It was a dark night in Jiangdong.
Snow was dancing in the east wind.
By the time Lu Yiwei returned to Jiangdong, there was already a thick layer of snow on the road. The car crawled slowly like a snail, and the rising and falling horns were like an urgent signal to go home, playing a symphony in the sky above the colorful city.
Winter was a wonderful season. For some reason, Lu Yiwei liked winter very much. In the past, when he was in the countryside, he would spend the whole day lying on the warm kang, eating roasted sweet potatoes and watching TV. Outside the window, the northwest wind was howling, but it did not affect the happiness of the family at all.
The next morning, it was a vast expanse of whiteness. Wearing gloves, he crawled and rolled in the snow, made a snowman, had a snowball fight, skated … His little face was frozen red, but he did not feel the cold at all. Hot air rose from his hair, and laughter rippled in the empty and lonely valley.
Reminiscing had turned into loss, but it was still wonderful to think about it now. Lu Yiwei was humming along with the rhythm of the music in the recorder. He was in a very good mood.
This year was not an ordinary year for Lu Yiwei. He changed his working environment, led the people to fight against the drought, and integrated education. Although it was not thrilling, at least it was somewhat effective. He married Fan Chunfang without thinking, and had a child without warning. Although it was not the life he wanted, at least it was enjoyable. The coal mine was profitable, and his wealth was increasing. Even if he did not enter politics, he could still be a successful businessman.
In an office building in Qiyang District, Lu Yiwei found Dezhi Road and Bridge Co., Ltd. on the thirteenth floor. The general manager, Tong Huan, personally went to greet him. When he saw Lu Yiwei with his snow-white hair, he could not help but cover his mouth and laugh.
Lu Yiwei realized it and lowered his head to pat. Seeing this, Tong Huan went forward and brushed the snow off his back. Smelling the familiar smell, Tong Huan could not help but hug Lu Yiwei tightly at the door.
Lu Yiwei stared blankly for half a day before pushing him away and saying, "Tong Huan, don't be like this."
Tong Huan reluctantly released his hand and pulled Lu Yiwei into the company. He said mysteriously, "Come with me."
After entering Tong Huan's office, it was pitch-black. Lu Yiwei asked in bewilderment, "Why didn't you turn on the lights?"
"Close your eyes! Hurry up, "Tong Huan urged.
"It's so dark here. What's the difference between opening and closing my eyes?"
"I told you to shut up, so just shut up. What nonsense are you spouting?"
"Alright." Lu Yiwei closed his eyes.
After a while, Tong Huan said happily, "All right, open your eyes."
When Lu Yiwei opened his eyes, it was still pitch black. All of a sudden, candles lit up in the middle of the room. One by one, two … they lit up one after another. When they looked at the deposit, they saw that it was a huge cake.
"Happy birthday!" Tong Huan cheered from the other side of the cake.
"What? My birthday? "Lu Yiwei couldn't believe it and said," What day is it today? "
"You even forgot your own birthday? Today is the fourth day of the lunar calendar, idiot. "
Lu Yiwei calculated carefully. Today was really his birthday. But today, when he came home, no one remembered his birthday, including himself, but Tong Huan actually remembered, which made him very touched.
"Idiot, what are you doing? Make a wish and blow out the candles." Tong Huan stared at Lu Yiwei's handsome face and whispered.
"Oh …" Lu Yiwei was in a trance. After thinking for a long time, he blew out the candles.
When the lights were turned on, he was stunned by what he saw. He saw that Tong Huan had changed into a snow-white gauze dress. Her hair was coiled up, and her oval face was lightly made up. She looked like a fairy who had descended to the world. He couldn't help but feel confused and lost.
"Tonight, I'm going to dance for you!" After saying that, she pressed the recorder beside her and danced gracefully to the rhythm of the music. Like a sad and proud skylark, her fingertips drew a mesmerizing arc as she spun on the edge of loneliness. Her hair and skirt fluttered in the warm candlelight. It was as if the whole world was immersed in the rhythm, as if they could hear the sound of time breaking.
It was said that dancers used their bodies to express their emotions. Lu Yiwei was deeply shocked when he saw Tong Huan's dance at such a close distance. He even had the illusion that he was in the Rui Palace, listening to Celestial Emperor Jun's music and looking askance on a colorful phoenix. Xuan Wu's dance disappeared, and her eyes flowed like water. She didn't want to wake up from the cold night, only to look back and see the beauty return.
