Hearing this, Qi Tongwei felt a surge of gratitude and respect.
He knew that Pei Qianqian was someone who truly understood him, and someone he should cherish.
Just like that, Qi Tongwei left the guesthouse and returned to his work.
However, he didn't know that this political struggle had only just begun...
The night was as dark as ink, and the lights along the Han River banks flickered like stars in the night sky.
In this bustling city, Qi Tongwei stood alone by the window, his gaze deep, as if he could pierce through the endless darkness.
At this moment, he felt an unprecedented sense of loneliness and confusion.
His eyes revealed a hint of unspoken awe, an awe for Pei Yihong.
Pei Yihong, the top official in the Han River region, was a man of extraordinary social standing and influence.
He played a crucial role in the institutional reforms of the Han River region and was a role model for many officials.
Qi Tongwei was no stranger to Pei Yihong, and they had briefly crossed paths a few times, but each encounter left a deep impression of Pei Yihong's authority and wisdom on Qi Tongwei.
Qi Tongwei and Pei Qianqian were quite close.
Pei Qianqian was a smart and quick-witted girl, whose bright eyes always seemed to read people's hearts.
Just then, a phone rang, breaking the silence of the night.
He picked up the phone and saw that it was a call from Pei Yihong.
Pei Yihong, a heavyweight figure in Handong Province, was intricately connected to Qi Tongwei.
Qi Tongwei frowned slightly, a little confused. What could Pei Yihong want at this late hour?
He pressed the answer button, and Pei Yihong's voice came through on the other end: "Tongwei, I'd like to talk to you about Qianqian."
Hearing Pei Yihong mention Qianqian, Qi Tongwei's heart clenched.
Qianqian, Pei Yihong's precious daughter, was also a pain in his heart.
Their relationship was complex, yet simple.
They were classmates, friends, but Qi Tongwei held a deeper emotion for her.
However, he couldn't cross that divide, because he knew their identities and positions were too far apart.
"Uncle Pei, just tell me what's on your mind," Qi Tongwei tried to keep his voice calm.
Pei Yihong didn't seem to care about Qi Tongwei's refusal, paused for a moment, and continued, "It's about Qianqian's studies and life. She's been a little down lately, and I'd like to hear your opinion."
Qi Tongwei's heart clenched, knowing that Pei Yihong was testing him.
"Uncle Pei, Qianqian is a smart and capable girl. I'm sure she can handle her own affairs. If she needs anything, I'll do what I can to help her."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Pei Yihong suddenly asked, "Tongwei, you and Qianqian... are you two dating?"
The question was like a bomb, exploding in Qi Tongwei's heart.
He froze, not knowing how to answer.
Their relationship certainly went beyond that of ordinary friends, but they had never explicitly confessed their feelings.
In Qi Tongwei's heart, Qianqian was his most precious treasure, but he also understood his identity and position, and he dared not take that step.
"Uncle Pei... I..." Qi Tongwei stammered, unsure how to respond.
Pei Yihong seemed unconcerned with his response, and continued, "Tongwei, you're a capable young man, and I admire you. But Qianqian is my daughter, and I want her to have a happy life. If you really like her, you need to treat her well, and don't let her get hurt."
Hearing this, he knew Pei Yihong was reminding him, and giving him a chance.
He took a deep breath and mustered his courage to say, "Uncle Pei, rest assured, I will treat Qianqian well. If she's willing to accept me, I'll do my best to make her happy."
There was another moment of silence on the other end of the line before Pei Yihong's voice came through, "Alright, I believe you. Tongwei, remember, no matter what happens in the future, I'll be here to support you."
After hanging up the phone, Qi Tongwei's mind couldn't calm down.
He knew what Pei Yihong's words meant.
Just then, the office door was suddenly pushed open and a figure walked in.
Qi Tongwei looked up and saw that it was his old classmate, Hou Liangping.
Noticing Qi Tongwei's somber expression, he asked, "Tongwei, what's wrong? Did something happen?"
Qi Tongwei shook his head, saying, "It's nothing serious, just Uncle Pei called and asked me some things about Qianqian."
"Qianqian? Pei Yihong's daughter?" Hou Liangping asked in surprise.
Qi Tongwei nodded, saying, "Yeah, Uncle Pei seems to have some misunderstanding about our relationship."
Hou Liangping patted Qi Tongwei on the shoulder, saying, "Tongwei, don't overthink things. Pei Yihong is a smart man, he should be able to see your true relationship. Besides, you and Qianqian are both adults, you should decide your own affairs."
Qi Tongwei nodded gratefully, saying, "Thank you, Liangping. You're right, I should trust Qianqian, and I should trust myself."
Hou Liangping smiled and said, "Alright Tongwei, go ahead and get busy. I'll go now."
With that, he turned and left the office.