Chapter 34: Feels Like a Family of Three
“Go ahead and buy everything; just make sure to get receipts,” Lu Liang replied, feeling he had truly made the right choice in hiring Tang Caidie.
An experienced professional was indeed a treasure. If he had hired an inexperienced graduate, he would likely have to handle all these trivial matters himself.
Nearby, Zhang Qian sat holding her daughter. Catching a glimpse of Lu Liang’s chat messages, she asked in surprise, “You started a company?”
“It’s easier to get things done with one,” Lu Liang replied casually. His eyes rested on Ye Wei, who was skillfully debating, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Ye Wei, with a base fee of 5,000 yuan plus additional charges depending on case complexity, wasn’t a lawyer most would casually hire. But judging from the progress so far, his services were well worth the cost.
The woman, initially unrelenting, even threatening to accuse Lu Liang of intentional assault, had quieted down when her husband arrived.
Her husband, a well-dressed man with gold-rimmed glasses, seemed to be a government official. After exchanging a few words with Ye Wei and understanding the situation, he decided to settle the matter privately without demanding compensation.
Turning to Zhang Yun, who still bore a handprint on her face, the man, Zhao Qiangmin, appeared deeply apologetic.
“Mr. Lu,” Zhao said earnestly, “I assure you I’ll personally oversee his reflection tonight. Tomorrow, he’ll apologize to Zhang Yun in front of the entire school.”
“Director Zhao, you’re a reasonable man. We trust you,” Lu Liang replied with a smile, waving them off.
After they left, Ye Wei approached Lu Liang. “Mr. Lu, I recorded the entire conversation earlier.”
His habit of recording conversations ensured evidence was on hand should Lu Liang choose to pursue the matter further.
“Any backups?” Lu Liang asked.
“No, this is the only copy,” Ye Wei replied.
“Mr. Ye, let’s leave it at that. Send me the bill later,” Lu Liang said, pocketing the recorder.
“Of course. Here’s my firm’s card. Feel free to contact us if you ever need assistance,” Ye Wei said, bidding farewell.
“You’re not planning to escalate this further, are you?” Zhang Qian asked, concerned.
“It’s always good to be prepared,” Lu Liang replied.
He had no intention of pressing the issue but would not hesitate to use the recording if Zhao retaliated.
“Xiaoguai, are you hungry? What would you like to eat? Uncle Lu will take you,” he asked gently, brushing Zhang Yun’s bangs aside. After applying medicinal wine, her swelling had subsided, leaving only some bruising.
The little girl peeked at her mother before shyly saying, “I want McDonald’s.”
Zhang Qian sighed in exasperation, patting her daughter’s head. “Fine, let’s go.”
“Yay!” Zhang Yun cheered, bouncing happily. She held Lu Liang’s hand in one and Zhang Qian’s in the other.
As they walked, Zhang Qian stole a glance at Lu Liang. A strange feeling welled up within her—it felt like they were a family of three.
Today had made her realize something. Maybe, just maybe, this could work. She didn’t care about herself as much anymore; as long as Lu Liang treated her daughter well, that was enough.
The McDonald’s was just around the corner. Lu Liang decided to leave the car behind and walk there with them.
While waiting for their order, Lu Liang carried the tray to their table and asked Zhang Qian about her recent situation and her mother’s health.
“She’s getting older and needs proper care. I hired two caregivers to take shifts looking after her,” Zhang Qian said.
She hesitated before mentioning her plans to buy a mid-sized beauty salon she had scouted earlier in the day.
“Tell me more,” Lu Liang said, watching Zhang Yun eat. “Slow down—no one’s taking your food.”
A flicker of warmth crossed Zhang Qian’s eyes as she explained softly, “The salon has three and a half years left on the lease. The interior is about 80% new, with fully equipped facilities and staff, but the transfer fee is 1.3 million yuan.”
“Can the business break even afterward?” Lu Liang asked.
“Don’t underestimate me,” Zhang Qian said, glaring at him. “I’ve done my research. The salon nets at least 80,000 yuan a month.”