Luo Chaosheng was taken aback by the woman in front of him, who appeared gentle on the outside but was strong on the inside. Her forceful questioning clearly told him, "Do you, a mere fly, even deserve to soar in the political arena?" It was simply a dream! His dazed mind instantly cleared up, and he suddenly realized that he had probably kicked a steel plate this time.
This was Tianyuan City, not their Hongxia County. In the county, he could confidently say that no one would dare not give him face, but in the city, he was just a drop in the ocean. The provincial capital was not a place where a mere deputy section-level cadre like him could maneuver!
He had come here at the invitation of Jiang Yunpeng to bolster his prestige. For him, this was a trivial matter, and besides, Jiang Yunpeng had been quite respectful and filial to him over the years.
He never expected that as soon as he opened his mouth, someone would dare to call him crazy! This made his blood boil. Even the seemingly gentle woman, who looked like a kitten, dared to ask for his police number and spoke condescendingly about the provincial department. This intimidated him. Having been in the political arena for a long time, he knew very well that those who spoke with confidence must have a strong background.
Although he was a figure in the Hongxia County Public Security System, to the provincial department, he was just a small fry. To put it bluntly, even the errand boys and clerks in the provincial department were of higher rank than him. If this matter were really reported to the provincial department, a single frown from a leader could ruin his future.
At this moment, his face was filled with regret, but he was even more annoyed with Jiang Yunpeng, thinking, "Why didn't you warn me that this girl was so difficult to deal with? Now, I'm in a bind, like Zhu Bajie looking in a mirror—neither inside nor out."
What should he do? He didn't dare to be tough, as this was the provincial capital, not Hongxia County. But he didn't know how to speak softly either.
The knocking on the door sounded again.
This knocking seemed to remind him of something, and he loudly said, "What are you knocking for? Can't you see we're drinking inside?"
As soon as he said this, the door opened. "Hehe, sorry to disturb everyone. I just came to pour some wine."
"Pour wine? Don't you know there's a proper order to things?" As Luo Chaosheng spoke, he was ready to vent his anger on the newcomer and then use this as an excuse to leave. But when he turned to look at the man, who spoke in a gentle tone, he was stunned.
"Captain Zhao, you... you're here?"
Zhao Congbin, who was usually very polite, had come to build a relationship with Cheng Jemin. Therefore, he was somewhat lenient with Captain Luo. Without even looking at him, he walked straight to Cheng Jemin, "Young brother, it's a rare chance to meet. Let's have a couple of drinks."
Although Cheng Jemin didn't know Zhao Congbin's position, he knew that someone who could follow Wu Daguang must be no ordinary person. Cheng Jemin, who was increasingly adept at human relations, understood that befriending those in power often had unexpected benefits.
Cheng Jemin, who had been through many drinking sessions with Chen Binsan, knew that Captain Zhao's attitude was already very respectful. He promptly drank three cups of wine with Zhao Congbin. Zhao Congbin laughed heartily, "Young brother, let's get together more often."
"Sure, it's a great honor to meet you, Captain Zhao."
Zhao Congbin patted Cheng Jemin's shoulder and his gaze fell on Gu Xixi. Cheng Jemin introduced her, "Captain Zhao, this is my girlfriend, Gu Xixi."
Zhao Congbin laughed, "Sister-in-law, I've already criticized Jemin. We're all brothers, so don't call me Captain. Since it's our first meeting, I don't have much to give you. How about this: when you get married, I'll provide a top-notch fleet of cars for you!"
Gu Xixi glanced quickly at Cheng Jemin and smiled happily.
Jiang Yunpeng watched the scene in shock. He had always thought that Cheng Jemin was just a small clerk in the Water Resources Department, but he never expected that Zhao Congbin, the head of the city traffic police, would be so polite to him.
This time, his father had invited Zhao Congbin to dinner. Although Zhao Congbin was very polite, Jiang Yunpeng could see that he always kept his distance, a cold and aloof demeanor. To put it bluntly, it was like rubbing a hot face against a cold buttock.
If he had offended Cheng Jemin, and Cheng Jemin said a word to Zhao Congbin, his business would be in trouble...
Just as Jiang Yunpeng was regretting his actions, Zhao Congbin came to his side with a bottle of wine, "Little Jiang, you and Jemin are friends, why didn't you say so earlier? Let's have a drink together!"
"Hehe, Captain Zhao, I just found out you two know each other. If I had known earlier, I would have dragged Jemin to see you long ago!"
