As Lin Su had come back last time, Qin Sheng had already met both Wu Hao and Zhao Xuan, which had been set up and arranged by Lao Meng. At that time, Qin Sheng had been present, who had not minded seeing Wu Hao and Zhao Xuan at all. After all, they had been brothers to each other before. Even though others had not given a damn about it, Qin Sheng did care about it a lot.
Both Wu Hao and Zhao Xuan had apologized to him that day and Qin Sheng had said that he had forgiven them smilingly. One of them had also drunk up one bottle of beer. However, had Qin Sheng forgiven them at that time? He had not. He had said so just verbally. Deep inside his heart, he had not forgiven them at all. That was because their relationship could not be as what it used to be in the past, as well as Wu Hao and Zhao Xuan had not apologized to him sincerely, which Qin Sheng could see that was hugely different from their behavior tonight. After that day, Qin Sheng had gotten some inside stories, namely, these two had got information about his deeds in the foreign provinces from Lao Meng. Consequently, it had made sense why they had apologized to him that night.
What had happened after that day? Qin Sheng had contacted neither Wu Hao nor Zhao Xuan at all. Since Qin Sheng had been quite busy on usual days, he had not called them back after missing their occasional calls. He also had ignored their WeChat messages, and so on. Of course, they had known it clearly that the thing had not been over yet and Qin Sheng had not forgiven them.
As a result, it was not until Hao Lei had come back that they had confided in him, intending to ask for forgiveness from Qin Sheng sincerely instead of in a perfunctory way.
They ran into each other again tonight. The reason why Qin Sheng got mad was not because Wu Hao and Zhao Xuan had come into his sight, but because he only had such a short period. He intended to spend his time having a good conversation with Hao Lei instead of wasting it on those people who did not deserve his time.
However, it did not occur to him that Wu Hao and Zhao Xuan would bring up the old stories. Though they had acted casually last time, they did bow their heads and apologize to him sincerely. For the kind of young people like them, who were proud and arrogant, if they acted so humbly, it meant that they did admit their mistake.
If it were the Qin Sheng in the past, he might feel somewhat uncomfortable in secret and would not forgive them for real. However, since Qin Sheng had changed a lot in this period, he was willing to cherish those beautiful things in the past and hated to see his once brothers acting in such a manner. Moreover, he was someone who kept old friendships in mind in nature. Consequently, he consented in the end.
As Qin Sheng finished this sentence, Wu Hao and Zhao Xuan were greatly relieved and emotional. Wu Hao covered his face and wept. Zhao Xuan’s eyes were with tears. It was due to the fact that they had taken many detours in the past that they reaped what they had sowed today. Fortunately, they had come to their senses in time and restarted. Everything might go on well.
Though Qin Sheng had said they should drink some, he did not mean it. He would not end up drinking with them now, which was clear. After all, he did not have the time and could only drink with them when he came back next time.
They continued chatting for a while longer in the Dim Sum House. Wu Hao and Zhao Xuan had asked Qin Sheng pretty sincerely if the issue mentioned by Hao Lei was over or not, feeling somewhat concerned. They did feel anxious for Qin Sheng sincerely this time. Qin Sheng replied smilingly that the issue was over, advising them not to be too concerned.
Wu Hao and Zhao Xuan asked Qin Sheng again about his plans and whether or not he intended to come back to Xi’an. Though they were down and out now, they were somewhat capable and could help Qin Sheng. After Qin Sheng heard their intentions, he was pretty moved and said no to them politely, saying that he would see how the situation would go after the Spring Festival was over.
It was quite late. Qin Sheng told them honestly that he needed to leave here tomorrow morning since he would spend the Spring Festival in Beijing this year, promising them that they would reunite when he came back next time. After all the people on the scene heard what he had said, they were quite surprised and did not say anything further at all. After all, they surely did not know the ins and outs.
Consequently, they parted ways before 11 o’clock. Qin Sheng said that he would drive his sister to the hotel and asked Hao Lei to accompany them there at the same time. As for Lao Meng, he took Wu Hao and Zhao Xuan with him and left. This ending could be counted as a happy one, more or less.
