Who is this man? It’s Liu Changfeng, the fourth-ranking official of their local system, whom I met when he was celebrating the New Year in Yanjing before. Liu Changfeng walked up to Song Yun with a full smile on his face, directly ignoring Liu Ruoxi. Liu Ruoxi’s expression slightly changed. In such circumstances, Liu Changfeng should have greeted her first, after all, Liu Ruoxi is the host of tonight’s banquet. After greeting her, Liu Changchun should have greeted Song Yun. This is the correct order. Liu Changfeng directly ignored her, which inevitably made Liu Ruoxi feel a bit awkward and displeased. However, since she just arrived here, Liu Ruoxi chose to keep a low profile. Song Yun naturally noticed this minor detail and understood clearly why Liu Changfeng ignored Liu Ruoxi. Any outsider will face resistance, whether large or small, from the locals. Liu Ruoxi, who was parachuted directly from Sunan to Guangdong as Mr. Liu, had already affected the interests of many people. Not being welcomed was normal. Can this situation be used to make an issue? Song Yun vaguely calculated in his mind. As for why Song Yun thinks about these whenever he notices something, it could be attributed to Song Yun’s habit. Song Yun is a staunch conspiracist. Although countless thoughts flashed in his mind for a moment, Song Yun quickly hid those thoughts and shook hands with Liu Changfeng with a smile. "Hello, hello, Mr. Liu!" Song Yun said warmly with a hint of being flattered. "Haha, Comrade Song Yun, you’re something else. You’ve been here for a whole day and didn’t even call me or visit me for tea and chat. Your ideological awareness isn’t high!" Liu Changfeng said. Song Yun bashfully touched his head and said, "Mr. Liu, I wanted to meet you immediately after arriving here, but I was worried about interrupting your busy schedule. That wouldn’t be good." "Haha, there are indeed many things, but for a good friend like you coming to invest in Guangdong, I would drop anything. No way, tonight we must have a good drink!" Liu Changfeng said. After these words, a waiter brought a chair and placed it next to Song Yun. Originally, Liu Ruoxi was sitting next to Song Yun. With the addition of this chair, Liu Ruoxi had to move aside, making her appear a bit awkward. However, since Liu Changfeng’s rank was higher and he was part of the provincial system, Liu Ruoxi had no choice but to give way. Song Yun observed all these, with his eyes slightly squinting, but he continued exchanging pleasantries with Liu Changfeng. Once Liu Changfeng sat down on the chair and pulled Song Yun to sit as well, all the people around them finally took their seats. Liu Ruoxi returned to her spot and could only watch Liu Changfeng and Song Yun talking, without having a chance to interject, feeling a bit irritated. "Comrade Song Yun, for your investment, we’ve specifically allocated a large piece of land for you," Liu Changfeng said with a smile. Get full chapters from N0v3l.Fiɾe.net "Thank you, Mr. Liu." Song Yun replied with a slightly flattering smile, "You’re too kind to me, Mr. Liu." "Haha, look at what you’re saying. Since you’re here to invest, I ought to treat you well. Also, I heard about your legendary feats in Beijing days ago. It was thrilling! Unfortunately, I was dealing with matters in Yanjing at that time, otherwise, I would have gotten to know you. But don’t think I’m old, although I’m over fifty, my heart is still young!" Liu Changfeng said with a laugh. Song Yun squinted, unsure if Liu Changfeng’s words hinted at something or if they were simply casual remarks. Liu Changfeng’s words could be interpreted as a desire to work a few more years or even to seek advancement. Why? According to the regulations, the general retirement age is fifty-five. Liu Changfeng seems to be around fifty-two or fifty-three, which means he might retire in two to three years, provided he remains in this position. If Liu Changfeng advances to Mr. Liu’s level, the retirement age extends to sixty. Though there’s a significant gap between Mr. Liu and vice Mr. Liu positions, it’s not impossible to climb up with opportunities, background, and support. If Liu Changfeng’s words were indeed suggestive, he probably sought a deeper connection. If they were just unintentional, then Song Yun was overthinking. Song Yun didn’t believe a vice Mr. Liu would casually utter words open to misinterpretation. Thinking about why Liu Changfeng