Ch82 - (II). Do not restrict him

Although Yan Chen was capable, he lacked enthusiasm for his career, or perhaps more accurately, he had little passion for anything. Being able to raise fish at work was enough to satisfy him, and Yan Hong saw nothing wrong with his current lifestyle.

But that wasn’t the real reason he had come today.

“I heard you resigned.”

“Yes.”

“Where do you plan to work next?”

Rong Jun hesitated for a moment. “It’s not finalized yet.”

“Would you consider coming to the Crown Prince’s palace?”

Rong Jun’s gaze faltered, then he quickly masked his surprise. Under these circumstances, his mind felt unusually clear. He gave a faint smile. “I don’t think I’m capable enough to deserve your personal invitation.”

Yan Hong chuckled softly. “So lacking confidence in yourself?”

“I’m confident enough to accept an invitation, but I also know my own limits.” Confidence was the last thing Rong Jun lacked.

When he left Councilor Feng, he knew that losing him would be a huge loss to the world, but he was not arrogant. The Crown Prince’s palace was full of talented people, having him there would be a bonus, but his absence wouldn’t make a difference. There was no need for Yan Hong to personally recruit him.

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“Are you worried about Yan Chen?”

“Yes.”

“Then why not speak to him first before giving me your answer?”

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I shouldn’t have put you in such a difficult position.” Rong Jun glanced at his watch, then slowly stood, enduring the numbness in his legs. “It’s getting late. If I don’t leave now, I won’t be able to pick him up from work. Thank you again for the invitation, but I’m afraid I cannot accept.”

Yan Hong rarely showed interest in anyone, but this time he curled his lips faintly, observing him for a few moments. “We will meet again.”

Then he gestured toward the door. “Wu Lin, escort him out.”

…

(City Hall)

“Oh my, my little blue fish looks so beautiful swimming!”

“Has Xiao Lan gained weight recently?”

“Shut up! We call that voluptuous!”

Around the office fish tank, everyone chatted enthusiastically. Meanwhile, Yan Chen slouched at his workstation, eyes fixed on the clock in the corner of his screen, waiting to leave, idly thinking about dinner.

Just before the end of the workday, his phone rang. He frowned. There was only one reason for a call at this hour that could irritate him. He got up, walked to an empty conference room, and pressed the answer button.

“Is there something you need?” His tone was sharp, edged with impatience.

“Am I only allowed to contact my younger brother when I need something?”

“If it’s nothing urgent, I’m hanging up.”

Yan Hong’s voice was calm. “I saw Rong Jun today.”

Yan Chen, who had been relatively composed, felt his veins pulse. His face turned pale. “Who gave you permission to disturb him?! I told you to stay out of my life!”

Yan Hong was unfazed by his anger. “I didn’t mean to interfere, and I didn’t contact him because of you.”

“Let me guess, you were trying to invite him to the Crown Prince’s palace,” Yan Chen snapped.

“Correct, though he did reject me,” Yan Hong said. “And the reason he refused was because of you.”

Yan Chen’s anger slowly drained as his composure returned. He had been so consumed by resentment at Yan Hong’s interference that he hadn’t realized how valuable an opportunity the Crown Prince’s palace could be for Rong Jun, especially since Rong Jun wanted to make a name in politics. And now he understood, the Crown Prince had been refused on his behalf.

Yan Hong seized the moment. “He didn’t mention it because he didn’t want to put you in a difficult position. But Yan Chen…” Yan Hong paused, then continued, “He shouldn’t have his talents buried, nor should he be forced to stagnate because of you. Don’t restrict him.”

The word ‘restrict’ pierced Yan Chen’s heart like a knife. Guilt washed over him, leaving him weak. He placed his hands on the conference table and whispered,

“I… did not restrain him.”

Yan Hong pressed on. “The Crown Prince’s palace is the best choice for him right now. He’ll have a bright future there. I won’t keep him overworked like Councilor Feng. You can rest assured.”

Yan Chen remained silent. Part of him still wanted to prevent Rong Jun from entering the palace, but the sting of the word ‘restrict’ gnawed at him, leaving him torn.

“He refused me so as not to put you in a difficult position. Don’t let him regret it.”