https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-844-Returning-to-the-City-of-Envy/13041260/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-846-Past-Doubts-and-Uncertainties/13041262/
Chapter 845: New Paths from Old Beginnings
Chapter 845: New Paths from Old Beginnings
Zhu Xian held Chen Chuan's hand and laughed, "Deputy Director Chen, I and my colleagues heard that you're returning, and we're all delighted. We couldn't help but come to welcome you."
Chen Chuan said, "I'm just coming back for the New Year to visit my family. I didn't want to disturb everyone, but you all are so thoughtful."
"Not at all, Deputy Director Chen. You're one of us from Yangzhi. This time, when you return, the locals are eagerly awaiting your arrival. As local officials, we listen to the voices of the people. Of course, we must come to greet you properly. If we don't, the people of Yangzhi won't approve, and my colleagues here will say that I, Zhu, don't understand etiquette, right?"
Zhu Xian glanced behind him as he spoke, and the surrounding group of Civil Affairs Bureau officials chuckled in agreement.
Zhu Xian was skilled at gauging the situation. He knew that Chen Chuan was a martial artist, not a true bureaucrat like them. His position was earned through his own martial prowess, not political maneuvering. Too much officialdom would only annoy people, so after a few polite words, he conveyed his message concisely and effectively. Having observed the formalities, he refrained from saying more.
At this moment, Guan Yuming approached. He had watched Chen Chuan grow up, but now he was his subordinate. His emotions were undoubtedly complex, but he didn't show any signs of seniority. He approached with a solemn salute and a robust voice, saying, "Deputy Director Chen."
This simple salute seemed to indicate a special relationship between him and Chen Chuan.
Chen Chuan returned the salute and nodded, saying, "Director Guan."
After this, the main officials from Yangzhi City, both familiar and unfamiliar, came forward to shake Chen Chuan's hand. Some were enthusiastic, while others were solemn. However, under Zhu Xian's arrangement, the crowd didn't linger for long. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they politely withdrew.
Only then did Chen Chuan have a moment to turn around and dismiss the team members who had followed him. They saluted him, and everyone left.
He took a moment to straighten himself and walked towards Nian Fuli's family, who were approaching from behind. From a distance, he saw the two little ones jumping and waving at him, shouting, "Uncle, Uncle!"
Chen Chuan smiled and walked up to Nian Fuli and Yu Wan. "Auntie, Uncle, I'm back. How are you?"
Yu Wan's eyes suddenly grew warm. She quickly pressed her hand against her eyes and then lowered it, revealing a smile. "Good, we're all good."
Nian Fuli looked at him, at his crisp uniform, and at the inherent air of valor he exuded. Emotions welled up within him. He nodded and said, "Good! Chuan, we're all good."
The two little ones raised their hands and said, "Uncle, Uncle, we're good too! We're really good!"
Chen Chuan smiled and patted the heads of the two children. He called out to the sky, and Chao Ming descended from the sky, landing beside the family. His current size was impressive, causing those around to exclaim in surprise. The two children looked at him for a moment before rushing forward with a 'wah' and hugging Chao Ming, as if squeezing themselves into his soft feathers.
Yu Wan smiled and said to Chen Chuan, "Chan'er, let's head back."
Chen Chuan nodded.
As they walked back, Wei Chang'an removed his hat and approached Wei Laohu. "Dad, I'm back."
Wei Laohu straightened his chest, looking left and right. He gave him a playful punch and said, "Good son, you've brought honor to your old man! This uniform looks great. My son, Wei Laohu's son, is so handsome. Just ask if they're impressed or not?" The last sentence was loud enough for half the street to hear.
Wei Chang'an couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time. "Dad, it's all thanks to Chen Chuan's praise."
Wei Laohu said, "That's right. So we should thank him." He stepped closer and said solemnly, "Follow him and do things well. This junior brother of yours has talent. I've seen many capable people, but they all got stuck in the mud, and no one pulled them out. Being able to mentor you is the greatest favor. Don't be ungrateful and forget your surname. Our Wei family doesn't have ungrateful people!"
Wei Chang'an nodded solemnly. "Dad, I understand this principle, Dad."
Wei Laohu nodded in satisfaction, then grabbed his son's arm and glared at him. "You came back and only remembered to greet your old man? What about your uncles and aunts? They're the elders who watched you grow up. You can't forget your roots." He turned and shouted towards his colleagues, "I'm telling you, not a single one of them can be missed today!"
Wei Chang'an was a bit helpless, but what could he do? His father was happy today. He had to go along with his wishes.
The Patrol Bureau colleagues all wore smiles on their faces, but inside, they secretly cursed Wei Laohu. Several of them had already decided to teach their sons a lesson when they got home. Why didn't they bring honor to their father?
Zhu Xian arrived at the back, and at this moment, Xiao Pan handed him two documents. "Governor, these are the news drafts for today and tomorrow. Please take a look."
Zhu Xian took them and made a slight movement with his hand. Xiao Pan immediately handed him a pen. After making a few revisions, he said, "Send them out as is." He added, "Remember to let me see the prints first."
