Chapter 2408: Chapter 1524: The Most Poisonous Hatred Is Having a Fate but No Destiny

"Sis, you sit; I’ll just stand."

"I’m full!"

Jiang Huazi said irritably, but ultimately gave her seat to her cousin.

What else could be done?

Wine had already been served; continuing to refuse would be too inconsiderate.

Jiang Huazi packed up her bowl and chopsticks and got up to serve.

After the pleasantries, Zhang Zhongquan, who had been standing most of the day, quickly leaned in and sat down heavily, finishing half a glass and then pouring himself more wine.

"Uncle, about your fatty liver..."

Hong Xiaoyu reminded him.

What fatty liver? It was just a flimsy excuse concocted earlier to save face.

"It’s fine. It’s rare to meet Fang here, Fang, I have to toast you and your family for having a wonderful daughter and finding a great son-in-law!"

Someone like Zhang Zhongquan was clearly suited for a political career because whenever there was gain to be had, he could easily lower himself, discard dignity and pride, and upon hearing the Fang Family’s offer of help, all his humiliation and disgrace vanished, becoming the liveliest person at the table.

Unfortunately.

He had bad luck, born too early, in a tough environment, with only a junior high school diploma, and didn’t even graduate. If he were born in this era, worked a bit harder to enter the civil servant ranks, he’d surely thrive, instead of being desperate over buying a failed property and having to beg everywhere.

"Zhongquan, I must say beforehand, Qing Qing can help you fight for your rights, but we can’t guarantee the outcome."

Fang Weiguo raised his glass, reminding him not to rejoice prematurely.

"Fang, you’re kidding. Qing Qing is a top-tier lawyer in the country. As long as she steps in, she’ll definitely win this case effortlessly."

Zhang Zhongquan smiled warmly, then faced a pair of young lovers.

"Qing Qing, don’t worry, Uncle Zhang will not forget the kindness. No matter what, your willingness to help is a huge favor, and I will always remember it."

At times like this, he no longer cared if the guy was bragging.

Let’s just assume he’s a Geng Family illegitimate child!

Due to Zhang Zhongquan’s enthusiastic participation, the wine went down quickly, and the second bottle that Hong Ou brought back was unsurprisingly opened.

"This wine isn’t cheap; drink less!"

Jiang Huazi scolded from the side, keeping order.

"Look at what you’re saying, two bottles, how much does it cost? I can buy them myself, right?"

Zhang Zhongquan pretended to pull out his phone to transfer money.

Women are troublesome. Isn’t it said that when asking for help, one should be humble? He complied, yet now is seen as drinking too much.

"You..."

Jiang Huazi was furious. It wasn’t about valuing the wine, but hoping her cousin would maintain a limit. Asking for help is fine, but can’t be so ingratiating, right? There’s a saying that anything in excess is troublesome, yet this guy burns bridges once the Fang Family agrees, immediately disregarding her.

"Zhongquan, how do you speak to Huazi? Huazi has been running around for your matters; she’s been to my place several times. Besides close family, who else would care so much?"

Fang Weiguo held his glass, "You should treat your relatives better in the future."

"Of course!"

Facing Fang Weiguo, Zhang Zhongquan immediately changed his tone, nodding earnestly, quickly put away his phone, not understanding the deep meaning in his words, and perfunctorily smiled at Jiang Huazi, "Sis, I was joking, don’t mind it."

Jiang Huazi certainly saw through his act, but what could she do?

"I owe you nothing more!"

She said angrily.

Zhang Zhongquan chuckled, pretending not to hear.

Seeing this, Fang Weiguo said no more, quietly drinking.

"I heard the Sanjian Courtyard is about to finish demolition this year, right, Fang?"

"Yeah, everyone has to move out by the end of the year."

"After all these years of hearsay, it finally happened. Congratulations, Fang! I heard your allocation is on Bibo Road, one of the best areas in Sha City. Now the surrounding average price is around 9000, quite a profit!"

