Chapter 527: New Year Greetings

In the evening, after returning home, Lu Fan called his younger sister into the study to talk.

Gazing at the prosperous yet noisy world outside the window, Lu Fan felt moved; without realizing it, he had already worked for over a decade, unable to escape worldly turmoil by traveling north, south, east, or west; joys and separations could not portray human warmth; music, chess, calligraphy, and painting could not depict all worldly prosperity; brush, ink, paper, and inkstone could not record all earthly hardships; rivers, lakes, and seas could not fill private desires; happiness, anger, sorrow, and joy could not express the world's cold and warmth!

Once thought insurmountable obstacles and unbearable pressure have now become experience and lessons. What is the meaning of life? Is it the glory and satisfaction brought by success and fame? Or perhaps the sense of achievement from pursuing dreams and surpassing oneself? Or the warmth and happiness given by family harmony?

Life inherently has no fixed answer; each person has their own unique way of interpreting it, but cherishing what one presently possesses is undoubtedly the most important!

"Yao Yao, brother hopes you live a lifetime of joy, peace, and happiness! Brother now fully has the ability to protect you; from now on, brother will grow ever stronger, and you must live for yourself!"

Lu Yao earnestly replied: "Brother, the path you walk is filled with hardship and peril, treacherous and unpredictable; the higher you go, the greater the danger, the less control you have, like walking on thin ice. Should you one day attain high office and wield great power, you may become a target of public criticism, standing at the intersection of myriad contradictions, interests, and complex relationships; a slight carelessness or oversight could cost you a position at minimum, or lead to unimaginable consequences at worst. I hope to be able to help you one day; when I encounter a 'stumbling block,' I will kick it away with one foot. You are my only relative in this world; I cannot let anyone harm you! Therefore, I also do not wish to implicate anyone; I only want to remain alone for my lifetime."

Lu Fan angrily retorted: "That's nonsense! Does my brother still need to sacrifice his sister for protection? I tell you, after the New Year I will be promoted to deputy ministerial level—do I need your protection? Is my brother really that incapable? Yao Yao, just say one thing: will you listen to your brother?"

"Brother, I certainly will listen to you!"

"Then it's settled; you must get married in 2024! At the very least you need to find a partner, otherwise brother will truly be angry!"

Lu Yao pouted and said: "A partner isn't something you can just catch in the wind; where could one find such a thing so easily? I can only say it's up to fate!"

"Nonsense, I think Chen Xu is quite good—he's handsome and has a pleasant personality; even Secretary Hong Tao specially introduced him, so you should talk to him!"

Lu Yao speechlessly said: "Brother, you're forcing a match!"

"Since our parents are gone, the elder brother acts as father; just listen to me, otherwise I think you're getting full of yourself! You're almost thirty; in two more years you won't be able to marry!"

"Brother, even if I were forty, someone would still want me; don't worry about this!"

"Does brother's word not count? As for that Chen Xu, I have his phone number; after the second day of the New Year, I'll have him come for a date with you!"

"I'm ignoring you!" Lu Yao ran out of the room.

Lu Fan shouted: "Anyway I'll call the person over; don't let your brother go back on his word and lose face!"

Li Zimeng laughed outside, unable to close her mouth; this little sister-in-law needs her brother's discipline, and you can't reason with her.

In Yingjiang, the custom is not to go out on the first and second days. One saying holds that the second day is Tomb-Visiting Day, when people do not visit each other because it would bring bad luck to others; another says the second day is for worshiping the God of Wealth, when every household must hold a God of Wealth worship ceremony.

On the afternoon of the second day, Lu Fan dialed Wang Hongtao's number and tentatively asked: "Secretary, tomorrow is the third day; I'd like to visit your home for a New Year call—would that be convenient?"

Wang Hongtao thought for a moment and said: "Come on; it just so happens that Daiqiang, Jianfei, Chen Xu and the others are coming—you young people can chat together."

Lu Fan replied: "Thank you, Secretary! Is Chen Xu also coming? Then I'll bring my sister along so they can meet."

Wang Hongtao laughed: "That's wonderful; you must bring Lu Yao—little Xu still has no partner, and the old leadership is nearly dying of anxiety!"

"All right, Secretary; I'll come over around ten in the morning tomorrow."

"Fine, we'll have lunch at home at noon."

After hanging up, Lu Fan called his sister to the living room and solemnly instructed: "Tomorrow dress up nicely and come with me to Secretary Hongtao's home for a New Year visit."

Lu Yao excitedly said: "Really able to go to Secretary Wang's home? Brother, you're the best—rest assured, the little sis will definitely not embarrass you!" Having said that, she skipped back to her room laughing.

The next morning early, Lu Fan took Lu Yao to the mall, spent a while selecting, really worrying about what gift to bring for Mingyu; finally the two decided and bought Mingyu a cool jacket.

Arriving at the Sixth Courtyard, Mingyu was chatting in the yard with Si Daiqiang's son Si Zeyuan; he immediately ran over laughing and said: "Uncle Lu, you've come—is this pretty auntie the girlfriend of Uncle Chen Xu?"

Hearing this, Lu Yao blushed; Lu Fan laughed and said: "She is my younger sister Lu Yao, Mingyu—this is the jacket your Aunt Lu Yao gave you; see if it fits."

Mingyu had no objection, took the gift and said: "Aunt Lu Yao gave it; I'll surely like it. Uncle Lu, my father and the others are playing poker in the living room—let me take you in!"

