Chapter 1064

The old man was indeed thinking of Su Yang's best interests, but Su Yang almost couldn't keep himself together.

The more I think about meeting Comrade Lao Fang at a time like this, the less appropriate it seems; might people think I'm just a sycophant?

Besides, what does Fang Jingwen say about meeting again?

But the old man's arrangement must have his own purpose.

"Alright, Grandpa, I'll try to make an appointment tomorrow, but I don't know if Minister Fang will have time?"

The old man said, "Yes, you need to be a bit early. I estimate there are many people who want to visit him now. Although he was previously a Deputy Minister, he had no say in major personnel appointments."

"Now it's different; this position is crucial and important, and ordinary local officials can't compare."

After returning, Su Yang didn't tell Zhou Ruohan about his plan to meet Comrade Lao Fang, because he simply had no time.

Because his time was all spent on doing real work.

The next day, he spent the whole day strolling and eating around Jingcheng with Zhou Ruohan.

To be honest, he really hadn't been so leisurely wandering around Jingcheng.

He ate roast duck, drank douzhi, and ate zhajiang noodles all day long.

Need not mention the douzhi; the others weren't as tasty as imagined. People kept talking about it, and many kept trying, simply because it attracted a crowd by reputation.

If there's one thing that was actually good, it had to be the roast duck.

But he didn't go to a particularly authentic roast duck shop, because you have to book in advance and queue, and he simply couldn't wait.

After returning, Zhou Ruohan suddenly said, "You already know about our father's situation; from now on we'll face open attacks and hidden daggers from all sides. I know you have a strong heart, and some people may not be as noble as you think."

"They can get away with all kinds of disgusting deeds; don't be fooled by their outwardly righteous demeanor."

"I heard Jia Guolong and his group are holding another gathering at the club. This time they even invited a mysterious heavyweight, and I suspect they'll still try to bring you along."

"Because whether it's Tian Xiaofei, Zhang Jiangbo, or Jia Guolong, they've all suffered repeated setbacks at your hands, and people of their temperament wouldn't just let it go."

"Moreover, there's an unwritten rule in our circle: as long as you're in Jingcheng, you must attend. Not attending means withdrawing from the circle. Though everyone is young now and positions aren't critical, in the future, when needed, you can team up with some people."

"If you don't go now, it's a direct surrender. A lower rank doesn't matter; when you reach a certain position, even if you're powerful and have the favor of superiors, without someone to back you, you can't advance."

"Our father's case is obvious; they form a big coalition, and of course some support him, like the Qiao Family."

"So what you see is just the tip of the iceberg; many things have already taken shape, or have the factors to do so."

"It only appears suddenly at a certain node before everyone's eyes."

Su Yang said, "What's the big deal? If we go, we go. It's just these three people. Honestly, I see Zhang Jiangbo often, but I haven't seen Jia Guolong or Tian Xiaofei in a long time; I actually miss them."

"Whenever I meet those two, they always bring unexpected surprises."

"Take the first meeting: they gave me money and projects; otherwise the economic development of Huatian Town wouldn't have started so quickly."

"The second time they even provided ample emotional value; sometimes clearing such matters is good, at least it lets us put work aside completely."

"And Tian Xiaofei's grandson got slapped, plus his uncle's issue; if I don't go, wouldn't he lose his chance forever?"

Zhou Ruohan gave Su Yang a pinch and said, "You're really stubborn. The reason I told you this is to make you give up the idea of going."

"From my perspective, times are changing, and my thinking and ways of acting are changing too. Whether this approach will still be useful in the future is doubtful."

"Maybe in the future people will be more averse to this kind of cliquish behavior."

Su Yang replied, "No matter how things change in the future, we have to keep up with everyone now; at least don't fall behind."

"Honestly, I sometimes enjoy this kind of unknown thrill, wondering if every now and then they might send another big gift package or something. Anyway, staying idle at home all day is still just idling."

"The previous few times our father was in an upward phase; some people were just there to play the part, while others truly wanted to stand with us."

"Going this time is a perfect chance to see these people's true faces. People can only discern who the real friends are when they're at a disadvantage or in adversity."

Zhou Ruohan helplessly spread her hands, "Fine, since you want to go, when they send the invitation, I'll go with you."

"Don't think about work or anything like that; put it all aside."

"By the way, I just remembered that Minister Fang is about to assume the role of Executive Vice Minister. I think you should still go pay a visit; even though you carry our family's label, with Secretary Fang's support, it will be beneficial for you, at least in the short term."

"And I guess they also really want to meet you."

When Su Yang heard that, his spine tingled, "What do you mean they also really want to meet me? Am I that likable?"

But he didn't continue the topic, instead saying, "How am I supposed to get in touch with them now? I can't just rush to grovel."

But Zhou Ruohan said, "I've already arranged everything for you. In the car we take together, I contacted Fang Jingwen; she said Minister Fang will be at home tomorrow afternoon, so you should go then."

Su Yang was stunned, "What's going on? You contacted Fang Jingwen—are you being so bold now? I remember you used to have strong opinions about her."

"And you can even lower your face to ask her for help?"

Zhou Ruohan said, "What's the problem? We're colleagues after all; asking her for a favor isn't a big deal. Besides, if anyone has a big face, it's you."

Su Yang no longer dared to continue the banter; he was afraid of saying anything else.

That night naturally turned passionate, and the next afternoon Zhou Ruohan tidied him up, saying, "Go early and wait near Minister Fang's house."

"Otherwise, you could just call them directly; I won't accompany you then."

Even though it feels like forcing a duck onto a perch, he can't skip it.

In principle he was unwilling to go, but reality told him that meeting Minister Fang would bring him countless benefits and no harm.

Just as he arrived near Minister Fang's residence, his pocket phone rang.