Chapter 577: Chapter 548: Hierarchy of Status

Xu Chunliang was about to go out when he heard Lu Qi was going and thought for a moment, guessing Lu Qi was there to investigate, as he didn’t have much connection with Zhao Feiyang.

Lu Qi asked him to wait at Huichun Hall, and before long, he arrived at the door.

Xu Chunliang got in the car: "Why are you getting involved? Do you have any relationship with Zhao Feiyang?"

Lu Qi said, "I know him, so it’s appropriate to burn some paper offerings."

Xu Chunliang said, "You’re quite particular."

Lu Qi told him about asking Pei Lin for information today. Xu Chunliang said, "Zhao Feiyang is really unlucky, misfortunes never come singly."

Lu Qi asked, "Are they considered married now?"

Xu Chunliang replied, "Why wouldn’t they be? They’ve already got their certificate. Yesterday’s ceremony was just a formality, and moreover..." He wanted to mention that Pei Lin was pregnant but swallowed his words, feeling it wasn’t right to speak about it behind their backs.

Lu Qi pressed him further, "Moreover what? Xu Chunliang, I warn you, don’t hide things from me."

Xu Chunliang said, "What am I hiding from you? I’ve always cooperated with you. By the way, what have you found out?"

Lu Qi said, "Divine secrets cannot be revealed."

"Tch! Hey, I remember your wedding date was the same as Zhao Feiyang’s, right?"

Lu Qi replied, "I postponed it by a month. Don’t forget what you promised me. Where has Su Qing gone now? Can she still host our wedding?"

Xu Chunliang said, "I haven’t been in touch with her much lately; work has been too busy."

Lu Qi said, "Anyway, I’m leaving it to you, and Ma Xi too."

Xu Chunliang said, "Yesterday, Zhao Feiyang’s wedding was hosted by Ma Xi. Are you sure you want to use him?"

Lu Qi thought for a moment and decided against it. Although he trusted Li’s character, the incident with Ma Xi felt inauspicious, and at least for now, he didn’t want to choose such a master of ceremonies for his wedding.

The Zhao Family had already set up a mourning tent. Because his father died at his wedding, Zhao Feiyang felt especially guilty. He decided not to care about any so-called impact and wanted to send his father off gloriously. After all, he was no longer part of the system.

The road in front of the Zhao Family’s house was lined with wreaths.

Xu Chunliang handed the wreath he brought to Yu Xiangdong, who was helping at the scene.

Most of the people who came to help Zhao Feiyang were from Changxing Hospital. Gao Xinhua hadn’t left since last night. He was chatting with a few comrades who’d come specifically, all in military uniforms.

Tong Guangsheng and Zhan Aihua were both present. Xu Chunliang went over to greet them.

Zhan Aihua had come all the way from Nanjiang, and his son, Zhan Tianhang, worried about his father’s health, had come along too.

Xu Chunliang shook hands with Zhan Aihua: "Uncle Zhan, my condolences."

Zhan Aihua nodded, tears the size of soybeans streaming down his face. Even though he had been a war hero, facing immense personal challenges without shedding a tear, their bond with the old company commander was too deep, and the sudden bad news was unbearable.

Xu Chunliang also greeted Tong Guangsheng, advising him to take care of his health, since Tong Guangsheng hadn’t fully recovered yet. He shouldn’t exhaust himself by standing vigil.

Shu Yuanhang was also there, sharing the same sentiment. Elder Zhao was his elder, and they could stand vigil instead.

Gao Xinhua’s voice was hoarse, and he seemed even more heartbroken than Zhao Feiyang. Gao Xinhua said, "We appreciate your kindness, but... no matter what, we must keep vigil for the old company commander overnight..."

Zhan Aihua said, "When I was injured back then, it was the old company commander who stayed by my side in the hospital for three days and nights, sleepless..." As he spoke, he began to cry again. Real men don’t cry easily, but it’s just because the sorrow hasn’t hit yet.

Xu Chunliang consoled Zhao Feiyang with a few words, but with a constant stream of people arriving, Zhao Feiyang went off to greet others.

This time, it was Geng Wenjun from the High-Tech Zone who came. Zhao Feiyang was overwhelmed with sadness. Before he could even reach Secretary Geng, he dropped to his knees with a thud.

Lu Qi and Xu Chunliang exchanged a glance, feeling a bit displeased. It turned out he wasn’t incapable of kneeling; he just didn’t want to. Your father died, what’s wrong with the filial son kneeling? Is he really picking who he kneels for?

Xu Chunliang and Lu Qi both bowed three times to Elder Zhao, then went to the bookkeeping desk. Xu Chunliang gave a thousand, and Lu Qi five hundred.

While registering, they glanced at the ledger, which mostly had entries in units of five thousand, and quite a few at ten thousand.

Xu Chunliang was puzzled. Yesterday at Zhao Feiyang’s wedding, he repeatedly emphasized not accepting more than five hundred. Why was today completely different? Was he so grief-stricken his mind got muddled?

Lu Qi didn’t see Pei Lin. Since they had legally registered, she should be standing vigil according to customs. Was it because of yesterday’s events?