When the dance ended, the music stopped.
Lu Yiwei was still immersed in the beautiful dance and didn't want to wake up.
Seeing Lu Yiwei sneering at him, Tong Huan lowered her head shyly. She walked over and sat in Lu Yiwei's arms naturally. She put her arms around his neck and said, "Do you like this birthday present?"
Lu Yiwei's breathing was obviously rapid, and his Adam's apple kept moving. His body also became stiff. He looked at Tong Huan and couldn't say a word.
There were many kinds of women, and Tong Huan's charm was irresistible to any man. He still remembered the first time they met. Lu Yiwei was deeply attracted by her beauty and couldn't resist it. Today, it was as if the scene from the past was playing out again.
"Hmm …" Lu Yiwei's hand subconsciously wrapped around Tong Huan's waist.
The room was air-conditioned, and it was as warm as spring. Tong Huan made a shocking move. She tore her skirt and buried herself in Lu Yiwei's arms.
Just as they were entangled, Lu Yiwei suddenly came to a realization. He was already married. How could he be entangled with Tong Huan? He hurriedly pushed Tong Huan away and quickly put on his clothes. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry …"
Tong Huan sat there with some sadness and disappointment. She tidied her hair and said, "Yiwei, are we really at the end of the road? Didn't you say you wanted to marry me? "
"…" Lu Yiwei said awkwardly, "Tong Huan, there are some things that you and I can't control. Since things have come to this, we have to accept our fate."
"Alright." Tong Huan sat up slowly. She went into the room and put on her clothes. When she came out, she acted as if nothing had happened. She smiled and said, "Let's cut the cake."
Lu Yiwei was in no mood to celebrate his birthday at this moment. He was full of guilt towards Fan Chunfang. He said, "Tong Huan, I have something to do. I'll leave first." After that, he ran away as if he was escaping.
Along the way, Lu Yiwei had mixed feelings. He owed Tong Huan too much.
"Hubby, you're back." Fan Chunfang stood at the door with a smile and a big belly.
Seeing Fan Chunfang like this, Lu Yiwei was a little surprised. He asked in puzzlement, "Chunfang, what's wrong with you today?"
"Nothing." Fan Chunfang helped him take off his clothes and said mysteriously, "Your wife shouldn't care about you."
"She should, she should!" Lu Yiwei took off his coat and gave it to Fan Chunfang. He pretended to be calm as he walked to the sofa and lay down.
Fan Chunfang hung the coat on the hanger. When she was about to leave, she smelled a different fragrance from the coat. She went closer and sniffed it. It was a woman's perfume, and she was sure it was not hers.
For a moment, Fan Chunfang felt dizzy.
"Chunfang, why are you standing at the door?" Lu Yiwei did not notice this. He sat up and asked.
Fan Chunfang hurriedly put away her panicked expression and walked to the living room. She forced a smile and said, "Hubby, happy birthday to you."
He did not expect Fan Chunfang to remember his birthday. Lu Yiwei suddenly felt guilty. Fortunately, he woke up in time. Otherwise … he did not dare to think further.
Lu Yiwei pretended to be surprised and excited.
He cooperated to celebrate an imperfect birthday.
After dinner, Lu Yiwei lay on the sofa and watched TV. Fan Chunfang said she was tired and went to the bedroom to rest. Lu Yiwei did not notice his wife's unusual behavior tonight.
Her belly was getting bigger and bigger. It was like a military pot on her back. It was so heavy that she could not breathe. Fan Chunfang covered herself with the quilt and lay on her side. Her tears could not stop flowing.
It was said that men tend to cheat when a woman is pregnant. Fan Chunfang had always believed that Lu Yiwei was an honest man and would not do such things behind her back. However, the accident that day and the smell of perfume challenged her sensitive nerves. She was at a loss as to what to do.
She had to admit that Lu Yiwei was very popular with women. When he was in Shiwan Village, the female comrades of the village government often talked about him in private. They said he was handsome and charming. Zhang Li, the family planning officer, even shamelessly said that she was willing to sleep with him. At the Party School of the Provincial Party Committee, Lu Yiwei was the most discussed person among the female students. Some of them wanted to divorce and marry him immediately. This was not alarmist talk. They heard it with their own ears.
