I feel right at home in the world of the courtyard house.

"Director Yan, I'm so sorry for the neglect today. We didn't have a proper drink. I'll treat you to another meal another day, and we can continue our conversation then."

Li Jing'an spoke sincerely, and his tact was just right.

Deputy Director Yan waved his hand, his face flushed with laughter: "Oh, Jing'an, are you determined to drink me under the table? No way, I really can't outdrink you. You've got quite the capacity for alcohol, you're really hiding it!"

Director Yang, standing nearby, chimed in, "That's right, Director Yan, I've really seen something today. Jing'an's drinking capacity is unmatched in our entire branch."

"Haha, Jing'an, I'll definitely bring you along when I have a gathering in the future. We'll drink those old comrades who brag all day long until they're out of the loop. You can't refuse." Deputy Director Yan patted his shoulder, his tone now more intimate.

Li Jing'an immediately straightened up and said decisively, "Director Yan, please give the order. Just say the word, and I'll be there at your beck and call."

After some polite greetings, Li Jing'an personally saw Deputy Director Yan, Director Yang, and Instructor Han of the Xicheng Branch into their car. Only after watching the car drive away did he slowly turn his gaze away.

He turned around, gestured with his chin toward the shadows at the street corner, and called out softly, "Old Wu."

A slightly hunched figure immediately emerged from the shadows, his steps hurried and trembling as he approached. Behind him, a young woman followed timidly.

Li Jing'an's gaze lingered briefly on the young woman before turning to Old Wu, asking calmly, "And who is this?"

An embarrassed and awkward smile instantly appeared on Old Wu's face. He stammered, "This, this is Xiao Wu's girlfriend, named Bai Ting... She heard that Xiao Wu had some trouble and insisted on coming along to ask about the situation."

Li Jing'an saw right through him—Old Wu hadn't dared to tell the girl the truth at all.

The girl in front of me looked to be under twenty. She had clean features, fair skin, and was dressed simply, exuding an air of innocent purity and naivety. Her eyes were clear and bright; she was clearly a naive, innocent girl who hadn't experienced hardship. Girls like her are easily swayed by a few words.

Li Jing'an knew what was going on, but his face remained calm. He spoke gently to Bai Ting, "Don't worry, girl. It's nothing serious, just a little trouble. Xiao Wu will be out in a couple of days. His work and reputation won't be affected. You can rest assured."

Upon hearing this, Old Wu breathed a sigh of relief, his eyes filled with gratitude as he looked at Li Jing'an.

Xiao Wu had only been engaged for a short time, and if news of his impending arrest came out now, the engagement would definitely be off. Old Wu was more anxious than anyone else, but he dared not say anything rash and could only hope that Li Jing'an would cover for him.

Li Jing'an, too lazy to look at his tearful gratitude, casually waved his hand and said, "Go in and settle your bill first."

Old Wu nodded and bowed in agreement, then quickly went into the restaurant.

Once everyone had left, Li Jing'an turned to Bai Ting, his voice slightly lowered, sounding exceptionally sincere: "Xiao Wu's matter is actually a bit complicated. With Lao Wu here, it wasn't convenient for me to explain openly. You should step aside for now, and I'll tell you the details after I've dealt with him."

Bai Ting looked up at him.

The man before her was tall and imposing, dressed neatly and smartly, with a composed demeanor; he was also a government official. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly and silently walked towards the street corner.

Not long after, Old Wu hurriedly came out after paying the bill, his face still showing some pain.

Before he could speak, Li Jing'an ordered, "Go back and prepare two decent things. One for Deputy Director Yan from earlier, and the other for Director Lu, the head of their branch. Remember, they need to be high-quality, not those cheap, cheap junks."

Old Wu's face twitched violently, his voice bitter: "Director Li... this... we still have to send more? We've already sent out quite a few, when will this ever end..."

Looking at his pained yet unwilling expression, Li Jing'an gave a faint, cold smile and said in a chilling tone, "It's come to an end. If you don't want to send him off, that's fine too. Just pretend this never happened, and your grandson can do whatever he wants."

Old Wu suddenly panicked, his face turning pale: "Then, what about all those things I sent out before..."

"You want back what you've already given away?" Li Jing'an's eyes darkened, his tone carrying an undeniable pressure. "Fine, I'll give you the address. Go get it back yourself."

Old Wu was instantly choked speechless, his face turning pale and then red.

No matter how unwilling he was, he knew there was no turning back now. He could only suppress his grievances and quickly bowed with a smile, "Director Li, that's not what I meant. Please don't take it to heart. I'll go back right away, pick out two of the best things, and personally deliver them to your home. I promise I won't let you down."

Li Jing'an snorted and then coldly cautioned, "Remember, get the good stuff. Don't give them the kind you'd give to Director Yang and the others; it's a different level."

