There is no such thing as true empathy.

Many people have experienced the feeling of being left behind by the teacher while their classmates happily went home with their backpacks.

“Your dad said he wanted a foot massage, so I brought him here.”

Jiang Chen, who was kept in the classroom, spoke, appearing quite calm and composed.

I have to stay calm and collected.

The other party appeared to be standing casually, but in reality, they were controlling the main door and blocking the windows at an angle, thus blocking all his escape routes.

Furthermore.

This is Qinyuan, their main base. Even if you manage to escape this room, it doesn't mean you'll escape alive.

He is not Wu Guangjiang.

Wu Guangjiang had no identity baggage, and when he was drunk, he could run out and sing without any scruples, and no one would recognize him.

But he is different.

"It's his business if he wants a foot massage. It's your business if you bring him here."

Lanpei was fair and just.

But someone seemed to have a different opinion, supporting himself on the table with one hand.

"Do you only reason with your own family? If it weren't for your dad, we probably wouldn't even have gotten to see the security footage."

Lan Peizhi remained unmoved, even when someone hit the nail on the head.

Despite her seemingly ruthless demeanor, a closer look at her actions after entering the house reveals the truth.

She did nothing.

Standing there, waiting for the truth to gradually emerge amidst the family's arguments, they displayed an astonishing level of patience.

Prejudice in people's hearts is indeed a huge mountain.

Why was the Martial Saint so afraid?
He was just afraid that his sister would barge in and start a massacre without knowing the facts.

But the result is.

His sister's behavior can be described as reasonable.

People are often controlled by stereotypes, just like the Martial Saint never imagined that his father would be a moral exemplar.

"Actually, you're just a person, an ordinary person, who can be biased and treat others differently."

Jiang Chen said with certainty.

Lan Pei's lips seemed to twitch slightly, but it was only a slight twitch.

"If I'm not human, am I a ghost?"

Look.

She herself admitted that she has emotions and desires.

"Who told you to sit down?"

That's right.

Someone actually sat down on his own, acting incredibly arrogant. Hearing this, he didn't panic at all, keeping his bottom firmly on the round stool.

"I am a guest, so you should watch your tone of voice."

After saying that, he even raised his arm, picked up his chopsticks, and put a bowl of longevity noodles on his plate.

Shameful waste.

"Taste it?"

He politely inquired about the other party's situation, but the other party naturally did not respond or interfere.

after all.

Even death row inmates are allowed a full meal before being taken to the execution ground.

Jiang Chen picked up his chopsticks, lowered his head, and began to slurp his noodles. Then, while chewing, he said, "I admit it was my negligence. I didn't keep a close eye on him and almost made a big mistake, but everything is for the best."

As he spoke, Jiang Chen even gave an admirable smile, "Have you ever thought that he would actually be such an upright person?"

"When will upholding the most basic principles of being a decent human being be something to be celebrated?"

Jiang Chen paused slightly, then continued slurping his noodles. "Did you receive the notification back when he was performing?"

Lampe remained noncommittal, but the answer was obvious.

Wu Guangjiang thought that their conspiracy to set him up was pure fantasy, but his daughter was probably deliberately testing him.

"Aren't you worried about what will happen if he can't resist the temptation?"

Installing surveillance cameras in rooms is nothing to be surprised about, and it's a common phenomenon in today's society, but Qinyuan would definitely not do that.

The purpose of this shop is not so much to make money, but more importantly, to expand one's network of connections. By using alcohol and sex as a medium, it aims to build a social network and turn every customer into a friend.

Not the enemy.

Installing surveillance cameras is too rudimentary. Given Lan Pei's current status, it's completely unnecessary. Once exposed, this money-making den will be destroyed instantly, and it will also cause enormous damage to her personal reputation.

At that time, everyone who has been here will suspect that they have been photographed, and thus be pushed to the opposite side.

Even elementary school students can weigh the pros and cons.

and so.

That surveillance camera could only have been prepared specifically for Wu Guangjiang.

Testing human nature is already outrageous.

And the person being tested is her own biological father.

Jiang Chen, who was eating noodles with his head down, appeared calm, but in reality, he was experiencing waves of fear inside.

No one needs another person to live their life.

Lan Peizhi's response was concise and to the point.

and many more.

Why does this sentence sound so familiar?

But there was no time to think about it further.

They say it's better to tear down ten temples than to break up one marriage, but she clearly aimed to get her parents divorced.

"But your mom and dad have been together for so many years."

That's because she didn't have a choice before.

Upon hearing this, someone suddenly realized that the Martial Saint's fear was not an overreaction.

What he just experienced was not a minor or major accident.

