258 Bullsh*t Logic (1/2)

As the class reunion approached, a sense of apprehension grew on Xiao Luo, and the truth was he wasn't really looking forward to it. From his perspective, those who genuinely wished to gather and reconnect with each other were few, and the majority were just keen to let others know about their accomplishments. For some others, it was just a convenient way to explore the likelihood of networking and looking for new opportunities that could be exploited later on. That, in his mind, was what a reunion represented.

A survey was once conducted online regarding reunions. The data showed that people taking the initiative to propose and organize reunions were usually those who had attained a measure of success among their peers or in their community.

Xiao Luo decided not to give it further thought. Since he had nothing else to do, he would attend the reunion anyway.

There was incessant chatter in university chatgroup, with messages sounding in the phone every few minutes. Many were looking forward to the reunion. With their former class monitor, Guo Qinghe, as the group administrator, a discussion thread was posted to lock in a time and place, and the number of people that could attend.

Of the 34 students that were in his class, half were now working in Guang Province itself. After reaching out to everyone, Guo Qinghe finally confirmed that ten from the alma mater would be attending. They would meet up at eight in the evening in four days at Jiangcheng City's Maple Leaf Hotel. Xiao Luo then confirmed his attendance and Zhang Dashan's, making it a total of 12 people.

Xiao Luo turned around to let Zhang Dashan know about the plan. He had just walked in and hadn't checked his phone. Zhang Dashan gave him a quick glance and asked with slight concern, ”Zhang Mengqi will also be attending, you alright with that?”

”Why would I be not alright?”

Xiao Luo threw the question back to him. Zhao Mengqi meant something to him, but that way back in the past. Now, he only had one form of relationship with her, and that they were former university mates.

”Good, I'm just worried that you'll feel awkward during the reunion,” Zhang Dashan patted his shoulders and chuckled.

”You think too much.”

Xiao Luo shook his head and smiled in mock scorn.

...

...

There were no twists or suspense in the run-up to the trial of Xu Guansong. Given the indisputable evidence presented, Xu Guansong was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. He was, at the same time, ordered to issue a public apology to Luo's Workshop. When Zhang Dashan went to visit him in prison, Xu Guansong was in tears and appeared terribly dispirited, he looked like he had aged another ten years.

”The evils we bring upon ourselves are the hardest to bear. Before I came, I thought I'd feel gratified and happy to see you in this state. Now, I only feel pity for you,” Zhang Dashan sympathized with the man, and felt compelled to say those words. He continued, ”Believe it or not, Lao Xiao, and I never wanted to report for this. After all, you're a senior in the company and have contributed a lot to its growth. Even if you had made one big mistake, we would never have driven you to the edge. You know, as humans, we often make mistakes, but it'll be okay as long as we can correct them. But if you do it again and again, even the Heavens could not save you.”

Zhang Dashan spoke through the tempered glass window separating the two, looking on with compassion at Xu Guansong, who was weeping uncontrollably and overcome with deep emotions.

Xu Guansong lowered his head despondently, he regretted ever posting the lengthy article. He said in remorse, ”I'm sorry to Mr. Xiao, I'm sorry to the company, I really didn't expect that it'll incite such a big public outcry…”

”There's no use crying over spilled milk.”

Zhang Dashan sighed, ”Alright, I should be going. Stay in there and elevate yourself, strive to get released as soon as possible. One more thing, don't worry about your wife and kids. The company will send them some money every month during your time in jail. They will be able to carry on their normal lives.”

Tears burst out from his tired eyes. Despite what he had done to the company, these people were still willing to support his wife and children. He couldn't help wondering what meritorious deeds he had done in his past life, to have met such honorable folk.

Thud! Xu Guansong dropped to his knees, knocking his head on the floor, performing a kowtow in deep deference to Zhang Dashan. He cried as he said, ”Thank you, Mr. Zhang, thank you!”

He was choking in tears, and his voice trembled.

”Don't thank me, you shite. These are Old Xiao's orders. You should be thanking him instead!” Zhang Dashan, not one to accept merit for the deed of others, turned around and promptly left.

Xu Guansong, who was still kneeling on the ground, kowtowed repeatedly and kept saying in tears, over again, ”Thank you, Mr. Xiao, thank you, Mr. Zhang.”