Kale cleared his throat and resumed his dignified manner. "Now that you're here, take a seat. I've been waiting for you. There's something I'd like to discuss."
His words made everyone's heart skip a beat. What was going on?
Hadn't everything been fine a moment ago?
Why was he so serious again?
Come on, don't start something!
You're scaring us!
In that instant, their minds ran wild.
Such was life!
One moment you were up, and the next you were down, down, down, down, down!
Once again, their hearts were in their throats.
The man who had spoken earlier felt even worse. Come on!
I thought my life was finally looking up. Turns out that was its peak.
The thought nearly brought him to tears.
Kale saw the man's expression and was baffled.
I haven't even said anything yet.
Why do you look ready to cry?
Kale put him out of mind, gathered his thoughts, and addressed the group.
"I didn't call you here for anything serious."
"I just want to know what you all think of Xu Mu."
Kale had expected them to speak freely, perhaps even argue over their opinions.
But the people before him were nothing like he'd imagined.
They sat with their heads down like ostriches, not saying a word.
It was as though they hadn't heard him at all. Kale was puzzled.
If they had known what Kale was thinking, they would have cursed him out.
Damn it, Kale! If there's something you want to say, just say it!
If you want us to praise Xu Mu, we'll praise him to the skies. But don't put this on us! How are we supposed to know what you want?
You're Xu Mu's father-in-law, and now you're asking us what we think of him?
*How do we