Chapter 633: Influence

In the conference room of the administration building, gazes fell one after another upon Zhang Zhang Zhang Zhang Qingguo.

Liu Xiaozhang Liu Zengyin asked anxiously, "Zhang Zhang Zhang Qingguo, how is it? Do you know him?"

Zhang Zhang Zhang Zhang Qingguo's lips trembled; after a long pause, he struggled to speak: "I know him. I only just saw him yesterday."

Hearing this, Liu Liu Zengyin and the others instantly breathed a sigh of relief.

"That's good! That's good!" Liu Liu Zengyin exhaled deeply, as if grasping a lifesaving straw. "Since you know him, handling this will be much easier!"

"What background does this student actually have? How could he prompt our mayor to make a personal trip?"

"It's unclear. The message sent by the county committee was very brief, with no other details."

Liu Liu Zengyin patted Zhang Zhang Zhang Zhang Qingguo on the shoulder and said with solemn gravity:

"Zhang Zhang Zhang Qingguo! Explain the situation with this student in detail. You should have his contact information, right? By whatever means necessary, we must settle this matter today! Whether the school can seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and leave a good impression on the city leadership depends entirely on you!"

An important alumnus specifically named by the mayor was not on the list of specially invited guests; this was already an indisputable major error on the part of the school administration.

Immediate remediation was now essential!

Zhang Zhang Zhang Zhang Qingguo suddenly shivered, snapping back to his senses.

Sticky cold sweat instantly rolled down the back of his shirt.

An incomprehensible sense of absurdity, coupled with the terror of having committed an unforgivable catastrophe, instantly overwhelmed him completely.

He opened his mouth, yet for a moment did not know what to say.

Just last night, he had personally decided to remove Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning and Tang Song from the guest seats, reassigning them to the general observation area.

Furthermore, he had used this as grounds to cancel Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning's speech as the alumni representative.

His reason for doing so at the time was merely to free up seats to curry favor with Li Li Yunfan, who had suddenly decided to attend.

But now, the inconspicuous Tang Song, whom he had casually kicked aside, had turned out to be the "true deity" the mayor specifically demanded to meet.

If the other party merely mentioned him casually to the mayor tomorrow,

then his career as vice principal would essentially be at an end.

Seeing Zhang Zhang Zhang Zhang Qingguo remain silent for so long, looking utterly distraught as if the sky had collapsed,

the others also began to sense something was wrong.

Liu Xiaozhang Liu Zengyin's expression instantly became extremely grave: "Zhang Zhang Zhang Qingguo, what exactly is going on?!"

Zhang Zhang Zhang Zhang Qingguo took a deep breath and with great difficulty recounted everything that had happened the previous night in the banquet hall of Zhende Grand Hotel, along with his own "impressions" of Tang Song and his subsequent decision to revoke Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning's speaking qualifications, laying it all out plainly.

As a cadre who had struggled within the system for many years, he understood clearly:

Once a variable at the level of the mayor entered the picture, this matter had completely exceeded the scope of what he could handle.

? cO

As he spoke, the atmosphere in the entire office instantly dropped to freezing point.

Several school leaders looked at each other in dismay, each seeing unmistakable shock in the other's eyes.

Liu Liu Zengyin felt the world spinning; he slammed his right hand fiercely on the table, trembling with rage: "You—you—you! What am I supposed to say about you!"

Just moments ago on the phone, Director Chen of the Education Bureau had repeatedly emphasized "highest specifications, utmost sincerity."

Yet here they were, having gone and offended the very person of interest!

If this matter was not handled properly, far from leaving a good impression, the professional futures of all of them would suffer tremendous impact.

Zhang Zhang Zhang Zhang Qingguo, sweating profusely, admitted, "This was indeed my lack of thorough consideration."

"Principal, now is not the time to assign blame," another vice principal hurriedly stepped forward to advise. "The most urgent task is to quickly devise a way to remedy the situation."

