Chapter 261: Being a Chef for Li Lao

Lu Yao brought in a cup of honey water, and said with concern, "My brother has it so hard; since his teens he's had to take care of me, a dead weight. He always silently bears everything, swallowing his own bitterness, shouldering his own difficulties, and I can't help at all!" Her voice trembled slightly, and tears swirled in her eyes.

Li Zimeng gently patted Lu Yao's hand back and comforted, "Yao Yao, don't think that way; your brother certainly doesn't feel like that, you are blood siblings! Rest assured, I'll take good care of him from now on!"

Lu Yao said firmly, "Sister‑in‑law, I believe you two will be happy! In the past my brother protected me, enduring hardship to raise me; from now on I will protect my brother, shield him from wind and rain, and let no harm come to him!"

The next day, sunlight streamed through the window into the room, and Lu Fan slowly woke up. He rubbed his eyes, stretched lazily, then gently pushed open the door and went to the living room. Seeing his sister busy making breakfast, he tiptoed to her side and whispered, "Did I misbehave after drinking last night?"

Lu Yao's eyes flashed with a hint of smile; she pursed her lips, shook her head and said, "I don't know, it's all because sister‑in‑law takes care of you!"

Lu Fan ran over to ask Li Zimeng again; Li Zimeng looked at him with gentle eyes and said, "You slept soundly, but you keep saying you want to marry me—does that still count?"

Lu Fan said awkwardly, "Of course it counts, I'm ready anytime!"

Li Zimeng smiled even brighter, "You act as if it's that difficult; to marry me you have to show your sincerity!"

"Absolutely, love is stronger than gold and can endure any test!"

The two looked at each other and smiled, their eyes full of deep affection and love.

On New Year's Eve, Lu Fan, following Yingjiang's custom, "drummed up" a huge feast—eight plates and eight bowls, and the family ate joyfully together.

Li Mingzhou enjoyed the atmosphere, but Lu Fan felt very uneasy. Imagine, having your superior stay in your home—can you be comfortable? You have to attend to them all the time!

On the first day of the New Year, Lu Fan as usual went to Han Xuyang's house to pay New Year calls, but Han Guishan learned that Li Mingzhou was spending the New Year at his home, and immediately sent Lu Fan back, taking gifts and bringing Han Xinpu to pay Li Mingzhou a New Year visit. The four senior gentlemen then had a splendid drink together, and the relationship between the two leaders grew much closer!

On the third day of the New Year, Lu Fan and Li Mingzhou went to Jingcheng, and Li Zimeng followed, saying she wanted to return to see her family.

Returning to the northern headquarters's alley, the surroundings were still so quiet, and Lu Fan still felt a bit nervous.

After entering, he found more people in the leader's home; through Li Mingzhou's introduction, Lu Fan met his younger brother Li Zijun, Deputy Director of the Development and Reform Commission; his sister‑in‑law Song Xiaotong, a Department Director at the Ministry of Finance; nephew Li Siwei, a businessman; and niece Li Zihan, who is in the entertainment industry.

The whole family examined Lu Fan, making him feel completely uneasy; after greeting everyone, he took the lamb to the kitchen to find some peace.

Second brother Li Zijun thought for a moment and asked, "Elder brother, I see him as plain‑looking and of average ability; I'm afraid he can't give Zimeng happiness!"

Wife Song Xiaotong added, "Indeed, elder brother, there are so many talented youths in Jingcheng; let me handle Zimeng's marriage, I guarantee to find her a match of equal status!"

The two juniors said nothing, and they weren't even allowed to speak up, because in their parents' eyes, both were wayward children, none of them entered politics.

Li Mingzhou's face showed displeasure as he said, "Zimeng's marriage should be decided by herself; no one may interfere!"

Li Lao spoke up, his voice angry, "Mingzhou is right; children have their own blessings, and no one may interfere with Mengmeng's marriage! Compared with ordinary people, you have more resources, yet you're still unsatisfied? Still want to rely on juniors to pull you? Do your own work well and you're unbeatable! I see that young man is quite good, decent yet flexible, with righteousness in his eyes!"

Li Zijun dared not rebut his father's words, sitting there properly.

Li Mingzhou added, "One cannot judge by appearance; Lu Fan is only 27 this year, already a Deputy Division Level substantive post, and his achievements are remarkable, having received two National Outstanding Educator titles. Promotion to a full Division Level is just a matter of time! How many can reach a full Division Level before 30, even in ministries? He is definitely among the best of his age group, I have great confidence in him!"

Younger sister‑in‑law Song Xiaotong quickly said, "A 27‑year‑old Deputy Division Level substantive post is indeed rare; elder brother's eye is certainly sharper than ours. As long as Mengmeng agrees, we support it!"

Li Siwei didn't like hearing this, but he was quite interested in Lu Fan, curious how Lu Fan won over that proud‑hearted little princess, so he ran to the kitchen to chat with Lu Fan.

Seeing Lu Fan deftly handling the lamb, Li Siwei asked, "Bro, where did you learn this skill?"

Lu Fan glanced back, kept busy, and said, "This is intangible cultural heritage, learned from an old craftsman; later I guarantee you'll think it's superb!"

