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

Jiang Dazhao waved his hand, interrupting his wife, a complex expression flashing across his face. Hadn't he thought about it too?

No matter how good your in-laws are, it's not as good as having them in your own hands.

Moreover, Liao Qingyuan is a man of both ability and character. If he hadn't come from an ordinary family, helping him enter politics would only take away his son's resources, and he wouldn't have been so determined to oppose it in the first place.

Now, by a twist of fate, the other party has climbed up the social ladder to become the county party secretary. Only he knows the disparity and the vague regret he feels about this situation.

“What’s the point of saying all this now?” He sighed, as if trying to convince his wife, and also as if trying to convince himself. “Wasn’t it all for Daxing back then? Even without this opportunity, Liao Qingyuan would still be a key teacher at No. 1 Middle School with his abilities. He has an older brother in his hometown of Lincheng, and settling down in Daokou is almost like marrying into the family. He also has feelings for Pingping, and living a peaceful life wouldn’t be bad. But now… the path has already been chosen.”

The "Daxing" he mentioned refers to their son, Jiang Xing, who is now a section chief in the Construction Bureau and represents the Jiang family's future hope.

Meanwhile, the Chen family.

After finishing his meal, Chen Weiguo strolled back from outside, the two shiny steel balls in his hands spinning perfectly round.

In the living room, grandson Chen Zhenkai was sitting watching TV, but he was clearly distracted. When he saw his grandfather come back, he immediately stood up and did so quickly.

"Grandpa, you're back." He stepped forward, took the teacup from Chen Weiguo, and refilled it with hot water. The old man was getting on in years and couldn't sleep at night if he drank tea, so he only drank plain water.

Chen Weiguo sat down in the rattan chair, took the water cup handed to him by his grandson, and looked him up and down with a smile: "Why do you have time to keep an old man company today? Didn't you go out to play with your friends?"

Chen Zhenkai was tall and burly with dark skin. He was a retired soldier with a simple and honest personality, and even a bit dull.

He scratched his head and muttered, "I'm not in the mood."

"Oh?" Chen Weiguo deliberately drew out his words, "Missing your wife?"

A faint blush rose on Chen Zhenkai's dark face, and his neck stiffened slightly: "No, no."

"Really not?" Chen Weiguo teased him.

"...No, really."

“If there really isn’t one,” Chen Weiguo sipped his water and said slowly, “then I won’t mention your marriage to your father.”

Chen Zhenkai suddenly raised his head, a hint of urgency flashing in his eyes. His lips moved, but he didn't say anything. He then lowered his head again, staring at the tips of his shoes.

Chen Weiguo chuckled inwardly. This kid has always been like this; he gets sullen when he gets anxious.

He is filial and simple-minded.

He stopped teasing him: "Alright, go call your dad over, I'll talk to him."

Chen Zhenkai's eyes lit up, he exclaimed "Hey!" and turned to walk out quickly.

"Hey kid, slow down!" Chen Weiguo called out from behind him, shaking his head with a kind smile on his face.

A short while later, Chen Jiaquan, the mayor of Chengguan Town, arrived with his son. They still smelled of cigarettes, indicating that they had just come back from outside.

"Dad, you wanted to see me?"

Chen Weiguo glanced at his grandson: "Zhenkai, you go home first. I need to talk to your dad about something."

Chen Zhenkai looked at his father, Chen Jiaquan, who waved his hand and said, "Go ahead."

After his son's footsteps faded into the distance, Chen Jiaquan sat down opposite his father, lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and exhaled the smoke: "Dad, Zhenkai is not young anymore. There are some things he should hear and learn from."

Looking at his son's slightly tired face shrouded in smoke, Chen Weiguo said slowly, "He's not married yet, let him be innocent for another two years. You're young, you can hold on for a long time, he has plenty of time to grow. For now... let him be happy for as long as possible."

Chen Jiaquan smiled wryly: "You should just spoil him. He's already twenty-four and still can't see the bigger picture. What time is it now? He's still thinking about marrying Jiang Ping all the time."

"At his age, isn't it natural for him to want a wife?" Chen Weiguo glanced at his son. "When you were his age, didn't you want one too?"

Chen Jiaquan felt a little embarrassed by his father's words and coughed, "Dad, we're talking about serious matters."

"This is the important matter." Chen Weiguo's smile faded, and he said seriously, "In a couple of days, go to the Jiang family and discuss it. Let's skip the engagement and just get our marriage certificate. Keep the ceremony simple and don't make a big fuss."

Chen Jiaquan paused, his fingers holding the cigarette, and his brows furrowed. "Dad, I'm at a crucial time right now. The leadership reshuffle is next year, 03. Whether I can advance further depends on these next six months. Why are you following Zhenkai's nonsense?"

"How did I act recklessly?" Chen Weiguo said calmly. "Secretary Qi has been here for almost three months. From what I've observed, he's not like Li Duohai, who's easily swayed or only cares about what's above him. He has a clear conscience and understands things perfectly well."

