By the time Chen Xing got home, it was already nine o 'clock in the evening. After watching Zhou Mingfang and the others play cards for nearly two hours, Chen Xing had learned something. Chen Xing had a better understanding of Zhou Mingfang's personal circle in Hai City, as well as Zhou Mingfang's temperament and personal preferences. These were things that he could not get to know in depth at work.
Chen Xing could see that Zhou Mingfang had done this deliberately for Mayor Zhao Yiping these days. Zhou Mingfang deliberately kept a low profile not because of the investigation of Xing Tiande. Chen Xing could feel the confidence and pride in Zhou Mingfang's heart. Xing Tiande's case could only be said to be Zhou Mingfang's move to push the boat with the current. This was Zhou Mingfang's move to test people's hearts.
Zhou Mingfang had not taken any action for a long time. He was watching coldly from the sidelines as Mayor Zhao Yiping's increasingly high-profile performance. He just wanted to make a few more people who were fawning over him on the surface but really opposed him in their hearts to jump out. Chen Xing guessed that Zhou Mingfang would probably make some personnel changes in the near future. Those who jumped out with Zhao Yiping now would have a worrying future.
When he opened the door and entered, Chen Xing could not help but feel a little strange when he saw that there was a guest at home. When he saw who was sitting on the sofa, Chen Xing was stunned. It was Zhong Ling, a teacher from No.1 Middle School that his parents had always wanted to matchmake him. It was really beyond his expectations that she would take the initiative to come to his place.
Chen Xing, you're back. Zhong Ling has been here for a while. If you were any later, you wouldn't be able to see her.
There was no other way. This was the disadvantage of following the leader. When the leader had something to summon, you couldn't leave. Chen Xing smiled and nodded. He looked at his mother strangely. His mother's mood seemed to be a little off. Chen Xing did not realize that his mother's words had a hidden meaning.
You seem to be quite busy. Zhong Ling turned to look at Chen Xing with a smile.
I'm busy for nothing. I don't know what I've been busy with all day. Chen Xing smiled and sat down opposite Zhong Ling.
You young people chat first. I'll go to the kitchen to wash the dishes tonight. Zou Fang stood up.
I'll also go to the study to read. Chen Shuiping also stood up.
The two elders seemed to have a tacit understanding. They left together, leaving only Chen Xing and Zhong Ling in the living room.
In the past, Teacher Huang and Auntie Zou used to live on campus. I often saw them walking on the playground. But recently, they rarely stayed on campus. Zhong Ling tried to find a topic to talk about.
Yeah, maybe it's because I'm busier than before. They're afraid that no one will take care of me, so they often come back to stay. Chen Xing smiled and nodded. Teacher Zhong also lived in the school dormitory, right?
That's right. My hometown is in the countryside, and it's inconvenient to travel back and forth every day, so I might as well live on campus. Zhong Ling nodded slightly. I heard from Teacher Chen that you were hospitalized a few days ago. How is it? Your body has recovered now, right?
He had recovered a long time ago. It wasn't a serious illness.
Miss Chen didn't tell me that you were in the hospital, or else I would have gone to the hospital to see you.
I was the one who asked my parents not to tell others. At that time, there were too many colleagues who went to the hospital to see me. The whole ward didn't look like a ward, but more like a hotel. I told my parents not to make it public. Besides, it wasn't a serious illness, so there was no need to make it known to everyone.
It means that there are many people who care about you. I heard from Miss Chen that you are now the secretary of the secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, so there are naturally many people who want to curry favor with you. No wonder so many people rush to visit you. Zhong Ling chuckled.
I'm afraid that they don't really care about me, but care about something else. Chen Xing shook his head and smiled.
The two kept talking. At home, Chen Xing felt that the space was not very free. Zhong Ling, who was opposite him, also made him feel that there was something hidden in his heart that he didn't want to say. He thought that maybe it was because they had only met for the second time, so Chen Xing didn't think much about it.
Why don't we go out for a walk? Zhong Ling suddenly suggested.
Well, it's still early at nine o 'clock in the summer. It's not bad to go out for a walk. Chen Xing nodded with a smile.
Chen Xing said goodbye to his mother and went out with Zhong Ling. Chen Xing, who went downstairs with Zhong Ling, didn't notice that his parents were standing by the window of the living room and looking down.
He didn't expect that Zhong Ling, who looked delicate and weak, had such a big dream in her heart. Zou Fang stared at Zhong Ling's back. Zhong Ling, who was nearly 1.65 meters tall, stood up and brought out the best in Chen Xing.