After entering, Chen Xu saw the visitors and his eyes lit up instantly; the anticipation and deep affection in his gaze were fully revealed.

Wang Hongtao put down his cards, smiling and said: "Welcome! Lu Yao, after working several years in Grassland Province, you've made great progress in all aspects and have become the deputy secretary of the Municipal Discipline Inspection Committee—female heroes are not inferior to men! Chen Xu, why are you standing there? Go pour a cup of hot water!"

Chen Xu hurriedly ran to pour water, making Si Daiqiang and the others burst out laughing.

Lu Yao earnestly said: "Secretary Wang, I've long wanted to visit your home but never had the chance. Thank you for your years of care and concern for my brother and me; the scene from 2007 will remain unforgettable to me for life."

"Yao Yao, we're all from Yingjiang—no need to talk about that!" Liu Mengyao warmly pulled Lu Yao to sit aside, asking this and that; she had been entrusted by Wang Rong to spare no effort in promoting this marriage.

After Lu Fan sat down, Wang Hongtao said: "I've seen the statistical bulletin of Southern Garden; you have indeed achieved notable results. Do you have confidence this year to push GDP to the trillion level?"

Facing a person of authority, one dare not speak falsehoods; Lu Fan replied truthfully: "Secretary, reaching a trillion is difficult. In 2023, Southern Garden implemented many major projects, and investment promotion results were also significant, but theoretically economic development cannot maintain high-speed growth indefinitely. As long as Southern Garden's GDP stays steadily between 800 and 900 billion, after accumulating a solid foundation, it will definitely be able to reach a trillion in the next three to five years."

Wang Hongtao nodded and said: "Your mind is fairly clear; in developing the economy, one must avoid blindly chasing highs. Southern Garden should now anchor its goals, solidify its foundations, and gather strength before advancing; only then can it, after a few years, accumulate depth and burst forth astonishingly, becoming truly a secondary central city of Magnificent Origin Province."

After briefly discussing work, Bai Chengzhi voluntarily stepped aside, allowing Lu Fan to join the card game; following Yingjiang custom, they play for points and drink baijiu—this is an essential drinking ritual for Yingjiang locals during the New Year.

Secretary Hongtao had no airs in private; everyone enjoyed themselves immensely, the atmosphere lively and harmonious, and Lu Fan gradually blended into this "circle"—Daiqiang, Jianfei, Chengzhi, and Gang.

At noon, everyone moved to the restaurant to continue drinking.

Just as they sat down, Wang Honghai entered from the door, smiling and greeting everyone; then he sat beside Lu Fan, began eating directly, and whispered with Lu Fan.

After the meal, Wang Hongtao summoned Lu Fan to the study for a private conversation.

"This year, if an opportunity arises, are you inclined toward the Party Committee, government work, or going to the provincial capital or Luo Prefecture City?"

Having considered this long ago, Lu Fan straightened up and replied: "I only briefly worked in the Education Department; I feel lacking in overall perspective, and personally I'd rather go to the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government to gain experience, so as to better enhance my comprehensive abilities and vision. However, I will obey organizational assignments; no matter the post, I will be diligent, devoting myself with enthusiastic work ethic and high sense of responsibility."

"All right, I understand your thinking." Suddenly, Secretary Wang shifted the conversation, asking: "What is the reputation of Hu Jiayu?"

Lu Fan spoke frankly: "I haven't had much contact with Secretary Hu; personally I feel he is terse and deep‑minded. From what other comrades have said, he pays close attention to key projects in various cities and maintains frequent dealings with some businessmen."

"Okay, I know. The anti‑corruption struggle has already entered deep waters; the situation grows ever more complex—we absolutely cannot retreat, relax, or show mercy; we must comprehensively enforce strict oversight of power and officials, continually eliminating the soil and conditions that breed corruption..."

Leaving the study, Lu Fan still pondered: "Could it be that they want me to go to the Discipline Inspection Committee?"

Next, Wang Hongtao summoned Daiqiang into the study.

Lu Fan watched his sister and Chen Xu chatting intermittently, sensing both were awkward, so he went over and said: "Chen Xu, Lu Yao came back without warm clothes; please do me a favor and accompany her out to buy two pieces."

Chen Xu quickly rose and said: "Sure, Brother Fan!"

Lu Yao glared at Lu Fan and said: "Brother, I have clothes!"

Lu Fan glared back, domineeringly saying: "I say there isn't, so there isn't—hurry up and go!"

Lu Yao, helpless, could only follow Chen Xu out, hesitating and shuffling.

Wang Honghai laughed and said: "Now that's what being an older brother is like! Little girl, how old are you? Getting married is the real business!"

Lu Fan pulled Wang Honghai aside and said: "Please help me with another favor, brother."

Wang Honghai boldly replied: "You, Chief Secretary Lu, give the order—I dare not disobey? First, tell me what it is."

"Southern Garden has selected ten top 'internet celebrities'; I want to deeply cooperate with Douyin to promote them comprehensively and multi‑angle, thereby better promoting Southern Garden."

Wang Honghai waved his hand and said, "You've spoken up—do you think I'd refuse? It's a trivial matter. After your leave ends, send someone to liaise; I'll say hello in advance and fully cooperate with Chief Secretary Lu's work!"

Lu Fangu said delightedly, "Sure enough, you're a good brother. If there's ever anything you need from me, just speak up!"

"Oh come on, it's always you using me—I'm the one who owes you!"