Because I just told a lie and also because of the appearance of Xu Chunliang, there was a shy warmth rippling in my heart.
Xu Chunliang said, "Traveling far away on New Year’s Eve? Planning to celebrate the New Year on the road?"
"None of your business."
"It is." Xu Chunliang extended his hand to her, and Su Qing hesitated for a mont, wondering whether to give him her hand, her face reddening even more.
Xu Chunliang said, "Give the car keys, I’ll drive."
Only then did Su Qing realize she had misunderstood, her face turning red to her neck. Embarrassed, she dug out the keys and slapped them into Xu Chunliang’s palm, quickly getting into the passenger seat.
Originally, Gao Xinhua arranged for two families to have dinner together, but halfway through Tong Guangsheng joined in. It was his first year celebrating the New Year in Dongzhou with his children and grandchildren reunited, he suggested that three families celebrate together at his big villa in Green City.
Gao Xinhua’s ho is only four bedrooms and two living rooms, surely not enough to hold that many people. He discussed it with Xu Chunliang, who thought it was a good idea too. Everyone was already familiar with each other, and it was a perfect chance to visit Tong Guangsheng’s mansion.
Tong Guangsheng’s standalone villa was purchased ten years ago, already fully furnished. It was initially given to him by soone to settle a debt. He normally prefers staying on Weishan Island, and even when he cos to Dongzhou, he stays in hotels, rarely visiting this place.
After the father and son reunited, Shu Yuanhang joined Changxing Hospital with his wife and children, and Tong Guangsheng had the villa refurbished a bit, formally moving in before the holiday.
Xu Chunliang drove to Green City Runyuan, directly entering an underground parking spot. Tong Guangsheng’s villa has an area of over eight hundred square ters with ten parking spots alone.
Wang Jinwu had just rushed over from Weishan Island, with Tong Guangsheng treating him like his own son.
Wang Jinwu closed the car door and happily approached Xu Chunliang, "Brother, you’re here!"
Xu Chunliang went to et him, Wang Jinwu patted him on the shoulder and greeted Su Qing, "Hello, Miss Su!"
Su Qing gave a calm smile, looking as beautiful as a chrysanthemum.
Wang Jinwu sighed secretly, feeling all the pretty girls he had seen were now captured by Xu Chunliang.
Wang Jinwu said, "I watched your video, that fight was amazing, almost like Bruce Lee. I wish I had been there."
Xu Chunliang said, "Bruce Lee can’t beat ."
"I admire how you can brag so earnestly."
"If you don’t believe , let’s spar."
"Spar, let’s spar." Wang Jinwu assud a fighting stance.
Xu Chunliang pretended to parry.
Su Qing laughed and said, "Stop it, why are you two behaving like little kids?"
Xu Chunliang said, "Haven’t you heard the saying, a man remains a boy till he dies?"
Su Qing said, "That saying is fundantally wrong. It gives n an excuse for any mistake."
Shu Yuanhang personally ca out to open the door, "Brother Wu, why are you so late?"
Wang Jinwu suddenly rembered the fresh fish and shrimp he brought from the farm and hurried back to get them.
Shu Yuanhang accompanied Xu Chunliang and the others upstairs first.
Shu Yuanhang had also heard about Xu Chunliang’s incident, "Chunliang, what did the hospital say about your situation?"
Xu Chunliang said, "What could they say? I didn’t fight in the hospital; it’s not under their jurisdiction."
The three of them took the elevator to the first-floor living room.
Gao Xinhua’s family and Xu Changshan’s family had already arrived. Zheng Peian and Gao Xinhua were in the kitchen, and Tong Guangsheng was chatting with the two old n.
Xiao Chuhong, Gao Xiaobai, Xu Jiawen, and Zhen Chun ford a table playing mahjong. Ruan Xingi and the maid were setting up the dining table, and in the courtyard, Tong Nianzu and Huang Zichun were playing with firecrackers.
Zhen Chun saw Su Qing and waved to her, "Sister Su Qing! Co help with my cards."
Su Qing smiled and went over.
Xu Chunliang greeted several elders and sat beside Tong Guangsheng, who said, "We were just talking about you, fighting without inviting ."
Xu Chunliang laughed and said, "Next ti, I’ll inform you first."
Everyone laughed together.
Tong Guangsheng said, "I just told Uncle Xu, if you’re unhappy at Changxing, you might as well co to our Xianhong Farm and partner with Wang Jinwu. He’s worried about not being able to handle everything."
Xu Chunliang smiled and said nothing.
Tong Guangsheng continued, "Don’t underestimate our Xianhong Farm. Working with us is no less profitable than Changxing. We have about a thousand employees in total."
Gao Xinhua ca out of the kitchen and said, "Old Tong, don’t worry about it, Chunliang already has a plan." Because Xu Chunliang had instructed him, he kept quiet about it.
Tong Guangsheng asked, "Where are you going?"
Xu Chunliang answered, "Still going to Weishan Island."
Tong Guangsheng nodded and said, "Good, Zhao Feiyang is wise. If he were to ss with you, I wouldn’t agree."
Shu Yuanhang said, "Chunliang’s abilities are evident, Zhao Feiyang is not blind."
Xu Chunliang said, "I’m temporarily leaving Changxing."
Everyone was taken aback.
Xu Chunliang had already completed all his paperwork, so there was no need to keep it a secret. He explained that he was seconded to Hu Shan Town as Deputy Mayor. His specific responsibilities have yet to be determined.
