The game of power begins with the police officers at the local police station.

Just as Jiang Yiqiu took off her coat, preparing for her next move, her phone suddenly rang. Jiang Yiqiu called out sweetly, "Turn off your phone."

Chen Shi quickly took out his phone and saw that it was Yang Bin calling. He whispered, "It's Zhang County on the phone."

Zhang County

Yang Bin changed his voice and said, "Director Chen, come to my house."

"Now?"

"Yes, right now, come right away."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Shi looked at Jiang Yiqiu: "County Chief Zhang asked me to go to his house. It might be urgent. Wait for me at the hotel. I'll be back soon."

Jiang Yiqiu sat on the bed: "What do you need me for so late at night?"

"I don't know," Chen Shi said, putting on his clothes and quickly leaving the house. "I'll go take a look."

Yang Bin waited at the door, and Chen Shi got into the car: "To the No. 1 Middle School teachers' apartment."

Chen Shi checked the time: 10:05.

At 10:15, Shen Xiaorong arrived at the No. 1 Middle School teachers' apartment and waited at the door.

Chen Shi got out of the car and saw Shen Xiaorong wearing a beige down jacket, standing in the cold wind, looking at him.

Chen Shi was stunned. Shen Xiaorong usually didn't wear makeup or dress up much, but tonight she wore light makeup and dressed up a bit, and she had a stunningly beautiful appearance. She was not only a top student at No. 1 High School, but also the school beauty.

Shen Xiaorong said reproachfully, "Brother, you're late. You said you'd pick me up at ten o'clock, and it's already ten-fifteen."

Chen Shi snapped out of his daze and walked over to Shen Xiaorong: "There's a bit of traffic. It's New Year's Eve tonight, so a lot of people are out having fun."

Let's go to my place and have hot pot.

The two got into the car and returned to the Education Bureau's staff quarters.

Chen Shi opened the door, went to the kitchen, and brought out the prepared dishes. Shen Xiaorong took off her down jacket and followed to help.

Chen Shi asked, "Are you hungry?"

I had lunch at 11:30, and haven't eaten anything since.

Chen Shi felt a little guilty towards Shen Xiaorong, but smiled and said, "It'll be ready to eat in a minute."

Chen Shi took out the induction cooker and started making hot pot. He opened the rice cooker, but there was no rice cooking. He asked, "Xiao Rong, are you eating?"

"I don't want to eat anymore, I'll just have vegetables."

"If I'm not eating, I won't cook. This is the first time I've ever cooked at home."

The two sat down, the hot pot steaming hot, and Chen Shi exclaimed, "Eat quickly!"

Shen Xiaorong picked up her chopsticks and began to eat.

"Brother, don't you drink?"

"I don't drink; I rarely drink alcohol."

Shen Xiaorong raised her eyes and looked at Chen Shi without saying a word.

Chen Shi, feeling a little guilty, said, "Why are you looking at me? Is there anything dirty on my face?"

"You're acting very strange today. Were you with Director Jiang earlier? Actually, you don't have to worry about me. Just give me a call and I'll let you know. You don't have to spend New Year's Eve with me."

The top student is not only good at academics, but also excels in other areas, and has keen observation skills.

Chen Shi remained silent, tacitly agreeing.

Is Director Jiang still waiting for you?

Chen Shi quickly replied, "No, she went back."

"You're lying. You went to pick me up at the No. 1 Middle School teachers' apartment. Why wasn't she with you?"

It's not always a good thing for a woman to be too smart. Chen Shi had nothing to say and remained silent.

Shen Xiaorong chuckled: "Brother, you don't need to be so nervous. I'm your sister, just showing you some concern. After dinner, go find Director Jiang; she's your girlfriend."

Chen Shi laughed and said, "Why would I be nervous? Eat your food."

Shen Xiaorong changed the subject: "Brother, we'll be choosing our majors next semester. Do you think I should study humanities or science?"

"A top student like you should definitely study science. When it comes to the college entrance exam, there are many majors that science students can apply for but humanities students can't, and most majors that humanities students can apply for, science students can apply for, with only a very small number that they can't."

