no personal interests at stake, so there was no chance they would leak the jade pendant to anyone else.

Xi Yongming and Lin Ronghua were both shocked.

"Are you having an illusion?" Xi Cong subconsciously didn't believe it, and then said to Gu Juan, "Xiao Gu, it's not that I don't believe you, but this is too unbelievable."

Gu Juan nodded to show his understanding.

Xi Lang said calmly, "You just said that the four of us are unharmed."

Xi Cong was speechless, and he, Xi Yongming, and Lin Ronghua all looked at Gu Juan. They had already believed that the jade pendant had saved people, but they still hoped to get a more clear answer.

Gu Juan confirmed Xi Lang's words, "Uncle, aunt, and second brother, this jade pendant was accidentally acquired by my ancestors. It is indeed not an ordinary item."

"I see. Things passed down from our ancestors may indeed have a great history. Our ancestors were truly remarkable." Xi Yongming had heard and seen many strange things in his life, so he held out his hand to Xi Lang without any doubt. "Let me see."

Xi Lang said, "I can't take it off."

Xi Cong's mouth twitched, "Look at how stingy you are! Dad won't swallow it if he knows it's a gift from Xiao Gu."

Xi Lang said calmly, "Why don't you try? If you can take it off, I'll give it to you."

"Really?" Xi Cong's eyes lit up, and he took a pair of scissors and cut the string of the jade pendant with interest.

Xi Lang curled his lips and smiled at Gu Juan.

Xi Cong cut very hard, but not a single mark was left on the rope. Instead, there was a notch on the blade of the scissors.

Xi Yongming and Lin Ronghua both found it strange.

Xi Cong continued to cut unwillingly, muttering, "Don't rush me, I'll grind it slowly and I'm sure I can cut it through."

How could Lin Ronghua and Xi Yongming not know that he was deliberately making trouble?

"Okay, okay, don't accidentally hurt your brother's neck." Lin Ronghua stopped Xi Cong and held Gu Juan's hand. "My child, I want to thank you. If it weren't for you, I might have lost this son. However, since this jade pendant is such a treasure that can protect yourself, and it is also passed down from your ancestors, it is too precious. We can't accept it."

Xi Yongming nodded. "Your aunt is right. This jade pendant saved Alang, and our Xi family is already extremely grateful. We would be unworthy of it if we kept it."

Xi Cong remained silent. Deep down, he hoped Xi Lang would keep the jade pendant. It could save his life in a critical moment. But if his parents insisted on returning the jade pendant to Gu Juan, he wouldn't have any objections. From now on, as long as he could protect his family, it wouldn't matter whether he had the jade pendant or not.

Gu Juan saw that what Zhi Yongming and Lin Ronghua said were sincere, and was deeply moved. He said seriously: "Uncle, Aunt, since this jade pendant has been given to Xi Lang, I will not take it back. Xi Lang deserves it."

Xi Yongming was quite shocked.

While Lin Ronghua was moved, he looked at Xi Lang with suspicion, thinking, "You've said such things, son, are you sure you two aren't in that kind of relationship?"

Xi Lang gave a somewhat helpless smile and raised his hand to rub Gu Juan's head.

Lin Ronghua expressed his true feelings and hugged Gu Juan in his arms. "Good boy, you saved my son's life. I won't say anything about whether you are a benefactor or not. If you don't mind, I will treat you as my own son from now on!"

Gu Juan was a little embarrassed and stammered, "Aunt, you, you are too kind."

"Mom, don't tease him." Xi Lang pulled Gu Juan back to his side.

Lin Ronghua covered his mouth and smiled, "Okay, okay, I won't say anything. It's getting late, we can talk tomorrow if we have anything to say. Xiaojuan, you can stay at home with peace of mind. However, it's very late now, and it's too late to clean up the guest room, and it will also delay your rest. You can stay with Alang, do you mind?"

Xi Cong winked at Xi Lang, and Xi Lang rubbed his forehead.

Gu Juan smiled and said, "I don't mind."

"Well, you guys go to bed early. I'll ask the servants to prepare your toiletries."

