Chapter 7

In the general manager's office of Yuhu Restaurant, a man and a woman were alone together.

Seeing Fang Zhicheng staring at her intently, Zhao Qingya's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, and she smiled, "Is there something on my face? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Fang Zhicheng sighed, "I used to not believe in the martial arts skills described in novels, but after seeing your moves today, I realize my previous views were too narrow."

Fang Zhicheng was filled with curiosity about Zhao Qingya, and the mystery surrounding her only grew, making him want to understand her more deeply.

Zhao Qingya extended her fingers, which were as delicate as jade onions, and tapped Fang Zhicheng's forehead, saying irritably, "Dope, flying over eaves and walls is too exaggerated. However, with martial arts at a certain level, it's still possible to avoid being approached by three to six people."

Fang Zhicheng touched his forehead and chuckled, "Sister Ya, why don't you take me as your disciple and teach me some self-defense techniques?"

Zhao Qingya was slightly taken aback, then shook her head, "You've passed the best age for practicing martial arts, but if you have time, I can teach you some grappling and combat techniques, which are quite useful against petty thieves."

Fang Zhicheng patted his chest proudly, "A great teacher produces great students. Sister Ya, you're so amazing, the students you teach won't be bad either."

Zhao Qingya smiled but said nothing. Suddenly, her expression changed when she noticed a large gash on Fang Zhicheng's arm, which was oozing blood. She asked anxiously, "Are you injured?"

Fang Zhicheng glanced at it and scratched his head indifferently, "It stings a bit, but I just noticed it now."

"You're such a dope!" Zhao Qingya scolded, turned around, and took out a first-aid kit from the cabinet behind the desk. She took out bandages, cotton swabs, and medicine.

Fang Zhicheng could tell that Zhao Qingya was genuinely concerned about him and said, moved, "It's just a little blood, it has already scabbed over, no need to worry."

Zhao Qingya's brows furrowed, and she softly ordered, "Take off your outer shirt!"

"Ah?"

Zhao Qingya laughed, "What's wrong? Little boy, are you shy?"

"Take it off, then!" Fang Zhicheng, staring at Zhao Qingya with a fiery gaze, took off his shirt.

During his university days, Fang Zhicheng often participated in sports, especially swimming, which gave him a lean and muscular body with a well-defined six-pack. Standing at 185 cm tall, he often looked like a model or a celebrity on the street.

"Brat, not bad!" Zhao Qingya thought to herself, unable to resist looking at him a few more times. Seeing the mischievous smile on Fang Zhicheng's lips, she coughed to cover her embarrassment, took a cotton swab, and began to clean his wound, then applied the medicine.

A cool sensation spread over his arm, like a gentle breeze, making him feel a slight tingling rather than pain.

Zhao Qingya's busy figure was very attractive. She wore a white blouse with beautiful lace at the collar, and her smooth, white arms were partially exposed, trembling slightly. Her lower body was clad in a knee-length skirt and flesh-colored stockings, giving her a mature and graceful appearance.

Fang Zhicheng turned his head and looked down Zhao Qingya's neckline, seeing the expanse of smooth, white skin, and couldn't help but swallow his saliva.

"Ouch..."

Fang Zhicheng was startled by a sudden pain, looked up at Zhao Qingya, and saw her beautiful eyes twinkling with a smile.

Fang Zhicheng complained softly, "Sister Ya, you hurt me!"

Zhao Qingya noticed Fang Zhicheng's wandering gaze and deliberately applied more pressure when applying the medicine. She spat lightly, "Dope, who told you to look around?"

Fang Zhicheng fibbed, "No way! I'm a gentleman and know the principle of not looking at what shouldn't be seen. But, Sister Ya, you're so beautiful, with a face that can make the moon hide and the flowers blush, and the fish sink and the geese fall, it's only natural for people to admire you a few times."

Zhao Qingya raised her chin and complained softly, "You're so smooth-talking! With such a sweet mouth, you must have deceived many young girls, right?"

After saying this, she smiled, crouched down, moved to Fang Zhicheng's side, and carefully applied the last layer of ointment.

Fang Zhicheng extended two fingers, placing them beside his ear, and said, "I swear, I didn't lie just now. I never lie, especially not to young girls, so I don't have a girlfriend yet!"

"Within a week, the wound can't get wet. Take some medicine with you and change it twice a day, in the morning and evening. It won't leave a scar or a mark..." Zhao Qingya said, feeling a sense of relief upon hearing that Fang Zhicheng didn't have a girlfriend.

Fang Zhicheng smiled slyly, "That's so much trouble. Why don't I come to you every day to change the medicine?"

Zhao Qingya extended her finger and tapped Fang Zhicheng's forehead again, "Dream on!"

Fang Zhicheng sighed, "I knew it, I don't have that good fortune!"

Zhao Qingya laughed and scolded, "Don't take advantage of my kindness. I helped you today because you did well. If you do something that impresses me in the future, I might consider giving you more rewards."

As soon as Zhao Qingya finished speaking, her face turned red, realizing she had spoken out of turn.

They had only met a few times, yet she had said something so ambiguous, which was completely out of character for her. Zhao Qingya realized she had subconsciously treated Fang Zhicheng as someone else, leading her to banter with him and enjoy it.

Seeing Zhao Qingya lost in thought, Fang Zhicheng suddenly snapped his fingers, took out a leather bag, and from it, a beautiful box, which he pushed in front of her, smiling, "I almost forgot, Sister Ya, this is the birthday gift I bought for you. Happy birthday!"

Zhao Qingya's pupils dilated with surprise, opened the gift box, and took out a golden brooch, playing with it in her hands, and said softly, "It's very beautiful, thank you."

