Chapter 9: Your old man is the bureau chief, isn't he?

Su Wanqing’s expression was indifferent, yet she did not show any signs of annoyance.

Di Yutong instinctively grabbed Liang Jiyong’s arm. "Don't get into a fight! Zhang Ning just happened to be passing by here!"

The boy was named Zhang Ning, also a recent graduate of Yunzhou No. 1 High School. Coming from a well-off family with parents in government positions, he had once been a suitor of Su Wanqing. However, after being beaten up by Liang Jiyong and later attempting to bring others to cause trouble on two separate occasions—only to be beaten up twice more—he had finally quieted down. Liang Jiyong had explicitly told him that if he ever saw him appearing before Su Wanqing again, he would beat him every single time. That was why Di Yutong instinctively held Liang Jiyong back, fearing he would start a fight on the spot.

"Am I really that combative?" Liang Jiyong smiled, showing no signs of impulsiveness.

"You... you really have changed!" Di Yutong said, astonished.

"People change with time and environment. Some changes are subtle, while others come from a sudden, profound awakening—like mine."

"Oh? Then will your feelings for Wanqing change too?" Di Yutong looked at him.

"She carries a lot of weight in my heart. But ultimately, whether we end up together isn't something determined solely by my unilateral will; feelings are mutual. Neither of us is considering that question right now. Doing the right thing at the right time is the only way to avoid regret. I wasted so much time in the past, but I won't anymore."

Di Yutong listened and couldn't help but smile happily. Liang Jiyong truly seemed to have matured, at least in his thinking. Although he still held Su Wanqing in his heart, he didn't seem to be fixated on it as stubbornly as before.

"Aren't you angry to see Zhang Ning fawning over Wanqing like that?" Di Yutong asked.

"It’s too superficial. Wanqing wouldn't like a guy like that anyway," Liang Jiyong shook his head.

"Why is it superficial? I feel like Zhang Ning has a broad perspective and knows more than the average student."

"Someone who talks loudly in a bookstore’s lounge is, first and foremost, impolite. A person like that won't achieve anything great. Let's tell Wanqing to go; it’s about time. I need to eat my fill tonight!"

"Your family isn't short on money. You won't be going hungry!" Di Yutong said.

"Money is a good thing, and my family is actually in need of it right now. I’m thinking about how to make some," Liang Jiyong replied. He was indeed pondering this, but hadn't yet found a way to profit that required no capital. Furthermore, it had to be quick to implement and effective, without interfering with his studies.

"Your primary task right now is your studies!" Di Yutong cautioned him.

"Haha, I can do both!"

Liang Jiyong and Di Yutong walked inside. When Zhang Ning saw Liang Jiyong, his expression changed instantly. Terrified, he jumped from his chair and stammered, "Y-you... what are you doing here?" If he had known Liang Jiyong was present, he certainly wouldn't have dared to sit there chatting with Su Wanqing.

"Why can't I be here? Don't worry, I don't usually beat people up anymore! Wanqing, it’s time to go. I’m waiting for a big meal tonight!"

Su Wanqing seemed surprised by Liang Jiyong’s behavior. In her mind, she expected him to at least chase Zhang Ning away. However, she didn't have to worry about a fight as long as she was there. Although Liang Jiyong didn't always obey her, her words always seemed to carry weight with him. Today, however, his change was profound. Was it really, as he said, a sudden awakening? Had that blow to the head truly knocked some sense into him? Perhaps. Yet, at that moment, Su Wanqing felt a strange mix of loss and happiness regarding his transformation.

"Let's go," Su Wanqing said with an indifferent expression, standing up to leave.

"Uncle Kui probably won't mind an extra person, right?" Liang Jiyong remarked.

Su Wanqing looked at him in surprise. Did he really want to invite Zhang Ning to dinner? What was he planning?

"I... I have things to do, I'll go now!" Zhang Ning felt that nothing good could come from Liang Jiyong’s invitation.

However, Liang Jiyong placed his arm around Zhang Ning’s shoulder. "We were classmates. I'm inviting you to dinner—don't you want to show me some respect?"

"No, it's not that, I..." Zhang Ning wished he could punch Liang Jiyong in the face, but he knew that even five of him wouldn't be a match for Liang Jiyong.

"Jiyong, don't cause trouble!" Su Wanqing urged.

