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

"I also have my own connections and factions. If I marry your mistress, I can assure you—"

"I will help you advance your career before you turn forty-five."

Chapter 56 Meeting the Parents

The public announcement period ended without any major incidents.

Qi Tongwei has officially assumed the post of Deputy Director of the First Division of the Industrial Policy Department.

He kept his promise and treated his colleagues from Group 1 to a sumptuous dinner, which was very pleasant.

Not long after, Han Shen also hosted a private banquet, inviting several cadres from the Economic Commission who had come from the same university to a small gathering. During the banquet, they chatted and laughed. Although it was not explicitly stated, Qi Tongwei was seated next to Han Shen. His status as Han Shen's junior brother and a highly regarded "insider" had been quietly established within the circle.

In the following months, Qi Tongwei kept in mind Teacher Li Yiqing's teachings and devoted more energy to specific business work.

He carefully studied past project files, participated in the drafting and discussion of various reports within the department, and even took the initiative to undertake some tedious data verification and research liaison work. Little by little, he absorbed knowledge like a sponge, and constantly verified and revised his macro thinking in practical operations, gradually building a solid foundation.

His relationship with He Qing also steadily warmed up over time.

They often stroll hand in hand in parks or on campus on weekends, and naturally give each other a gentle hug when saying goodbye.

But the relationship remained in a pure and warm state, never crossing any boundaries.

It's not that Qi Tongwei is powerless to push things forward, but rather that he enjoys it: firstly, the current social atmosphere is relatively reserved, and he respects He Qing and the potential public opinion environment; more importantly, he genuinely enjoys the process of this relationship growing naturally and their hearts slowly drawing closer.

It was a deeper, more comforting sense of satisfaction that transcended mere desire. He seemed to be making up for some kind of purity that he had lacked in his previous life, and he especially cherished He Qing's unadulterated brightness and sincerity.

Not long after the New Year, on an ordinary date day, He Qing unusually showed a bit of shyness, lowering her head and fiddling with the hem of her clothes, her voice soft: "Senior Brother Qi... my parents said... they would like to invite you to their home for a meal."

Qi Tongwei was mentally prepared, but when the moment actually came to meet the parents, his heart still involuntarily tightened, and he even felt a long-lost sense of nervousness.

There's nothing wrong with it; concern makes one confused.

Seeing that Senior Brother Qi, who usually appears calm and composed in the face of leaders, colleagues, or complex work, was now showing a hint of nervousness, He Qing couldn't help but burst out laughing, like a little fox who had stolen some oil, her big eyes curving into beautiful crescents.

She took Qi Tongwei's hand and gently shook it, trying to comfort him: "Don't be nervous, my parents are very nice people. My mother is especially gentle, and speaks softly; my father looks serious, but he has the softest heart..."

How could Qi Tongwei truly be at ease? Putting himself in her shoes, if he had a daughter as charming and adorable as He Qing in the future, which "pig" would dare to come knocking on his door to "steal the cabbage"? He would definitely peel off that "pig's skin" to take a closer look first!

He composed himself and asked, "What kind of gift should I bring for my first visit? What do your parents like?"

He Qing initially waved her hand, saying, "No need, no need, it's enough for her to go."

But Qi Tongwei kept pressing her for answers, so she tilted her head and thought for a moment before saying, "Then... let's buy Mom a pink hair clip, she seems to like that color lately. And for Dad... a box of chocolates? He likes sweets."

Upon hearing this, Qi Tongwei stared at her blankly for a long time before saying with a wry smile, "Xiao Qing, if you want it, you can just tell me."

When He Qing was exposed, she wasn't annoyed. Instead, she chuckled, her eyes full of cunning and affection.

Qi Tongwei ruffled her soft hair with a helpless yet affectionate gesture, then took her to a department store and bought her a pink hair clip and some chocolates, which he then handed to her.

He knew in his heart that he couldn't rely on this girl to give him a reliable "strategy"; he would have to find a strategist.

"Uncle, are you busy?"

It was the familiar lunch break time again, and Qi Tongwei knocked on the door of the deputy director's office and went in.

Han Shen was now immune to that title. Without even looking up, he continued writing: "Speak."

Outside of work hours, both of them intentionally or unintentionally downplay the superior-subordinate label and bring their relationship closer together as "family".