Lao Meng, Wu Hao, and Zhao Xuan saw the group of people with Qin Sheng getting in the car and leaving. Qin Sheng headed in the direction of the Hyatt Hotel. Before they went far, Hao Lei spoke up and said, “Lao Qin, you don’t blame me, do you?”
Qin Sheng replied honestly, “To be honest, I did somewhat intend to blame you at first. However, I don’t plan to do that now.” He did intend to forgive both Wu Hao and Zhao Xuan for real. However, as for whether their relationship could be completely the same as what it used to be in the past, he had no idea so far.
Hao Lei smiled gently. Following that, he asked, “In that case, I will ask you one question, and you should answer it honestly. Do you intend to forgive them for real?”
Qin Sheng replied thoughtfully, “To be honest, yes, I do. The feelings that have existed for so many years are still there. Moreover, I can see that they are sincere this time. Instead of last time, when they played a casually verbal game.”
Hao Lei nodded quietly and said, “All right. They had a difficult time in the past half a year. A lot of things happened. It’s probably because of what happened that they finally saw through these kinds of things and figured out who the bosom friends were and who the fair-weather ones were. People all change. However, few can remember why they started. I am pretty happy to see that they can get back on the right track.”
Qin Sheng squinted, smiled, and replied, “Me too. I think it would be pretty worthwhile if we can treat each other the way we did in middle school when we get old.” Everyone desired this kind of friendship. However, very few of them could be capable of doing that.
Hao Lei nodded, who cherished affection and personal loyalty and thought highly of friendship.
After Hao Lei pondered for a while, he did not think about those issues anymore. Instead, he changed the topic as he said, “By the way, is it true that you will not celebrate the Spring Festival in Xi’an? Why are you in such a rush to leave here?”
It was not until Qin Sheng had been thinking about it for a while that he spoke. “Originally, I had planned to tell you many things tonight. However, it did not occur to me that they would be here. I have no choice but to explain it to you in a simple manner. Let me repeat the introduction, the great beauty behind me is my sister, my biological sister. We share the same biological parents.”
Rarely had Qin Ran spoken the whole time. All she had done was observe those friends of Qin Sheng. As for those things happening in the past, she could just let them go. Now she wanted to know who were bosom friends and who were not, so she could treat them differently in the future. As for those who treated Qin Sheng well sincerely, she would not let them down. As for those who had stabbed Qin Sheng in the back, she would not even disappoint them.
Originally, Hao Lei had been curious about Qin Ran’s identity. However, he had not had time to inquire about her identity a moment ago. He had heard that the family name of this great beauty was Qin and thought that she should be Qin Sheng’s cousin or something. Upon hearing Qin Sheng’s introduction right now, Hao Lei was so greatly astounded in a moment that he did not know what he should say.
Qin Ran smiled politely as she said and greeted Hao Lei again, “Hello, Hao Lei, Qin Sheng brought you up to me many times.”
Qin Sheng saw Hao Lei’s look and could understand his reaction. Those friends who knew about his ancestry background would all be astounded. Consequently, he explained some things happening during this period to Hao Lei in a simple manner.
“Here it is.” After Hao Lei heard Qin Sheng out, he sighed emotionally as he said, “It did not occur to me that it would be so complicated. Anyway, you found your family members. I am sincerely happy for you.”
Hao Lei did feel happy for Qin Sheng for real. To him, this man, who had been dependent on nobody but his grandfather for survival and had been dispossessed after his grandfather’s death, finally found his family members now.
Qin Sheng sighed and said, “Consequently, I need to spend the Spring Festival in Beijing this year. After all, I need to meet a lot of relatives. Otherwise, I would have accompanied Auntie Wang and Xin Xin to celebrate the Spring Festival since I have not been with them for the Spring Festival in quite a few years.”
Hao Lei consoled him and said, “You will have other chances in the future, in the future.”
At this time, Qin Sheng said somewhat solemnly, “I need to tell you about one more thing. After you celebrate the Spring Festival, you need to go back directly to Beijing and join me no later than the Lantern Festival. We need to move on.”
Hao Lei said surprisedly, “Move on?”
Qin Sheng sneered and said, “Since we had suffered a lot of losses on the way from Shanghai to Hangzhou, could it be that we should be submissive? Since Qingyang had died because of me, could it be that I should stop avenging him?”
