Chapter 00034: So Simple
# So Simple
Chapter 34
Novel: Abandon The Universe
Chapter 34: So Simple
Lan Xiaobu did not wait long; it was just under two minutes when a small vehicle rushed out from the village and stopped at the door. A middle-aged man hurriedly got out of the car. When he saw Lan Xiaobu, he approached with a beaming smile, saying, "Excuse me, are you Doctor Lan Xiaobu?"
Lan Xiaobu nodded, "That's me."
"It is truly an honor for our Lou Family Village to have Doctor Lan visiting us. I am Lou Zhengxiu and currently working at a mine. Please come in with me; the village chief isn’t here right now, but he has already been informed and will arrive in no more than twenty minutes." The middle-aged man's tone was extremely sincere and polite, clearly wanting to give Lan Xiaobu no impression of any inadequacy.
"Alright, then I’ll wait for Village Chief Lou inside," Lan Xiaobu did not refuse.
The people of Lou Family Village seemed very courteous, but today he was not here to make peace with Lou Family Village.
After getting into Lou Zhengxiu's car, it wasn’t going very fast; the roads inside were quite spacious. Sitting next to Lan Xiaobu, Lou Zhengxiu introduced the situation of Lou Family Village during the drive, mainly highlighting which school had received donations from Lou Family Village and which bridge had been funded by them.
Lan Xiaobu just listened without replying.
In just a few minutes, the car stopped in front of a villa that stood out amongst the surrounding houses due to its evident luxury and size.
Lou Zhengxiu got out of the car first and helped Lan Xiaobu open the door. After Lan Xiaobu got out, Lou Zhengxiu pointed to the villa in front of them and said, "This is our village chief's home; let’s go inside."
Frankly speaking, compared to the grandeur and opulence of the Ju family, Lou Xuemao's villa, while not small, was significantly lacking.
The villa’s main door was already open. After they entered, a maid had already brought out tea and fruits after Lou Zhengxiu and Lan Xiaobu settled in the living room.
"Doctor Lan, may I ask what brings you here this time?" Although Lou Zhengxiu had previously described Lan Xiaobu's visit as an honor to Lou Family Village, he was still inquiring about Lan Xiaobu’s purpose very tentatively.
Lan Xiaobu was well aware that the Lou family was definitely not as courteous and humble as Lou Zhengxiu appeared. He didn’t even need to investigate to know that the Lou family was not secretly much better than the Ju family.
A family without any backstory could not possibly manage such a large amount of mineral resources, especially since they also controlled many mines in Africa and Australia.
If he underestimated the Lou family, the consequence wouldn’t likely be much better than underestimating his own Feng Bo.
What he could see was simply what they allowed him to see; what they didn’t want him to see was utterly invisible to him.
Before Lan Xiaobu could respond, a hearty laugh echoed from outside, "Haha, I've long heard of Doctor Lan’s name. You are a pride of Huaxia's medical community. Today, with your visit to Lou Family Village, it is indeed a bright day for us, welcome, welcome."
Coming in with that voice was a tall man, around fifty years of age, with short gray hair and a bronze complexion, clearly someone who had been in a position of authority for a long time. Behind him was a woman whom Lan Xiaobu glanced at but paid no further attention.
Lan Xiaobu guessed this must be Lou Xuemao, the village chief. He also stood up, cupping his fist in salute, and said, "You must be Village Chief Lou? Lan Xiaobu, I’m sorry for intruding."
Regardless of how the Lou family prospered, it had nothing to do with Lan Xiaobu. At least for now, there was no conflict between them, and future conflicts would be handled when they arose, so negotiating poorly at this moment was not in order.
"I am Lou Xuemao, no intrusion, no intrusion. It truly makes me happy to host such a guest as Doctor Lan. Yi Er, go and fetch my authentic Wuyi Da Hong Pao tea immediately. Zhengxiu, go arrange for the best restaurant in Dongqing; make sure Doctor Lan enjoys himself today…" Lou Xuemao’s face beamed with joy at Lan Xiaobu’s arrival. It was evident to anyone observing that he was thrilled that Lan Xiaobu was visiting.
"Wait…" Lan Xiaobu stopped Lou Zhengxiu, turning to Lou Xuemao and saying, "Village Chief Lou, I'm here today for a specific matter. I will leave as soon as it's resolved."
Originally Lan Xiaobu wanted to add that if he wasn't satisfied, he would just stay for a night. However, he realized the Lou family had been hospitable throughout this visit. Even though he came with intentions of holding them accountable, he didn't feel it necessary to intimidate them when they had yet to show any hostility.