"Yes, yes, I understand, I understand!"

Old Wu nodded repeatedly, as if granted a pardon, and hurriedly turned and left.

Li Jing'an stood there, watching Lao Wu's hurried departure. The coldness on his face gradually faded, and a meaningful smile slowly appeared on his lips.

He murmured softly, his voice so low that only he could hear, "Old Wu, don't rush, this is just the beginning... There are still leaders from the Municipal Bureau waiting for you to curry favor with them."

After speaking, he composed himself, straightened his slightly disheveled clothes, and turned to walk towards Bai Ting, who was hiding at a street corner not far away.

Approaching the girl, Li Jing'an softened his tone and asked gently, "Comrade, I haven't asked your name yet?"

Bai Ting lowered her head slightly, her voice soft and gentle: "My name is Bai Ting."

She was in a state of great anxiety. Her marriage was at stake, and she needed to know the truth about Xiao Wu. If it was serious, she could tell her family to make plans as soon as possible; she couldn't let herself be ruined by ignorance.

Li Jing'an naturally changed his address, his tone becoming more intimate: "Then I'll call you Tingting."

Before Bai Ting could react, the smile on his face suddenly vanished, his expression turned serious, and his voice deepened: "Bai Ting, let me tell you the truth—Xiao Wu's situation is far more serious than you think. There's a high chance he'll be sent to a labor camp."

Bai Ting's face turned pale instantly, her body swayed slightly, and her eyes turned red in an instant. Just as she was about to speak, Li Jing'an gently interrupted her.

"I know you've just gotten engaged and your relationship isn't very deep yet. I sincerely advise you to think this through carefully."

Bai Ting bit her lip, trying to suppress her panic, and whispered, "I...I'll go back and discuss it with my parents."

"I advise you not to tell anyone right now," Li Jing'an said sincerely, every word seemingly for her benefit. "If you tell your family as soon as you get home, your parents will definitely make you break off the engagement immediately. But Xiao Wu's matter isn't finalized yet. If word gets out, it won't be good for your reputation as a young woman. People will only say you're materialistic and opportunistic, and you won't be able to clear your name no matter what."

These words struck a chord with Bai Ting.

She's just an ordinary girl, and her reputation is what she values ​​most. Once the news of the broken engagement gets out, it will be difficult for her to find a good family to marry into again.

Bai Ting looked up at Li Jing'an, her eyes filled with panic and gratitude, momentarily at a loss: "Comrade, then... what should I do?"

"Don't do anything, and don't mention Xiao Wu to anyone." Li Jing'an's tone was firm, carrying a convincing power. "Wait two more days, and things will be resolved. At that time, whether you continue or break up, you will be in the right, and no one will be able to say a bad word about you."

Bai Ting felt a great weight lifted from her heart and thanked him repeatedly, saying, "Thank you, comrade, thank you so much."

Looking at her innocent and grateful expression, a barely perceptible glint flashed in Li Jing'an's eyes, but his face remained gentle: "No need to thank me. I just don't want to see such a good girl like you jump into a fire pit without thinking."

Bai Ting's cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head somewhat embarrassed.

Li Jing'an looked at her, his tone suddenly softening, with a hint of frankness: "To be honest, Tingting, I had a good impression of you the moment I saw you today."

These words came so suddenly that Bai Ting panicked. Her heart skipped a beat, and she stood there helplessly, her ears turning red.

Seeing this, Li Jing'an took a step back at the opportune moment and smiled apologetically, "Don't overthink it, I just couldn't keep my mouth shut. After all, you're still nominally Xiao Wu's girlfriend."

But Bo Ting looked up at him.

The man before her was tall, handsome, and had a composed demeanor; he was clearly an upright person. Compared to the dull and honest Xiao Wu, whom she had only met a few times, Li Jing'an's mature and cadre-like air was incredibly attractive. Hearing him bluntly express his feelings for her, she felt not repulsion, but rather a quiet, barely concealed joy.

Her voice grew softer and softer, almost inaudible: "Xiao Wu and I... were introduced by someone else. We've only met a few times, and we don't have any feelings for each other."

Li Jing'an took in her shy and flustered appearance, a fleeting smile playing on his lips, so quick it was almost impossible to catch.

He casually dropped the bombshell: "Are you free tomorrow? I'd like to find a place to talk to you more about Xiao Wu's situation and give you a proper analysis."

Bai Ting understood perfectly well what he meant.

She gave a soft "hmm," and the two agreed to meet at the park the next morning. Bai Ting blushed and hurriedly turned to leave.

Li Jing'an stood there, watching her slender figure walk away until it completely disappeared into the night, before slowly withdrawing his gaze.

As the evening breeze swept across the street corner, he uttered a soft, low voice, tinged with a hint of amusement:

"So...young."