Chapter 186: Stirring Things Up

After leaving the private room, Li Dong let out a small sigh of relief.

While Chen Rui and the others were discussing him, he was also reflecting on these second-generation rich people.

Though he had felt somewhat passive during the meal, the outcome seemed fairly positive.

First, Li Dong had clarified the depth of Zhang Qing's background, so future interactions wouldn't feel as uncertain.

Second, although his entanglement with Zhang Qing wasn't completely resolved, Zhang Qing was unlikely to cause trouble in the near future.

Even though Li Dong wasn't afraid of trouble from Zhang Qing, he preferred to avoid unnecessary conflicts and didn't want to keep entangling with him.

Third, and most importantly to Li Dong, the Huafu land seemed promising.

Li Dong had earlier wanted to acquire the Huafu land, but he had given up due to concerns about potential trouble.

Now, there was an opportunity. Based on Chen Rui and the others' attitudes, they seemed interested.

Although it would require a considerable cost, Li Dong didn't mind.

Unlike Chen Rui and his group, who might spend a lot of effort and connections, Li Dong saw the money he would spend as a worthwhile investment. Even if he bought the land from Chen Rui and his group, he might get a better deal.

While pondering, Li Dong suddenly heard a familiar voice.

Turning around, he felt a bit amused and helpless.

---

"Miss, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to! Are you alright?"

Cao Fang looked at Lin Meng with concern, pulling out a tissue to clean the oil stains on Lin Meng's clothes, apologizing profusely: "I wasn't paying attention while walking. Look, I've stained your clothes."

Lin Meng frowned, seeing that Cao Fang was not young, and feeling uncomfortable expressing her anger, replied: "It's alright. Just be more careful next time."

Though she said it was fine, Lin Meng was still upset seeing her new clothes ruined.

Cao Fang added: "Since your clothes are stained, let me compensate you with a new one. How much did your clothes cost?"

Just as Lin Meng was about to speak, Cao Feng blushed and said, "No need for compensation. Just wash it when you get home."

Cao Feng showed a pitiful expression, hoping his aunt would stop causing a scene.

Cao Feng felt particularly uneasy about this situation. Although his aunt was involved, he didn't dare to contradict her, which made him anxious.

Cao Fang gave him a look. Her experience from watching countless TV dramas told her that testing the young woman was the most effective way to handle the situation.

As Cao Fang was about to speak, someone beside them said, "What's going on here?"

The words changed everyone's expressions.

Cao Feng felt he was doomed, and Cao Fang glared at Li Dong, feeling awkward.

Li Dong rubbed his nose, wondering if his mother had watched too many soap operas and was now causing trouble. How would they explain this later?

It was fine for Lin Meng not to recognize him now, but what would happen when they got to know each other better? If Lin Meng and Cao Feng ended up together, it would be fine, but if they didn't, Cao Feng might harbor resentment. His mother had underestimated the complexity of the situation.

At this moment, Lin Meng also recognized Li Dong and, feeling somewhat doubtful, asked, "Li Dong, you…"

Before she could ask more, Li Dong smiled and said, "What a coincidence! Cousin, you don't know my mother, right?"

Then, Li Dong introduced Cao Fang, saying, "This is my mother. I didn't expect you to run into her here."

Lin Meng was a bit dazed. Li Dong's mother? That would mean Cao Feng was also related, right?

Looking at Cao Feng, who was red-faced and sweating, Lin Meng felt even more confused.

Li Dong continued, "Cousin, this is my mother, and you haven't seen each other for nearly twenty years. I was planning to have a meal together in the next few days, but it's quite a coincidence that you met today."

Cao Feng was still in shock, but Cao Fang had already snapped back to reality. Although she was annoyed with her son meddling, she still showed surprise, saying, "Is that you, Fengzi? After all these years, I almost didn't recognize you!"

Cao Feng had a miserable look, "Yes, I didn't expect to run into my aunt here. I didn't even recognize her. I'm so sorry!"

Their back-and-forth left Lin Meng feeling unsure.

Seeing this, Li Dong smiled and said, "Cousin, you probably don't know, but my mother and cousin haven't met in over twenty years. It's quite a coincidence they ran into each other today."

Although Lin Meng was still a bit puzzled, being called "cousin" by Li Dong made her feel somewhat embarrassed.

With the reunion of aunt and nephew taking place, Lin Meng decided not to get involved and greeted Li Dong, "Li Dong, are you here for dinner too?"

Li Dong nodded and added, "It really is an unexpected joy today. But my mother was too careless. I see your clothes are dirty. How about I ask my cousin to take you to buy a new one now?"

Lin Meng quickly shook her head and smiled, "No need. It's fine. I can just wash them when I get home. It's getting late, so I was about to go home anyway."

With the reunion of Cao Fang and Cao Feng complete, Cao Fang apologized to Lin Meng, "I didn't expect you to be Fengzi's girlfriend. I'm really sorry about earlier…"

Before she could finish, Lin Meng smiled and said, "It's alright, Auntie. I didn't expect you to be Cao Feng's aunt. It's quite a coincidence."

"Yes, indeed. Such a coincidence."

Cao Fang agreed and continued to chat with Lin Meng.

After waiting for a while, when the conversation had almost concluded, Li Dong said, "Mom, let's let cousin go home now. It's getting late. We can invite cousin and his wife to dinner another time."

Cao Fang immediately responded, "Yes, yes. Let's go out for dinner together tomorrow."

Lin Meng felt a bit embarrassed. She glanced at Cao Feng, who was grinning foolishly and not saying anything. She gave him a look, then told Cao Fang, "Thank you, Auntie. But tomorrow, I'll treat you."

"No need for that. I'll treat you," Cao Fang insisted.

They exchanged polite refusals, and Li Dong quickly interjected, "Whoever treats doesn't matter. We can discuss it tomorrow."

After a few more polite words, Cao Fang had Cao Feng accompany Lin Meng home, and they finally parted ways.

Once Lin Meng and the others left, Cao Fang's expression changed. She snorted and turned to leave.

Li Dong followed her, feeling helpless, and said, "Mom, can't you stop stirring things up? If you drive them away, think about how cousin will feel."

"This isn't stirring things up. I'm just assessing the young woman's character. Do you understand?" Cao Fang retorted.

"I think you've watched too many soap operas!" Li Dong grumbled.

"What are you talking about?" Cao Fang turned and glared at him, annoyed.

Although Li Dong spoke the truth, Cao Fang wasn't willing to be lectured by her son.

Today's drama made her realize she had been somewhat presumptuous. Though she regretted it, she wasn't going to show weakness in front of her son.

Li Dong sighed, stopped arguing, and advised, "Let's leave cousin's matters aside. Let's have a meal together another time and not worry about other things."

Cao Fang muttered and didn't argue further.

Li Dong sighed with relief and said, "Let's go home. It's late, and you've traveled quite a distance alone without anyone with you."

"I let Er Bao go first since she knows Lin Meng. I wanted her to go ahead," Cao Fang explained.

Li Dong chuckled and said nothing more, guiding Cao Fang to the car.