From his body language and micro-expressions, Han Lie saw unease, but also a kind of acceptance.

The message seemed to be: I'm already mentally prepared to continue paying the price. You don't need to help me, a real estate developer. Compared to business, I'd rather you forgive Pan Shaohang's immaturity. If it really isn't possible... I'll take on the responsibility of a father.

These unsaid words weren't directly spoken by Pan Dajun, but they were very apparent.

The use of "you" was very neutral. Meanwhile, addressing him as "Student Han" carried goodwill and familiarity, making the tone less official and formal. There was no hint of excessive subservience; it showed great tact.

Han Lie couldn't help but sigh deeply. How universal is parents' selfless love!

Han Yong and Ma Honglian looked completely baffled, instinctively feeling, The "misunderstanding" Uncle Pan mentioned is probably not that simple.

In fact, it really wasn't simple.

Logically speaking, Pan Dajun's handling at the time had been quite adequate. The full reimbursement of 880,000 plus medical expenses, coupled with his immediate apology, was enough to put him in an unassailable position, no matter how one judged the matter.

Moreover, Pan Shaohang had not escaped without cost; he was still repeating a year of study, preparing to retake the college entrance exam.

But the issue was, times change.

What had been a resolved issue became inadequate due to the change in Han Lie's status and the emergence of God Lie.

That once forgotten conflict had resurfaced as a significant hidden danger.

This was easy to understand.

For hitting an ordinary college student, 880,000 would suffice.

Even if it weren't for the pressure of criminal liability, compensation of 180,000 would have been arguable.

But what if it had been Jack Ma?

Even 88,880,000 wouldn't be enough to compensate for the loss of face.

Of course, Han Lie wasn't at Jack Ma's level of influence, but judging by potential, he was at least not worse off than 'Little Wang'—so why would anyone think those 880,000 could dissipate his resentment?

This wasn't a legal issue, nor could it be considered from a purely rational standpoint.

It was a very pure human issue.

Pan Dajun needed to consider just how much more he would have to pay to make Han Lie truly let go of the past.

If he really couldn't afford it, then he had to be prepared for them to become enemies.

Thinking deeper, once they became enemies, whether it was Pan Shaohang's studies, work, or entrepreneurship—he would be cut off from the South, unable to ever enter Han Lie's territory again.

And Dream City's home base might not remain stable. Han Lie could create such a situation now; given time, who could predict his limits?

Who could be sure that staying in Dream City would be worry-free?

So, Pan Dajun was actually numb to the core. He was aware of his own limits yet unable to see where Han Lie's lay. This feeling was extremely uncomfortable.

He had no other choice but to bring a generous gift, maintain an attitude of basic equality, and readdress the past issues once again.

However, no matter how firmly he steadied himself, the choice always lay in Han Lie's hands.

Just as Department Head Xu and Engineer Liu stepped out of the unit door, preparing to get friendly with Boss Pan, Han Lie finally made his move.

The youth, now grown to 1.88 meters, gave a gentle smile and proactively extended his hand to Pan Dajun.

His back was ramrod straight, naturally giving him an air of looking down from a height, yet his demeanor was cordial, carrying a subtle, indescribable implication.

"Uncle Pan, you're being too serious.

"That accident actually taught me a lot. A significant part of the motivation for the modest success I've achieved comes from Shaohang, and your compensation played a crucial role in my early development. From that perspective, I should thank you.

"Of course, putting aside such pretenses and speaking from the heart—the resentment is still there. That's normal, isn't it?

"But you remain so sharp and decisive, which fills me with sincere admiration. That's why I'm willing to give you another chance, and I believe you can truly resolve this little lingering resentment in my heart. Today, it seems, is the time.

"Let's go upstairs and have a seat. I brought back a set of Master Gu Jingzhou's Zisha clay teaware, along with a few taels of accompanying top-quality Pre-Qingming Longjing tea. You are a senior who deserves such hospitality. Let's chat at our leisure."

Watching Han Lie suddenly exude the aura of a top magnate, Department Head Xu and Engineer Liu froze in place, not daring to take another step forward.

All thoughts of greeting him, joining in the excitement, or getting acquainted were pushed to the back of their minds.

They were left shocked and frightened. Just what level has this kid Han Lie reached?!

And Pan Dajun's actions made them acutely aware of their own insignificance.

He grasped Han Lie's right hand with both of his, shook it vigorously, his voice trembling slightly as he tried to suppress his excitement.

He replied forcefully with four words, "Honored beyond measure!"

The two exchanged smiles and went upstairs together.

Apart from Han Yong and Ma Honglian leading the way, no onlookers dared to follow them up immediately.

Department Head Xu and Engineer Liu had come down but failed to get a chance to chat. They stood outside the building entrance, exchanging glances for a good while before shaking their heads in unison with a sigh.

"TSK TSK..."

Just two syllables, as if nothing was said, yet everything was included.

Engineer Liu took the initiative to invite, "Come sit at my place?"

Department Head Xu nodded decisively, "I'll bring alcohol. We'll have a drink, just the two of us!"

The pair waited for a minute before going up together. As they passed the 4th floor, Old Dong opened his door, peering out with half his body.

"Hey, who's this now? The one with all the bags is the driver, right?"

Engineer Liu glanced sideways into the room and saw Liu Lianlian's family of three visiting Old Dong's place. His pursed lips curved into a warm smile.

"When did Lianlian get back? You have time, yet you didn't come visit your grand-uncle's house..."

The elegant Liu Lianlian immediately stood up and replied with polite playfulness, "Grand-uncle Liu, Happy New Year! We spent last night at my maternal grandfather's house and just got back. We were planning to visit every household to offer New Year greetings. We'll be at your place in a little while! Have you prepared the red envelopes yet?"

"Hahaha! Of course, I have! When have I ever missed giving you your New Year's money?"

Engineer Liu seemed to genuinely like Liu Lianlian, perhaps because of their shared surname, or maybe because his own son and grandson were far away in the Imperial Capital and were seldom seen.

Department Head Xu watched this scene with a smile, then suddenly turned his head thoughtfully and glanced at the door of the Han Family's apartment.

A thought struck him. He waved his hand and said with a laugh, "Don't be in a hurry to go to the Han's place. They have a distinguished guest visiting and likely have important matters to discuss... Lianlian, Zhipeng, come over here! This is Uncle Xu's red envelope. Happy New Year!"

Liu Lianlian bit her lip gently and glanced at her mother subconsciously before stepping forward to take the red envelope.

After thanking him and saying a few auspicious phrases, she asked, "I haven't seen Han Lie since I returned. Uncle Xu, would it be convenient for Zhipeng and me to ask him out to play?"

Department Head Xu laughed heartily and replied, "It might not be convenient for others, but for you... I don't think it'll be a big problem! How about this: when you go out to play, take Tingting with you. Hmm, wait for about an hour, and I'll have Tingting come up to find you. Old Liu, that's okay, right?"

Department Head Xu was asking Liu Lianlian's father.

Liu Lianlian's father kept silent out of spite, but her mother quickly smiled sheepishly and agreed, "Listen to you! What's inconvenient about the children going out to play together? Go on, go on!"

And just like that, a group of people with different thoughts parted ways boisterously. As Old Dong's door shut, the atmosphere suddenly became silent and strange.

And all this was because of that figure who had burst onto the scene, exerting an almost gravitational pull...