https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-843-Departing-with-Friends-and-Foes/12983012/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-845-Old-Acquaintances-and-New-Journeys/12983026/
Chapter 844: The City's Envy
Chapter 844: The City's Envy
In the Yangzhi City Civil Affairs Bureau, the Civil Affairs Chief, Zhu Xian, was handling official duties when his secretary hurriedly approached, speaking in a hushed tone, "Chief Zhu, there's a reception notice telegram from the Central City."
Zhu Xian paused his writing and asked, "Which High Official is coming?"
"The Defense Chief of the Central City, Chen Chuan."
"So, he's really coming back."
Although Zhu Xian was the Civil Affairs Chief of a peripheral city, he had always kept a close eye on the news from the Central City. He also received internal notifications about important personnel changes there.
The Defense Chief was on par with the Secretary of State of the Central City, a full two ranks higher than him.
Zhu Xian immediately began contemplating the situation. This year, Chen Chuan might return for the New Year, and he needed to prepare in advance.
However, starting the preparations early might seem overly obsequious, and Chen Chuan probably wouldn't appreciate it. So, Zhu Xian didn't make any grand gestures, but he secretly instructed his trusted subordinates to take care of the necessary tasks in advance. Now, it seemed, the time had come to put those preparations to use.
Zhu Xian glanced at the telegram, which had been sent over an hour ago. Considering the travel time, Chen Chuan would likely arrive in less than an hour.
Given Chen Chuan's current status, it was customary to notify the local authorities whenever he traveled. However, since this trip wasn't official, notifying them in advance might cause unnecessary trouble for the local officials and their subordinates. On the other hand, not saying anything at all would be inappropriate, so Chen Chuan sent a message just as he was about to reach Yangzhi.
Regarding Chen Chuan's status as a fighter, after signing the agreement, he only needed to inform the Martial Arts Council when traveling, without involving the local government. It was similar to when Mr. Chen had visited Yangzhi; it was done quietly, without drawing attention.
Zhu Xian instructed his secretary, "Secretary Pan, call and inform the others to welcome Chief Chen."
"Yes, Chief Zhu," the secretary replied promptly.
Half an hour later, in front of the Yangzhi City Patrol Bureau Residential Area, all the streets leading to the area had been sealed off and put under strict security.
Guan Yuming arrived in person, and his deputy surveyed the surroundings, saying, "Director, is this really necessary? Chief Chen might not appreciate it."
Guan Yuming responded, "Chief Zhu instructed us to do this, so we're just following orders."
After a while, Zhu Xian's car arrived, accompanied by other key officials from the Civil Affairs Bureau. It could be said that almost all officials, except those responsible for maintaining the city's operations, were present. Guan Yuming led his team to greet them, then stood by Zhu Xian's side, waiting together.
Wei Laohu stood among the crowd at the back, chatting casually with his colleagues. His voice was exceptionally loud, as if it could be heard from two streets away, "My son is coming back to see me this year. Hey, he's even obtained citizenship in the Central City this year!"
A captain behind him couldn't help but comment, "Look at Wei Laohu showing off."
Someone nearby added, "If my son had citizenship in the Central City, I'd be showing off too."
"Is that his son's ability? It's all because of Captain Nian's nephew," the captain continued, unable to contain himself. "Wei Laohu is so lucky. His son has hit the jackpot!"
Everyone present looked at Wei Laohu in the distance, feeling envious. Why hadn't their younger generation encountered such good fortune?
The news of Chen Chuan becoming a fighter had reached Yangzhi some time ago, but it hadn't caused much of a stir. Most fighters in Yangzhi were at the first or second limit, with a few at the third limit in the Wuyi Academy and the Patrol Bureau. However, without witnessing their fights, it was challenging to gauge their strength.
But the officials could understand the significance of Chen Chuan's position. Rumor had it that his rank was now much higher than Zhu Xian's, making him a truly high-ranking official.
In the streets behind, not far from the residential area, Nian Fuli and Yu Wan stood with Nian Lu and Nian Mo. Fortunately, despite the winter season, there was no wind, and they didn't feel cold.
Not far from them, a crowd of curious neighbors peered in their direction, their eyes filled with envy.
Every time Chen Chuan returned to visit Nian Fuli's family, it became a hot topic for the neighbors, often sparking discussions that lasted for months. But before long, another wave of discussions would ensue, and the impact on them grew more significant each time. This time, the situation exceeded their imagination, leaving many neighbors in a state of excitement, as if they were Chen Chuan's closest relatives.
Nian Mo looked at the lively crowd in the distance and asked, "Dad, so many people are here to welcome Uncle Chen. Has he been promoted again?"
Nian Fuli sighed, "Your Uncle Chen is capable." He looked around and added, "Don't just look at me. All these officials here outrank me. They're all here today, so it's the same."
