Back at the main hall, Lu Zheng followed his father into his office. They sat down, feeling relieved from the meeting and shared a few laughs, finding humor in the silly discussion they had just experienced.
Mr. Bangwan, still upset from the meeting, looked at Lu Zheng and honestly shared his frustration.
"Imagine the amount of time we wasted on something that was so easy to check,"
Bangwan said to Lu Zheng, bewildered by how someone could squander time reporting such a simple matter instead of taking the initiative to uncover the truth.
Lu Zheng, in response, sarcastically laughed at his father's ongoing struggle with corporate meetings.
"Fixing simple mistakes should be simple, but Rama thinks that loyalty is wisdom in everything," Lu Zheng remarked, playfully making fun of Rama's unique viewpoint.
Bangwan, appreciating Lu Zheng's smart thinking, agreed to him,
"Yeah, that's true. That's why he is still stuck down there, thinking that his relationship with the regional commissioner will secure him for life."
Laughter filled the room, a brief break from the tension even though Rama's earning was close to their threshold and some of his contributions were important.
"But anyway, we have more important things to do," Bangwan teased and pulled out a carefully crafted letter from his drawer which was intended for Marquis.
The excitement for a clothing project collaboration they had planned to collaborate with Marquis fueled their eagerness to strengthen ties with him.
"This is what matters now," Bangwan declared, his enthusiasm clear as they discussed the potential collaboration.
"I think it's best if we deliver this now," Bangwan urged, a hint of excitement in his eyes at the idea of meeting his future brother-in-law.
"Can't it wait a bit?" Lu Zheng suggested, injecting a touch of practicality into the conversation.
"Can November wait?" Bangwan countered, and Lu Zheng, with a playful smile, replied, "No."
As their playful exchange continued, Lu Zheng decided it was time to personally deliver the letter to Marquis, along with extending an apology for taking Yin to Balo without full permission.
"Go and put in a good word for me too. I need to start enjoying life with my brother," Bangwan quipped, humorously releasing Lu Zheng to go out.
Meanwhile, Rama diligently finished the report and sought Bangwan's approval before he could send it.
Following the rules, he knocked on Mr. Bangwan's office door and was allowed in, he presented the report that Bangwan carefully examined and quickly approved.
"This is good. Please send it now," Mr. Bangwan instructed, signing the voucher for transportation costs.
Rama after getting out of Bangwan's office asked one of the staff members to find Anzim. Anzim had become a crucial part of Rama's professional circle, functioning almost like a personal assistant.
All deliveries that Rama needed were usually fulfilled by Anzim.
While on the way to Marquis, Lu Zheng decided to enhance his visit to Marquis by purchasing his favorite tea spice and wine. Additionally, he selected a small piece of jewelry for Yin, a thoughtful gesture for the woman who had become an essential part of his life.
Upon reaching Marquis's office, Lu Zheng, being a familiar face, walked in without the formality of seeking permission.
Marquis who had stayed all morning inside his office had got lost in the book he was reading , hearing a knock on his door, he briefly lifted his eyes from the book and asked who was knocking.
"It's me sir." Lu Zheng responded to Marquis and was quickly allowed to enter. Marquis put aside his book and shifted his attention to Lu Zheng.
"It's been a while since you visited me," Marquis complained, throwing a tantrum since Lu Zheng had gotten used to visiting his office almost on a daily basis.
"Sir, I am so sorry, it was a busy week for me." Lu Zheng explained, trying to soothe Marquis.
"But you were able to go to Balo with my daughter," Marquis argued, escalating his tantrum and expressing his displeasure towards Lu Zheng.
They talked about the week for a few minutes, and Lu Zheng continuously apologized for skipping the weekly visits.
After Marquis' mood had changed, Lu Zheng opened the wine and tea spice box and displayed it In front of Marquis's eyes.
"I saw this when I was coming and couldn't resist buying it as it is our favorite."
Marquis, perceptive as ever, sensed that there was more to the visit than a simple exchange of pleasantries.
"Do you want us to go outside?" Marquis suggested, noting Lu Zheng's positive demeanor and suspecting there was something on his mind regarding Yin.
"Will you forgive me?" Lu Zheng asked, sincerity coloring his voice as he sought forgiveness for the impulsive trip to Balo.
"Maybe if you explain, and I understand," Marquis replied, looking at Lu Zheng and the gifts which he picked from the table and stored them in his private cabin.
"We can't talk from here," Marquis said jokingly to Lu Zheng, acknowledging the potential for anyone to eavesdrop on their conversation.
"Then let's go out," Lu Zheng agreed, leading the way to their favorite restaurant down the street.
As usual, they opted for a private room at the restaurant and Lu Zheng gracefully asked for the tab to be under his name.
When they had sat inside , Lu Zheng navigated the formalities of dining with an elder before extending a heartfelt apology for the unplanned journey with Yin.
Marquis, appreciating Lu Zheng's courage and adaptability, forgave him and offered a piece of advice for future considerations.
"Next time If it's two days, seek permission for two days."
Lu Zheng, acknowledging the wisdom in Marquis's words, promised to seek permission next time.
After their discussion, Lu Zheng handed Marquis the letter crafted with his father.
"Sir, My father wrote this letter to you and asked me to deliver it."
Marquis, upon seeing the well-sealed and adorned letter, received it with a genuine smile.
Playfully, he remarked,
"Hmmmm, this must be a bribe," creating a moment of suspense for Lu Zheng, who eagerly awaited Marquis's reaction after reading the contents of the letter.