A moment later, Sun Qiao returned to his mother's side in a daze, finally feeling exhausted and drenched in sweat, as if he had just crawled out of purgatory.
Liu Kemei asked, "What were you talking about with your colleague Chu Zhishui for so long?"
"What did we talk about?" Sun Qiao responded vacantly, "...I forgot, I can't remember."
"When she comes out later, ask her to help make some introductions. I noticed she seems close with the leaders here, maybe she can help us get things done." Liu Kemei, seeing her son's absent-mindedness, jabbed him hard and urged, "I'm talking to you, are you listening? You're a grown man now, can't you show some initiative!"
Why would Xie Yan ever need to worry about Chu Zhishui's work? She was still the unfortunate one running around with her son.
Liu Kemei felt increasingly bitter, utterly disappointed in her son. She had always known Chu Zhishui was more capable than Sun Qiao, but she still couldn't accept this fact. Otherwise, her carefully woven illusion of happiness would shatter, like a fake dimming in the presence of the genuine article.
Sun Qiao's mind was in chaos, and he responded half-heartedly, "Yes, yes, I heard you."
Shortly after, Chu Zhishui and Director Qin emerged, holding award evaluation materials.
Chu Zhishui spotted Xin Yunmao from afar, his figure conspicuous in the hall. She asked in surprise, "Didn't I tell you to wait in the car? Aren't you tired of standing in the lobby?"
Xin Yunmao didn't answer. His expression remained unruffled, no different from usual, except his gaze followed her like a big dog waiting at attention. Of course, judging by his face, he resembled a majestic and noble wolf, but considering his personality, he was more like a silly husky.
Seeing his silence, Chu Zhishui suddenly felt thoughtless and hesitantly asked, "Do you not know how to use the car key? Just press the button to open it."
Xin Yunmao handed the key back to her: "Let's go."
"Alright, let's go."
Chu Zhishui, afraid of getting involved with Liu Kemei and the others, didn't delay any longer and walked quickly toward the exit.
Liu Kemei wanted to stop Chu Zhishui, but despite frantically patting Sun Qiao twice, he remained unresponsive, as if his soul had left his body. Finally, Liu Kemei gave up on her son in frustration and rushed to catch Director Qin herself, hoping to explore possible connections.
"I can't help with this, and there's nothing to help with," Director Qin waved his hands in alarm. "Just queue up and follow the procedure over there. We're just one step in the process, and there are specific people responsible for handling the forms."
"Director Qin, I saw you just chatting with Zhishui over there."
"You know young Chu from the Observation Bureau?" Director Qin clapped his hands. "Then you should ask her! Their bureau's development is better than ours, their performance bonuses might even be higher than ours!"
Liu Kemei froze, blurting out, "How is that possible? Wasn't it just two or three thousand?"
"Ha, my base salary is also two or three thousand," Director Qin's eyes flashed with mockery. "Nobody likes to show off these things."
Having been in the workplace for long, Director Qin could tell Liu Kemei wasn't actually close to Chu Zhishui and was probably just trying to establish a connection. He naturally wouldn't engage further, certain that she wouldn't dare approach Chu Zhishui, suspecting there might even be past conflicts between them.
Meanwhile, Chu Zhishui and Xin Yunmao were preparing to drive back.
Once in the car, Xin Yunmao glanced at her and casually remarked, "Your classmate likes you?"
"Could you please not use such cringeworthy words?" Chu Zhishui instantly got goosebumps, so disturbed by his words that she almost mishandled the car. She exclaimed, "Which eye of yours saw that?"
Both his eyes had seen it. Besides her, most humans held no secrets from him.
Xin Yunmao rephrased: "He's pursuing you?"
"He's pursuing my education, my job, my family background, my social status, but he's not pursuing me, thank you very much." Chu Zhishui explained solemnly, then glared at him, muttering, "Why are you talking so foolishly?"
Could he really think that counted as liking or pursuing someone?
Xin Yunmao heard her clear reasoning and nodded firmly: "Not bad, you seem quite clear-headed."
Chu Zhishui: "?"
"Although I see you understand things quite well, I still need to seriously remind you to avoid dealing with such questionable people, and be careful with strangers in the future," Xin Yunmao's expression turned serious, his attitude like a parent, sternly warning, "Throughout history, in all stories of star-crossed lovers, it's always the woman who suffers. As my believer, don't say I didn't warn you!"
"What exactly happened to you out there?" Chu Zhishui rolled her eyes. "Even my parents don't lecture me this much."
Why was she being lectured by someone who understood human relationships the least? Was this the confidence of a poor student trying to teach a top student?
