Chapter 1023: A Brief Parting Feels Like a New Marriage

No matter what mindset Pang De had in giving him this generosity, he still has to express it.

In fact, for an ordinary deputy division-level official, let alone inviting these two for a meal, just being able to see them is already a great honor.

Sure enough, Minister Xia laughed and said, "Going back to Jingcheng isn't easy, is it? After you return, besides handling projects, you also have to go home and spend time with your wife, right? Work must be done, but life also needs attention. Especially at your age, many people throw themselves into work with youthful zeal and end up neglecting their families; trying to make up for it when they're old is of no use."

"Hurry back. Once your project is implemented, I'll go to the site myself. If then you still want to treat us to a meal, I won't be holding back."

Pang De added, "Right, the minister is correct. We appreciate the sentiment, but we really can't eat that meal; otherwise, what distinguishes us from those directors? Constantly eating yours, drinking yours—how would that look if it got around?"

After leaving the Ministry of Transport, Su Yang placed the completely bewildered Jiao Qiang, who was lost in a fog, in a hotel not far from home. After all, Su Yang was still uncertain; although he invited Jiao Qiang to his house, Jiao Qiang didn't dare to go. Their relationship wasn't close enough yet—if it had been Sun Chengjun, he might have gone.

Zhou Ruohan was naturally overjoyed, thrilled beyond words. As the saying goes, a brief parting beats a new marriage; our case is both a long separation and a brief one, and just thinking of it makes one know how intense it is.

After the excitement, Su Yang recounted what had just happened at the Ministry of Transport.

Zhou Ruohan said, "By that account, our dad's upward momentum has become even stronger lately; he's started attending the institute's Economic Meeting. Could the next step be a direct move into the institute?"

Zhou Ruohan gave Su Yang a tug and said, "What are you thinking? Is it that easy to get promoted within the institute? Moreover, once our dad reaches that position, at best he'll be an institute affairs committee member, and those roles come with other side jobs; it's not as simple as you imagine."

"And his seniority isn't enough; dad is only 51. To reach that position, he'd have to serve a few years on the Provincial Party Secretary post. Still, if you bring this up, to be frank, given dad's current momentum, moving to those positions isn't particularly ideal. The rank looks higher, but his future career path may not be that promising."

"The best options remain what we mentioned before: moving south to Lingnan or north to Tianjin Gate; both positions are entry points. Of course, it's still hard to say, and we needn't speculate. This time Minister Xia may also be buying a double safety net. Although our dad is still the Governor of Jiangnan Province, he's been making trips to the institute and has very good relations with its leaders."

"The main point, actually, is to gain the approval of our grandfather and great‑grandfather. Frankly, at this stage, moving up does require the big leader's nod. The great families in Jingcheng don't have much sway; after all, they're retired senior officials and cannot, nor should they, get involved."

"But if those retired leaders behind the scenes voice dissent, the top leader will take that into account. How to describe it? Adding sugar isn't always sweet, but adding vinegar is certainly sour. Also, they probably want to be on good terms with our dad; you handled that well. Our dad is very unlikely to dine with Minister Xia, mainly because every action of his is being scrutinized through a magnifying glass. At this critical moment, befriending various ministry leaders could easily give people a pretext."

Su Yang chuckled, "Indeed, it looks calm on the surface, but underneath the waves are raging."

Zhou Ruohan said, "A dog's mouth can't spit ivory; can you say something positive? Ah, by the way, I've noticed you're full of vigor lately—have you been taking big tonic pills? Otherwise we could…"

Just as she was speaking, Old Zhou's voice sounded at the door: "Su Yang is back, right? Send him to the study."

Su Yang, who was about to stand, gave a shiver—thankfully he didn't re‑engage in combat; being heard by the old comrade in broad daylight would have been problematic.

Zhou Ruohan muttered, "You could have come early or late, but you had to show up at this time. Can't you just call? Instead you have to come to the door. If you wait a bit and go over later, my dad has nothing else tonight; even if you're late, he won't say anything. I'll just tell him you were exhausted from just returning and needed a rest."

Su Yang curled his lip and said, "You really don't avoid people. In broad daylight, if this were in ancient times, such behavior would truly be…"

Zhou Ruohan said, "Cut it out; this is a debt you incurred during the New Year and you haven't paid it off yet. Go to our dad's place first; I'll have someone brew a big tonic soup for you. Tonight you must settle the old debt and also finish the upcoming tasks early, otherwise who knows when you'll be able to return."

Su Yang said, "Why didn't I realize you were this kind of person before? You used to be so ladylike, proper, dignified, and serious—how did marriage change you so?"

Zhou Ruohan squeezed Su Yang hard and said, "Because you didn't know the phrase 'tasting marrow to know its flavor,' got it? Besides, at this age you should enjoy it now; waiting until you're old to indulge? Really."

Even so, she got up from the bed and fetched Su Yang's clothes. After all, Su Yang's chances to see Old Zhou are only a few times a year; even during festivals, if he can return, Old Zhou may not. However, Zhou Ruohan didn't put the clothes on Su Yang, she put one on herself. Still, when Su Yang left the room, forty minutes had already passed.

Old Zhou waited the full forty minutes. If this were in Jiangnan Province, any official making him wait that long would be furious. Yet seeing Su Yang's slow arrival, he said nothing, especially noting Su Yang's flippant gait; he only gave a glare and said:

"You were asked to come, why the hesitation? Did you go to the Ministry of Transport today? What did Minister Xia say? Anyway, the project in your county is just a tiny, insignificant one to them."

Su Yang recounted the Ministry of Transport matter, ending with, "Minister Xia said that if it's convenient for you, he'd like to have a meal together, but I didn't give him a definitive answer for fear of delaying your affairs."

Zhou Weiguo said, "Having a meal isn't impossible, it's just not convenient right now. I'll call him later; they helped, I can't ignore that. Tell me about the situation in your county, and also discuss your next plans."