In the end, this man became her husband. While she was proud of him, she had to be wary of his actions. But he was far away in Black Mountain County. How could he keep an eye on him? Even if Lu Yiwei could control it, he might not be able to resist the temptation and fall into the mire.
What should she do? What should she do? Fan Chunfang did not know what to do.
Should she shed all pretense of cordiality and quarrel with him, or should she talk to him calmly?
However, neither method was the best choice. Quarreling was not her character. If it really came to that, the love that had just been established would collapse in an instant. There was no direct evidence in the negotiation. Hurting the other party's dignity was also a road of no return.
She decided to stay silent.
Staying silent did not mean that she would not say a word. She wanted to use her own efforts to hold Lu Yiwei firmly in the palm of her hand. The child was an important treasure. More importantly, it made him feel proud to have such a wife.
Lu Yiwei lay on the sofa watching TV. Tong Huan's figure appeared in his mind.
This woman was so fascinating that he was head over heels in love with her. If it was not for Fan Chunfang's appearance, he might have really married her. However, the affairs of the world made people feel helpless. They brushed past each other by a freak combination of factors.
After letting his imagination run wild, Lu Yiwei seemed to realize something. He got up, turned off the TV, and returned to the bedroom.
"Chunfang, what's wrong?" Lu Yiwei climbed onto the bed and asked with concern.
Fan Chunfang quickly wiped her tears with a pillow towel. She turned around with difficulty and said with a smile, "It's nothing. I was thinking about our son's future appearance. Do you think he will look like you or me? "
A topic improved their relationship. Lu Yiwei hugged Fan Chunfang and a happy smile appeared on his face. "It is said that daughters are like their fathers and sons are like their mothers. I think he will definitely look like you."
"Really?" Fan Chunfang threw the messy thoughts to the back of her mind and said happily, "Yiwei, you can give the child a name."
"Uh …" Lu Yiwei thought for a while and said, "I think it's better to let your father do the naming. After all, he has a deep cultural heritage. Moreover, he is anxiously waiting for the arrival of his grandson. By doing this, it will also show his status in the family."
"That's good. You won't be angry, will you?"
"Why would I be angry? Don't think too much."
At this time, a call came from Zhang Zhiyuan. He asked in a low voice, "Yiwei, are you asleep?"
Lu Yiwei looked at his watch. It was already 11 o 'clock in the evening. There must be something important to call at this time. He got out of bed and went to the bedroom next door. "Not yet. Tell me."
"Accompany me to Beijing tomorrow."
"Sure, no problem."
Zhang Zhiyuan hesitated for a long time and said, "I'm a little tight on money recently. If it's convenient, bring more money …"
Zhang Zhiyuan had never mentioned money in front of Lu Yiwei. This was the first time. He said without hesitation, "Okay. Money is not a problem. Do you need to bring anything else?"
"No need for now. We'll talk about it tomorrow." Zhang Zhiyuan said with some embarrassment, "Okay. You rest early. We'd better leave early."
"Okay."
Lu Yiwei hung up the phone. He realized that Zhang Zhiyuan had encountered some difficulties or something big was going to happen. He did not know what he was going to do. He immediately made a phone call to book two plane tickets.
Back in the bedroom, Lu Yiwei made a big decision. He handed a bank card with a huge amount of money to Fan Chunfang. "Chunfang, this is the money I've earned over the years. The password is your birthday. I'll hand it over to you for safekeeping. You'll be in charge of this family in the future. "
Fan Chunfang was touched as she held the card. Lu Yiwei's action showed that he treated her as family. "You keep it. I don't need to spend money."
Lu Yiwei said, "I usually use my salary card to spend money. If there's an emergency, I'll get it from you."
Fan Chunfang hesitated again and again, but she still accepted the card. She asked curiously, "How much money is in it?"
Lu Yiwei smiled indifferently, "It's enough for my son's future life."
The next morning, Lu Yiwei rushed to Shengjing Yu Garden after breakfast. He picked up Zhang Zhiyuan and rushed to the airport.
