Chapter 155: A Twist of Fate (Part 2)

I rushed to publish a chapter upon returning from my business trip, so the word count is a bit low.

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The car accident that marred the proposal journey left Xiaojia in a gloomy mood. Back home, she sat restlessly in front of the television, her mind elsewhere. Hou Weidong tried to engage her in conversation, but she had no interest in responding.

She remained silent and sullen for half an hour before finally shaking off her melancholy. "I heard that the incense at Lingyun Temple is very effective," she said. "We should find a time to go burn a stick of incense to pray for our safety."

Hou Weidong was somewhat surprised by this suggestion. "When did you start believing in all that? Feudal superstition harms people. In the township, it’s a target for crackdowns. Have you forgotten Zhao Shuli’s novels?"

"Better to believe it exists than to believe it doesn’t. At the very least, it offers me some psychological comfort."

Originally, Xiaojia hadn’t believed in these feng shui theories. However, successive directors of the Shazhou Construction Committee had secretly adhered to feng shui principles, and most of the big bosses in the construction industry were firmly convinced of these folk beliefs. Having spent a long time in the Construction Committee, Xiaojia had been influenced by her surroundings and had begun to accept these ambiguous notions.

She counted on her fingers. "It’s not easy to see you these days. You only come back once every half month. Let’s invite Minister Su to lunch today and ask him to put in a good word, so we can try to get your transfer back to Shazhou approved sooner."

Hou Weidong had been wanting to discuss this issue with Xiaojia. He sat beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "I once promised to transfer back to Shazhou within three years. But the situation has changed, and our plans need to adapt accordingly."

Xiaojia sensed the shift immediately. "You don’t want to transfer back?"

"I’ve been thinking about my future direction for a while. It’s difficult for me to develop further in Qinglin Town. Transferring back to Shazhou would be most beneficial for my career. However, the Lingxi Expressway is about to enter its peak construction phase, and there is a huge demand for crushed stone. I want to finish this big business deal in Qinglin Town first. When my financial strength is stronger, I will consider the transfer."

Over the past three years, Hou Weidong had encountered many gray-area matters. He no longer believed that hard work alone could lead to advancement in his official career. The entire evaluation system for officials was controlled by superiors. As the saying went: "If they say you’re capable, you’re capable; if they say you’re not, you’re not." He instinctively realized that for someone without a background like himself, further advancement would be very difficult. Making more money might be another path.

Xiaojia thought for a moment before asking, "What if, after finishing the Lingxi Expressway deal, another big business opportunity comes along?"

"Where would there be so many big deals?" Hou Weidong reassured her. "As soon as the Lingxi Expressway is completed, I will immediately go all out to handle the transfer."

"There’s no need to draw such a clear time boundary. These two things can be done simultaneously. Let’s see if we can invite Minister Su out for lunch today. If we build a good relationship with him, our efforts will yield double the results."

Understanding Xiaojia’s intentions, Hou Weidong called Su Mingjun. "Minister Su, this is Hou Weidong."

When Su Mingjun received the call, he was already in a bad mood at home. Buying a house and renovating it had cut their savings in half. Today, his wife was nagging about buying a piano for their daughter. He had suggested waiting a while, which upset her, leading to a brief argument.

Hearing that Hou Weidong wanted to treat the whole family to lunch, he hesitated. But remembering Hou Weidong’s help with Su Tang’er, he said, "Xiao Hou, let’s just find a place nearby. No need to spend too much."

Xinyue Tower was a high-end residential community in Shazhou. As more families moved in, the surrounding area gradually became lively, with various restaurants opening up. Xiaojia, as the Deputy Director of the Construction Committee Office in charge of logistics, was very familiar with the local dining scene. She booked a medium-priced restaurant called "Water, Land, and Air." The name referred to wild game from water, land, and sky. The dishes were expensive, but the environment was good, and the novelty was its main selling point.

Hou Weidong and Xiaojia waited at the restaurant for about ten minutes before Su Mingjun’s family arrived. Su Tang’er was very happy to see Hou Weidong. Su Mingjun, preoccupied with his thoughts, appeared more reserved. His wife was still angry about the piano issue and wore no smile. She had only agreed to come out for dinner out of gratitude for Hou Weidong saving Su Tang’er.

Having served as Deputy Director of the Construction Committee Office for over two years, Xiaojia had gained considerable experience in social interactions, a world away from her student days. She understood the principle of "capturing the wife to capture the man." When the Su family entered, she sat next to Mrs. Su, played with Su Tang’er, and praised the girl enthusiastically. The conversation between the two women revolved entirely around Su Tang’er. Mrs. Su’s expression gradually softened, and soon she and Xiaojia were chatting enthusiastically.

Seeing his wife happy, Su Mingjun relaxed. As the Deputy Minister in charge of the Comprehensive Cadre Division, he was familiar with cadres at the deputy division level and above. Xiaojia was currently at the deputy section level, which did not fall under his direct management, so he wasn’t very familiar with her. Seeing that she was attractive and socially adept, he asked, "Director Zhang, when did you become the Deputy Director of the Office?"

"I worked at the Garden Management Office after graduation," Xiaojia replied. "Later, I was transferred to the Construction Committee Office and became Deputy Director the year before last."

