Chapter 1259: Comrades Who Cherish Each Other!

After the dinner party ended, Tang Ye watched as a tipsy Shui Junhong got into his car.

Only when the sedan drove out of sight did he slowly retract his gaze.

Jiang Jing asked with concern, "You drank quite a bit today; are you alright?"

Tang Ye shook his head and smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Mayor Jiang, I am fine."

Jiang Jing patted Tang Ye on the shoulder: "Although Yechuan County is focusing its layout on high-end manufacturing, you must also introduce other industries simultaneously. It's just like eating—you need a balance of meat and vegetables to have balanced nutrition."

Tang Ye understood Jiang Jing's intention and said solemnly, "Please rest assured, I will definitely follow up on this well and will never let you down."

Tang Ye returned to the Municipal Office in Beijing's Reception House and was just about to take a shower when he suddenly received a call from Shi Yao.

"County Magistrate Tang, I've returned to Yanjing. I heard from Division Chief Qian that you've come to Yanjing too?"

"That's right, I'm taking advantage of the New Year to come over for a visit."

"Are you free now? I'm looking for you; there's something I'd like to chat with you about."

"I had a bit to drink this evening."

"It's fine, I don't mind. Where are you? I'll come find you."

"Let's pick a place to meet. How about Shichahai?"

"Alright, then let's meet at Shichahai."

On this winter night, Shichahai was still very lively.

A row of bars with varying styles came into view; late at night, it was a good place for couples to gather and friends to chat.

After Tang Ye and Shi Yao met up, they walked slowly along the roadside. At a glance, they looked quite like a couple, but upon closer observation, the two of them always maintained a perfectly appropriate distance.

The two walked to the entrance of a bar hung with red lanterns and found a seat near the lake.

"Can you still drink?"

"Secretary Shi, you really must have confidence in my alcohol tolerance."

"Haha, alcohol tolerance varies. Let's drink some foreign liquor; I don't know how much foreign liquor you can handle."

Today, Shi Yao had specifically dressed up with care before heading out. After entering the bar, she took off her coat, revealing the white base shirt underneath, her gentle feminine temperament fully displayed.

Shi Yao ordered a twelve-year-old Chivas, poured a glass for Tang Ye herself, and then poured one for herself.

"The poverty alleviation plan you helped me revise last time has already passed smoothly. I must thank you properly."

"You're too polite; you've helped me plenty as well."

Tang Ye's words were from the bottom of his heart; for someone like Shi Yao, the platform and level she occupied were a cut above his own.

Shi Yao said with a smile, "Come to think of it, you've helped me even more. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid I would have died in Dayu County."

Tang Ye hurriedly interrupted: "The New Year is almost here, it's bad luck to talk about dying. Secretary Shi, do you know what I admire most about you?"

Shi Yao's eyes brightened, and she asked curiously, "What is it?"

"You value relationships and honor. In this day and age, there aren't many people who are truly sentimental and honorable left."

"That also depends on the person. Because you are sentimental and honorable, I treat you the same way..."

The atmosphere quietly became somewhat ambiguous for a moment.

Shi Yao suddenly realized that the look in her eyes as she gazed at Tang Ye was somewhat unusual, so she hurriedly picked up her glass to mask the embarrassment in her heart: "Come, let me toast you."

Tang Ye picked up his glass, clinked it lightly against Shi Yao's, and then took a small sip.

Shi Yao then asked, "How is your itinerary arranged for these next few days?"

Tang Ye did not hide anything from Shi Yao and said truthfully: "I have an appointment to meet with Department Head Jin Yang tomorrow. Division Chief Qian helped me contact Director Qi, but there hasn't been any response. I estimate that it's likely not going to happen. However, being able to meet Department Head Jin Yang and report my work to him in person makes this trip to the Capital worthwhile."

Shi Yao rested her chin lightly on her hand and pondered for a moment: "I'll give Director Qi a call and ask him if he has time."

