The phone rang three times, and a faint voice from Cao Yongguo came through: "Who is this?"
When he heard it was Xia Xiang, Cao Yongguo's tone didn't change. He exchanged a few pleasantries, and Xia Xiang asked, "Is Shu Li there?"
After a brief hesitation, Cao Yongguo showed a hint of displeasure, "What do you need her for?"
Xia Xiang noticed the subtle wariness in Cao Yongguo's voice and felt a trace of dissatisfaction. However, when he thought about it, he also understood that as a father, Cao Yongguo's protective attitude was reasonable. Xia Xiang then briefly mentioned the leisure plaza project that Chu Zigao had entrusted him to design and suggested that Cao Shu Li collaborate with him on it.
After hearing this, Cao Yongguo asked Xia Xiang to come to his house to discuss the matter further.
Cao Shu Li, who had been pacing around, angrily said to Cao Yongguo, "Dad, you're too domineering! This was my call, and you didn't let me talk?"
Cao Yongguo sternly replied, "I'm looking out for you!"
"What are you looking out for? Xia Xiang is not a stranger. We're all familiar with each other. You're my father, not my keeper! Why do I have to listen to you for everything?" Cao Shu Li sulked, sitting on the couch and grabbing an apple to angrily bite into it.
"What are you so familiar with? I'm starting to feel like I understand Xia Xiang less and less. He seems much more mature than I expected," Cao Yongguo said thoughtfully. "It doesn't matter whether he's Xia Xiang or whoever—if a boy wants to approach you, he has to get past me first. You're my daughter, and I need to keep an eye on you..."
Like a protective old ox, Cao Yongguo wouldn't budge an inch.
Cao Shu Li muttered under her breath, "What can you do to stop me? I can't be bothered to listen to you."
Cao Yongguo didn't catch her words, but suddenly thought of something and asked, "Li'er, what did you mean just now? You and Xia Xiang are that close?"
Cao Shu Li's cheeks flushed, and she tossed the half-eaten apple aside, turning to walk into the room. "I've met so many classmates' fathers, but Dad, you're the most meddlesome one... This apple isn't even peeled. It's disgusting."
Cao Yongguo stared at the half-eaten apple, momentarily confused. "Wasn't Li'er the one who used to love eating unpeeled apples? What was that just now? Were you upset?"
The door was opened by Cao Shu Jun, who immediately greeted Xia Xiang with sarcasm: "Lately, you've been calling a lot and visiting quite frequently. So, what's going on? How far have things progressed with my sister? Let me tell you straight—if you want to marry her, I don't care what my parents think, but you better find a way to let me work 20 fewer years, or I'll find a way to ruin your plans. Believe it or not?"
Xia Xiang looked at the young and reckless face in front of him and remembered how he used to act the same way at seventeen or eighteen—acting like the world revolved around him. He didn't find Cao Shu Jun annoying; in fact, he couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, deal. But if I really manage to let you work 20 fewer years, you better push through all the obstacles in my way and get your sister to me."
Cao Shu Jun laughed loudly. "What big words! You can brag all you want, but watch out, don't hurt your own tongue. What's your position now, vice-section level or vice-department level? If you're really at vice-department level, I'll hand my sister over to you right away..."
Cao Shu Li kicked Cao Shu Jun hard behind him. "Stop messing around. Go away! Think you can sell me? You're not even qualified! Even if I marry a powerful and influential man, I wouldn't care about you. Stop thinking about cutting down 20 years of effort. If everyone were like you, humanity wouldn't be evolving."
Though Cao Shu Jun was reluctant, he was dragged into the room by Cao Shu Li, and she locked him in, warning him not to come out or face the consequences.
After talking briefly about the leisure plaza design project, Cao Shu Li excitedly jumped up. "Really? Don't lie to me, Xia Xiang! If I really get to design a leisure plaza, I'll make the most beautiful, romantic, and charming plaza in Yan City—flowers blooming during the day, and an amazing view at night..."
"Don't get ahead of yourself. There will definitely be budget restrictions, so you can't do whatever you want." Xia Xiang interrupted her unrealistic ideas and reminded her of a few important things. "You need to design a small but exquisite plaza, while keeping costs down. That's the kind of result the investors are looking for."
Cao Shu Li wore a one-piece nightgown with thin straps on her shoulders, exposing a lot of smooth white skin. Her chest moved slightly as she spoke, and she obviously wasn't wearing a bra. The hem of the nightgown just reached her thighs, revealing her smooth, white knees. Xia Xiang, seeing her knee's perfect shape, couldn't help but think they were incredibly attractive.
Cao Shu Li, sitting in front of Xia Xiang in a very casual manner, crossed her legs, causing her nightgown to lift slightly. Xia Xiang quickly looked away, his heart racing. It was too risky with Cao Yongguo watching closely from the side; he didn't dare make any inappropriate moves.