Chu Zhishui quipped: "Thanks for your concern, but I'm allergic to men."
Xin Yunmao finally looked satisfied, showing an expression of 'this student can be taught,' and agreed: "That's more like it. Men are no good anyway."
Chu Zhishui gave him a strange look, asking suspiciously: "Why are you agreeing? So you're no good either?"
When she usually chatted with female friends, it made sense for Wang Yiwen and others to agree, but coming from Xin Yunmao, something felt off.
As everyone knows, when men say such things, it's basically a disclaimer for being a scoundrel, and generally warrants raising an alarm.
"I'm not a man," Xin Yunmao said seriously, giving her a sidelong glance and mimicking her earlier words, "Why are you talking so foolishly?"
"..."
Chu Zhishui pressed her upturned lips together, holding back laughter: "Right, you're not a man."
"Of course not."
Facing his proud expression, although she knew he was speaking the truth, she still found it somehow amusing.
Feeling she couldn't continue dwelling on the topic of men, or she'd really be amused by him, Chu Zhishui quickly changed the subject: "Did Sun Qiao talk to you earlier?"
He hadn't waited in the car, and suddenly said so much – there had to be a reason.
Xin Yunmao didn't answer.
Chu Zhishui guessed that Sun Qiao had probably badmouthed her in private, though she wasn't worried about Xin Yunmao being misled – firstly because as a supernatural being, he was a bit slow, and secondly because he clearly looked down on Sun Qiao, otherwise he wouldn't have lectured her so righteously for so long.
"It's fine, running into such people is indeed unfortunate," Chu Zhishui said consolingly while starting the car. "Fortunately, Director Qin came out and said we were colleagues, otherwise I can imagine what kind of nonsense they would have made up."
If Director Qin hadn't come out later about the awards evaluation, she would basically have been unable to clear her name, definitely becoming the subject of a basket of rumors.
Xin Yunmao started, suddenly having an epiphany: "That's not a bad idea."
"What?"
Xin Yunmao maintained a composed expression and said magnanimously: "Although I can't respond to human emotions, I don't mind helping you keep up appearances. You can take me out to show off to mortals, it's not a big deal, I won't expose you."
"???"
"Thanks, you're so generous," Chu Zhishui responded sarcastically, feeling numb. "Why do you always show consideration in unnecessary ways?"
Xin Yunmao spoke with amusement: "After all, you're my believer. It would be too pitiful if everyone else had something and you didn't. There's no problem with satisfying your small vanity."
"..."
Heaven above, earth below, what did she do in her past life to encounter this unusual yet overconfident male supernatural being?
Chu Zhishui took a deep breath, gripping the steering wheel, and said flatly: "Could you please not say such things while I'm driving? It might make me crash into a tree, leading to both of us perishing together."
"Perish together?" Xin Yunmao was bewildered. "I wouldn't recommend that. You would get hurt, but I wouldn't."
"......"
Chu Zhishui observed the roadside conditions and slowly pulled the car over to one side, making sure not to obstruct normal traffic.
Xin Yunmao felt the car stop and asked in confusion: "Why did we suddenly stop?"
"Because my fist has hardened."
"?"
Before Xin Yunmao could react, his arm was suddenly punched hard, and he turned his head to look at her in disbelief. His lips moved slightly as if wanting to say something, but seeing her expressionless stare, his eyes flickered, and he ended up saying nothing, just showing slight defiance.
"What are you looking at?" Chu Zhishui said impartially, "Say the wrong things and you get hit."
That's what he had said last time.
A supernatural being's narcissistic habits needed to be straightened out by righteous iron fists.
"Hmph."
Xin Yunmao didn't dare talk back, protesting with a faint sound, which earned him another attack. This time, he finally kept quiet and stopped spouting nonsense.
The car started moving again.
Chu Zhishui felt refreshed after giving him a beating. She always believed in the principle of "a gentleman uses words, not fists," but in his case, not being a gentleman was the only way to vent her anger.
Xin Yunmao sat in the passenger seat, sneaking glances at her. The few punches he received didn't hurt, but he was momentarily stunned by her imposing manner, which kept him from speaking further.
What does it mean to be unyielding without desires? She was the epitome of that.
He had never seen such a fierce human before.
After meeting with Director Qin, Chu Zhishui began working on the award evaluation, only to soon hear an interesting piece of gossip.
At home, Xie Yan returned exhausted, complaining while changing her shoes, "The 237 bus is so slow, never on time."
"We've been waiting for you," Chu Xiaohe stood up, "I'll go get the rice."
