Chapter 2: The Grim Reality

report on work. 。Chairman Gao said, "Comrade Zhang's work is still quite methodical." 。"Seagull, why don't you show some respect to Director Zhang"Although Li Haiyan's usual tolerance for alcohol was...After leaving the hospital, Xiao Zheng went straight to the cake shop in the county town. 。However, the bakery had already closed. 。At a glance, Xiao Zheng saw on the door handle of the cake shop a blackboard notice that read "This shop's business hours: 8:00 am—8:00 pm". 。Xiao Zheng looked at his watch, it was indeed 8:30 in the evening. 。It was only then that he suddenly remembered the cake shop girl reminding him when he ordered the cake to pick it up before eight o'clock in the evening. 。Indeed, I was the one who arrived late. 。

Things have come to this, there's no other way. If I buy something else now, it will only delay things further. It's best to go to my girlfriend's place first and explain the situation to her aunt later. After all, I was late because I saved someone, and what I did was a good deed. I should be able to get her understanding. 。Summer rain comes quickly and goes quickly, at this moment the rain has completely stopped. 。Xiao Zheng rode his motorcycle for about 20 minutes and finally arrived at Chen Hong's house. 。He rushed up the stairs and knocked on the door. 。

When the door opened, it was Chen Hong. Seeing Xiao Zheng, she looked surprised: "Xiao Zheng, how did you come Didn't I tell you not to come" Xiao Zheng had been rescuing people at the collapsed road section and then rode his motorcycle to the hospital in the rain. His clothes were mostly wet, and there was some yellow mud on his pants. At this moment, he looked rather disheveled. 。Chen Hong saw him like this, and frowned unpleasantly. 。Xiao Zheng hurriedly explained, "Chen Hong, I wasn't intentionally late today. There was something going on in the village." 。Chen Hong glanced at Xiao Zheng's hand, it was empty, her expression darkened again. 。Xiao Zheng realized this and immediately explained: "I ordered the cake in advance. Because it's late, the cake shop is closed, so I can't get it for now. I'll pick it up tomorrow." 。"Tomorrow isn't my mom's birthday anymore, so I don't need it. " 。"Chen Hong said unhappily, "You'd better go back quickly. Our birthday will be here soon." 。Xiao Zheng thought that just leaving like this wouldn't be good, so he insisted: "Chen Hong, let me go in for a moment. I want to tell Auntie 'Happy Birthday'." 。Chen Hong said, "No need really, it's not necessary." 。"Who is it" Chen Hong's father, Chen Guangming's voice rang out from inside. 。Because the living room has a foyer, Xiao Zheng couldn't see inside, he hurriedly said: "Uncle, Aunt, I'm Xiao Zheng!" 。I'm here to wish Aunt a happy birthday. 。“Chen Guangming didn’t answer him, but instead Chen Hong’s mother, Sun Wenmin, said: “I have already heard ” 。Xiao Zheng, we've finished dinner, you should go back now. 。"

Xiao Zheng was quite strange. Chen Hong's parents didn't even invite him in for a sit, which didn't seem to align with their usual courtesy. " 。It seems he's truly dissatisfied with himself. 。Xiao Zheng thought, the more this was the case, the more he couldn't just walk away. 。And, he was in a special situation today. Saving someone's life is a big deal after all, and Chen Hong's father, Chen Guangming, is also a leading official. He would definitely understand and forgive him. 。Xiao Zheng insisted, "Chen Hong, let me go in for a bit. I just want to see your parents and say a few words before leaving." 。Chen Hong suddenly became anxious: "Really, no need..." 。However, Xiao Zheng took off his shoes and squeezed into the living room from beside Chen Hong. He felt it was necessary to explain the situation in this kind of setting. 。Chen Hong tried to stop him, but she couldn't. She said unhappily, "Xiao Zheng, what's wrong with you!"

