Chapter 72: The Backing

The banquet in the evening did not last long. The members of the Health Bureau's preparatory group found various reasons to take their leave. They all knew the principle that when immortals fight, mortals suffer, and each of them chose to preserve their own safety.

In the end, only Chen Long and Guo Penghui remained. Chen Long had no way out and could only firmly follow Zeng Yi. Guo Penghui, however, had a different mindset. Even if Yuan Gongping had great power and long reach, as long as Feng Yuqin was in the Health Bureau, he wouldn't dare to extend his influence into the bureau's territory. These people were clearly being overly cautious. Since Zeng Yi knew that the two were Yuan Wenjie's men and still dared to act, it showed that Zeng Yi had a strong backing and was not afraid of Yuan Wenjie.

Zeng Yi was not foolish; he understood the thoughts of these people. But that's how people in the political arena are, so Zeng Yi was quite open-minded and his mood was not affected in the slightest.

The reason he decided to deal with Yuan Wenjie's two followers today was twofold: first, he had long been dissatisfied with Yuan Wenjie. Just by looking at the arrogant behavior of those two, it was clear they had done nothing good while following Yuan Wenjie. Second, these two were too arrogant. On Zeng Yi's first day of promotion, they threatened him in front of so many people. If Zeng Yi had backed down today, he would have lost face and would not have been able to hold his head high in the Health Bureau.

"Come, Zeng, let's have another round!" Guo Penghui raised his glass with a smile. "I know these people in the bureau very well. They are all known for being henpecked and have to report back to their wives at a certain time. Don't overthink it, Zeng."

Chen Long thought to himself that Guo Penghui was really good at telling lies. These officials, who didn't have any social engagements, weren't really officials. If they really had to report back to their wives at a certain time, they would only be sitting on cold benches for the rest of their lives. However, he also raised his glass and said, "Zeng Yi, don't just eat the food. Come, let's drink. Today is your promotion, we won't leave until we're drunk."

Zeng Yi had expected Chen Long to stay, but he was somewhat surprised that Guo Penghui would stay as well. On his first day of reporting, he had caused Guo Penghui to receive a reprimand. This showed that Guo Penghui had a good character and was worth befriending. Zeng Yi raised his glass with a smile, "Actually, with fewer people, we can drink more freely."

"That's true!" Guo Penghui nodded with a smile. "This glass is to wish Zeng a smooth and successful career."

Just as he put down the glass, Zeng Yi's phone rang. It was Du Ruo. He laughed in the phone, "Little Brother Zeng, Yuan Wenjie called me. What a temper you have!"

Zeng Yi laughed, "I've caused you trouble!"

"What trouble? My bureau in Rongcheng isn't a place for a construction businessman to boss around." Du Ruo, an old hand in the political arena, knew that Zeng Yi had beaten up Yuan Wenjie's men today, and the celebration for his promotion would be cold. He said, "Where are you? I'll come find you!"

"Old place, Venus!"

"Got it, I know." Du Ruo laughed and hung up.

Just as he hung up, Tang Weiguo's call came in. He shouted in the phone, "I heard you beat up Yuan Wenjie's men?"

"Just two arrogant followers!"

"Good job!" Tang Weiguo laughed loudly, then asked for the address and said he would come over immediately.

In the end, Zeng Yi had to set up another table. Originally, he had planned to meet with these people the next day, but after this incident, everyone wanted to come over, even Gu Di called. This former young master had often been bullied by Yuan Wenjie and was the happiest to hear that Yuan Wenjie had lost face.

"Zeng, I'll leave first. I had a great time tonight."

Guo Penghui heard the phone and knew more people were coming. Although he didn't know their identities, he could guess they were important figures. He really wanted to stay, as this was a good opportunity to expand his network, but he pretended to be ready to leave.

Zeng Yi hurriedly tried to keep him, smiling, "Director Guo, we agreed to stay until we're drunk. How can you leave so soon? A few more friends will come over, and they're all close to me. They're waiting to have a drink with you!"

Guo Penghui laughed, "Since friends are coming, I'll stay a bit longer." He said it lightly, but he was overjoyed inside.

About ten minutes later, Tang Weiguo and his wife arrived.

