Chapter 2, Arrangement

When mentioning his son, Shen Ming's gaze seemed to inadvertently sweep over Yang Fan. For a young man capable of walking out of this courtyard, it is exceedingly difficult not to attract Shen Ming's attention.

I do not know either; I only know that he does not resemble a typical 22-year-old. He is too composed, sometimes able to sit quietly for several hours without moving. Of course, there is one thing that we both understand well: this child has never reached out to us for help. Just based on that, he is already quite remarkable. Not to mention that Brother Yang had once shown kindness to both you and me; mistreating this child would surely invite divine retribution.

I see no need to complicate things; I have already become accustomed to the surname Yang and do not wish to change it repeatedly

"Wait a moment, I heard that your connections are at the Academy of Social Sciences?" The old gentleman's expression returned to calm, taking on a somewhat elder's tone of inquiry. Seeing this scene, Zhou Mingdao finally felt relieved; it seemed that today's performance was over, and it was time to discuss serious matters.

What else is there to discuss? Aren't you just concerned about the support from the Military Commission for Chen Zheng and his endorsement? Promise me a fair competition and we can put everything to rest; if you don't agree, I will inform Yang Fan and ruin the situation for you

Hehe, the master arranged a temporary clerk position for me, merely for my convenience in accommodation and meals in Beijing. Strictly speaking, it could also be considered an abuse of power for personal gain.

At that moment, Liu Qing smiled and approached the father and son, saying, "Brother Shen, what brings you here?"

Perhaps only someone like Brother Yang could raise such a daughter and have a grandson like Yang Fan? This should be considered a blessing for the Chen family, but unfortunately, that little rascal at home... Sigh! I feel ashamed before my old friend

Old Master Chen chuckled and said, "Is this how you view our years of friendship? In the end, this matter will still be decided by Yang Fan himself, right? With his temperament, can either of us really influence him?" As he spoke, Old Master Chen's expression suddenly darkened, and he gazed at Zhou Ming, whispering, "Brother, do you really think that kid is truly without desires or ambitions?"

At this moment, Zhou Mingdao, who had been quiet for a while, felt a bit anxious and began to make a series of expressive gestures towards Old Master Chen. The implication was quite clear: I have worked hard to bring this person to you, now it is up to you to take it from here

I will first take Young Shao home, and we will discuss it later

The lunch was simple yet exceptionally exquisite, in line with Old Master Chen's habit of being particular about his food. Yang Fan simply took two bowls of rice and stood up to take his leave. The old master did not express any intention to keep him there, only instructing Liu Qing to arrange for a car to see him off.

Yang Fan slightly leaned forward and said with an unusually respectful smile: "If you called me here today just to discuss this matter, I believe my answer has been quite clear. Is there anything else? I would like to take my leave now, and perhaps I can listen to your teachings another time." Although the words were polite, there was an underlying sense of estrangement.

At this moment, Liu Qing, who had been patiently listening for some time, smiled meaningfully at Yang Fan. It is worth mentioning that this arrangement is unimaginable for someone without any background; for the old gentleman, it is merely a matter of a phone call and a few words. This is the convenience that power brings. According to the prior discussion between Zhou Mingdao and the old gentleman Chen, at this point, Yang Fan could not afford to offend his master Zhou Mingdao and could only accept it in silence. Yang Fan cast a slightly dissatisfied glance at Zhou Mingdao, and upon noticing Liu Qing's smile, he found himself truly puzzled by the meaning behind that smile.

With a face full of forced smiles, Old Master Chen said with a bitter laugh: "This matter may not be settled just by you and me discussing it. Didn't Brother Yang save Zhang Dapao's life back in the day? After that, Zhang Dapao insisted on marrying into the family, and you know his temperament, right? He clung to him stubbornly. As you are aware, Zhang Dapao has threatened several times to beat Zheng He and Tu Shu, which you also know. Yesterday, I went to drink with Zhang Dapao, and after a few drinks, I talked too much and mentioned Yang Fan's situation in the capital. Fortunately, I sobered up quickly and didn't reveal Yang Fan's matters with you. Zhang Dapao then said that his granddaughter is as beautiful as a flower and claimed that Yang Fan, as his grandson-in-law, belongs to his family, urging me to find a time to bring Yang Fan over for a visit."

