Chapter 34

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"Indeed, you don't disappoint as a student of Jinghua University. Your theoretical knowledge is so systematic, even better than our minister!" Feng Yuan said, giving Xu Junran a thumbs up.

The things Xu Junran had just said left her deeply impressed. As a mid-level official in an organization, she was well aware that in today's China, excelling in theoretical studies meant a bright future.

"Xiao Xu, are all the students from Jinghua University as capable as you? This systematic knowledge, it's making me dizzy," Tu Wenyong said with a smile to Xu Junran.

Xu Junran smiled, "Brother Tu, you're joking. I just took some elective courses in this area when I had free time at school."

Lin Yuqing and Yuan Xiaoyue, standing nearby, looked at Xu Junran with admiration.

Feng Yuan picked up a piece of food calmly and then said to Lu Rui, "Xiao Xu, do you mean that Pengfei will have a bright future?"

Xu Junran smiled, knowing that Feng Yuan was testing him. However, he had nothing to hide and nodded, "Of course. The country is putting so much effort into developing the special economic zones; it's bound to yield results. I believe in the vision of our great leaders."

Feng Yuan said nothing, just smiled silently.

Xu Junran didn't say anything more and started chatting with Tu Wenyong.

After a few rounds of drinks and several courses, everyone was almost full. Feng Yuan and Tu Wenyong got up to leave, while Yuan Xiaoyue helped Lin Yuqing clean up. Xu Junran sat alone by the window, gazing out silently.

It was already the third day since he returned to Wude County. The events that had unfolded left Xu Junran somewhat caught off guard and filled with helplessness.

He had originally planned to establish himself in the county committee first before considering other matters. However, it seemed that Yan Wangsong and Yang Weitian had already reached an agreement and were determined to support him. Or perhaps they agreed with his development plan but were concerned about the potential policy changes from above, so they decided to place him in Lijia Town Commune. After all, he had a good foundation among the people in Lijia Town, and if any problems arose, the county committee would have more room to maneuver.

In fact, Xu Junran had initially planned the same.

Compared to the current environment, developing rice fields for fish farming and a construction team was indeed a risky move. Even Yan Wangsong might not be able to bear such a significant political risk, as it could easily cost him his position and even his life.

However, offending Qin Shou and Cheng Hongfa was something Xu Junran hadn't anticipated. Although he didn't take these two officials seriously, the people behind them were his future opponents, and they were not easy to deal with.

"Yuqing, how is your restaurant doing?" Xu Junran asked Lin Yuqing as she finished cleaning up.

Lin Yuqing smiled bitterly and shook her head, "What can I say? It's just enough to make ends meet. The brewery isn't doing well, and there aren't many customers."

Xu Junran nodded, "By the way, the dishes you made earlier were quite good. Where did you get the ingredients?"

"You're just being nice. These aren't anything special; they're from my relatives in the countryside. I sell them here. Since we're all from the same village, they don't ask for payment upfront. I pay them when I sell the goods. With the business not doing well, this is how I manage to keep it going."

Yuan Xiaoyue, watching Xu Junran and Lin Yuqing talk, blinked and said, "Xu Ge, you're so resourceful. Can you think of a way to help Yuqing?"

This girl, ever since Xu Junran saved her, had a very good impression of him, as if there was nothing he couldn't solve.

Lin Yuqing didn't say anything but looked at Xu Junran. She was also curious to see what this eloquent and promising student could do to help her out of her current predicament. For her, life had lost all hope. The small restaurant, though still open, was only kept running because of the help from Yuan Xiaoyue's father, who was a relative. But at this rate, it wouldn't last more than two years.

Would she really have to marry someone just to get by?

Lin Yuqing was unwilling. Although she came from a poor background and was betrothed as a child due to her family's poverty, she had still received some education. In the few years she spent in the village's literacy class, Lin Yuqing learned that one should take control of their own destiny.

"Yuqing, do you really think I have a solution?" Xu Junran saw Lin Yuqing looking at him with a strange expression and couldn't help but shake his head.

It's not that he didn't want to help, but he needed to think carefully. After all, he didn't know how to handle Lin Yuqing's situation.

He had no power in his hands!

Xu Junran thought helplessly. In his previous life, this would have been a simple phone call, but now it was a problem he couldn't solve.

"Xiao Xu, don't worry, I won't trouble you. You just graduated; you have a long way to go," Lin Yuqing said understandingly.

Xu Junran felt helpless. He thought, "Are you trying to encourage me? This is clearly putting pressure on me!"

Thinking about it, he looked at Lin Yuqing, who had an innocent and bewildered expression, and smiled helplessly.

Women, indeed, are a source of trouble.

"Yuqing, I was thinking, in a few days, I will..." Xu Junran started to speak but was interrupted by a commotion at the door.

"Price inspection!"

A loud and confident voice followed, and several men burst in.

The leader, dressed in a uniform and wearing a peaked cap, looked smug, as if he were the most important person in the world.

Xu Junran frowned. Who were these people? Even if they were here for a price inspection, they were being too arrogant.

However, seeing Lin Yuqing's resigned expression and Yuan Xiaoyue's nonchalant reaction, Xu Junran realized he had underestimated the fear people had of government institutions in this era. To be precise, the idea of officials being superior had been ingrained in people's minds for thousands of years. In this era, even a small official in a government department could berate merchants and ordinary people, and this sense of superiority was deeply rooted.

"Lin Yuqing, Lin Yuqing! Why aren't you coming out to greet us?"

A somewhat harsh voice followed, and Xu Junran's face darkened instantly.