Nominal: Starting with an entrance exam for a PhD in Economics at Peking University

Chapter 52 What Feelings

Qi Tongwei arrived at "Sculpting Time" café 15 minutes early. This café, located near Xueyuan Road in Haidian District, is quite famous in Beijing and is a favorite spot for many artistic youths and college students.

Wooden bookshelves, warm yellow lighting, and the smell of coffee and old books filling the air.

He didn't rush to order, but simply gestured to the waiter that "we're still waiting for someone," and then chose a corner seat by the window.

Outside the window, the streets were sparsely populated in late autumn, with pedestrians hurrying by. However, Qi Tongwei's thoughts were far more complicated than the scenery outside the window.

The olive branch extended by Han Shen carries immense weight.

Political successor... This means that if he agrees, his development in the Economic Commission and even at a broader level will receive preferential treatment and support from Han Shen's system for the next few years. For a rural boy with no connections, this is undoubtedly a shortcut that is obvious to the naked eye.

But a lingering sense of resistance remained in his heart.

In his past life, he attached himself to the Liang family, relied on the Zhao family, and even tried to curry favor with Chen Yanshi. Each seemingly glorious rise to power was backed by deeper personal ties and sacrifices. He was like a vine, constantly searching for stronger trunks to climb. Once the tree he relied on collapsed or abandoned him, he immediately lost his support and fell in a sorry state.

Reborn, he vowed to live like a tree, perhaps initially small, but with roots firmly planted in the soil and branches reaching for the light.

His contribution to the "Guidance Catalogue for Industrial Structure Adjustment" was his first step in trying to establish himself based on his own hard work and knowledge. The results were remarkable, and he also experienced the sense of accomplishment of "winning respect and opportunities based on his own value".

If he were to agree to Han Shen's proposal now and become his "successor," he would certainly gain protection and impetus quickly. However, from then on, the name "Qi Tongwei" would likely be forever preceded by the prefix "Han Shen's man." His promotions, his decisions, and even his interpersonal relationships would likely be considered within the overall interest framework of Han Shen's faction. He would gain power, but he would also relinquish some of his autonomy.

Refusing would mean losing Han Shen's strong support for the next few years, and might even cause dissatisfaction from him.

In the complex and entrenched environment of the Economic Commission, losing the favor of a powerful deputy director would inevitably add many obstacles to his future. However, the ability he demonstrated in offering this suggestion, as well as the untapped "prophetic" ideas in his mind, are all assets.

Slower is probably more stable.

The balance of pros and cons swayed repeatedly in his mind, and ultimately, the instinct to be independent and take control of his own destiny slightly outweighed his desire for shortcuts.

As I was deep in thought, two slender, fair fingers gently tapped the table in front of me.

Qi Tongwei suddenly came to his senses and looked up.

A young woman wearing a beige turtleneck sweater and a light brown wool coat sat down opposite him. She was in her early twenties, with delicate features, fair skin that was almost translucent, and long, smooth black hair that cascaded over her shoulders. She possessed a gentle and quiet demeanor, with clear eyes. At that moment, she was observing him with a mixture of curiosity and shyness, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Her appearance was somewhat like the classical beauty he had imagined, only with an added youthful vibrancy.

Qi Tongwei paused, a strange, untimely thought flashing through his mind: This younger sister... I feel like I've seen her before...

"Senior Brother Qi, is that right? Hello, I'm He Qing." The girl extended her hand, her voice clear and melodious, breaking the brief silence.

Qi Tongwei immediately stood up and gently shook her hand.

Her hands were slightly cool and soft. "Hello, Junior Sister He, I am Qi Tongwei." His expression was calm, revealing no trace of the turmoil in his heart just now.

The two sat down again. Qi Tongwei pushed the drink menu on the table towards them: "Junior sister, what would you like to drink?"

“Anything is fine,” He Qing glanced at the list, a playful smile on her face. “But I want sugar in it, I don’t like it too bitter.”

Qi Tongwei understood, beckoned the waiter, and ordered two lattes.

While waiting, He Qing rested her chin on her hand and smiled, "Speaking of which, you are my uncle's junior brother. Shouldn't I call you senior brother instead of junior uncle?"

—She has such a beautiful smile, if I punched her, she would cry for a long time, right?

Qi Tongwei quickly waved his hand and smiled, "Let's each talk our own way, calling each other 'senior brother' is fine."

Upon hearing this, He Qing's eyes curved into crescents, filled with the excitement of a little girl sharing a secret: "My uncle has such high standards. My mom has been asking him to introduce me to potential partners, but he always says there aren't any suitable ones and keeps putting it off. You're the first one!"

