The old lady frowned.
Lou Yuming said in a deep voice, "It was Zhang Qi who made a move on her this time."
The old lady gasped, surprised.
"Besides, she's not suitable," Lou Yuming added.
The old lady disagreed, "How is she not suitable? I suspect it's just a small spat between young lovers. As the saying goes, 'couples quarrel in bed, make up in bed.' Everyone goes through this. You shouldn't always view people through a businessman's eyes. Xi Xi is obedient and well-behaved. When Qi'er takes over the company in the future, she just needs to be a good helper and keep me, an old lady, company. That will be enough."
"Things are different now. Our Zhang family no longer needs outside help. Her background is the most suitable."
"Of course," she said with a faint smile. "I've relied on your hard work all these years. Don't worry, once they are married, you can finally rest."
Their eyes met, and Lou Yuming lowered his head, his voice tight, "Everything is as you say."
...
Two days later, at Yunji Hospital.
Lou Yuming had people prepare many gifts. They were divided into two groups. Some were sent to the Ge family, while the others were a few pieces of jewelry that a young girl would like. He planned to have Zhang Qi take them to apologize.
Zhang Qi was embarrassed, but he had to comply due to Lou Yuming's authority.
Everything went smoothly. Ge Baitao had also woken up. Lou Yuming had already informed Elder Ge in advance, so Ge's parents did not make things difficult for Zhang Qi.
However, the young girl was clearly still angry. Not only did she refuse to look at Zhang Qi directly, but she also said coldly, "Young Master Zhang was quite arrogant back then, what are you apologizing for now?"
His face changed as he felt the finger-pointing.
Lou Yuming shot him a cold glance. Zhang Qi then reluctantly bent down and, word by word, gritted his teeth, "I'm... sor... ry!"
Ge Baitao sneered, "I can accept your apology, but you also have to apologize to Song Xi!"
"Ge Baitao, don't push your luck!"
Ge Baitao turned and complained to her parents, "Dad, Mom, he yelled at me just like that that day!"
Ge's father and mother's expressions simultaneously turned serious.
Lou Yuming kicked Zhang Qi, but he remained silent, unwilling to bow his head in front of Song Xi.
Lou Yuming had no choice but to drag him out of the ward.
"This is your last chance!"
Zhang Qi stiffened his neck and began to act up again, "Apologize to Song Xi? Never!"
Lou Yuming had little patience and slapped him.
The sound was crisp, and even Ge Baitao in the ward heard it.
"Don't think your family will always indulge you. If this matter is not handled properly today, you don't have to stay here."
Zhang Qi's heart skipped a beat. "...What do you mean?"
Lou Yuming glanced at his watch. "The Zhang family cannot be handed over to a good-for-nothing. You'll go abroad for a few years to temper your temper."
"No!"
He was unfamiliar with the environment abroad. If he truly went, with Lou Yuming's methods, who knew how he would be tormented. By then, let alone returning, his life itself would be uncertain.
"I'll apologize."
He took a deep breath. One had to bow their head when under someone else's roof. When he took over the company, he would settle these humiliations, one by one!
Ge Baitao was somewhat surprised to hear Zhang Qi agree. She thought with his stubborn temper, he would have thrown a tantrum. She didn't expect him to become obedient after just one slap.
Uncle Lou is truly brilliant!
"Okay, I'll call Song Xi right now!"
...
Song Xi was wiping herself with a towel when she received a call from Ge Baitao.
She had been miserable for the past two days without being able to shower, feeling filthy all over. Fortunately, Lou Yuming hadn't returned. She didn't know what he was busy with, as he hadn't contacted her since that night.
Song Xi also didn't want to return to her rented apartment. Yi Xiaoling had been there that day, and she always looked down on her. She could only imagine how much gossip Yi Xiaoling had spread at school.
She was currently immobile and would only suffer if they fought. So, she took it upon herself to stay here and decide what to do when Lou Yuming returned.
Ge Baitao told her to come to the hospital immediately without explaining why. After hanging up, she even sent a text message, telling her to dress up.
Song Xi thought she was being discharged and that it was indeed time to dress up.
She looked at the new dresses Lou Yuming had bought her in the wardrobe and carefully selected one. Her fingertips paused on a purple dress.