Tang Weiguo pushed open the door and laughed, "Zeng Yi, congratulations! As a section chief, you have a bright future ahead!"

Wei Xiangnan pinched Tang Weiguo, saying, "Don't say 'bright future.' Say 'unlimited potential'!"

"Unlimited potential" sounds the same as "no future," so many people avoid it. Who knows if you're saying "unlimited" or "no future"? Don't curse someone and still smile.

"Sorry, sorry, I'm a rough person. I always mess up when I try to sound sophisticated!" Tang Weiguo bowed and laughed, "I'll punish myself with three glasses later."

"Cough, it's all the same, I think it's fine! Sit down quickly."

Tang Weiguo walked over and sat down, then waved to Wei Xiangnan, "Honey, let's sit here!"

Wei Xiangnan handed a small, elegant bag to Zeng Yi, "Today is your promotion, and I and Old Tang are very happy. This is a small gift we prepared for you. Take it."

Zeng Yi didn't hesitate and took it with a smile, "Thank you, Sister."

"Family doesn't say 'thank you.' No more of that!" Wei Xiangnan raised her hand and straightened Zeng Yi's slightly messy collar. Seeing that Zeng Yi was wearing the clothes she had given him last time, she was very pleased. "Work hard. I and Old Tang are waiting for you to get promoted again."

"Actually, promotion is secondary. I mainly want to do some practical things!"

Zeng Yi led Wei Xiangnan to the table and introduced her to everyone.

Chen Long and Guo Penghui were immediately surprised. Wei Xiangnan's name was well-known in Rongcheng. Almost everyone in the system knew her background. They didn't expect Zeng Yi to have connections in the military, which was a pleasant surprise.

"Ms. Wei, it's an honor to meet you!" Guo Penghui tried to hide his shock.

"Director Guo is a leader in the Health Bureau. Our little Yi will be working under you. Please take good care of him!" Wei Xiangnan raised her glass, "This glass is for you!"

Guo Penghui's glass trembled with excitement, "Ms. Wei, you're too kind, too kind."

Just as everyone was getting to know each other, Tang Haoran and Du Ruo walked in. These two knew Wei Xiangnan. Seeing her and her husband, they were surprised and quickly approached, exchanging pleasantries.

Guo Penghui was both surprised and delighted. He could guess that Zeng Yi had a strong background, but he didn't expect it to be so powerful. Looking at the people present, they were all major figures: the daughter of a deputy commander of a major military region, the top secretary of Nanjiang Province, and the head of the Rongcheng Public Security Bureau. Any one of them was a person that others would struggle to get close to. He couldn't believe they would all gather at such a small promotion banquet.

The purpose of these people being here was clear: to support Zeng Yi. As the old saying goes, strong winds reveal the strength of the grass, and turbulent times reveal the loyalty of ministers. Those who could be present at this banquet were definitely Zeng Yi's close friends. Being invited to stand here meant he was accepted and recognized by this circle.

Thinking about this, Guo Penghui couldn't help but tremble. He never expected that staying would bring such a great reward. With such a strong backing, no wonder Zeng Yi didn't fear Yuan Wenjie.

Most importantly, he had entered Zeng Yi's circle. As long as he maintained good relationships with these people, he would have no trouble advancing in his career and becoming wealthy.

After the pleasantries, everyone sat down.

Tang Weiguo, being impatient, was the first to raise his glass, "Let's not talk about other things. The first glass is to congratulate Zeng Yi on his promotion to section chief, with unlimited potential."

Everyone laughed and raised their glasses, just as they were about to clink, the door opened again, and Gu Xiankun and Gu Di walked in. They laughed, "Doctor Zeng, you're not being fair. Such a big celebration, and you didn't even notify us."

Zeng Yi's relationship with these two was only average. He didn't expect them to come and hurriedly greeted them, apologizing, "Sorry, sorry! It's all my fault, I was too busy!"

The two didn't really blame Zeng Yi, laughing, "We came uninvited. Are we not welcome?"

"Of course not! I'm delighted. Please, sit down quickly!"

Guo Penghui's hand trembled again. He was once again shocked. The Gu family was actually eager to support Zeng Yi. Had he misjudged the situation?