If Wu Guangjiang fails to resist the temptation, then the family will inevitably fall apart.

Then.

What about him, the "instigator"?

Because of this accident, an unbridgeable chasm will inevitably be created between him and her!

Fortunately, Wu Guangjiang is a virtuous man!

Are you satisfied with the current outcome?

Jiang Chen asked casually while fiddling with the noodles.

Lan Peizhi walked over, her steps neither hurried nor slow.

Are you satisfied with your performance today?

Jiang Chen's heart pounded in rhythm with the other person's approach. Remaining calm under pressure, he quickly replied, "I invited your parents over; I have no ulterior motives whatsoever."

Time was of the essence, so he was forced to speak faster:
"Do you think you're controlled by your parents? My behavior in front of your parents is meaningless. If you were a good girl who obeyed your parents, or if your family was like some rural families that believed in arranged marriages, there would be no need for your parents to come all the way here. I would have already come to their door and knelt down to kowtow to them."

As Comrade Jiang Chen spoke, his thoughts became increasingly clear, to the point that he grew bolder and bolder, even starting to speak recklessly.

Lan Peizhi, who was only inches away, gradually narrowed his eyes. The terrifying pressure was as real as a physical force, pressing down from all directions, as if to crush someone into dust.

"Looks like a hundred squats are nothing to you."

"Snapped."

The chopsticks were slammed onto the bowl, probably fueled by the last bit of alcohol, as someone stiffened their neck.

"If you have the guts, kill me right here today. Otherwise, once I find the Imperial Seal, I'll definitely teach you a lesson you won't forget!"

"Who are you?"

The corners of his eyes narrowed into incredibly dangerous lines.

The pressure reached its peak!
It seemed as if one could hear the creaking and grinding of Boss Jiang's bones as they succumbed to the strain.

but.

We still have to wait!
Is the important question now about "Lao Tzu"?
Shouldn't it be, "Try it out"?
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The desolate night was thick as ink, so deep that it could not be dissolved.

The ticking of the quartz clock felt like a tapping on the nerves.

The Martial Saint sat on the sofa, his eyes closed, his eyelids trembling, his hands clasped together, silently praying to the heavens and making a wish for his fifteenth birthday.

That's right.

It's already past midnight.

Not for himself, a man's maturity has nothing to do with age. He has learned to love others and his wish is for Jiang Chen to return safely.

"pat-"

The Martial Saint suddenly opened his eyes, quickly turned his head, and showed surprise on his face.

"elder brother!"

He quickly got up and ran over to greet him.

Although it was a bit late, Boss Jiang returned safely and with his limbs intact. As for whether he had any internal injuries, it was impossible to tell.

"Still not asleep?" Boss Jiang's voice was a little tired and a little hoarse.

"Brother, how can I sleep if you don't come back!"

They're putting on a show of brotherly love again.

How could you have deserted at the last minute just a few hours ago without any hesitation?

However, Boss Jiang was never one to hold grudges, and he patted him on the shoulder without holding a grudge.

"Have your parents made all the arrangements?"

"Yes, I've sent them all back to the Oriental Pearl Tower."

The two entered the hall.

Late at night.

The two women were already asleep, and the mansion was unusually quiet.

"Brother, my sister...didn't do anything to you, did she?"

The Martial Saint lowered his voice.

Jiang Chen shook his head and sat down on the sofa. For some reason, the moment his buttocks touched the sofa, his speed suddenly slowed down, as if in slow motion, as he slowly sat down.

"Don't treat your sister like a man-eating monster. Like your dad said, prejudice in people's hearts is a mountain."

The Martial Saint was speechless.

"Did you apologize to your dad?"

Wu Sheng sat down beside him and said, "I admit I acted impulsively today, but brother, Wu Guangjiang is definitely not as noble as he seems. Don't be fooled by his kindness towards a stranger, giving him all his money. How did he treat my sister before?"

"If you know your mistakes and can correct them, there is no greater good."

Jiang Chen said calmly, "Life is so long, no one can be perfect and never make mistakes. Your sister doesn't mind, so why should you hold a grudge?"

Wu Sheng pursed his lips. "Brother, what exactly happened today? Could it really be a setup by you and my sister?"

Jiang Chen leaned back on the sofa and slowly exhaled.

"Do you think that's possible?"

The Martial Saint shook his head.

"Unlikely."

Jiang Chen's gaze was fixed on a point in the void, without any focus.

“Your sister does things without any method or consultation, and she is extremely ruthless. If it weren’t for your father… who withstood the test, I would have become a sinner.”

"Brother, you're only just finding out?"

Jiang Chen was slightly taken aback, then gave a wry smile.

