Marvel: The other side of the double-passing door is Devouring the Stars

Chapter 490 Destroying Zhang Lei's Cultivation

"Five hundred thousand?" Luo Shuang was stunned.

“Yes,” Zhao Jianguo said, “I know money can’t make up for everything. But this is the sincerity I can offer. I hope you can accept it, and I also hope you can help me convey to Mr. Luo Wen that I sincerely want to see him and apologize in person.”

Luo Shuang looked at the bank card on the coffee table, feeling a mix of emotions.

Five hundred thousand was an astronomical figure for her. But she knew she couldn't just accept that money.

“Mr. Zhao,” Luo Shuang said, “I can’t make this decision for my brother. How about this, I’ll call him, and you can talk to him. Whether he wants to see you or not is his decision.”

"Great! Great!" Zhao Jianguo's eyes lit up. "Thank you for your help!"

Luo Shuang took out her phone and dialed Luo Wen's number.

At this moment, Luo Wen was cultivating at home in Jiangnan City. Feeling his phone vibrate, he stopped, saw that it was Luo Shuang calling, and immediately answered.

"Luo Shuang? What's wrong?"

“Brother,” Luo Shuang’s voice hesitated, “Zhao Ming’s father has come to see me.”

"Zhao Ming's father?" Luo Wen frowned. "What's he doing here?"

“He said he wanted to apologize and that he wanted to see you,” Luo Shuang said. “He’s right next to me and wants to say a few words to you.”

Luo Wen remained silent for a moment. He could roughly guess Zhao Jianguo's intention—he simply wanted to use the guise of an apology to establish some kind of connection with him.

Luo Wen had seen plenty of people like this. Once they realized the other party had connections or power, they immediately became obsequious and humble, trying every means to build relationships.

However, Rowan didn't object to this behavior. That's reality; it's a dog-eat-dog world, that's just how it is.

Moreover, Zhao Jianguo at least showed some sense, knowing to apologize personally and willing to pay the price. This is much better than those who refuse to admit their mistakes and still think about revenge.

“Let him answer the phone,” Rowan said.

“Okay,” Luo Shuang handed the phone to Zhao Jianguo, “My brother is willing to listen to you.”

Zhao Jianguo excitedly took the phone, but quickly composed himself and said respectfully, "Mr. Luo Wen, hello, I am Zhao Jianguo, Zhao Ming's father."

“Yes, I know,” Rowan’s voice was calm. “What are you trying to say?”

“First of all, I want to sincerely apologize to you,” Zhao Jianguo said. “My son offended your sister, and as his father, I have failed in my duty to discipline him, for which I am truly ashamed. Moreover, I foolishly hired someone to cause trouble for you; this was my fault. I have deeply realized my mistake and have paid the price.”

"Hmm," Rowan simply replied.

Zhao Jianguo felt a little uneasy, but he continued, "Mr. Luo Wen, as the saying goes, 'No discord, no concord.' Although our relationship didn't start well, I sincerely hope to clear up the misunderstanding. If it's convenient for you, I'd like to apologize to you in person, and I also hope to get to know such an outstanding young martial artist as yourself."

"Apologize in person?" Luo Wen raised an eyebrow. "You want to come to Jiangnan City to find me?"

“If you don’t mind,” Zhao Jianguo said cautiously, “I’d be willing to make a special trip there.”

Rowan remained silent for a moment.

To be honest, he had no interest in Zhao Jianguo. This kind of businessman, though he might have some money, was utterly insignificant in the world of martial arts.

But then I thought, since Zhao Jianguo was willing to come all this way to apologize, it showed some sincerity. Moreover, judging from his tone, it seemed he wanted to ask for help with something else.

"Well," Rowan thought, "it wouldn't hurt to hear what he has to say. Maybe it can even help Luo Shuang."

After all, Luo Shuang now works in Donghai City, and Zhao Jianguo is a prominent figure there. If they could cultivate a friendly relationship with him, it would also benefit Luo Shuang.

“Okay, you can come find me in Jiangnan City,” Luo Wen said, “but I want to make it clear beforehand that my time is very valuable and I won’t spend too much time chatting. If you have anything to say, just say it.”

"Understood, understood!" Zhao Jianguo was overjoyed. "Thank you, Mr. Luo Wen! When would be a convenient time for you? I can come anytime."

"Tomorrow afternoon," Luo Wen thought for a moment, "I'll send the address to Luo Shuang, and you can ask her for it."

"Okay, okay, thank you very much!" Zhao Jianguo said excitedly.

“That’s it,” Rowan said, and hung up the phone.

Zhao Jianguo handed the phone back to Luo Shuang, his face beaming: "That's wonderful! Mr. Luo Wen is willing to see me!"

Luo Shuang looked at him, somewhat puzzled: "Why are you so eager to see my brother?"