"Dad," Nian Mo said, "If I become a high official one day, I'll make sure you stand at the front when I return."
Nian Fuli gently patted his son's head and scolded with a smile, "You brat, how can you talk like that? You want your father to welcome you when you become successful? No matter how successful you are, I'll always be your father!"
Nian Mo hugged his head, saying, "Dad, don't hit my head. I'll get stupid if you keep hitting it."
"Stupid?"
I see you're too smart for your own good. Go back and finish your homework, not a word missing!"
"Dad~"
Yu Wan smiled as she watched the father and son talk, then looked ahead, her mind wandering. With Chan's achievement today, she wouldn't suddenly disappear like her second sister, would she? At this thought, she instinctively hugged her two children tightly.
Suddenly, a loud shout came from the front: "Here they come!"
The bustling sounds around them quieted, and the entire street fell silent.
The crowd had been craning their necks to look at the road, but soon someone pointed upwards, "There they are!"
They looked up and saw a black dot in the sky, which, as it approached, revealed itself to be a silver airship. They could faintly hear the sound of the propeller blades.
Then they noticed that there was more than one airship; two smaller ones followed behind, but they seemed insignificant compared to the massive one in front.
At that moment, Secretary Zhu quickly approached the Nian family and bowed, "Captain Nian." He nodded to Yu Wan, "Mrs. Nian, I'm Secretary Zhu, just call me Little Pan. Director Zhu asked me to inform you that we've confirmed the airship passengers include your nephew, Director Chen. Do you want to go to the front...?"
Nian Fuli hesitated, then shook his head, "I think I'll stay here." Yu Wan spoke up, "Thank you, Secretary Pan. We'll stay here with the neighbors. You've gone to a lot of trouble, Secretary Pan."
Secretary Pan understood that the family didn't want to show off; they preferred to keep a low profile. He smiled, "You're too kind. I'm just a messenger, doing my job. It's nothing compared to the hardships Captain Nian endures. Director Zhu has seen the heavy burden the Patrol Bureau bears over the years. Well, I'll be off then."
After Secretary Pan left, Yu Wan teased Nian Fuli, "Old man, it's unlike you not to go up."
Nian Fuli glared at her, "Is that what you think of me?" He glanced down and saw Nian Mo and Nian Lu looking up at him. As he was about to glare at them, they quickly lowered their heads.
Yu Wan patted him, exasperated, "Why scare the children? Showing off your officialdom? There are plenty of people up there who will fawn over you."
Nian Fuli took off his hat, running his hand over his stubbly scalp, and said helplessly, "I was thinking, since Xiao Chuan is already in the spotlight, we shouldn't draw too much attention. If we do, all sorts of people will swarm our doorstep. Besides, we can't help him; we'd only be a burden."
Yu Wan looked at him, "Old man, that's a sensible thing to say."
Nian Fuli gave a short laugh, patted his hat, and put it back on, straightening his back, "When have I ever been unreliable?"
Yu Wan reached up to straighten his hat and smooth his collar, gently brushing off some dust, and nodded. The two children looked at them and snuggled closer.
As the airship drew closer, it appeared enormous to the onlookers, stretching about two to three hundred meters. Without a mooring tower in the area, the entire street had to be cleared.
The airship soon arrived above the street, its propeller blades whirring loudly, the airflow causing the surrounding leaves to rustle.
In the crowd's gaze, the three airships slowly descended, the noise growing louder, prompting people to cover their ears.
When they were about ten meters above the ground, a rope ladder unfurled from the combat airship, and armed personnel, guns at the ready, quickly descended and took positions at both ends of the street.
At that moment, a ten-meter-long gangplank opened beneath the large airship, detaching from the bottom and slowly lowering with the help of thick cables.
The sunlight was blinding, and the reflection from the airship was equally bright. Squinting, they could make out several figures standing at the top. Soon, the gangplank touched down, kicking up a cloud of dust.
Director Chen adjusted his hat and straightened his uniform, then strode out, the sunlight glinting off his brass buttons and shoulder insignia.
Behind him, Wei Chang'an, Wu Han, Feng Xiaoqi, Luo Kaiyuan, and others followed in his footsteps, all wearing the smart uniforms of the Operations Bureau, their boots creating a crisp, synchronized sound.
This sight caused everyone present to hold their breath. The oppressive aura they exuded was overwhelming, especially Director Chen. Despite his casual demeanor, his tall, imposing figure made everyone tense as he approached.
Civil Affairs Director Zhu, feeling the pressure, took a deep breath and forced his numb legs to move, leading the crowd forward to greet Director Chen. When he reached Director Chen, who stood half a head taller, he forced a smile, bowed slightly, and extended his hands for a firm handshake.
"Director Chen, welcome back to Yangzhi."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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