Chapter 80 Desolate Prospects for Men and Women

ng upon his current issues following his failure with a difficult problem, Su Cen gradually reduced the time he spent borrowing books from his maternal uncle and slowed down his studies on various top...Volume 2: Sailing Towards New Journeys Chapter 80: Men and Women with a Bleak Future

The night after eating dinner with Zhou Guotao, upon returning to the company’s courtyard, I encountered the chairman of Dafeng Construction, Sun Jiayong.

Upon seeing Su Cen's family, Sun Jiayong warmly addressed him first. "Little Su Cen, are you out having dinner again with your parents That's good. Isn't summer vacation about to end You'll be leaving soon, and your parents miss you a lot when you're away, especially your dad; he looks very proud whenever he talks about you."

Su Cen had a good impression of Sun Jiayong. This man truly possessed genuine talent and also had extensive experience in managing large state-owned enterprises. Despite his stern demeanor during group meetings to implement policies, he was approachable and warm-hearted when interacting with others.

Whenever Su Cen saw him, Sun Jiayong immediately exuded a sincere warmth that made people feel at ease. During some high-level banquets hosted by Su Licheng which Su Cen had participated in, the way Sun Jiayong conducted himself and spoke left Su Cen feeling like he was still lacking in terms of interpersonal skills.

After exchanging pleasantries with Su Cen's family, Sun Jiayong smiled at Su Licheng. "You're having dinner with Secretary Wang, right Just great! In a couple of days when you run into him, mention it to him. I've prepared the materials and will send them over whenever is convenient for him."

Since partnering up with Su Licheng, Sun Jiayong has always given off an impression of steadily seeking victory while remaining calm and composed. He has shown significant support for Su Licheng's efforts in reforming Dafeng Construction. They work together harmoniously, and despite Su Licheng having close ties with the city leaders like Wang Bo, Sun Jiayong doesn't feel threatened or inferior, nor does he strive to compete for a position.

On the contrary, Sun Jiayong often supports Su Licheng from the side. Without Sun Jiayong's assistance, it would have been nearly impossible for Su Licheng to push through the reforms at Dafeng Construction.

Their partnership includes checks and balances, seeking common ground while respecting differences. The mutual understanding, support, and care between them cannot be put into words.

Yet in reality, they have a subtle relationship: They respect each other, give each other space, and are comrades working towards the same goal. They remember when the other helped them with something significant. But they can't openly embrace and drink large bowls of alcohol together as it would be too vulgar. Nor can they engage in lofty discussions, as that would be too superficial. There's enough of such relationships in reality where people's interests diverge.

So the relationship between gentlemen is understood by all.

Sun Jiayong bid farewell without pressing Su Licheng about what was discussed at dinner with Wang Bo, just as he had always supported Su Licheng's reforms. At this moment when everything seemed to be settling down after the inspection team’s arrival, Sun Jiayong patted Su Licheng on the shoulder and left with a smile, his expression hinting at envy.

***** Upon returning home, Su Cen was still in shock about Zhou Guotao learning of his situation from Tang Wu's influential grandmother. It wasn't just him; even Su Licheng, Zeng Ke, and Wang Bo were amazed by this.

The topic didn't go deeper afterwards, with Zhou Guotao casually mentioning that he had created a social network site. This made Su Cen look at Zhou Guotao in new light, considering his standing and ability to know about him was quite remarkable. Of course, if Mu Qin were involved, it would be another story.

Afterwards, they discussed some matters. Zhou Guotao exchanged views on the group's diversified operations with Su Licheng and negotiated several opinions regarding disciplinary actions for corrupt officials in Chengdu with Wang Bo.

Su Licheng and Zeng Ke didn't expect that their contact with Su Cen would be through Tang Wu’s grandmother, which indirectly indicated a close relationship between the young couple. As parents on the male side, they felt relieved about this development. Wang Bo also seemed more relaxed during his subsequent conversation with Zhou Guotao as Zhou had explained their connection, making him feel more at ease around Su Cen. In summary, this dinner with high-ranking officials from the inspection team ended peacefully.

"It seems Tang Wu's grandmother likes you quite a bit, Su Licheng. You met both elders in Shanghai thanks to Little Tang Wu’s arrangement, right Girls usually side with their boyfriends; you're still young now and have plenty of time ahead. Take good care of her," Zeng Ke reminded Su Cen as she continued educating him when they got home. This was the first time Zeng Ke learned about Tang Wu's family background, making her feel that this girl is quite extraordinary. Coupled with Tang Wu’s lotus-like temperament, she liked her even more.

