Chapter 625: Li Ming Disagrees

Meeting with the boss of Zaocheng Mining Group,

This is someone I really wanted to meet.

Having a direct meeting and discussion with such a person.

There are many resources that we can all make use of mutually.

After all, our Qi He Kuang still needs to rely on Zaocheng Mining Group for its livelihood.

I don't know what else to say,

I can only gladly say: "Thank you, Tian Shi, for giving me this opportunity and letting me meet such senior people."

"Alright, Jianqiang, don't say that. Do we really need to be so formal? I have a meeting at noon, so I won't keep you for a meal.

Tomorrow at nine o'clock, at Xin Cheng's Reception Center, we'll meet on time." Tian Shi extended his hand.

I shook hands with Tian Shi,

"Tian Shi, okay, I'll be there on time tomorrow."

After I left Tian Shi's office, Xiao Long happened to come over holding some documents.

"Sir, don't leave; I'd like to treat you to a meal at noon," Xiao Long said.

"How come you're getting paid," I laughed.

"Yes, Sir. Could you give me this opportunity?" Xiao Long asked.

"Alright, then let's go to a farmhouse restaurant in Xin Cheng; by the way, invite Fang Rui." I told Xiao Long.

Xiao Long nodded, then took the documents and delivered them to Tian Shi.

I had originally planned to return to the hotel and have a meal with Yang Tao.

But Xiao Long said,

He wants to treat me to a meal.

Giving the kid a chance, the two of us grandfathers haven't chatted in a long time.

Soon it was noon,

I waited at the restaurant for Xiao Long and Fang Rui.

In a short while, Xiao Long came in with Fang Rui.

After Fang Rui saw me,

He immediately smiled and said, "Sir, you're hungry, sorry to keep you waiting."

I smiled,

"It's fine, I just ate a pork knuckle. Sit down quickly, you're hungry, right? Look at the dishes I ordered, okay? If you want something else, order it yourself."

Fang Rui and Xiao Long sat down together.

Xiao Long glanced at the dishes on the table,

"Sir, it's fine, these dishes are quite tough. I'm not sure if my salary will cover the bill."

"Look, it's my first time treating you to a meal, I'm reluctant to spend, still not enough, I'll pay the bill," Fang Rui said to Xiao Long.

"It's my first month on the job, I didn't have full attendance, so my pay is low," Xiao Long said, scratching his head.

"Sit down, we're having a meal together; don't argue over this," I laughed.

Fang Rui and Xiao Long sat down.

I looked at Xiao Long,

"Xiao Long, have a drink."

Xiao Long shook his head,

"Sir, I have to drive Tian Shi out this afternoon. I can't drink."

I nodded,

"Very good, drink when you should, and never drink when you shouldn't.

Leadership's safety comes first when going out. Also, with the current crackdown on drunk driving, if you get caught, how will they view Tian Shi?

From now on, when you follow Tian Shi, be cautious in everything, be more meticulous, and think ahead for the leadership.

Xiao Long, you're excellent; I have high hopes for you."

"Sir, don't praise him, or he'll become arrogant," Fang Rui said beside me.

I asked the waiter to bring rice and steamed buns,

I took a bun and began eating,

then said, "Fang Rui, how is your aunt's health, and when can she be discharged home?"

"Sir, my aunt's treatment isn't finished yet; it requires at least three courses to be effective. This illness is very hard to cure. In the short term, no effect can be seen."

If she's discharged home, I think the home environment is unclean, and my aunt's body is most prone to infection.

Therefore, we need to wait for a period before saying anything." Fang Rui said seriously.

"Fang Rui, you've worked hard; I sincerely thank you for taking good care of your aunt, you've saved me a lot of worry."

"Sir, you're too polite. The work I do was arranged by you; I should thank you the most," Fang Rui said, smiling at me.

"We're all family, no need for polite words. Xiao Long, your father is out now; he's already working at Da Heng Group. Have you met him?" I asked Xiao Long.

"I've seen him, when we were renovating a house. Let's not talk about him." Xiao Long said, looking displeased.

"What's wrong? Your father has no issues now, he's not causing trouble, why are you still angry at him?" I said.

"Sir, you don't know how aggravating my father is.

I let him return to Niushiling to see my grandmother,

but he actually didn't want to go back,

He said he wants to return home in splendor.

It's not time to go back yet. Going back would make the villagers laugh. Elder, what kind of words is that?

My father is too vain.

"He didn't use to be like this," Xiao Long sighed.

Listening to Xiao Long's sigh,

my heart was a tangled mix of feelings,

Li Ming hasn't moved on yet, still can't figure it out? Good grief.

Reality has already slapped you in the face, yet you still don't accept it?

I could only say to Xiao Long, "Alright, let's eat.

Your father needs time,

have you gone back to see your grandmother?"

"Fang Rui and I only went back yesterday. By the way, Elder, the house is already far along, it needs renovation.

Once it's renovated we can move in, and it's still comfortable in the countryside villa.

Just looking at it feels spacious. It's much better than the city buildings," Xiao Long said.

"Alright then, this house was also built for you.

As long as Fang Rui agrees, consider it your new home," I said.

"Elder, I have no objection. It's just that commuting to Xin Cheng for work is inconvenient," Fang Rui said.

"Yes, how about this: you must have a house in the city. I originally planned to give Xiao Long a unit, but that kid's pride is too strong, so I must buy him a new house.

Fine, I support Xiao Long.

Let him work hard in Xin Cheng to fight for a house for you.

You two can get married first; your grandmother is already anxious.

The countryside villa, you can go back to stay during off days.

Xiao Long didn't respond to my words, just lowered his head and ate.

Fang Rui also remained silent.

Is there anything going on here?

Since we don't drink alcohol,

the meal is quick.

In no time we were full.

Xiao Long went to settle the bill.

After paying, Xiao Long took out a cigarette,

handed it to me,

then said, "Elder, let's step outside to smoke. Fang Rui, you wait for us a moment."

Fang Rui nodded.

Xiao Long and I walked to a shade of a tree outside the restaurant and started smoking.

After just two puffs, Xiao Long looked at me and said, "Elder, my father doesn't approve of the matter between me and Fang Rui."

I felt a bit nervous upon hearing that.

I hurriedly asked, "Does your father know about Fang Rui's background?"

Xiao Long shook his head,

"He thinks Fang Rui is an orphan, has no family."

He wants me to find someone with a better family,

especially after I passed the civil service exam,

he also opposes any feelings between me and Fang Rui.

He has already asked someone to introduce me to Bureau Chief Cui's daughter.

I was angry and had an argument with him.

"Elder, my father is too worldly.

Fang Rui and I are like‑minded, but he insists on cutting me off from Fang Rui.

What would you call this?"

Looking at Xiao Long's angry expression.

I can imagine how Li Ming talked with Xiao Long.

Li Ming still thinks Xiao Long is the old Xiao Long, and would listen to him about everything.

"Xiao Long, I can understand your father's feelings.

He wants me to find a leader's daughter, which could further advance me.

You should know marriage is also a way to change one's destiny," I said, taking a drag.

"Elder, you mean I should listen to my father and let go of Fang Rui?" Xiao Long asked directly.

"I don't mean that. Xiao Long, what I'm saying is, your father, from his perspective, is not wrong. Your feelings are not wrong either. Neither of you is at fault,

you need communication between you.

Alright then, I will talk to your father about you and Fang Rui, striving for both of your opinions to align," I said.