Chapter 464: Brother Zhao Considers the Big Picture

Chapter 464: Brother Zhao Considers the Big Picture
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Jiang Lu furrowed his brow, fixing his gaze upon Brother Zhao as he inquired, “That young lady from earlier happens to be my fellow classmate. Pray, may I inquire as to your pursuit of her, my good sir?”
Brother Zhao, upon hearing this revelation, couldn’t help but burst into a hearty laugh. He responded, “Well, I’ll be! I hadn’t the faintest inkling she was connected to your esteemed academic circle!”
With a slightly humbler demeanor, Brother Zhao added, “Had I been aware of this fact, I would have certainly extended a more deferential approach.”
“In truth,” Brother Zhao continued, his eyes glancing in Xia Ye’s direction, “I was merely partaking in a jesting exchange with my fellow classmate. I implore her not to take it to heart.”
Witnessing Xia Ye’s distress as Brother Zhao’s gaze fell upon her, she found herself choking back her sobs, her fear evident in her eyes.
Observing her fright, Brother Zhao’s lips twitched awkwardly. He then turned to Jiang Lu, saying, “Ah, but we do have other matters that require our attention. We shall be taking our leave, Young Master Jiang.”
“Enjoy your repast, Young Master Jiang!” Brother Zhao called out as he waved towards the bar counter. “All expenses today are on my account, Boss!” The proprietor nodded in acknowledgment.
With a sigh of relief, Brother Zhao and his entourage finally departed as they reached the dance hall’s exit.
A curious underling, oblivious to the situation, couldn’t help but voice his puzzlement, “Who exactly is this Young Master Jiang? Why does our esteemed Brother Zhao show him such deference?”
Brother Zhao, his ears attuned to the remark, immediately shot his underling a stern look. “What do you mean I show deference?
“I had no intention of engaging in a dispute,” Brother Zhao declared. “In a direct confrontation, it’s uncertain who would emerge the victor.”
Several of Brother Zhao’s trusted subordinates, who had been by his side for an extended period, promptly concurred. “Indeed, indeed! Our Brother Zhao has a keen sense of the bigger picture!”
After Brother Zhao and his subordinates had departed, Jiang Lu approached the bar counter.
Upon surveying Xia Ye’s tear-stained face and then glancing at Ke Xin, he inquired, “Are you both unharmed?”
Xia Ye sniffled and suddenly threw herself into Jiang Lu’s arms.
Jiang Lu, taken aback by the gesture, did not resist her embrace. Ke Xin, after observing the interaction, “assisted” Xia Ye in extricating herself from Jiang Lu’s arms.
With a concerned tone, Jiang Lu questioned, “May I inquire as to the reason for your presence here?”
“Xia Ye was feeling despondent, and I thought it would be beneficial to take her out for a change of scenery,” Ke Xin replied with simplicity.
Xia Ye rolled her eyes at Ke Xin, displaying her dissatisfaction with the prompt response to Jiang Lu’s query.
“I’m perfectly fine. It’s just…” Xia Ye began, her voice laden with grief and her eyes cast downward.
However, the vibrant atmosphere in the dance hall made it challenging for Jiang Lu to discern her words clearly.
Xia Ye endeavored to express herself, but Jiang Lu interjected, “I have other matters to attend to. If there is nothing else, I suggest you return home promptly.”
With that, Jiang Lu departed, leaving Xia Ye and her companions behind.
Xia Ye gazed longingly at Jiang Lu’s retreating figure, disappointment etched across her countenance.
Taking a deep breath, Ke Xin turned to Xia Ye and declared, “Shall we depart? I will accompany you home.”
Xia Ye turned and shot Ke Xin a withering glare, exclaiming, “It’s all your fault! If it weren’t for you, I would have been spared the company of that odious fellow!”
Following this proclamation, Xia Ye pushed Ke Xin away and briskly exited the dance hall.
Although Xia Ye hurriedly left the premises, she could no longer locate Jiang
Lu.
Ke Xin, following suit, exited the dance hall and observed Xia Ye scanning her surroundings, a sardonic smile playing on her lips.
Since Xia Ye seemed intent on proceeding without her accompaniment, Ke Xin opted to return home and rest.
After Ke Xin’s departure, Xia Ye stood for a moment at the dance hall’s entrance before proceeding homeward with a perplexed expression.
“In the end, did you pull me out of bed just to play the role of a gallant hero rescuing a distressed damsel?” In the narrow alley adjacent to the dance hall, the short-haired man regarded Jiang Lu with a look of disbelief.
Jiang Lu’s lips curled into a subtle grin as he responded, “Not at all! There are far more pressing matters that demand my attention tonight.”
“Let us proceed,” he added, leading the way in the opposite direction of Xia Ye.
As they walked away, the short-haired man inquired, “Youngster, where have you been these past few days?”
Xia He’s voice pierced through the night, causing Xia Ye, who had just reached her doorstep, to halt in her tracks.
“Dad, please, no need for the physicality,” Xia Ye replied, raising her voice. “I’ve been ruminating on the hardships our family faces, so I sought a visit with Grandma to request some financial assistance for our household.”
In response to her explanation, Xia He halted his advance. “And how did your grandmother respond to your plea?”
“Why have you returned empty-handed? Not even a morsel to show for your efforts?”
‘Your grandmother Xia Ru is certainly a stingy one!”
“And the sum your grandmother bestowed upon you? Pray, reveal it.”
“Rest assured, I’m onto any schemes you might have to keep the spoils for yourself! “