Qi Ting's smile was harder to suppress than the sniper rifle at Lone Eagle Ridge in his previous life.

……

Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside the staff dormitory of Beijing Normal University was somewhat subtle.

He Qing's father, He Shihong, sat on the sofa, his face not looking too good. He was nearly fifty years old, with a dignified appearance, and one could still vaguely see the shadow of He Qing in his eyebrows and eyes. However, at this moment, his brows were furrowed, and his scholarly face was full of disapproval.

“Xiao Qing is only twenty-two, just graduated, why the rush to go on blind dates and find a partner? It’s not like I can’t support her.” His voice was muffled.

The mother, Lin Wanyi, looked somewhat like her older sister, Lin Jingyi, but was more gentle. She glared at her husband and said, "You're not young anymore. Let's get to know each other first. We're not asking you to marry off your daughter right away."

“You should discuss that with me first!” He Shihong raised his voice slightly.

Sitting to the side was Han Shen's wife, Lin Jingyi, who had a more capable demeanor. She smiled and smoothed things over, saying, "Brother-in-law, calm down. Would her uncle possibly harm a young lover? This Xiao Qi is truly outstanding."

He Shihong was clearly used to being "oppressed" at home, so his tone was a bit weaker, but he still muttered, "I don't even know if that Xiao Qi is round or flat..."

Lin Jingyi was prepared and said calmly, "Xiao Qi was born in 1970, six years older than our Xiao Qing, which is just right; he is a top student of Professor Li Yiqing of Peking University, and his academic and moral character are beyond reproach; his abilities are also outstanding, and he has performed well in the Economic Commission. He will soon be promoted to deputy director based on his own abilities; his family is also simple and harmonious, and his parents are simple rural people without many complicated relationships."

Lin Wanyi, who was most concerned with practical matters, interjected, "How does she look?"

Lin Jingyi immediately laughed and said, "He's tall and handsome, just like a TV star. He and our Xiaoqing are a perfect match!"

He Shihong was still worried and muttered, "Those who study economics are all cunning. Xiao Qing is so naive, I hope she doesn't get fooled..."

Lin Jingyi clicked his tongue and took out several newspaper clippings from his bag: "Do I do things without doing my research? Let me tell you, this Xiao Qi is not only talented, but also a great hero! He was shot three times while chasing drug dealers and almost lost his life, and he received a commendation from the Ministry of Public Security! With that kind of awareness, courage, and character, what could be wrong with him? Look, it's all in the newspapers!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Wanyi immediately leaned over to take a look: "Let me see, let me see... Wow, he's quite dashing, really handsome! Xiao Qing will definitely like this type..."

He Shihong was speechless, so he hid to the side and muttered something under his breath.

The two sisters were left huddled together, whispering among themselves as they looked at the photos and reports in the newspaper.

"This gunshot wound...will it affect your future?" Lin Wanyi asked with some concern.

"The newspaper said she's recovering very well and there was no vital injury. It's just a pity that they can only have one child now, otherwise, their child would be so beautiful..."

He Shihong, who was listening nearby, felt increasingly uncomfortable. Finally, he got up angrily, said "I'm going to read a book," and went into his bedroom.

……

"what?"

In the coffee shop, He Qing gasped in shock and covered her mouth after hearing Qi Tongwei casually recount the past. Her beautiful almond-shaped eyes widened and quickly filled with tears: "Senior brother, you were really shot? Are you alright? It must have...it must have hurt a lot, right?" Her voice was filled with undisguised concern and heartache.

Qi Tongwei smiled casually, with a hint of composure after weathering many storms: "That's all in the past. It was just a superficial injury. I was up and about again after two months of bed rest."

He Qing seemed even more distressed. Mist condensed into beads, rolling down her eyelashes and leaving faint damp marks on her fair cheeks. "Senior brother, you're amazing, and... it's been so tough." She sniffled, her tear-streaked appearance pitiful to behold.

—Indeed, she looks even more beautiful when she cries!

The thought startled him, and he shook his head repeatedly, shaking off this sinful idea, and gently comforted the girl in front of him.

He was not a clumsy or tongue-tied person to begin with, and a few words were enough to make He Qing laugh through her tears, and the atmosphere became relaxed again.

Time slipped by unnoticed until the streetlights outside the window came on.

After dinner, Qi Tongwei escorted He Qing to the gate of Beijing Normal University, but He Qing refused to let him go any further.

"I know a lot of people at school, I'd be embarrassed if they saw me." Her face still had a slight blush, making her look especially charming under the streetlights.

Qi Tongwei readily agreed and watched her graceful figure disappear into the depths of the campus trees before turning and leaving.