I always thought that Zhong Ling and Chen Xing were a perfect match, and I wanted to matchmake Chen Xing and her. I didn't expect that it would end up like this. Zou Fang shook her head and sighed. In her opinion, Zhong Ling's character and appearance were good, and her teaching career was relatively stable. If her son could marry such a woman, although he wouldn't be rich in the future, at least he could live a peaceful life and not worry about food and clothing.
Yes, I don't know what Zhong Ling is thinking. She chose to be a teacher in the beginning. Logically speaking, she should pursue a stable life. Why would she want to go south and work hard? Chen Shuiping also frowned. He, who had been a teacher all his life and was used to a stable life, couldn't understand Zhong Ling's decision. She had a fixed monthly income and there wouldn't be many ups and downs in her life. Wasn't this very suitable for a girl?
Chen Xing and Zhong Ling walked slowly along the sidewalk on the side of the street. Hai City was located by the sea, so they enjoyed the light breeze from the sea, which was extremely cool and comfortable.
Should we find a cafe and sit down? Chen Xing looked at Zhong Ling.
No, it feels good to walk like this. Zhong Ling shook her head with a smile. Tonight, we'll walk all the streets in Hai City.
That would be a big project. Even the elderly who had lived in Hai City for decades didn't dare to say that they had walked all the streets and alleys of Hai City. Chen Xing laughed when he heard that.
Yes, it was easier said than done to walk all over Hai City. He didn't know how many opportunities he would have to see this city in the future. Zhong Ling said melancholically.
Listen to what you're saying. Don't you live in this city? You're watching this city all the time. Chen Xing looked at her strangely.
That's now. There won't be such a chance in the future.
Why, does Teacher Zhong mean that she wants to leave Hai City? Chen Xing stopped in his tracks in surprise.
That's right, I plan to leave this city.
If I remember correctly, Teacher Zhong, your hometown is here. You even mentioned it just now. Why are you leaving here?
My hometown is here, but it doesn't mean that I have to stay in Hai City. Zhong Ling smiled and blinked her eyes. I plan to go south to Yang City and work hard there.
Go south to Yang City? Become a drifter? Chen Xing looked at Zhong Ling in shock. Teacher Zhong plans to quit her current teaching job and go south to find a new one?
Yes, I plan to quit this job and go south to start all over again. Zhong Ling clenched her fists and cheered herself on.
For the first time, Chen Xing stared at the seemingly delicate and gentle girl opposite him seriously. If this kind of thought appeared on other women, Chen Xing might not be so surprised. However, when it appeared on Zhong Ling, who was teaching and educating people and had a weak appearance, Chen Xing's heart was quite shocked. He really couldn't imagine that a woman like Zhong Ling, who was suitable to be a wife and raise children, would have such a restless heart.
How is it? You're also very surprised? Zhong Ling's eyes lit up as she looked at Chen Xing. Do you also think that a woman like me is most suitable to find a husband with a good family background to marry, then have children and live a peaceful life for the rest of my life?
The other party saw through his thoughts.
Chen Xing didn't refute. He nodded and said, I've always thought that not only do you look like such a woman on the outside, but you should also think like this in your heart. It seems that people can't be judged by their appearance. This saying is really true.
I've never thought about being such a good girl. Many friends say that I look like a housewife who is suitable to live a comfortable life and that my future will definitely not be hard.
However, I've never thought about it like this in my heart. My heart has always been restless. I especially like to read some women's business magazines. I used to dream that one day I could also become a strong woman in the business world. How awe-inspiring that would be. Zhong Ling fell into a strange state. She seemed to be reminiscing and longing. Chen Xing, do you think I'm silly?
No, everyone who has a dream deserves my respect and respect. Chen Xing looked at Zhong Ling seriously. Apart from the first time they met, Zhong Ling's appearance made his eyes light up. At this time, Chen Xing had to admit that this girl with a dream, apart from her appearance, her heart was more worthy of being deeply remembered.
It's good that you don't think I'm childish. I know that many people are waiting to see me make a fool of myself. They're waiting to see how I come back with my head broken and bleeding. Then, I'll keep crying and complaining to people that I regret quitting my stable job as a teacher. Zhong Ling pursed her lips, and there was an unusually firm look in her eyes.