"Then I'll choose science."

As they ate and chatted, Chen Shi asked, "Is high school material stressful?"

"No, it's very easy. I've already studied to the second year of high school on my own, and I want to take the college entrance exam early."

"Haste makes waste. High school knowledge is quite difficult, so don't rush it and take it slowly."

"If I could score over 700, do you think I'd still be in a hurry?"

Chen Shi looked at Shen Xiaorong with disbelief. Even if you are a top student, you can't be so arrogant.

Shen Xiaorong smiled and said, "Brother, you don't believe in my abilities."

Chen Shi quickly replied, "I believe you, I absolutely believe you."

"I originally planned to take the college entrance examination next June, but after thinking about it, I realized that my preparation was not sufficient. I will take the exam the year after next, and I will get at least 700 points. Taking the exam a year earlier will give me a better chance."

Seeing Shen Xiaorong's determination, Chen Shi said, "I support you."

"Thank you, bro."

Time flies, and 2012 is counting down. It's 11:59 AM.

Shen Xiaorong put down her chopsticks: "I'm full, time to ring in the New Year."

The countdown begins: ten, nine, eight... one! Fireworks light up the sky outside, 2012 is over, and we officially enter 2013.

The two stood by the window, watching the fireworks outside.

No one spoke. After watching for more than ten minutes, Shen Xiaorong smiled and said, "Brother, thank you for spending New Year's Eve with me. Go find Director Jiang; she's still waiting for you to spend New Year's Eve together."

Chen Shi said softly, "I'll take you back."

Shen Xiaorong glanced at the bowls and chopsticks on the table: "I'll help you clean up. I'll take a taxi back later. Hurry up and don't keep Director Jiang waiting too long."

"I'll pack up tomorrow morning, I'll take you home first."

"I'm not a child anymore. I can go home by myself. I don't need you to take me."

Shen Xiaorong took Chen Shi's trench coat and helped him put it on: "Go quickly."

Chen Shi glanced at Shen Xiaorong: "You'll stay here tonight."

Shen Xiaorong knew that Chen Shi would be spending the night with Jiang Yiqiu and wouldn't be coming back, so she smiled and said, "I can't stay here. If others see me tomorrow morning, it won't be clear. I'm still a student, but you're my superior."

Chen Shi then realized that if the rumors were spread with ulterior motives, it would have a great impact on him.

The education bureau leaders have an unclear relationship with the students; this is a serious problem, and could potentially end their careers.

Chen Shi nodded to Shen Xiaorong. Who says top students only know how to study? They are also adept at interpersonal relationships and have a long-term perspective.

Chen Shi said softly, "Be careful on your way back."

"Chunyang County is very safe now; you've taken care of all the bad guys."

Chen Shi waved to Shen Xiaorong and hurried to the shopping mall and hotel.

Jiang Yiqiu paced back and forth in the hotel. She was in a bad mood. What was wrong? Zhang Xiangdong had asked Chen Shi to come to his place so late at night. Could it be that Chen Shi had been reported?

Her heart pounded. Chen Shi was her biggest backer, and if something happened to him, her career would probably be over.

Yang Xiong promised himself that he would recommend him for the position of vice principal after the Spring Festival.

Chen Shi certainly wouldn't object, and neither would anyone else; his relationship with Chen Shi was undeniable.

She's not a little girl; whether or not she celebrates the new year doesn't matter to her, her career is what matters.

The door was pushed open, and Chen Shi walked in. Jiang Yiqiu quickly asked, "What does County Chief Zhang want with you?"

"It's nothing serious," Chen Shi said, hugging Jiang Yiqiu tightly. Jiang Yiqiu had a very sensitive nose and could smell the woman's scent.

"So, it was just you talking to County Chief Zhang?"

Chen Shi realized that Jiang Yiqiu must have sensed the woman's scent, and smiled, saying, "Zhang County's wife is also home. Let's have hot pot together and chat while we eat."

Jiang Yiqiu then dispelled his doubts, but still found it strange that Zhang Xiangdong had asked Chen Shi to come over so late at night just to have hot pot with him and his wife.