"Why didn't you let me pick you up?" Chu Zhishui had arrived home before her mother, washing her hands and setting the table, "It would only take me ten extra minutes, definitely faster than the bus."
"Don't come to pick me up recently, it's really chaotic and scary at our unit's entrance!"
The family of three sat down at the dinner table. Xie Yan took a moment to catch her breath and then added some hot dishes to her bowl, finally having the energy to share some gossip with her family.
She sighed, "Liu Kemei's son's girlfriend came knocking on the door. She's been causing a ruckus at the unit entrance for days, scaring a lot of us. The security guards can't even drive her away."
"Came knocking on the door?"
"Yes, I found out you were right last time. Sun Qiao was indeed dating a girl from a nearby village. Recently, the girl wasn't feeling well, went to the hospital, and found out she's pregnant." Xie Yan said with difficulty, "But Sun Qiao's family isn't happy, claiming the child isn't Sun Qiao's. They've been dragging it out. You know how Liu Kemei is, probably said a lot of harsh words to the girl."
Chu Xiaohe frowned, "What kind of situation is this? Just take responsibility properly."
"Exactly. The girl got angry and called her brothers over, who then beat up Sun Qiao right in front of his house. Someone even called the police. When the police arrived, the girl rolled on the ground, crying and shouting that Sun Qiao was a heartless scoundrel, demanding the police arrest her because she didn't want to live anymore, threatening a double tragedy of mother and child!"
Chu Zhishui could imagine the despair of the police on the scene. She looked oddly at her mother, "So what did the police officers do?"
"What could they do? They took them to the police station to mediate, urging the couple not to argue and to live together peacefully. Both sides couldn't be hit or scolded. It's better to resolve conflicts than to deepen them. They should hurry up and pick a date to get married. It's not good for anyone's reputation if this gets out." Xie Yan said, "Then the girl's family set a marriage demand: Sun Qiao has to pay a million in dowry, with additional costs for the wedding, and it has to be a grand affair!"
Chu Xiaohe nodded, "That's doable. Their family can probably scrape together the money."
Chu Zhishui: "Dad, no, if they had that mindset, there wouldn't have been this mess in the first place. Sun Qiao's family definitely won't agree..."
"Of course, they didn't agree. They said they would marry but without any dowry, not a penny more. So they put up banners and started causing trouble at our unit's entrance. They've probably been to Sun Qiao and his dad's place too. This is likely to continue until they actually get married. You don't know how ruthless those brothers are. They just hang around the entrance, even joking about inviting our security guards to the wedding."
"Isn't anyone managing this?"
"No one can manage it. The police came, but they said, 'Comrade, this is our family matter with my brother-in-law, you shouldn't meddle. Every couple argues, it's not a big deal.' They even said, 'Why detain me? Once released, I'll come back. After all, we have plenty of brothers, we can take turns being detained.'"
Chu Zhishui: "?"
Chu Zhishui marveled, "Is this even possible? It's not like canceling a driver's license points."
Chu Xiaohe: "This is meeting a tough opponent."
Xie Yan, clearly having been holding back, vividly described, "Not only did the police come, but reporters from Huaijiang TV also showed up to report on it. The reporter asked them, 'Aren't you afraid your sister will suffer after marrying in?' These people weren't afraid at all, facing the camera without flinching, saying, 'Newlyweds always have friction. If they don't listen, they get beaten until they get along. Life is like that, one blink and it's over.'"
"We don't watch much TV at home, so we might miss the report. This whole thing started because Liu Kemei's family wasn't decent. Sun Qiao thought he could sleep with the girl for free, but I heard from our unit that the girl isn't innocent either. She refused to go to the hospital for a check-up, so it's hard to say whose child it is. That's how it turned out like this."
The world is vast, full of wonders. No matter how cunning Liu Kemei and Sun Qiao were, they didn't expect to hit a steel plate. They must be feeling bitter and unable to speak, likely to be manipulated by the girl's family for the rest of their lives.
Others hadn't seen such a thing before, making it the top explosive gossip recently. The news spread like wildfire, not just among colleagues but also reported by Huaijiang TV, completely ruining Sun Qiao and others' reputations, making them unable to hold their heads high in Huaijiang City.
Chu Zhishui sighed, "What a news story from the living world."
Everyone got what they deserved, truly a positive social energy.
At the Huaijiang Observation Bureau, the trees outside the window grew denser, the tender leaves on the branches turning dark green in the warm breeze. As the temperature continued to rise, the hot summer would soon arrive.
Chu Zhishui checked the weather on her phone. Ginseng seeds are sown in three periods: spring, summer, and autumn. She wondered how Old Bai was doing in the fields near the tea garden. The temperature varies in different regions, and ginseng seeds should be sown in suitable temperatures to ensure good germination rates.