"Yes, yes! Remedy it!" Zhang Zhang Zhang Zhang Qingguo, as if grasping a lifesaving straw, immediately said, "I'll call Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning and Tang Song right now! I'll apologize in person!"

Saying this, he fumbled to pick up the roster from the desk, found Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning's number, and dialed immediately.

Since Tang Song was merely someone "brought along" by Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning, the school had not retained any contact information for him, nor recorded any professional details.

Therefore, the only breakthrough point available now was Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning.

"Beep... beep... beep..."

The phone rang for quite a while until it was automatically disconnected, never answered.

Zhang Zhang Zhang Zhang Qingguo's face instantly turned deathly pale.

Seeing him so utterly at a loss, Liu Xiaozhang Liu Zengyin's expression grew even more gloomy.

He suddenly slapped his thigh, pointed at Zhang Zhang Zhang Zhang Qingguo, and said in an urgent, forceful tone: "Immediately contact their homeroom teacher from back then, Li Laoshi Li Gaisu, and have her make the contact!"

Zhang Zhang Zhang Zhang Qingguo suddenly realized, and hurriedly picked up his mobile phone again.

"Old Wang!" Liu Liu Zengyin then said to another vice principal, "Go immediately to the reception desk and readjust the guest seats on the main podium for tomorrow. No matter what, you must reserve the two best spots for me!"

"Understood, Principal!"

Liu Liu Zengyin grabbed his briefcase and mobile phone, saying in a low, heavy voice: "I am going immediately to the county committee to report the situation to the leadership in person. This matter is too significant; it is no longer something our school can bear alone."

As he walked, he had already dialed Director Chen of the County Education Bureau.

"Hello, Director Chen. There is an urgent situation I must report to you immediately—"

With these calls being made one after another,

information began to travel rapidly up and down the chain of power.

The entire administrative system of Jingxian began to operate at high speed on this ordinary weekend.

Kuangjian Community.

Inside the bathroom, steam filled the air, coating the frosted glass door with a layer of hazy mist.

Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning leaned weakly against the warm tiled wall, allowing Tang Song to hold her as he used the showerhead to rinse the sticky sweat from her body.

This morning, she had truly seen it all.

She had never imagined there could be so many delights between a man and a woman,

and this fellow Tang Song was clearly well-trained by Wen Wen Wen Ruan; his various little tricks left her with no strength to resist at all.

In the end, he had dragged her straight into the bathroom.

This was their first time bathing together.

And it was in her own bathroom at that.

For her, this experience was both shameful and filled with an indescribable thrill.

That set of blue-and-white school uniforms, which had carried their entire youth, was already soaking wet, tossed into the washing machine in the corner, spinning quietly.

"Alright, Liu Liu Liu Qingning." Tang Song turned off the water, picked up a bath towel, and carefully wrapped her curvy, water-beaded body. "Let's go to my place for lunch at noon. My parents have already made arrangements; they've prepared your favorite sweet and sour pork ribs."

His voice sounded exceptionally gentle.

"How would I have any strength left to eat! It's all your fault!" Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning tapped his chest lightly yet firmly.

Blushing and keeping her head down, she was supported by Tang Song as they returned to the bedroom.

Then, like a frightened little rabbit, she pushed him out the door and slammed it shut with a "bang."

Only then did Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning finally let out a long sigh of relief. Looking at her reflection in the mirror—her whole body glowing pink, her eyes misty with moisture—

her cheeks burned hot once again.

After adjusting her mood, getting dressed, and blow-drying her hair, she picked up her phone, preparing to call her parents.

She wanted to ask about their driving situation.

The moment she unlocked the screen, she saw five missed calls lying prominently on the display.

There were unknown numbers, and also one from her homeroom teacher, Li Li Gaisu.

The corner of Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning's eye twitched imperceptibly;

with her ice-like intelligence, she guessed what the matter was almost instantly.

