This recognition of kinship, Lai Wenyan went in the capacity of Tang Li’s uncle.
Lai Wenyan arrived at Fuyuan with his mother, and Tang Li and Wong Yangming were already in the private room.
The meal was, all in all, satisfactory for both guests and host.
During the meal, Lai Wenyan wanted to discuss political matters, especially the councilman election, but couldn’t find the right opportunity, and by the time he was ready, the recognition meal was nearing its end.
Lai Wenyan looked at Tang Li, who was being engaged in conversation by Gao Wenlan.
As they were about to bid farewell, Lai Wenyan’s face was flushed with frustration.
That night, back home, Lai Wenyan vented his anger in the study; things hadn’t gone as he planned. They had recognized kinship, but he couldn’t even get a foothold with the Gao Family!
Subsequently, Tang Li was called into the study.
Tang Li stood in front of the desk and asked Lai Wenyan, "Dad, were you looking for me?"
Lai Wenyan looked at her, unable to voice his grievances.
He wanted to use this recognition to connect with the Gao Family but hadn’t informed Tang Li. This was his own misstep, and he couldn’t blame her at all.
Facing Lai Wenyan’s dark and brooding gaze, Tang Li suddenly said, "Originally, Teacher Gao and the others were planning to visit tomorrow, but Professor Wong received a phone call and had to deal with an urgent matter at the southern military district, so they had to cancel."
Fearing Lai Wenyan’s displeasure, she added, "However, Professor Wong asked me to convey that he will definitely visit in person the next time there’s an opportunity."
Lai Wenyan’s jaw clenched tightly.
By the next time, the election would be long over!
Tang Li tentatively asked, "Dad, are you alright?"
"..." Lai Wenyan, feeling agitated, didn’t want to say more and simply told her to leave.
After Tang Li left, Ouyang Qian appeared at the doorway of the study.
Ouyang Qian was wearing a spaghetti-strap nightgown with a silk morning robe over it, her arms crossed in front of her chest. Seeing Lai Wenyan’s dark expression, her face turned mocking: "Your precious daughter couldn’t connect you with the Gao Family?"
Lai Wenyan looked at her with a sullen expression.
"You despise the one I gave birth to, but this one wasn’t born by me."
Thinking of her elder daughter suffering in the sanatorium and how Lai Wenyan betrayed her, Ouyang Qian couldn’t help but sneer, "You and your daughter have such a good relationship, unlike Xiaxia and Yuanyuan, who would surely listen to you. Not to mention councilman, even the position of President could be within reach in the future."
"Shut up!" Lai Wenyan snapped at her.
Ouyang Qian indeed fell silent.
Then, she turned around to leave, casting a sidelong glance at Lai Wenyan: "That little vixen is still waiting for you, don’t waste your time here."
This scornful tone made the veins on Lai Wenyan’s neck stand out.
Lai Wenyan thought of another arrangement of his.
In a few days, he would be interviewed by a TV station, which would increase his exposure and provide an advantage in the election. After sending away Lai Shengxia, he intended to project an image of familial harmony and unity so that the public would believe he is an upright person.
This kind of public opinion support would significantly influence the outcome of the councilman election.
At that time, Ouyang Qian would surely need to participate in the interview.
Lai Wenyan weighed the importance and realized the interview had been scheduled since yesterday. At such a time, he obviously needed to pacify Ouyang Qian.
Leaving the study, he went straight to the master bedroom.
By then, Ouyang Qian had already settled down for the night.
Lai Wenyan sat by the bed and reached out to wrap an arm around Ouyang Qian’s shoulders: "It’s just a plaything, how long are you going to hold a grudge?"
"..." Ouyang Qian did not respond.
Lai Wenyan pulled her into his arms, murmuring gently, "Did you take to heart the harsh words I said that day?"