Zhao Feiyang accompanied Geng Wenjun into the mourning tent, and as Geng Wenjun bowed, Zhao Feiyang knelt to burn paper offerings.

Xu Chunliang sighed to himself. It seems like Zhao Feiyang was judging people by their status, even in mourning. Isn’t that a bit too unfair? Death is the great equalizer, better not to argue with him over this.

Lu Qi gave him a pat, and finally, Pei Lin appeared, dressed in all black, with a black veil.

Zhao Feiyang pretended not to see her, and when he returned after seeing off Geng Wenjun, Pei Lin approached him: "Feiyang."

Zhao Feiyang responded with a hum: "You should go back and rest." He couldn’t even be bothered to look at Pei Lin, even though the police had clarified the scandalous photo issue yesterday, the impact hadn’t shown any signs of diminishing. For some reason, he felt a sense of betrayal from Pei Lin deep in his heart.

Pei Lin said, "I’m not leaving."

Zhao Feiyang said nothing more and went on to greet more guests arriving to pay their respects.

Watching Zhao Feiyang’s back, Pei Lin felt an unspeakable sadness, which then transformed into resentment toward Zhao Feiyang. I’m a victim too! I’m not the one who caused your father’s death, so why blame me?

At this moment, Tang Jinglun also came to offer his condolences. Many who came today were attending their wedding just before the funeral.

Tang Jinglun stood before Pei Lin, speaking earnestly: "Pei Lin, take good care of yourself."

Pei Lin nodded, "Thank you, Second Brother."

From her manner of addressing him, Tang Jinglun deduced her current predicament. Despite marrying Zhao Feiyang, being in charge of Huanyan Health, and becoming a board member of Jiayue Department Store, all her achievements depended on Zhao Feiyang. Losing Zhao Feiyang would mean losing everything. Her affectionate address indicated her attempt to win his favor.

Tang Jinglun said, "That incident caused quite a stir and many negative effects."

Pei Lin replied, "I can handle it."

Tang Jinglun nodded, noticing her resilience, understanding why Zhao Feiyang was ensnared by her. He looked toward Zhao Feiyang in the distance, feeling some sympathy. Although the photos from yesterday were manipulated, it didn’t mean Pei Lin was innocent.

Zhao Feiyang had no idea about Yang Mufeng and Pei Lin’s past. He initially employed Yang Mufeng to control Pei Lin, but Yang Mufeng died under mysterious circumstances.

Xu Chunliang initially planned to stay and help, but seeing so many people around, he realized he wasn’t needed. Plus, Zhao Feiyang’s attitude made him uncomfortable, so he decided to leave.

As Xu Chunliang walked out, Zhan Tianhang followed him: "Chunliang."

Xu Chunliang stopped and smiled, "Brother Zhan, do you need something?"

Zhan Tianhang took out a pack of cigarettes, offering one to Xu Chunliang, who declined.

Zhan Tianhang said, "Just a casual chat."

Xu Chunliang pointed to a flowerbed ahead, and they walked over to stand in front of it. Zhan Tianhang lit a cigarette and said, "I heard you’re now the deputy mayor of Hu Shan Town and in charge of attracting investments?"

Xu Chunliang said, "That’s right, your information is quite up-to-date." He guessed Tong Guangsheng possibly told him.

Zhan Tianhang said, "I’m considering expanding into Dongzhou and would like to inspect your Weishan Island."

Xu Chunliang said, "When do you want to go? I’ll arrange it."

Zhan Tianhang smiled, "I’ll trouble you then, but it’ll have to wait until after the funeral. My dad’s staying here these days, he’s not in good health, and I’m worried about leaving."

Xu Chunliang said, "Let’s wait until after the funeral then."

As they chatted, Secretary Zhou arrived. Zhang Song, the secretary, had notified the deceased’s family in advance. Zhao Feiyang greeted Secretary Zhou at the door, intending to kneel, but Secretary Zhou pulled him up, saying party members and officials should set new customs and avoid these practices.

Zhao Feiyang led Secretary Zhou inside, who spotted Xu Chunliang and whispered something to Zhang Song.

Zhang Song didn’t follow them inside but walked over to Xu Chunliang, who greeted him: "Brother Zhang."

Zhang Song smiled, and as someone approached, Zhan Tianhang excused himself to return to his father.

Zhang Song said, "Secretary Zhou wants you to wait for him."

Xu Chunliang asked, "Here?"

Zhang Song said, "In the car."

Xu Chunliang said, "I didn’t drive. Can you drop me off at the community entrance afterward?"

Zhang Song chuckled and pointed to the car, suggesting Xu Chunliang take a seat inside first.

Secretary Zhou soon came out. Though he wasn’t familiar with Zhao Feiyang, Zhao Feiyang walked him to his car. Spotting Xu Chunliang inside, his heart skipped a beat, recalling rumors about Secretary Zhou having connections with him, which seemed true.

Despite Zhao Feiyang’s close relationship with Fu Guomin, Fu Guomin rarely mentioned anything about the leaders.

Secretary Zhou got into the car, and Xu Chunliang respectfully said, "Secretary Zhou, you look more refreshed than last time we met."

Secretary Zhou smiled, "Really? I’ve been exercising more lately, and I feel my health is pretty good."