Qi Tongwei said directly, "Uncle, Xiaoqing's parents invited me to their house for dinner this weekend."

Han Shen put down his pen and smiled, "That's good news. It seems Xiao Qing has been putting in a lot of good things for you at home."

Qi Tongwei, however, looked "serious": "Uncle, now is the time for you to fulfill your promise."

Han Shen feigned ignorance: "What promise?"

Qi Tongwei pretended to stand up: "You can't go back on your word! You promised yourself that you would help me settle things with my mistress's parents!"

Han Shen laughed out loud: "I haven't forgotten, I haven't forgotten. Don't worry, I'll have your aunt go over there to help you out and give you some encouragement. I guarantee you'll have a smooth ride."

Qi Tongwei asked in surprise, "Aren't you going?"

"I won't go." Han Shen waved his hand, his tone somewhat subtle. "I have a little 'historical issue' with Xiao Qing's father. If I go, I might just make things worse."

Qi Tongwei's eyes darted around, and he chuckled, "Then give me a hint, what kind of person does your little sweetheart father like the most? After all, the person who understands you best is often your 'enemy'."

Han Shen glared at him, then couldn't help but laugh. He said, "Her father is a university professor, a typical intellectual. He dislikes empty talk and glibness and only appreciates sincere, down-to-earth people with real talent."

Qi Tongwei immediately replied, "I understand, it's just the opposite of what you said."

Han Shen: "...You brat!" He pretended to get up and hit him.

Qi Tongwei nimbly jumped back, and the two deliberately created a "harmonious" atmosphere in the office, similar to an elder and a younger person bickering.

Joking aside, Qi Tongwei then asked the serious question: "So what gift should I prepare?"

Han Shen thought about it carefully and suggested, "For your future mother-in-law, you can go to the Friendship Store and pick out a silk scarf with good quality and elegant patterns. It's both practical and shows your thoughtfulness. For her father... bring him a bottle of good wine. He's a connoisseur of wine, but he's also picky about his taste."

Qi Tongwei pondered: silk scarves were easy to obtain, but good wine was hard to find.

Since my future father-in-law is a connoisseur of wine, ordinary wines probably won't catch his eye; it would be best if they had some vintage or special characteristics.

His eyes darted around, and he leaned closer to Han Shen: "Uncle, look... this is good wine, could you please give me another bottle? You must have some in stock."

Han Shen glanced at him sideways, without saying a word.

Qi Tongwei, with his thick skin, continued to persuade, "Uncle, please give me one bottle first. After my affair with Xiaoqing is settled, I promise I'll find a way to 'get' three even better bottles from... cough, from my future father-in-law to repay you!"

Han Shen was amused by his words: "Hey! I see now, you're definitely going to make something of yourself in the future! Alright, alright, get lost, I'll get you some wine."

Having achieved his goal, Qi Tongwei quickly thanked them and left.

---

The day of their meeting arrived in the blink of an eye. Qi Tongwei changed into his most presentable clothes, solemnly wrapped the gray scarf knitted by He Qing around his neck, carried the carefully prepared gift, took a deep breath, and knocked on He Qing's door.

The door opened quickly, and a beautiful woman with elegant features and a gentle temperament appeared in the doorway. Her eyebrows and eyes bore a six or seven-point resemblance to He Qing, but she had an added touch of soft charm honed by the passage of time.

Qi Tongwei immediately bowed slightly and greeted him politely: "Hello, excuse me, I am Qi Tongwei."

Lin Wanyi looked him over, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes, and her smile was exceptionally warm: "It's Xiao Qi! Come in, come in! Oh, you've come all this way, why did you bring anything? You're being too formal."

As Qi Tongwei entered, he subconsciously replied, "Of course, of course. You must be... Xiao Qing's cousin? I'm so sorry, I didn't know you were here, and I didn't prepare a gift for you."

Lin Wanyi was taken aback at first, then couldn't help but burst out laughing, her laughter shaking her head: "Cousin? Oh my, you really know how to talk! I'm not that young, I'm Xiaoqing's mother!"

Qi Tongwei immediately showed just the right amount of surprise and annoyance, and said sincerely, "Ah? I really didn't realize! Auntie, you're so young, I didn't notice at first, I'm so sorry."

Lin Wanyi was amused by him even more, and repeatedly said, "Come in and sit down, come in and sit down."

