Chapter 25

The family had already prepared lunch. There wasn't much good stuff, just a free-range rooster, fresh vegetables from the garden, and tofu made with a stone mill. The wine, however, was quite good, all from the last batch Wang Minghua had brought, which hadn't been finished yet. Just this, and the Li family praised the meal highly. Liu Yunxuan had even planned to catch a few carp from the fish pond, but they were too small.

"According to Bao Guo, your kung fu has improved a lot? After lunch, let's go to the courtyard and practice pushing hands," Grandpa Li said during the meal.

Liu Yunxuan was a bit confused at first, but then he understood that the "kid" Grandpa Li was referring to was Secretary Wang. Through Wang Mingyuan's reminder, Liu Yunxuan already knew Grandpa Li's status. He guessed that only Grandpa Li could call a provincial party secretary "kid."

Liu Yunxuan had no objection to Grandpa Li's suggestion. He had been practicing blindly, even making some small improvements to the routines Grandpa Li taught him based on his own feelings, not knowing if they were correct. At the time, he just wanted to make the heat flow through his body faster.

Tai Chi Pushing Hands is a two-person practice of Tai Chi. Pushing hands is not just about pushing each other. Simply put, it's a process of mutual interaction and feedback, improving one's control and counter-control through continuous back-and-forth. It enhances one's reflexes, thereby improving physical fitness.

After lunch, after a brief rest, Liu Yunxuan and Grandpa Li went to the grape arbor to practice pushing hands.

"Show some real skills, old man isn't that useless," Grandpa Li said after a few pushes. Liu Yunxuan was initially afraid of hurting Grandpa Li with too much force, but after Grandpa Li's reminder, he gradually increased the intensity, even using a lot of internal strength. However, Grandpa Li, who had studied Tai Chi for decades, always made him feel like there was no place to apply his internal strength.

But Grandpa Li wasn't having an easy time either. If it weren't for his experience, he might not have been able to handle Liu Yunxuan. After about 20 minutes, Grandpa Li was already sweating.

"Alright, that's enough. If we continue, the old man will be embarrassed," Grandpa Li said, slowly stopping.

"Grandpa, how are you? Is everything okay?" Liu Yunxuan asked, concerned, seeing that Grandpa Li was a bit tired.

"I'm fine for now, but I doubt I'll be able to do this in a few years. A young and strong opponent is not to be underestimated. I didn't expect you to be such a martial arts prodigy. But remember, unless it's a heinous criminal, always hold back three parts of your strength and never take advantage of your opponent," Grandpa Li advised.

"Grandpa, why are you like Secretary Wang? It's as if I learned some kung fu just to fight people," Liu Yunxuan said, feeling a bit wronged.

"Brat, this is for your own good. But today was really refreshing; I haven't had such a satisfying practice in a long time," Grandpa Li said, scolding him.

"By the way, Grandpa, I made some slight adjustments to a few moves. Is there any problem with that?" Liu Yunxuan asked.

"No problem. My Tai Chi is also learned from others, and I didn't learn all the routines. Tai Chi is all about mindset and insight, to truly achieve the effect of using four ounces to move a thousand pounds. Also, if you have any difficulties in the future, and Bao Guo can't help, contact me. As long as you are upright and honest, we have nothing to fear from anyone," Grandpa Li said nonchalantly. He learned this set of Tai Chi during the Anti-Japanese War when he was a guard, from an old Taoist who claimed it had some connection with Chen-style Tai Chi. The old Taoist told him to explore and develop his own routines over time. He was also encouraging Liu Yunxuan, probably already knowing about the conflict with the county magistrate's son.

After resting for a while, the Li family returned to Jin Tian. Li Xinyue was a bit reluctant to leave, as the little fox was too adorable. She told Liu Yunxuan that he must bring the little fox when he comes to Jin Tian in the future. Before leaving, she even took several photos of the little fox with her phone.

After everyone left, Wang Mingyuan finally had the chance to study Liu Yunxuan's large pickup truck. He had been itching to do so since he first saw it, but with Grandpa Li around, he had to play the role of a guide. Now that there were no outsiders, he quickly ran to the pickup.

Seeing the luxurious interior, Wang Mingyuan was equally envious. He knew he wouldn't have such a chance in his lifetime unless he left politics. And his older brother wouldn't be able to get such a flashy car either. Well, if he ever felt like it, he could come to Liu Yunxuan.

"How's it going? Is your promotion to the county level settled?" Liu Yunxuan asked Wang Mingyuan about his promotion.

"Almost there. The current secretary is also serving as the county magistrate. The next county magistrate will likely be transferred from elsewhere. Don't worry, no matter who comes, they won't dare to cause trouble for you. Your name is well-known in our city," Wang Mingyuan said with a smile.

"Go to hell, I'll announce your identity with a loudspeaker tomorrow," Liu Yunxuan countered with a weak point.

"Let's stop joking. Tell me about the conversation you had with my father in the study before you left. Did he put pressure on you?" Wang Mingyuan asked, having heard from his brother Wang Minghua that they had a long talk in the study.

"Uncle Wang didn't put much pressure on me. I've just been thinking about my future direction," Liu Yunxuan shook his head and said.

"What are you thinking?" Wang Mingyuan asked.

"I still plan to follow my original idea. From the last incident, we saw that just a little bit of interest could make the county magistrate's son target us. If we expand too much and get involved in too many areas, it will involve more interests. If the stakes get bigger each time, what will we do?

By the New Year, I hope to have some spare money. Then I'll go abroad and buy some land to cultivate seeds. When I come back, I'll be a foreign investor, and I believe the resistance will be less."

Liu Yunxuan had been thinking about this since he returned. Secretary Wang would eventually retire, and if all his investments were in the country, he would be easily wiped out. He needed to be strong, and once he was strong enough, it would be harder for others to take advantage of him. This made him more determined about his original plan.

The only thing to consider was that this development process would take a long time, and Secretary Wang was eager to increase the income of farmers in the province.

"You're right. That's the reality of the country. You might run into some influential officials' children, and it would be difficult to handle," Wang Mingyuan nodded and said.

"But when you go abroad, we won't see each other as often. With my position, it's very difficult to go abroad," Wang Mingyuan added.

"Of course, I won't go and never come back. It's not easy to make a living abroad. I might have to come back and rely on you for food," Liu Yunxuan joked.

"Don't worry. As long as my father is still around in the province, no one will cause trouble for you. It's good that you have your own ideas. Who knows what the future holds," Wang Mingyuan said, taking a deep puff of his cigarette.

"Exactly, who knows, maybe you'll be a big official, and I'll have to beg you for help," Liu Yunxuan said, lightening the mood.

"Alright, let's encourage each other. I hope your business grows bigger and my position rises higher. Not for anything else, just to help the people more," Wang Mingyuan said hopefully.

"Exactly, if we work together, we won't be afraid of anyone," Liu Yunxuan said firmly. With his space, he wasn't afraid to fail in the country and could always go abroad. As long as Wang Mingyuan didn't make political mistakes, his future was bright. Besides, once he had the strength, he would invest wherever Wang Mingyuan was.

After saying this, the two of them patted each other's shoulders and laughed heartily, leaving Xiao Fangfang confused about what was going on.

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