Xu Chunliang said, "It's better to retreat and weave a net than stand by the water desiring fish. The hospital values professional titles and education. Brother Wang, you should move up to associate senior level as soon as possible. Sister Cao, you should get a master's degree. Once you're strong yourself, you won't fear whoever comes in the future."

Wang Xiaofeng laughed, "Didn't I go to the countryside to support agriculture just to get to the mid-level? It will take years to reach the associate senior level, and you have to pass exams first for promotions."

Cao Jing sighed, "Studying medicine is so tough. There's the promotion exam, the fundamental skills exam, and if you want to pursue further studies, that's another exam. It's endless. Now I envy you administrative guys."

Xu Chunliang said, "You're only seeing the thief eat meat, not seeing the thief get beaten. Our income is low, you know."

Cao Jing said, "Our support departments don't earn much more than the admin. The ones really making money are the clinical doctors."

Wang Xiaofeng said, "High clinical income only applies to department heads or group leaders. Those of us at the lower rungs are just exploited. To make big money, you have to endure. Only when I lead a group independently will I have made it."

Cao Jing said, "Stop pretending to be poor. Everyone knows your Orthopedics department is rich. Just the commission from steel plates alone is more than your salary."

Wang Xiaofeng sighed. What Xu Chunliang said was true, only seeing the thief eat meat, not seeing the thief get beaten. Especially for a young doctor like him, there's not much meat to eat, but plenty of beatings.

Steel plate commission? Just mentioning it annoys him. Their department head's partner is the one selling the steel plates. That couple works together seamlessly; they don't even plan to leave a drop of soup, let alone meat.

Wang Xiaofeng also wanted to cozy up to this young deputy dean, so he suggested treating them to dinner that night. Xu Chunliang initially wanted to refuse.

Cao Jing said, as a cadre, you shouldn't lose touch with the masses. Xu Chunliang didn't have any plans, so he agreed.

The first place Xu Chunliang thought of was He Tiantian's place, but he immediately changed his mind. He had done a favor for the He Family, and if he went there, nine times out of ten, He Tiantian wouldn't charge him. It's often like this; after doing someone a favor, the relationship becomes awkward.

Xu Chunliang realized he still lacked in dealing with people. He doesn't like taking advantage of good people, but when it comes to someone like Ding Si or Zhang Haitao inviting him for dinner, it feels justified.

Wang Xiaofeng took them to their usual spot at Xiaodao Renjia. He suggested Xu Chunliang bring a few more people. Knowing these young doctors don't make money easily, Xu Chunliang didn't want to add to his burden and went alone.

In the end, Wang Xiaofeng invited Tan Haiyan. The four of them arrived at Xiaodao Renjia, and while standing to order, they ran into Director Huang Yong from the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office. Huang Yong had interacted with Xu Chunliang a few times without gaining any advantage.

Now, with no mention of rectifying illegal constructions, the two of them shared a smile to bury past grievances.

Huang Yong took a cigarette out of his pocket. Xu Chunliang told him not to be polite as he didn't smoke.

Not long after sitting back in the private room, the waiter started serving dishes. Wang Xiaofeng clearly didn't order crabs, but a big plate of them, each weighing over four ounces, was served.

Wang Xiaofeng stopped the waiter to tell her there was a mistake. The waiter assured him there was no mistake. Wang Xiaofeng, who had been too stingy to order crabs due to his wallet, figured someone else must have ordered them. Since they were now served, he just had to bear with it.

Next came big shrimp, beef, wild rooster, steamed mandarin fish, eel braised chicken kidneys, and braised wild soft-shelled turtle. Expensive dishes were served one after another.

Wang Xiaofeng became a bit flustered. This table definitely wouldn't come to under a thousand yuan. He had only ordered about five hundred yuan worth of dishes. How did it become so much? He called the waiter over to tell her there must be a mistake.

The waiter then explained that Director Huang from the next room over had arranged it.

Xu Chunliang understood, Huang Yong was trying to win his favor through this method. Don't be fooled by Huang Yong's position as just a small-time director at the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office; he was quite influential on Weishan Island. Just in terms of illegal construction, everyone had to show him some respect.

Take this hotel, for example, its illegal constructions were quite severe. Huang Yong turned a blind eye, and Xiaodao Renjia continued to operate prosperously.

The table was full of high-quality dishes. Even the local Weishan Lake Alcohol was brought out. Although not a national brand, it was the highest in its series.

Xu Chunliang felt Huang Yong's gesture was a bit over the top. Technically, there was no need for him to be so courteous, but after some thought, he realized it was likely because of Mei Ru Xue. He reassured everyone to just eat.

Wang Xiaofeng felt embarrassed and lifted his glass, saying, "Dean Xu, this is really embarrassing. I was the one who was supposed to treat."

Xu Chunliang laughed, "I didn't expect it either. Friends here on Weishan Island are really hospitable."

Wang Xiaofeng and Cao Jing were quite impressed with Xu Chunliang. He was younger than them, arrived later, yet had adapted here so well. That was the difference. No wonder Xu Chunliang was a leader, while they were just the masses.

Since coming to Weishan Island, Cao Jing had never had such a nice meal, so they all freed themselves and started eating. Even Tan Haiyan, who rarely drank, made an exception and had a glass of white wine.

Wang Xiaofeng still felt a bit uneasy and sought Xu Chunliang's opinion on whether they should go over to offer a toast to Director Huang to express their gratitude.