Why would a graduate student in economics want to be a mere teacher in a secondary school? It seems like a waste of talent. Since you wish to return, I might as well use my influence to help you. Your connection can be transferred from the Academy of Social Sciences to the Provincial Youth League Committee of Jiangnan, and the specific work arrangements will be determined by the local leadership. If you want to work in your hometown, you can also request a position there for practical training. It is not a bad thing for young people to gain experience at the grassroots level. What do you think of this arrangement?

Zhou Mingdao, fuming and ready to leave, was met with a wry smile from Old Master Chen, who said: "Don't get angry, my brother; everything can be discussed. Do you remember what Yang Fan said the first time we met? He didn't want his peaceful life to be disturbed; otherwise, why would I have told Zhang Dapao before?"

Yang Fan's淡淡的语气似乎是在表示并不想和陈家攀上任何的关系, 看表情好像是在努力维持对长辈的尊重。老爷子在心里一阵欣赏的同时, 也感觉到杨帆语气中的一丝不屑。多少人想和陈家搭上关系而不能, 习惯了高高在上的老爷子在心态上也不能免俗, 感觉到被无视后微微不快的哼了哼道: "这是你父亲的意思。"

As soon as Liu Qing spoke, the gatekeeper immediately allowed them to pass, and the father and son hurried in

Yang Fan is undoubtedly at the center of pressure. In Zhou Mingdao's view, this pressure seems to pose no real threat to Yang Fan. The reason is simple: Yang Fan appears to have no expectations of gaining anything from the Chen family. Chen Zheng has repeatedly tried to offer Yang Fan some compensation and arrange meetings, but all have been turned down. Zhou Mingdao has also guessed the old man's thoughts to some extent; he simply wants to see if there is any sense of ambition in Yang Fan's heart.

Yang Fan felt a bitter smile in his heart, finally understanding the meaning behind his master's insistence on bringing him here today. It seemed that the old man wanted to promote him, or rather, hoped that he would achieve something in his official career. However, is there anything that cannot wait until after a meal? Doesn't he even consider what time it is now?

Old Master Chen is asking about Yang Fan, while Zhou Mingdao, who is beside him, appears anxious that Yang Fan might refuse. After a long wait, the old master finally clarifies his words. This is indeed a good opportunity for Yang Fan. Therefore, Zhou Mingdao takes the initiative to respond, saying: "This arrangement is excellent; I have agreed on behalf of Yang Fan. It is getting late, and I am also hungry, so let us eat first."

Looking at Yang Fan's consistently composed expression, the old man recalled his old friend from years past, who was also Yang Fan's maternal grandfather—a true scholar, a man who valued the principles of gentlemanly conduct, "to help the world when one is prosperous, and to cultivate oneself when one is in poverty." A scholar who lived a life of integrity.

As the Secretary of the Municipal Committee of a prefecture-level city, Shen Ming can be considered a significant official. However, in the capital, where high-ranking officials are abundant, a department-level cadre is truly not much. His son, shouting and making a scene in front of Liu Qing, caused Shen Ming considerable embarrassment. After giving Liu Qing an apologetic smile, he turned around and scolded, "Be quiet, you unworthy child"

Inside the room, after Yang Fan got up and left, Zhou Mingdao, who had been relatively quiet, began to complain: "Old Chen, it's not that I'm speaking out of turn, but ultimately, it's about the injustice towards Yang Liying and her son. If you have arrangements, you should state them clearly. Trying this and that only leads to disinterest from them. If it weren't for my quick tongue, things might have fallen through. To be honest, our Qianqian can't move when she sees Yang Fan; I have been thinking about having him as my grandson-in-law. If it weren't for your arrangements, I wouldn't have been willing to push for Yang Fan to get into the Academy of Social Sciences."

