Rebirth of Bloody Romance

On the 16th day of the eighth lunar month, Zhao Hongliang and his bride held a grand and lively wedding in a corner of the capital.

The whole yard is decorated with red silk, making it extraordinarily festive. Bright red characters of happiness can be seen everywhere, exuding a strong atmosphere of happiness.

Zhong Yuemin was wearing a well-tailored suit, looking handsome and tall, but with a cynical smile on his face. He shuttled back and forth among the crowd, exuding a unique charm in his every move.

I don't know why? The scene gave people the illusion of a "son-in-law who lives with his wife". The wedding, from planning to the banquet, was all done by the woman herself.

The relatives of the bride seemed a little arrogant and even bossy, which cast a strange atmosphere on this wedding. Despite this, Zhong Yuemin did not pay attention to these details, but just quietly observed the people and things around him.

There were about seven or eight classmates who came to attend the wedding, and they all squeezed together at a table. On Zhong Yuemin's left was Liu Lianhai, and on his right was Lin Shufang. Although many classmates were assigned to work in Beijing, they were unable to attend the wedding in person for various reasons.

"Zhong Laoer, do you think we are here to attend a wedding or to witness a game of thrones?" Liu Lianhai lowered his voice and teased in Zhong Yuemin's ear, with curiosity and gossip flashing in his eyes.

Zhong Yuemin raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a playful smile, and shook his head slightly, indicating that he didn't care about this matter. "Oh, never mind! Anyway, we have wine and meat now, and it's really rare for us old classmates to get together. As long as everyone is happy, it's fine."

After saying that, Zhong Yuemin raised the glass in his hand without hesitation, clinked it lightly with Liu Lianhai, then tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.

Lin Shufang, who was sitting on the right, frowned slightly when she heard this and complained softly, "You two are always so smooth-talking. Especially you, Zhong Laoer, you don't know at all..." She was interrupted before she finished her words.

Just then, Zhao Hongliang came over, and Lin Shufang stopped talking when she saw him.

Zhong Yuemin saw Zhao Hongliang at a glance and immediately started to tease him. "Hey, Hongliang, you used to be a fearless guy, but now you act like a shy bride. Come, come, come, Hongliang, come over and say a few words to your buddies. Don't always think that the hospitality is not thoughtful enough. We are all family, there is no need to be so formal!"

Zhao Hongliang forced a smile upon hearing the voice, and pressed his hands down slightly, trying to calm the noisy atmosphere, and then he said, "Brothers, I'm really glad that you can come here today. I also understand that everyone has their own difficulties and hardships. Just like Junfeng, he has gone to the countryside to gain experience, and I heard that when he comes back, he will be able to move up to a higher level! I am so grateful that you can come and show your support today! If there is anything that is not good enough in hospitality, please bear with me."

When Zhao Hongliang mentioned Lin Junfeng, the atmosphere at the dinner table suddenly became heated. Everyone began to discuss each other's recent situation, some people showed envy, while others expressed emotion.

"Speaking of which, Zhong Laoer, your wife Zhou Xiaobai is now the most outstanding one in the two classes of our Yan University. I heard that she was recently promoted to county magistrate. After she is transferred back, you will have to be promoted again, right? As a husband, you must be under a lot of pressure, right?" Liu Lianhai said half-jokingly.

Zhong Yuemin pretended to be helpless and shrugged. "Well, who says it's not true? I have such a capable wife at home, and I feel like I'm just living off her."

Zhong Yuemin's words caused everyone to burst into laughter.

Lin Shufang laughed and scolded, "Go away, stop pretending here."

Liu Linhai patted Zhong Yuemin on the shoulder. "Yuemin, we all know that you and Zhou Xiaobai are in true love, and your relationship is going well."

"That's right, Yuemin, you two support each other and make progress together. It's really enviable."

Liu Minghua laughed and teased, "Yuemin, you have to work hard and don't let Zhou Xiaobai look down on you."

Zhong Yuemin looked innocent. "I've tried my best, okay?"

Everyone agreed and then raised their glasses together to toast their friendship.

In this joyful atmosphere, the subtle tension at the wedding gradually dissipated, and was replaced by a strong sense of friendship among classmates.

After Zhao Hongliang finished the last round of toasts, he hurriedly left the table amid everyone's blessings, leaving behind unfinished laughter and some subtle discussions.