Xu Chunliang shook his head, indicating it wasn't necessary.

Tan Haiyan, older and more experienced, realized upon hearing this that Wang Xiaofeng's suggestion was a bit foolish. In official circles, reciprocity isn't emphasized. The fact that Director Huang made such a grand gesture suggests that he needs something from Xu Chunliang. If he didn't see Xu Chunliang as of higher status or use, he wouldn't have made such an arrangement.

It's like Liu Bei visiting Zhuge Liang three times. Was he really showing respect for a capable person? No, it was because he needed Zhuge Liang. Why did Zhuge Liang only agree to meet Liu Bei after three visits? Because he understood everything and wanted to test Liu Xuande to see if he was worthy of playing along.

So you can't just look at the surface. The smarter people in officialdom rarely engage in pointless socializing. They don't act lightly, but when they do, they don't make mistakes.

Tan Haiyan concluded that it wouldn't be long before Director Huang would come over to toast.

Sure enough, Huang Yong came over with the alcohol. Although the drinks at Xu Chunliang's table were also arranged by him, out of respect, he brought a bottle and a cup to show his courtesy. He drank his own alcohol, taking no advantage, which also implied that he would definitely drink a round before leaving.

Xu Chunliang stood up and invited Huang Yong to sit next to him, instructing the waiter to bring a new set of cutlery. Huang Yong had shown enough sincerity, and Xu couldn't act aloof.

Xu Chunliang introduced everyone to Huang Yong, who drank two glasses with each person, saving the main act for the last. He filled his glass and said, "Dean Xu, I feel a special connection with you. I won't take up much of your time today. How about we do a shot together?"

Xu Chunliang smiled and said, "I'll finish mine first as a sign of respect!" His drinking capacity was more than enough for such occasions.

Seeing Xu Chunliang's drinking prowess, Huang Yong estimated that he couldn't match him in alcohol capacity and decided to wrap it up, "I won't hold up the leaders from their chatting and catching up. Enjoy the food, and if there's not enough, I can arrange more."

Xu Chunliang escorted Huang Yong to the door. You can't let someone invite you for a meal without giving something in return. Huang Yong had things he couldn't say openly, likely because of some previous unpleasantness regarding illegal construction. He was hoping to use this opportunity to improve relations.

Outside the door, Huang Yong shook Xu Chunliang's hand and said, "Dean Xu, you're too polite. No need to see me off."

Xu Chunliang replied, "If the hospital needs anything from me in the future, just let me know."

Huang Yong nodded and said, "I'll certainly need your help, and if there's anything you need from me, just say the word."

He understood that Xu Chunliang wouldn't need his help. As long as Mei Ru Xue gave the order, he had to follow it. The most important thing now was hoping Mei Ru Xue wouldn't hold a grudge over the last incident. He didn't know what possessed him to choose the wrong side back then.

Now, the town was rife with rumors that Secretary Kong wouldn't last long, and in the future, Hu Shan Town would certainly be led by Mei Ru Xue. Huang Yong wanted to continue working in the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office but couldn't figure out how to please Mei Ru Xue.

Even though Mei Ru Xue had been in Hu Shan Town for almost half a year, there was no news about her being close to anyone, except Xu Chunliang. Lately, many were saying they were dating, and gaining Xu Chunliang's approval meant Mei Ru Xue wouldn't target him in the future.

Xu Chunliang smiled and said, "Got it!"

That one word made Huang Yong feel overjoyed, as if he had received a life-saving pass. He shook Xu Chunliang's hand vigorously, asking him to return. After Xu Chunliang closed the door, Huang Yong happily shook his head, feeling the slight buzz from the wild turtle's strength.

Xu Chunliang boarded the first ferry heading to the county, meeting according to their prior arrangement, directly on the boat.

He found Mei Ru Xue on the deck, dressed thoroughly in a hat, sunglasses, and a mask. She couldn't stand the smell inside the cabin, preferring to withstand the morning breeze on the deck.

The autumn wind was already very cold, mixed with the dampness of the morning lake water. Xu Chunliang said, "Not going inside?"

Mei Ru Xue's eyes, clear as autumn water, blinked, her long black eyelashes fluttering like a butterfly ready to take flight. She noticed Xu Chunliang was wearing the shirt she had bought him.

Xu Chunliang said, "Afraid of being recognized? You're like an underground agent as the town mayor."

Mei Ru Xue said, "I want to watch the sunrise here."

"Sounds beautiful," Xu Chunliang said, looking at the overcast sky. Mei Ru Xue mirrored his action, and they both laughed almost at the same time.

Mei Ru Xue knew that there was little chance of seeing the sun, let alone the sunrise, that morning.

Xu Chunliang said, "No wonder people say to listen but not take presidential words seriously."

Mei Ru Xue said, "You're not dressed warmly, better stay inside, don't catch a cold."

"No matter how cold it is, it's no match for the spring-like warmth brought to me by Mayor Mei."

Mei Ru Xue said, "You're quite unique."

Xu Chunliang playfully said, "That's what everyone says."

"So young yet so greasy!"

Xu Chunliang said, "That's why I need a lovely lady to help me clean it off."

Mei Ru Xue shook her head and said, "I can't help you, you're like the Daqing oil field, impossible to clean."

Xu Chunliang laughed, "I'm quite clean."

This left Mei Ru Xue at a bit of a loss for words.

Recommendations, subscriptions, and monthly votes are all appreciated!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.