This explanatory remark earned Yang Fan's respect, as the old gentleman is a member of the Central Political Bureau and a genuine elder. He is under no obligation to provide any explanation to Yang Fan, regardless of whether he is justified or not. In a certain sense, the product of an open-minded attitude is also a result of having reached a certain level of understanding

Apart from the main entrance, Yang Fan immediately noticed a pair of men, resembling a father and son, speaking softly with the gatekeeper: "We are here to see the old chief, please inform him."

Nonsense, what do you mean by using power for personal gain? Isn't Mr. Zhou working on a project related to the "I Ching"? It is only reasonable for him to arrange for one or two assistants. The Academy of Social Sciences is indeed a good place for academic pursuits, but I heard that you once planned to return to your hometown to serve after graduation, so I wanted to confirm that. The old gentleman continued to speak leisurely, while Zhou Mingdao seemed to consider himself invisible, still engrossed in his book.

My mother raised me alone, and life at home has always been difficult. The tuition for my first year of university was gathered with the help of the teachers at the school. You know how it is in our area, a remote and impoverished place where everyone struggles to make ends meet. I do not have any grand ambitions; if possible, I would like to return to the town and become a teacher at the local middle school. This way, I can take care of my mother while also having the leisure to read a few books I enjoy. Additionally, I would like to organize my grandfather's lifelong insights from his reading, and it would be best if I could publish them. As Yang Fan spoke, his gaze turned towards the southern window, as if a myriad of past events unintentionally resurfaced in his mind, revealing a look of longing.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Mingdao pushed aside the wine cup in front of him and stood up angrily, saying: "I suspected that you were elevating Yang Fan with ulterior motives, and I was indeed right. Regardless of Zhang Dapao or Li Dapao, there is only one Yang Fan. Everyone's granddaughter should compete based on her own abilities"

Yang Fan expressed his reluctance to stay at the old man's place for too long. The reasons are somewhat complex, involving both personal matters and issues related to his mother from the Shang and Tu families. According to his mother, she and his father were mutually in love back in the day, and she was aware that he had a family. She never spoke of the subsequent events nor did she ever complain about anything. Yang Fan does not wish to know about the past; he simply feels that he does not like the family he belongs to.

A wave of pressure descended as the old man's gaze bore down, and Zhou Mingdao, observing the old man's demeanor, couldn't help but let out a bitter smile in his heart: "Still probing?"

Zhou Mingdao was momentarily taken aback, and the image of Yang Fan always wearing a calm and carefree expression floated into his mind

Liu Qing held Shen Ming's hand and said with a meaningful smile, "Don't get angry, my friend; your son is a fortunate person." The words were certainly pointed, and how could Shen Ming, seasoned in the political arena, not understand? Grasping Liu Qing's hand tightly, he replied, "After meeting the old leader, I will treat you to dinner tonight."

Although the capital is pleasant, it is not a place I like, nor is it suitable for me

When Yang Fan saw the chubby Shen Ning, he couldn't help but smile slightly. Upon seeing Yang Fan, Shen Ning's mouth dropped open in disbelief, unable to close. After rubbing his eyes vigorously several times to confirm, he exclaimed loudly: "Yang Fan, is it really you?"

Yang Fan and Shen Ning were high school classmates. After graduating from high school, Shen Ning attended a police academy, completing a three-year program. After graduation, he was assigned back to Wanling City, and after more than a year of service, due to his father's connections, he became the deputy chief of the Shuiyang Town Police Station. After the Spring Festival, Shen Ning took a vacation, intending to enjoy some time at home, but unexpectedly, his father, Shen Ming, went to Beijing for a project and insisted on taking him along to broaden his horizons.

Remember to get in touch! After Shen Ning hurriedly handed Yang Fan a business card, she followed her father inside. Yang Fan did not find anything amiss about this unexpected encounter with Shen Ning, who had a good relationship with him in the past. After getting into the car arranged by Liu Qing, he told the driver the address. Just as the driver started the car, a face with a mischievous grin appeared ahead, raising a hand to block the car's path