“Because I want to clear up the misunderstanding,” Zhao Jianguo said, “and, to be honest, I do have something I'd like to ask Mr. Luo Wen for help with.”

"What is it?" Luo Shuang asked curiously.

Zhao Jianguo hesitated for a moment, then spoke: "It's like this, I have a business partner who ran into some trouble recently. His son offended a stellar-level martial artist while exploring the wilderness. Now that martial artist is relentlessly harassing him, demanding either an exorbitant sum of compensation for emotional distress or the crippling of his son's cultivation."

“My partner is an ordinary person; he has no chance against a martial artist. He's tried many connections, but to no avail. I was thinking that if Mr. Rowan were willing to help, perhaps he could resolve this matter.”

Luo Shuang frowned: "You mean, you want my brother to step in and help your friend resolve this problem?"

"No, no," Zhao Jianguo quickly waved his hand. "I just wanted to ask Mr. Luo Wen to help mediate. If it really can't be resolved, we won't force it. Moreover, we will pay him accordingly; we will never let Mr. Luo Wen help for nothing."

Luo Shuang fell silent.

She didn't know how to respond. On one hand, she felt that Zhao Jianguo was taking advantage of her relationship with her brother; on the other hand, if it could really help someone solve their problem, it didn't seem like a bad thing.

"You can talk to my brother about this yourself tomorrow," Luo Shuang finally said. "I won't get involved."

“Okay, okay,” Zhao Jianguo nodded. “I will definitely explain the situation to Mr. Luo Wen sincerely tomorrow.”

He stood up and bowed again: "Then I won't bother you any longer. Miss Luo Shuang, thank you so much."

“No need to thank me,” Luo Shuang also stood up. “Mr. Zhao, I still have to say, my brother isn’t the kind of person who can be bothered easily. When you go tomorrow, you’d better think carefully about what to say and what to do.” “I understand, I will,” Zhao Jianguo nodded earnestly.

He gave Luo Shuang a deep look, then turned and left.

After leaving the apartment building, Zhao Jianguo got into his car and breathed a sigh of relief.

"At least I've taken the first step," he thought. "Whether it works out tomorrow depends on my performance."

He took out his phone and made a call to his business partner.

“Old Zhang, it’s me,” Zhao Jianguo said. “I’ve found a way to deal with your son’s matter.”

"Really?!" came an excited voice from the other end of the phone. "Old Zhao, who did you find?"

“A stellar-level martial artist, and quite influential at that,” Zhao Jianguo said. “However, whether it will work out is still uncertain. Prepare your sincerity first, and I'll go talk to him tomorrow.”

"Alright, alright!" the other party said. "No matter the cost, as long as it solves the problem, I'm willing to pay!"

"Okay, wait for my news," Zhao Jianguo said, hanging up the phone.

He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.

Although this incident cost him 1.7 million, if he could get to know Rowan and establish a connection through it, then the money wouldn't have been wasted.

Moreover, if he could help Lao Zhang solve his problem, Lao Zhang would definitely be grateful to him, which would also benefit his business.

"A win-win situation," Zhao Jianguo thought. "We'll see how the negotiations go tomorrow."

Meanwhile, in Jiangnan City, Luo Wen put down his phone and fell into deep thought.

"Mediating disputes for people?" he muttered to himself. "That's an interesting request."

Actually, this kind of thing wasn't difficult for him. With his seventh-level stellar-level strength and his status as a student of the Blood King, he could basically do whatever he wanted on Earth. As long as the martial artist harassing Zhao Jianguo's partner wasn't too unreasonable, he should give him some face out of respect for Zhao Jianguo's sake.

“However, this kind of help can’t be given for nothing,” Rowan thought. “Zhao Jianguo has to pay a price. It’s not about the money, but about making him understand that my time and face are valuable.”

He decided to have a proper talk with Zhao Jianguo when they met tomorrow. If the other party was sincere enough and the conditions were reasonable enough, he wouldn't mind helping him. After all, it's always better to have one more friend than one more enemy.

Moreover, this incident will also allow Luo Shuang to see the importance of relationships and connections in this world. This will be helpful for her future work and life.

"Tomorrow should be very interesting," Rowan said with a smile.

He closed his eyes again and continued his cultivation.

For him, cultivation was the most important thing. Everything else was just a diversion from life.

The following morning, a thin mist shrouded the Zhao family villa in Donghai City. Zhao Jianguo got up early; he had barely slept the night before, his mind racing with thoughts of how to talk to Luo Wen. He knew this meeting was crucial, not only for resolving past grievances but also for potentially opening a door to higher-level relationships.

He stood in front of the mirror, carefully adjusting his tie. Today he had chosen a dark gray suit, understated yet dignified. The butler had already prepared the car and gifts—a basket of dried seafood from the East China Sea, a bottle of rare vintage liquor, and a bank card with 500,000 yuan. He had originally wanted to bring more, but was afraid it would seem too deliberate.

