41: Chapter 41 Du Cheng

Li Dakang noticed his furrowed brows and the fine beads of sweat on his forehead; he was clearly weighed down by worries.

He stood up, poured a cup of hot tea, and handed it to him, asking with concern, "What is troubling you, Brother Du? If you have any difficulties, please don't hesitate to say so. Let's see if I can help."

Director Du Cheng held the teacup with both hands, took a sip to calm his emotions, and then spoke, "It's like this. My daughter is attending university in Mingzhou and is about to graduate."

"Isn't that a good thing? How are the job arrangements coming along?" Li Dakang asked with a smile.

Director Du Cheng's expression became even more bitter, "That's exactly what the problem is! She started dating a boyfriend at school. His father is a Deputy Director at a Finance Bureau in a district of Mingzhou. He's powerful and influential, and he's already arranged a job for his son."

"But my daughter's job is still up in the air. If she can't stay in Mingzhou, I'm afraid their relationship will fall apart."

Director Du Cheng took a deep breath and continued, "I only have this one daughter. Her mother passed away early, so as her father, I naturally hope to take care of her as much as I can..."

Li Dakang nodded thoughtfully, "Brother Du, are you hoping I can help your daughter find a job in Mingzhou?"

"No, no," Director Du Cheng waved his hands quickly.

"It's like this. My daughter called me a couple of days ago and said her boyfriend's father used his connections to set up a meeting with a Deputy Division Chief from the Provincial Department of Personnel. He wants me to come over this weekend to treat him to dinner and finalize the job."

Director Du Cheng shook his head with a bitter smile, "Brother, to be honest, I have a bit of face in Anjiang County, but once I leave Anjiang, who would recognize me, Director Du Cheng?"

"So, I wanted to ask if you could take the time this weekend to accompany me. Help me save face so that others won't look down on us."

Li Dakang readily agreed, "That's no problem. I happen to be going to Mingzhou on business this weekend anyway."

He pondered for a moment and added, "How about this? You go ahead first and send me the address. I'll head over as soon as I finish my business, and I'll bring a friend to help you save face."

The clouds of worry on Director Du Cheng's face dissipated for the most part, and he thanked him repeatedly, "That would be wonderful! Brother, thank you so much!"

This was nothing for Li Dakang. He could just call Division Chief Hu Weihang; since they were all in the same unit, that Deputy Division Chief from the Provincial Department of Personnel would surely give them some face.

...

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was Saturday.

In front of the Qilin Restaurant in Mingzhou City, a black sedan slowly pulled up.

Director Du Cheng straightened his tie, took a deep breath, and walked inside.

As one of the top high-end restaurants in Mingzhou, the décor was luxurious and grand; the crystal chandelier at the entrance alone was worth a fortune.

Inside the Auspicious Room, the teak floor was polished to a shine, and famous paintings and calligraphy hung on the walls.

Director Du Cheng sat in the private room, checking his watch from time to time, appearing somewhat uneasy.

Normally frugal, he had brought 40,000 yuan in savings this time for his daughter's job—this was his entire life savings.

The door to the private room was pushed open, and a middle-aged couple with an impressive air walked in.

The man was dressed in a suit, his every move exuding official authority; he was Deputy Director Lai Chengwei of the Nanfu District Finance Bureau in Mingzhou City. The woman was dignified and elegant; she was Vice Principal Xu Hui of a key middle school in Nanfu District.

"In-law, kept you waiting," Deputy Director Lai Chengwei said indifferently, his tone tinged with a sense of detachment.

Director Du Cheng hurriedly stood up to welcome them, "Deputy Director Lai, you are too polite. I just arrived."

Following them was a young couple: the girl was tall and beautiful—this was Director Du Cheng's daughter, Du Meiyan; the boy looked scholarly—this was her boyfriend, Lai Yifan.

"Dad!" Du Meiyan affectionately took Director Du Cheng's arm, her eyes full of anticipation.

After Deputy Director Lai Chengwei sat down, he got straight to the point, "In-law, today we are hosting Deputy Division Chief Xie Xiaofeng from the Provincial Department of Personnel. You need to toast Deputy Division Chief Xie a few more times later. I've inquired about it, and Deputy Division Chief Xie has two hobbies—"

At this point, Deputy Director Lai Chengwei made a gesture of rubbing his fingers, "And drinking."

Director Du Cheng understood and held up four fingers, "Deputy Director Lai, I've prepared this much. I wonder if it's enough?"

Deputy Director Lai Chengwei nodded slightly, "It should be enough. If not, we have some with us as well."

In truth, Deputy Director Lai Chengwei had not been optimistic about this marriage at first. In his view, the Du family was just an ordinary family from a small county, and Director Du Cheng was merely the director of a Township Credit Union, not even reaching the rank of section chief.

Meanwhile, his own family was in the provincial capital, and his wife was the vice principal of a key middle school; the social standing was clearly mismatched.

But he couldn't overcome his only son Lai Yifan's persistence, who even threatened to "take Du Meiyan back to Anjiang County." Only then did the couple reluctantly agree.

Fortunately, Du Meiyan herself had good qualities; not only was she outstanding in appearance, but she was also sensible.

To keep this future daughter-in-law in Mingzhou for work, Deputy Director Lai Chengwei had put in a lot of effort and owed many favors to finally get someone to invite Deputy Division Chief Xie Xiaofeng.

Don't underestimate the fact that Deputy Division Chief Xie Xiaofeng was only a deputy division chief; a deputy division chief at the Provincial Department of Personnel held significant weight and could assign a college student to a good unit with a wave of his hand.

"Xiaofan, Meiyan," Vice Principal Xu Hui whispered a reminder, "When Deputy Division Chief Xie arrives later, you two need to be proactive, understand?"

"Don't worry, Mom," Lai Yifan promised confidently.

Du Meiyan also nodded obediently, "I understand, Auntie."