Hu Pan had barely arrived when she witnessed the knives and swords of the Du family, finding them even more detestable than those of their relatives.
However, after so many years, she had developed resilience. She spoke first, "I'm so sorry, it's my fault. I chatted with Mayor Huo for too long. Fei Yang has been saying all along that he admires your grandfather the most and has always followed in his footsteps."
Old Master Du glanced at her. She was poised, dignified, intelligent, and quick-witted. She was quite good. "Are you Fei Yang's girlfriend?"
"Yes, it's nice to meet you. Hello."
"A very good girl. My brat is fortunate. Take good care of him from now on. If he doesn't behave, come find me, and I'll discipline him for you."
Hu Pan hadn't expected the old master to say that. She immediately replied, "Not at all, Fei Yang is very good to me. Thank you for your concern."
"Tell the kitchen to prepare more dishes with mainland flavors later to entertain our guests. I'm not feeling well, so I won't be joining you for the meal."
Du Feiyang was somewhat flattered. His father had never treated him so well.
"Please take care of yourself. I've brought a small gift. Please don't find it too humble."
It was some mainland tonics. The Hu family, being the mayor's family, could procure precious medicinal ingredients like ginseng and deer antler, which made for the most suitable gifts.
"Good. Feiyun, you also go and entertain our guests. Don't be rude. You are the eldest son; you should have the bearing of an elder brother."
This was a gentle warning to prevent internal strife and avoid becoming a laughingstock.
"I will, Father."
Mayor Huo did not stay for dinner. Instead, he exchanged contact information with Hu Pan, which surprised the hospitable Du family.
The Second Madam, who came from the entertainment industry and had studied opera in her youth, was the most cunning and loved to sow discord.
She looked at Hu Pan and asked, "Mayor Huo is very enthusiastic towards Miss Hu. He's not like this with everyone. Is there perhaps a reason we don't know about?"
Du Feiyang glanced at his mother. It was her turn to step in. The Fifth Madam immediately defended her daughter-in-law, "Sister Two, what do you mean?
Pan'er is meeting Mayor Huo for the first time, didn't you hear? Mayor Huo appreciates Pan'er's talent. She's a university student."
"A university student isn't rare. All the senior managers in our Du family have doctorates. What's a university student? Does the mayor never meet university students?"
Hu Pan replied, "Mayor Huo is very concerned about the mainland's economy. I manage several food factories in the mainland and have experience in building factories. Mayor Huo wanted to understand matters in this area. What did Second Madam think it was for?"
Hu Pan did not flaunt her family background. Her own excellence was her true confidence; family background was merely supplementary.
"You, so young, can build factories yourself?"
The First Madam did not believe it. Who were they trying to fool? People from the mainland were full of lies.
Du Feiyang said, "Why not? She's helping Brother Xie. They are all Xie Ge's branch factories. You can come for an inspection if you don't believe me. You're welcome anytime."
The meal passed amidst probing and clashing. Hu Pan didn't eat much, her brain cells undoubtedly working overtime.
Du Feiyang, having grown up in such a family, would have been utterly bullied if he didn't have some temper.
Hu Pan looked at him with a hint of concern, making Du Feiyang wonder what she was thinking.
After dinner, since Hu Pan was not yet married into the family, she stayed at a hotel and not at the Du residence.
Du Feiyang escorted her to the hotel. The Fifth Madam was reluctant to let her go, no longer finding fault, and wished she would marry in immediately.
Her son was not academically inclined; marrying a cultured and capable girlfriend would bring her prestige. She treated Hu Pan like her own daughter.
Du Feiyang escorted her to the hotel and would stay in the room next door that night to protect her. He couldn't guarantee that the Du family wouldn't target Hu Pan.
They certainly wouldn't want him to marry such an outstanding girlfriend.
"Thank you for backing me up. When we get married, I'll move out. We'll just come back for meals during festivals. You don't need to be so tired."
"It's nothing, just like our relatives. Every family has its troublesome issues. But you have to treat me to a late-night snack; I'm still hungry."
"Definitely. How about seafood congee? It's light and sweet."
"Sounds good."
They went to a famous restaurant. Du Feiyang hadn't eaten enough either, so he ate a little with her, talking about matters related to the Du family, giving Hu Pan a general understanding of his family.
"Oh my, isn't this Young Master Du? Long time no see. You've gotten tanned, but you're even more manly. Young Master Du, I've been thinking of you. Will you accompany me tonight?"
A woman with a voluptuous figure and heavy makeup sat on Du Feiyang's lap unceremoniously, acting spoiled. Hu Pan was stunned. Who was this?