4: Can't eat what you see

It was precisely the crucial moment when Chen Yuanhua was being promoted from Vice Governor to Executive Vice Governor. Before Zhang Haoyu's grandfather retired, he had been the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee of Huanan Province.

Although he had been retired for many years, the political connections he had established could still play a role.

Zhang Laoyezi only had one son and one daughter; neither chose a political career, opting instead to enter the business world.

Only his grandson, Zhang Haoyu, chose the path of politics after graduating from university.

Therefore, Zhang Laoyezi focused all his energy on his grandson, fully nurturing Zhang Haoyu, which allowed him to be promoted to the deputy section-level when he was only twenty-six.

Zhang Laoyezi was, after all, already over eighty years old, advanced in age, and knew his time was limited.

So, seizing the moment when Chen Yuanhua desperately needed a boost, he met with Chen Yuanhua and proposed that his grandson marry Chen Yuqing.

In this way, he could use his final connections to help Chen Yuanhua achieve his wish for further advancement, and also secure a new patron for his grandson.

Even after he was gone, his grandson would have someone to support him on the path of politics.

Chen Yuqing had been cold and reserved since childhood and had never dated even by the age of twenty-three, so she showed little reaction upon learning of the arrangement.

Seeing that his daughter did not object to the marriage alliance, Chen Yuanhua was persuaded.

Chen Yuanhua and Zhang Laoyezi both had needs, so the matter was quickly finalized.

After the marriage alliance was confirmed, Chen Yuqing and Zhang Yuhao met privately.

The moment Zhang Yuhao saw Chen Yuqing, he was captivated by her beauty and noble temperament; he was overjoyed, smiling so widely his mouth wouldn't close.

However, Chen Yuqing felt no attraction towards him, so she stated right then and there that their marriage alliance would only be a nominal one.

If Zhang Yuhao agreed to this condition, they would proceed with the marriage arranged by their families; if he didn't agree, the matter would be canceled, and she would handle the rest with her family.

Considering his future political career and looking at her flawless, beautiful face, Zhang Yuhao agreed without hesitation.

Therefore, after they got married, they lived as husband and wife in name only.

He thought at the time that living with Chen Yuqing would lead to affection over time, and he would eventually conquer this Ice Rose.

But what he hadn't expected was that after three years of living together, he still hadn't managed to melt the iceberg that was Chen Yuqing.

Meanwhile, Chen Yuanhua got his wish and was successfully promoted to Executive Vice Governor.

Zhang Laoyezi passed away six months later, resting in peace.

Two years ago, Chen Yuanhua, both to show gratitude to Zhang Laoyezi and to cultivate his son-in-law, arranged for Zhang Yuhao to be transferred to Yushu County, where he became the County Head.

"Zhang Yuhao! Although the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection did not find any economic issues with you this time, some incidents have created a negative impact, and your prestige in Yushu County will plummet.

You won't be staying in Yushu County for long. Be mentally prepared! A transfer order will come down within half a month."

Zhao Yulin adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and said unhurriedly.

To save Zhang Yuhao face, Zhao Yulin referred to the issue of his relationships with women simply as "some incidents."

He couldn't help but think to himself, Zhang Yuhao, Zhang Yuhao, you have such a beautiful daughter from the Executive Vice Governor's family, yet you couldn't behave, getting involved with a divorced woman. What were you thinking?

If Governor Chen found out, what would he think of you, his son-in-law? You truly don't appreciate the good fortune you have!

Fortunately, Chen Yuqing saved you face and didn't erupt in front of me. I should probably leave soon.

It turned out that the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection found no concrete evidence regarding Zhang Haoyu's alleged corruption and bribery.

However, they found genuine evidence regarding the conduct issues reported by the public, proving that the accusations were not groundless.

The Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection had an explanation, and the accusers achieved their goal: completely ruining Zhang Yuhao's reputation.

"Brother Zhao, can you tell me where I will be transferred next?"

Zhang Yuhao asked tentatively.

"I can't confirm which specific department you'll be going to right now; that depends on the leader's decision.

But since you just took a minor setback, I suspect you'll be benched in some unimportant, leisurely position for a while.

After all, you need to lie low to avoid criticism.

Don't worry, though. Although some people seem to have achieved their goal, they also exposed some issues during your incident, and they won't be smug for long."

Although he already had some guesses in his heart, hearing Zhao Yulin say this still made him feel a sense of loss.

Seeing Zhang Yuhao's expression, Zhao Yulin said reassuringly, "Zhang Yuhao, you are still young. You will have plenty of opportunities in the future. Why dwell on temporary gains and losses?

I've pretty much finished eating. I'll head back to the Provincial Capital tonight. The leader has another meeting tomorrow, and I need to be by his side.

Yuqing, Yuxi, why don't you two stay here for the night!

I'll have the driver return with me. When you drive back to the Provincial Capital, take it slow and be careful."

After saying this, he stood up.

"Thank you for your trouble, Brother Zhao."

Zhang Yuhao quickly stood up to see him off.

"Thank you for your trouble, Brother Zhao. My sister and I might stay here for a couple of days. Please pass a message to My father when you return."

Chen Yuxi said with a smile.

Chen Yuqing glared at Chen Yuxi but said nothing.

Zhao Yulin gave a reply and walked toward the exit. The three of them escorted him to the hotel entrance, watched him get into the car and leave, and then turned back to the private room.

"Brother-in-law, this incident is entirely your fault. How could you cheat behind my sister's back?"

As soon as the three returned to the private room, Chen Yuxi looked at Zhang Yuhao and said angrily.

She didn't know that they were husband and wife in name only, which was why she was so angry after Zhao Yulin left.

"Yuxi, listen to my explanation."

Before he could finish speaking, Chen Yuqing interrupted him.

"Zhang Yuhao, you don't need to explain anything to me. Just remember to wipe your mouth clean next time you cheat.

Don't let our family be embarrassed because of you. If this becomes public knowledge again, the only path left for us is divorce."

Zhang Yuhao looked submissive on the surface, but inwardly he gritted his teeth and thought, *Isn't this all because of you?*

We've been married for three years, and I can only look but not touch. I am a man with normal needs.

You won't even let me touch your hand, and yet you expect me not to find other women?

It seems that since we aren't truly married, you, my nominal wife, won't wholeheartedly help me!

Tonight is a perfect opportunity. Luckily, I prepared early, and tonight it will come in handy.

Thinking this, he reached out and touched the small packet of medicine in his pocket, thinking again: *This is a powerful drug that can turn a chaste woman into a wanton one.*

It makes a woman go wild while conscious, saving me from you claiming afterward that I forced you. I want you to do it yourself.

With this thought, he smiled and said, "Yuqing, Yuxi, this is your first time in Yushu County.

Don't let my mess ruin your mood.

Since things are already like this, thinking too much won't help.

We were just focused on talking earlier and barely touched our chopsticks. The dishes are already cold. I'll ask the waiter to clear them and arrange a new table for us.

You traveled hundreds of kilometers from the Provincial Capital because of my situation; I can't let you go hungry!"

After saying this, he stood up. Just as Chen Yuqing was saying there was no need, Chen Yuxi, who was beside her, grabbed her arm and said with a wronged expression, "Sister, I really am a little hungry."

Zhang Haoyu smiled and walked out.

Before long, several waiters came in and cleared everything from the table.

When the dishes started coming out again, Zhang Yuhao walked in, holding a bottle of Wuliangye in one hand and a large glass of plain boiled water in the other.