Chapter 24: "Flattery"

Lin Xiaoyan and Wang Xiaojun were the only remaining veteran employees of the Civil Affairs Office who had not been implicated in the recent corruption scandal.

Lin Xiaoyan, around forty years old, was a person of great integrity. Because she despised the conduct of Yang Delin and Xiao Bo and refused to associate with them, she had long been ostracized; she was also the only one who did not fear Yang Delin.

Wang Xiaojun, conversely, was timid and honest. Lacking the nerve to join Yang Delin in their schemes, he had ended up just like Lin Xiaoyan—a marginalized figure within the office.

It was precisely because of this that the two of them were able to keep their jobs and stay out of prison. As Li Dejun had said, those who weren't honest were behind bars, and those left behind were the honest ones.

Wang Xiaojun’s address of "Director" made Qin Feng feel a bit embarrassed; he had yet to adapt to this change in his status.

"Hello, everyone! Hello!" Qin Feng said, putting on a professional front after a moment of awkwardness.

"Hello, my foot. Do you really think you're a director now? Why don't you take a piss and look at your reflection to see if you've got the ability for it?" Yang Delin felt increasingly uncomfortable.

Qin Feng frowned but ignored him.

Qin Feng returned to his desk to pack his belongings; he had to move to the office next door.

"Director, let me help you." Seeing Qin Feng packing, Wang Xiaojun hurried over to assist.

"You damn monkey, are you a dog? You'll lick anything, won't you? Sit back down, did you hear me?" Yang Delin was furious at Wang Xiaojun’s sycophancy and threatened him.

Wang Xiaojun was a timid man by nature, having lived under Yang Delin's tyranny for years, and his fear was etched into his bones. At Yang Delin's shout, he was so frightened that he immediately sat back down.

"It’s alright, I can manage on my own. Sister Lin, two new colleagues are being transferred here shortly. Could you please coordinate with the general office and ask them to report as soon as possible so I can arrange things?" Qin Feng said to Lin Xiaoyan while packing.

Lin Xiaoyan was the only person in the Civil Affairs Office he respected, and he considered her the only one capable and trustworthy.

"Yes, alright," Lin Xiaoyan replied briefly.

"Also, please notify everyone that we will have a meeting here tomorrow at eight in the morning."

"Understood, I will notify them." Lin Xiaoyan nodded again.

"Oh, look at you, acting like you're actually someone important, calling meetings..." Yang Delin sneered, his heart consumed by extreme resentment.

Qin Feng still ignored him, carrying his belongings to the office that had previously belonged to Xiao Bo. He spent the entire afternoon locked in his office, contemplating how to proceed with the work of the Civil Affairs Office.

This was his first time in a leadership role, and it had happened without warning. He had never considered such a prospect before; it was overwhelming, but certainly exciting.

By the time Qin Feng emerged from the office and returned to the residential compound, it was already dark.

***

As he reached the entrance of his dormitory, Qin Feng remembered that Hong Haifeng had given him a set of keys earlier.

Qin Feng wasn't a fool; who would choose to live in those dilapidated quarters if they had better options? He wasn't a masochist.

He packed his things, grabbed his suitcase and backpack, and headed downstairs to the building where the women lived. Following the number on the keys, he found the room.

Upon arriving, he was surprised to discover that the room assigned to him was right next door to the woman’s. The realization brought a hint of excitement amid his surprise.

The woman’s door was closed, but the lights were on.

It was too late to disturb her, so Qin Feng unlocked his door and stepped inside.

The layout of the room was identical to hers. Although it wasn't large, it had everything necessary. It was spotlessly clean, fully furnished, and even had a television—a world of difference from the room he had occupied before.

Qin Feng began to unpack.

Just as he was settling in, the woman walked in.

She was wearing pajamas; although they were modest, Qin Feng still felt his blood run hot.

"Sister!"

"All moved in?" she asked with a smile, as if she had known he would come.

"Yes, we’re neighbors now. Please take care of me," Qin Feng joked.

"Do you need any help?"

"No, I don't have much. Just need to make the bed."

"You seem to be in a good mood today?" she asked, smiling.

"It’s always a good feeling to move into a better place," Qin Feng said, looking a bit sheepish.

The woman laughed at his embarrassment; she understood perfectly why he was in such high spirits.

"Since you don't need help, I'll go back to sleep. You should get some rest too once you're finished; I suspect you'll be quite busy during this period." She seemed to be hinting at something.

"Alright, good night!" Qin Feng missed the underlying meaning of her words.

"Good night!" she said and walked out.

The next morning, as soon as the woman stepped out, she saw Qin Feng waiting by the door.

"What are you doing standing here so early?" she asked curiously.

"Waiting for you."

She smiled, and they headed downstairs together.

After their run, they went back up to their respective rooms to shower and change.

Just as Qin Feng finished dressing, he heard the woman call out from next door: "Qin Feng..."

"Yes, Sister, what is it?" They didn't need phones; they could just call out to each other.

"Are you okay with bread and milk? If so, come over for breakfast."

"Sure." Qin Feng didn't stand on ceremony; he smoothed his hair and walked straight into her home.

The woman lived a refined life; breakfast consisted of milk and bread, which felt a bit out of place in this location.

"Milk and freshly toasted bread with cheese. Is that alright?"

"What else could I ask for when I can get this kind of meal here?" Qin Feng sat down and began to eat heartily.

"Eat up. You’re in for a big surprise today," she said with a smile after finishing breakfast.

"What kind of surprise?"

"You'll find out soon enough. Anyway, it’s time for work. You head out first, I’ll clear up."

"Alright, I’m off then." Qin Feng didn't overthink it and headed down to the Civil Affairs Office.

When he walked into the office, it was already time for work, but apart from Lin Xiaoyan and Wang Xiaojun, no one else had arrived.