Chapter 111: The Year's End (1)

  When Xujiaojie entered the house, Han Qing'e, Xu Yijie, Xu Lan and Liu Xiaomei all looked at him. Only Xu Pingfan was unaware of the situation and ran forward to search Xujiaojie's body as usual. Xujiaojie held a large bag in his hand, which contained cigarettes and white wine. As for the money, it was all in Xujiaojie's briefcase.

  "Secretary Ding just finished being busy, I came back with Secretary Ding just now."

  "Shao Jie, I know all about these things. These days, every day there's a girl calling to ask if you're back or not. What's going on?"

  Xu Shaojie immediately felt a chill run down his spine. These days, in order to avoid being disturbed, he generally didn't turn on his phone. From morning till night, he was with Ding Yuan and didn't need to use his phone. Because it wasn't convenient to call Tang Wanrou's home, he had been thinking about contacting her after returning to the provincial city. But today was already the 29th of December, and Tang Wanrou still didn't know that he had adjusted his work position. Originally, he wanted to give Tang Wanrou a surprise, but this was a major mistake.

  "Nothing, mom, I have something to talk to you about."

  Han Qing'e looked at the thick stack of money, feeling a bit flustered.

  "Shao Jie, where did you get so much money from? Your monthly salary is only that much, don't make a mistake. Try to return this money, we're not short of money at home."

  "Mom, there's nothing wrong with this money."

  Xu Shaojie had to patiently explain the origin of this money, explaining that most of it was normal courtesy funds from his unit, and said that many people had taken it, he couldn't be the only one to return it, if he did, he would become a target for criticism and wouldn't be able to stand in the unit.

  Han Qing'e was still worried, so she asked again about the origin of the more than 60,000 yuan. She repeatedly warned Xu Shaojie that from now on, he should take less money and not offend people, rather than taking this money and losing sleep over it. Xu Shaojie knew he couldn't explain to his mother, who had always been cautious her whole life. He could only tell her to keep the money temporarily and use it for expenses as needed. Han Qing'e thought about it again and decided that keeping so much money at home was not a good idea. So she called Xu Lan and accompanied her to the bank to deposit the money.

  Xu Shaojie took out the mobile phone given by Yudu District and handed it over to Xu Yijie.

  "Brother, can you help me get a mobile phone card? I just got back today and didn't have time. The mobile phone cards in the provincial city are different from those in Huaiyang City, so I didn't get one. It's convenient to contact each other if anything happens in the future."

  Xu Yijie took over the phone box, eager to open it, holding the brand new phone, Xu Yijie's excitement was overflowing. According to his income, he couldn't afford a mobile phone. Liu Xiaomei didn't have a salary, and she relied on him alone to support her. Xu Lan was still in college and needed money too. So, seeing some people walking around with their phones, Xu Yijie was quite envious. Now that he had a phone, Xu Yijie pulled Liu Xiaomei along, brought Xu Pingfan, and immediately went out to sell mobile phone cards.

  The phone rang at home, and at this moment, Xu Shaojie was alone at home. He picked up the phone.

  "Trouble finding Xu Shaojie."

  "What do you want with Xu Shaojie?"

  "Hey, Xiao Jie, where have you been all these days? I've been looking for you every day, calling the phone in Yudong District, but no one answered, they're already on holiday. The phone at home in Huaiyang City wasn't answered during the day either. Where did you go?"

  Xu Shaojie certainly knew that the phone at home would be answered by someone, which was strange. Zhang Xiaoyu had already returned to her hometown, and he himself was busy from morning till night, and went to sleep as soon as he got back home. As for the Yu Du District Government Office, they were all on holiday, who would answer the phone?

  "Xiao Rou, sorry about that. I just got home and you called right away. Look, I was just about to take a bath. These past few days have been exhausting, really, no kidding."

  "Hum, which district committee secretary only returned home on December 29th? The Jade District has already started the holiday, where are you busy?"

  "Hey, Rouxiao, I'm going to take a bath first, is that okay?"

  "I don't care, I'll be waiting for you at the old place in an hour."