Walking out of the bedroom into the living room,

she waved her phone at Tang Song. "The school must have learned about Mayor Li's matter and is frantically calling me. What do you say I should do?"

"Whatever you like," Tang Song smiled.

Having received "authorization," Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning paused for a moment, found Li Li Gaisu's number, and dialed.

The phone was answered almost immediately.

"Hello? Liu Liu Liu Qingning! You've finally called back!" On the other end came Li Laoshi's voice, clearly relieved yet urgent.

"Li Laoshi, is there some urgent matter?"

"Just now, the school leadership called me, saying there was a major error in the school's previous arrangements. Everything has now been completely readjusted. Two seats on the main podium have been reserved for you and Tang Song. The previous speech arrangement is also restored—"

Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning listened quietly, merely responding with an occasional "mm," without interrupting.

Only after Li Laoshi finished did she smile and say, "Thank you, Li Laoshi. However, let's forget about the speech. I think it would be better to sit quietly below as ordinary alumni and offer our blessings to our alma mater, rather than going on stage to steal the spotlight from the leaders and distinguished alumni."

Both she and Tang Song held deep affection for their alma mater and would never truly cause a scene at such an anniversary celebration.

But being targeted was being targeted; a small, harmless bit of "retaliation" could still make them feel better.

"Th-this won't do," Li Li Gaisu tried to persuade her further, her tone full of anxiety.

Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning, however, smiled and cut her off directly: "Li Laoshi, it's really fine. Please don't put yourself in a difficult position; just tell the school directly."

"Sigh, very well then." Li Li Gaisu knew she couldn't persuade her, then added cautiously, "By the way, Liu Liu Liu Qingning, our Liu Xiaozhang wishes to call Tang Song personally to apologize in person and also discuss the specific reception arrangements for tomorrow. Would it be convenient for you to send me Tang Song's phone number?"

Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning glanced at Tang Song. "Alright, please wait a moment."

After hanging up and informing Tang Song, she sent over the phone number.

Soon, the mobile phone rang.

Tang Song answered, his tone calm: "Hello."

"Hello, Liu Xiaozhang."

"It's quite alright, Liu Xiaozhang. My return this time is also to celebrate my alma mater's birthday. As alumni, we respect whatever arrangements the school makes."

"Mm, mm, alright. Goodbye."

Hanging up the phone, Tang Song shrugged and smiled: "It seems our school's leadership was thoroughly frightened."

Liu Xiaozhang Liu Zengyin has served for many years; he was already the top leader when Tang Song was in high school.

In his memory, this principal was always stern and unsmiling, his voice booming with authority, radiating the dignity of a superior.

Yet now, over the phone, his voice sounded almost humble, every word chosen with extreme care, as if terrified of misspeaking even half a character.

This huge contrast left him with a strange feeling in his heart.

Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning chuckled along and said, "Time for dinner, right? Don't keep your parents waiting too long."

"Didn't you say you had no strength left?"

"You rascal!" Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning lightly kicked Tang Song's calf, pouted, and said, "Go, pack my bag for me; I need to touch up my makeup."

Laughing and teasing, they tidied up; after Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning sent a message to her parents, she took Tang Song's hand and walked out the door.

Ten minutes later, the Rolls-Royce Phantom came to a steady stop in the underground garage of Zhang Yunjing Tai.

They took the elevator straight up to the fifth floor.

The moment the door opened, a rich aroma of cooked food wafted toward them.

Xu Feng and Tang Tang Tang Jianying, who had been waiting for some time, broke into wide smiles the instant they saw the two enter.

"Oh, Liu Liu Liu Qingning is here!"

"Uncle, Auntie, sorry to disturb you."

"What polite talk is this! Come in, come in quickly; the dishes are freshly prepared, we were just waiting for you!"

The dining table was laden with an abundant spread of home-cooked meals.

Sweet-and-sour pork ribs, steamed sea bass, and braised prawns—all of Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning's favorites.

