Chapter 253 Help me make a connection

Elder Liu adjusted his reading glasses, scanning through the names in his address book one by one. Most of them were former colleagues and subordinates who had also retired.

"Old Zhao? No, he's in charge of culture; that doesn't align."

"Old Qian? Sigh, he's still in office, but he's in charge of agriculture... that's not the right field."

"Little Sun? His rank isn't high enough; I doubt he has much say..."

He muttered to himself, his brows furrowing tighter and tighter.

Usually, he felt that his Liu family was quite reputable in the Imperial Capital, with extensive connections.

He hadn't expected that finding someone to connect with Jiang Jing would be so troublesome.

Just as he was feeling discouraged, his finger stopped on a name—Zhang Cheng (Staff Officer Zhang).

This was a very capable young man he had met while working together in a certain military region. He heard that he had developed very well since then and was now a powerful figure in the war zone.

Most importantly, at the press conference, Jiang Jing and Staff Officer Zhang were chatting and laughing together.

"You're the one," Elder Liu's eyes lit up as he pressed the dial button.

The phone rang a few times before being answered, and Staff Officer Zhang's slightly puzzled voice came through: "Hello? How can I help you? Who is this?" Obviously, not everyone had this private number, so he was naturally vigilant when seeing an unfamiliar caller.

"Little Zhang, it's me, Elder Liu." Elder Liu's voice was quite amiable.

There was a clear pause on the other end of the line, and then the tone became a bit more respectful: "Oh my, what made you think of calling me? Are you doing well?"

Elder Liu's rank before retirement had not been low, so it was only appropriate for Staff Officer Zhang to address him with respect.

"Good, good, good. I'm eating well and sleeping soundly."

Elder Liu exchanged a few pleasantries, then impatiently got to the point: "Little Zhang, I'm calling you because there's something I'd like to trouble you with."

"I heard that some time ago, you were in contact with that very popular scientist named Jiang Jing, is that right?"

Staff Officer Zhang's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, and his tone became cautious: "Yes, regarding Comrade Jiang Jing, I wonder what you..."

Elder Liu heard his caution and laughed: "Don't be nervous, this isn't official business, it's just a little personal desire of mine... Sigh, it's all for my troublesome darling granddaughter!"

"Granddaughter?" Staff Officer Zhang was stunned, unable to react for a moment.

"Yes!" Elder Liu began to pour out his complaints, "You know my girl, Liu Ruyan, right?"

"She has such high standards, she looks down on everyone. She's always finding fault with this person or that person. As her grandfather, I'm so worried!"

"And so, seeing that Jiang Jing in the news—young, promising, and talented—I thought, could I have my girl get to know him?"

"Young people, making friends is good, so I wanted to ask you if it would be convenient for you to make an introduction?"

Staff Officer Zhang was dumbfounded on the other end of the line, his mind instantly becoming crystal clear.

Good grief, these old foxes, their noses are sharper than the last, and their actions are faster than the next.

Elder Liu didn't just want a contact method; he had clearly set his sights on Jiang Jing, this prized catch.

He complained wildly in his heart, but he couldn't directly refuse out loud.

After all, Elder Liu's status and position were there. If he were truly determined to investigate, getting Jiang Jing's public contact information through other channels or contacting him through official channels would be very simple.

The reason he called specifically was to let him, the "middleman," tip off Jiang Jing and put in a good word.

Staff Officer Zhang's thoughts raced, and he instantly sorted out the situation.

He gave a bitter smile and said: "Elder, I understand what you mean, but..."

He changed the subject, deciding it was better to clarify the situation first to avoid any unpleasantness later.

"There is one thing I must tell you first. Comrade Jiang Jing is currently of extraordinary importance, and his security clearance is very high."

"Currently, the people responsible for his personal security are, one, a star pupil of Minister Liu from the Ministry of State Security, and the other... is the granddaughter of a certain old general. These two... well, you know."

The meaning in these words couldn't be clearer: Your granddaughter is very excellent, but her competitors have significant backing too, and they are close by. You need to think this through.

Elder Liu's heart skipped a beat on the other end of the line, and then he cursed silently: "Damn it, Baldy Liu and Old Monster Lin, those two old geezers, they moved too fast. They are truly cunning old foxes!"

But even if he lost the game, he wouldn't lose his spirit, especially in front of a junior. Elder Liu immediately spoke up, refusing to admit defeat:

"Hmph! So what if it's Minister Liu's pupil? So what if it's an old general's granddaughter? My Liu Ruyan has looks, family background, and talent. Since she was little, the people chasing her could line up from the Forbidden City to the Summer Palace. She is definitely not inferior to anyone!"

Staff Officer Zhang listened to the Elder's protective words, smiling inwardly, but hurriedly agreed out loud:

"Yes, yes, yes, Miss Liu Ruyan's excellence is well-known. My point is, that's just the situation. As long as you are aware of it, that's fine."

He paused: "How about this, I have the contact information, but I think it might be a bit abrupt for Miss Liu Ruyan to contact him directly."

"Why not... let me find a suitable opportunity to mention it in front of Jiang Jing, talk about Miss Liu Ruyan's talent and beauty, and guide him so that he develops an interest in Miss Liu Ruyan and takes the initiative to add her contact information? Wouldn't that be better?"

Upon hearing this, seeing that the other party understood his meaning, Elder Liu was instantly all smiles:

"Not bad, Little Zhang, you are still the one who thinks things through. Let's do as you said. If this works out, I'll treat you to a drink!"

"Elder, you are too kind, it's just a small favor." Staff Officer Zhang agreed with a smile.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the two ended the call.

Elder Liu walked happily out of the study to find his darling granddaughter.

"Liu Ruyan, Liu Ruyan." He found Liu Ruyan in the cloakroom, trying on clothes in front of the mirror, his face beaming with a smile. "Grandpa has sorted it out for you. Staff Officer Zhang agreed to help. He will go talk to Jiang Jing and have that kid, Jiang Jing, take the initiative to add your contact information."

Liu Ruyan, who was immersed in fantasies about how to make a stunning entrance, turned around upon hearing this, a surprised smile blooming on her beautiful face: "Really, Grandpa? You are amazing!"

She happily gave her grandfather a big hug.

"Hahaha, of course. When your grandpa takes action, one is worth two." Elder Liu enjoyed his granddaughter's admiration, feeling very proud of himself.

Liu Ruyan let go of her grandfather, her beautiful eyes flashing with excitement, already starting to calculate:

"Hmm... if he adds me, should I be a bit reserved and wait for a 'chance encounter' when he comes to the Imperial Capital? Or should I be more proactive and find an excuse to fly to Rong City to 'inspect a project'?"

"Oh my, it's so hard to choose..."