Lin Shufang took a sip of the wine in her hand, a hint of barely perceptible contempt flashed in her eyes, and she said softly, "I wondered whose daughter Zhao Hongliang married, but it turns out she's from Director Li's family. This is quite a show."

Zhong Yuemin raised his eyebrows slightly when he heard this. He was not familiar with Director Li, so he just smiled and did not respond.

Liu Lianhai, who seemed to know a lot about officialdom, took over the conversation and said, "Director Li has a lot of experience. I heard that he will be assigned to a local position soon. This is a big move."

After graduation, Liu Lianhai was assigned to the Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters. Although it doesn't sound like a prestigious department, it is actually a good place to achieve political achievements and accumulate experience. His words reveal a keen insight into the dynamics of officialdom.

Lin Shufang shook her head, with a sneer on her face. "No hope. Director Li is old. At most he can only wait until retirement. There is no room for advancement. However, for Zhao Hongliang, this marriage is still helpful. At least it can help him avoid some detours in his career."

Liu Lianhai thought for a moment before nodding his head. "That's right. After all, in the capital, it's always much easier to get things done with a capable backer."

The other students at the table also nodded in agreement, and the topic gradually shifted from Zhao Hongliang's wedding to the changing situation in the officialdom.

Zhong Yuemin sat at the table, unable to get a word in. He could only clink glasses with the people around him, using alcohol to dispel the unspeakable sense of alienation.

Only two years after graduation, Zhong Yuemin has already deeply felt the gap between him and his classmates. Liu Minghua, Zhou Guohua, Liu Lianhai and others, because of their prominent units, were constantly approached to toast, and their faces were filled with pride and satisfaction.

Even Lin Shufang, because of her high status in the department, was called "Director Lin" by everyone, even though her title and qualifications were not deep. But these did not hinder her popularity at the wedding, because in this circle, the size of the government office often determines a person's weight and influence.

Zhong Yuemin watched this scene with mixed feelings. He understood that behind this seemingly glamorous social occasion, there was a complex network of interpersonal relationships and power games.

Although these cadres in ministerial or vice-ministerial agencies are not of high rank, their units have deep roots, and it is crucial for many district or municipal cadres to have good relations with them.

Especially for those cadres stationed in Beijing, running forward has almost become their daily behavior. In this circle, missing one person's relationship may make things difficult.

Therefore, they have to remain vigilant and sharp at all times, trying to seize every possible opportunity to expand their network.

None of these people knew Zhong Yuemin, and he was happy to be alone and have food and drink there.

Several men were pulled to other tables and there was no way to refuse.

Probably because Lin Shufang was a woman, people who came to toast her could only exchange a few pleasantries and were reluctant to approach her.

Soon, only Zhong Yuemin and Lin Shufang were left at the table. Lin Shufang suddenly asked Zhong Yuemin, "Have you ever thought about taking it a step further?"

Zhong Yuemin found it a little funny and asked curiously, "How can we go one step further? Is there any shortcut?"

Lin Shufang whispered, "I have a party school quota here, I can give it to you. This is a good opportunity for you to make a difference in politics."

After hearing this, Zhong Yuemin shook his head and smiled. "Shufang, thank you for your kindness. However, I have never thought about entering politics, and my personality is not suitable for it. I still like to live freely and do what I like."

Lin Shufang was so kind that Zhong Yuemin took her for granted. She couldn't help but feel a little angry. She glared at Zhong Yuemin, her tone sharp. "Zhong Lao Er, don't I know you? On the surface, you are gentle and casual, but deep down you are very noble. It is said that being noble is a good thing, but being noble also depends on your ability and skills. Not everyone can be noble if they want to be."

Zhong Yuemin frowned slightly when he heard this, but then he regained his cynical smile. "Sister, what are you talking about? I'm not as noble as you say. I just think that everyone has their own aspirations, and the best one is the one that suits them."

Lin Shufang was not relenting and continued, "I'm afraid that you've only learned the word 'aloof', but in the end you won't be that high. Don't fly a kite under the bed. You're crawling on your own and you think you're flying so high. Zhong Yuemin, let me tell you, this society is very realistic. Without background and connections, it's as hard as climbing to the sky to climb up."