The four of them sat together, the atmosphere warm and lively.

Xu Feng kept placing food on Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning's plate, asking after her well-being with such obvious affection and approval that it nearly overflowed.

The meal was thoroughly enjoyable.

Afterward, Tang Tang Tang Jianying voluntarily took on the heavy task of washing the dishes, while Xu Feng pulled Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning over to sit with Tang Song.

Seated on the living room sofa, they watched television while chatting about everyday matters.

Just then—

"Ding-dong—"

The video doorbell on the wall suddenly lit up.

Xu Feng stood up, walked over, glanced at the screen, pressed the unlock button, and called out toward the kitchen: "Old Tang, it's Tang Tang Maolin and his wife."

"Oh, oh, I'll go down to the elevator lobby to meet them," Tang Tang Tang Jianying replied, quickly wiping the water from his hands and hurrying outside.

Xu Feng smiled, sat back down beside Tang Song, and explained: "Your Uncle Tang Tang Maolin has been visiting our home frequently lately. Hearing you're back, he's probably coming to see you again. Come to think of it, thanks to your Uncle Tang Tang Maolin's help behind the scenes, your grandparents' house in our hometown was renovated so quickly, and that little conflict at your fourth uncle's place was resolved."

Tang Song pressed his lips together in a faint smile, suddenly understanding.

Last time, through Xie Yue of Handing Group, he had helped his parents secure this apartment, thereby demonstrating his capabilities.

For a clan uncle like Tang Tang Maolin, who had been immersed in the system for many years, it was only natural to know what actions to take.

Moreover, with his assistance, his parents' status within the family had indeed risen considerably.

After waiting two or three minutes, the door opened.

Amid a flurry of warm greetings, Tang Tang Tang Maolin and Li Li Li Qiaoling entered, carrying a case of milk and some fruit, their posture meticulously proper.

"Uncle Tang Tang Maolin, Auntie Li Li Qiaoling," Tang Song said politely, rising from the sofa to greet them.

Tang Tang Tang Maolin immediately beamed, quickening his steps forward: "Ah, haven't seen you in a few months; Xiao Song looks even more spirited!"

"That he does," Li Li Li Qiaoling added, her face wearing an expression of extreme warmth. Her gaze shifted, landing on Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning beside Tang Song. "Oh my, Xiao Song, who is this?"

Xu Feng proudly introduced: "This is Xiao Song's girlfriend, Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning."

"Oh my! When did you get a girlfriend? You kept it so secret!" Li Li Li Qiaoling immediately adopted the affectionate demeanor of an elder, stepping forward to take Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning's hand. Her shrewd eyes scanned her from head to toe as she clicked her tongue in praise: "This girl is truly beautiful! That skin, that figure—just like a star on television!"

Xu Feng casually added: "Tang Tang Jianying and I only just found out ourselves. The two were high school classmates, and Liu Liu Liu Qingning was actually the top scorer in the county college entrance exam for our graduating class!"

"Top scorer in the college entrance exam?! Oh my goodness! No wonder she stands out so much!" Li Li Li Qiaoling's voice instantly rose several notches.

Flustered by this back-and-forth, fiery praise, Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning's cheeks flushed slightly with shyness.

However, having seen grand occasions before, she quickly recovered, engaging the two "future relatives" in conversation with ease and grace.

For a moment, the living room was filled with laughter and cheerful chatter.

Li Li Li Qiaoling fully utilized her talent as a "supportive hype-person," whipping the atmosphere into a fervor.

Tang Tang Tang Maolin, meanwhile, mostly sat aside with a smile, occasionally interjecting a few words, though his gaze frequently rested on Tang Song.

After three rounds of tea, when the atmosphere had been sufficiently primed—

Tang Tang Tang Maolin seemed to finally make up his mind.

He personally picked up the teapot to refill the cup before Tang Song, adopting an extremely humble posture.

