Official Career Storm
Chapter 689

Chapter 689: Chapter 689

Lin Wanqiu’s face was so red it could drip blood.

She thought Song Guanchao was just joking around and never expected him to really say those things to Minister Tang.

"Alright, I got it,"

"I’ll give a heads up later."

Minister Tang said, "Come on, let’s get to the table for dinner."

Lin Wanqiu realized that this big leader indeed had no airs about him.

Initially, she was a bit nervous and restrained, but soon relaxed as Grandma Xu chatted with her.

Now seated at the dining table, she felt much less constrained.

Seeing others drinking, she had a few glasses as well.

With a slight buzz from the alcohol, she relaxed even more.

The meal lasted until it was nearly ten at night.

During dinner, she noticed that Song Guanchao and Minister Tang had no barriers between them, as comfortable as if dining with his own grandpa.

Her curiosity about Song Guanchao only grew.

Who exactly was this man?

She always thought Song Guanchao was just an ordinary secretary.

But everything that happened at home this afternoon shattered her perception of him.

"Grandpa Tang, Grandma Xu, I’ll take my leave now."

"Go on, I need to sleep too."

When she got to the parking lot, the driver was already there.

The car drove all the way to the residential complex where Lin Wanqiu lived, but she didn’t let it drive inside and got off outside the complex.

Song Guanchao got out with her, letting Jia Peinan go ahead.

"Sister..."

"Am I really old?"

"Uh..."

You were the one who told me to call you sister.

Women really are changeable.

Lin Wanqiu said, "I asked you to call me sister so Li He would give me some face. I’m only 30."

In a low voice, she added: "Technically 29, but virtually 30."

Song Guanchao couldn’t help but laugh; girls really care about their age.

Lin Wanqiu glared at him: "What’s so funny? Do I seem old?"

"No, 29 is still very young."

"And you, I don’t even know your age."

"I’m virtually 27, technically 26, but..."

"But what?"

"But my mental age is much older, like in the 40s or 50s."

Song Guanchao said seriously, "So I’m technically older, you should call me brother, or rather, uncle."

Lin Wanqiu playfully spat, then suddenly stopped and said, "I don’t feel like going home yet."

"Then don’t go. I’ll walk with you."

"Okay."

The two strolled along the stone path outside the residential area. This villa area was tranquil amidst the hustle, conveniently located near a commercial zone.

Even after ten, it was still lively.

Passing a small supermarket, Song Guanchao asked, "Want some water?"

"Sure."

"Wait here."

Song Guanchao went in and bought two bottles of water, handing her one.

Lin Wanqiu suddenly asked, "Are you going back tomorrow?"

"The day after tomorrow, I think,"

Song Guanchao explained, "Didn’t we agree to treat Mayor Chen and the others to dinner tomorrow."

Lin Wanqiu was secretly pleased: "Tomorrow is Thursday, the day after is Friday, and then it’s the weekend. You probably won’t have much else to do when you return, right?"

"Why don’t you stay a few more days, and I’ll show you around Yanjing?"

Song Guanchao thought for a moment, "Alright, I’ll go back on Sunday then."

"Great, I’ll plan out the sightseeing route tomorrow."

Lin Wanqiu became excited, "I’ll be your guide and show you around Beijing."

Song Guanchao asked, "What’s fun in Yanjing?"

Lin Wanqiu listed off locations with familiarity, "There are many, like the Forbidden City, the zoo, the Great Wall..."

"But it’s all too vast; you have to drive long distances, and there’s always traffic."

She frowned slightly, then her expression brightened as if she thought of a brilliant idea, "Got it, I’ll book hotels near the attractions, and we can explore one area a day. That way, we won’t have to rush."

Song Guanchao nodded with a smile, willing to follow her plans and let her decide everything they do.

The two circled the villa area before returning to the entrance of the residential complex.

Song Guanchao accompanied her inside, noticing the buzz of conversation in the living room when they reached the courtyard.

They exchanged a glance, and Lin Wanqiu whispered, "It sounds like they’re still drinking."

Tiptoeing, they peeked over the courtyard wall.

The living room visible through the glass wall was filled with people sitting on the sofas and around the dining table, enjoying a lively atmosphere.

Even this late, they were still drinking.

As they entered the courtyard and opened the door, someone noticed their return and immediately announced, "Mr. Song is back."

Jiang Wangshan approached and said, "Guan Chao, did you drink tonight? Auntie made some hangover tea, let me get you a cup."

This guy was good at networking, able to mingle seamlessly—yesterday he suffered a slap from Song Guanchao, yet now was warmly addressing him as Guan Chao.

"Alright, then I’ll trouble you, Director Jiang."

"Hey, a few steps are no trouble. Take a seat, Wanqiu, you too. I’m the host today, so let me properly entertain you both."

It’s undeniable, Jiang Wangshan’s social skills were excellent; he managed to make people feel at ease.

Chen Bolli and the others had drunk quite a bit.

They were polite and knew their boundaries, choosing only to chat with Song Guanchao rather than pushing him to drink.

They talked about trivial matters, avoiding anything too deep to prevent any discomfort.

They were genuinely curious, eager to know Song Guanchao’s identity.

But they were also afraid that knowing too much might lead to surveillance from above.

After more than half an hour at Lin Wanqiu’s house, Li Jiuling said, "Old Lin, it’s quite late; we’ll head out first. Let’s arrange another time for you to visit my home. My wife can prepare a feast. I’m not bragging, but her cooking is top-notch!"

He gave a thumbs up, striking up a camaraderie with Lin Shize.

Over the course of the evening, the leaders and business figures demonstrated their impressive networking skills.

Everyone was seasoned and knew why they were gathered, aware of the underlying ties of mutual benefit.

No one broke the facade.

Gradually, people began to leave.

Soon, only Mr. and Mrs. Lin were left in the living room.

The Lin family’s relatives had also left.

The cousin, who had drunk a lot that night, continuously tried to talk to Lin Wanqiu after she returned, apologizing and asking for forgiveness for his earlier behavior.

Lin Shize looked at Song Guanchao with mixed feelings.

He wasn’t naive; he could see his daughter’s interest in Song Guanchao.

For a moment, he was uncertain how he should treat Song Guanchao.

"Mr. Song..."

"Uncle, just call me Xiao Song."

"Xiao Song, you... stay the night."

"No need, no need, my stuff is still at the hotel."

"Stay if you’re asked." Lin Wanqiu interjected: "You’re about the same size as my dad; you can wear his clothes."

It was a polite gesture, but with his daughter’s words, Lin Shize knew that Song Guanchao had to stay the night.

"I’ll have your aunt prepare a room, and I’ll get you some clothes."

This made Song Guanchao a bit uncomfortable.

Lin Wanqiu also felt a bit awkward.

After everyone left, the two sat facing each other on the sofa, the atmosphere carrying a subtle, awkward tension.