Zhong Ling, I admire your dream very much, but the opinions of others are not necessarily wrong. You should really think carefully before making a decision. After all, you're destroying your stable future with your own hands. You're going to face a strange, unknown life, and even an unpredictable future. Chen Xing didn't know how to persuade such a girl who had a dream. People who had dreams and dared to take risks to achieve their dreams were worthy of admiration. Chen Xing couldn't bear to shatter Zhong Ling's dream, but he had to remind her that there was a gap between the cruelty of reality and a beautiful dream that was infinitely longing for. It was very difficult to surmount the gap.
I know, but I'm also an adult. I have my own independent opinions and thoughts. I can be responsible for my own actions. Zhong Ling's tone was firm. This has been my dream for a long time. I originally planned to go south with my classmates after graduation. Later, considering the actual situation of my family, I came here to be a teacher first.
What about now? You don't need to think about your family's situation anymore. Chen Xing looked at her.
I can't say that. It should be said that it's a little better than before. My brother is going to be a senior this year. I don't have to pay for his tuition and living expenses for a long time. In another six months, he will also be able to find a job and earn money. The reason why I listened to my family's advice and became a teacher first was that my brother had just been admitted to university. My family's financial situation was not very good. My parents hoped that I could be responsible for my brother's studies. Now that my brother is about to graduate from university, I have less worries and can let go of my worries to fight for my dream.
You've been a teacher for three years, and you've lived a stable life for more than a thousand days and nights, yet your fighting spirit hasn't been extinguished. It seems that you're also someone who's determined to walk down a path. Then, it's useless for me to advise you any further. Chen Xing smiled. Zhong Ling, I can only say my blessings to you. I hope that you can make a name for yourself in that strange city in the south. I will look forward to seeing you return to your hometown in glory one day.
I don't dare to think about returning to my hometown in glory, as long as I don't die in a foreign land.
Look, you haven't even started and you're already saying such discouraging words. It's not like you at all.
Oh, we haven't known each other for a long time. What do you think I am like? Zhong Ling stared at Chen Xing with interest.
You. Chen Xing thought for a while and smiled. Today, you have completely overturned my first impression of you. I think you are a very brave girl.
Girl? Haha, I am an old woman in my mid-twenties. How can you still say that I am a girl?
The crisp laughter resounded in the night sky of this city. Somehow, Chen Xing vaguely felt that there was some bitterness in this pleasant laughter. Such a girl with dreams, in the first few years of her life that were worth fighting for, was willing to be silent for her family and loved ones. A woman in her mid-twenties had reached the stage where she should talk about marriage. After all, women were different from men. The older they got, the more they felt that it was time for them to get married.
For women, it meant that their marriage would become more and more difficult in the future. However, Zhong Ling could only start to fight for her dream at this time. Perhaps, even Zhong Ling herself was also confused in the depths of her heart. Once she failed, there was no way back.
Chen Xing stared at Zhong Ling in a daze. This delicate and pretty girl, whose thoughts could not be guessed, was probably just holding on to the dream in her heart.
They walked around the nearby park for a few times. When they were tired, they sat for a while. Finally, Chen Xing sent Zhong Ling to the bus back to the No.1 Middle School.
The frugality of this girl with a dream surprised Chen Xing. Chen Xing had never liked to take the city's bus, which was crowded and unsafe. There were all kinds of people on the bus, and there was also a third hand that could intervene in the secret at any time. It was impossible to guard against them. In addition, the bus driver basically drove the bus like driving a tank, rampaging on the city's densely packed roads. Chen Xing always suspected that the bus driver liked to play with the emergency brake to satisfy his inner perverted excitement.
Chen Xing originally wanted to call a taxi for Zhong Ling, but was refused by her. This place was not far from the No.1 Middle School. Zhong Ling said with a smile that it was convenient to take the bus, and she did not need to waste a few yuan. Chen Xing did not insist. After tonight, he knew that Zhong Ling was a girl who looked weak but had a strong mind.
When he got home, Chen Xing was slightly surprised to see his parents sitting in the living room. But after thinking about it, he realized that it wasn't too surprising. He finally understood why his parents were behaving so strangely when he came back.
Chen Xing, Zhong Ling told you everything, right? Zou Fang looked at her son with a look of pity on her face.
"Yes, I heard everything from her. I didn't expect that a girl like her would have such a bold and risky idea. To be honest, I am ashamed of my inferiority. Otherwise, I would have gone to do business with Huang Ming instead of living a peaceful life." Chen Xing shook his head with a smile.
"What's wrong with living a peaceful life? Look at your father and me. Although we couldn't give you a rich life, we didn't let you live a hard life. You don't have to worry about food and clothing. Sometimes people can't be too greedy. It's good enough to live a peaceful life." Zou Fang said disapprovingly.