showed such enthusiasm immediately upon entering, Song Yun had a faint suspicion. He was probably another person wanting to board the Song Family’s "aircraft carrier." These thoughts flashed through Song Yun’s mind in an instant, but his expression remained unchanged as he said, "Mr. Liu, you’re still young. I’m counting on you to guide me in this new place!" "Haha, you’re quite interesting and adorable. Come on, drink up." Liu Changfeng said, raising the glass already filled with wine for a toast with Song Yun. Song Yun hurriedly picked up his glass and clinked it with Liu Changfeng’s, downing a glass of white wine in one go. Liu Changfeng, equally bold, finished his glass as well. Although Liu Changfeng’s glass was about two-thirds of Song Yun’s, it was remarkable for a vice Mr. Liu to finish a drink like that. In Guangdong Province, few could have a vice Mr. Liu drink like that, perhaps countable on one hand. Liu Changfeng couldn’t be denied for his exceptional social skills. After a drink with Song Yun, he chatted with him about his investment and various gossips, keeping a lively conversation filled with anecdotes and humor. It got not only Song Yun but the people around laughing, enlivening the table’s atmosphere. Liu Ruoxi felt a bit awkward. With a strong and aloof persona, she was ignored from beginning to end by Liu Changfeng. Moreover, Liu Changfeng’s amusing anecdotes didn’t amuse Liu Ruoxi at all. But when everyone is laughing, how can Liu Ruoxi refrain? So, she forced a smile with awkwardly clenched cheeks. This is what they call "smiling on the outside, but not on the inside." Song Yun noticed Liu Ruoxi’s discomfort. Unnoticed by others, he winked at her and made a funny face. Liu Ruoxi’s strained and almost stiff face suddenly broke into laughter at Song Yun’s antics. Just then, Liu Changfeng said, "Ah, during that disaster, when we were doing rescue work, a few of us were by a hydropower station, and soon the water rose to breach the dam. A few of us jumped into the rescue, and soon, military warriors arrived. Ah, you wouldn’t know, that day was exhausting, like fighting a war. It was truly grueling, with wounds all over us." Just as he mentioned "wounds," Liu Ruoxi burst into laughter. What was supposed to be a touching and sentimental moment got shattered by her untimely laughter. Liu Changfeng’s face turned black, and he turned around, looking at Liu Ruoxi, who was trying to suppress her laughter with her hands, and asked, "Mr. Liu, what’s wrong? Do you find what I said funny?" "No, no...I..." As soon as Liu Ruoxi laughed, she realized she caused trouble and tried to suppress it. But laughter is often —the more you try to hold it in, the harder it gets. So, while trying to answer Liu Changfeng’s question, she couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Liu Changfeng’s face turned even darker. "Mr. Liu, this is my experience from flood rescue years ago. If you find it amusing, you should tell me. Your silent laughter troubles me!" Liu Changfeng frowned and said. "No, no, Mr. Liu, I find your story very moving. But when I think about our current blissful life, I feel very happy. It’s because of people like you that we have our healthy and safe lives now. When I think of that, I can’t help but laugh with happiness." Liu Ruoxi finally found a somewhat forced reason. Liu Changfeng took a few glances at Liu Ruoxi before turning to Song Yun and saying, "Comrade Song Yun, later tonight, do you have time? I plan to invite you to my home. I have some excellent Wuyi Mountain Big Red Robe tea, something the elder used to love." Song Yun smiled and said, "I have the time, plenty of time, I’ll definitely go later!" "That’s good. I have a few things to attend to, but my secretary will come to pick you up later. I’ll be leaving now, Comrade Song Yun, enjoy yourself." After saying this, Liu Changfeng stood up, and Song Yun, along with the people around, quickly stood up as well. People on the other side, who were paying attention, also followed and stood up. Song Yun, Qingluan, and Liu Ruoxi, along with others in the principal seats, escorted Liu Changfeng to the hotel entrance. Once Liu Changfeng got into his car, everyone returned to their seats. Song Yun looked at Liu Ruoxi and said with a smile, "Mr. Liu, your laughter earlier was truly beautiful." Liu Ruoxi gave Song Yun a glare and said, "It’s nothing compared to how cute your funny face was."