"There are so many suffering people in the world. If I consider everyone's feelings, won't I be overwhelmed every day?"
Obviously, the people from Central Island only think about favoring Central Island. As long as they don't offend the authorities, they fear nothing else.
"Inspection Chief, are you really going to disregard the years of friendship we've shared?"
If it wasn't for being cornered, Family Head Liu would never put "friendship" on his lips.
"Family Head Liu, it's not that I'm inconsiderate. As you can see, I've cared for North Island more than any other island, and given you better treatment than elsewhere. Isn't that proof of my kindness to you? Given the current situation, you can see Tang Rao has offended someone we cannot offend. If you have any sense, I advise you to think about protecting yourself rather than pleading for others."
Since the Inspection Chief is unfamiliar with Tang Rao, it's only natural for him to advise Family Head Liu to align himself wisely, as there's no extra bond between him and Tang Rao.
The Inspection Chief wasn't careful enough to relay this message quietly to Family Head Liu, and all their words and actions were clearly seen by Tang Rao.
"Family Head Liu, since the Inspection Chief has spoken, we might as well heed his advice, so your years of friendship aren't ruined over this small matter concerning me."
At this moment, Tang Rao was profoundly understanding, speaking with ever-increasing firmness. Family Head Liu felt pride in having Tang Rao, a friend across generations.
"No, I brought you here, so I must personally take you back, Tang Rao. Let's put aside the interests; I admire you greatly and can't let this misunderstanding ruin your life on Central Island."
On one side is years of friendship with Central Island, on the other is Tang Rao. Family Head Liu now faces a choice: either option incurs great loss.
While worrying about how to resolve this, Tang Rao unexpectedly spoke up, relieving Family Head Liu of his dilemma.
The more Tang Rao was like this, the more guilty Family Head Liu felt about him, thinking hard that he could never betray Tang Rao.
As for the painstakingly forged friendly relations with the Inspection Chief, Family Head Liu knew well that such ties were weak; they'd dissolve with just a gentle breeze.
"Family Head Liu, you've moved me deeply. But I'm willing to stay now; your kindness is noted. As for causing discord with the Inspection Chief over me, I feel a bit guilty."
Tang Rao wasn't willing initially, but upon reflection, he realized it wasn't about willing or not — it was like heaven granting him another chance.
He'd been racking his brain thinking of other ways to extend his stay on Central Island. Now, considering Ling Er and Zhou Zhou, aren't they another path for him to stay longer?
"However, I can only stay on Central Island for three days, according to your rules here. If I defy these rules, won't I be killed to silence me?"
No one dared kill Tang Rao, nor could they. Tang Rao wasn't giving anyone that chance. What he said was mainly to gauge Zhou Zhou and Ling Er's stance; what were they truly planning?
"Ah, so that's what you were worried about?"
Ling Er had almost given up hope, thinking Tang Rao too stubborn.
Offering him to be Ling Er's husband was refused, let alone being Ling Er's servant.
"If you're worried about other things, I might not have a say. But about the three-day rule? I can assure you, if you want, you can live on Central Island forever without anyone daring to speak ill of you."
As Ling Er spoke, she honestly thumped her chest to guarantee to Tang Rao.
"Ling Er, think carefully before speaking. Living forever is no small matter. Up to now, such a precedent has never existed on Central Island. If your dad disagrees, wouldn't this promise be made too hastily?"
Zhou Zhou was startled, quickly reminding Ling Er.
"Don't worry. As I said, I can't decide on other things. But if I ask my dad to let Tang Rao stay with me, he'll definitely agree."
Ling Er spoke so earnestly that Zhou Zhou believed her.
"If your dad agrees, you're planning to keep him? Ling Er, I was only venting for you before, which is why I said those things. Don't let what I said fool you into making a irreversible decision."
Zhou Zhou regretted bantering with Tang Rao earlier.
"Sister Zhou Zhou, rest assured. On this matter, I absolutely have the most say. This guy is interesting; I just want him to stay and play with me."
It's a disaster. If Zhou Zhou had said something, perhaps there'd be room for maneuvering. But if it's Ling Er speaking, there's no turning back; any decision she makes never changes.
"Ling Er, since you put it that way, let's inform Uncle first that we'll keep Tang Rao here. Inspection Chief, you don't have objections, do you?"
Asking the Inspection Chief naturally yielded no objections; he only wished for Tang Rao, the troublemaker, to leave soon, so this incident wouldn't hinder his promotion.
"No objections, none at all. We have an academic exchange coming up; everyone else can sit down. Tang Rao, there's no place for you in the academic exchange, please leave!"
Is this how dismissal happens?
Tang Rao had never encountered anyone colder than the Inspection Chief.
Oh well, Tang Rao had no interest in any academic exchange. Instead of participating, he'd rather follow Ling Er and the others, waiting for the right opportunity to escape, ensuring no one could catch or locate him, giving him ample time to study Central Island, this auspicious land.
"Tang Rao, don't offend these two young ladies. I'll help plead for you when possible, hoping you return early. It's all my fault; had I known, I wouldn't have brought you here."
Family Head Liu felt most sorry for Tang Rao, but besides racking his brain for solutions, he really had no better plan.
"It's okay, trust in my luck. We've known each other long enough; don't worry about me."
With that, Tang Rao wiped away Family Head Liu's tears, quickly following Zhou Zhou and Ling Er out of this melancholic place.
"Ling Er, have you thought about where to place him if we bring him back? What will you say if people ask who he is?"
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