Clearing his throat, he spoke in a tone that feigned casual chat: "Um... Xiao Song, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

The laughter in the living room gradually subsided.

Putting down the tangerine in his hand, Tang Song said gently, "Uncle Tang Tang Maolin, please just speak your mind directly."

Encouraged, Tang Tang Tang Maolin rubbed his hands together, a look of slight embarrassment on his face.

Speaking cautiously, he began: "Here's the situation. I've been working in my unit for nearly twenty years. Recently, an opportunity arose within the bureau. One of our deputy directors is about to retire, leaving that position vacant, and I wish to contend for it."

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire living room fell silent.

Xu Feng and Tang Tang Tang Jianying exchanged bewildered glances.

They never expected that such a major matter would involve seeking help from their own son.

They had originally assumed that Tang Tang Tang Maolin and his wife were coming over merely to secure some construction projects or borrow some money.

Tang Song's eyebrows lifted slightly; he quickly realized the situation.

Excluding himself, Tang Tang Tang Maolin was the most successful member of their family.

He currently worked at the Jingxian Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau; according to his father, his rank was deputy section level, serving as the head of a specific office.

While the Deputy Director of the Housing Bureau was also at the deputy section level, meaning it was technically a lateral move in rank—

his identity would shift from a "middle-level cadre" to a "member of the bureau's leadership team," representing a qualitative leap.

Presumably, because this opportunity was so rare, Uncle Tang Tang Maolin had thickened his skin to make this request.

Seeing Tang Song remain silent, Tang Tang Tang Maolin, fearing an awkward pause, quickly added:

"Of course, Uncle doesn't mean to put you in a difficult position. It's just that knowing you've become successful and are now the most accomplished in our family, I wanted to see if you knew anyone with connections. If not, that's perfectly fine; I was just asking presumptuously."

"As you know, in the system, relying solely on seniority and hard work isn't enough."

"My network of relationships here in the county is fairly solid, but there are many competitors, all watching closely."

"At the critical moment, it might come down to just that one final push."

Finishing his sentence, he looked at Tang Song with anticipation and anxiety, unconsciously holding his breath.

The business domains and resources managed by a "Deputy Director" were far beyond what a section chief could compare to.

He had endured for so many years; finally, an opportunity had arisen.

Originally, he had been hesitating, planning to find a suitable moment in the next couple of days to call Tang Song and test the waters.

After all, as someone acquainted with the heir of Handing Group, Tang Song was a "big shot," and truly the "real dragon" that had flown out from the Tang family.

If he possessed connections in this area, even a mere mention could alter the outcome of this competition.

The atmosphere in the living room became somewhat quiet for a moment.

Looking at his clan uncle before him, Tang Song pondered briefly before saying, "Alright. Here's the plan, Uncle Tang Tang Maolin: I've noted this matter. Rest assured, we are family; if I can help, I certainly will."

After all, his parents would continue living in Jingxian, and the family needed someone like Tang Tang Tang Maolin, who could speak with authority within the system, to look after them.

"Ah! Good! Good!" Tang Tang Tang Maolin, excited, lifted his teacup: "Xiao Song, Uncle toasts you!"

Regardless of the outcome, Tang Song's promise to help meant there was now a chance.

"Clink~" The porcelain cups touched.

Tang Song had just set down his teacup when—

"Ring-ring—"

The mobile phone on the coffee table suddenly rang.

【Liu Xiaozhang Liu Zengyin】

Tang Song picked up the phone and answered, "Hello, Liu Xiaozhang."

From the other end came Liu Liu Zengyin's exceedingly polite voice: "Student Tang Song, apologies for disturbing you again. Here's the situation: regarding tomorrow's reception arrangements for Mayor Li's visit and guidance, the county committee leadership attaches great importance to this and feels somewhat uneasy. They wish to meet with you in person before the school anniversary begins to discuss the specific procedures, and also—pay a visit to your parents. Would now be convenient?"