Qi Tongwei followed Lin Wanyi into the living room. Before he could even sit down, he felt a tangible gaze, scrutinizing and even somewhat "unfriendly," fixed firmly on him.

No need to look, it must be my future father-in-law, He Shihong.

Qi Tongwei's heart skipped a beat: Oh no! In his nervousness, he was so focused on pleasing his future mother-in-law that he forgot Han Shen's warning—this woman hates "smooth talkers" the most!

He subtly adjusted his breathing, preparing to respond with the utmost sincerity. However, he soon noticed that He Shihong's gaze didn't seem entirely focused on his face; instead... it lingered more on his neck?

But why is he staring at his own neck? He could just say a few words of praise to his mother-in-law. Surely he doesn't have to do something like this?

It's truly unexpected that Ms. He Qing has passed away. May she rest in peace.

I also hope that all readers and their families will always be in good health.

P.S.: I really didn't expect that Teacher He Qing would leave us. I hope she rests in peace.

I also hope that all readers and their families will always be in good health.

Starting from this chapter, the female protagonist, He Qing, will also change her name.

I chose this name just to ride on the coattails of He Qing's beauty, but that won't work anymore.

It's fine when they're in a relationship and showing affection, but I can't write about what happens during the ambiguous period or even later. One reason is that I feel guilty, and another is that some readers would find it uncomfortable.

I've come up with two names:

One is He Tiantian, taken from the line "Lotus can be picked in Jiangnan, the lotus leaves are so lush and green".

The other one is He Xian, which is a homophone of chord.

Dear readers, if you are interested in participating, please leave a message on the two sentences above. I will choose the name with the most messages as the female lead's name.

Also, I'd like to report to the leaders that I only have one chapter today, mainly because I've hit a writing roadblock.

I originally intended to write about Qi Tongwei staying in the ministry for a while longer, but I overestimated myself; I couldn't portray the work and life in the ministry in an interesting way. Because there are so few films and books about ministries, and limited channels for information, I can't answer this question right now. Let's change the subject and talk about it later.

I've always been writing based on my own imagination, which is out of touch with reality.

Another issue is that I've always believed that most problems are unsolvable at this level and can only be solved by jumping to a higher dimension. That's how I designed the plot before, but in a ministry, you can't just jump around randomly, or you might ruin the book.

Many readers' comments make my heart race, but I don't dare to delete them. How could I, a mere writer, dare to delete your comments?

Therefore, we had to speed up the plot and accelerate the transition to other locations. This part of the story started strong but ended weakly. Please forgive us, dear readers.

I had originally planned a plot where the industrial restructuring catalog took effect, Qi Tongwei went to inspect the steel industry and encountered the "Section Chief Ma" incident, and was assigned to the Industry Division to be in charge of the steel industry. That was also for this plot point, but now I have to delete it.

My poor hair, it's all worthless now that it's fallen.

I'll add more chapters later once I've sorted out the outline.

Chapter 57 Daughter Slave

(Due to the votes of our readers, the female protagonist's name has been changed to He Xian starting from this chapter.)

Just as Qi Tongwei was feeling uneasy, wondering what He's father meant by staring intently at his neck, He Xian walked briskly out of the kitchen.

She was wearing a light pink, fluffy loungewear set today, which made her look exceptionally soft, cute, and adorable.

He held a freshly peeled, glistening, and tempting prawn in his hand.

Upon seeing Qi Tongwei, her eyes lit up, and she trotted over, exclaiming excitedly, "Senior Brother Qi, you're here!"

She held up the shrimp in her hand and presented it to him like a treasure: "Auntie's braised shrimp is so delicious, you should have some..."

Before she could finish speaking, she keenly sensed the subtle tension in the living room. Turning her head, she saw her mother, Lin Wanyi, standing to the side, a knowing and relieved "auntie smile" on her face.

Looking at her father, He Shihong, again... Hmm, his face seemed a little darker than before, and his gaze... why did it keep falling on Senior Brother Qi's neck?

He Xuan's eyes darted around, and he made his judgment almost instantly.

She held the shrimp in her wrist and made a semi-circle in the air with remarkable ease, her body turning gracefully towards He Shihong. Her voice instantly became sweeter: "You can't eat it now! Daddy, you eat the shrimp!" As she spoke, she put the shrimp directly to He Shihong's mouth.