Su Licheng leaned back on the sofa with a smile and occasionally inquired about Su Cen's meeting with his in-laws in Shanghai and his university life. The family watched TV while lounging on the couch, enjoying their warm conversation for a change.

After resolving major issues, the arrival of the central inspection group and new policies from the State Council altered the political landscape in southwestern China, leading to a fresh situation. The reform measures aimed at Dafeng Construction finally crumbled under this broad trend. With fewer trivial matters troubling him mentally, coupled with Su Cen's success both academically and professionally and his relationship with Tang Wu going smoothly, it was most comforting.

At times when faced with challenging problems, Su Licheng didn't need to think about employees' lives or the fates of tens of thousands. He just needed to think of his family to feel that enduring hardships now would be worthwhile. That’s what makes Su Licheng different—he isn’t a broad-minded and caring visionary but merely an ordinary father.

Zhou Guota also belongs to a branch of the Mu family and might have been invited by Wang Bo for old times, which could explain why he extended an invitation to his own household as well. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that Zhou Guota stands on their side. People at Zhou’s level are very clear about major principles. Perhaps it is only because of his close relationship with the Mu family and Wang Bo's connection to Su Licheng that they invited them for a get-together, perhaps also in anticipation of future interactions.

Zhou Guota’s actions might not carry much deeper meaning; he may have just acted on impulse. Yet, Suen Chuan feels quite pressured. He has vaguely sensed the latent power behind the low-key demeanor of Tang Wu's family and who stands behind them.

The relationship between him and Tang Wu will eventually become clear or even progress to a higher stage; then countless eyes with varying perspectives—observant, arrogant, conservative—will be watching him. All sorts of evaluations would emerge. To achieve his goal, he must have the audacity to employ bold measures.

Of course, it might just be that the Central Inspection Team chief invited Suen Chuan’s family out of courtesy and without any ulterior motives. Yet, the aftershocks resulting from this action cannot be predicted.

Lately, some rumors have put Su Licheng at the center of attention. The recent exposure by the Central Inspection Team has revealed issues with certain corrupt officials, leading to a reshuffle in provincial politics. It is said that Wang’s faction has benefited most from this summer's political maneuvering. Prior to the state-owned stock reduction event, Su Licheng might receive some form of compensation for the significant pressure he faced; this compensation may likely be a personnel adjustment.

The dinner and talk with the Central Inspection Team chief were merely preludes to an intricate set of political maneuvers.

Speculations abound.

Rongcheng, as the provincial capital, is brimming with information. Rumors and whispers circulate daily, but most people simply dismiss them. For those who have worked in government circles for years, these rumors are nothing new; they merely smile it off without believing everything they hear.

However, when the hot topic of state-owned stock reduction is combined with political differences between Wang Bo and Guo Jiangtiao, along with conflicts among notable young figures like Wang Weiwu, Su Chuan, and Yi Lihuan in private conversations, it becomes increasingly sensitive.

*A few days later, at a riverside bar behind Rong University, Suen Chuan, Tang Wu, Wang Weiwu, Lin Luoran, Lin Zhouwu, as well as Zhao Pengyu and Lu Nannan of the “Kunpeng” group still in Rongcheng, gathered to bid farewell before their separate ways for the new semester at university.

Lin Zhouwu was animatedly recounting funny anecdotes from his military academy days. "Our instructor told us that when they were fighting back then, the local government would send them a banner after each fight—why Because those they fought with were all local hoodlums. In the army, we practice combat and anti-combat skills every day; we're always thinking about how to hit more effectively. Finally encountering some unwise locals gave us an outlet for our efforts—we were doing the people a service while getting practical experience in fighting. Some groups would arrive by truck, but after a short time they'd lose heart because their opponents were too tough—just one or two blows and you could grab a thick steel rod without dodging."

Wang Weiwu promptly interrupted Lin Zhouwu's storytelling. "Enough already! Everyone knows that exaggeration is the most practical pastime in your military world."

"If you had gone back to Henan with me, Wang Weiwei, if I mention my name in the bars near our school, they wouldn't charge you a cent," Lin Zhouwu retorted indignantly.

Lin Luoran, who was sipping her ice smoothie, rolled her eyes at him. "Is that something to boast about You haven’t made any progress."

The others were accustomed to seeing the younger sister scold her brother and shared a knowing smile.