Recently, the Economic Development Department had a leisurely time. The tea garden work was over, new products were being developed, occasionally busy with award evaluations, and they could leave work on time every day.
The plan Chu Zhishui made for Director Qin won the Agricultural Poverty Alleviation Project Award, not only benefiting local tea farmers in Huaijiang but also bringing policy support to subsequent products of the Economic Development Department. If enterprises choose products under the Bureau's brand, they can receive some preferential conditions, enhancing the competitiveness of new products.
Director Qin was delighted with the award, considering it part of his work achievements, and enthusiastically arranged for Chu Zhishui to go to Yinhai City to receive the award. He thought clearly that without Chu Zhishui's mediation, this wouldn't have been so easily accomplished.
Chu Zhishui hesitated. She really had nothing to do, but just going for the award seemed a bit of an overreaction. She didn't immediately reply to Director Qin.
In the cafeteria, Jin Yu heard about this and was shocked, her eyes wide in confusion, "You're going to Yinhai on a business trip? What about me then?"
Chu Zhishui wondered, "What about you? I'll only be gone for a day or two."
"But there will only be the two of us left in the office!" Jin Yu panicked, "Maybe when you come back, you'll only see me in the cafeteria food!"
"Wait, aren't you an inedible fish?" Chu Zhishui was helpless, "And if Chef Niu sees you, he'll recognize you and have the cook take you out, otherwise, we'll have to activate the cafeteria food safety incident emergency plan."
Jin Yu felt her life was in danger, shaking her head like a rattle drum, "No, no, if you go, I'll die."
Seeing Jin Yu so resistant, Chu Zhishui thought about taking her along, but then considered Xin Yunmao and felt it wouldn't work. This would only exacerbate the conflict among the staff, and the Bureau's travel expenses were already under pressure.
After considering this, she thought maybe it was best to skip it, but then the Yinhai matters didn't seem to end.
In the afternoon, Chu Zhishui received a call from an unfamiliar number, the area code indicating it was from Yinhai City.
"Hello, is this Chu Zhishui?"
"Hello, this is she. May I ask who's calling?" Chu Zhishui wasn't familiar with the male voice on the other end.
"I'm Qi Chang from New Perspective Video. I got your contact information through a friend. You might not be familiar with New Perspective Video, but we are a new company invested by Green Profit Group. I heard you recently left Dragon Knowledge Video. I wonder if you have any plans for the future and if it's convenient to meet and talk?"
Chu Zhishui understood, the other party probably wanted to poach her, and replied, "I'm sorry, I'm not currently in Yinhai City."
"No problem, then when will you be back?" Qi Chang politely asked, "We can arrange a time then?"
"I'll confirm the time and get back to you right away, okay?" Chu Zhishui searched the company name on her computer while speaking politely, "Let's add each other on WeChat. If there's any information you need me to know in advance, you can send it to me."
New Perspective Video was established not long ago, and there isn't much information online, but the Green Profit Group seems quite reliable. Dragon Knowledge Video also had Green Profit as an investor, and now they are investing in New Perspective Video. This can only be interpreted as a move to foster competition and dominate the entire market.
A moment later, Chu Zhishui was surprised to see the information Qi Chang sent her. She had originally thought Qi Chang was the company's HR, but it turned out he was the big boss of New Perspective Video, similar to Li Longke's position at Dragon Knowledge Video. His willingness to personally make the call showed great sincerity in recruiting her.
Chu Zhishui had no intention of returning to Yinhai City, but she remembered that Wang Yiwen wanted to change jobs, which might be a good opportunity.
Of course, she had to meet Qi Chang first, which meant she had to go to Yinhai City on a business trip.
In the director's office, Hu Chenrui heard that Chu Zhishui had applied to go to Yinhai City on a business trip. He had no objections and immediately agreed, even expressing a hint of joy: "Xiao Chu, why don't you stay a couple more days? Don't rush back and forth. There's a guesthouse at the Yinhai Bureau, and they'll take care of everything. You don't need to worry!"
"Normally, I should contact Director Ye after handling the tea business, but I've been too busy lately. Why don't you represent me and go there? After all, it's your credit that the tea sold well." Hu Chenrui chuckled, "I'll inform Director Ye in advance."
Chu Zhishui thought that with such a big gap in their ranks, it would be inappropriate for her to represent Director Hu. Director Ye would surely feel displeased, but Director Hu seemed completely unconcerned.
"Director Hu, this isn't appropriate, is it?"