After Lin Ronghua left, Xi Yongming asked Xi Lang, "The four of you are all unharmed. Did the nearby surveillance cameras record anything unusual? If so, we must deal with it as soon as possible."

Xi Lang said, "Don't worry, Dad. I just told Mu Heng and the others, they know what's going on."

"That's good." Xi Yongming nodded.

After leaving the study, Gu Juan followed Xi Lang to his room.

Xi Lang's room is a typical men's room, basically in black and white tones. Both the furniture and the decoration design are based on the principle of simplicity and elegance.

Xi Lang pushed Gu Juan to sit on the edge of the bed. He had noticed that Gu Juan was still wearing the hotel slippers, so he opened the shoe cabinet, took out a pair of his own slippers, and squatted down to help him change them.

"Xiao Juan, when did you come to the capital? Why didn't you tell me? My phone is burned, but you know my home phone number."

Gu Juan stopped him and said, "I can do it myself."

Xi Lang pushed his arm away and said, "It's just a matter of convenience."

Gu Juan had no choice but to sit still and touched his head. "I arrived the day before yesterday to do some work. I was planning to call you after I was done."

Xi Lang was curious, "How did you know I was there?"

Gu Juan smiled and said, "If I say I have a premonition, would you believe me?"

Xi Lang was stunned.

"But I was able to find you in the end because of it." Gu Juan pointed to the jade pendant on his neck.

Xi Lang stood up and hugged his shoulders, "Xiao Juan..." Gu Juan had too many secrets. He suddenly felt that they were too far apart, as if he would lose Gu Juan if he didn't pay attention.

Gu Juan thought he was frightened, so he hugged him and patted his back comfortingly.

"By the way, who is your sister-in-law?" Gu Juan thought of Luo Qingyou and wondered if Xi Cong knew that Luo Qingyou was not an ordinary person? Did the other people in the Xi family know?

Xi Lang said, "She comes from a family of scholars. Both her parents are professors at a university in the imperial capital."

Gu Juan was a little surprised, "I thought she was also the daughter of some noble family."

Xi Lang smiled softly and explained, "No. Perhaps the most unique thing about our Xi family is that, unlike other aristocratic families, we don't rely on business marriages to consolidate our family's status. My eldest brother and his wife were in love, and my parents agreed to their marriage after they were sure that his background was not a problem. They have been very loving over the years and now have two children."

"What about you?" Gu Juan looked into his eyes. "You won't need a marriage alliance in the future?"

"Of course." Xi Lang wanted to hold his hand but pulled it back, and asked gently, "Why are you suddenly asking about my sister-in-law?"

Gu Juan hesitated. Luo Qingyou's power didn't necessarily mean she had ulterior motives. He should not intervene rashly and think of other solutions.

"Nothing, just asking."

Xi Lang nodded. "Please sit down for a while. I'll find you a set of pajamas. Then you can take a shower and have a good sleep."

Over there, Xi Yongming and Lin Ronghua also returned to their rooms.

"Old Xi, what do you think of that kid?" Lin Ronghua took off his cloak and sat down in front of the dressing table. "I think he's a good kid. Young yet steady, quiet yet not timid. Especially those eyes. Pure might not be the right word to describe them, but they give off a very clean vibe, as if he doesn't have any bad intentions. Also, did you see what he's wearing? Slippers with the hotel's name printed on them. It's obvious how worried he was when he found out about A-Lang's accident!"

Xi Yongming said with a smile: "You've already said it, why are you asking me?"

"Tsk, you are a separate individual, and I am a separate individual. How can your thoughts be exactly the same as mine?" Lin Ronghua glanced at him in the mirror with a reproachful look.

Xi Yongming said, "It's hard to say for now. But just because he's willing to give something that could save his life to A-Lang, we know he's sincere towards A-Lang. Regardless of whether he and A-Lang succeed or not, we'll just treat him like half a son from now on."

"Who said it wasn't?" Lin Ronghua nodded. "If we're destined to have a son-in-law, I'd rather he be Gu Juan. But... ah, Alang's temper really drives me crazy. Does he really think she can wait for him forever? I don't know what he's thinking!"

Xi Yongming shook his head helplessly, "Alang is a man of his own ideas, so don't worry about it here."