"You worked at the Garden Management Office. What was your major?"

"I graduated from Shazhou College with a degree in Biology."

Su Mingjun clinked glasses with Hou Weidong, took a bite of food, and then said, "The Municipal Party Committee attaches great importance to landscaping work. It has elevated landscaping to a new height as part of the city’s image. They are currently establishing a Landscape Management Bureau, which will be a full division-level unit, parallel to the Construction Committee. The reform plan has already been submitted to the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee. In principle, there are no major issues."

News of the establishment of the Landscape Management Bureau had been circulating in Shazhou for a while, but there had been no accurate information. Hearing it from Su Mingjun gave it high credibility.

Xiaojia’s heart skipped a beat. "Minister Su, I have worked at the Garden Management Office and have a strong interest in landscape management. My major is also related. Could I be transferred to the new bureau?"

Su Mingjun had only mentioned it casually. Hearing that Xiaojia was willing to join the Landscape Management Bureau, he was somewhat surprised. "The Construction Committee is a good unit. Why would you want to leave?"

Xiaojia’s career had been smooth in the early years, and she had quickly become Deputy Director of the Construction Committee Office. However, at this stage, taking the next step forward was very difficult. Moreover, office work often required accompanying leaders to drink and sing. This life of indulgence made her feel exhausted.

"Given my personality, I am better suited for professional work, especially in landscape planning. I enjoy it and am good at it."

Su Mingjun nodded slightly. "I’ll keep this in mind. When the official cadre adjustments take place, remind me." This nod, almost subconscious, carried the dignified and reserved demeanor of an Organization Department leader.

Today, Hou Weidong and Zhang Xiaojia had invited the Su family to dinner originally to lay the groundwork for Hou Weidong’s transfer. Unexpectedly, it also paved the way for Xiaojia’s career move.

After this matter was discussed, the conversation was dominated by Mrs. Su, Xiaojia, and Su Tang’er. The two men, Su Mingjun and Hou Weidong, couldn’t insert themselves into the chat and simply kept drinking. The liquor was Moutai bought from the Shazhou Sugar and Wine Company, reputed to be authentic. Since they brought their own alcohol, the "Water, Land, and Air" restaurant charged a fifty-yuan corkage fee.

After the meal, Xiaojia held Su Tang’er’s hand and walked back to Xinyue Tower with Mrs. Su, chatting and laughing. Hou Weidong and Xiaojia watched from the courtyard until the Su family entered the building entrance.

"Husband, I have something to tell you," Xiaojia said.

"I want to buy a piano for Su Tang’er. Sister Zhao just quietly told me that the couple had a disagreement over the piano."

Hou Weidong was surprised. "Sister Zhao told you about that?"

Xiaojia’s eyes were still fixed on the entrance. "Women, you know. Family gossip is an eternal topic."

Hou Weidong praised her. "Xiaojia, you really are a diplomatic talent. You became good friends with Sister Zhao in just one meal. I couldn’t do that."

Xiaojia affectionately linked her arm with Hou Weidong’s. "In the office, I handle these domestic matters. Every festival, I have to consider what gifts to send to the city leaders. Each leader has a different position, personality, and family environment. Knowing how to give gifts appropriately is a complex science. It really gives me a headache."

Hou Weidong couldn’t help but look at Xiaojia with new respect.

The two went to the only piano shop in Shazhou, selected a Pearl Piano costing over ten thousand yuan, and bought a one-semester learning package. After paying and receiving the invoice, Xiaojia called Su Mingjun’s home.

Zhao Xiu was startled. "How can this be? Old Su will scold me."

Xiaojia spoke warmly. "We agreed just now. I am Su Tang’er’s godmother. What’s wrong with a godmother buying a gift for her goddaughter?"

Zhao Xiu still hesitated. Xiaojia said, "The piano shop has already delivered the piano. Sister Zhao, please don’t be so formal."

After hanging up, Zhao Xiu told Su Mingjun about it. Su Mingjun was also stunned for a moment. "These young people are truly formidable. When we were young, did we have such schemes?"

Zhao Xiu hesitated. "The piano costs over ten thousand yuan. Can we accept it?"

Su Mingjun thought for a moment. "The couple has requests for me. Hou Weidong wants to transfer from Yiyang to Shazhou, and Zhang Xiaojia wants to work at the Landscape Management Bureau. These two things are not too difficult, and I can handle them. Since they have such intentions, you might as well accept it."

Zhao Xiu happily called Xiaojia back to confirm.

"Old Su, Hou Weidong is just a Deputy Town Mayor. How does he have so much money? He bought a house in Xinyue Tower at such a young age, and he buys a piano on a whim."

Su Mingjun was also pondering this. "Their positions are not high, and not many people give them money. Hou Weidong mentioned that Qinglin Town in Yiyang is rich in mineral resources. I guess Hou Weidong has set up a business. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have so much money."

Zhao Xiu’s eyes lit up. "Let’s start a business too. Su Tang’er will definitely go abroad in the future. We need to save money for her in advance. With just our fixed salaries, it’s impossible to save this much."

Su Mingjun shook his head. "My position is too sensitive. Many people are watching me. Forget it. We shouldn’t do these things."