Chapter 328: Settlement (Fifth Update)

Chu Xiao was about to lash out when someone beside him hurriedly whispered

"Great Elder! We worked so hard to invite Chu Ning back; don't let a quarrel cause another falling out! Business is more important! Business is more important!"

Chu Xiao had no choice but to suppress the anger in his heart.

In any case, the invitation had already been sent. Lowering his posture now wouldn't be considered too big a deal.

This wasn't just for the Chu family, but for himself as well.

With this thought, he composed his expression and withdrew the fury from his face.

"Even so, we can't discuss this here. With so many people standing around, how does this look!? Come inside first!"

Having said that, he was the first to turn and head back into the main hall.

A small portion of the others followed him in, while a large portion continued to stare at Chu Ning, seemingly waiting for him to make a move.

Chu Ji did not dare to provoke him further, only saying eagerly from the side

"Big Brother, please, after you! You are the eldest, so naturally, you should go first!"

Chu Ning glanced at him.

On Chu Ji's face, there was not a trace of the embarrassment of being humiliated; there was only an abundance of excitement and fawning.

Seeing Chu Ning sizing him up, he hurriedly added

"Big Brother, you haven't been back for a while, so you might be a bit unaccustomed to things. But don't worry, whatever instructions you have, just say the word! I will make sure everything is done perfectly for you!"

Chu Ning saw that these words were spoken with sincerity.

Chu Ji truly held no grudge regarding what had just happened; instead, he was wholeheartedly trying to find ways to please him.

How ironic.

Chu Ning shook his head inwardly and walked toward the hall.

Only after seeing him enter did the others follow.

Chu Ning was arranged in the first seat on the left-hand side.

Aside from the seat of honor where Chu Xiao always sat, this was the most prestigious position.

It even ranked ahead of the other elders of the Chu family.

But at this moment, Chu Ning couldn't be bothered to care about such things and sat down directly.

"Since everyone is already inside, can the Great Elder speak plainly now?"

He didn't want to waste time here. The longer he spent with these people, the more unbearable it felt.

Therefore, he intended to resolve the matter quickly and go back.

Chu Xiao was dissatisfied with Chu Ning's attitude, but he also knew that now was not the time to argue over such things.

Thus, he said

"According to what the Family Head said previously, he should be coming out of seclusion soon. If the Family Head knew about the things that have happened, he would certainly be very disappointed. Therefore... the reason we called you here today is to discuss how this matter should be handled."

Chu Ning gave a light laugh, but there was no mirth in his eyes.

"What else can be done? The matter has already happened; are we supposed to pretend it never did? When the Family Head comes out of seclusion, I will explain it to him personally."

The crowd was stunned, looking at one another in confusion; they seemingly hadn't expected Chu Ning to say such things.

Chu Ji couldn't help but say

"Big Brother, you... haven't you always respected the Family Head the most? Severing your relationship with the Chu family is equivalent to severing your relationship with the Family Head. When the Family Head finds out, he will surely be very distressed..."

Chu Ning said indifferently

"I know. Whether in the past or now, my respect for the Family Head remains as it ever was. But since things have come to this, no one can turn back. Therefore, no matter how the Family Head views me then, I will accept it."

"Are you serious?"

Even Chu Xiao couldn't help but ask back, clearly shocked by Chu Ning's words.

Everyone in the Chu family knew that Chu Ning was a person who placed great value on emotions.

They had thought that bringing up the Family Head would make him regret his previous decision, but now it seemed things were quite unexpected.

Chu Ning nodded

"Naturally. Every word I say has been carefully considered."

An awkward, deathly silence fell over the hall.

He had laid his cards on the table; how were the others supposed to speak?

After a long while, Chu Xiao finally spoke with a frown

"Chu Ning, since you have put it that way, there is no need for redundant pleasantries. You should know why you were called back today."

Chu Ning wore a look of pure sincerity

"I'm sorry, I truly don't know. Is it to apologize to me and Yue'er, to mend the relationship with us father and daughter, or to beg us to return? If you don't say it, how am I supposed to guess?"

The expressions of the crowd became awkward once again.

Chu Xiao suppressed his rage

"Chu Ning! Don't go too far!"

"I truly don't know, which is why I'm asking. Does even that count as going too far?"

Chu Ning let out a sneer, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.

"Surely you aren't asking me to come back just to chat about family matters?"

"Enough!"

Chu Xiao found these words incredibly grating. Finally unable to restrain himself, he stood up in anger and stared at Chu Ning, saying

"Don't you just want us to admit that we want you to come back?!"

"It's not 'wanting,' it's 'begging,'" Chu Ning corrected earnestly.

"..."

Chu Xiao's face shifted through various shades of pale and flushed, unable to settle on one.

"Chu Ning, you are right. Currently, the entire Chu family, from top to bottom, hopes that you and Liu Yue can return and become members of the Chu family once again."

The Third Elder, who had remained silent the entire time, suddenly spoke, looking at Chu Ning with a kind gaze.

"It is the Chu family that has failed you father and daughter. Therefore, no matter what you choose, it is fine. If you agree to return, everyone in the Chu family will be moved to tears of gratitude. If you are unwilling, then... let today's events be treated as if they never happened."

The Third Elder's words made the Chu family members present feel even more embarrassed.

But they had no choice but to endure it.

After all, someone had to say these words, and indeed, they were the party doing the begging.

Chu Ning's expression softened slightly, and he gave a slight nod to the Third Elder.

"Thank you, Third Elder, for being direct. My answer is—I disagree."

This answer was within everyone's expectations, but they had already prepared many words of persuasion.

"Chu Ning, think about it more carefully! The Chu family is, after all, the place that raised you. Do you truly feel no attachment at all?"

"That's right! Big Brother! If you are still angry about the matter involving Chu Yan's family, then it's simply not worth it! You probably don't know yet, but Lu Yao incited the wife of the Gu family head to cause a scene at Tianlu Academy, and she was given a harsh lesson by the Gu family head! And Chu Yan is still lying in bed, unable to get up!"

"That couple has brought ruin to the Chu family. The Chu family is currently declining and facing so many troubles; it is truly in a precarious state. Chu Ning, do you really intend to stand by and watch? When the Family Head comes out of seclusion, how are we supposed to explain this to him?"

"If you are still holding onto the past, then... then we will let you have your retribution, how about that? Oh, and Liu Yue! We have already locked up the servants who bullied her in the past! As long as you return, those people will be at your disposal!"

A mixture of various voices swirled together, making Chu Ning feel immensely annoyed.

He suddenly let out a cold laugh

"Oh? Is that so? If I remember correctly, many people present here have done the same thing, haven't they? If we truly want to settle accounts, then... you can't run away either, can you?"

The hall fell silent instantly.

Chu Ning looked toward Chu Xiao and said coldly

"Since this is the first matter, why don't we start with Great Elder Chu?"