Fortunately, Cao Yongguo agreed with Xia Xiang's comments and didn't notice the way his daughter behaved or Xia Xiang's momentary distraction. Instead, he furrowed his brows and said, "This is a good thing. Li'er should practice more and apply what she's learned in real life. However, I have to say one thing, Xia Xiang. No matter what your relationship with Chu Zigao is, you and Li'er can help him, but I'd prefer if you didn't accept any money from him, and definitely don't mention my name in front of him."
Cao Shu Li pouted, "Your daughter can make it on her own. I don't need to depend on you, Director! I want to learn from Xia Xiang. He made it all on his own in Yan City without any connections. He's so impressive!"
Xia Xiang felt the atmosphere had become much more comfortable and familiar compared to the last time. He realized that his efforts to integrate into the Cao family were paying off. He grabbed an apple, swiftly peeled it, and said, "Shu Li, don't praise me too much. If it weren't for Uncle Cao helping me stay in Yan City, I'd probably be back home working as a technician on a construction site. Actually, I've always been very grateful to Uncle Cao. As the head of a department, he's so down-to-earth and willing to help me. He's at the top of the ladder, yet he's so humble, and that's what I admire most."
Xia Xiang quickly peeled the apple, sliced it into three pieces, and handed one to Cao Yongguo and one to Cao Shu Li, keeping the core for himself.
A smile spread across Cao Yongguo's face, clearly pleased by Xia Xiang's flattery. He took the apple and said, "There's no need to be so polite."
Cao Shu Li rolled her eyes at Xia Xiang and scolded, "Flatterer!"
Xia Xiang just laughed. Seizing the opportunity, he brought up his upcoming trip to Ba County with Li Dingshan. Cao Yongguo's expression became serious. He wiped his hands with a tissue and said, "That's a risky move..."
Cao Shu Li's mouth dropped open, with half an apple still in her mouth. "Xia Xiang, why are you going so far? Ba County is a poor, desolate place. What's the future there? Dad, you should transfer Xia Xiang to the Urban Construction Bureau. Don't let him go to the county!"
Cao Yongguo gave her a sharp look. "Stop interrupting! I'm talking serious business with Xia Xiang, you stay out of it."
Cao Shu Li was displeased. "Bureaucrat." Then she shouted at Xia Xiang, "Xia Xiang, I hate you!"
Xia Xiang waved his hand at Cao Shu Li, signaling her to be quiet, and then explained his analysis to Cao Yongguo. He mentioned that Li Dingshan's ambitions had been thwarted, and with Song Chaodu losing influence, the situation had shifted. Otherwise, according to the normal historical progression, Li Dingshan would have ended up in failure after wasting over two years of opportunity caused by turmoil in the Yan Province political scene. At that point, many officials would fall, creating the perfect opportunity for someone to rise quickly, and Li Dingshan could move from county party secretary to deputy minister in no time, even possibly directly promoted to minister.
Of course, Xia Xiang didn't express his true thoughts but conveyed them in a more reserved manner. "It's indeed a risky move, but there's no other choice. After Secretary Song lost his position in the standing committee, it's unclear when he'll rise again. Li Dingshan's company is in trouble, and he wants to change his environment. The timing is right for him to take a chance. Even if Secretary Song remains dormant for three or four years, he's still young—only 43 this year. Li Dingshan also has a good network in Beijing's media circles, so he can handle some complex matters."
Xia Xiang continued, realizing a deeper understanding of the politics at play. "Although it's a risk, in the political world, power is about interest groups. Song Chaodu and Li Dingshan are still weak together. Even though they have connections, unless they're in critical positions, they can only be a potential threat but can't exert real influence. After all, as a provincial leader, unless his fundamental interests are threatened, his position is unshakable."
Cao Yongguo's expression darkened as he acknowledged this, clearly sharing a sense of the challenges that came with weak power bases.
Xia Xiang, undaunted, said, "Even the Provincial Secretary can't control everything, right? Moreover, in a world where officials come and go, no one stays at the top forever."
"Easy to say!" Cao Yongguo replied, taking on the tone of an experienced official. "You're still young and don't fully understand the complexities. Gao Chengsong has a solid background, and he's not too old—around 52. He may even become the next Provincial Secretary. He's also not without supporters in Yan Province. Even Governor Ye can't do anything about him and has to give in to him. Other standing committee members don't even dare to challenge him. He practically controls everything."
Xia Xiang wasn't naïve enough to think he could openly oppose Gao Chengsong at this stage, but he hoped to use Cao Yongguo as a stepping stone to slowly reach higher levels. After all, Cao Yongguo's connections were likely in a better position than Song Chaodu's, which is why Cao Yongguo could maintain his post as a department head despite being transferred to the Survey Bureau.
Xia Xiang scratched his head and laughed. "If only Uncle Cao could become a Standing Committee member someday. Even if not, becoming a mayor in another city would be great, or maybe a Director in the Department of Transportation."