At this time, Xiao Zheng had already entered the living room. However, everything before his eyes made Xiao Zheng stunned. 。Apart from Chen Guangming and Sun Wenmin, there was also another person sitting in the restaurant. 。

This Xiao Zheng is very familiar to him, he is the director of the Party and Government Office in the town, Cai Shao Hua. 。How could Cai Shaohua be at his girlfriend's house Moreover, both Chen Guangming and Cai Shaohua had white wine in their cups, while Sun Wenmin and Chen Hong had red wine. There was also a half-eaten cake in the middle of the table. 。。Even a fool could guess that Cai Shaohua came today to celebrate Sun Wenmin's birthday!

Xiao Zheng vaguely felt something was up. He turned to Chen Hong behind him and said, "Is this the reason why you told me not to come"

Chen Hong didn't know how to answer, she was taken aback for a moment 。Cai Shaohua stepped forward and handed over a Panda cigarette, smiling and saying: "Xiao Zheng, come on, have a smoke. This is Panda brand, you may not even be able to get it usually" 。There is no doubt that this is a hint to Xiao Zheng, implying that the panda cigarettes on the liquor cabinet were sent to him by Cai Shaohua. 。"No, thanks!" Xiao Zheng usually smoked too, but he naturally wouldn't take the cigarette. 。He looked at his girlfriend Chen Hong again and asked, "Chen Hong, is this the reason you told me not to come"

Chen Hong's expression was slightly embarrassed, and she looked to her parents for help. 。Chen Guangming stood up from his chair and looked at Xiao Zheng, saying: "Since you're here, let's just make things clear." 。Both your aunt and I think it's not suitable for you to continue dating Chen Hong. 。So, we think you should just part ways amicably. 。"Sun Wenmin also said: 'I agree.'" 。I was originally going to ask Chen Hong to schedule a time to speak with you privately, but since you're here today, let's just get everything out in the open together. 。“Why” Xiao Zheng was incredulous, hurt. “I truly care for Chen Hong, and we’ve been together for 9 years!” He and Chen Hong had been dating since their sophomore year of university. Didn't her parents have a heart to let them say this just like that!

Sun Wenmin said, "Xiao Zheng, you know it's been 9 years! How many 9 years can a girl have And in these 9 years, have you made any progress It doesn’t count when you were studying. You've already worked for 7 years, have you bought a house A car Or gotten promoted to a leadership position Chen Hong is 28 now, she can't wait forever!"

So it was all about money and status. Xiao Zheng looked at Chen Hong: “Just because of these material things”

Sun Wenmin didn’t wait for her daughter to answer before interjecting: "Isn't there a popular saying now Ideals are full, reality is bone-chilling" 。Xiao Zheng, you need to make a woman happy, material things are the foundation. 。You might think that water is enough, but do you really want Chen Hong to only drink water for the rest of her life

Xiao Zheng: "Auntie, you have to believe me, I will have all this in the future. I said I would make Chen Hong happy, and I will definitely keep my promise." 。“Later What is later Do you want Chen Hong to wait another 10 years” Sun Wenmin snorted.

Xiao Zheng said fiercely, “Auntie, I swear, at most two more years, I will give Chen Hong all of this.” 。"Xiao Zheng, you're exaggerating. " 。"Cai Shaohua, who was standing nearby, suddenly chimed in, “You swear that within two years, you want a house, a car, and a promotion That sounds like a load of bull! Everyone in town knows your job at the safety station. You never know when there might be an accident at the mine, and then your job is gone! They're serious about holding people accountable for workplace safety." 。Xiao Zheng immediately understood. Chen Hong had mentioned earlier that her parents heard about the high risks of his job, and it turned out Cai Shaohua was spreading rumors!Why would Cai Shaohua do this Xiao Zheng suddenly remembered that Chen Hong's father, Chen Guangming, had recently been promoted to Director of the County Agricultural Bureau. This was an important position 。Cai Shaohua is the director of the Party and Government Office in town. As long as he takes another step forward, he will be able to enter the deputy department-level leadership ranks. 。Chen Guangming's connections in the county are crucial to Cai Shaohua. 。Is Cai Shao Hua approaching Chen Hong because of this If that's really the case, it would be too despicable. 。hing. Are you not satisfied"Xiao Zheng knew Chen Hong's character, she liked things clear and straightforward, so he took out a hundred yuan: "Here you go." 。"I still have to thank you for running er...