Chapter 94: Girlfriend

Chen Liqiong was assigned to Chengguan Primary School as she had wished. She is 24 years old by lunar reckoning this year. As the saying goes, a man should marry when he comes of age, and a woman should marry when she is of age. In a small county, this is the time to start talking about marriage. Furthermore, she had always had a good impression of Lu Fan, and looking across the entire county, there was no one more suitable than him.

But the Lu Fan of today is no longer the destitute youth of the past; he is the secretary to the County Party Committee Secretary, a red-hot figure in the county, a capable man who can solve employment problems with a single word, and the ideal husband that countless unmarried girls dream of.

Ever since the "must-test-to-enter" policy was implemented, the situation in the small county is that there are more women than men in positions with official establishment, because girls are more attached to home and can settle down to study for exams. In recent years, the systems that have recruited the most people are medical and education, with the male-to-female ratio reaching an exaggerated 3:7. The resulting situation is that it is easier for men to find partners than women; if girls are not proactive, they can only pick from what others have left behind, not to mention a high-quality man like Lu Fan with a boundless future, who is simply a hot commodity.

Fate is given by heaven, but opportunities are fought for by oneself. Chen Liqiong decided that if she likes someone, she will pursue him. Why should she let her desk-mate become someone else's meal?

Lu Yao went to Jingcheng for school. As her best friend, Chen Liqiong naturally had to ask for leave to see her off. The three of them witnessed the university ranked number one in the country together.

Besides its academic level being among the best in the country, the school's beautiful scenery is also unique: the Water and Wood Tsinghua, the Moonlight over the Lotus Pond, the Tsinghua School, the Jinchun Garden, the Comprehensive Sports Center, and the Diving Hall—this should be the dream of most students!

Lu Fan had absolutely no chance to fulfill this dream and could only admire this holy land of dreams!

After settling Lu Yao in, Lu Fan hurriedly took Chen Liqiong back to Ningyang. They didn't even have time to tour the capital because the Secretary really couldn't do without him.

On the way back, the two sat together, as if they had returned to their high school days, evoking beautiful memories.

Lu Fan remembered that in his first year of high school, Chen Liqiong brought him an ice cream. Too shy to say anything, she secretly put it in his desk. After it melted and dripped onto his crotch, those white liquids almost made their classmates laugh to death.

For the two years of high school, this desk-mate defended him everywhere, especially when anyone dared to bring up his late father; she was always the first to rush up and be relentless.

……

Thinking of these things, Lu Fan couldn't help but smile. Looking at his desk-mate sleeping soundly on his shoulder, with elegance hidden in her brows and eyes, and gentleness in every smile, she was also a great beauty.

Seeking her in the crowd a thousand times, suddenly looking back, that person was there, in the dim light!

Chen Liqiong was sleeping a bit uncomfortably. She adjusted her posture and continued to sleep, naturally hugging Lu Fan's arm.

The train jolted. Chen Liqiong woke up in a start. Seeing that she was clutching Lu Fan's arm, she hugged it tighter and continued to pretend to be asleep.

After arriving at the station, Chen Liqiong plucked up the courage and took the initiative to hook Lu Fan's arm. It was a rare opportunity to be alone, so their relationship had to progress.

Lu Fan showed a smile and held Chen Liqiong's small hand. Everything was understood without words!

Once, Chen Liqiong had fantasized about a person who could hold her hand, unswervingly, and only fall in love once in a lifetime, just like their parents' generation. There could be no flowers, diamond rings, or vows; from black hair to white, once hands were held, it was for a lifetime!

"Liqiong, I am a man of ill omen, carrying a blood feud. My life is destined to be bumpy. You never know whether tomorrow or an accident will come first. Perhaps one day I will have nothing and fall into a bottomless abyss!"

"You know me; I don't act on a whim, but after careful consideration. I am firm and unyielding. Don't underestimate my determination to walk with you. As for marriage, I haven't thought about anyone else. If you marry a chicken, you follow the chicken; if you marry a dog, you follow the dog; if you marry a pig-slaughterer, you help clean the intestines. The thread of fate binds two people together, sharing weal and woe, honor and disgrace, life and death!"

"Liqiong, touch my clothes and see if I'm material for being your boyfriend?"

Chen Liqiong said happily: "'Dacron', top-quality material, definitely qualified! Lu Fan, I waited four years for this sentence in college. I thought you weren't coming!"

"I am a stubborn person. Once I've decided, I won't change. Since I have given my partiality to one person, I am willing to exhaust the generosity of the rest of my life! Besides, I have many faults, you'll have to bear with me!"

"Yes, at your command! From now on, leave the matters of life to me, and I will relieve you of your worries. I am very virtuous, after all."

After returning from Jingcheng, the two confirmed their romantic relationship. Lu Fan took time to visit Chen Liqiong's home and was warmly received by her family.

From then on, there was finally someone to clean the room, dirty clothes could be washed in time, and from time to time, he would have a dinner cooked by his girlfriend at home.

Couples in the heat of love always feel they have endless things to say, wishing they could be together 24 hours a day, with overflowing happiness and an insatiable "rigid demand" for each other!

Love makes one feel physically and mentally happy. When going to work, his face is filled with smiles, he is more cheerful, and his heart knots seem to have opened up a bit.

County Party Committee Secretary Gao Yuanfei is an experienced person and naturally felt Lu Fan's change. He asked with a smile: "Are you seeing someone?"

"The Secretary has eyes like torches; nothing can be hidden from you!"

