Chapter 496: Attending the Banquet

Lu Cheng's nervousness mainly comes from having to meet Senior Brother; to be honest, he isn't afraid of Master.

In front of Master, even if he makes a mistake, as long as his mouth is sweet and he says a few pleasant words, he can coax the old man into being delighted.

But this Senior Brother is different; think about it, someone who can send his own son to the frontline battlefield, even if the son is seriously injured, never once came to visit.

For such a person, would you say he's ruthless, or extremely principled?

Regardless of which, he's certainly a very stubborn person.

But since this is a family banquet invitation sent by sister-in-law Liang Lihua, Lu Cheng can only grit his teeth and go.

Just after leaving the Traffic Police Unit Grand Courtyard, he ran into Deng Hairong, who was coming to attend the meeting.

"Hey Lu Jingzhang, where are you going? Didn't we say it's a meeting?"

Lu Cheng stopped himself: "Ah, Deng Jingzhang, you came at the right time. I have something today; we'll hold it tomorrow. Please inform everyone."

"No, what's this about? We agreed on a meeting and now it's not happening; I came here for nothing."

"Alright, alright, it's my fault for not arranging it. I'll treat you to a meal another day to make amends."

The meeting isn't urgent; the Educated Youth are returning to the city, and it's not just a day or two—the process will last at least until 1981.

"Hey Lu Jingzhang, why are you leaving in such a hurry? Wait a moment; I have something to ask you."

Deng Hairong took two steps forward, and Lu Cheng, forced, said: "I really have an urgent matter today. Whatever you have, we can discuss it together tomorrow."

Liang Lihua specifically sent a car over, waiting at the entrance.

"Are you deliberately avoiding me!"

Deng Hairong's sudden baseless remark made Lu Cheng stop again.

"What do you mean? Why would I avoid you? Didn't you see the car at the door? I truly have an urgent matter."

Deng Hairong saw it; it seemed to be a Military District Compound car, and he was a bit surprised—Lu Cheng is now mixing with people from the Military District.

So Deng Hairong, smiling broadly, pulled Lu Cheng aside, leaving Lu Cheng completely confused.

"Tell me what's up right away."

Deng Hairong nodded: "Here's the thing, didn't you say before that when you get promoted to a division level, you'd help me advance to a regular section, hehe…"

So that was it; Lu Cheng actually recalled it, but it was just said offhand at the time.

He hadn't expected to be promoted to division level so quickly; it's only been about two months since they last talked about it.

Deng Hairong also hadn't expected it; a promotion in two months, he thought Lu Cheng would need at least several years, so this is already fast.

Envy is envy, but it's a good thing, because Lu Cheng promised him that once he got the division level, he'd talk to the superiors about moving him to a regular section.

Lu Cheng instantly felt a bit helpless and tentatively said, "Did I say that? No, I guess not."

Deng Hairong immediately put on a sour face: "It's not, Lu Jingzhang, we don't play games. Since you got the division level, I haven't been able to sleep a wink each day."

"What's up? You hate me that much!"

Deng Hairong scratched his head: "Hehe, mainly it's jealousy, of course there's a bit of hatred… but I've come to realize that with people, you should go with the flow, and aligning with the right person is crucial."

"I can see it; in our situation, your development potential is the greatest."

"So now, you're like a sailing ship; as long as I follow you, you can lead me across the sea of life toward the shore of success…"

This flattery made Lu Cheng shake his head.

"What? Take you across the ocean and run to America to surrender!"

Deng Hairong was daydreaming about a wonderful life, but Lu Cheng's remark made him freeze for a moment.

"No, I'm not surrendering! I'm just using a metaphor—like you're a thousand-mile horse, and I ride on you and can…"

Lu Cheng stepped back: "Why would you have to ride me now?"

"No, no, it's a metaphor, a metaphor…"

Lu Cheng hurriedly raised his hand to stop him: "Alright, alright, I get your point. First, I have to compliment you—your insight is excellent, you have a discerning eye for talent, and a pair of eyes that readily spot beauty."

Deng Hairong nodded: "That's that… no, you're complimenting yourself, aren't you?"

"That doesn't matter… what matters is that I'm only a deputy division officer now, with little influence. Once I get promoted to a full division officer, I can speak to the higher-ups, and then I'll definitely promote you, okay, that's it for now…"

Deng Hairong pursed his lips, somewhat helpless: "So… when can you be promoted to a full division officer?"

Lu Cheng walked toward the courtyard outside, waved his hand and said: "It should be soon; my ability is just sitting here waiting."

Deng Hairong called out again: "Then don't forget…"

Receiving no reply, Lu Cheng was already getting into the car.

"Comrade Lu Cheng, let's set off now," the driver wearing white gloves asked.

Lu Cheng thought for a moment: "Alright, let's find a snack shop to stop at on the way."

The driver understood what Lu Cheng meant and gestured toward the rear seat.

"Group Leader Su is already prepared."

Lu Cheng glanced back; besides the fruit pastries required for visiting relatives, there were several boxed gift sets.

These days, having boxed gift sets is definitely a sign of high class.

Senior Sister is really thoughtful, knowing it's his first visit, not wanting him to be empty‑handed, and fearing he'd spend money, she prepared everything in advance.

Lu Cheng felt a bit moved, even thinking how truly fortunate he was.

At home, he was the youngest, with an older brother and sister who adored him since childhood.

Under Master Xu Erye's sect, he was still the youngest; Master favored him, not to mention the many capable senior brothers and a senior sister who also took good care of him.

Growing up in such an environment, as Liang Lihua said, he had to be someone who speaks affection before reason.

To put it simply, as long as he can solve certain difficulties for those who love him, he can achieve his goals without sticking to principles.

Lu Cheng turned his head: "Then… let's set off directly."

The driver started the car, turning the steering wheel, the white gloves on his hands flashing brightly.

Lu Cheng leaned against the window, watching the Capital City Street scenery recede, it being rush hour; bicycles rang their bells in a long procession.

When the jeep turned into the Military District Compound, the guard at the gate with a gun slung over his shoulder saw the license plate and immediately saluted.

This was Lu Cheng's first time coming to the Military District Compound, and his eyes were instantly drawn in.

No wonder it's the Military District Compound; he could understand why the kids from the Grand Courtyard at the Hua Bing Chang are always so swaggering.

Whether it's the courtyard's greenery or the buildings, everything is extremely beautiful, and at the entrance there is a guard every three steps, with loaded guns.

Growing up in such an environment, anyone would feel a sense of superiority.

When the jeep arrived at the entrance of a two‑story Soviet‑style building, the driver steadily stopped the vehicle.

"Comrade Lu Cheng, we have arrived."

As soon as the words fell, Senior Sister Su Feixue stepped out of the Soviet‑style main gate, followed by Wu Zhekun's mother Liang Lihua.