Rejecting Qinghua Baoyan, I became a military officer

After a journey involving trains and buses, Xu Ye arrived back at his house in his hometown county town, and it was almost dark.

"Wouldn't this count as me hiding my true self in the dark?"

As Xu Ye got out of the taxi and stood at the entrance of the alley where his home was located, he couldn't help but think to himself.

As the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties, Luoyang is not large. Not to mention, Xu Ye's hometown is a county under its jurisdiction, which is even smaller. Twenty years later, the permanent population will be less than 500,000.

In fact, in the original owner's mind, the house in the county town was not his hometown. The village in the mountains more than 30 miles away from the county town was his hometown, where he spent most of his childhood and adolescence.

The house in front of me was bought after my parents moved to the city. If you really think about it, the original owner of this body didn't live here for more than a few years, so naturally she didn't have that much affection for it.

However, now that we're back, let's take a look.

After all, it was the result of the original owner's parents' hard work.

Shaking his head, Xu Ye stepped into the alley.

It must be said that the local government is quite adept at handling things.

In the past, there were only a few dim streetlights nailed to the wall in this alley, which were barely effective.

But now, things have changed a lot.

The streetlights that used to be nailed to the wall are long gone, replaced by beautiful and modern Chinese knot streetlights that illuminate the newly renovated road. The walls on both sides are now adorned with promotional content about the road itself...

After glancing at it, Xu Ye quickly looked away.

Although Xu Ye had already read many reports about his publicity efforts.

However, seeing it at my own doorstep still evokes a sense of shame.

Without looking to the side, Xu Ye walked quickly towards home.

When he arrived at his own front door, Xu Ye would never have recognized it if he hadn't already seen the photos of the renovated house.

Is this still my own home?
Xu Ye sighed inwardly, but considering the rewards he had received from the local government and businesses, and the fact that he hadn't had to spend any money, he finally agreed.

Anyway, neither the current Xu Ye nor the original owner of this body has any feelings for this place, so let them be!
"Oh, Xiao... Xu Ye is back?"

Just as I was about to open the door, a person came out of the neighbor's house, whose gate was open, and greeted me with some surprise.

The sound was quite loud.

Xu Ye smiled bitterly to himself: Well, I'm about to be surrounded by onlookers.

"Uncle Zhang, you just got back. Have you eaten yet?"

Xu Ye greeted him with a smile, pretending to take out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and offering one to him.

"Yes, yes, have you eaten? I'll have your aunt cook for you right away!"

Somewhat flattered, Uncle Zhang accepted the cigarette offered by Xu Ye and greeted him warmly.

As one of the local government's achievements, Xu Ye was naturally heavily publicized and has become the most famous person in Yongcheng County.

It's no exaggeration to say that in Yongcheng County, many people don't know who the county magistrate is, but almost no one doesn't know Xu Ye.

While in the taxi, Xu Ye listened to the taxi driver talk the whole way.

Fortunately, Xu Ye had the foresight to wear a pair of large sunglasses even though he wasn't wearing makeup.

Faced with the choice between being treated as a "show-off" or being stared at like a "monkey," Xu Ye chose the former.

However, once they arrived at his doorstep, Xu Ye naturally took off his sunglasses.

"Uncle Zhang, you're too kind. I already ate on my way here!" Xu Ye politely declined.

If I agree, it won't be long before the neighbors can quickly put together a table to welcome me.

Xu Ye just came back to visit and didn't want to waste too much time here.

Besides, even the original owner of this body didn't have much affection for these neighbors, let alone the current Xu Ye, so there was no need for that.

"Xu Ye is back?"

"Who's back?"

"Xu Ye!"

"Let's go over and have a look."

……

Sure enough, as soon as Uncle Zhang shouted, the news of Xu Ye's return spread throughout the alley, and soon Xu Ye's gate was surrounded by neighbors.

After a round of pleasantries and everyone had dispersed, more than half an hour had passed, and Xu Ye still hadn't even gone through the gate.

After everyone left, Xu Ye took out his key and opened the courtyard gate. Looking at the courtyard, which was not much different from what he remembered, Xu Ye sighed softly and went inside.

Although no one has lived here for more than two years, the yard is not deserted. The Zhang family next door usually helps to clean it, and the rooms are also cleaned.

Pushing open the door and skillfully turning on the light, I was greeted by plaques that almost filled the entire room.

"Not bad!"