"Your mouth is grinning like a lotus flower; who can't see it? It's good to have a partner. You've reached the age of marriage. Where does she work?"

"At Chengguan Primary School. She started in September."

Gao Yuanfei thought for a moment and said: "Being a teacher is too busy and not conducive to taking care of the family. You should pick a more leisurely unit for her, and I will arrange it."

"Secretary, she graduated from a normal university. The enthusiasm for being a teacher hasn't passed yet. Besides, we aren't married yet, and whether it will happen is another matter. Let's not trouble you for now!"

"Hmm, then let's wait until you're married."

If Chen Liqiong wanted to change careers, he could handle it himself when the opportunity arose.

He would reach the deputy division level in less than two years. Lu Fan wanted to seek a position in a township and naturally didn't want to dilute his limited favors. Favors are things that, no matter how special the relationship, are used up a little each time. One must concentrate favors to accomplish big things.

The position of secretary is destined to follow the Secretary, but Lu Fan had also served as the secretary for Deputy Secretary Bian Jide. Recently, because of some matters, the two leaders had disagreements, making Lu Fan feel very uncomfortable being caught in the middle.

If one day Gao Yuanfei is transferred, the possibility of County Head Hu Chengwei taking over is very high, and Bian Jide will also compete for the County Head position with all his might. One who has no long-term worries will have near-term troubles. Lu Fan naturally wanted to maintain a close relationship with Bian Jide, so he was even more determined in his belief to go to a township. Secretary Wang Hongtao started from a township; townships are the last kilometer of serving the masses, and there is great potential in the vast world!

During the October 1st holiday, Lu Fan took Chen Liqiong to play in Chang'an. Han Xinpu insisted on joining in the fun.

After seeing the two holding hands, he showed an ambiguous expression and said: "I knew you two would have something going on sooner or later. Sure enough, as I expected!"

Lu Fan laughed: "We are a talented man and a beautiful woman, a perfect match. In such a good society, being a 'single dog' is a disgrace!"

Han Xinpu scoffed, but not long after, he fled. The glaring third wheel was really embarrassing, and the naked display of affection was truly speechless.

Riding a bicycle around the ancient city wall, listening to the breeze blowing over the wall, smelling the fragrance of flowers drifting on the city tower, the sunset scenery all blended into their romantic love.

The city that never sleeps, the Terracotta Warriors, the Bell and Drum Towers... the poetic and picturesque city left their footprints everywhere.

On October 5th, Han Guishan finally had time. Lu Fan hurriedly went to his office. The most important purpose of coming to Chang'an this time was to see him, as it concerned his future.

After entering the door, Lu Fan put down the cigarettes and tea he was holding, cleaned the ashtray, and said with concern: "Secretary-General, you must smoke two packs a day, right? The amount is too large, it's not good for your health."

Han Guishan laughed: "You are also a secretary. Can you get by without smoking when writing materials? There's no other way!"

"You don't have to write materials yourself anymore, right?"

"Alas, Governor Yixing has too many speeches, and there are policies in the areas I oversee being introduced. I have to do the preliminary review and put forward specific opinions. The work is never-ending! Xiao Fan, I heard from Xinpu that you found a girlfriend? With your character, I guess you'll be married soon?"

"Hmm, if nothing goes wrong, I plan to discuss this at the end of the year."

"Then I congratulate you in advance. I must eat these wedding candies."

"I will definitely bring them to you personally."

"Xiao Fan, what brings you to me this time?"

Lu Fan had made full preparations and said: "Please clear up my doubts and point me in the right direction!"

"Oh? What happened?"

"Secretary-General, you know my situation. A year ago, I was the secretary for Deputy Secretary Bian Jide, and now I am the secretary for Secretary Gao Yuanfei. Both have shown me kindness in cultivation. The leaders have different minds, and I am very uncomfortable being caught in the middle. I don't know how to conduct myself!"

Han Guishan thought for a moment and said: "Your situation is quite special, and this kind of relationship is indeed difficult to handle. But you must understand the importance of taking sides. Taking the right side can lead to being reused, while taking the wrong side will only lead to being marginalized. If you want to please both sides, you will definitely end up in a dilemma!

People who are two-faced and try to please everyone can be like fish in water for a short time, muddling through, but distance tests a horse's strength, and time reveals a person's heart. Such people will eventually be spurned and kept at a distance.

Therefore, you must weigh the pros and cons and make a decision as soon as possible."

"Secretary-General, Secretary Gao was transferred to Ningyang from the position of County Party Committee Secretary. I know he has been seeking progress, but I have to work in Ningyang for a long time. From a long-term perspective, is it more appropriate to choose Secretary Bian?"

"You are considering it very realistically, but you must know that if Gao Yuanfei leaves Ningyang, the probability of him being promoted to a city-level leader is high, and he may enter the Standing Committee. As long as he doesn't leave Yingjiang, his influence will be far greater than that of a County Party Committee Deputy Secretary."

"Do you mean I should follow Secretary Gao Yuanfei closely? What if Secretary Bian is promoted to County Head after Secretary Gao leaves?"

"Both of them have come to me, and there is indeed the possibility you mentioned. Xiao Fan, the path of life is chosen by yourself and walked by yourself. The person who makes the final decision is you yourself.

If you choose the main road, you must accept its congestion, because many people walk it.

If you choose the small path, you may have to accept its difficulty, because the small path is not easy to walk.

No matter which path you choose, it will not be smooth sailing. You will encounter all kinds of difficulties, but you must choose, because success will not be left to those who are not firm in their will!" ===== CHAPTER 95 =====