"We can't take that risk!" Chen Jiaquan lowered his voice. "If I don't get promoted to Party Secretary this time, I'll have to wait another term, and then I'll reach the age limit! This is my only chance!"

"How long are you going to drag this out?"

"At least... it will be delayed until the dust settles during the leadership transition next year."

"What happens after the leadership transition? Do it immediately?"

Chen Jiaquan hesitated for a moment, then flicked his cigarette ash: "It's best... to wait and see for a while longer."

Chen Weiguo laughed, with a hint of worldly-wise sarcasm: "What kind of person do you think Qi Tongwei is?"

Chen Jiaquan thought for a moment and answered seriously: "He has a background, means, and vision; he is a person who can accomplish great things."

"What kind of cadres would someone like this prefer to employ? Those who are capable, or those who are sycophants?"

“Of course I can get things done,” Chen Jiaquan replied without hesitation.

"So, do you consider yourself good at getting things done, or good at flattering?"

"Of course I'm doing practical work!" Chen Jiaquan said with certainty, carrying the confidence unique to grassroots cadres.

"So what are you doing now?" Chen Weiguo retorted, his eyes piercing. "Isn't it just about flattering and trying to figure out what the boss wants?"

"I didn't..." Chen Jiaquan tried to refute.

"Who in the county committee compound doesn't know about our affair with the Jiang family? How could Secretary Qi not know?" Chen Weiguo interrupted him. "What wrong has our Chen family done? Zhenkai is two years younger than Jiang Ping, they're childhood sweethearts, and he's always liked her. Jiang Ping's daughter graduated from university and came back, and Zhenkai has also retired from the army. They're both unmarried, and we asked someone to match them up. What law did we violate? Jiang Ping and Liao Qingyuan dated, but they weren't married. Why is that wrong?"

He paused, then continued, "Have we used our power to suppress Liao Qingyuan? No. Did the Jiang family's daughter insist on marrying Liao Qingyuan no matter what? No. So what are you afraid of? There are plenty of couples who break up and marry someone else. It's the Jiang family's parents who are considering practicalities. You're taking it personally and acting all timid. Isn't that just a guilty conscience?"

Chen Jiaquan was speechless after being told off by his father, and silently smoked a cigarette.

“If Secretary Qi were the narrow-minded, flattering type like Li Duohai, I would understand if you slowed down and made a statement. But Secretary Qi is perfectly aware of the situation. The more you drag your feet and hesitate, the more you appear petty and calculating, unlike someone who is upright and honest!” Chen Weiguo said earnestly. “A capable and pragmatic cadre should not turn himself into a weather vane who only knows how to read the wind.”

Chen Jiaquan exhaled the last puff of smoke, stubbed out the cigarette, and said in a somewhat hoarse voice, "I...I was just worried that Liao Qingyuan would try to sabotage us in front of Secretary Qi."

"Liao Qingyuan is a smart man," Chen Weiguo said confidently. "We've already put this matter out in the open, so he wouldn't dare to do anything now. Without Secretary Qi, how much power could a secretary like him have? I think this kid has ambition in his eyes and won't ruin his future for this old grudge. Even if he really becomes successful in the future, that's a matter of ten or twenty years from now. At that time, the first family he'll deal with will be the Jiang family, who broke up the couple back then, not us."

Chen Jiaquan pondered, "So, Jiang Ping isn't exactly a good match either...?"

"What are you pretending to be, all high and mighty?" Chen Weiguo glared at his son. "Let's not talk about Secretary Qi, let's talk about County Chief Xu. If he had a son and you had a daughter, would you marry him?"

“Can a young girl completely disobey her parents’ orders? Zhenkai is neither good at academics nor martial arts, but he is kind-hearted and filial. It is already a blessing for our Chen family that he can marry a college student like Jiang Ping. Besides, he truly likes her.”

He sighed, his tone softening: "Zhenkai, we're counting on him to bring honor to our family. Let him live a peaceful and quiet life. Pushing him too hard might cause problems. I'm also hoping Jiang Ping will give our Chen family a smart and clever great-grandson. If we break off the engagement now, our reputation will be ruined."

Chen Jiaquan remained silent for a long time, then lit another cigarette, the orange-red embers flickering in the dim light. He puffed on and on until the cigarette burned down to the filter, scalding his hand, at which point he snapped out of his daze and shoved the cigarette butt hard into the ashtray.

He raised his head, the struggle in his eyes fading, replaced by his usual decisiveness:

"Okay, Dad, I'll do as you say. I'll go to the Jiang family in a couple of days."

Chapter 95 Atmosphere

The next morning, after returning from his morning exercise, Chen Weiguo deliberately strolled slowly at the entrance of the county committee compound.

Before long, Qi Tongwei's running figure came closer from afar, his forehead covered with fine beads of sweat.

Chen Weiguo greeted him with a smile: "Secretary Qi, good morning."