  Xu Shaojie quickly started packing, after taking a shower, he left his clothes piled up in one corner, put on his clothes, grabbed his phone and rushed out the door. Of course, Xu Shaojie didn't forget to bring money. At this moment, Han Qing'e and Xu Lan had just entered, Xu Shaojie didn't have time to explain, picked up the car keys from the table, told his mother and sister that there were cigarettes and white wine in his pocket, to put them away, so as not to let Xu Pingfan play with them like a child.

  Looking at Tang Wanrou's furious appearance, Xu Shaojie put on a pitiful look.

  "You said, why did you come home today? I've been waiting for your news every day at home. Hmph, others go out to celebrate the Spring Festival, but I didn't go anywhere, just waiting for you."

  "Xiao Rou, I swear to heaven, I was still busy with work this morning and only returned home at noon."

  Looking at Xu Shaojie's solemn expression, Tang Wanrou was also puzzled. After all, Xu Shaojie was the main leader, and it was possible that he was busy, but the phone of the Yu Du District Government Office had not been answered for a long time.

  "I don't believe it, so tell me, what have you been doing all these days?"

  "I reported, on the 27th of last month, at the Huaiyang Cotton Mill and Bearing Factory. On the 28th, at the Municipal Public Security Bureau. Oh, and I also shook hands with Director Xin, Director Xin's grip was too strong. And then went to the Armed Police Brigade. On the 29th, which is this morning, at the Water and Electricity Company, and the Municipal People's Hospital. Returned home in the afternoon."

  Tang Wanrou listened vaguely, what's the relationship between these places and Yudou District.

  "You're talking nonsense, you're the district party secretary, what are you doing in Huaiyang City?"

  "Hehe, guess what?"

  "Hum, I guess you've become a leader of the municipal party committee and government now."

  "Uh, Xiaoyu, it's not right to say that someone is so impressive that they can't even be reached by a rocket. If your husband were really that amazing, hum, there would be beautiful women piled up around him."

  "What did you say? Say it again."

  "I didn't say anything, it was all a joke, I don't have those skills, I can barely take care of one person, let alone... Hmph, looking around the world, my little Ruo is the most beautiful."

  "You're so annoying, I knew you'd talk nonsense. Hey, you didn't even answer my question just now."

  "Xiao Rou, let me kiss you, I'll say it's okay, is it okay?"

  "No, you say it quickly, say it now."

  Tang Wanrou felt something and her face showed an excited color, her eyes staring tightly at Xu Shaojie.

  "Xiao Rou, I've had a job adjustment. On the 24th of last month, I went back to work at the Huaiyang Municipal Party Committee office. My specific duties are as Secretary Ding Yuan's secretary."

  Xu Shaojie hadn't finished speaking when he felt Tang Wanrou hugging him, her face pressed against his as she gave him a heavy kiss. The space inside the car was small, and Xu Shaojie had to focus on driving.

  "Hehe, husband is really awesome, good job!"

  Xu Shaojie thought to himself, but as the secretary of Ding Yuan, Tang Wanrou was so excited, it wasn't a big deal. What Xu Shaojie didn't expect was that Tang Wanrou's thoughts were more complicated than his own. After adjusting, he became the secretary of the Huaiyang Municipal Party Committee and could go home to see his father, Tang Wenjun. Moreover, Tang Wanrou had grown up in the provincial capital since childhood and had seen many children of officials, so she naturally had a certain sense of vanity inside. This was a normal phenomenon, which Xu Shaojie couldn't have thought of.

  "By the way, husband, Chen Mubiao has been telling me that he wants to see you, no matter when you come back. Chen Mubiao seems to be in a hurry, and he even said that it's okay on New Year's Eve, what do you think, should we go see him now?"

  "Xiao Rou, aren't you in a hurry? I just got back and haven't prepared yet."

  "No need, my husband is so excellent, what preparation is needed? Just go and meet him directly. Take out the phone, I'll call Chen Mubiao."

  Xu Shaojie took out his new phone and saw Tang Wanrou's puzzled expression, so he quickly explained.

  "This is a mobile phone equipped by the municipal party committee office. The previous one has been returned to Yudu District Government."

