Chapter 154: United Development! A Parent‑Child Dialogue Determines the Path of Destiny

"What do you mean 'big official or not'!" Lu Hua scowled, "This is to serve the people, it's a responsibility, not a privilege!"

Lu Hua waved his hand, "At my age, being able to contribute a bit more to the country is enough for me."

Wang Guilan quietly wiped tears beside him, "Old Lu, you've suffered all these years. Now the organization trusts you again, I'm happy."

"Mom, please don't cry!" Lu Xiaoyu hurried over and hugged his mother, "This is a good thing!"

Lu Qingshan sat there, his mind in chaos. Father going to work for the Central Military Commission? The impact of this news was overwhelming.

Lu Qinghe pushed his glasses, excitement flashing in his eyes, "Dad, if you really go to the Central Military Commission, then our family would…"

"And then what?" Lu Hua glared at his third son, "It's still the same: no matter what position I'm in, I serve the people! If any of you dares to bully others, watch me break his leg!"

Lu Hua corrected his son's wording, "But the responsibility is indeed heavy. So I want to discuss something with you."

Everyone held their breath, waiting for the father's next words.

"At my age, serving the country for a few years counts as a few years. But you are still young, especially my sons, you should think about how to walk your future path." Lu Hua's gaze swept over his sons, "I want to pick one among you to see who is more suited for the official career."

The words exploded like a heavy bomb in the living room.

Eldest brother Lu Qingyuan was the first to respond, "Dad, I'm getting old, and my temperament isn't suitable."

Second sister Lu Fang quickly said, "Dad, we girls don't need to be considered, right?"

Younger brother Lu Qingjun scratched his head, "Dad, with my mind, doing some trade is fine, but becoming an official isn't for me."

The gaze finally fell on Lu Qingshan and Lu Qinghe.

Lu Qinghe pushed his glasses, about to speak, but Lu Qingshan jumped in, "Dad, I think the third son is the most suitable. He's a Bureau Chief in Zhengding, has experience, and his mind is sharp, he can handle relationships. I'm just a rough person, only good at work, not fit to be an official."

"Second brother, the way you say that…" Lu Qinghe forced a wry smile, "Your influence now far exceeds mine as Bureau Chief. Didn't Han Sizhang just say? Even the Central is watching you. If you enter the official path, your starting point would be higher than mine."

"That's different; I just got lucky." Lu Qingshan waved his hand, "Third son, you are educated, capable, and already inside the system, far more suitable than me."

"But second brother…"

Lu Hua raised his hand, signaling the two sons to stop arguing, "Both of you stop pushing each other. Qinghe, you have done well in Zhengding, but it's still a local post. Qing Shan, although you're in the countryside, your influence is indeed great, and…"

He paused, looking at Lu Qingshan, "Han Sizhang just now specifically mentioned you. He said your 'Shanwan Village Model' has great promotional value, and if you're willing to enter the system, you could start at the Ministry of Agriculture."

Lu Qingshan felt a wave of dizziness. Ministry of Agriculture? The amount of information was overwhelming. He only wanted to run his factory well, care for his wife and daughters, how could he suddenly be pushed toward an official career?

Lu Qingshan's heart was a mix of five flavors. The opportunity he had dreamed of in his previous life was now being offered at his doorstep. But was he really ready?

"Dad, I…" Lu Qingshan began to speak, but Lu Hua waved his hand.

"Don't be quick to refuse, hear me finish." Lu Hua's gaze was serious, "Han Sizhang said the country is undergoing economic system reform and urgently needs talent who understand grassroots realities and have practical experience. Your practice in the Shanwan Village fits the nation's development direction perfectly."

Younger sister Lu Xiaoyu whispered beside them, "Second brother is so famous now, becoming an official is definitely more suitable than third brother."

Lu Qinghe listened, pushed his glasses, complex emotions in his eyes, and became even more insistent, "Xiaoyu is right. Second brother, your current reputation and influence are something I couldn't reach in ten years. This truly is a once‑in‑a‑thousand‑years chance; your starting point now is far higher than ours."

"Exactly, second brother!" younger brother Lu Qingjun rubbed his hands excitedly, "If you become a high official, the whole family will bask in the glory!"

"Qingjun!" Lu Hua glared at the youngest son, "What did I just say? No such thoughts are allowed!"

Lu Qingshan took a deep breath, slowly shook his head, "Dad, I understand your goodwill and know how rare this opportunity is. But I truly have no intention of entering politics."

The living room fell silent instantly, everyone stared at him in stunned silence.

"Second brother, are you crazy?" Lu Xiaoyu was the first who couldn't help, "This is the Ministry of Agriculture! An opportunity that countless people beg for!"

"Qing Shan, think it over again." Eldest brother Lu Qingyuan also urged, "If this chance is missed, it may never come again."

Lu Qingshan looked at his concerned family, his heart a swirl of emotions. In his previous life he had dreamed of such an opportunity, and now he had to push it away with his own hands.

"I have my own ideas." Lu Qingshan's voice was soft but firm, "Seeing my business path succeed now is more important than anything. The factory has just started, the villagers rely on the plant for meals, I can't abandon it."

Wang Guilan looked at her son with tenderness, "Qing Shan, are you still blaming yourself for past matters? Child, that's all behind you; you're doing so well now, Mom is very happy."

Lu Qingshan's eyes instantly reddened; his mother's words struck the softest part of his heart.

"Mom, that's not it." He strained to control his emotions, "I just feel that what I'm doing now suits me better. Helping those around me live well is more meaningful than any official position."

Lu Hua pondered for a long time, then suddenly asked, "Qing Shan, have you really decided?"

"Decided." Lu Qingshan's voice was firm.

"Alright then." Lu Hua nodded, "I respect your choice. But I hope you understand, the path is yours to choose, and no matter what difficulties you face in the future, don't regret it."

Lu Qinghe forced a wry smile, "Second brother, your decision makes it hard for us officials. People can't even beg for such an opportunity, yet you hand it over."

"Third brother, don't say that." Lu Qingshan turned to his younger brother, "Actually I have an idea I want to discuss with everyone."

Everyone's gaze focused on him.

"My individual ability is limited, but our Lu family brothers and sisters together are different." Lu Qingshan looked around, "I fight in the business world, third brother you develop in politics, fourth brother your mind is sharp and you join me in commerce, eldest brother, eldest sister, second sister, youngest sister each have their strengths. If the Lu family can develop together, our future achievements will certainly not be inferior to those achieved alone."

As soon as those words were spoken, the atmosphere in the house changed noticeably.