After taking a look around, Xu Ye felt a little smug—this was all the result of his hard work!
Guided by his memory, Xu Ye quickly toured the small, self-built building.

Actually, this was his "first time" here. Before, he would just come back, sweep the graves, and leave.

More than an hour later, Xu Ye arrived at Uncle Zhang's house next door, carrying gift boxes in both hands.

"Xu Ye, what's going on?"

Upon seeing what Xu Ye was holding, Uncle Zhang was stunned for a moment, but quickly realized what was happening and refused to accept it.

"Uncle, Aunt, if you don't accept it, don't bother cleaning my house anymore!" Xu Ye threatened.

"Xu Ye, to be honest, we got the house cleaned thanks to you."

Unable to refuse Xu Ye, after Xu Ye put the things down and the two sat down, Uncle Zhang said somewhat embarrassedly.

“Your uncle is right, we are already very content.”

"Here, have a drink!"

As Aunt Zhang spoke, she stuffed a pack of Jianlibao (a type of Chinese herbal tea) into Xu Ye's hand.

Drinking tea is a custom in the South, but here, when guests arrive, all kinds of beverages are served.

Even twenty years from now, this will still be the case in ordinary families, which Xu Ye finds very endearing.

"One thing at a time, this is just a small token of my appreciation!"

Xu Ye took the Jianlibao and said with a smile.

Among all the neighbors, the Xu family and the Zhang family next door had the best relationship, and naturally, some benefits fell on them.

For example, Aunt Zhang became a temporary worker in the neighborhood, which is what they call being content.

When Xu Ye came out of Zhang's house, it was already past ten o'clock. The night in the small town was not as colorful as other places, and people generally went to bed early.

The next day, before dawn, Xu Ye got up early, locked the door, and left.

If you don't leave now, then you might as well not get anything done today.

The town is small, and news travels very fast. If nothing unexpected happens, the leaders should already know that Xu Ye has returned.

To avoid trouble, Xu Ye could naturally stay here; it was best to slip away first.

Following the taste from his memory, Xu Ye walked to "Old Wang's Hot Noodle Dumplings" and tasted the deliciousness he remembered.
The steaming hot dumplings are best enjoyed with a dish of vinegar and a little chili. When you bite into them, gently break the thin skin and enjoy the fresh aroma of the dumplings combined with the sour and spicy dipping sauce – a taste of home in every bite.

"Xu Ye, you didn't even tell me you were coming back!"

The newcomer sat down opposite Xu Ye and spoke in an annoyed tone.

"You know my situation perfectly well, how could I possibly have a specific timeframe!"

Xu Ye handed him a pair of chopsticks, smiling as he explained, "That's true!"

Chen Chen nodded and took the chopsticks.

"The main reason I came back this time is to sweep my parents' graves!" Xu Ye added.

Chen Chen was the original owner's childhood friend, elementary school classmate, junior high school classmate, and high school classmate. It wasn't until college that the two went to different schools. Xu Ye went to Tsinghua University, while Chen Chen's grades were a bit lower, and he only got into Zhongzhou University in the province.

However, in the four provinces, those who know, know that if Chen Chen were to go to a different place, he could get into a better university.

However, in Henan Province, the only option is to attend Zhongzhou University—the only first-tier university in Henan Province.

"Yes, that's true!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Chen couldn't help but sigh.

"It's alright, so many years have passed, we have to look forward to everything. Besides, aren't I doing well now?" Xu Ye said with a smile.

He knew how Chen Chen felt.

After all, as childhood friends, Chen Chen had eaten his mother's cooking many times, and the bond between them was undeniable.

"Xu Ye, you must be careful!"

Chen Chen put down his chopsticks and looked at Xu Ye with a serious expression.

As a college student, Chen Chen naturally knew how much "life" Xu Ye's plaques contained, so much so that he didn't dare to think about it too much.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Xu Ye nodded, without saying anything more.

The more you say, the more worried the other person will become.

"By the way, I heard you went to work for the county government? Why aren't you taking the postgraduate entrance exam?" Xu Ye casually changed the subject.

Although Chen Chen got into a less prestigious university than me, he was still able to get into Sun Yat-sen University in Henan Province, which shows that he is not stupid. Influenced by Xu Ye, Chen Chen, who is two years older than me, also skipped grades in school and graduated from university last year.

"Sigh, I'd like to keep taking the exam, but my parents have already arranged my job," Chen Chen said helplessly.