Qi Tongwei slowed his pace and said calmly, "Good morning, Chairman Chen."

“Secretary Qi,” Chen Weiguo began casually, but his tone was perfectly measured, “I have some good news to share with you. My good-for-nothing grandson, Zhenkai, is getting married in a few days. If you have time, please do me the honor of attending his wedding banquet.”

Qi Tongwei stopped wiping his sweat, glanced at him, and asked with a calm expression, "The date has been set?"

"It's not finalized yet," Chen Weiguo said with an unchanged smile. "Once it's finalized, I'll definitely let you know."

“Okay,” Qi Tongwei nodded. “If time permits, I will definitely come to bother you.”

"Thank you in advance, Secretary." Chen Weiguo nodded with satisfaction.

He knew that Secretary Qi might not be present, but this crucial information had to be delivered to Qi Tongwei "naturally".

Qi Tongwei turned and walked towards the cafeteria.

Chen Weiguo did not leave; he remained in the same spot, as if stretching his muscles.

A moment later, Liao Qingyuan strode over from the direction of the cafeteria, carrying a notebook in his hand. He had obviously finished breakfast early and was preparing to go to the office to organize his schedule.

Chen Weiguo's smile, as if that of Maitreya Buddha, remained unchanged as he waved and said, "Little Liao!"

Liao Qingyuan paused, then jogged over and bowed slightly: "Chairman Chen, good morning. Do you have any instructions?"

“There were no instructions,” Chen Weiguo waved his hand, his voice gentle but clear, “I just wanted to let you know that my Zhenkai is getting married to Jiang Ping soon.”

Liao Qingyuan's body trembled almost imperceptibly, but his facial muscles were well controlled, and even his eyes only fluctuated calmly for a moment before he revealed a perfectly timed smile: "Great news! Congratulations Chairman Chen, congratulations Brother Zhenkai."

Chen Weiguo seemed oblivious to his momentary stiffness, sighed, and spoke with a hint of elder's helplessness and heartfelt sincerity: "I've heard about what's going on between you young people. Zhenkai has been following Jiang Ping around since he was little, always harboring feelings for her. When he came back from the army and saw Jiang Ping, he was overjoyed. At that time, he didn't know you and Jiang Ping were dating, so he whispered about it to his mother. His mother felt sorry for her son, so she asked a middleman to talk to the Jiang family... Jiang's parents probably didn't know much about your situation, and they just agreed. Alas, look at how things have turned out... Fate is cruel. But now, we're in a bind."

Liao Qingyuan listened quietly, his face expressionless. After Chen Weiguo finished speaking, he replied in a calm tone, "Chairman Chen, you flatter me. Matters of the heart are a matter of fate. We are destined to be apart. If you have nothing else, I'll go and attend to my business. The Secretary has other matters to attend to."

"Okay, okay, you're busy." Chen Weiguo nodded repeatedly, his smile kind. "Little Liao, you're young, talented, and have a bright future. You'll definitely find an even better girl."

The two nodded politely and passed each other.

Chen Weiguo walked slowly toward the cafeteria with his hands behind his back, thinking to himself: Little fox, so young, yet so shrewd.

Liao Qingyuan walked steadily toward the county committee building, his face calm and composed. He sneered inwardly: "Old fox, all he's saying is trying to shift the blame, but this is indeed the Jiang family's decision."

But I don't want to cause any unnecessary trouble right now; I just want to seize this opportunity and climb up the ladder.

A true man cannot be without power for even a day!

---

In the morning, Qin Wenrui, the county discipline inspection commission secretary, came to Qi Tongwei's office, closed the door, and reported in a low voice: "Secretary, there is new progress on Hou Zong's case in Dianqian Township. Regarding the Malingshan renovation project, he explicitly hinted to potential construction companies that they must purchase materials from a designated supplier at a price nearly 30% higher than the market price. Upon investigation, it was found that the actual controller of that supplier is the husband of one of his mistresses."

Qi Tongwei sat behind his desk, tapping his fingertip lightly on the surface: "How's the preparation of the materials regarding his other issues coming along?"

"The evidence is basically complete; the chain of evidence regarding economic issues and lifestyle problems is relatively intact," Qin Wenrui replied.

Qi Tongwei nodded, his tone calm but undeniable: "Then let's get started. Follow the procedures."

"Yes."

Soon, an urgent notice was issued from the county government office, requiring Hou Zong, the mayor of Dianqian Township, to immediately go to the county to attend a temporary project coordination meeting.

Hou Zong had no suspicions and hurriedly took a car to the designated meeting room.

He pushed open the door and went inside, only to find it empty except for a deputy secretary of the county discipline inspection commission and a few staff members sitting there expressionless. His heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively wanted to step back, but the door behind him had already been gently closed.

"Comrade Hou Zong, please sit down. There are some things I need to verify with you." The deputy secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission's voice was not loud, but it was as cold as ice.

Hou Zong's legs went weak, and he almost collapsed into the chair, his face turning deathly pale.