Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 911 - 912: It’s Lonely at the Top

Chapter 911: Chapter 912: It’s Lonely at the Top

Song Xiaodong received a call from Lin Su’er. The city leaders were coming to the Su Family to express their regards to Song Xiaodong, so he naturally had to meet them.

Soon, Lin Su’er accompanied the city leaders to the Su Family Courtyard.

The Secretary expressed his gratitude immediately, "Patriarch Song, this time it was thanks to your intervention that the major accident didn’t escalate into a bigger issue."

Song Xiaodong smiled and said, "After all, I’m a doctor. Saving lives is my responsibility. Besides, I also want to make a name for our hospital. So, no need for the two of you to be so polite."

The Mayor quickly added, "We will definitely arrange for publicity. The Second Hospital truly made a significant contribution this time."

The two then inquired briefly about Song Xiaodong’s health. Once business matters were discussed, the atmosphere shifted to casual chatting.

Taking a sip of tea, the Mayor remarked, "Patriarch Song, since you’ve joined the Su Family, the collaboration between our city and the Su Family has been delightful, which has made my position as Mayor quite respectable. It’s just unfortunate that... there won’t be many such opportunities in the future."

Song Xiaodong replied, "Mayor, is it because of a new assignment?"

The Secretary laughed and said, "He’s getting promoted."

Song Xiaodong chuckled heartily, "Now that’s a great cause for celebration!"

"Patriarch Song, I really owe you my thanks," the Mayor said gratefully.

"Mayor, you’re too kind. Everyone benefits mutually." Song Xiaodong squinted slightly. He wasn’t entirely clear why the Mayor was thanking him, but as the Family Head, he naturally wouldn’t ask directly, responding vaguely instead.

"Correct, you arranged to transfer your person to Minghe, so I took the opportunity to secure a good position for myself. Of course, I owe my thanks to you."

Only then did Song Xiaodong understand what was going on. Shen Dongyang was being transferred to Minghe to serve as Mayor. Naturally, this required relocating the current Mayor. If the transfer was lateral in rank, it might not proceed smoothly, so an elevation in rank was needed. Thus, the Mayor gained a promotion.

Additionally, the fact that Song Xiaodong managed to get Shen Dongyang appointed as Mayor of Minghe indicated the extent of Song Xiaodong’s influential background. This naturally made the Mayor more courteous toward Song Xiaodong.

Song Xiaodong smiled and said, "That’s also a testament to your work capability, Mayor. Regardless, this is worth celebrating. Tonight, let me treat the two of you to a drink. You must agree."

Song Xiaodong hosted the city leaders for dinner at home, and the atmosphere was exceptionally harmonious. After seeing the leaders off, Shen Dongyang’s phone call came through.

"Little Song, the transfer is finalized. I’ll report there in a week."

Although he tried to sound calm, Shen Dongyang couldn’t hide his excitement. In less than half a year, he had gone from a Vice Mayor of a small town to being promoted to Mayor of Minghe, an economically advanced city. This rapid rise was nearly too much for him to keep his composure.

Song Xiaodong laughed and said, "Before your report, I must give Mayor Song a welcome banquet. Once you’ve reported, it won’t be as convenient to host you."

"Alright, alright. But Little Yue has already bought her ticket for tomorrow. Could you arrange something for her first?"

"Of course. Little Yue is like a sister to me. I’ll bring her to my place to stay."

"Thank you for the trouble."

After hanging up, Song Xiaodong leaned against the sofa, squinting his eyes. Song Xiaoru walked over and sat beside him, saying, "Why do you look so thoughtful?"

Song Xiaodong wrapped his arm around Song Xiaoru’s waist and said, "Sis, power is truly an incredible thing. It can shape so many people’s lives. Take Shen Dongyang, for example. If he relied on himself, even working until retirement, he might only manage to become a Mayor of this level. But with my backing, he advanced to being the Mayor of a major city in just half a year."

Song Xiaoru looked at Song Xiaodong in surprise, "What’s gotten into you today?"

Song Xiaodong said seriously, "Sis, I suddenly feel a bit scared... scared that I’ll lose myself, that the allure of power might blind me someday, leading me to do things I shouldn’t."

Song Xiaoru firmly shook her head and said, "That won’t happen. You’re not someone who greedily craves power, and you have your principles when it comes to decision-making. You won’t let that happen."

Song Xiaodong shook his head as well, "Sis, that’s how I feel now, but I truly don’t know how I might change in the future. I’ve already gained so much from the benefits of power. I’m worried that I might not be able to let go one day and resort to extreme measures to hold on to what I have. So..."

Song Xiaodong paused, then stared directly into Song Xiaoru’s eyes, saying, "Sis, you have to remind me. No matter when or under what circumstances, if I make a wrong decision, you must remind me."

Looking at Song Xiaodong, Song Xiaoru’s face broke into a radiant smile. She said, "The fact that you can stay alert and self-reflect means there’s no problem. If you ever lose that awareness, I promise I’ll remind you."

Song Xiaodong nodded, leaned his head on Song Xiaoru’s shoulder, and said, "Sis, no matter what happens, you’re still my sister, and you have to keep looking out for me."

Song Xiaoru chuckled, "It sounds like you’re experiencing the loneliness of a high position."

Song Xiaodong gave a subtle laugh, "Maybe."

"By the way, didn’t you think Little Ling and Little Shu seemed a bit odd today?" Song Xiaoru switched the topic.

"What do you mean?" Song Xiaodong asked with a smile.

"Those two girls seemed even more well-behaved and were always hovering around us. Especially Little Shu—I can clearly sense she’s trying to win our favor. Did you promise them something? Is that why they’re acting this way?"

A bit awkward, Song Xiaodong recounted today’s events to Song Xiaoru. Hearing this, Song Xiaoru chuckled and said, "I knew it. Those two girls had a plan all along. So that’s what it was."

"Sis, you don’t blame me, do you?"

After thinking for a moment, Song Xiaoru replied, "It feels like everyone is more accepting of the girls you interacted with earlier, but if they were the newer ones causing trouble, it might not be so easy to manage. Honestly, with so many people already in the household, isn’t it enough?"

Song Xiaodong said, "It’s not like I have a habit of seeking novelty or leaving the old behind. Maybe it’s just that I’ve gotten used to teasing those two girls and didn’t pay attention to my own behavior. Ultimately, this is on me."

"Well, moving forward, try to be more mindful. If those two join, along with Sun Ziyun, there will be ten people. Everyone will have less time to spend with you, and I’m afraid resentment might build up after a while."

Song Xiaodong nodded, "I’ll be careful."

"Sis also knows you’re not someone who acts recklessly, so just let things flow naturally. Don’t burden yourself too much over it. Be open about it with everyone, and that should be fine. By the way, Zi Yun has been in the household for quite a while now, but you still rarely pay her any attention. That’s not fair—you should at least give her some clarity."