This is not bragging; Chen Chen was genuinely somewhat helpless, but being a very filial son since childhood, he ultimately did not object to his parents' arrangements.

"It's good to start working early, then you can pursue a part-time degree later." Xu Ye thought his parents' arrangement was better.

After three years of graduate school, things might not be any better than they are now.

Compared to Xu Ye's family, Chen Chen's family could be considered part of the "county town Brahmin" circle.

This arrangement cannot be said to be wrong.

We'll see when the time comes!

Chen Chen popped a steamed dumpling into his mouth. "Let's not talk about this anymore. I'll take you there later."

"No need, I can manage on my own." Xu Ye shook his head.

This is just going back to sweep the graves and burn paper money, nothing else, so let's not bother others.

"Did you drive back?" Chen Chen asked.

"No, there's no time!" Xu Ye replied.

Compared to the advanced public transportation networks of later generations, having a car was actually more convenient in this era.

Unfortunately, Xu Ye flew directly from Beijing this time and didn't want to bother anyone else, so naturally there was no car available.

"You can't let me drive you, but you can take the car. Here you go!" Chen Chen took out his car keys from his pocket and placed them in front of Xu Ye.

"Wow, not bad, you even managed to get on the bus!"

Xu Ye didn't stand on ceremony, took the car keys, looked at them, and started joking.

With Chen Chen's educational background and his family connections, becoming a clerk would be no problem for him.

However, to become a deputy section chief, or even higher, you need to accumulate seniority.

"Get lost, I'm not qualified. This car is my dad's old one, I'm just taking it for a spin and practicing," Chen Chen said with a laugh.

At this moment, Chen Chen breathed a sigh of relief.

He knew that Xu Ye hadn't changed, at least their relationship hadn't changed; he was still his childhood friend and brother.

"Alright, I won't stand on ceremony with you." Xu Ye put the keys in his pocket.

"The gas tank is full, and the gas cylinder is in the glove box. Feel free to drive it!" Chen Chen said casually.

"Don't worry, I definitely won't hold back!"

"That must!"

……

"By the way, the county leaders know you're back. Do you want to keep this?"

After finishing the last steamed dumpling, Chen Chen wiped his mouth and said in a low voice.

"Don't!"

Xu Ye quickly waved his hand, "You know, I hate this kind of thing the most."

"Okay, I understand." Chen Chen wasn't surprised at all; this was Xu Ye's personality, it had never changed.

"Of course, if you need it, that's not out of the question!" Xu Ye chuckled.

As a brother and childhood friend, Xu Ye would not stand idly by if the other party needed help. He didn't live in a vacuum, and as long as it didn't violate his principles, Xu Ye would not hesitate to lend a hand.

"Thanks, Xu Ye, I appreciate the thought, but I don't need it for now!"

Feeling a warmth in his heart, Chen Chen looked at Xu Ye and shook his head slightly.

He knew Xu Ye's personality and even his current influence; helping him would definitely save him several years of trouble.

However, Chen Chen knew Xu Ye's personality better and didn't want to make Xu Ye feel embarrassed.

Besides, Chen Chen was very confident in his education, abilities, and family connections.

At least in a small place like Yongcheng County, there's really no need to mobilize Xu Ye, this "big Buddha," right now.

"Alright, if you don't want to see them, then hurry up and go!" Chen Chen urged.

He knew all too well how eagerly the county leaders were to curry favor with Xu Ye.

"Alright, let's have a good meal after we're done!" Xu Ye didn't waste any more words and got up to walk out with him.

Soon, a black Santana 2000 disappeared onto the now-awakened city streets.

Twenty years later, the Santana will definitely be synonymous with "antique car".

However, nowadays, it is something that many people can only dream of. The landed price is over 200,000 yuan, which is enough to buy a house even in Beijing.

This was the car that Chen Chen's father had replaced, which shows that the "Brahmin of the County Town" was no joke.

"Alright, let's use our legs!"

When the car was out of sight, Chen Chen realized that she had forgotten to ask Xu Ye to give her a ride to her workplace first.

Fortunately, small towns have their advantages; this place is not far from their workplace.

Chen Chen wouldn't have driven over if it weren't for the possibility that Xu Ye might need a car.

Moreover, Chen Chen rarely drives to work on weekdays.

Having chosen this path, Chen Chen wanted to continue as a civil servant as possible, so he had to keep a low profile.

After all, even their section chief doesn't drive to work. If you do, what will he think? (End of Chapter)