Zhao Congbin laughed, "You're Jemin's friend, so you're my friend. Speak up if you need anything!"
After Zhao Congbin and the Chen Zhi couple had a drink, he left. His humble and polite attitude further demonstrated Cheng Jemin's status in his eyes.
"Director Cheng, I... I always talk too much. I didn't mean to offend you. Please don't take it to heart!" Luo Chaosheng shook Cheng Jemin's arm, speaking in a low and humble tone.
Even a big leader like Zhao Congbin was so polite to Cheng Jemin, and he had dared to grab him without restraint. Wasn't he asking for trouble? If Cheng Jemin held a grudge, even if he didn't go to a higher leader, Zhao Congbin alone could get him demoted.
Although apologizing was embarrassing, Luo Chaosheng had enjoyed the power and privileges of his position too much. He was already addicted to it and didn't want to return to his former destitute days. Therefore, the moment Zhao Congbin left, he decided to raise his glass high.
Cheng Jemin looked at Luo Chaosheng with disdain. He despised such people from the bottom of his heart. Therefore, he showed deep contempt for this chameleon's apology.
The room grew cold with Cheng Jemin's silence. The one who felt the coldest was, of course, Luo Chaosheng. He knew that if Cheng Jemin held a grudge, it would be very bad for him.
Who could help him save face? Jiang Yunpeng? Forget it. This guy wanted to compete for his girlfriend. Even if he asked Jiang Yunpeng to help, Cheng Jemin might turn around and give him an even harder time.
His gaze fell on his subordinate, Chen Zhi. He gave him a complicated look.
But the honest Chen Zhi didn't notice his leader's expression. He was still immersed in the words of encouragement from Captain Zhao. However, his wife, Cheng Yancui, did notice.
Cheng Yancui was more astute than Chen Zhi. She understood Luo Chaosheng's meaning immediately. She smiled and said, "Xixi, Captain Luo likes to joke when he drinks. I think... I think you two should... give Captain Luo a chance, let it go?"
Gu Xixi frowned. Although she disliked Luo Chaosheng, if she made a big deal out of such a small matter, it would make her seem petty.
"Jemin, I think..." Gu Xixi's words were cut off as Cheng Jemin stood up and smiled, "It's a small matter, just a word and it's over. I think Captain Luo should drink another large cup."
"Haha, Director Cheng is absolutely right. I'll drink first!" Without a second thought, Luo Chaosheng grabbed a cup of wine and drank it down.
"You're really mean. One cup of wine, and his stomach will probably be churning!" At the entrance of the provincial government, Gu Xixi looked at Cheng Jemin with a smile, her face flushed from the alcohol.
Cheng Jemin reached out and held Gu Xixi's hand, saying mischievously, "Some people, the more polite you are to them, the more they take you for granted. You have to be either tolerant or ruthless. If he puts his face in front of you, you have to give him a good slap to teach him a lesson. It's good for his growth!"
"You're really mean!" Gu Xixi playfully poked Cheng Jemin's chest.
Looking at the beautiful Gu Xixi, Cheng Jemin had an urge to embrace her. But this was the entrance of the provincial government, and even if he wanted to, Gu Xixi wouldn't agree.
"Peck," Gu Xixi playfully tiptoed and kissed him, then ran away. Cheng Jemin touched the faint kiss mark on his face and couldn't help but smile. The way Gu Xixi stood up for him and spoke confidently to Luo Chaosheng filled his heart with warmth.
On the way back to the Water Resources Department, Cheng Jemin's mind was still on the dinner. When he left, Jiang Yunpeng had been very polite to him. Cheng Yancui and Zhang Zhi had also looked at him with flattering eyes.
This feeling was very gratifying, but his rational side told him that the reason he received such treatment today was mainly because of Wu Daguang's favor. If it weren't for Wu Daguang, he would have lost a lot of face today.
But this kind of favor wouldn't last forever. Although Jiang Yunpeng had given up on Gu Xixi, his father was the boss of a transportation company in the county, earning hundreds of thousands of yuan a month, while he himself only earned a few hundred yuan a month.
Although he had the upper hand this time, fundamentally, he was still not as good as Jiang Yunpeng. After all, Jiang Yunpeng's power came from himself.
"One day, I will have the confidence that no one can look down on me!" Cheng Jemin, with a hint of alcohol in his system, was filled with determination.
PS: Thank you all for your support. The success of the anti-explosion has made us number one. Xiao Mao is extremely grateful!