Lu Hao, you've misunderstood my parents' intentions. They didn't say anything about canceling the engagement; they just want to hold the wedding after you get promoted to deputy section chief. I believe that with your abilities, getting promoted to deputy section chief is not a difficult task," Fang Jing hurriedly explained. As she spoke, she subtly shook her head at Lu Hao, signaling him not to argue with her parents.
Seeing the expectation in Fang Jing's eyes, Lu Hao could only suppress his anger and said earnestly, "Uncle and Aunt, you have to believe in me. I will definitely get promoted to deputy section chief, and I will make Fang Jing happy."
"How long will it take you to get promoted? One year? Two years? Or five years? Do you mean she has to wait for you indefinitely if you don't get promoted?" Jiang Lan immediately retorted.
"Half a year, I will definitely get promoted within half a year," Lu Hao gritted his teeth and said.
Just as he finished speaking, Wang Shaojie, who was nearby, suddenly interjected, "Lu Hao, that's a bit of an exaggeration! You've just been transferred to Fangshui Township by County Chief Li without any political achievements. What do you have to get promoted?"
"Moreover, your cousin Liu Yuanda is still under investigation by the disciplinary committee. If he reveals any more about your illegal and disciplinary issues, you'll be disciplined, maybe even dismissed from public office, and it could even implicate Director Fang's family. Besides, you are now a thorn in County Chief Li's side. Anyone who gets close to you might get into trouble."
Wang Shaojie's words immediately made Lu Hao's eyes twitch. The drastic change in Fang Jing's parents' attitude towards him today was definitely not without Wang Shaojie's meddling.
"Whether I can get promoted within half a year is not up to you. No matter how difficult it is, for Fang Jing, I will try my best!" Lu Hao said coldly.
Fang Jing's expression slightly changed, and she was somewhat moved in her heart. She and Lu Hao had been dating for six years, during which Lu Hao truly cared for her. Although she was also very dissatisfied with Lu Hao's current position, she decided to continue striving with Lu Hao.
Wang Shaojie noticed Fang Jing's expression and quickly said, "Lu Hao, don't play the emotional card. Emotions can't be eaten. In fact, we all know that your qualifications are enough for a promotion. If you really have the ability, get promoted within a month."
"Dad, a month is too short, isn't it?" Fang Jing's face changed, knowing that Wang Shaojie was deliberately making things difficult for Lu Hao.
"It's not short. Getting promoted depends on connections. Without connections, you won't get anywhere even if you work until retirement. Let's make it a month!" Fang Aiguo said solemnly.
He had worked in the Agricultural Bureau for half his life, and if it weren't for Lu Hao's favor, Liu Yuanda would never have been able to promote him to the position of deputy director. So he was very clear about the ins and outs of the civil servant promotion path. Ability was just one aspect; the most important thing was connections.
However, Fang Aiguo knew that his daughter and Lu Hao still had feelings for each other, and to completely sever them, he needed to give Lu Hao some time. As long as Lu Hao couldn't get promoted within a month, he would have more reasons to separate them.
"Lu Hao, it's settled then. We give you a month. If you can't get promoted, you will break off the engagement with Fang Jing and stop bothering her!" Jiang Lan also pressed Lu Hao.
Seeing Fang Jing anxiously trying to speak up for him, Lu Hao resolutely held her hand, shook his head, and said with his chest puffed out, "Uncle and Aunt, I promise. If I can't get promoted within a month, I won't seek Fang Jing again."
He had always promised Fang Jing that they would both work in the city in the future, live in a big house, and their jobs would get better and better. But now, if he continued to be mediocre in Fangshui Township, he was afraid he really couldn't make Fang Jing happy.
This society is very realistic. Without money, power, a house, or a car, it is impossible to let the woman you love live a good life.
"Lu Hao, you must keep your word. I am now the deputy head of Fangshui Township, and I am also your leader. What you said today, I am a witness," Wang Shaojie was delighted and deliberately showed off his status.
He would be a member of the leadership team in Fangshui Township in the future, and with him there, Lu Hao would never be promoted to deputy section chief in this life.
"Yes, Lu Hao, this is not a joke. Don't renege later," Fang Aiguo also said with a stern face.
"Uncle Fang, I should be the one to say that. I hope that after I get promoted, you will no longer find excuses to oppose my marriage to Fang Jing. I will definitely make Fang Jing happy," Lu Hao looked at Fang Jing, as if full of fighting spirit.
Then, he left Fang Jing's house without looking back.
Fang Jing also felt that her parents had gone too far, so she wanted to chase out, but Jiang Lan held her arm and said, "Daughter, today is your dad's birthday, and Shaojie is still here. Let's eat first. If you want to comfort him, you can tell him on WeChat."
Seeing this, Fang Jing could only give up for now, and at the same time, she also hoped that Lu Hao would really strive and get promoted as soon as possible.
Lu Hao had already reached the downstairs and felt a bit lost for a while.
Seeing that Fang Jing sent him a WeChat message, which was a hug and come on expression, Lu Hao felt a little better in his heart.
Fang Jing should have been stopped by her parents and didn't chase out.
But tonight, he also completely saw through the character of Fang Jing's parents. Once he lost his value, Fang Aiguo would never look at him again. This also strengthened Lu Hao's determination to climb in the officialdom.
Thinking that he still had to go to work tomorrow, Lu Hao drove back to Fangshui Township and still lived in Fang Jing's dormitory.
The next morning, he started running around the playground of the township middle school, which was a good habit he had developed in the army.
After running a few laps, he found that there was another woman on the playground.
Lu Hao recognized at a glance that the other party was the woman who picked up the express delivery at the gate of the township middle school the day before yesterday.
This time, Lu Hao learned his lesson and deliberately kept a distance, running separately.
But the woman deliberately slowed down, as if waiting for Lu Hao.
Lu Hao subconsciously wanted to speed up to avoid being recognized by the other party.
"Why are you running so fast? Why don't you sneak a peek this time?" the woman suddenly said.
Lu Hao was startled, knowing that the other party had recognized him, and could only reluctantly slow down, blushing and saying, "Beauty, this is just my normal running speed, and that day I didn't peek, I was just appreciating."
"Oh? That means I still have some charm," the woman said with a light smile.
Lu Hao was immediately embarrassed and wished he could find a crack to crawl into.
"Do you also live in the township middle school?" The woman took off her sports headphones, panting, her pretty face slightly red, and her whole body was sweating, very attractive.
"Yes, I live in my fiancée's dormitory."
The woman was stunned, and then asked, "Are you still adapting to working in the poverty alleviation office in the township?"
"How do you know I work in the poverty alleviation office?" Lu Hao was surprised.