"Dad, can't I really go?" Zhao Ming walked out of the room, his eyes red and swollen, clearly having not slept well the night before.

Zhao Jianguo glanced at him and sneered, "You'll only cause trouble. Remember my words, starting today, you'll go to work at the company, starting from the bottom. Don't cause me any more trouble!"

Zhao Ming lowered his head and remained silent, only able to watch his father leave.

The car started, and Zhao Jianguo sat in the back seat, watching the scenery rushing past the window. His secretary was driving; this time, he didn't bring anyone else, which made him seem more sincere. The journey wasn't long; from Donghai City to Jiangnan City, it would only take an hour by flying car. He reviewed what he was going to say again on the way, making sure every word was respectful and appropriate.

“Old Zhang, I’m on my way,” Zhao Jianguo called his partner Zhang Wei. “Have you prepared the materials? Including the details of the incident, evidence, and so on.”

“Ready, Lao Zhao,” Zhang Wei said gratefully. “My son’s situation has really been giving me a headache. That martial artist, Li Hu, is a first-level Stellar-level expert, and he’s been bothering us for a month. If it weren’t for your help, I really wouldn’t know what to do.”

"Don't thank me yet," Zhao Jianguo said. "Whether it works out or not depends on Mr. Luo Wen's attitude. Don't worry, I will do my best."

After hanging up the phone, Zhao Jianguo took a deep breath. He knew that Li Hu, a stellar-level martial artist, was considered mid-level on Earth, but compared to Luo Wen, the student of Blood King Luo, he was no match at all. If Luo Wen was willing to intervene, the matter could most likely be resolved.

The flying car landed smoothly at the entrance of an upscale residential complex on the outskirts of Jiangnan City. This was the address Luo Wen had given him—his parents' home. Zhao Jianguo got out of the car, carrying the gifts, and walked towards the complex gate. After the security guard scanned his identification information, he was allowed to enter.

The neighborhood was beautiful, with shady trees and fresh air. Zhao Jianguo found Luo Wen's house according to the address—a two-story villa. He rang the doorbell, his heart pounding.

The door opened, and a middle-aged woman in her fifties, Luo's mother, answered. Seeing the stranger, she asked warily, "Who are you looking for?"

“Hello, I am Zhao Jianguo, from Donghai City,” Zhao Jianguo immediately smiled and bowed slightly. “I am here to visit Mr. Luo Wen. I made an appointment with Miss Luo Shuang yesterday.”

Upon hearing this, Luo's mother's expression softened somewhat: "Oh, it's you. Xiaowen is waiting in the living room, please come in."

Zhao Jianguo entered the living room and saw Luo Wen sitting on the sofa, holding a cup of tea, his expression calm. Luo Wen looked to be in his twenties, handsome, and exuded a subtle pressure, the aura unique to high-level martial artists.

“Mr. Luo Wen, hello,” Zhao Jianguo stepped forward and presented the gift with both hands. “I am Zhao Jianguo, Zhao Ming’s father. Thank you for taking the time to see me.”

Rowan nodded, gesturing for him to sit down: "Sit down. No need for gifts, I don't need them."

Zhao Jianguo smiled awkwardly, placed the gifts on the coffee table, and then sat down. Luo's mother poured them tea and then stepped aside.

“Mr. Luo Wen, first of all, I want to apologize to you again,” Zhao Jianguo said bluntly. “My son, Zhao Ming, offended your sister, which was due to my improper discipline. Hiring someone to cause trouble was extremely foolish. I have deeply reflected on my actions and paid the price. I hope you can forgive me.”

Luo Wen took a sip of tea and said calmly, "I accept the apology. The matter is over, and I don't hold a grudge. But you need to keep an eye on your son and make sure he doesn't cause any more trouble."

"Definitely, definitely," Zhao Jianguo nodded repeatedly. "I've already sent him to work his way up from the bottom in the company. I won't let him run wild anymore."

Rowan nodded: "That's good. Is there anything else?"

Zhao Jianguo took a deep breath, knowing the main point was coming: "Mr. Luo Wen, actually, there's something else I'd like to ask for your help with. Yesterday on the phone, I mentioned to Ms. Luo Shuang that I have an old business friend, Zhang Wei. His son, Zhang Lei, got into a conflict with a Stellar-level martial artist while exploring the wilderness. Now that martial artist is relentlessly pursuing him, demanding either a huge sum of money or crippling Zhang Lei's cultivation. Zhang Wei is just an ordinary businessman and has no way to deal with it. He's tried many connections, but to no avail. I was thinking that since you're a Stellar-level expert with connections, perhaps you could help mediate."

(End of this chapter)