Madmen don't keep diaries

Chapter 273, Section 272: Reasoning and Making Friends

Feng Xiuhu gestured with his chin toward Du Shiqin and pointed to the side, saying, "Sit down."

Du Shiqin's Adam's apple bobbed, and after standing frozen in place for a few seconds, he suddenly turned and ran towards the door.

Unfortunately, he overlooked one crucial detail—Zheng Muwen had already blocked the doorway without his knowledge.

"Get out of my way!"

Du Shiqin struggled to push him open, but Zheng Muwen, despite his age, held onto the doorknob tightly, shouting, "Director Du, a guest is a guest! Is this how you treat Father Feng?"

Du Shiqin's eyes blazed with fury: "Zheng Muwen! How dare you harm me!?"

At this moment, Feng Xiuhu's voice drifted into my ears: "Are you going to come and sit down by yourself, or should I drag you over to kneel?"

Du Shiqin and Zheng Muwen glared at each other. After a moment, Du Shiqin's lips trembled, and he silently turned around and walked over.

He didn't even look at Feng Xiuhu, but stared at the table: "Father Feng, I'm not like Zheng Muwen. I don't seek fame. The methods you use on him won't work on me. If you want to use some bloody methods, it's probably not appropriate right now. After all, this is the government office. If things get out of hand, it won't be good for the church either."

Feng Xiuhu squinted and smiled, "Director Du has misunderstood me. I'm not as bad as the rumors suggest."

Du Shiqin pursed his lips and remained silent, clearly not believing it.

But Feng Xiuhu was in no hurry. He slowly explained, "Actually, I didn't come to the government office today to cause trouble. I just wanted to ask you officials your attitudes in person, to see who is willing to give the church this face, and who is firmly against it."

Du Shiqin hesitated for a moment, then said, "It's not that we necessarily want to offend the church, but this is a matter of great importance, and we have no other choice..."

Feng Xiuhu patted Du Shiqin's shoulder lightly, and Du Shiqin shuddered before belatedly realizing that Feng Xiuhu had no intention of using force.

Feng Xiuhu sighed and said, "It's alright, I understand."

Du Shiqin looked on in astonishment—had the mad tiger suddenly become more agreeable, or were the rumors really inaccurate?
The most unbelievable thing was Zheng Muwen. He stared at Feng Xiuhu with his eyes almost bulging out—Feng Xiuhu hadn't treated him like this before.

Feng Xiuhu gave Du Shiqin a friendly smile: "Don't look at me like that. I told you, I'm just here to ask some questions."

Du Shiqin forced a smile and replied, "Father Feng is a reasonable man; I was just prejudiced."

Feng Xiuhu smiled helplessly: "Do you think I don't know how difficult it is to get officials to join the church? It's just that this task has fallen to me, so I have to put on a show. Besides, in Fancheng, whether it's a big or small matter, isn't it all decided by the government? Isn't it all up to you officials to make the final decision? So, to be honest, the church can't really have a falling out with the government."

Du Shiqin wholeheartedly agreed with these words, slapping his thigh and exclaiming, "Father Feng understands these principles very well! I knew the rumors outside were unreliable!"

Feng Xiuhu raised his hand to interrupt: "I am indeed here today to reason with the government. I don't intend to completely break ties with the government, but as the saying goes, it's a matter of mutual consent and reciprocity. The government should give me a reason to explain myself."

Before Du Shiqin could get carried away, he immediately became more wary: "Father Feng, please speak freely. As long as it's within my power, I will definitely give you face."

Feng Xiuhu leaned closer, pointed to the ceiling, and said, "I came to the government office in such a grand manner today to show the higher-ups that I've already taken care of this task. As for whether it will succeed, and how many people will succeed, that's another matter. Just as I said, I need to ask everyone individually before I can report back."

Feng Xiuhu grasped Du Shiqin's hand and patted the back of it: "Just like you, Director Du, if you agree, you're giving me, Feng Xiuhu, face, and I'll remember your kindness; if you don't agree, that's fine too. We've become friends through this fight, so let's drink this cup and consider it making friends, which will open up more avenues for us in the future."

Du Shiqin was overjoyed—he thought that once he entered this door he would have to walk along the River Styx, but unexpectedly the situation took a turn for the better, and he not only escaped unscathed but also gained a new friendship.

He quickly patted his chest and said, "Father Feng, don't worry, I've decided to be your friend!"

Feng Xiuhu laughed heartily: "Sure thing, come on!"

He shoved the wine glass into Du Shiqin's hand.

Mike rubbed his eyes—he hadn't seen when Feng Xiuhu had put the wine jug and cups out.

Before he could react, Feng Xiuhu shoved another wine glass into his hand.

Du Shiqin looked puzzled, and Feng Xiuhu explained with a smile: "Director Du, please don't be offended. I had an upset stomach last night, so I had to find someone to drink for me. This is Deacon Mike, my brother. If he drinks, I drink."

This was a trivial matter, not worth fussing over. Du Shiqin had also heard about Feng Xiuhu's exploits at the nightclub last night, so he didn't suspect anything. He just wanted to leave as soon as possible, so he smiled and nodded, "It's all the same, it's all the same."

After saying that, Du Shiqin eagerly clinked glasses with Mike and then drank it all in one gulp.

Mike, holding the cup, was at a loss, unable to process how this had happened to him again.

Feng Xiuhu urged, "Are you raising fish?"

Mike reluctantly finished his drink and then showed Du Shiqin the bottom of his glass, indicating that not a drop was left.

Their eyes met for half a second in mid-air.

"Uh……"

Du Shiqin blinked, staring at Mike with a gaze he couldn't seem to look away from.

Feng Xiuhu's voice came from the side, bringing Du Shiqin back to his senses: "Director Du, I won't see you off. Please go back."

"Uh, okay."

Du Shiqin put down his cup and stood up, his movements somewhat hesitant.

As he reached the door, Du Shiqin scratched his head, but couldn't help turning around to ask, "Um, I forgot to ask earlier, where does Deacon Mike work?"

Mike stared blankly at him: "The sanctuary in the factory district, what's wrong?"

Du Shiqin blushed and avoided eye contact, saying, "No, it's nothing."

He quickly opened the door and left.

Once again, only Feng Xiuhu and two others remained in the office.

Zheng Muwen couldn't quite accept it and couldn't help but lean closer: "Father Feng, you, you, you—"

Feng Xiuhu glanced at him sideways: "What do you mean, 'you'?"

Zheng Muwen looked distressed: "How could you let him go!"

Feng Xiuhu retorted, "Who have I let go?"

Zheng Muwen slapped his thigh in frustration: "Du Shiqin!"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than the door was pushed open again.

Du Shiqin poked his head in and said with an embarrassed smile, "I think I heard someone call me... Huh? I must have heard correctly."

He walked in with complete ease, first turning his head to look at the murals on the wall, then bending down to touch the green plants on his desk.

Zheng Muwen stared blankly as he walked from one side to the other, looking completely idle.

Zheng Muwen finally couldn't hold back any longer: "Hey, Du, what's wrong with you?"

"cough."

Du Shiqin cleared his throat, straightened his back, and spoke in a deep, clear, bubbly voice: "Director Zheng, actually I also have my own insights into the doctrines of the Mist Church. Yesterday's discussion was very enjoyable, and we can explore it further."

At this point, he turned his head and gave Mike a dashing smile: "It's good that Deacon Mike is here. If there's anything wrong, he can clarify it for us in time."

(End of this chapter)