After Divorce, I Can Hear the Future

Chapter 34: Feels Like a Family of Three

“Go ahead and buy everything; just make sure to get receipts,” Lu Liang replied, feeling he had truly made the right choice in hiring Tang Caidie.

An experienced professional was indeed a treasure. If he had hired an inexperienced graduate, he would likely have to handle all these trivial matters himself.

Nearby, Zhang Qian sat holding her daughter. Catching a glimpse of Lu Liang’s chat messages, she asked in surprise, “You started a company?”

“It’s easier to get things done with one,” Lu Liang replied casually. His eyes rested on Ye Wei, who was skillfully debating, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Ye Wei, with a base fee of 5,000 yuan plus additional charges depending on case complexity, wasn’t a lawyer most would casually hire. But judging from the progress so far, his services were well worth the cost.

The woman, initially unrelenting, even threatening to accuse Lu Liang of intentional assault, had quieted down when her husband arrived.

Her husband, a well-dressed man with gold-rimmed glasses, seemed to be a government official. After exchanging a few words with Ye Wei and understanding the situation, he decided to settle the matter privately without demanding compensation.

Turning to Zhang Yun, who still bore a handprint on her face, the man, Zhao Qiangmin, appeared deeply apologetic.

“Little one, I’m very sorry. On behalf of your aunt and Jiaqi, I apologize to you. Please forgive them.”

As a government worker, lawsuits were the last thing he wanted to get involved in. While they could accuse Lu Liang of assault, Lu Liang could also counter with charges of his own.

Given that Lu Liang had promptly hired a professional lawyer, it was evident he had the means to fight back.

Moreover, a case involving an adult striking a child was much graver than a scuffle between adults.

Zhao Qiangmin recognized that continuing the dispute would likely result in more harm to their side.

Zhang Yun glanced up at Lu Liang, unsure of how to respond. Ever since Lu Liang had stood up for her, the blurry figure in her mind had taken on a vivid and clear form.

“What do you think, Qianqian?” Lu Liang asked, puzzled by how such an unreasonable woman could have such a rational husband.

As he pondered, the teachers’ earlier partiality toward the woman clicked into place. He guessed Zhao’s job might have influenced their attitude and explained his willingness to settle.

“I’ll go along with whatever you decide,” Zhang Qian said, hesitating before speaking. She preferred not to escalate the situation but deferred to Lu Liang’s judgment.

After a moment’s thought, Lu Liang decided not to push too hard.

“Have your wife apologize sincerely and have your son write a formal reflection. He should properly apologize to our child,” he said.

“That’s perfectly reasonable,” Zhao replied with relief. Lu Liang was more accommodating than he had expected.

The woman, her swollen face downcast, mumbled an apology: “I’m sorry, little one. Auntie was overly emotional earlier.”

Nearby, Zhao Jiaqi pouted and cried, “I’m not apologizing! Dad, you’re the director of the education bureau. Just expel her!”

The words hung in the air, leaving everyone stunned.

Such overt abuse of authority was the last thing Zhao Qiangmin needed. If word got out, it could easily cost him his position.

Lu Liang chuckled. “Ah, so you’re Director Zhao. No wonder young Zhao here is so impressive. Clearly, he’s been well-educated.”

Zhao’s face darkened at the sarcasm. In front of everyone, he slapped his son hard.

“Shut up! This is all your mother’s fault for spoiling you!”

Turning back to Lu Liang and Zhang Qian, he bowed slightly. “Mr. Lu, Ms. Zhang, I apologize for my failings as a parent due to my work commitments. Please forgive us.”

Zhang Qian tugged at Lu Liang’s sleeve, wary of Zhao’s position. She urged him silently to let the matter go.

“Director Zhao’s dedication to public service at the expense of family is something to admire,” Lu Liang said, adding a subtle jab before crouching to address Zhang Yun.

“Xiaoguai, let’s forgive Uncle Zhao and your little classmate, okay?”

“Okay~” Zhang Yun nodded. She didn’t fully understand the situation but had already let go of her anger.

“Thank you, little one,” Zhao said, casting a meaningful glance at Lu Liang.

As a government official, he caught the unspoken warning: any further retaliation would lead to severe consequences.

---

By 7 PM, both parties left the police station.

“Mr. Lu,” Zhao said earnestly, “I assure you I’ll personally oversee his reflection tonight. Tomorrow, he’ll apologize to Zhang Yun in front of the entire school.”

“Director Zhao, you’re a reasonable man. We trust you,” Lu Liang replied with a smile, waving them off.

After they left, Ye Wei approached Lu Liang. “Mr. Lu, I recorded the entire conversation earlier.”

His habit of recording conversations ensured evidence was on hand should Lu Liang choose to pursue the matter further.

“Any backups?” Lu Liang asked.

“No, this is the only copy,” Ye Wei replied.

“Mr. Ye, let’s leave it at that. Send me the bill later,” Lu Liang said, pocketing the recorder.

“Of course. Here’s my firm’s card. Feel free to contact us if you ever need assistance,” Ye Wei said, bidding farewell.

---

“You’re not planning to escalate this further, are you?” Zhang Qian asked, concerned.

“It’s always good to be prepared,” Lu Liang replied.

He had no intention of pressing the issue but would not hesitate to use the recording if Zhao retaliated.

“Xiaoguai, are you hungry? What would you like to eat? Uncle Lu will take you,” he asked gently, brushing Zhang Yun’s bangs aside. After applying medicinal wine, her swelling had subsided, leaving only some bruising.

The little girl peeked at her mother before shyly saying, “I want McDonald’s.”

Zhang Qian sighed in exasperation, patting her daughter’s head. “Fine, let’s go.”

“Yay!” Zhang Yun cheered, bouncing happily. She held Lu Liang’s hand in one and Zhang Qian’s in the other.

As they walked, Zhang Qian stole a glance at Lu Liang. A strange feeling welled up within her—it felt like they were a family of three.

Today had made her realize something. Maybe, just maybe, this could work. She didn’t care about herself as much anymore; as long as Lu Liang treated her daughter well, that was enough.

---

The McDonald’s was just around the corner. Lu Liang decided to leave the car behind and walk there with them.

---

While waiting for their order, Lu Liang carried the tray to their table and asked Zhang Qian about her recent situation and her mother’s health.

“She’s getting older and needs proper care. I hired two caregivers to take shifts looking after her,” Zhang Qian said.

She hesitated before mentioning her plans to buy a mid-sized beauty salon she had scouted earlier in the day.

“Tell me more,” Lu Liang said, watching Zhang Yun eat. “Slow down—no one’s taking your food.”

A flicker of warmth crossed Zhang Qian’s eyes as she explained softly, “The salon has three and a half years left on the lease. The interior is about 80% new, with fully equipped facilities and staff, but the transfer fee is 1.3 million yuan.”

“Can the business break even afterward?” Lu Liang asked.

“Don’t underestimate me,” Zhang Qian said, glaring at him. “I’ve done my research. The salon nets at least 80,000 yuan a month.”

“That’s impressive, but if it’s so profitable, why are they selling?”

“I heard the owner misappropriated company funds to invest in stocks, but the funds got trapped, and now they can’t even pay salaries,” Zhang Qian explained, glancing meaningfully at Lu Liang.

She had followed his advice to sell her stocks last week. Although she missed two limit-up gains, she avoided the market crash.

Moreover, she had withdrawn all her funds—even her mutual funds—in preparation for the beauty salon investment.

In recent days, her social media feed had been filled with complaints about plummeting stocks and even worse-performing funds.

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