Zhong Xiao Ai’s gesture of presenting a gift while pretending it came from someone else was a smart move. It both confirmed her powerful connections and showcased her approachable nature, typical of a young lady of her status.
Not everyone can afford the luxury of the Yangtze Hotel.
“Xiao Ai, was that your boyfriend just now?”
Lu Yi Ke, her gossipy friend, whispered the question.
Zhong Xiao Ai simply nodded in response.
“Are you two college classmates?”
Zhong Xiao Ai nodded again, confirming her statement.
Lu Yi Ke’s eyes sparkled with an unreadable glint.
“Xiao Ai, my dad is coming home tonight. He said it’s been too long since he’s seen you, his niece. He wants you to come over and visit. Why don’t you bring your boyfriend along to meet him?”
Lu Yi Ke’s father, Lu Zheng Qing, had once been a bodyguard for Zhong Xiao Ai’s father. While calling her “niece” was a bit of a stretch, it still provided some connection.
Zhong Xiao Ai had already made plans for a candlelit dinner with Sha Bao Yu. Attending Lu Yi Ke’s family dinner would mean wasting precious time they could be spending together.
However, Lu Yi Ke had been pestering her all day, making it impossible for her to decline without contacting Sha Bao Yu.
“Since they are so eager, let’s go then,” she conceded.
That night, Sha Bao Yu drove Zhong Xiao Ai to Lu Yi Ke’s home, suddenly remembering that Lu Yi Ke was quite an eccentric herself.
She remained single for years, only marrying a divorced man at the age of 35, becoming a stepmother.
“Xiao Ai, and this… gentleman, welcome, welcome,” greeted Lu Yi Ke with an overabundance of enthusiasm, seemingly forgetting to ask Sha Bao Yu’s name.
Upon entering the house, they realized this was no ordinary family gathering.
Lu Yi Ke’s parents and Gao Yu Liang’s couple were playing a game of mahjong, engrossed in the game.
Behind them stood a young man in a police uniform, arms crossed, radiating arrogance.
Seeing this scene, Zhong Xiao Ai gave Lu Yi Ke a disapproving look.
She had assumed it would be a simple family dinner, but this unexpected guest had thrown a wrench in her plans.
She resolved to have a bite to eat and find a way to leave as soon as possible.
“Master Lu, Judge Wu, Professor Gao, Professor Wu,” she greeted them formally.
“Xiao Ai, there’s no need to be so formal. This is a family gathering, just call me uncle,” said Lu Zheng Qing, pointing to his brother-in-law, Gao Yu Liang.
“Your Professor Gao is about to enter politics. You’ll have to call him Secretary Gao soon,” he added with a smile.
This was a significant event for the Lu and Gao families, prompting smiles of joy from everyone present.
Sha Bao Yu wasn’t surprised. Based on the original timeline, Gao Yu Liang would be transitioning from university professor to high-ranking official around this time.
“Talented horses are common, but true mentors are rare. I must thank Secretary Qun Feng, Liang Jun’s father, for his kindness,” said Gao Yu Liang, revealing the identity of the arrogant young man. He was Liang Qun Feng, the deputy secretary of the provincial party committee, and his son, Liang Jun.
No wonder he carried himself with such a superior attitude.
The entire table focused their attention on Gao Yu Liang’s first steps into politics.
“Brother-in-law, your first step must be solid. Has Secretary Qun Feng assigned you a post?”
Gao Yu Liang’s expression remained calm, but a hint of pride could be seen as he adjusted his glasses.
“Lu Zhou.”
“Will you be managing people or affairs?”
“People.”
“Oh! The top position! What a great opportunity.”
“Who will you be working with?”
“Li Da Kang, Secretary Li Chun’s chief of staff.”
“Li Da Kang? He’s not qualified enough.”
It was true that Li Da Kang was just the chief of staff for Zhao Li Chun, the top official in Jingzhou, holding the position of a senior official.
The mayor of Lu Zhou, on the other hand, held a proper ministerial-level position, a gap that seemed insurmountable.
If Gao Yu Liang was fortunate to find a patron, Li Da Kang was practically catapulted to the top.
After another toast, Gao Yu Liang, fueled by the alcohol, revealed a shocking secret.
“Secretary Li Chun is about to be promoted. There will be a major adjustment to his responsibilities soon.”
As seasoned players in the political arena, they understood the meaning behind these words. This hinted at a promotion.
With his chief of staff being sent to take the reins of an entire city, Zhao Li Chun’s next position was clear: the number three position, First Deputy Secretary.
“Impossible!”
Lu Zheng Qing exclaimed in disbelief.
“Jingzhou’s economy has been rapidly growing, and Secretary Li Chun’s contributions are undeniable. Even the higher-ups in Beijing have taken notice,” replied Gao Yu Liang, emphasizing the key point.
Zhao Li Chun had powerful connections, and his patron was no ordinary person. His achievements were rewarded accordingly.
The revelation stunned everyone into silence, each lost in their thoughts.
Sha Bao Yu, the only one privy to the truth, nervously glanced at Zhong Xiao Ai.
He had slept with her daughter, and it was time to make amends.
Of course, Zhao Li Chun’s outstanding abilities were the primary reason for his success.
After all, you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
“Come on, come on! I forgot to introduce everyone. This is Liang Jun, the son of Secretary Liang Qun Feng from the Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Committee. He’s currently the chief of the Jingzhou Public Security Bureau’s Security Division. A young talent with a bright future,” said Lu Zheng Qing.
“Liang Jun, this is Zhong Xiao Ai from the Procuratorate. Her father is an old leader of my dad’s,” added Lu Yi Ke, her introduction laced with ulterior motives.
Sha Bao Yu’s brow furrowed in worry.