Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 69 Another Encounter with Beautiful Reporter Ye Xiaoman

As it was nearing the end of the workday, Xu Youwei told Wu Zhiyuan that Lang Yuanyuan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee and Minister of Publicity, had arranged a family dinner that evening and invited him to attend.

According to Wu Zhiyuan, Xu Youwei's willingness to accept such a private invitation was an attempt to gain the support of this localist Standing Committee member.

On the way, Xu Youwei suddenly asked, "Zhiyuan, you know that Lin Keke is Secretary Tao Sizhong's daughter-in-law, right?"

Wu Zhiyuan was slightly taken aback, not expecting Xu Youwei to bring up this matter.

He declined to comment on whether Lin Keke and Tao Yong had divorced, simply replying, "Yes, I know."

Xu Youwei's tone was gentle but meaningful: "Then you need to be careful when you're with her, because people's opinions can be a real threat."

Wu Zhiyuan realized that Xu Youwei might have made some connections because of the last time he went to Dalong’s hometown with Lin Keke and the unexpected rescue of Wang Caifeng that night, or because he had heard some rumors.

He frankly explained, "Secretary Xu, my relationship with Lin Keke is purely professional."

They were together that night because they happened to be in the same group during a capture operation at Qinglong Mountain Forest Farm, and they both overheard the key conversation of the fugitive Da Long.

Xu Youwei nodded and said nothing more.

Lang Yuanyuan's home is in an elegant upscale community, which is shaded by green trees and mainly consists of townhouses and stacked villas.

Lang Yuanyuan was already waiting at the intersection.

She was in her early fifties, slightly plump, with a kind face, looking like a friendly and approachable neighborhood auntie.

Lang Yuanyuan lives in the upper-level duplex, which has a separate entrance door and a terrace.

Lang Yuanyuan's husband, Zhou Ming, wearing an apron, greeted her at the door.

To Wu Zhiyuan's surprise, Ye Xiaoman was also there.

Ye Xiaoman greeted them with grace and poise: "Hello, Secretary Xu! Hello, Secretary Wu!"

Lang Yuanyuan introduced Ye Xiaoman with a smile: "Secretary Xu, this is my niece Ye Xiaoman, who works as a reporter for the Longcheng Daily."

Xu Youwei smiled and asked Wu Zhiyuan, "Zhiyuan, do you know reporter Xiao Ye?"

Wu Zhiyuan explained with a smile: "Secretary Xu, Reporter Ye and I are college alumni. We've known each other since college."

This morning, I attended the award ceremony for individuals recognized for their acts of bravery and righteousness, and reporter Ye also interviewed me.

Xu Youwei and Zhou Ming shook hands.

Lang Yuanyuan introduced, "Secretary Xu, this is my husband, Zhou Ming, who works at the Municipal Vocational and Technical College."

He doesn't have any grand ambitions; he just loves cooking. He spends his time watching videos, looking at recipes, and studying cooking techniques.

For so many years, Old Zhou has been the one cooking in my family. I've truly enjoyed his culinary skills all my life.

Xu Youwei laughed and said, "Minister Lang is so lucky. Having a chef at home is better than anything else. Home-cooked meals are the most nourishing."

After entering the house, Ye Xiaoman made tea and then went to the kitchen to help her uncle.

Lang Yuanyuan chatted with Xu Youwei.

"Secretary Xu, don't let Xiaoman's delicate appearance fool you, she's not someone who's never lifted a finger in the kitchen. She's an excellent cook. As soon as she came to my house, she started learning to cook from her uncle."

Xu Youwei praised, "She's elegant in public and skilled in the kitchen. Minister Lang is so lucky to have such a capable and intelligent niece."

Lang Yuanyuan watched Ye Xiaoman busy in the kitchen and said meaningfully, "I just wonder which boy will get the best deal."

Xu Youwei was slightly surprised: "You don't have a boyfriend yet?"

Lang Yuanyuan said, "Yes, I introduced her to a few men, but none of them worked out. I told her not to be too picky, but she said she didn't feel anything for them."

Just then, someone knocked on the door.

Lang Yuanyuan opened the door, her face immediately darkening: "Why are you here too?"

Judging from the tone, it was clear that they were not welcoming.

The man who came in was around fifty years old. He chuckled awkwardly and said, "Old Zhou said Secretary Xu is here and asked me to come and keep him company."

Lang Yuanyuan retorted bluntly, "Is it your turn to keep me company?"

Perhaps considering Xu Youwei's presence and not wanting to disrupt the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, Lang Yuanyuan still introduced him: "Secretary Xu, this is my sister's ex-husband, Wang Haitao, the deputy director of the Municipal Health Bureau."

Wang Haitao greeted Xu Youwei respectfully, and Xu Youwei shook hands with him.

He spoke quickly and bluntly: "Secretary Xu, please be the judge. Here's what happened."

Six years ago, my wife, Yuanyuan's younger sister, was in a serious car accident and became paralyzed for life.

For the past six years, I have taken meticulous care of her and never complained.

My colleagues at the hospital, my relatives and friends at home can all testify that I, Wang Haitao, have a clear conscience and can face heaven and earth with all my heart!

I was only in my forties at the time, and I needed a woman. My ex-wife was afraid of dragging me down, and she repeatedly urged me to remarry.

Two years ago, I met my current wife. She is a nurse at our hospital and is more than 20 years younger than me. She doesn't mind my age and is willing to help me take care of my ex-wife.

Before we got married, we made a pact: my ex-wife must stay at home and be carefully cared for by us, and we would never allow any abuse.

Everyone has seen what we've done in the past two years; we've taken better care of our ex-wife than ever before.

Despite the sweltering heat, she didn't have any bedsores. If I treated her badly, I would be letting my son down! My son would never forgive me! She's my son's own mother!

Wang Haitao became more and more agitated as he spoke, turning to Lang Yuanyuan: "But what about my elder sister? Just because I remarried, she's convinced I'm a heartless traitor, an ungrateful villain!"

They talk badly about me everywhere, and won't even let me into my house!

What did I do wrong? Don't I even have the right to pursue my own happiness?

I have to fulfill my responsibilities, but I also have to bear this injustice. My heart is filled with bitterness!

As he spoke, his eyes became somewhat red.

Lang Yuanyuan spoke up: "Wang Haitao! Stop pretending to be pitiful!"

I acknowledge that you have taken good care of my sister, and I also acknowledge that my sister agreed to your remarriage.

But how does my sister feel, lying in bed watching you and another woman together, sharing a bed?

Zhou Ming came out holding a pot and shovel, scolding Lang Yuanyuan: "Yuanyuan, Secretary Xu is a distinguished guest. We went to great lengths to invite him, but you argued with Haitao, ruining the atmosphere!"

Lang Yuanyuan said to Xu Youwei with an apologetic look, "Secretary Xu, I'm so sorry, I've made you laugh."

These old family matters shouldn't have been brought up in front of you.

Xu Youwei waved his hand, showing no displeasure whatsoever, and said with a smile, "Minister Lang, you flatter me. Every family has its own problems, this is normal."

This shows you don't consider me an outsider and are willing to let me see the real me.

Xu Youwei's relaxed tone instantly dispelled the tension and awkwardness on the scene.