Wang Jinwu was carrying fish and shrimp when he overheard Xu Chunliang’s news of going to Hu Shan Town to serve as Deputy Mayor. He placed the fish and shrimp on the ground and extended his hand to Xu Chunliang, "Mayor Xu, on behalf of the people of Hu Shan Town, I welco you."
Xu Chunliang said, "Did you wash your hands?"
Tong Guangsheng laughed and said, "Then let’s consider this dinner as a welco feast for Mayor Xu."
Gao Xinhua said, "That won’t do; today’s the New Year’s Eve dinner! There should be a separate celebration to welco Mayor Xu."
Xu Chunliang said, "I’m on a secondnt, temporarily for three months, just a nominal Deputy Mayor, so don’t make fun of ."
Tong Guangsheng said, "The head of Hu Shan Town is Qin Zhengyang. Besides him, there are three deputy secretaries and five deputy mayors. You’re going to be the sixth one, not even counting those in the People’s Congress and the Disciplinary Committee."
Xu Chunliang laughed, "Seventeen leaders, and I’m going to be the last in line."
Gao Hong Hall said, "That’s exactly why there’s plenty of room for growth. If you were made the top leader right away, where’s the challenge?"
Xu Changshan said, "Old Gao is right." He didn’t care who’s in the leadership team of Hu Shan Town, to him, everyone else was just background; his precious grandson was the only main character.
After Su Qing went over to Zhen Chun, Zhen Chun seed to be on a roll, continuously winning at mahjong, and she kept squealing with joy.
Tong Guangsheng saw that everything was almost ready and called everyone to the table for dinner.
Before eating, the elders started handing out red envelopes to the juniors, with Tong Guangsheng’s being the biggest, giving ten thousand to each junior.
Gao Xiaobai seized the chance to whisper to Xu Chunliang, "Sorry about the other day, I caused you so trouble."
Xu Chunliang smiled, "What’s there to be polite about with the relationship between our families? In my heart, you’re like my sister."
"I’m older than you!"
On New Year’s Eve, the whole family gathered together.
Zhao Feiyang brought Pei Lin ho for dinner as well. Even though Zhao Daqiang didn’t like this daughter-in-law, he accepted her because she was pregnant.
Pei Lin behaved graciously and gently, making her mother-in-law very happy.
Zhao Daqiang had a few drinks and, slightly tipsy, took out a bank card, "Feiyang, Pei Lin, you’re getting married soon. Your mother and I discussed it, and this card has a million. It’s our savings over the years."
Pei Lin said, "Dad, we can’t take this money. Feiyang and I both have jobs, and our inco is decent..."
"Take it!" Zhao Daqiang placed the bank card in front of Pei Lin.
Zhao Feiyang gave Pei Lin a look, signaling her to accept it. His father’s decisions were always firm and unchangeable.
Pei Lin was touched, clearly seeing that the old man cared deeply for Zhao Feiyang, being outwardly cold but warm inside.
Zhao Daqiang said, "There are so things I shouldn’t say, but while everyone is here today, I still want to speak."
Zhao Feiyang said, "Dad, go ahead."
Zhao Daqiang said, "I co from a military background, spent my whole life as a soldier, dedicated my life to the revolution. In my life, I’ve bled for my country, carried a gun for the people. I can proudly say that I’ve lived up to my duties to the Party and the people, and honored my uniform."
He drank the wine in front of him in one shot, and Pei Lin quickly poured him another glass.
Zhao Daqiang looked at his son and said, "I’m getting old, not many years left to live. Your mom and I both have pensions. At our age, we’ve co to understand everything. How much money does one need in a lifeti? I think earning a lot of money isn’t important. What’s important is leaving sothing for our country and society."
Zhao Feiyang and Pei Lin nodded in agreent.
Zhao Daqiang said, "Feiyang, you’ve always had ideals and ambitions since you were young, unwilling to be outdone and eager to excel in everything. But everyone’s abilities are limited. If you keep focusing only on those above you and ignore what’s beneath you, you’re bound to stumble sooner or later."
Pei Lin defended Zhao Feiyang, "Dad, Feiyang has a good reputation in Changxing."
Zhao Feiyang gave her a glance, clearly chiding her for interrupting his father.
Zhao Daqiang said, "It doesn’t matter what you say, and it doesn’t matter what I say. He’s your husband, and he’s my son. We only see his good qualities and choose to ignore his shortcomings. Now that you’re heading Changxing Hospital, most of the people around you are sycophants. How do you know what the grassroots truly think?"
He paused and continued, "Judging your reputation will only be possible when you leave Changxing soday. If the staff give you a thumbs up, then you’ll have done a good job."
Zhao Feiyang said, "Dad, don’t worry, I will do my best with this job."
Zhao Daqiang turned to Pei Lin, "Pei Lin, I don’t know you well, but now that you’ve decided to join our family, you’re part of the Zhao Family, and I have a few things to say."
Pei Lin said, "Dad, feel free to speak, I’m listening."
Zhao Daqiang said, "I’ve heard rumors that Changxing has beco a joint venture between the two of you."
Pei Lin blushed and protested, "So people just can’t stand others doing well. Feiyang and I keep personal and professional matters separate."
Zhao Daqiang said, "Saying it’s easy, but doing it is hard. With both of you in the sa institution, one as the director and the other as the manager, how will others perceive it?"
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