C22 The Treatment Fee

He looked at Elder Qi with a sycophantic smile and said, "Elder Qi, there's surely been some misunderstanding. I will certainly cover Soong Yuangui's medical expenses."

Elder Qi gave him a measured look and replied, "Just wait for the summons at home. This issue will proceed according to the legal process."

Wong Xinzhong felt a pang of anxiety; it was clear that Elder Qi intended to see this through.

After shooting Soong Fei and the others a fierce glare, he stormed off.

Outside the hospital, he unleashed a string of curses upon seeing that Liao Bilin's car had already departed.

Inside the car, Liao Bilin's face was a mask of fury.

He'd been made a fool of today.

He had come for revenge with his gang, only to be rebuked by Elder Qi.

He couldn't let this slide.

His assistant ventured, "Elder Qi wasn't in good spirits today. He might not truly be concerned with that kid's fate."

"I've got people watching the hospital. The moment that kid steps out, they'll give him a thrashing."

Liao Bilin was silent for a beat, then decided, "Elder Qi is a peculiar man. Leave the kid be for now. Let's head back to the city and deal with that wretch, Su Weiwei."

The assistant nodded, then inquired once more, "Should we keep watch at the hospital?"

"No, it's unnecessary. He's a nobody, still a student. Killing him would be no different than squashing a bug."

"We'll take care of him once Elder Qi forgets about this whole affair."

With that, the SUV accelerated away. Meanwhile, a seismic shift was occurring within the Su family in Jingjiang City.

Relatives had flocked to the Su household, where Su Weiwei sat in the main hall, engulfed in silence.

She was bombarded with criticism and curses from those around her.

Su Weiwei had contemplated ending her life today, but now she faced the barrage of condemnation without a word.

If Soong Fei could confront Liao Bilin, she no longer wanted to evade the situation.

As Su Weiwei endured the reproach, Soong Fei's family was engaged in animated discussion in a hospital room.

Elder Qi had recently visited the hospital ward and assured us that if the Wong or Liao families tried to stir up trouble, he would certainly intervene on our behalf.

Elder Qi is a man of his word, so the Soong family, unburdened by past worries, was naturally elated.

Twenty minutes later, Soong Li's phone rang. Her expression shifted subtly as she answered, "What do you want?" She then activated the speakerphone, and Wong Xinzhong's voice emerged from the device.

"Ms. Soong, we were definitely at fault here. I'm currently at the restaurant in Qi Family Town. I'd like you and Mr. Ou to join me," he said.

Soong Li cast a look at Soong Fei, who nodded in agreement. She responded, "Okay, we'll be there shortly."

After hanging up, Soong Li turned to Soong Fei and inquired, "Should we let Elder Qi know?"

Soong Yuangui interjected hastily, "We shouldn't trouble Elder Qi all the time. Let's first see how the Wong family behaves. If they're ready to acknowledge their mistake and cover the medical costs, we can consider the matter settled."

"Just make sure to speak respectfully," he added.

"Dad, there's no need to worry. We'll handle it," Soong Fei reassured his father before addressing Soong Li and Ou Liangjian, "Sister, brother-in-law, shall we head out?"

The trio promptly departed from the hospital. The restaurant was just a short walk away, taking only four to five minutes to reach.

Wong Xinzhong, waiting at the restaurant's entrance, greeted them warmly as they arrived. "Please, come inside," he said with a smile.

Once seated in the private room, Wong Xinzhong wasted no time in pouring drinks for them. He turned to Soong Li with a grin, "Ms. Soong, you never mentioned that Elder Qi's grandson is in your class."

After leaving the hospital, Wong Xinzhong had quickly gathered information and found out that Soong Li taught Elder Qi's grandson. It suddenly became clear to him why Elder Qi was involved in this matter.

Soong Fei gave him a pointed look and said, "Let's focus on the matter at hand."

Wong Xinzhong, looking somewhat sheepish, replied, "I am indeed liable for your father's injury. Here's what I propose: I'll cover all medical expenses and offer an additional compensation of 20,000 yuan. Does that sound fair?"

"It's nothing serious," Soong Fei said, his voice dropping to a colder tone. "But beating my brother-in-law—how do we resolve this?"

Wong Xinzhong picked up his cup and took a sip, replying, "It's my fault. What if I offer an additional twenty thousand to make amends?"

Soong Fei grabbed his cup and flung the wine into Wong Xinzhong's face, saying, "You think I'm begging for scraps? You're only trying to settle this out of fear of jail time. Show some real sincerity."

The couple, Soong Li and her husband, were taken aback by his actions. No one expected the usually mild-mannered Soong Fei to react so aggressively.

Wiping the wine off his face, Wong Xinzhong, struggling to contain his anger, fixed his gaze on Soong Fei and said, "Name your price."

"My father was injured on your watch. As employers, it's your duty to ensure a safe work environment. Your attempt to dodge responsibility is unacceptable. I estimate the medical expenses at forty thousand, and I demand ninety times that for emotional damages."

"As for my brother-in-law, your deliberate assault, especially with a group against one, is inexcusable. Bring the man who struck him here to kneel and apologize, and pay twenty thousand in compensation. Then we can put this matter to rest."

Wong Xinzhong, taken aback, stood up and approached Soong Fei, pouring him another cup of wine. "Brother Soong, I assure you of my sincerity. Please, no more games."

Soong Fei's tone remained icy. "I'm not joking with you, and you're in no position to call me brother."

Soong Fei was not one to smile in the face of wrongdoing—his approach to enemies was as ruthless as a brisk autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves.

Trying to keep his temper in check, Wong Xinzhong turned to Soong Li and said, "Teacher Soong, what do you think...?"

Soong Li widened her eyes and glanced at Soong Fei, advising, "Don't overdo it. If Mr. Wong is willing to apologize and the compensation is fair, let's accept it."

"Thank you for your understanding, Teacher Soong," Wong Xinzhong said, raising his cup in a toast before emptying it. Soong Li and Ou Liangjian followed suit, lifting their cups as well.

Seeing Soong Fei's untroubled expression, Soong Li's eyes widened as she instructed, "Pick up the cup."

He was utterly indifferent to the money; his real aim was to discipline Wong Xinzhong. Even if it didn't lead to the Wong family's ruin, he was determined to see some of them behind bars.

Yet his sister and brother-in-law were both intent on downplaying the situation.

Not wanting to go against their wishes, he reluctantly lifted the cup.

As all three of them finished their drinks, Wong Xinzhong's heart swelled with joy.

Setting down his cup, he beamed, "Today we're featuring all the specialty dishes of the restaurant. Let's start eating. My buddy has already delivered the money."

The mood in the private room grew more animated with the clinking of glasses.

But within a mere two or three minutes, Soong Li began to feel a softness throughout her body. Initially, she managed to steady herself with careful hands on the table, but soon after, she slumped over it, weakened.

Soong Li was fully aware, yet her body felt utterly devoid of strength.

Ou Liangjian had also collapsed onto the table, and Soong Fei lay there, equally enfeebled.