Free Web NovelChapter 421: Chapter 421: All Friends
"Even if you start a factory, the profits belong to the commune. If we can work there, we’d be the workers, and we’d be the ones earning money. It doesn’t seem to have much to do with you." Ji Yongdiao wasn’t a fool. After listening to Xu Ancheng, this was his first reaction. freēwēbnovel.com
"Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the rest." Xu Ancheng said, knowing that after choosing the site, building the factory, introducing machinery, and completing all the formalities, the official opening would be next year, when the policies might be different.
"Now all I need from you is a yes or no on whether you want to do this with me. If you refuse, I’ll find someone else."
To be honest, Xu Ancheng’s words made Ji Yongdiao and the six others feel a bit hopeful. Xu Kaisheng and the five others were even more fired up. They desperately hoped for a job so their families could have more to eat.
"Director Ji, is that your youngest son?"
Xu Ancheng and his group were seated on one side, near the window, at the first table on the second floor. They were easily visible to anyone coming upstairs.
With his back to the staircase, Xu Ancheng faced Ji Yongdiao, who was directly in front of the staircase. Ji Huaijun and the city government officials, along with members of their police station’s leadership, had come to the restaurant for a meal.
Today, the city government leaders came to the city police bureau to award honor medals to Dongji City’s police. A certain organization in the East Province had been destroyed, and all its members captured, with Dongji City playing a key role.
Such an occasion certainly called for celebration, so the group of seven came to the state-owned restaurant.
Ji Huaijun hadn’t expected to immediately run into his youngest son upon arriving. Looking at the few people sitting around his son, who were usually the delinquents hanging out with him, he furrowed his brows in displeasure.
"It really is Little Dao." The people from Dongji City’s police bureau all knew Ji Yongdiao. Living in the same compound, they were familiar with each other. Vice Director Liu chimed in with the observation.
"Ignore him. Let’s enjoy our meal," Ji Huaijun awkwardly replied.
"I guess the leader hasn’t seen Director Ji’s youngest son before?"
Listening to Liu Guibang’s voice ignited a flash of anger in Ji Huaijun’s eyes. Liu Guibang had been transferred there last year, and they hadn’t gotten along. When the Dongji City’s police director got promoted to the provincial department, many thought Liu was brought in to be the director, only to find out it was Vice Director Ji who got promoted. Since then, their relationship had been tense.
"Little Dao." Liu Guibang suddenly raised his voice, calling out Ji Yongdiao’s name.
Ji Yongdiao immediately lifted his head and saw Ji Huaijun among the group at the stairway’s entrance. His face turned a shade pale as he quickly stood up. While not every face was familiar, he knew all his father’s colleagues at the police bureau.
"Uncle Liu," Ji Yongdiao called nervously. freēwēbnovel.com
"Director Wang, this is Director Ji’s youngest son, Ji Yongdiao."
Upon hearing that Liu Guibang was introducing him to the mayor, Ji Yongdiao grew even more anxious. While he wasn’t exceptional, he didn’t want to embarrass his father.
Wang Chengdong initially intended to just nod as a greeting, but upon seeing Xu Ancheng’s turned face, he hesitated briefly before breaking into a smile.
"Ancheng," Wang Chengdong took a few steps forward, bypassing the crowd, including the nearest Liu Guibang, to get to Xu Ancheng’s side.
"Uncle Wang," Xu Ancheng greeted with a smile, "what a coincidence."
"Yes, just two days ago I had a meal here with you all. Didn’t expect to bump into you again today," Wang Chengdong expressed regret upon seeing the almost empty table, "Had I known, we’d have come earlier to dine together."
The warmth and affection Wang Chengdong showed to Xu Ancheng was clear to Ji Huaijun and his group, and also to Liu Guibang.
"Huaijun, you’re not playing fair. Why didn’t you mention your son knows Ancheng?" Wang Chengdong playfully scolded, deviating from his usual address of "Old Ji."
In truth, Ji Huaijun had no idea about his youngest son’s acquaintances.
"I truly didn’t know," Ji Huaijun said, somewhat embarrassed, "I’ve mainly focused my energies on work. To be honest, I’ve been negligent with the kids."
Seeing that Ji Huaijun genuinely didn’t know Xu Ancheng, Wang Chengdong believed him.
"Huaijun, this is your youngest son, huh? Looks quite spirited." Wang Chengdong nodded approvingly at Ji Yongdiao.
"Mayor Wang," Ji Yongdiao greeted with respectful anxiety.
"Mm," Wang Chengdong acknowledged with a nod, then looked at Xu Ancheng standing beside him, "When are you heading back to Jing City? Xiuming will be staying at my place these days. You and Roujing should come by for a meal. Your aunt makes excellent Cantonese food."
"Haven’t decided when I’ll go back," Xu Ancheng said with a smile, "I’ll check with Uncle to see any plans. If convenient, I’ll visit Uncle Wang in the next couple of days."
"Eh, don’t mention it as a bother," Wang Chengdong said cheerfully.
Ji Huaijun now stood beside Ji Yongdiao, "Little Dao, are these your friends?"
Ji Yongdiao was still somewhat out of it. For the first time, both his father and his father’s colleagues looked at him so kindly, and even the mayor was amicable towards him. He wasn’t naive; he could see it was all because of Xu Ancheng.
"I..." Ji Yongdiao had only met Xu Ancheng for the second time. They weren’t quite friends, but denying their acquaintance now seemed unwise. Explaining how he met Xu Ancheng was also tricky.
"Hello, Mr. Ji. I’m Xu Ancheng. Although Little Dao and I haven’t known each other long, we hit it off right away. We’ll definitely stay in touch in the future. Please guide us," Xu Ancheng said warmly to Ji Huaijun.
"When I first met Little Dao, I realized he was a kind-hearted and loyal person. Mr. Ji, you’ve raised wonderful children."
Surprised yet delighted, Ji Huaijun felt proud as his son was praised, even if not exceptionally outstanding. Receiving compliments from outsiders about one’s child made him feel honored. "This kid has a soft heart, always has been since he was young."
"Hahaha, if Ancheng says so, it must be true," Wang Chengdong laughed heartily, "Ancheng is a teacher at Jing University, an excellent judge of character, and well-versed in education."
"Oh, almost forgot. Huaijun might not know Ancheng’s name, but the title ’Mrs. An’ should be familiar," Wang Chengdong recalled Xu Ancheng’s contributions in criminal investigation using the codename "Mrs. An."
Upon hearing the title, Ji Huaijun looked bewildered. He certainly knew "Mrs. An," who had been instrumental in their recent arrests of the organization.
More astonishing to Ji Huaijun was that his youngest son knew such a person.