This can't be said to be a matter of greed. It can only be said that each person's personality and ideals are different. For example, our family was probably influenced by each other, so we didn't like the ups and downs of life. Zhong Ling lived in such a family and was stimulated by the surrounding environment. Since she was young, she may have hoped to bring a good life to her family with her own hands. So she may have always looked forward to being a successful career woman. She dared to take risks for her ideals, which is worthy of our respect. After all, Chen Xing belonged to the younger generation. His parents might not understand Zhong Ling's approach, but from his point of view, he could empathize with Zhong Ling's feelings. Only when people had dreams in their hearts could they live a worthwhile life in this world. They had suffered hardships, encountered obstacles, and fell down. Even if they were badly injured, as long as they had worked hard for their ideals, it didn't matter even if they failed. At least, they wouldn't have an excuse for regret in the future.
There were only a few chances in life. If he didn't fight now, when would he?
At this time, Chen Xing was deeply touched. Zhong Ling gave up her current stable job to take risks for her dreams, and so did he. Since God had given him a chance, he would work hard for his ideals and couldn't find excuses for his decadence in the past few years.
In the future, although he wouldn't be able to reach the height of a court, he would at least be able to become a local official. If he could become a trendsetter in this era of reform and opening up like Zhou Mingfang, it would be his ultimate dream.
"It's a pity that such a good girl, whether in appearance or character, I think Zhong Ling is a perfect match for you. I didn't expect that she would give up a stable life and insist on wandering in the south." Zou Fang sighed. "As a girl, she quit her job and didn't leave any way out for herself. If she went out and came back badly injured, it would be difficult for her to teach in No. 1 Middle School again. Nowadays, there are many people who want to be teachers in No. 1 Middle School, including some with high academic qualifications. Zhong Ling caught up with the good times three years ago. At that time, the competition was not as fierce as now."
"Mom, don't worry about her. She is an adult and has her own ideas. We can only wish her the best." Chen Xing smiled helplessly. "My mother really has the leisure to think so much."
"Speaking of which, Chen Xing, don't you feel it's a pity at all?" "There are very few beautiful and virtuous girls like Zhong Ling." Zou Fang looked at Chen Xing with pity and said.
"I can't say it's a pity. I only met her twice. I can only say that she left a good impression on me. I feel good about her, but it's a little unrealistic to say that we have a deep relationship. So I still respect her choice."
"Chen Xing, are you still in contact with the governor's daughter?" Zou Fang stared at her son closely.
"Yes, we text each other from time to time. We have always been in contact. What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Zou Fang and Chen Shuiping looked at each other. Both of them were a little worried. In the end, Chen Shuiping said, "Chen Xing, tell us the truth. Do you like that girl?"
"Mom, Dad, what are you thinking? She and I are now very good friends. It's not as complicated as you think." Chen Xing laughed.
"I'm afraid that you can't see clearly because you are closely involved." Chen Shuiping whispered and said, "Chen Xing, it's not that we want to mention your sad past, but with Zhao Qing as a lesson, we really don't want to see you repeat the same mistake. We can't afford to be friends with a deputy mayor, let alone a governor this time. We don't have that kind of luck."
"Alright, Dad, Mom, you worry too much. It's not what you think. Miss Qiu doesn't often stay in Jianghai Province. She will return to the capital. I just want to be friends with her." Chen Xing comforted his parents as usual, but in his heart, he suddenly felt a little confused. Did he really not have any feelings for Zhang Ningning? Was there any basis for them to be together?
Time passed day by day. The provincial investigation team had been stationed in Hai City for more than half a month, but they still hadn't left. The deputy director of the Local Taxation Bureau, Xing Tiande, was still working as usual for a few days. In the second week of the investigation team's arrival in Hai City, Xing Tiande began to disappear from people's sight. The official statement from the Local Taxation Bureau was that Xing Tiande was on sick leave and would not come to work in the short term.
Those who were familiar with the inside story knew that Xing Tiande was in trouble and was already under the control of the provincial investigation team. As for the specific location, perhaps even the leaders of the city didn't know. Except for informing the main leaders of Hai City at the beginning of their arrival, the actions of the investigation team were unilateral. Hai City didn't know about the actions of the investigation team. Zhou Mingfang seemed to have acquiesced to the investigation team's actions and also instructed the relevant departments to do their best to cooperate with the investigation team's needs.
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