Chapter 896: Father-in-law and Son-in-law

The courtyard gate was pushed open with a creak, and Tang Ye and Du Chengfeng walked into Yunhu Courtyard side by side, chatting and laughing.

"How did you two come back together?" Xiao Qin raised her eyes to look at the father-in-law and son-in-law standing side by side, a hint of surprise hidden in her gaze.

Tang Ye raised his hand to scratch his head, a smile reaching his eyes: "I didn't come back for anything else, I just happened to pick Dad up from work."

Du Chengfeng nodded slightly, "Is dinner ready? Prepare a few more dishes to go with drinks!"

Xiao Qin gave him a look of annoyance, then turned and leaned half a step closer to Tang Ye, lowering her voice: "Your dad is very happy that you came back this time; he never used to touch a drop of alcohol when he came home before."

"That's because Dad thinks it's rare for me to come back," Tang Ye replied with a smile, catching a subtle upward curve at the corner of Du Chengfeng's mouth out of the corner of his eye.

Xiao Qin's voice softened a little more, carrying a probing tone: "Can't you stay a few more days?"

Tang Ye lowered his eyes, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the edge of his phone.

He had originally been worried that the matter wouldn't be so easy to resolve and had planned to ask for leave if necessary, but now that things had been successfully wrapped up, there was really no need to delay any further.

Seeing that he didn't respond, Du Chengfeng turned to Xiao Qin and said, "Your son-in-law holds an important position in Dayu County now. If he doesn't go back, a lot of work won't be able to proceed, so don't make things difficult for him."

Xiao Qin was stunned. Watching her husband defend Tang Ye, she muttered to herself: Why does it feel like the relationship between the father-in-law and son-in-law has suddenly warmed up and become exceptionally good since Tang Ye came back this time?

She turned and walked into the kitchen, still pondering the moment her fingertips touched the doorframe: I always feel like the two of them are hiding something from me!

Just as the aroma of food wafted out of the kitchen, Tang Ye's phone suddenly rang.

He quickly answered it, hung up after a few brief sentences, and said to Xiao Qin, "Mom, a guest is here. I'm going to the gate to meet them."

"Who is it? Should I prepare two more dishes?" Xiao Qin poked her head out, still holding a spatula in her hand.

"It's Secretary Guo. They're one of our own, no need to be too formal," Tang Ye waved his hand, his footsteps already crossing the threshold of the house.

Upon hearing it was Guo Zhengting, Xiao Qin's face revealed a knowing smile: "It's been a while since Secretary Guo came by; he can be considered a rare guest."

On the road outside the courtyard, Guo Zhengting's car had just come to a steady stop.

Tang Ye stepped forward quickly and happened to catch Guo Zhengting signaling his Liaison Officer to open the trunk to take things out. He hurriedly reached out to stop him: "Secretary Guo, why bring things when coming to the house? It's too formal."

Guo Zhengting waved his hand, a smile in his eyes: "Just some small things."

Seeing that Tang Ye's attitude was firm, he had no choice but to give up, following him into the house empty-handed, his steps heading straight for the study on the second floor.

In the study, warm yellow light spilled over the mahogany sofa.

Du Chengfeng raised his hand to signal Guo Zhengting to sit, while Tang Ye turned to go to the side to brew tea.

The water flowed from the spout into the teacup, making a crisp sound.

Du Chengfeng picked up the teacup, took a sip of the clear tea, and looked up at Guo Zhengting, his tone full of emotion: "Guo, this time you really moved me. I didn't expect you to be willing to stand up and take the heat for me."

Guo Zhengting leaned forward slightly, his expression exceptionally serious: "Secretary-General, the issue with National Highway 301 was a mess left behind by Wei Jian in the first place. The other side bringing it up again was clearly targeting you deliberately. I had to step forward to clarify things for you."

Du Chengfeng set down his teacup and sighed with a smile: "It really is true that time reveals a person's heart!"

Their relationship had been somewhat tense when they worked together in the past; it wasn't until after their positions were adjusted and Tang Ye mediated in between that this relationship gradually saw a qualitative improvement.