Hao Lei knew about all these things. Chang Baji had gotten into touch with him later on and gone back to Xi’an some time ago. They had talked about these things in detail. It was not until then that Hao Lei knew that Gu Qingyang had chosen to die calmly to protect Qin Sheng, Gu Xiaobo had betrayed them for the sake of wealth and rank, and Qin Sheng was still on the run now. This was also the reason why Hao Lei had been in a bad mood in recent days.
Hao Lei replied genuinely, “Lao Qin, the way I see it, we should talk about it after we have accumulated enough strength. Otherwise, we could not rival them.” After all, their enemies were far too strong.
Qin Sheng did not know how he should explain his family background to Hao Lei. He had no choice but to say smilingly, “We did not have the strength previously, but the situation is not necessarily the same anymore. You will know it after you come to Beijing.”
Though Qin Sheng had spoken in such a confident manner, Hao Lei did feel pretty confused after hearing his words. After all, he did not have any clue about the Qin Family’s background.
Qin Sheng asked Hao Lei in a hurry, “By the way, did Lao Chang contact you? I can’t get through to his mobile.”
Hao Lei replied honestly, “He came back to Xi’an some time ago, but left here for the northeast later on. I also don’t know where he is now since I also can’t get through to his mobile.”
Qin Sheng shook his head, smiled bitterly, and said, “In that case, forget it. I will contact him in the future.”
After they arrived at the entrance of the Hyatt Hotel, Hao Lei left first by ordering a car. As Qin Sheng walked his sister into the hotel, on the way, Qin Ran smiled and said, “That Hao Lei is indeed good, who looks pretty righteous. I don’t know about those other friends of yours, nor do I know about the things happening between you previously, however, at least, they do take you seriously.”
Qin Sheng said smilingly, “Sister, don’t think about that much. I have my plans regarding these things. You should have a rest quickly. Come to my place to have breakfast early tomorrow morning.”
Qin Ran felt unhappy as she said, “You hate me for being too wordy, don’t you?”
Qin Sheng fawned on his sister smilingly as he said, “No, no. I dare not. Everyone knows that you are the nicest to me, sister.”
Qin Ran snorted as she said, “Nice for you to say so. Well, go back home early in case Auntie Wang stays up too late waiting for you. I will go up to my room now. See you tomorrow.”
Qin Sheng nodded and said, “Good night,” to his sister smilingly. After that, he left the hotel, ordered a car, and went back to Jindi Furong Shijia.
When he went back to the Lin Family, both Auntie Wang and Xin Xin were still up. Since they had felt somewhat concerned for him, both of them were waiting for his return. Qin Sheng accompanied them, chatted with them for a while, and answered various questions from them. It was not until midnight that he rested himself.
Lying on the familiar and old bed, Qin Sheng felt quite relaxed. The current situation was no longer the same as that in previous days finally. Probably he had got a break. Nothing annoying had happened during this period. Instead, all that had happened made him feel happy. It would be New Year’s Eve tomorrow. Qin Sheng hoped that everything could go on smoothly next year.
As Qin Sheng’s thoughts wandered, he fell asleep unconsciously.
When Qin Sheng woke up in the morning, it was already eight o’clock. He had slept through the night soundly.
As he went out after taking a shower, his sister, Qin Ran, teased him upon seeing him as she said, “Such a piggy. I have been waiting for you for half an hour. Have breakfast quickly. We don’t have much time.” It was unknown when she had left the hotel and arrived here.
Of course, Qin Sheng dared not talk nonsense at all. After he greeted Auntie Wang and Xin Xin, he sat down quickly, started eating, and finished breakfast voraciously. Moreover, he warned Auntie Wang and Xin Xin about some things. Following that, he got prepared hurriedly to head for the airport with his sister.
The diver had been waiting outside the door for a long time. After Qin Sheng waved his hand and said goodbye to Auntie Wang and Xin Xin, he got in the car reluctantly and left. Since he had been here hurriedly every time and had no time to accompany Auntie Wang, he felt somewhat guilty about it. However, he definitely would make it up to them in the future.
The plane finally landed at the Capital International Airport at exactly noon.
Qin Sheng would run into many interesting people and things this Spring Festival…