"Sounds pretty mystical, but don't brag!" Li Siwei asked again, "After the meal, go out for some fun? Consider it my treat!"

Lu Fan laughed and declined, "I have a ticket for 8 p. m. tonight; I have to return to Yingjiang. Next time I come to Jingcheng, I'll treat you!"

"Lu Fan, are you now Deputy Secretary‑General of the Municipal Party Committee?"

"Hmm, thanks to Secretary Li's support!"

"Have you also served as Deputy County Chief?"

"Yes, I was Deputy County Chief in Ningyang."

"Also a township secretary? You're not old, yet your résumé is really rich—awesome!"

"Just a coincidence, but grassroots work does indeed toughen people."

"Few can catch Uncle's eye; you're the first subordinate he brought here for the New Year! Work hard, I have confidence in you!"

The two chatted here and there like that, gradually becoming familiar.

After more than three hours of bustling, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of meat; even Grandma Li came to "sniff", praising Lu Fan's cooking and looking forward to the lamb.

The elderly lady was kind, open‑minded, and also felt sorry for the motherless granddaughter, and was very pleased with Lu Fan, the capable young man.

A little after three o'clock, Lu Fan carried a big pot of fragrant lamb to the dining hall and also baked a few flatbreads.

Li Lao smelled the meat, his appetite surged; he filled a bowl, took a hot flatbread, ate heartily, and couldn't help praising, "Lu Fan, this skill is truly supreme, even more fragrant than the lamb served at state banquets!"

Lu Fan handed over chopped scallions and cilantro, smiling, "Try adding some of these, the flavor will be even better!"

Li Lao did so, then took two bites, laughed, "Indeed, the lamb is stewed just right, you can taste the meat!"

Seeing the old master and elder brother approve of Lu Fan, Li Zijun and Song Xiaotong were reluctant to be antagonistic, and their attitude toward Lu Fan changed. After all, they would still rely on the elder brother in the future; once Lu Fan and Zimeng marry, they become one family, making their own side relatives, and being resented by the elder brother's sole son‑in‑law would not be a good thing!

After the meal, Li Zihan pretended to help clear the table, wanting to show off, but Lu Fan "mercilessly" grabbed the task, making her think to herself, "What a great guy!"

After tidying up, Lu Fan offered a few auspicious words, then took his leave, saying he had to catch the 8 p. m. flight. Wu Xiaohua and Han Xinpu had prepared wine and dishes in Chang'an waiting!

Li Siwei voluntarily offered to see Lu Fan off to the airport, "escaping" from the grandfather's house.

On the way, Lu Fan asked, "Brother Li, which field does your enterprise engage in?"

Li Siwei replied casually, "I hold some shares in several listed companies, run some new‑energy and wind‑power projects myself; it's just passing time, can't compare with those big shots!"

Alright, indeed the levels are different, the realms too!

Li Siwei suddenly said, "Lu Fan, I really admire you. Don't be fooled by my sister's outward meekness; she's actually very stubborn, and ordinary people can never get into her good graces. So many talented youths in Jingcheng eye her hungrily, and I didn't expect you to win her over—you are truly awesome!"

Hearing that, Lu Fan felt as if struck by a thunderclap on a clear day, shocked beyond words! He stared wide‑eyed, looking incredulous, his mind in total chaos, completely stunned!

The amount of information was overwhelming; countless questions and thoughts swirled wildly in his mind. He tried to calm himself, needing time to digest it!

Li Zimeng is Li Siwei's sister? So she's Secretary Li Mingzhou's daughter? I'm actually dating the secretary's daughter? Their father and daughter are playing a game with me? Why on earth is this happening?

"Lu Fan, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Li Siwei asked.

"Oh, I'm fine, fine, just suddenly thought of a question and got lost in thought!"

"Next time you come to Jingcheng, tell me in advance, I'll take you to find some fun!"

Even after boarding the plane, Lu Fan's mind was still full of disbelief and confusion; he really wanted to call Li Zimeng to clarify, but the number never went through.

After the plane landed, Han Xinpu came to pick him up.

After arriving at the hotel, Lu Fan still looked absent‑minded.

Wu Xiaohua asked concernedly, "Lu Fan, did something happen? Speak up, brothers will help you think of ideas!"

Han Xinpu also said, "Since leaving the airport I've noticed you're off; did the Le family stir up trouble again?"

Lu Fan shook his head and said, "Brothers, I'm a bit dazed, my thoughts are in a mess, I don't know what to say!"

Wu Xiaohua said, "If you don't treat us as outsiders, speak up and let's discuss it."

After thinking, Lu Fan said with a grimace, "I've discovered my girlfriend seems to be the daughter of Secretary Li Mingzhou!"

"Ah?" Han Xinpu exclaimed in surprise, "You kid, you hide your talents well, you've got good taste, awesome!"

I didn't expect Wu Xiaohua to have it all figured out; she smiled and said, "That's just you being slow on the uptake—I suspected it long ago! Don't you wonder why the secretary stays at your place?"

Lu Fan asked doubtfully, "Then why would she hide it from me?"

Wu Xiaohua replied, "You ask me? Who should I ask? Do you really suspect the secretary and your girlfriend would harm you?"

"That, probably not!"

"Come on, please drop the 'probably'—you kid, you're blessed and don't even know it!"