After the dinner, Qi Tongwei walked home alone.
The night wind was biting, sending a chill through his heart.
He recalled his past ambitions and dreams, the days when he had used any means necessary to climb the ladder of power.
However, now that he had reached this position, he realized that it wasn't as glorious as he imagined.
He stopped walking, looked up at the stars in the night sky.
Those stars were dazzling, as if mocking his ignorance and naivety.
He suddenly realized how ridiculous it was to think that he could change his fate through hard work.
In this prejudiced world, some people were destined to be trampled upon, forever unable to rise.
Just as he was about to turn and leave, a familiar figure appeared in his line of sight.
Zhong Xiaoai, the woman who had once captivated his heart.
She wore a simple, elegant dress that made her look incredibly beautiful in the moonlight.
Qi Tongwei's heart skipped a beat, unsure how to face her.
He remembered her disdain and contempt for him, those words like daggers piercing his heart.
He could never change her image in his mind.
However, just as he was about to turn and leave, Zhong Xiaoai approached him.
She looked into Qi Tongwei's eyes, a hint of concern in her voice: "Tongwei, are you alright? You don't seem very happy."
Qi Tongwei was startled. He hadn't expected Zhong Xiaoai to talk to him.
"I'm fine. Just a little tired."
Seeing his weary expression, Zhong Xiaoai felt a surge of pity.
She knew that Qi Tongwei had a hard time in this circle, giving so much and receiving so little in return.
She gently patted Qi Tongwei's shoulder: "Tongwei, don't push yourself too hard. Some things are simply beyond our control."
Qi Tongwei looked at Zhong Xiaoai gratefully: "Thank you, Xiaoai. I know what I should do."
"That's good. Get some rest early." Zhong Xiaoai smiled faintly.
Then she turned and left.
...
To cultivate a new generation of talent, the state launched a talent recruitment program. University students would be assigned to various units for internships to gain practical experience.
This was a great opportunity to showcase their talents and build their skills, but for Qi Tongwei, it turned into an unexpected storm.
Qi Tongwei was not only the chairman of the student union but also a top student in the law department of Handong University. His talent and abilities were undeniable.
According to tradition, core members of the student union were usually assigned to core units like the city's judicial bureau or the procuratorate, with the hope that they would shine in the legal system in the future.
However, when the list of assignments was released, Qi Tongwei's name was clearly listed for the Yantaishan Judicial Office, a remote location.
The news spread quickly, causing much discussion on campus.
Pei Qianqian, Qi Tongwei's close friend, was particularly concerned about him.
She found Qi Tongwei, her face full of indignation: "Tongwei, you even got the acceptance letter from the Public Security Bureau. Why? This assignment is so unfair! You clearly have the ability to work in a better unit, how can you be relegated to this place?"
Qi Tongwei gave a wry smile and shook his head: "Qianqian, I know who's behind this. It's Liang Qunfeng, the secretary of the Handong Political and Legal Affairs Committee. He doesn't like me and is trying to undermine me."
"That old fox! Tongwei, we can't just let this slide. We need to fight for your rights!"
"Qianqian, thank you for your concern. But I don't want to bow to Liang Qunfeng, and I don't want to lose my dignity because of this. I want to prove to them, in my own way, that even in the most difficult environment, I can still make a difference!"
With that, Qi Tongwei packed his bags and set off for the Yantaishan Judicial Office.
The Yantaishan Judicial Office was located in a remote mountain area, with harsh conditions and rudimentary facilities.
However, Qi Tongwei did not let this discourage him.
He quickly adapted to his surroundings and threw himself into his work.
Every day here was an opportunity to hone his skills. He was determined to prove his worth through his actions.
However, things did not go as smoothly as Qi Tongwei expected.
His colleagues at the Judicial Office were not welcoming. Some even sneered at him.
Qi Tongwei knew that it was all Liang Qunfeng's doing.
But he didn't back down.
One day, the Judicial Office received a difficult case.
A villager had gotten into a conflict with another person over a land dispute, resulting in injuries to both parties.
Qi Tongwei volunteered to investigate the scene and collect evidence.
He went deep into the fields, talking to the villagers, getting to know the whole story.
After investigating, he found the root of the problem and proposed a reasonable solution.
Thanks to Qi Tongwei's efforts, the case was resolved amicably.
The villagers admired his ability and impartiality, expressing their gratitude.
His colleagues at the Judicial Office began to view him in a new light and their attitude towards him gradually changed.
However, just as Qi Tongwei thought he was finally getting settled, a bigger challenge loomed.
Liang Qunfeng was furious when he learned about Qi Tongwei's performance at the Yantaishan Judicial Office.
He decided to take matters into his own hands and give Qi Tongwei a bigger lesson.
Liang Qunfeng found the director of the Judicial Office, putting pressure on him to suppress and ostracize Qi Tongwei.
Although the director knew that Qi Tongwei was a rare talent, under Liang Qunfeng's threats and inducements, he had to compromise.
He began to make life difficult for Qi Tongwei, trying to make him give up.
However, Qi Tongwei didn't give in.
He knew this was Liang Qunfeng's test and challenge.
He worked even harder, proving his worth and abilities through his actions.
He helped the villagers solve one problem after another, earning their trust and respect.
He also used his wisdom and courage to overcome one crisis and challenge after another.
Yantaishan, this town hidden in the mountains, seemingly cut off from the world, lay quietly in the embrace of time.
Sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds, bathing the mountain paths, illuminating the passersby.
However, on this peaceful afternoon, a figure broke the tranquility.
Qi Tongwei, a name known throughout the Handong Provincial Public Security system, was now in front of the Yantaishan Judicial Office, a simple civil servant.
He wore a dark blue uniform, his face etched with weariness and determination.
"Can grassroots work truly train a person?" Qi Tongwei stood before the office, asking himself this question.