After saying this, Shi Yao dialed Qi Tianyi's number right in front of Tang Ye.

"Uncle Qi, it's Shi Yao."

"Yaoyao, have you run into any difficult problems?"

"It's not really a difficult problem. The New Year is coming up, and I've returned from Dayu County with some local specialties I'd like to bring over to you. When would be convenient for you?"

"I don't have anything going on in the evenings these next few days. Come over whenever you have time."

"Alright, then I'll come visit you tomorrow night. Oh, by the way, I'll be bringing a friend along to pay you a visit."

"Haha, is it Minshan?"

"No, it's someone else; I'll keep it a secret for now."

"You girl, you're even keeping me in suspense. Fine, come over for dinner tomorrow night; I'll have your aunt prepare a few extra dishes."

"Please don't go to such trouble; I'm just stopping by for a visit."

Shi Yao hung up the phone.

Tang Ye was incredibly shocked, then smiled helplessly: "What seems as difficult as ascending to heaven to me is nothing more than a simple task for you."

Shi Yao smiled indifferently: "That's because the fields we each excel in are different. For example, certain abilities you possess are, in my view, impossible for others to replicate."

Tang Ye secretly mused that the conversation between himself and Shi Yao could not be dwelled upon too closely.

The mutual appreciation between the two, due to the alcohol and the atmosphere, was no longer deliberately concealed.

He reminded himself over and over in his heart that he must remain clear-headed.

After returning to her accommodation, Shi Yao lay on the bed after showering. Recalling every little detail of her time with Tang Ye that evening, a sudden wave of nervousness and regret welled up in her heart.

She had revealed too many true emotions in front of Tang Ye today.

From Tang Ye's perspective, would he mistakenly think she was deliberately seducing him?

Shi Yao tried hard to warn herself that when getting along with Tang Ye, she must maintain a distance and treat him only as a comrade who cherished each other!

Yet the more she deliberately suppressed it, the harder it was to control her emotions.

The next day at noon, Tang Ye hosted a banquet to entertain Jin Yang, with Division Chief Qian accompanying them.

Jin Yang walked into the private room and shook hands lightly with Tang Ye: "Little Tang, it's rare for you to come here. Last time we went to Xiyang, you were a very thoughtful host. This time you've come over, it's only right that we play the host."

Tang Ye smiled and said: "Director Jin, you are too kind. The smooth and official establishment of the national-level High-end Manufacturing Incubation Base could not have happened without your strong support. I have been looking for an opportunity to report the current progress to you. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with me."

Jin Yang waved his hand: "Sit down and let's talk slowly."

Tang Ye took out his notebook and reported the current progress of the project to Jin Yang one by one.

Jin Yang nodded slightly: "Your work is still very solid. If you need any support in the future, you can coordinate directly with Comrade Qian Rui, and I will do my best to provide support."

Seeing that the timing was about right, Tang Ye instructed the waiter to start serving the dishes.

One exquisite dish after another was brought to the table.

"Many of the dishes on this table are things I am tasting for the first time as well. If they are not to your taste, please bear with me," Tang Ye said politely.

Qian Rui smiled and said: "I can describe your sincerity with four words."

Tang Ye asked curiously: "Which four words?"

Qian Rui said: "Comprehensive and meticulous!"

Jin Yang was in a rather good mood, given his position.

For a local Division Level official to arrange a dinner, his willingness to attend in person was already giving enough face.

Of course, Jin Yang truly appreciated Tang Ye's capabilities.

However, people have always tended to socialize upward.

He would generally not attend such dinners on ordinary days, because for him, there was no substantial benefit.

The delicacies from land and sea on the table were mouth-watering.

But Jin Yang did not have much pursuit for the desires of the palate to begin with.

After this meal ended, Jin Yang stood up to say goodbye and left.

Before parting, Jin Yang gave Tang Ye some verbal encouragement and promises...