CHAPTER 1014: CHAPTER 1021: GATHERING DINNER

Nanrong Wanqing was silent for a moment and asked, "Then where is my dad’s body?"

Nanrong Zhengqing and Ji Beizhao exchanged a look, and replied, "We don’t know, it was the government that got involved at that time, perhaps only Ling Chen knows. Maybe you can ask Ling Chen when you get back."

"I understand." Nanrong Wanqing responded, appearing very downcast. It’s hard for anyone to be happy upon hearing the news of their father’s death.

"Uncle, cousin, thank you for helping me find out about my father’s affairs."

"We’re all family, no need for such formal words." With that, Nanrong Zhengqing sighed and said, "Honestly, I can’t understand why your father got involved with the God Organization. The God Organization is harmful to society, countless people suffered because of them, and your father worked with them... Sigh! I really don’t know what to say."

"Uncle, I understand what you mean. But no matter what, he is still my father." With that, Nanrong Wanqing stood up and said, "Uncle, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving now."

"Alright, don’t be too upset, your health is more important."

Walking out of the western restaurant, Nanrong Wanqing looked at the gloomy sky outside, feeling empty inside, as if she had lost her soul, without any spirit.

"Chairman." Zhong Wei, who was waiting by the roadside, hurried over when he saw Nanrong Wanqing approaching. Seeing that Nanrong Wanqing’s expression wasn’t right, Zhong Wei asked with concern, "Chairman, are you alright? Are you feeling unwell, should I take you to the hospital for a check-up?"

"No need." Nanrong Wanqing said expressionlessly, "Just take me back."

"Chairman, weren’t we going to Ling Chen’s house?"

"No, take me back to Wealthy Manor."

"Yes." With the chairman’s command, Zhong Wei dared not ask more and quickly ushered Nanrong Wanqing into the car.

...

In the evening.

Ling Chen sat in the freshly tidied living room, checking the time, it was almost six-thirty, but there was still no sign of Nanrong Wanqing. He took out his phone and dialed Nanrong Wanqing’s number.

Soon, the call connected, and on the other end came Nanrong Wanqing’s weary voice. Ling Chen was shocked and hurriedly asked, "Wanqing, what’s wrong?"

"Nothing, I just suddenly feel very tired and want to rest. Sorry, I probably can’t come tonight, please apologize to Mrs. Yang for me, I’m really sorry."

"Wait for me at home, I’ll come over to see you right away." With that, Ling Chen got up and headed out.

"No need, I’m already lying in bed, the doctor just checked me, it’s just a little cold, nothing serious. A few pills and a good night’s sleep will do. You just moved into your new home, stay and celebrate with everyone, I’ll come over as a guest another day when I feel better."

"Alright then, you rest first, I won’t disturb you anymore. If I have time tomorrow, I’ll come to Wealthy Manor to see you."

After hanging up, Yang Qingling, who was busy in the kitchen, poked her head out and asked, "Ling Chen, isn’t Wanqing coming?"

"Mom, Wanqing is not feeling well, she’s resting at home and can’t come tonight."

"Is it serious?"

"No, just a minor cold, I’ll go over and keep her company tomorrow." As he spoke, he heard a doorbell ring at the entrance.

Ling Chen quickly walked to the door and opened it, seeing Hu Fei, Tang Guolun, Zhou Jun, Kaelina, Jiang Yunkai... and Qiu Yong among others outside. Seeing everyone had arrived, Ling Chen couldn’t help but smile and quickly ushered them into the house.

"Come in and make yourselves at home." Ling Chen warmly greeted.

Yuan Yun patted Ling Chen on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Don’t worry, we won’t be formal with you."

With friends gathered, though Ling Chen was happy, he felt a bit disappointed. He specifically invited Nanrong Wanqing for dinner tonight because he knew so many friends would come. He hoped she could help host, which in some way would acknowledge her position as the hostess.

Unfortunately, Nanrong Wanqing suddenly felt unwell, so the plan was abandoned.

"Elder Qiu, you came! Ling Chen, quickly have everyone sit down." Yang Qingling came out of the kitchen, greeting everyone.

However, her address made Ling Chen feel a bit awkward. He and Qiu Yong were like brothers, but his mother treated him as an elder, which seemed upside down. What was more troubling was that his grandfather actually called Qiu Yong a brother. No wonder, Yang Yan was older than Qiu Yong by a few years, so calling him younger brother was somewhat appropriate.

But now, Ling Chen’s seniority was all mixed up.

"Alright, everyone call each other as you like, don’t mind those formalities." Qiu Yong said with a smile.

During the guests’ seating, Ling Chen pulled Hu Fei aside and asked, "Chubby, now that you all came over, what if something happens at the base? At least leave one or two people there."

Hu Fei shrugged and said, "What could I have done, when they heard you invited us over for dinner, everyone rushed over, no one wanted to stay back at the base. But don’t worry, Zhou Jun’s grandfather is still there, plus, what could possibly happen over one meal, just relax."

It’s rare to gather so many people, alcohol was indispensable. After a round of drinks, it was already past eleven at night, except for Qiu Yong and a few others still wanting more, everyone else was too drunk to move.

Luckily, there were enough rooms in the house, and Ling Chen carried them one by one into the bedrooms.

When everything was settled, it was already past one in the morning. Ling Chen checked the time, and drove out of the community alone. Half an hour later, he arrived at the base.

Hu Fei and the others had drunk too much, and wouldn’t wake up until morning. With no one guarding the base, to avoid any incidents, Ling Chen had to rush over to the base overnight, just in case anything unexpected happened.

At the base, only Zhou Qi was guarding the control center. Ling Chen greeted Zhou Qi and placed some snacks and a few bottles of liquor he had bought along the way in front of Zhou Qi.

"Elder Zhou, thank you for your hard work tonight, come, have a couple of drinks first." Ling Chen diligently poured a cup of liquor for Zhou Qi.

After a few cups of liquor, Zhou Qi became more talkative.

"Ling Chen, sometimes I feel that I’ve shortchanged myself. Just think, I’ve dedicated most of my life to the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, and what did I get in return? They kicked me out. Honestly, I carry grudges, as most of my life was spent there. But now that I’m out, I’ve come to terms with it. Though the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion is a great place, it’s all about rules and lacks warmth among people. Your place is different, your friends are all genuine, they’re ready to accompany you through hardships with just one word. It’s rare in life to have a soulmate, and even more so to have so many wonderful brothers."