Lou Xuemao still wore a smiling face, "Please speak, Doctor Lan. Whatever I can do to assist you, I will definitely do my utmost. I am committed to building a friendship with you, Doctor Lan."
"Then thank you, Village Chief Lou," Lan Xiaobu expressed his gratitude before asking, "May I know if Lou Ruyu is around?"
At the mention of Lou Ruyu's name, Lou Xuemao's expression visibly shifted, and the maid Yi Er, who had just entered to prepare tea, also trembled slightly.
Lou Zhengxiu internally groaned. The Lou family had made many enemies because of mineral resources, and although they had been low-key lately, there was an exceptionally high-profile character within the family - Lou Ruyu. Lou Ruyu even had a life in his hands and showed no signs of restraint, always appearing extremely arrogant. Lou Zhengxiu had been forced to clean up after this troublesome individual several times.
Since Lou Ruyu was Lou Xuemao's real nephew and had an illness, Lou Xuemao had turned a blind eye thus far, but he hoped that there wouldn’t be a matter that the Lou family couldn’t handle in Dongqing. However, if Lou Ruyu offended Lan Xiaobu, that would be problematic. The Lou family was powerful, but dealing with Lan Xiaobu would undoubtedly require substantial effort. Unless they could control Lan Xiaobu right now, they might find him unwieldy thereafter...
At this point, as Lou Zhengxiu considered this, he felt a sudden quickening of his heartbeat.
Lou Xuemao shot a cold glance at Lou Zhengxiu, who instinctively shuddered and quickly composed himself.
Noticing that Lou Zhengxiu had calmed himself down, Lou Xuemao sighed and addressed Lan Xiaobu, "Doctor Lan, Lou Ruyu is my own nephew—he's usually unlearned and incompetent; if he has offended you in any way, it is my fault. Please do not hesitate to inform me, I assure you that I will address this."
Even if he couldn’t do anything, he would have to, Lou Xuemao felt no other way. How could this nephew not give him a moment’s peace? Why offend Lan Xiaobu of all people?
Lan Xiaobu calmly replied, "Village Chief Lou, Lou Ruyu has not offended me. It’s just that I have a woman I care for, and her name is Su Cen..."
Lan Xiaobu paused there, knowing that the other side would understand his implication.
Hearing Lan Xiaobu say this, Lou Xuemao felt a sense of relief wash over him as if a great weight had just been lifted. As long as Lou Ruyu hadn't offended Lan Xiaobu, the situation couldn’t be worse; he was not responsible for any issues related to Su Cen.
Lou Xuemao stated earnestly, “The matter between Ruyu and Su Cen was decided four years ago. At that time, after Ruyu visited Haiyang and saw Su Cen, he requested this marriage. I had an agreement with Su Shanhe that once Su Cen graduated, we would arrange for the marriage.”
At this point, Lou Xuemao’s voice grew even more sincere, “Doctor Lan, I truly did not know about this at that time. If I had known, I certainly would not have agreed. Fortunately, it is not too late; I will discuss with Su Shanhe today to call off this engagement. My Lou family promises not to do anything that would harm the Su family, so please rest assured, Doctor Lan. By the way, I must say that you and Su Cen are indeed a match made in heaven. I wish to congratulate you in advance."
Lan Xiaobu did not expect things to be so straightforward with the other party so willing to comply. Naturally, he wouldn’t press any further and quickly clasped his fist in gratitude, saying, "Thank you for accommodating me, Village Chief Lou. Since it is as such, I won’t impose further. I will take my leave now."
"Doctor Lan, it would be a shame for you to leave after coming all this way…" Lou Xuemao warmly attempted to keep him.
Lan Xiaobu repeated, "I truly have other matters to attend to; perhaps fate will allow us to meet again. Village Chief Lou, please excuse me."
After saying this, Lan Xiaobu already reached the door. He gathered his spiritual energy, and with a sudden movement, he crossed several zhang in an instant, swiftly disappearing from Lou Xuemao’s sight.
Although Lou Xuemao had agreed, he naturally still wanted to exhibit his capabilities and instill a sense of caution among the Lou family. Lou Xuemao was not a martial practitioner; after Lan Xiaobu vanished, he remained in a daze for a while, saying nothing.
"Chairman…" Lou Zhengxiu eventually called out after a long while.
Lou Xuemao's expression darkened slightly as he snorted, "Immediately call Lou Ruyu back and have him come to see me."
Almost as soon as Lou Xuemao finished speaking, a sports car roared to a stop outside. A slightly pale young man jumped out of the car and shouted excitedly, "Uncle, I have good news!"
(End of Chapter)