The last remark came spontaneously.

From an old and small post-resettlement courtyard to the most advantageous location, not only is there a significant upgrade in living experience, but selling it could net a fortune others would envy.

It’s almost like manna falling from heaven.

"Nowadays, demolition isn’t like before. Previously, every household prospered after demolition, but now just breaking even is good, except for your Sanjian Courtyard..."

Zhang Zhongquan spoke more jealously, took a sip of wine, and controlled his emotions.

"It’s all thanks to Jiang Chen. If not for that child, we might not have seen this day even by the time we were buried."

Finally.

Pan Hui mentioned this name for the first time during the meal.

No matter how bad Zhang Zhongquan’s memory, at this moment, he definitely recalled.

His glass stopped mid-air, his expression momentarily complex, filled with regret, confusion, remorse, embarrassment... but not guilt.

"Is it true that Sanjian Courtyard’s demolition was due to Jiang Chen?"

Fang Weiguo casually replied while eating, "Yeah," but to Zhang Zhongquan, it felt like a heavy blow, making his chest tighten, nearly unable to breathe.

Can you understand that feeling?

It’s like having a winning lottery ticket worth 5 million, only to find it lost when rushing to claim the prize.

If only.

If only.

Back then he treated that child a bit better, fulfilled his duties as an uncle after his brother and sister-in-law left, even gave a little money or occasionally showed concern; instead of ignoring him and being indifferent, would he now be fretting over a failed building?

The Sanjian Courtyard, unable to be demolished for years, because of that child, was rapidly launched and realized, and every household was moved to Sha City’s best location.

Zhang Zhongquan wished he could slap himself if it meant it would help.

"What’s Jiang Chen doing now?"

Zhang Zhongquan couldn’t help but ask, knowing there’s no medicine for regret, even if he knelt to apologize now, it would be pointless.

Besides.

Is this a matter of repentance?

If repentance is needed, perhaps he should face his brother and sister-in-law more.

Forget Jiang Chen; since his brother and sister-in-law passed away years ago, he’s never visited their graves, not even once.

"Didn’t Huazi tell you?"

Jiang Huazi glanced at Jiang Chen secretly, "Fang, I’m not too sure myself."

"He’s currently starting his own business, being his own boss."

Fang Weiguo answered ambiguously.

Though he looked down on Zhang Zhongquan’s character, he wouldn’t deliberately hit him while he’s down.

Arguing with someone like him, what’s the point?

"His business must be doing well? He only graduated a few years ago, yet he’s so amazing, truly unbelievable."

"You didn’t expect that, did you?"

Not aimed to mock, but his nephew was sitting there, and Jiang Huazi thought perhaps this could slightly alleviate any resentment her nephew might harbor.

She did it for Zhang Zhongquan, but he didn’t comprehend, only felt awkward, embarrassed, but managed to feign nonchalance for his pride.

"Haha, it’s indeed unexpected; probably no one could’ve foreseen it. Speaking of which, back in the day, Qing Qing and Jiang Chen were childhood sweethearts, an ideal match."

A skillful diversion, a masterful shift.

Because he was eager to deflect, he didn’t think before he spoke, but soon Zhang Zhongquan realized.

Right now, he couldn’t afford to offend the Fang Family.

He hurried to remedy the situation, didn’t expect someone to interject.

"Yes, who would deny that?"

Fang Weiguo sighed obliviously, "The most poisonous hatred in the world is having the fate yet missing the chance. How unfortunate." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

He shook his head, regret palpable.

Zhang Zhongquan was stunned.

"Uncle Fang, you’re quite trendy."

Xiao Yu laughed, surprisingly.

Zhang Zhongquan’s mind couldn’t process; it became a jumble, involuntarily looking at the young man as Fang Qing’s prospective boyfriend.

Isn’t this her current boyfriend?

How dare everyone act like he doesn’t exist?