Xiao Pan respectfully said, "Rest assured, I'm keeping an eye on it. I'll deliver them as soon as they're ready."
"Zhu Xian glanced at the direction of the airship, paused for a moment, and said, 'Let's go back.' Then, as if remembering something, he added, 'Don't cause any trouble in Yangzhi these days.'
Secretary Xiao Pan quickly agreed and said, 'Commissioner Guan has made all the arrangements. You can rest assured.'
Zhu Xian didn't say anything more and headed towards his private car.
At that moment, the airship was unloading the packages and vehicles that Chen Chuan and the others had brought from the Central City. After landing, dedicated service personnel were helping to transport them to Nian Fuli's home.
Chen Chuan and Nian Fuli led the way into the alley, followed by most of the neighbors. The crowd was chattering non-stop as they walked, with voices coming from both sides.
Many neighbors were also standing on both sides of the street, watching them pass by, and whispering among themselves.
'Xiao Chuan has grown taller, and he looks so impressive in that uniform.'
'Haven't you heard? Xiao Chuan is a martial artist, and now he's a deputy governor. Do you know what that means? Of course, he's impressive.'
'You two, keep your voices down. Why are you calling him Xiao Chuan? You should call him Deputy Governor Chen!' The speaker raised his thumb, 'He's the highest-ranking official in the Central City, equal to the top official there. He can arm-wrestle with the best of them!'
'That's right. I just saw it outside. Governor Zhu was smiling so hard his wrinkles were showing. He was flattering so much, bending over so deeply that his head almost touched the ground.'
This remark elicited laughter from the crowd. Somehow, these words were satisfying to hear, as if Governor Zhu's flattery was directed at them.
After Chen Chuan and his aunt's family returned home, the neighbors helped them move the items Chen Chuan had brought. Chen Chuan also distributed many gifts to them.
He had brought numerous presents, some from the Besa Khanate, some from overseas, and some gifted by the Fusion Frontier Corporation. Even after distributing large and small packages, the remaining gifts almost filled the living room.
There is a mistake-free version of the book in the 16th edition!
The two little ones were the happiest, as they had received many gifts, including a white fluffy creature each. This creature, native to Fusion Land, was originally non-lethal but later bred as a pet.
The creature was fluffy, round, and plump, resembling a rabbit, and it bounced like a ball. When patted, it emitted a cheerful 'yo-yo' sound. When hungry, it would burrow into the soil to absorb nutrients, so keeping it in a large pot was sufficient. It could be said that it was a favorite among children.
Yu Wan suggested they play in the courtyard, and Chen Chuan sat down to chat with them for a while. He shared some news from the Central City, and after finishing a cigarette, he said, 'Uncle, Aunt, why don't you bring your nephew and niece with me to the Central City this time?'
Nian Fuli touched his head, and Yu Wan stood up to hand him a pack of cigarettes. She whispered, 'Old man, you're the head of the family. It's your decision.'
Nian Fuli lit one and took a moment to think. 'Well, Xiao Chuan, you mentioned this before, and I discussed it with your aunt. At that time, we thought it would be better to stay in Yangzhi. I've known the neighbors and familiar faces around here since we were kids. If we move, I'll miss them.'
But after you came back today, I've been thinking. Will they still treat us the same as before? I'm afraid Nian Lu and Nian Lady will be affected too.'
He took a puff and shook his head. 'It won't be the same.'
Chen Chuan nodded. Now that he held such a high position, those who wanted to flatter him or had ulterior motives would seek him out. If they couldn't find him, they would turn to Nian Fuli's family.
The closer he was to Nian Fuli, the more such situations would arise. He had just returned, and it wouldn't be long before the phone started ringing with calls from those who wanted to flatter him. It wouldn't be a suitable environment for Nian Lu and Nian Lady, and it wasn't very safe.
Nian Fuli finished his cigarette, tapping it a few times in the ashtray. 'Yu Wan, what do you think?'
Yu Wan held his hand and said, 'Old man, you're the head of the family. It's your call.'
'Hmm.'
Nian Fuli raised his head, stubbed out the cigarette, and said, 'Xiao Chuan, your uncle, aunt, and your nephew and niece will follow your arrangement this time.'
Seeing their agreement, Chen Chuan was also pleased. He said, 'Aunt, Uncle, rest assured. I've made all the arrangements in the Central City. I can even arrange for teachers to come and teach your nephew and niece, or they can go to specialized schools.'
The distance from Yangzhi to the Central City wasn't far. If his uncle and aunt wanted to visit Yangzhi later, or if neighbors wanted to see them, Chen Chuan could arrange transportation at any time. If there's anything else, just let me know.'
'That's great, Xiao Chuan. You're being very thoughtful.'
Chen Chuan's expression turned serious. 'There's one more thing. I want to inform my aunt and uncle in advance, and this is also my reason for wanting the whole family to move to the Central City.'
...
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(End of Chapter)
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