Chapter 69

During a casual conversation, Yan Qingqing soon gathered how Han Qian had met this Wang Nan. Upon hearing the details, she couldn't help but chuckle.

"No wonder he sounded so down when I called him! Han Qian, this is where you're in the wrong. A man's preference for other men is his own affair—he doesn't even like you, so what's with the fuss? This attitude of yours needs fixing. If I were Wen Nuan, you wouldn't have walked out of that hospital yesterday. Here's your medicine. At noon, I'll have someone help you change the bandage."

When they reached the company, Yan Qingqing advised Han Qian to look as weak as possible. As they entered her office, which was bustling with people, they found a plump woman in her forties sitting in Yan Qingqing's chair. Upon seeing Han Qian, Qian Wan quickly stood up, hurrying over with a look of concern.

"Brother Qian, how's your injury? I heard from President Yan that you were seriously hurt… Brother Liang's two fingers are fractured, and it's all my fault."

Han Qian flicked her forehead lightly and chuckled.

"Da Qian'er, it really is your fault this time. If you'd fed me a burger, maybe my fighting power would have shot up! How's your mouth? Got those teeth checked out yet?"

He dropped his voice to add, "Should we all sign up for some self-defense classes together?"

As soon as he spoke, Yan Qingqing smacked him on the back of the head. Han Qian didn't look at her but caught a glimpse of Qian Ling from the corner of his eye—this unfamiliar shareholder seemed utterly indifferent to his words.

Sweeping his gaze across the room—Gao Lüxing, Yang Lan, Yang Jia, and the woman in white who'd once claimed his phone looked like it had been dug out of a grave—Han Qian finally looked at Yang Lan and offered a small smile.

"Yang Jie, hasn't Liang been discharged yet? I didn't think such a small matter would stir up so much trouble. My fault—I should've dragged them both to the neighborhood with me instead of leaving them in the car."

Yang Lan sighed and frowned. "Deputy Liu went to the hospital to see Su Liang. The doctor said he won't be released until at least tomorrow. Tell me—what really happened?"

Everyone was curious to know the details. Qian Wan mumbled her version, but it didn't clarify much. Han Qian gave a soft laugh.

"It's really nothing. That day it was raining, and there was only one umbrella in the car. I went out to check on the community while they waited in the car. I must've taken too long, so Da Qian'er and Liang went to the internet café to contact someone about the renovation. When I arrived, someone there said something crude to Da Qian'er, and a fight broke out—simple as that."

Qian Ling, the plump woman, suddenly cut in, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "That's not what I heard. My version is that little Wan deliberately sent you away so she could play games at the café. This girl has always been addicted to games—no one knows better than me, her own aunt. I didn't bring her to the company for this. Yan Qingqing, you know what I mean, right?"

Yan Qingqing's expression grew awkward, and she lowered her head. "Director Qian, I didn't consider it carefully enough. I thought those two could look after Wanwan, so…"

"I understand. There are rumors about disbanding the Comprehensive Department, and you're worried about what department Wanwan will end up in next. I won't blame you for that. What I want to know is what happened to those thugs and how you all got out of that café alive. Alright! Everyone else, get back to work. I only came today to see Wanwan and hear the story—no need to linger."

With that, Qian Ling issued her dismissal. Gao Lüxing looked like he wanted to speak up but was waved off. Even the woman in white gave Han Qian an appraising glance before leaving the office, taking Yang Lan with her.

Now the room was free of outsiders. Or nearly so—Han Qian knew he was the only true "outsider" here. He walked to the couch, set the small bag of medicine on the coffee table, and said lightly:

"Guan Junbiao from District Eight stepped in and sorted it out. I called him. If we'd reported it to the police, those guys might've been scolded at best—no one would've stayed locked up. They'd have come out looking for revenge on Da Qian'er. I think this was the better outcome. As for the aftermath—Guan Dagou has the photos. Tu Xiao's daughter is dating a friend of mine's son; I'll ask her for them."

Qian Ling tapped the table as she stood up. She was short and plump, almost round, but no one dared underestimate her—she held 25% of the company's shares. She walked over to Han Qian and gave a soft laugh.

"So, you're on close terms with Tu Xiao?"

Han Qian smiled and shook his head. "We've never met. But Tu Xiao's daughter calls me 'little uncle' for her own reasons, and I do know Guan Junbiao. But Director Qian, my friendship with Guan Junbiao has nothing to do with this matter. Are you suggesting he shouldn't have saved us?"

"I'm not saying that," Qian Ling replied smoothly. "I'm just curious. Did you and Guan Dagou plan this together? Don't think I don't know you—weren't you once the husband of Vice President Wen? You can't blame me for being a little suspicious about Wanwan. She's a sweet, trusting girl—it's only natural I'd be a bit protective."

Her words nettled Han Qian. He stood, frowning. "Director Qian, your doubts are your business. But I don't run an internet café, and I didn't send anyone there to play games. I ended up with these injuries and still get accused of misleading Da Qian'er? Where's the conscience in that? You can ask her yourself—when I got there, Su Liang and I were already being pinned to the floor by seven or eight men. Want to see the injuries on my back?"

His tone revealed his growing displeasure. Even Qian Wan looked uncomfortable now, glancing at her aunt with some reproach.

"Aunt, I didn't even buy Brother Qian lunch that day. I only took one umbrella and sent him off so I could sneak out to play games. Stop blaming him—this was all my fault. If you keep doubting him, how can I ever face him again?"

Qian Ling seemed to realize she was out of line and sighed. Yan Qingqing, who had been silent until then, suddenly spoke up, frowning.

"Director Qian, I heard Tu Xiao has plans to move into real estate. Guan Junbiao is his right-hand man. Could this whole thing have been orchestrated by him?"

Qian Ling scoffed, dismissive. "Nonsense. You said yourself it was a sudden decision to send them out—and that Han Qian didn't know he'd end up at that café. No way he could've coordinated with Guan Dagou. I'm just a woman—maybe a little suspicious. But in the end, I know exactly whose fault this was. It's that girl's endless need to play. Han Qian, I'm blunt and cautious by nature. I hope you understand that. I do want to thank you and Su Liang—you both saved Wanwan."

Han Qian shifted uncomfortably and shook his head. "My relationship with Da Qian'er is between us. If you want to thank someone, thank Guan Junbiao. Without him, neither Su Liang nor I could've gotten her out safely."

Qian Ling just watched him, a faint smirk playing on her lips.