After saying this, she leaned down and lightly kissed Fang Zhicheng's left cheek.

Uh... Fang Zhicheng was stunned, feeling the softness, coolness, and moisture of Zhao Qingya's lips, his soul instantly floating away.

Zhao Qingya lightly kicked Fang Zhicheng and laughed softly, "Dope, I really like the gift you gave me. This is your reward from me!"

...

The next day, Fang Zhicheng was still having a sweet dream when he was woken up by the phone ringing. It was Cheng Bin calling again.

Cheng Bin laughed, "Truly, heaven is on my side! Ding Guangyi has been arrested! I can return to Yinzhou tomorrow."

Fang Zhicheng rubbed his eyes, wondering how Cheng Bin got such quick information about what happened last night, and said cautiously, "You're not still involved with his fifth concubine, are you?"

Cheng Bin coughed and evaded, "That woman always clings to me, and I can't do anything about it. As a man, I can't be too heartless, after all, I've caused her a lot of trouble! Ding Guangyi used to support her, and she could live well, but after he found out, she lost her source of income and her living standards plummeted..."

Fang Zhicheng sneered, "You're so considerate of others, what about Aunt Yuming? Isn't she suffering too?"

Cheng Bin was silent for a moment, then sighed, "Young Master Cheng, I know I've wronged Yuming, but that's just my nature. I've tried to change for so many years, but I can't... However, this time, it's a profound lesson. When I return to Yinzhou, I will definitely reform and not mess around anymore..."

Fang Zhicheng didn't believe his lies and said with a bitter smile, "Ding Guangyi caused a disturbance at Yuhu Restaurant last night and was indeed arrested. You should come back quickly and not let Aunt Yuming worry too much."

Cheng Bin responded with a "Hmm" and said softly, "I want to come back too, but I don't have enough money for the trip... Could you help me out a bit more?"

Fang Zhicheng was speechless for a moment, then said honestly, "There's only a thousand yuan left in my bank card, and that's all I have."

Cheng Bin regretfully said, "Then a thousand it is. I'll pay you back when I get my salary."

...

Before going to work, Fang Zhicheng found an ATM and transferred a thousand yuan to Cheng Bin. Upon returning to the office, he started cleaning.

At 8:30, Song Wendu entered the office on time. Fang Zhicheng, holding some documents, followed him in and stood aside, reporting the day's schedule. Song Wendu, wearing black-rimmed glasses, silently reviewed the documents. After Fang Zhicheng finished, Song Wendu put down his pen and said softly, "The afternoon trip to Yuhu Ecological Zone for the groundbreaking ceremony of the third phase is canceled. Call Comrade Qiang Dong and have him prepare for a meeting with the Party Secretary at around three o'clock."

Fang Zhicheng carefully noted this down and, seeing Song Wendu start reviewing documents again, got up and left to call Secretary-General Liu Qiangdong.

From Liu Qiangdong's reaction, it was clear he was surprised. Song Wendu's decision had disrupted the entire Municipal Party Committee's plans, putting him in an awkward position.

The Yuhu Ecological Zone had always been a key project overseen by Mayor Xia Xiang, which began construction in 1999. The third phase was now starting, but the project cost had exceeded the budget, putting significant pressure on the government's finances. Song Wendu's sudden decision not to attend the groundbreaking ceremony and to call a meeting of the Party Secretaries sent a strong signal of opposition.

Once the meeting of the Party Secretaries was called, Mayor Xia Xiang would also have to attend, thus unable to attend the groundbreaking ceremony. This would significantly reduce the level of leadership present at the ceremony, signaling a weakening of the Yinzhou Municipal Party Committee's attention to the Yuhu Ecological Zone project.

This was Song Wendu's clever move, using the meeting of the Party Secretaries to put pressure on Mayor Xia Xiang, gradually infiltrating and extending his influence into government work.

Understanding the implications, Liu Qiangdong hurriedly entered the office. Without waiting for Fang Zhicheng to announce him, he forcefully pushed the door open. As the Secretary-General of the Municipal Party Committee, Liu Qiangdong served the entire committee, but ultimately, he served the Party Secretary. Liu Qiangdong was Song Wendu's chief of staff, helping him manage the entire committee. However, Song Wendu's sudden change in plans disrupted Liu Qiangdong's work, leaving him in a bad mood.

Fang Zhicheng brought in a cup of tea and placed it beside Liu Qiangdong, who had a gloomy expression and ignored him.

After about ten minutes, Liu Qiangdong stormed out of the office without saying a word to Fang Zhicheng.

Fang Zhicheng knocked on the door, entered, and cleared away the teacup. Song Wendu suddenly called him and said softly, "From now on, anyone entering this office must be announced by you first."

Fang Zhicheng nodded and explained, "I tried to stop Secretary-General Liu, but he moved too quickly and I couldn't stop him!"

Song Wendu remained expressionless, his gaze sharp as a knife, scanning Fang Zhicheng's face, "He's making a show of force. You surprised him with a call to change the schedule, so he's retaliating by surprising you. Fang, you need to be more cautious in your work."

Leaving the office, Fang Zhicheng pondered Song Wendu's words and quickly realized that Liu Qiangdong's interaction with Song Wendu was not to argue but to give him a lesson.

Liu Qiangdong was subtly warning Fang Zhicheng that when there were changes in Song Wendu's plans, he should first stabilize the situation and leave room for maneuver, rather than directly conveying orders.

Liu Qiangdong was emphasizing his authority, reminding Fang Zhicheng that his leader was not just Song Wendu but also Liu Qiangdong.

The path to a political career was not simple. Every move and detail required deep thought before action.

Liu Qiangdong couldn't easily deal with Song Wendu, but dealing with Fang Zhicheng was easy.

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