Zhong Yuemin was amused after hearing what Lin Shufang said. He looked at her seriously and said, "Sister, I know you are doing this for my own good, but everyone has their own way of living. I don't deny that this society has its rules, but I also don't believe that people without background and connections are doomed to fail. I believe that as long as you work hard, you will always have a place of your own."

Seeing Zhong Yuemin's persistence, Lin Shufang knew that it was useless to continue talking. She sighed. "Zhong Yuemin, you are always so stubborn. Forget it, I won't say anything to you. I just hope that you can understand in the future that this society is much more complicated than you think."

The atmosphere between the two was a little awkward for a moment, but it was soon drowned out by the noise around them.

Suddenly, a deep voice interrupted their conversation. "Xiao Zhong, there's no one at your table! I'll sit here."

Before Zhong Yuemin could say anything, Lin Shufang had already stood up and said with a smile, "Director Tian, ​​please take a seat."

After Director Tian sat down, he looked at Zhong Yuemin curiously. "Xiao Zhong, where are you from? Why is there no one to accompany you?"

Zhong Yuemin looked at Director Tian and muttered to himself that he didn't know this person! At this moment, Lin Shufang looked at Zhong Yuemin who was standing there in a daze and gently kicked him with her foot, signaling him to respond quickly.

"Director Tian, ​​we are all classmates of Comrade Zhao Hongliang. There were a few other classmates here, but they were pulled to other tables." Lin Shufang explained quickly.

Director Tian smiled after hearing this, and then said to Zhong Yuemin who was standing there in a daze, "Xiao Zhong, you have never seen me, but Minister Zhong is my old leader. We often hear him mention you!"

Zhong Yuemin realized that this person must be one of Zhong Shanyue's men. He was no longer polite and raised his glass and said, "Uncle Tian, ​​I toast to you. I often heard my father talk about you, but I didn't recognize you at first. I'm really embarrassed."

"Okay, okay." Director Tian laughed heartily, then drank all the wine in the glass in one breath, showing his boldness and unruly nature.

Lin Shufang was stunned by this scene. She was secretly surprised and had a new understanding of Zhong Yuemin's identity. Director Tian's old leader, there were not many leaders with the surname Zhong. Could it be the legendary Minister Zhong?

Lin Shufang showed an expression of disbelief on her face, but she couldn't help but secretly look at Zhong Yuemin, trying to find more clues from him.

After Director Tian came over, the atmosphere at the table instantly became lively. People came to toast one after another, and they all seemed to want to get close to Director Tian. Even Director Li, Zhao Hongliang's father-in-law, came over. He looked a little surprised to see Director Tian sitting here.

"Director Tian, ​​why are you sitting here? The main seat over there is waiting for you!" Director Li said politely, trying to lead Director Tian to a more honorable seat.

However, Director Tian waved his hand and said, "I won't go there. I'll stay here with Xiao Zhong." As he said that, he specifically nodded to Director Li, motioning him to sit down and chat with him.

Although Director Li felt a little embarrassed, he didn't want to offend Director Tian, ​​so he had to sit down reluctantly.

However, from his eyes, it can be seen that he was very surprised that Director Tian valued Zhong Yuemin so much. Zhong Yuemin, on the other hand, looked calm and unhurried.

As the banquet ended, people left one after another. Because it was the bride's family's bridal chamber, everyone thought it was pointless to make a fuss, so they quickly dispersed.

On the way home, Zhong Yuemin felt a little depressed. After more than two years of graduation, the gap between classmates has obviously widened.

Most of my classmates are successful in life. Although none of them hold high official positions among their classmates, there are differences in their ranks, and this is fully reflected in their right to speak at the dinner table.

Zhong Yuemin knows that this is the rule of society. Whether consciously or unconsciously, everyone has to follow it. Where there is a protagonist, there is a supporting role, and the supporting role cannot steal the show, so they can only shut up. If you don't work in a government agency, who will care about you?

Zhong Yuemin thought about the gap between himself and his classmates, and he couldn't help but feel a little emotional. As time goes by, this gap will probably get bigger and bigger.

But Zhong Yuemin knew that he was not suited to the political path. Instead of forcing himself to conform to those rules, it would be better to be a rich man.

Therefore, Zhong Yuemin made up his mind to pave the way for his wife.