  Tang Wanrou dialed Chen Mubiao's home phone with a smile, while Xu Shaojie focused on driving and thinking deeply. What should he say when he sees Chen Mubiao? The two of them being able to sit together was purely a coincidence, and they couldn't help but thank Liu Hong for using every trick in the book to try and ruin Xu Shaojie's everything. This time, it might be that she had lifted a rock only to drop it on her own foot.

  "Husband, Chen said that we will meet at Fuyuan Teahouse. He will be there at 3 o'clock sharp and waiting for us."

  "Alright, we'll be on time. Xiao Rou, hearing you call me 'husband' makes my heart race, like I'm about to fly into the sky! However, this husband of mine has a few issues: one, no certificate in hand, so no legal guarantee; two, haven't met the future parents-in-law, basically an underground worker; three, haven't experienced the sweetness of newlywed life, just going through the motions. When will these be fulfilled?"

  Tang Wanrou's face turned bright red with anger, if they weren't in the car, she might have punched Xu Shaojie.

  "Get out, keep dreaming, who wants to marry you?"

  "Alas, okay, after talking for half a day, even the craving is gone."

  Fu Yuan Tea House was still some distance away. Xu Shaojie glanced at his watch and saw that he had just enough time, so he slightly accelerated the car.

  "Honey, what's the hurry? It doesn't matter if it's a little earlier or later."

  "Xiao Rou, this won't do. When I do things, my principle has always been to not be late, to keep promises, and to maintain trustworthiness, no matter how the other person behaves. What's most important is that I must uphold these principles first. Just like our relationship, once it's established, I will protect it for a lifetime, absolutely without wavering, unless you don't want me anymore."

  "Go! A dog's mouth can't spit out elephant tusks, just talking nonsense. Husband, slow down and be careful."

  Tang Wanrou's face revealed a happy smile, Xu Shaojie's words, every sentence entered her heart, at this moment, Tang Wanrou felt that she was the happiest person in the world.

  "Honey, you just said it, and my dad also wants to see you. I think you should come to my home today."

  "Xiao Rou, don't be so impatient, you have to give me some time to prepare, I'm not going to show up at your house empty-handed, that would be too rude. Besides, meeting the parents is a formal affair, I need to take a bath, eat vegetarian food, wear new clothes, and get a haircut... wait, no, my hair's not long enough for that. Remind me, what else do I need to do?"

  Tang Wanrou finally couldn't bear it anymore and threw a punch.

  "Shut up, shut up."

  "Oh no, I dare not, I guarantee I won't talk nonsense anymore. This is still not a wedding celebration, the wife beats the husband! I'm going to report to the Women's Federation, they say women hold up half the sky, how come the whole sky belongs to you?"

  Tang Wanrou was speechless with laughter and tears, she couldn't outdo Xu Shaojie, so she sat in her seat, not making a sound. Xu Shaojie was in a good mood because he was going to see Chen Mubiao, so he kept joking with Tang Wanrou, seeing that Tang Wanrou wasn't speaking or moving, he felt a bit guilty.

  "Xiao Rou, as the saying goes, 'if you don't speak, you won't laugh', Yan Wang doesn't want me to. When I was working in the countryside, there were countless jokes, but unfortunately my memory is bad and I forgot them all after hearing them. Now that I'm working in the city, it's hard to change overnight. You think about it, from now on, I can only chat with you about these things, at work, that seriousness is unbearable. If Secretary Ding Yuan has a straight face, I'd rather cry, if Secretary Ding Yuan laughs loudly, I'll just smile, and if Secretary Ding Yuan cries, I'm afraid I'll jump off the building! Alas, what can I do? Who made me a secretary?"

  "Hum, who would believe what you're saying? It's easy to change one's words but hard to change one's nature. I think you usually talk like this, flattering people everywhere with your mouth. I won't do it. Next year I still want to go to Huaiyang City. You'll be alone in Huaiyang City, and I'm worried."

  Xu Shaojie had already thought of crying, and from now on, following Ding Yuan's secretary, where would he have any free time? If Tang Wanrou followed him around, Xu Shaojie estimated that he really wanted to jump off the building.

  "Auntie, can't I be wrong? From now on, I'll sew my mouth shut and not speak. Think about it, following Secretary Ding Yuan, where do I have time for myself, how can I accompany you?"