Tang Song's eyebrows lifted imperceptibly; he instinctively glanced at Tang Tang Tang Maolin, who was sitting upright beside him.

This coincidence was truly remarkable.

"That works; thank you all for making the trip."

"No trouble at all, no trouble! Very well, we have already departed from the county committee and will arrive at Zhang Yunjing Tai shortly."

"Mm, alright, goodbye."

He hung up the phone.

After hanging up, Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning leaned over and asked softly, "Is Liu Xiaozhang coming over?"

Tang Song blinked and whispered, "Mm, probably afraid I'll 'drop the ball' tomorrow; not feeling reassured, so they must come in person for a 'rehearsal'."

Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning covered her mouth and chuckled lightly.

She naturally understood that this was merely a pretext for the county leaders to make early contact and show goodwill.

Hearing their conversation, Tang Tang Tang Maolin first froze, then asked with a face full of astonishment: "Liu Xiaozhang? Do you mean Liu Xiaozhang Liu Zengyin from our No. 1 High School? He's coming over?"

"Mm." Tang Song nodded. "Tomorrow is the school anniversary; Liu Xiaozhang is likely coming to discuss a few matters."

"Heh, you're right." Tang Tang Tang Maolin immediately resumed the demeanor of a senior insider, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "Tang Song, you're now an outstanding alumnus; it's only proper for the principal to visit personally. As it happens, I've met Liu Xiaozhang a few times before. I'll accompany you to receive them shortly."

Tang Song smiled slightly but said nothing more.

Upon hearing that "the principal is coming to the house," Xu Feng and Tang Tang Tang Jianying beside them immediately sprang into anxious action, tidying the coffee table and preparing fresh fruit.

Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning also rose with a smile and offered her help proactively.

Not long after, Tang Song's phone rang again.

It was Liu Xiaozhang, saying they were about to enter the residential compound.

Tang Tang Tang Jianying and Xu Feng immediately began putting on their shoes. "I must go down to meet them. This is your school principal; it's a major occasion."

"Yes, yes, let's all go together." Tang Tang Tang Maolin also stood up to follow.

In a small place like Jing County, where education and the system are held in such high esteem, the principal of No. 1 High School is far more than a simple educator.

Wielding the county's finest educational resources, their social status and latent influence are in no way inferior to the head of a powerful department. Seeing this, Tang Song had no choice but to take Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning's hand and follow everyone downstairs.

Yet, this was indeed the right thing to do.

After all, the principal of their alma mater was visiting personally, accompanied by county leaders.

Failing to go down and welcome them would be indefensible both emotionally and logically.

On this early winter afternoon, the warm sun shone brightly.

The group had just stepped out of the unit entrance and hadn't even had time to steady themselves when—

Several black executive sedans drove up, pulling over one after another in front of Building 8.

Xu Feng and Tang Tang Tang Jianying's hearts skipped a beat; it seemed quite a contingent had arrived.

The smile on Tang Tang Tang Maolin's face instantly froze. He blinked hard, thinking he must be seeing things.

How could these be official vehicles of the County Committee?!

Having worked within the system for many years, he knew these sensitive license plate numbers by heart.

Just as he stood stunned, a car door opened.

His heart leaped.

The first person to step out was not Liu Xiaozhang Liu Zengyin as he had expected, but Wang Li Wei, Director of the County Committee Office.

Following him were Liu Ziqian, Head of the County Propaganda Department, and Chen Weiming, Director of the County Education Bureau—one after another, all "renowned" leaders.

The expression on Tang Tang Tang Maolin's face became extraordinarily complex.

Immediately after, another figure descended from the vehicle.

A tremendous "boom" echoed in Tang Tang Tang Maolin's mind, as if struck on the spot by a bolt of lightning.

He stood there dumbfounded, his mouth falling open involuntarily.

County Committee Secretary Zhang Chengming?!

What exactly is going on? Are they convening a Standing Committee meeting?