"It's very appropriate." Hu Chenrui pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly and meaningfully, "Xiao Chu, you have the potential to achieve great things. When you meet Director Ye, try to be patient. If you really can't hold back, I'll give you a paper bag to open when the time comes."
Hu Chenrui pulled out a bulging white paper bag from the drawer of his desk. It was tightly sealed at the top and felt quite heavy, resembling a bag from a bakery.
Chu Zhishui thanked him and took the bag. After leaving the office, she shook it and heard a rustling sound, as if it was filled with granular items.
In ancient times, there was Zhuge Liang's ingenious silk pouch; now, there's Director Hu's mysterious paper bag?
The flight was quickly booked. Chu Zhishui was going to Yinhai City on a business trip and naturally had to inform the two demons in her department.
Jin Yu was bubbling with excitement, almost crying on the spot, and absolutely refused to let Chu Zhishui go. Chu Zhishui had to suggest privately that if Jin Yu was too scared, she could hide in the logistics department with Niu Shi for a couple of days, and she would definitely return as soon as possible.
Xin Yunmao showed no reaction to her business trip. No one could tell what he was thinking from his expression. He listened indifferently, just fiddling with a pile of candies, as if it didn't matter to him.
Chu Zhishui had expected him to be a bit moody, but his calm demeanor was quite unexpected, leaving her with a mixed feeling.
Yinhai City, with its grand and spacious airport, has separate channels for international and domestic flights.
As one of the most economically developed cities in the country, Yinhai City exudes a sense of fashion and historical depth as soon as you land. The exterior of the airport is designed like a high-tech space station, while the shops inside are decorated in a classical style, offering local specialties for tourists to buy as souvenirs before departure.
There are both a plethora of food stores and glamorous luxury boutiques here, with annual sales figures being quite impressive.
Chu Zhishui became familiar with Yinhai City after college. She navigated the airport with ease, planning to stay at Wang Yiwen's place if the bureau didn't arrange accommodation. They hadn't seen each other in a long time, and after Wang Yiwen finished work, they could go out for a drink in the evening.
Director Hu said he would inform the Yinhai Bureau, but Chu Zhishui didn't have high expectations from the bureau. She had already told Wang Yiwen that she might stay at her place if necessary.
To her surprise, the demons at the observation bureau were quite reliable this time. While Chu Zhishui was waiting for her luggage at the carousel, she suddenly received a call from an unknown number.
The voice on the other end was slightly sharp and polite: "Hello, are you Chu Kezhang from the Huaijiang Observation Bureau? I'm Du Zigui from the Yinhai Bureau. You can call me Xiao Du. I'm already waiting for you at the arrival gate. Just come out with your luggage, and you'll see me holding a sign."
"Okay, thank you. I'll be right there with my luggage."
Sure enough, as soon as Chu Zhishui came out, she saw Du Zigui and was led to the parking lot.
Du Zigui was short and smiling, with a distinctive voice. He greeted her enthusiastically, not only grabbing her luggage but also helping her into the car, and kept chatting non-stop even after getting in the car, much like most staff members in human government agencies.
"Chu Kezhang, the room at the guesthouse is all set. The weather in Yinhai has been changing rapidly lately, so you might not be used to it coming from Huaijiang. If you need anything, just let the front desk know. The guesthouse is next to our bureau, and if you need a car for any outings, just call me, and I'll drive a bureau car to pick you up."
"Thank you, you've gone to a lot of trouble."
Chu Zhishui was a bit overwhelmed by the stream of words. She cautiously observed Du Zigui, feeling that this was quite different from the Huaijiang Observation Bureau. She even suspected that the demons might have sent a normal person to pick her up.
This friendly and considerate manner was unlike what one would expect from a demon, making her quite uncomfortable.
Chu Zhishui secretly observed Du Zigui, trying to see if he had any abnormalities, like Jin Yu bubbling.
Du Zigui was driving and noticed her gaze. He asked, "Is something wrong? If you're thirsty, there's water next to you."
"Thank you." Chu Zhishui hesitated, "Are you also…"
Du Zigui seemed not to understand her meaning. After a pause, he suddenly realized, "Ah, yes, I'm a demon. I forgot you're human and can't tell."
"Um, thank you. I didn't mean anything special." Chu Zhishui got her answer and finally relaxed. She didn't know how to describe it, so she said vaguely, "…It's just that you really look like a human, more so than many demons. I really couldn't tell."
It wasn't just the appearance of a human form, but the excellent modern social skills.
Du Zigui was overjoyed: "Thank you for the compliment, thank you. You also look very much like a demon!"
"…"