Lin Zhouwu chuckled, “I wish I could make some progress too; it’s just that every time I meet this guy Suen Chuan, something always happens. It's never dull when he's around. But Suen Chuan, you’ve hit the jackpot this time—your dad is likely to be promoted again, isn’t he”

Suen Chuan was taken aback, "Who told you that"

"Sources close to me suggest that your family’s transfer direction is wide open. One position is the CEO of an energy group in Panhong City; another could be the mayor of Chuncheng, or a Central Committee member post either southward towards Huzhou or northbound to Jindu. Do you think today's your turn to buy everyone drinks"

"Sources close to you" Lin Luoran pouted. "If you ask Suen Chuan, he'll know more than anyone else. But do you always find ways to mooch off him"

Lin Zhouwu spoke with a hint of jealousy: “Tang Wu is sitting right next to Su Chuan. Little sister.” He nudged his elbow outwards. "Isn’t your arm already starting to wander

The crowd started to make noise, and Lin Luoran glared at Lin Zhouwu, pinching him fiercely. Due to the lighting, her face was flushed as she quickly glanced at Tang Wu, who was standing next to Su Chen beside a bar. Tang Wu's long hair and slender neck formed an enchanting yet delicate scene, and with a slight smile, she indicated that she didn't mind.

Relieved, Lin Luoran turned back around and continued to pinch the pain-stricken Lin Zhouwu who was trying to avoid her biting grip. Inwardly, she cursed herself for being weak; what did it matter if Tang Wu minded or not Why should she feel relieved about that She cooled her slightly flushed face with a cup of icy slush in her hand and felt that this wasn’t like her.

At this time, there was already a group of people at the bar who had noticed Su Chen and his companions. They weren't simply attracted to Tang Wu and Lin Luoran's beauty; in fact, this bar was full of handsome men and pretty women. In an area with such a high concentration of good-looking individuals, it wasn’t surprising for one or two outstanding figures not to attract much attention.

It also wasn't because Su Chen’s group stood out too much; everyone here was quite open-minded, and while there weren’t the usual loud crowds found in bars, many people were still engaging in high-sounding conversations.

The reason this crowd noticed them was simply that they knew Su Chen personally.

This group consisted of seven men and six women, a rather large circle. A female member asked one of the males with admiration, "Are these guys from your old school They're such high achievers!"

"Yes, but now...嘖嘖," said the 20-year-old male named Gao Xiang, who was famous in Chengdu last year as one of ten students from No. 27 High School accepted into Tsinghua or Peking University. It's rumored that these ten individuals had a book published about them called "Take the Lead: Waiting for You at Tsinghua and Peking," which is usually a bestseller. This year, it reportedly sold very well; each of the ten students from No. 27 High who were admitted to Tsinghua or Peking University received over ten thousand yuan, allowing them to start their own ventures.

Gao Xiang, along with his companions Lu Yuxin and Liu Li, were three of those ten people; as they rose in status, they naturally became favorites among relatives and friends. This was a common mentality among Chinese people; although universities had varying strengths, this era generally revered Tsinghua and Peking University, hence the phenomenon where once admitted to these institutions, one could become an honored golden phoenix that would bring glory to their family and attract media attention.

The three felt somewhat proud in their social circles. The value of wealth comparisons they had in high school gradually shifted after entering university. Now surrounding Gao Xiang were mostly those who came from slightly better-off families during high school, but upon graduation, the comparison was no longer about family background, but rather whether one attended a prestigious university and how capable they are.

As talented students at Tsinghua or Peking University, their status in society is evident; being envied and respected by former friends gives them a sense of vanity that cannot be denied.

At this moment, Gao Xiang saw Tang Wu again, whom he had secretly liked in high school.

In No. 27 High School's graduating class, few did not know Su Chen and Tang Wu; their stories were often topics of discussion. The brilliance they displayed made many people feel inferior, including Gao Xiang.

After that period, Gao Xiang and some other classmates from No. 27 High had heard occasional news about the two, such as both not choosing Tsinghua or Peking University but instead being recommended to Nanjing University together. The subsequent rumors suggested they were living happily together, though there were also whispers of them breaking up.

However, the fact that Tang Wu and Su Chen are now seen in a loving relationship with friends clearly dispels such rumors.

Gao Xiang and two others from No. 27 High approached the group under everyone's gaze; while they may not have gained much academically at Tsinghua or Peking University, their inner pride and demeanor were evident, making them seem different from a year ago. With friends constantly trying to be close with them, Gao Xiang and others had truly transformed.

"Tang Wu Su Chen" As Gao Xiang and his companions approached where Su Chen's group was gathered, they smiled slightly.

“Yes, you're here too” Su Chen didn’t recognize these former top students from No. 27 High, but Tang Wu still recognized them, smiling as she looked up.

