Chapter 1191: Getting in Touch with the Beijing Circle!

After crossing the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, one arrives at Nanhu Island.

The park's scenery is at its most beautiful on this island in the center of the lake.

On the island are ancient buildings such as Hanxu Hall and Longyu Temple.

Looking out from the high points on the island, the beauty of the lake and mountains is captured in one's view.

Tang Ye felt as if he had traveled back a hundred years, a hint of emotion appearing in his eyes, "I wonder if the Empress Dowager ever imagined that ordinary people like us could experience the royal gardens for just a few dozen yuan."

Shi Yao said, "Times are progressing; the living standards of the common people have generally improved now."

The two continued walking forward, and Shi Yao deliberately led Tang Ye along a small path.

This path was paved with pebbles along the lake and protected by white marble railings, carved exquisitely and magnificently, possessing the artistic charm of a winding path leading to a secluded spot.

It was already winter, and not far away, some people were ice skating on the lake.

Shi Yao beamed and said, "Shall we try it out?"

Tang Ye waved his hand and said, "I don't know how!"

Shi Yao said with regret, "I haven't skated in many years either. I remember the first time I went skating, my father brought me; I fell many times, but after falling enough, I learned."

Seeing that Shi Yao was very interested, Tang Ye said, "Alright, then I will risk my life to accompany you."

Shi Yao led Tang Ye to rent ice skates.

Tang Ye stepped onto the ice blades and wobbled his way onto the lake.

A few young children saw Tang Ye's clumsy appearance and, playing a prank, linked arms and rushed toward him.

Shi Yao hurriedly grabbed Tang Ye with her hand, shielding him on the inner side.

The young children made faces at Tang Ye.

Tang Ye was not angry, saying with a smile, "These children are quite lively."

Shi Yao said angrily, "They were doing it on purpose, and you're still praising them."

Tang Ye sighed, "Nothing to be done; I was bitten by a dog. Self-deprecation can make one feel a bit better; I can't exactly bite back, can I?"

Shi Yao couldn't help but laugh, "Your mouth is quite sharp when it comes to insulting people."

Shi Yao held his hands, helping Tang Ye adapt to the feeling of skating as quickly as possible.

From time to time, children would deliberately bump into Tang Ye.

Tang Ye was neither annoyed nor angry, learning earnestly.

Shi Yao sighed inwardly; Tang Ye was very serious no matter what he did, and a serious man was the most attractive.

Suddenly, more children crowded over.

This time, they bumped into Shi Yao.

Tang Ye reacted quickly and hurriedly pulled Shi Yao by her waist.

Caught off guard, Shi Yao lost her center of gravity; she felt the world spinning, and her mind went blank.

When she regained her senses, she found herself fallen into Tang Ye's arms, her entire body pressed against him.

Tang Ye and Shi Yao were eye to eye, their breathing clearly audible.

The onlookers around them began to jeer.

Shi Yao hurriedly scrambled up and skated toward the shore with her head lowered.

Tang Ye propped himself up, gave the crowd a simple, honest smile, and then stood up, slowly shuffling toward the shore.

Shi Yao realized she had left Tang Ye behind and, sensing something was wrong, turned around to return, taking hold of Tang Ye's hands.

Tang Ye said shamefully, "I'm sorry, I caused you to be laughed at."

Shi Yao had already recovered her composure, "It's my fault; I shouldn't have let you be on an unfamiliar track and get bullied by others."

Tang Ye said cheerfully, "In life, one must bravely try new things. As long as you have the courage, who bullies whom next time is not necessarily certain."

After getting ashore, they walked toward the entrance.

Tang Ye felt the atmosphere was not quite right.

Seemingly to break this awkwardness, Shi Yao took the initiative to find a topic, "Tang Ye, in your spare time, run around the Capital more; your perspective needs to be broader, especially at your current stage."

Tang Ye shook his head with a bitter smile, "I can't play in this Beijing circle."

Shi Yao said very seriously, "I know you are very upright, but if you want to go far, sometimes you still need to go with the flow."

Tang Ye sighed, "Secretary Shi, I am very happy that you can tell me these things. But, in this life, there are things one does and things one does not do; I don't like to force my way into a circle—that is not my style."