On the way, Zhang Zhiyuan said, "Two days ago, I received news that Secretary Huang of the Provincial Party Committee might be transferred before the end of the year. It's still unclear which department he'll be transferred to. Some say he'll be transferred to another province to continue serving as the Provincial Party Committee Secretary. Some say he'll be transferred to the National People's Congress. No matter what, he'll definitely leave. Before he leaves, I have to straighten out my position. It'll be best if I can go further. "
Xijiang Province was a small province. Although the Provincial Party Committee Secretary was at the ministerial level, he was naturally a head shorter than the coastal provinces with strong economies. The promotion speed of other provinces was fast, and the highest leader from Xijiang Province was only the Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress. Where Huang Jiyang would go involved high-level secrets. It was not something an ordinary person could find out.
Once Huang Jiyang left, the enterprise reform he led was likely to be put on hold. Therefore, Zhang Zhiyuan had to solve his own way out before Huang Jiyang left and get away as soon as possible. If the next Provincial Party Committee Secretary came and ignored him, his life would be delayed.
Lu Yiwei realized the importance of this trip and asked, "Are you sure Secretary Huang is at home?"
"He should be." Zhang Zhiyuan said uncertainly, "Yesterday, I heard from Secretary Huang's secretary that he has a meeting in the capital today and has to go to the Ministry of Commerce tomorrow. He definitely won't return to Xijiang tonight."
"What if he has a social engagement at night?"
Zhang Zhiyuan was not confident and said, "I can only take a gamble."
The most critical problem was how to enter the door, what to say when he entered the door, what to give …
At the ministerial level, he had become a real high-level leader. He could legitimately enjoy a private car with a full-time driver, secretary, security, and personal healthcare. At the same time, he could enjoy state-subsidized housing, medical treatment, and other aspects of "preferential treatment."
However, although there was only one word difference between the ministerial level and the deputy ministerial level, the treatment enjoyed was worlds apart. The most prominent example was the treatment enjoyed after retirement.
After retirement, the ministerial level could also be equipped with a private car, full-time secretary, and full-time medical staff, but the deputy ministerial level could not. The biggest difference should be the medical treatment. The ministerial level medical certificate was green, and there was no need to register at the hospital. They could directly stay in a single room, and the Department of Health and the hospital would be responsible for the expenses. The deputy ministerial level medical certificate was the blueprint. Although they could also enjoy the standard of living in a single room without registration, the reimbursement still had to go back to the original unit.
Huang Jiyang's home was in the family compound of a ministry in the capital. There were armed police standing guard at the gate. If one did not have a pass or the family's consent, they could not enter. Therefore, entering was a big problem.
Finally, there was the gift. At this level, the concept of money was blurred. In their eyes, it was just a piece of paper. Most of the time, they rarely brought money, or did not bring money at all. If they directly used money, it would be very tacky and unpresentable.
"What is Secretary Huang's hobby?" Lu Yiwei asked.
Zhang Zhiyuan frowned. "I told you before that Secretary Huang likes sports, especially badminton."
"Okay, then let's buy a badminton racket."
"Isn't this gift a little too small?"
Lu Yiwei said. "If we can get a racket with a celebrity's signature, maybe the meaning will be different."
"Do you know where to buy it?"
"I heard from my friend Dark Circle. We can give it a try."
"Okay."
When they arrived in Beijing, Lu Yiwei and Zhang Zhiyuan went straight to Xidan. They spent a lot of effort to find what they wanted in an inconspicuous shop. It was a racket used by the world famous badminton player Peter Gade, and it was signed by him. Although the price was a little expensive, they could not care so much now.
After the things were ready, they waited for the sky to turn dark.
In the evening, Zhang Zhiyuan summoned his courage and called Huang Jiyang's secretary with trepidation. The result he got was disappointing. Secretary Huang was still in a meeting, and he did not know when he would be back.
Zhang Zhiyuan's trip was in a hurry, so it was normal that he did not come back.
They changed their strategy and decided to wait at the door of Huang Jiyang's family quarters. However, they waited for a whole night and did not see Huang Jiyang's car.
After the first night of failure, Zhang Zhiyuan was a little discouraged and was ready to go back. Lu Yiwei asked him to hold on for another night to try his luck. Zhang Zhiyuan was also unwilling to give up, so he waited for another night, but still found nothing.
The time of the leaders was not regular, so the two had to give up and return to Xijiang Province. Unexpectedly, Huang Jiyang had come back early and held a meeting last night. Zhang Zhiyuan did not know any of this.
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