The beautiful CEO falls in love with me
Chapter 615 - 596:

Chapter 615: Chapter 596:

Rustling...

The applause was enthusiastic. It was a great honor for a prefecture-level city’s commendation ceremony to welcome a bigwig from the Provincial Committee. You see, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of prefecture-level cities in Z Province, and those bigwigs from the Provincial Committee are too busy to attend them all.

Zhang Kaiguo went onstage and rattled on for a half-hour. The local representatives in the audience were beginning to struggle; they didn’t have experience with long meetings like this, and had been sitting for over half an hour. When Zhang Kaiguo finally stepped down, everyone applauded fervently, much to his delight.

Just when everyone thought the commendation ceremony was about to begin, the host said with a smile, "Next, let’s have Secretary Jiang Zhonggen say a few words!"

Just a few words, yet as soon as this bastard went up there, he rattled on for over half an hour again. The audience couldn’t take it anymore. Everyone started murmuring among themselves, waiting impatiently for Jiang Zhonggen to finish. Then it was the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Committee’s turn... and a whole bunch of other people.

By the time the commendation ceremony actually started, it was already noon, and people were famished. Nevertheless, they had to calm their hungry stomachs and wait for the ceremony to finally begin. The host chuckled, "The first to receive commendation is Fang Qin, team leader of Jianghuai City’s Criminal Police Team!"

A wave of stirring music followed as Fang Qin, wearing a crisp police uniform, stepped onto the stage and saluted the audience. The host spoke solemnly, "Comrade Fang Qin has made outstanding contributions to the harmonious society of Jianghuai City, ensuring the security of the people’s property..."

Rustling...

The audience burst into applause, and finally, the host announced, "The City Committee and City Government have decided to award Comrade Fang Qin with the title of ’People’s Fighter.’ We hope Comrade Fang Qin will continue her efforts for the harmonious society of Jianghuai City!"

"I will definitely live up to the tasks entrusted to me by the party and the nation!" Fang Qin saluted sharply.

"Next, please welcome Secretary Zhang Kaiguo to present the award to Comrade Fang Qin!" the host motioned invitingly.

The award ceremony began, recognizing five or six groups and individuals one after another. Finally, it was Ye Chen’s turn. Dressed in the uniform of Black Water Security Company, he was, in a way, advertising the security company.

"Now, this comrade, I believe many in Jianghuai City have already met him!" The host beamed at the audience, saying, "He is a celebrity in our Jianghuai City. Please welcome Comrade Ye Chen onto the stage!"

"Ye Chen? The one who’s been appearing frequently on TV lately?"

"Exactly, no wonder. First get your face known on TV, then get an award!"

The crowd buzzed with gossip, curiously watching Ye Chen ascend the stage. Ye Chen stood there, facing the audience, and said into the microphone, "Thank you to the government and everyone for giving me the opportunity to stand here."

"Mr. Ye, you’re being too modest!" the host laughed, looking at the audience and saying, "Everyone knows you’re a philanthropist, a businessman of Jianghuai City. Your notable achievements here have benefited many, and so the City Committee and City Government have decided to award you with the titles of ’Outstanding Entrepreneur’ and ’One of Jianghuai City’s Top Ten Outstanding Young Individuals!’"

"Uh... that’s a lot, isn’t it?" Ye Chen was startled.

"Haha, you’re the first person I’ve seen who thinks his accolades are too plentiful!" the host laughed heartily.

Then Zhang Kaiguo himself went onstage to award Ye Chen. It was rare to see a father-in-law awarding his son-in-law. Standing on the stage, Zhang Kaiguo chuckled at Ye Chen, "Xiao Ye, you’ve grown up. Remember to do things that are worthy of our country and our people. But don’t forget to visit my daughter from time to time!"

"This... Father-in-law, I will!" Ye Chen nodded awkwardly.

"Haha..." Zhang Kaiguo laughed heartily.

After the award ceremony ended, Ye Chen felt exhausted both mentally and physically for the first time. It turned out that receiving honors could be a burden too. He had sat there for a grueling four to five hours before the event finally concluded. Afterwards, Ye Chen was dragged off by Jiang Zhonggen for drinks, as the son-in-law of Secretary Zhang Kaiguo, how could he not seize the opportunity to build a closer relationship?

Ye Chen, this kid’s identity is too complicated, not only is he his son’s boss, but he’s also his own lifesaver, and he’s the son-in-law of his immediate superior... These dizzying roles almost made Jiang Zhonggen feel a bit overwhelmed.

At Jinsheng Hotel, a banquet had already been prepared, and the hotel staff had long been ready to receive guests. Upon seeing several official government cars arriving, the manager immediately scurried out and excitedly said, "Secretary Jiang, you’ve all arrived?"