Guo Zhengting needed a strong backing from the Municipal Party Committee, and Du Chengfeng needed an effective grip on the county level.

As Du Chengfeng's foundation, as long as Tianling County could develop steadily and consistently support him, his political career could steadily rise.

This time, Guo Zhengting's strong support for Du Chengfeng appeared to be stepping up to take the heat, but in reality, it was the most direct way to express loyalty, and the alliance between the two had achieved a substantial breakthrough because of it.

Even if he were to face criticism or even disciplinary action on the surface, in the long run, as long as Du Chengfeng could secure the position of Municipal Organization Department Minister, it was a guaranteed profitable investment for Guo Zhengting.

After dinner, the night grew deeper.

Tang Ye accompanied Guo Zhengting to the gate, the streetlights stretching their shadows long.

"Secretary Guo, I really owe it to you this time!" Tang Ye's voice was exceptionally clear in the night breeze.

Guo Zhengting raised his hand and patted his shoulder with a steady force: "Why be so polite? Besides, the favor I owed you has finally been repaid this time."

Previously, under Tang Ye's guidance, Guo Zhengting had resolved a crisis and, furthermore, had been blessed by misfortune and become the County Party Secretary.

Tang Ye was stunned, then immediately reacted, a smile emerging in his eyes: "Secretary Guo, from now on we are our own people. Let's only talk about our bond, not about favors."

"Haha, well said!"

Guo Zhengting turned and was about to get into the car when he was called back by Tang Ye.

Tang Ye walked quickly to his own car, opened the trunk, and took out a few items with simple packaging.

"Secretary Guo, these are local specialties brought back from Dayu County. They aren't worth much money, but they are a token of my heart and have quite a bit of commemorative value."

Guo Zhengting waved his hand, his tone hearty: "Why mention money? That's too formal!"

Having said that, he instructed his Liaison Officer to move the items into his own trunk.

The sedan slowly drove away from Yunhu Courtyard.

Inside the car, Guo Zhengting leaned back against the seat, unable to stop himself from humming a little tune, the smile at the corners of his mouth impossible to hide.

The driver saw this scene in the rearview mirror and was secretly surprised: Secretary Guo is in such a good mood.

He doesn't look like someone who just went to the Provincial Party Committee to take the heat at all!

Returning home, Guo Zhengting had the driver move the specialties into the house.

His wife walked over upon hearing the noise, and seeing the boxes on the floor, her face was full of surprise: "Didn't you say that you don't allow things of unknown origin to enter the house?"

Guo Zhengting squatted down, carefully opened the box, picked up a handful of dried mushrooms, and rubbed them gently with his fingertips: "These are local specialties Tang Ye specifically brought back from Dayu County; they aren't things of unknown origin."

His wife was between laughter and tears, reaching out to poke at the mountain goods in the box: "Aren't these just some mountain goods? Look at how you treasure them."

"These aren't ordinary mountain goods," Guo Zhengting shook his head, a hint of pride in his eyes. "In ten years, you'll know how precious these 'mountain goods' are."

His wife pursed her lips, said nothing more, and turned to tidy the items into the storage room: "Fine, fine, fine, I'll make you soup tomorrow."

Guo Zhengting sat on the sofa with his legs crossed, his fingertips tapping lightly on his knees, his mind already outlining a brand-new plan.

He actually hadn't thought very highly of Du Chengfeng originally.

Although he had been promoted several levels within two years, he was, after all, not young anymore.

But now, it was different.

Du Chengfeng could be promoted to Organization Department Minister, which had an entirely different significance.

There is still a chance to charge toward a Department Level position with real power!

Thinking of this, Guo Zhengting could not help but feel a bit envious of Du Chengfeng.

Ever since his daughter got married, Du Chengfeng's official career has been smooth sailing.

His son-in-law Tang Ye is simply his lucky star!

He plans everything for Du Chengfeng.

Just looking at how he resolved this crisis, one can see how strong Tang Ye's ability is.

From a long-term perspective, staying in the same camp as Du Chengfeng is actually investing in the future!

With Tang Ye's ability and vision, his future achievements will surely surpass his father-in-law's, and he might even cross the threshold of the ministerial level.

……