"Does your dad think I'm in cahoots with your sister?"

Who cares? What he thinks doesn't matter.

The Martial Saint didn't take it to heart, which also proved that Wu Guangjiang had indeed misunderstood.

This is just great.

Stealing chickens will not lose rice.

After putting in a lot of effort, not only did I not gain any benefits, but I also got myself into a lot of trouble.

If someone's true aim was to impress the Wu couple, then without a doubt, their scheme was completely foiled.

Is this killing several birds with one stone?
He's a seasoned veteran, no doubt about it.

Did you have a happy birthday?

Someone tilted their head.

Now it was the Martial Saint's turn to smile wryly. He remained silent for a while, then slowly nodded.

"An unforgettable night."

Jiang Chen chuckled, then patted his shoulder. "Alright. It's getting late, go wash up and go to bed."

The Martial Saint nodded, then hesitated, "Brother...you've worked hard."

Jiang Chen patted his shoulder, used the support to get up, and walked upstairs.

"correct."

Suddenly remembering something, the Martial Saint asked someone's retreating figure, "Brother, have you seen my belt?"

The person, who was walking slowly, stopped, but didn't turn around. Perhaps they were too tired today, causing their memory to decline. "What belt?"

"It's the one Wu Guangjiang bought. It should have been left in Qinyuan. Didn't you see it?"

Didn't you bring it back?

"..."

At that critical moment, all I could think about was getting away as quickly as possible; I didn't care about a belt at all.

"No. Brother, didn't you see it?"

Look.

The Martial Saint's attitude towards his father did undergo a subtle change; otherwise, he wouldn't have cared about the gifts the father gave him.

"No, I don't think I noticed."

"Oh, it's nothing, it's just a belt."

The Martial Saint feigned nonchalance.

"Ah."

Comrade Jiang Chen started walking again, and even needed to hold onto the handrail when going upstairs.

Wu Sheng felt something was strange, but didn't think much of it. After watching the other person go upstairs, he sat alone on the sofa, thought it over and over, and finally took out his phone.

Anyway.

That cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Not daring to make a phone call, he cautiously sent a message: "Sis, have you seen that Hermes belt? I forgot to take it when I left; it should be in my room."

Although he couldn't be 100% certain, Wu Sheng was at least 80% sure that as long as he was in Qinyuan, he wouldn't have to worry about losing it.

"Ding……"

The martial arts master, who had been silently waiting with his phone in hand, immediately looked at the lit screen.

"Here's a new one for you."

My older sister was indeed still awake.

However, the message his older sister replied left him completely baffled.

He frowned, puzzled by the typing, and didn't even dare to send a voice message.

"Sis, that one was brand new to begin with. Just let me know, and I'll pick it up sometime."

one second.

two seconds.

three seconds.

"Ding."

Looking at the photo on his phone screen, Wu Sheng's pupils dilated involuntarily, utterly bewildered.

Hermès
That's right.

The photo shows the black crocodile leather belt I just bought today.

only.

How did it break?

The photos my sister sent were crystal clear; the belt she bought for 30,000 yuan broke in two in less than half a day!

This quality is just too bad!

While being taken aback, the Martial Saint immediately realized that he had bought a fake product, and anger welled up in his heart.

"Damn it, those profiteers! Sister, we have to make them pay ten times the price for the fake product!"

"I'll buy you one."

What should I pay back...?

The Martial Saint subconsciously started typing, but before he could finish, he suddenly realized something was wrong.

Even if the belt is fake, or even if luxury goods don't rip off poor people and the quality is inherently bad, it should still be in the box.

How did it end up being taken out?
The Martial Saint frowned, then swiped the screen with two fingers to zoom in and out on the photo—

The Martial Saint was stunned.

Not only was it broken in two, but other parts of the belt were also torn and mangled, as if it had been violently ravaged. The luster of the luxury item was gone, and the surface leather was wrinkled, cracked, or simply disappeared.

I lost it!

"I can transfer the money to you."

The message came again.

How did you become so "kind"?

Perhaps it's because today is a special day.

Is Jiang Chen made of iron?

If it's really as he guessed, and the belt broke... a normal person should be carried to the hospital, how could they possibly come back on their own?

The Martial Saint launched into a brainstorming session, his phone becoming so hot he almost wanted to throw it away.

Whether or not it was as he thought, the older brother and sister were bound to go through a fierce battle!
"No need, sis, I'm going to sleep! Goodnight!"

The Martial Saint dared not ponder further, yet dared not fail to reply. He hurriedly typed, unaware of his own mistakes, then got up and ran upstairs, wishing he could fall asleep immediately and let this birthday pass by in a flash. (End of Chapter)

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