"Yes, today the Provincial Party Secretary is the most important, so don’t let me down!" Jiang Zhonggen hastily waved his hand.

The manager was taken aback, his heart shocked—shit, bigwigs from the Provincial Committee are here. He quickly nodded and said, "Secretary Zhang is here too, oh my, this truly honors our hotel. This is incredible, I must hurry to prepare ink and brushes so that Secretary Zhang can leave us a keepsake!"

"Ha-ha, you little rascal, the slyest one!" Jiang Zhonggen laughed heartily.

"How could I be, today the food and drinks, all on the house, just for the memento of Secretary Zhang!" The manager’s eyes were filled with excitement as he said, "Although it might seem tacky, the calligraphy of Secretary Zhang is something money can’t buy!"

Ye Chen stood aside, watching these sycophantic faces. No wonder they say the officialdom is a big dye vat one must inevitably adapt to. Zhang Kaiguo also went along with the atmosphere, agreeing to the manager’s request.

A waiter immediately brought over a table, then ink, brush, paper, and inkstone were set up. Zhang Kaiguo was quite accomplished in calligraphy. Generally, officials need to know a bit of calligraphy, otherwise, it would be embarrassing when asked to leave a written memento in certain places.

Holding the brush, Zhang Kaiguo began to write on the Xuan paper, completing the work in one steady breath. On the paper, a few powerful and vigorous characters appeared before everyone’s eyes: Serve the People!

Alright, although it seemed a bit sloganish, Ye Chen had to admit, the calligraphy was indeed beautiful.

"Fantastic, fantastic!" The manager, looking at those beautiful characters, was extremely excited. It was the first time their hotel received a calligraphy piece from Secretary Zhang of the Provincial Committee, and they immediately decided to frame it and hang it up, later on to boast that their hotel had hosted an official of the Provincial Committee level.

In the private dining room, everyone was drinking and enjoying the meal. Ye Chen felt incredibly oppressed. This wasn’t dining; it was a hierarchy-based toast ceremony. Each person was toasting Secretary Zhang with utmost respect, following up with urging others to drink and eat, all while boasting and flattering. Ye Chen, absorbing it all through his ears and eyes, was almost driven insane. If he had to work in such an officialdom, no amount of money would make it worth it.

Fortunately, Ye Chen found an excuse to leave early, and no one had any objections. Although Ye Chen held no official title, given that he was Secretary Zhang’s son-in-law, no one dared to say anything.

Leaving Jinsheng Hotel, Ye Chen felt a lot more relaxed as he headed towards Jianghuai University.

Today was a holiday at Jianghuai University, so Ye Chen planned to pick up Liu Momo.

Yet, unexpectedly, just as he arrived at the university gate, he ran into trouble. A bunch of people had gathered at the entrance. Ye Chen pushed through the crowd and squeezed in. Liu Momo was being entangled by a male student. But it wasn’t the type of nuisance; he was speaking some sort of love words.

"Momo, I really like you, way more than Chen Shuai," The guy blocked Liu Momo’s path, saying, "Even though I’m not rich now, nor do I have a family background, I have ambition and determination. I believe that after graduation, I will be able to provide you with a warm home; then together, we can work hard to build our happy future!"

"Wan Zhilin, I know you’re a good person," Liu Momo sighed, then said helplessly, "but we’re not suitable for each other!"

"How are we not suitable?!" Wan Zhilin looked at Liu Momo and said, "I know you’re beautiful, but what I really like about you is the pride in your bones. You’re not the kind of girl who would settle for being a mistress or a concubine, and that’s why I like you. I admire the noble quality and the cold demeanor you possess!"

Wan Zhilin was one among many of Liu Momo’s admirers, but he was also the most capable and proudest. For the sake of Liu Momo, he had strived hard to win the full-year scholarship, and various awards followed, even becoming the president of the student council for his cohort. He thought that with his excellence, expressing his feelings for Liu Momo would surely win her over, but, to his disappointment, she still rejected him.

"I’m sorry, I’m just not the one for you!" Liu Momo immediately shook her head.

"No, you are the one for me; you’re the type of girl I like!" Wan Zhilin looked at Liu Momo earnestly, determined to seize even the faintest hope. He had put in so much effort for her, striving to win the scholarships, but with his ultimate goal slipping away, what was the point of life anymore?

"Wan Zhilin, why can’t you understand what I’m saying?" Liu Momo grew anxious, frowning, she said, "I’ve told you, you’re a good person, and you’re so excellent, but I’m just not worthy of you. So, we’re not suited for each other!"

In the end, Liu Momo played the ’good guy’ card. The most tactful way for a girl to reject a guy is to pull out the good guy card, but still, the rate of ultimate failure for the good guy card is quite high. Wan Zhilin was smart, yet he showed zero intelligence at the most critical moment.