"Yes yes, what a coincidence! I almost couldn't recognize you two. Did you come back for the holidays Where are you studying in Shanghai—Tongji or Nanjing University" Gao Xiang was struck by Tang Wu’s even more elegant beauty compared to her high school days and his heart gave an involuntary twist.

"We're at Nanjing University. You guys" Tang Wu nodded, already feeling delighted to see former classmates from No. 27 High.

“I’m currently in the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua; Liu Li is studying life sciences at Peking University’s College of Life Sciences; Lu Yuxin is at Peking University Law School. They’ve been busy, so we only returned to Chengdu a few days ago and are meeting up now. I might be going to Tianjin in a few days to meet with some famous directors," Gao Xiang naturally introduced himself, though his tone was tinged with arrogance which everyone could hear clearly.

Luli, who had been introduced earlier, stood up while Tang Wu, sitting beside her, was being scrutinized from head to toe by Luli. She pointed at Gu Xiaozhong, who seemed a bit intimidated upon seeing them, and said in an authoritative tone, "Gu Xiaozhong, which school are you applying for now I told you back then that if you don't put in effort, even attending a junior college will be difficult. So, where did you end up going"

She used to be Gu Xiaozhong's class monitor and deskmate before the high school grade division. She was strict with homework assignments, and during exams, she would cover her test papers carefully so that he couldn't sneak a peek at them. Normally, she would scold him frequently, similar to this kind of "brainwashing" behavior which was not out of character for her.

Gu Xiaozhong reported the name of his second-tier university truthfully. Luli stared at him with an eerie look and said in surprise, "I didn't expect you to have changed your surname too. Fine, it's quite a feat for someone like you to even get into this school."

Gu Xiaozhong looked very uncomfortable and wanted to ask what she meant by "someone like me", but the old class monitor's sharp-tongued manner still intimidated him.

Gao Xiang noticed that many people on Su Can’s side had sour looks, so he quickly changed the subject. He suggested, "Why don't you guys come over to our place later for a game We're all friends; we can look out for each other when you come to Beijing in the future."

Tang Wu shook her head and glanced at the time on her watch before saying to Gao Xiang, "I won’t go. I need to leave." She then turned to Su Can with a gentle smile, “It's about time for me to go.”

Gao Xiang and his friends seemed rather arrogant; it was evident that Tang Wu wasn't pleased.

"Let me take you home," said Su Can as he got up and nodded politely at Gao Xiang, then escorted Tang Wu out.

The trio—Gao Xiang, Luli, and Lu Yuxin—exchanged glances that betrayed a sense of disappointment. They felt something was missing; in their memories, the bright boy and girl from Sunshine High School once shone brightly but now seemed like ordinary people seen everywhere in bars.

They could have climbed higher peaks such as Peking University or Tsinghua University, where they would meet a broader range of individuals and gain perspectives beyond imagination for common folks. However, they chose to be mediocre just for some meaningless comfort.

They could have shone brighter than any of them; when opportunities were right before their eyes, they foolishly let them slip away. They ended up attending universities with far less competitiveness like Nanjing University and got swallowed by the city life in Shanghai, becoming ordinary people very quickly. Sometimes life is hard to measure for its dramatic turns.

Gao Xiang wasn't sure if this was a sigh of regret towards their mundane lives in the future. When he saw Su Can and Tang Wu walking out of the bar side by side, it felt as though two once shining boys and girls had suddenly vanished into time.

*** Every day in life happens to others, to you, and to us. Just like how people admire wealth, status, and power, some people always hear stories about rich folks' lives, while others sing praises of tales not their own; still, there are those who yearn for the spotlight.

Despite Su Can pursuing a clearer path forward with unwavering determination, never giving up on running towards his goals, and even doing things in this holiday that he had previously dared not imagine, leading to various unpredictable consequences.

However, those who met him or interacted with him during the summer recalled seeing a calm, low-key person without any outstanding characteristics.

He would occasionally join his friends at small bars for drinks; these weren’t exclusive clubs but ordinary water bars. When he encountered relatives and elders in the neighborhood, he always greeted them with smiles, leaving the older folks only memories of his cheerful face. He hadn't yet appeared in media advertisements or promotional materials. On the streets, he didn't drive his own car. He would go to discount KTVs to sing "Summer's Song" along with many others.

During those days when he was just an ordinary person.

(To be continued)t to pat her head left a faint sense of loss in her heart.Fully updated third chapter, thank you for your votes and support!The encouragement from Brother FirePeak made me feel very honored. Thank you...