On his way back to the Economic Commission dormitory, his steps were much lighter than when he had come.

—Completely joining Senior Brother Han's camp... seems... not entirely out of the question?

Meanwhile, He Qing had just opened her door with her key when she was met with three pairs of staring, inquisitive eyes.

"Oh! Dad, Mom, Aunt, you... why are you all here?" He Qing was startled and patted her chest.

Lin Wanyi pulled her daughter over and sat her down on the sofa, eagerly asking, "My dear daughter, tell Mom how it goes? What's Qi Tongwei really like?"

Looking at the eager eyes of her parents and aunt, He Qing suddenly had a mischievous thought.

She placed one hand on her hip, tilted her delicate chin slightly, and smiled brightly with a touch of girlish naiveté. Her tone was filled with the unique confidence of a young girl.

Don't worry, Mom—

She drew out the words, her eyes sparkling.

"What boy wouldn't like me?"

Chapter 53 Conversation

Lin Wanyi reached out and gently tapped He Qing's smooth forehead with her finger, laughing and scolding, "You little devil, don't interrupt. Mom's asking what you really think of Xiao Qi himself?"

He Qing rubbed a non-existent sore spot, her eyes curving into crescents: "It feels great. Otherwise, why would I have chatted with him for an entire afternoon? Your daughter isn't the kind of bad woman who deliberately strings people along."

She counted on her fingers, her tone filled with girlish charm and admiration: "He's tall and handsome, speaks well, knows a lot but doesn't show off, and most importantly, he's a great hero! He's nothing like those boys in school who are either boastful or dull-witted."

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that her father, He Shihong's, face seemed to have darkened again. She immediately changed the subject, took his arm, and said in a voice as sweet as honey, "Of course, in my heart, Dad is the most handsome and the most amazing! No one can compare to him!"

After being coaxed by his daughter, He Shihong's gloomy expression vanished, leaving only helpless doting.

"I'm going to take a shower, I have to go to work tomorrow!" He Qing knew when to stop, and like a light butterfly, she gracefully flew into her bedroom.

Lin Jingyi called out towards the bedroom door, "Have you two agreed on when to meet next?"

He Qing's voice came through the door, tinged with excitement: "We're going! We're going to the Forbidden City next weekend! Senior Brother Qi said he's been in Beijing for several years but hasn't really explored it properly yet. I'll be his guide!"

He Shihong's expression, which had just eased a little, darkened again upon hearing this.

Seeing her brother-in-law's gloomy expression, as if "his own cabbage was about to be lost," Lin Jingyi suppressed a laugh and took her leave.

Back home, Han Shen was still reading in his study. His son was busy at the research institute and usually stayed in the dormitory. When he saw his wife return, he put down his book and went to greet her rather eagerly: "How did it go?"

Lin Jingyi rolled her eyes at him, and said while changing her shoes, "With Xiao Qing's looks and character, what do you think? What boy can't she win over?"

"I'm asking, what does she think of Xiao Qi? Is she impressed with him?" Han Shen pressed.

"If I didn't have confidence, would I dare to push Xiao Qi to Xiao Qing? Be careful, your brother-in-law might really turn against you." Lin Jingyi went to the living room and poured a glass of water.

Han Shen said, "Sometimes, two outstanding people may not necessarily get along."

Lin Jingyi smiled enigmatically: "Just like you and that guy from back then, right?"

Han Shen smiled wryly: "It's baseless, why bring up old news?"

Lin Jingyi snorted and didn't continue the topic. Instead, she said seriously, "Aren't you a little too optimistic about this Xiao Qi? It's like you're looking for a son-in-law."

Han Shen sighed and sat down on the sofa: "We don't have a daughter. Xiao Qing has been with us since she was a child, and she's almost like a biological daughter. Finding a suitable 'heir' won't be easy."

"Qi Tongwei's future is bright and promising. He has only been with the Economic Commission for a short time, and his ties with us and other factions are not yet deep. If I don't make a move now, believe me, it won't be long before Lao Zhong, Lao Lü, and Lao Yan all try to win him over."

He paused, then added with a smile, "Oh, as for Lao Zhong, I guess he won't be making a move for the time being."

Lin Jingyi immediately recalled the recent rumors, lowered her voice, and said with a hint of gossipy excitement, "Did Director Zhong's son-in-law really kick people out at the wedding banquet? I was busy with my research project recently and only heard about it later. The rumors sounded very credible."

Han Shen nodded: "I accompanied Lao Zhong to welcome the Director at the time, so I didn't see it with my own eyes, but after many confirmations, it's pretty much true."

"How could someone as shrewd as Lao Zhong have chosen such a son-in-law?" Lin Jingyi asked, puzzled.