Sha Bao Yu…………
Hu Chang Heng himself didn't realize that upon hearing this name, his face no longer bore the pretense of calmness he had been maintaining.
Even the Pu’er tea he had just taken a sip of tasted bland and unappetizing, making it hard to swallow.
The Sha family in the capital was very similar to the Hu family.
Both families had a meritorious minister as the pillar of support, making them powerful and influential families among the capital’s elite.
……
……
From a young age, Sha Bao Yu was the object of comparison for Hu Chang Heng.
However, for Hu Chang Heng, this was a painful memory that would bring tears to his eyes just thinking about it.
Sha Bao Yu had shown extraordinary talents from a young age, appearing mature beyond his years, excelling in his studies, and embodying the ideal of “someone else's child”.
While his peers were still climbing trees and stealing bird eggs, he had already infiltrated the circles of influential youngsters a generation older than him.
Sha Bao Yu, who seemed like a good boy, was actually fearless and bold.
Back then, a notorious bully in the capital had injured several students from prestigious compounds.
Many people trembled with fear at the mere mention of his name.
Later, it was the young Sha Bao Yu, along with Li Yuan Chao and Zhong Yue Min, who used a clever scheme to trick the bully, seizing the opportunity to avenge everyone.
After the older generation found out about this, they all gave Sha Bao Yu a thumbs-up.
Brave, resourceful, and responsible, he truly was the Qilin Son of the Sha family.
For a time, Sha Bao Yu became an idol for many of the youths from prestigious compounds.
The title of “Capital’s First Son” for Sha Bao Yu was established from that time onwards.
One could say that Hu Chang Heng had always lived under Sha Bao Yu’s shadow.
But Hu Chang Heng wouldn't accept it. He believed that he would have done better than Sha Bao Yu.
Until later, when Hu Chang Heng's father, Hu Yong Lai, was placed on the Red List and entered the Crown Prince’s assessment process.
He finally had the confidence to challenge Sha Bao Yu for the title of “Capital’s First Son”.
However, he lost miserably.
From that day on, Hu Chang Heng genuinely detested the title of “Hu Shao”.
Hearing that name again today, Hu Chang Heng suddenly realized that everything was different now.
He wasn't just a second-generation scion relying on his parents' power anymore.
He, Hu Chang Heng, was no longer the "Hu Shao" of those days. He was now a genuine “Hu Mi” (Secretary Hu).
Working in the West Garden Secretariat, the heart of Dragon Nation's power, his interactions involved individuals at the ministerial level, the most distinguished figures.
The saying “往来无白丁 (no ordinary people among those he associates with)” referred to him, Hu Chang Heng.
As for the current Sha Bao Yu, he was just a fresh graduate.
Could Sha Bao Yu freely enter and exit West Garden, the center of Dragon Nation's power?
No, he, Secretary Hu, could.
Could Sha Bao Yu see the Seventh Elder of the Nation daily?
He, Secretary Hu, could.
To put it bluntly, they were no longer on the same level.
Sha Bao Yu might still be basking in the glory of being “Capital’s First Son”.
This might be the greatest honor he'd ever achieve in his life.
But he, Secretary Hu, was different. His career started at the West Garden Secretariat, such a prestigious position, and his future prospects were truly limitless.
……
Perhaps in a few years, Sha Bao Yu wouldn't even have the privilege of seeing him.
Thinking about this, Hu Chang Heng found that his long-standing "fear of Bao" seemed to have disappeared.
However, when he saw Sha Bao Yu, surrounded by Zhong Yue Min and Zhou Xiao Bai like he was the master of the place, he couldn't help but feel a surge of bitterness.
He couldn’t help but secretly criticize them in his heart.
Zhong Yue Min and Zhou Xiao Bai were clueless. They had no vision at all.
They weren't sucking up to someone like him, with a promising career ahead, but instead were fawning over the useless Sha Bao Yu. They really were idiots.
“Bao Yu, you’re back.”
“Bao Yu, you came back just in time, tomorrow we’ll have a feast at the Capital Grand Hotel, I’m picking up the tab.”
“You don’t want to? Bao Yu, my family has invited a master chef of Shandong cuisine. His 九转大肠 (Braised Intestines) is incredibly authentic. Give your brother some face tomorrow?”
“Bao Yu, my father’s birthday is in a few days, you have to come.”
“Bao Yu, you’re back at the right time, my wedding is in two days, you’re the only one who can be my best man.”
What did it mean to be “Capital’s First Son”?
The moment Sha Bao Yu appeared at the Yanjing Club, whether they were from the Air Force compound, the Government compound, or the Navy compound, the second generation of each, vying for attention, rushed forward.
Even just exchanging a few words with him instantly brought them a sense of status.
Many influential youngsters who had recently joined the club were stunned and genuinely envious of Sha Bao Yu’s imposing aura.
Sha Bao Yu, “Capital’s First Son”, indeed lived up to his reputation.
Hu Chang Heng’s heart broke upon seeing this scene.
Brown-nosers, all of them, brown-nosers.
But why didn't you come and fawn over me?
I’ve never acted so aloof.
Secretary Hu is a person too, I need people to fawn over me.
【Today's update, 5/8】
【Keep hitting those numbers, squeeze it all out of you】