Chapter 591

Sun Si said: "I'm conducting this research, and I still need Brother Su's guidance—you're now the provincial expert on agricultural reform, a benchmark figure. I have little understanding or experience in this area; if you have any insights, please don't hesitate to share."

Su Xinghui said: "Director Sun, you're too kind."

After that, Sun Si showered Su Xinghui with flattery, making Su Xinghui internally amused—he knew exactly what his past father-in-law was like, and clearly, Sun Si now truly regarded him as his superior.

Su Xinghui's feelings toward Sun Si were complex; inwardly, he looked down on men like Sun Si. In his past life, his marriage to Sun Xuelan had been hasty, and he hadn't deeply understood the Sun family. Only after years of marriage did he realize Sun Si was this kind of man—both he and his wife were pragmatic and mercenary, and under their influence, their two daughters and one son all resembled them.

Su Xinghui never received much warmth from the Sun family, but since Sun Si had once been his father-in-law and he had once called him "Dad," he couldn't suddenly turn cold toward him—he could only offer vague replies. Yet this half-hearted response made Sun Si cling to him like a sticky plaster, and now he seemed impossible to shake off.

Su Xinghui only wanted to politely brush him off; in this life, he had no desire for any deep connection with Sun Si. As a result, he couldn't help showing signs of impatience.

Su Xinghui's attitude grew increasingly cold, and Sun Si was taken aback—hadn't they been getting along well just moments ago? Why had Su Xinghui's demeanor suddenly turned chilly?

People like Sun Si were masters at reading expressions; the moment Su Xinghui's attitude shifted, he sensed it instantly. He thought for a moment: perhaps Su Xinghui had just graduated from school and wasn't yet accustomed to the ways of officialdom—basically, he was still too green.

Sun Si was indeed a talent in interpersonal dealings—a true practitioner of the art: flatter to please. Realizing Su Xinghui was "green," he immediately toned down his flattery and shifted the conversation to work matters.

Sun Si was educated and could write theoretical papers with ease; he had prepared beforehand, so when discussing agricultural reform with Su Xinghui, he offered genuine insights. Only then did Su Xinghui begin to engage him seriously.

Seeing his tactic work, Sun Si was delighted. He then proposed that Su Xinghui accompany him on a village research trip. Su Xinghui had no choice—it was part of his duties. Sun Si was Deputy Director of the Planning Commission, a Level-8 official, one rank higher than him. He couldn't afford to send a subordinate instead—that would earn him a reputation for disrespecting his superior.

Su Xinghui could only endure, spending the entire day accompanying Sun Si around the village, even sharing lunch with him.

In the afternoon, as Sun Si headed back to the county, he pulled Su Xinghui aside for a long chat: "Brother Su, we've hit it off from the start. New Year's Day is coming—will you be going home?"

Su Xinghui said: "I'll probably go home for New Year's, but it's hard to say—work is busy right now."

Sun Si said: "Brother Su, you're truly devoted to your work—forgetting meals and sleep! If you do go home for New Year's, come over for dinner."

Su Xinghui said: "That might not be appropriate."

Sun Si gripped his hand: "What? Do you look down on me as an older brother?"

Su Xinghui was torn between laughter and exasperation—how had he become an "older brother"? In his past life, Sun Si had been his father-in-law—wasn't this a generational mismatch?

But with everyone watching, he could only say: "How could I? We'll see about it."

Sun Si laughed heartily and got into his car: "It's settled then—call me when you get home. I'll have wine ready—we'll have a proper drink, you and me."

Watching Sun Si's car disappear down the road, Su Xinghui could only shake his head.

On New Year's Day, Su Xinghui returned home. It had been nearly a month since his last visit—he'd been buried in work. His main duty now was introducing his experience to visiting officials. With a rare holiday, he finally had time to go home, and since the day after New Year's was Sunday, he could stay for two full days.

When he arrived home, it was just past eight. With the Meng Hu Ling Highway now open, his travel time had shrunk drastically—only thirty to forty minutes. The county bus company had increased the frequency of buses to Meng Hu Ling, with nearly one every ten minutes, as passenger numbers surged—a clear sign of Meng Hu Ling's economic growth.

When Su Xinghui stepped through the door, he saw Guo Suhua watching TV while picking vegetables. He called out: "Mom, I'm back. What's for dinner today?"

Guo Suhua, delighted to see her son, said: "Xinghui, I'll cook extra dishes today—we've got good news to celebrate!"

Su Xinghui asked: "Mom, what's the good news? Why are you so happy?"

Guo Suhua said: "It's double joy—your father's been promoted to Deputy Director of the County People's Hospital, and your brother-in-law's been promoted to Deputy Director of the Weisheng Bureau's Office. Today, I'm throwing them a proper celebration."

Su Xinghui exclaimed happily: "Mom, is this true?"

Guo Suhua said: "Of course it's true—do you think I'd make this up?"

Su Xinghui asked: "What about Dad?"

Guo Suhua said: "He's on duty at the hospital today—he'll come home for dinner. Your brother-in-law and his family will be here soon."

Su Xinghui rolled up his sleeves: "Alright, Mom, let me help you."

Su Xinghui was genuinely happy for his father and brother-in-law. In his past life, neither had been ambitious men—he never held any official position. Su Wenjun spent his entire career as only an Associate Chief of Internal Medicine, and Tan Mingcheng had just become Office Deputy Director when Su Xinghui was reborn.

Su Wenjun's medical skills were among the best in the county hospital, and Tan Mingcheng, though not exceptionally gifted, had spent his entire life working diligently and tirelessly at the Weisheng Bureau, with solid achievements to show for it—he shouldn't have been stuck at this level even by seniority alone.