"I'm not causing trouble. We just happened to meet, so why not have a meal together? Let's have a drink to our youthful ignorance. That’s not trouble, is it?"

"Are you sure?" Su Wanqing doubted his motives.

"Have I ever lied to you?" Liang Jiyong looked at her and countered.

Su Wanqing felt a strange, small sense of satisfaction upon hearing this. Since they were children, Liang Jiyong had never lied to her once.

"Alright, I'll trust you. Zhang Ning, come along for dinner!"

Since Su Wanqing had invited him, Zhang Ning knew he couldn't refuse and agreed with a bitter face.

If not for Liang Jiyong, this would have been a wonderful dinner. But now, that was no longer certain. As they stepped outside and walked toward the hot pot restaurant, Liang Jiyong asked Zhang Ning, "Zhang Ning, your father works at the Landscaping Bureau, right?"

"Yes," Zhang Ning nodded, wondering what scheme Liang Jiyong was hatching.

"He's the director, right?" Liang Jiyong remembered his father being the director, but couldn't recall if it was the head or deputy position.

"Yes."

"The head or the deputy?"

"Executive Deputy Director, but the old director is about to retire, so my dad will be promoted to the head position soon," Zhang Ning said proudly. While the Landscaping Bureau wasn't considered highly prestigious, holding the top position still carried status. There weren't many section-level leaders in all of Yunzhou.

As they walked, they chatted casually, and Liang Jiyong asked about Zhang Ning’s university admission. Zhang Ning had scored 530 and was admitted to Yunzhou University of Technology to study Natural Environmental Engineering—a field perfectly aligned with his father's jurisdiction, making it easy to secure a job later.

Su Kui had come to Yunzhou for sales matters and was treating some people from the Bureau of Commerce to dinner. However, Liang Jiyong and the others were placed in a separate, smaller private room, away from Su Kui’s guests. Liang Jiyong knew this was a classic case of using public funds for private benefit. His own father would never do such a thing, but Liang Jiyong felt nothing toward it—it was too normal. Water that is too clear has no fish; his father’s integrity was admirable, but it was difficult to adapt to the rhythm of this society. If you didn't eat and drink with others, no one would want to build connections with you. His father’s character worked in his own era, and he had often been named a model worker, but the times had truly changed. He didn't know if this was a tragedy for his father or for the world.

They didn't drink, as Su Kui still saw them as children. His father didn't allow him to drink often either, but Liang Jiyong had drank plenty of times when out; he seemed to have a natural tolerance for alcohol.

The atmosphere at the table was surprisingly pleasant. They talked about school anecdotes, and even the previous conflicts between Liang Jiyong and Zhang Ning were brought up by Liang Jiyong with a light, dismissive tone. Although Zhang Ning had been beaten three times, Liang Jiyong had also been roughed up by the people Zhang Ning hired, so they were even. Zhang Ning had simply been scared into not bothering Su Wanqing again. He had once hired street thugs who talked big, but when five of them cornered Liang Jiyong, Liang Jiyong had chased the leader and beaten him mercilessly. The others had hit Liang Jiyong with sticks and fists, but were terrified by his ferocity, and three of the five had ended up injured. It had been a "miserable victory" for Liang Jiyong, but he had dragged the cowardly Zhang Ning out from behind the scenes and taught him a lesson.

Hearing Liang Jiyong recount these events so casually left Zhang Ning feeling conflicted. Was this guy really just reminiscing, letting bygones be bygones? It was so strange! Su Wanqing and Di Yutong felt the same. Liang Jiyong really seemed to have changed from an impulsive, combative teenager into a calm young man. Yet, this sudden transformation was hard for them to adjust to in such a short time.

Liang Jiyong accompanied them as they drank juice. When Su Wanqing and Di Yutong went to the restroom together, Liang Jiyong and Zhang Ning were left alone.

"Zhang Ning, among the Deputy Mayors of Yunzhou, is there someone named Ji Yun?"

Although Zhang Ning’s father’s position wasn't extremely high, he was certainly familiar with the city's leadership. "Yes, Mayor Ji came down from the provincial level. He is currently the Executive Deputy Mayor in charge of urban construction, and the Landscaping Bureau falls under his jurisdiction."

Upon hearing the confirmation, Liang Jiyong smiled slightly. It was good that Ji Yun was in Yunzhou.

