"Thank you for your concern, Chief Gu!" He Teng replied flatly. He knew that if Chief Gu was calling him personally, he would likely bring up the issue of Gu En bullying He Zhilan.
"Lan Li told me about my daughter, Gu En, bullying your wife. Even though Gu En is my own daughter, I will admit that she was in the wrong. Ideally, I should bring Gu En to apologize to your wife personally, however, Gu En has been in a car accident and is currently in the ICU. Therefore, her apology will be made by me on her behalf. Gu En was wrong and she realizes it now. This sort of thing will not happen again."
He Teng did not immediately respond. All he wanted was an apology and an assurance that such an incident would not occur again. But now, with Gu En in a car accident, it was Gu En’s father who gave the apology.
He Teng couldn’t say the Gu family lacked sincerity in their apology, after all, Chief Gu’s call and personal apology were indicators of just that.
Even though an apology could not entirely compensate for He Zhilan’s suffering, Gu En was still the Gu family’s daughter. He Teng couldn’t possibly drag Gu En into the police station and accuse her of deliberate harm.
"He Teng, if it’s possible, I hope you and your wife can forgive her this one time for the sake of me as her father, and considering that she is still lying in the hospital due to a car accident during the festive period."
On the line, Chief Gu was not using his authoritative persona, but instead, was pleading for forgiveness in the tone of a repentant father.
If the child is not taught, it is the parent’s fault. Chief Gu personally called to apologize and promised there wouldn’t be a next time. He Teng had little choice but to relent.
After hanging up the call, He Teng’s expression turned slightly somber.
"Resolved?" asked the Brigade Commander, patting He Teng’s shoulder. "I know you might not feel comfortable, but that’s reality. Gu En is the Gu family’s daughter. Chief Gu personally calling to apologize is already quite sincere."
"Brigade Commander, I understand," He Teng nodded. He knew what the Brigade Commander meant. The commander didn’t want him to continue dwelling on this issue, risking offending the Gu family, and potentially jeopardizing his future in the military.
In reality, even if he did dwell on it, he wouldn’t achieve anything additional.
At that moment, He Teng felt an unprecedented sense of guilt and an unparalleled desire for power and ambition.
Only when he was strong enough could he protect those close to him and prevent them from being mistreated.
Returning to his accommodation after leaving the Brigade Commander’s office, He Teng found that the meal he had brought for He Zhilan was still warm despite the short delay.
After her bandages were removed, He Zhilan was able to eat on her own, which eliminated the need for He Teng to feed her. She chose not to eat in the cafeteria due to its cold and crowded nature, and the risk of hurting her hand.
However, while eating, He Zhilan kept glancing at He Teng, "Brother, what are you thinking about? You look worried. You’re frowning."
Snapping back to reality, He Teng looked at He Zhilan’s hand that was gripping the chopsticks and softly asked, "Does it still hurt today? Although the military doctors said you can briefly expose it to water, you still need to be careful. Especially the blister, make sure not to scrape off the skin."
"It’s fine, I just read some books, chat with Sister Cailuan or go out for a walk occasionally. Otherwise, I’m with Ya’nan," He Zhilan shook her head, "But you seem to be preoccupied with something. Is something wrong?"