Seeing Tang Ye's tone suddenly become very sharp, Shi Yao was a bit angry at first, but then she felt relieved.

Because this was the Tang Ye she was familiar with.

Many people thought he had climbed so fast by relying on his father-in-law.

However, Shi Yao had worked with Tang Ye, and Tang Ye's achievements were entirely dependent on his personal ability.

The resilience in Tang Ye was forged through tempering, something she did not possess.

It was also the point that attracted Shi Yao the most.

The sun was setting over the lake, the evening glow reddening the sky; the scenery was exceptionally beautiful.

Tang Ye looked toward the horizon, "Secretary Shi, the scenery of the Summer Palace is truly well-deserved of its reputation."

Shi Yao followed his gaze and thought to herself, the winter at the Summer Palace is not beautiful at all, but today it is indeed somewhat special.

The two were immersed in this sunset scenery, and at the same time, they became a beautiful part of the scenery by the lake.

In the evening, Mei Xia hosted a banquet and invited a few friends from within the circle.

Everyone was very polite to Tang Ye, but there was a sense of distance in their politeness.

It is not so easy to integrate into any circle.

Tang Ye acted very generously; as long as someone offered a toast, he would not refuse.

Because his tolerance for alcohol was quite good, after three rounds of drinks, everyone's attitude toward Tang Ye changed quite a bit.

Tang Ye knew that Shi Yao was trying to pull him into her own circle.

Although Tang Ye did not like this kind of atmosphere, out of consideration for Shi Yao, he still had to act decently.

After returning to the hotel, Tang Ye felt a bit of discomfort in his stomach; he leaned over the flush toilet and vomited for a while, which made him feel a little better.

Afterwards, he took a hot shower.

While showering, the bits and pieces of his time spent with Shi Yao today kept rolling through his mind.

People in officialdom are lonely; between superiors, subordinates, and colleagues, there has never been any true friendship or camaraderie to speak of, only the trade-offs of interests, which constitute the most stable framework of relationships.

Shi Yao had a cold face and an icy heart, was aloof and self-admiring, and had been indifferent to romantic feelings for many years, her heart as still as stagnant water.

Tang Ye was not so conceited as to think that Shi Yao would admire him.

The reason she was willing to help him was, in all likelihood, because he had saved her twice before!

A big-city girl from Yanjing knows how to repay kindness and is very loyal!

The next morning.

Tang Ye dragged his suitcase and pressed Shi Yao's doorbell.

Shi Yao was dressed neatly and was just about to head out.

The two of them subsequently ate breakfast downstairs and headed to the airport together.

Shi Yao's flight was an hour earlier than Tang Ye's; after watching Shi Yao board, Tang Ye headed to his own boarding gate.

Looking through the glass at Tang Ye's figure as he gradually walked away, Shi Yao suddenly felt a lingering, aching soreness.

With this parting, she did not know when they would meet again.

……

By the time he returned to Yechuan County, it was already evening.

After Tang Ye returned to his residence, Ma Ran, who had returned to Yechuan ahead of time, had cooked a table full of good dishes.

"Xiao Ma, your cooking is getting better and better. By the way, how are things going between you and Xiao Liu?"

Ma Ran scratched his head in embarrassment, "I haven't made up my mind yet."

Tang Ye knew what Ma Ran was hesitating about.

That previous relationship had hurt Ma Ran severely.

Ma Ran had been putting all his attention into his career.

As for Liu Chun, although she was very attentive to Ma Ran, Ma Ran always felt it was not yet time for him to start a family.

Regarding matters of the heart, Tang Ye did not find it appropriate to give Ma Ran too much advice.

"Xiao Liu is not young anymore; if you don't have a future with her, then take the initiative to be clear with her, don't drag her along."

Ma Ran took a deep breath, "You're right, I will handle it well."

Tang Ye patted Ma Ran on the shoulder, then began to taste the food Ma Ran had made; he took a bite of the braised fish and praised, "The taste is not bad, your culinary skills have improved."

Ma Ran hurriedly said, "Thank you for the praise, County Magistrate Tang."