Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 818 - 819: Showing Off One’s Military Might

Chapter 818: Chapter 819: Showing Off One’s Military Might

"No private rooms available? What do you mean?" Jiang Xueliang’s eyebrows immediately furrowed.

"This, I’m terribly sorry, it’s just that a moment ago, Director Liu called me, saying he needed a private room to entertain guests, and all the other rooms are already serving food, so we really couldn’t free up any space, therefore we gave the room to Director Liu."

Liu Qingyuan..." Jiang Xueliang’s expression turned particularly ugly at once.

The hotel manager hurriedly said, "Director Jiang, I know that our hotel is at fault here, but as you know, the district office is an important client of ours, and I really can’t afford to offend them. Please, I’m asking for your understanding. We’ve already reserved a spot for you in the main dining area, and your meal will be on the house today."

Seeing her uncle’s expression, Li Sijie quickly said, "Forget it, the main dining area is fine. The atmosphere isn’t bad there."

Her aunt, Cui Ying, also sighed and said, "Old Jiang, let’s just let it go. It doesn’t make a difference where we eat."

Jiang Xueliang closed his eyes for a moment, then took a deep breath before saying, "Alright then, we’ll eat in the main dining area, but I don’t need you to comp our meal. As long as I, Jiang Xueliang, have come here, I won’t take advantage of you."

"Then a discount, a discount for sure," the manager said, relieved to see Jiang Xueliang agreeing. Even though Jiang Xueliang was no longer in such an important department as the district office, he was still an official, and the manager did not want to offend him either.

They sat down at a spot next to the window in the main hall. Jiang Xueliang chuckled self-deprecatingly, "I’ve made you all laugh. Now that your uncle isn’t in such an important position, I’m not being treated very well."

Cui Ying immediately said, "C’mon, why complain to the kids about this? It’s not bad holding a leisurely position, no need to worry about being investigated today or tomorrow. Even if you’re not corrupt or greedy, being under investigation is troublesome. Besides, constantly accompanying leaders and others, drinking so much it’s harmful to your health - it’s good to have time to recuperate. We aren’t lacking anything and we don’t owe anyone anything. Isn’t it better to lead a peaceful life?"

Jiang Xueliang shook his head and laughed, "That’s true. It’s better to earn an honest living and feel at ease. Come on, let’s order food. Little Song, even though I only earn a regular salary, I can still afford to treat you to a meal, so don’t hold back."

"I won’t hold back," Song Xiaodong said with a smile, nodding his head. His opinion of Jiang Xueliang had greatly improved, as he seemed to be a decent official from the way he talked.

When one’s status changes, so does their perspective on issues. Discovering Jiang Xueliang’s good character, Song Xiaodong contemplated helping him. Nepotism is not avoided when promoting the worthy. Although he’s now the Family Head of the Su Family, the people he employs are all from the Su Family. It’s quite difficult for them to be truly loyal to him; mostly, they’re just superficially aligned.

If he could foster his own loyal base, it would be easier for him to control the Su Family in the future. Jiang Xueliang was the first official to enter his radar.

After they ordered their food, the four of them sat waiting and chatting when suddenly a group of people walked into the hotel, and one of them headed straight for Song Xiaodong’s table.

The man was in his forties, half-bald, but with a ruddy complexion and a smile on his face. He came over to Jiang Xueliang and said, "Ah, Deputy Director Jiang, I’m really sorry for taking over your room, I apologize for the inconvenience."

As the man approached, Jiang Xueliang’s brow furrowed, but since he came over with a smile, Jiang Xueliang also stood up with a smile and said, "Director Liu, you’re too kind."

"Of course I need to be. You’re not just a deputy director now; you’re a full-fledged Section Chief. From deputy to chief, I have to come and congratulate you," Liu Qingyuan said with a beaming smile.

Jiang Xueliang’s mouth twitched, and he said, "Thank you, Director Liu."

"No thanks needed, we’ve worked together for a couple of years. How could I not take care of you? It took me great effort to kick you... ah, help you secure this position. Now you don’t have to feel underused under me, ha..."

Liu Qingyuan’s words were undeniably sarcastic, and his smiling face was full of smugness.

Jiang Xueliang’s face grew even darker as he gritted his teeth and said, "Thanks for all your help, Director Liu." The word "help" was uttered through clenched teeth.

Liu Qingyuan responded with a smirk that didn’t reach his eyes, "No problem at all, Chief Jiang. The Exhibition Hall is a very important department in our district, playing a key role in educating the next generation and nurturing the youth. This is the organization’s trust in you, and the leadership’s mark of esteem. You must not let us down on our expectations of you."

Jiang Xueliang’s expression worsened as he said, "Director Liu, thanks for your concern. I won’t keep you from entertaining your guests."

Liu Qingyuan chuckled, "You see, Chief Jiang, you probably feel quite resentful inside, thinking that you’ve always been competent, more educated and talented than me. You’ve always looked down on me, am I right?"

"I wouldn’t dare!" Jiang Xueliang bit back a response.

"You say you wouldn’t dare, but I know that’s what you’ve always thought. You think I’m incompetent and that I’ve only gotten where I am by sucking up and having a powerful brother-in-law. But what can you do about it? No matter how talented you are, you were once my subordinate, and now you’re sent to the Exhibition Hall to retire. No matter how capable you are, you won’t be needed."

Jiang Xueliang couldn’t hold back any longer, his voice stern, "Liu Qingyuan, have you said enough?"

Liu Qingyuan laughed heartily, "Of course not, I have to say more about such a happy matter. Don’t worry, I’ll bring people to visit your Exhibition Hall every now and then. You’ll have plenty of chances to show off. Maybe some leader will notice you and you’ll get promoted again."

Jiang Xueliang’s face turned shades of green and white, fully aware of the invisibility of his current unit. Although the Exhibition Hall was under the district’s purview and his position was technically that of a civil servant, it was incredibly difficult to be noticed there, let alone achieve any notable accomplishments. Once in that position, there was virtually no chance to reemerge.

Cui Ying had already turned red with anger, opening her mouth several times wanting to interject, but ultimately she held back. Her husband’s career was already in dire straits, and offending anyone further could make it even more difficult in the future. Despite knowing her husband was being humiliated, all she could do was endure.

Li Sijie was furious as well, her eyes turning to Song Xiaodong. Song Xiaodong squeezed her hand, then said flatly, "That might not be the case; perhaps this idiot might end up working under you tomorrow."