"Do you know Mayor Ji?" Zhang Ning asked.

"No, I’ve just heard that this Mayor Ji has great insight into urban planning and values city greening. I heard that when he was in a county under Pingzhou, he did a fantastic job with urban construction and landscaping."

Zhang Ning’s interest was piqued, and he began inquiring about Ji Yun’s track record. Although his father was the most likely candidate to take over as director, there were still competitors. Mayor Ji had only been in town for two months, and his inclinations were unclear, yet he held significant influence over the appointment of the Landscaping Bureau Director.

Liang Jiyong only knew Ji Yun by reputation—specifically, his nickname, "Ji the Doll." It was a neutral term, neither praising nor criticizing. In urban construction, Ji Yun was bold and pushed development forward. However, some claimed his projects were merely for show, or even a way to embezzle funds. Regardless of the controversy, Ji Yun continued to rise, becoming a high-ranking official. This suggested he had not only boldness and ability, but also a powerful background.

Liang Jiyong didn't care about that; he just wanted to use this to create an opportunity for himself. He shared some of Ji Yun’s deeds—some true, some fabricated—to outline his governing style. If Zhang Ning’s father could align his work with these priorities, he would surely catch Ji Yun’s eye. And Liang Jiyong, in turn, would seize the chance to make his first pot of gold. Zhang Ning didn't expect such an unexpected harvest from this dinner.

"Clack, clack, clack..."

Rapid footsteps echoed. Liang Jiyong looked up to see a waiter rush in. "Your friends are having a conflict with some other guests..."

"Where?" Liang Jiyong bolted out.

"At the entrance to the restroom..."

Liang Jiyong sprinted out with the speed of a hundred-meter dash. Zhang Ning hesitated for a second before following.

...

"Don't be afraid, Wanqing. Jiyong will be here soon! This is the women's restroom; they won't dare come in," Di Yutong said, gripping Su Wanqing’s cold hands.

Su Wanqing bit her lip, her face full of worry. "There are seven or eight people outside. How can he fight them all alone?"

"He's not stupid; he'll definitely go get your father!"

Su Wanqing nodded, saying nothing more. Deep down, she felt a strange sensation. When faced with the harassment of a group of drunks, the first person she thought of wasn't her father, but Liang Jiyong. Perhaps it was because she had grown accustomed to him protecting her whenever she was in danger. But, he really wasn't the type of man she liked—he was impulsive and reckless. Yet, a voice in her head seemed to say, *He really has changed. He’s so much calmer and more mature. Isn't this the character I’ve been hoping for? He’s changing for me...*

The thought left Su Wanqing overwhelmed. If Liang Jiyong truly became the man of her dreams, would she still reject him? Her gaze fell on Di Yutong. Di Yutong was her best friend, someone she told everything to. She had said time and again that she wouldn't date Liang Jiyong, and had even tried to play matchmaker between Di Yutong and him. But if Liang Jiyong became the person she hoped for, how would she choose? Could she accept him? Would Yutong really be able to offer her sincere blessings? Would they still be friends?

Outside, the sounds of shouting and noise grew louder. Su Wanqing gripped Di Yutong’s hand even tighter. *He’s fighting for me again.*

...

It was indeed a fight. When Liang Jiyong reached the restroom, he saw seven or eight young men in their twenties, all looking intoxicated. Some were shouting lewd remarks at the women’s restroom door, while others smoked and chatted nonchalantly. Only one greasy-haired man was crouching on the ground, clutching his stomach. Based on Liang Jiyong’s experience, this was definitely Di Yutong’s signature "nut-cracking kick." Di Yutong, who possessed a quarter of the "Saiyan" fighting spirit, was quite formidable—certainly much tougher than the delicate Su Wanqing. In the past, she had even smashed beer bottles to help Liang Jiyong in his fights.

"Move aside, kid! Don't get in the way!" A young man with dyed yellow hair and a gold chain barked at Liang Jiyong as he approached.

Liang Jiyong ignored him and continued toward the restroom. The yellow-haired man grew angry and reached out to grab Liang Jiyong’s collar. But Liang Jiyong was faster; he grabbed the man’s arm, pivoted, and executed a clean, effortless shoulder throw. With a loud *thud*, the man screamed in pain, writhing on the ground, unable to get up.

"Looking for death, are you?"