Chen Feng remained calm. He knew martial arts, and Zhang Di’s aggressive stance was child's play to him.
However, Zhang Di did not think so. He believed Chen Feng, a college graduate serving as a village official, was a weak scholar who could be easily defeated with a few punches.
To Zhang Di’s surprise, Chen Feng merely shifted his body slightly, sending Zhang Di sprawling to the ground, face-first.
"You know martial arts?" Zhang Di asked, looking at Chen Feng with disbelief.
"Just a little. But even if I didn't know martial arts, I wouldn't allow you to cause trouble in the village office," Chen Feng replied calmly.
"Fine, since you know martial arts, I won't confront you directly. Just you wait. You caused my older brother and sister-in-law to divorce, and I won't let this go. I'm going to report you to Mingshan Town." With a final, angry declaration, Zhang Di stormed out of the village head's office.
As soon as Zhang Di left, Cheng Lu rushed in, looking anxious.
"Chen Feng, I heard Zhang Di came looking for trouble. Are you alright?" Cheng Lu immediately checked Chen Feng all over, worried he might have been hurt.
"You forgot, I took martial arts as an elective in college. Zhang Di's skills are no match for me," Chen Feng said with a faint smile.
"Chen Feng, I've been thinking. Let's forget about working in the village. The positions are small, and the danger is too great. How about this, I'll reach out to some contacts in Jiangcheng, and we can go there together?" Cheng Lu ventured.
"Miss Cheng, thank you for your kindness. However, I've decided to stay in the countryside and be a village head. I used to be Qin Vice Town Head's driver in Mingshan Town, and the position was decent. But due to lack of experience, I messed it up. If I went to work in Jiangcheng, I'd likely mess it up just like in Mingshan Town. Therefore, the best growth is gradual. Rushing things will only lead to setbacks. Only by gaining sufficient experience at the grassroots level can I make a name for myself in the political arena," Chen Feng explained earnestly.
"Alright then," Cheng Lu said, having no further argument. She admired Chen Feng even more, recognizing his deep career planning surpassed that of most young people.
"By the way, Miss Cheng, are you free these days?" Chen Feng asked casually.
"I'm always free," Cheng Lu replied with a smile.
"That's great. I plan to take you to Mingshan Town."
"What for? Are we going to see Town Head Zhou?" Cheng Lu asked, puzzled.
"Not Town Head Zhou, but Vice Town Head Liao. He's currently overseeing the entire town's economy in place of Vice Town Head Qin. I want to discuss Wulin Village's economic development with Vice Town Head Liao," Chen Feng stated truthfully.
"You're already planning Wulin Village's economic development so soon?" Cheng Lu asked excitedly.
"If I want to get promoted from here sooner, I must act early. The moment Wulin Village's economy takes off, I'll be transferred to Yongming County."
"Transferred to Yongming County? Shouldn't it be Mingshan Town? According to regulations, aren't transfers supposed to be step by step?"
"According to the rules of the political arena, yes, it's step by step. But rules are static, people are dynamic. Vice Town Head Qin is in Yongming County. As long as I achieve something in Wulin Village, she can find a way to have me transferred to Yongming County."
"Vice Town Head Qin? Chen Feng, have you forgotten your former superior? You still want to go back to Yongming County to drive for her?" A wave of inexplicable jealousy surged through Cheng Lu as she subtly taunted Chen Feng.
"Miss Cheng, it's not about liking or disliking. It's about seeking shelter under a big tree. You have relatives in politics; you should understand. In the political arena, without a network, it's impossible to move forward. Vice Town Head Qin is the most crucial link in my network," Chen Feng explained.
Cheng Lu's jealousy subsided slightly upon hearing this.
"It's good you understand these things. I was worried you might misunderstand and think you could marry Vice Town Head Qin. That would be overestimating yourself. She's a strong woman, her position is higher than yours, and she wouldn't be interested in a minor figure like you in politics." Cheng Lu deliberately put Chen Feng down, intending to dissuade him from having any inappropriate thoughts about Qin Yan.
"I understand, Miss Cheng. I'm not a three-year-old child. I grasp such simple logic. Besides, for the next few years, I won't be thinking about romantic relationships. A man must prioritize his career." Chen Feng shared his honest thoughts.
"No need to abstain from women, but it's not entirely necessary either. If there's a suitable girl in the next few years, you could still date." Cheng Lu said, her face flushing slightly.
Chen Feng gave an awkward smile.
After a brief preparation, they set off for Mingshan Town together. Cheng Lu had intended to accompany Chen Feng to meet Vice Town Head Liao, who was in charge of the economy in Mingshan Town. Her presence would have signaled to Vice Town Head Liao that Chen Feng had connections.
However, fate had other plans. As soon as they entered the Mingshan Town Government compound, her father, Cheng Liren, called urgently, instructing her to return to Jiangcheng immediately, without delay.
"Dad, please give me two hours. Once things are settled here, I'll return to Jiangcheng as quickly as possible." Cheng Lu still tried to salvage the situation.
"Your mother is sick, and you're still haggling?" Cheng Liren cut to the chase and revealed the truth.
"Is that true?" Cheng Lu's heart tightened.
"When have I ever lied to you?" Cheng Liren replied concisely.
"I understand, Dad. I'm going back now." Cheng Lu agreed without further argument.
"Chen Feng, I'm so sorry. I was planning to go with you to see Vice Town Head Liao today, but my mother suddenly fell ill..." Cheng Lu apologized sheepishly.
"Your mother's illness is a serious matter. You must return quickly. My situation isn't critical. Your presence would have been icing on the cake, but I can manage without you," Chen Feng replied calmly.
The reason he had asked Cheng Lu to accompany him this time wasn't to leverage her Jiangcheng connections, but rather to allow her to learn something. She had been good to him along the way, and he wanted to repay her kindness by helping her grow if the opportunity arose.
"If there's any problem with Vice Town Head Liao, feel free to call me anytime," Cheng Lu said before leaving in a hurry.
Chen Feng didn't dwell on it and proceeded alone to Vice Town Head Liao's office.
"Village Head Chen, what brings you here?" Vice Town Head Liao was taken aback. Chen Feng had been in Wulin Village for less than two days and was already back in Mingshan Town. Was he unhappy there and wanted to be transferred back?
"Vice Town Head Liao, I've come to discuss Wulin Village's economic development," Chen Feng stated directly.
"Wulin Village's economic development? Wulin Village is a relatively developed village on the outskirts of Mingshan Town. It just needs to develop according to plan. Is there a need for further discussion on development?" Vice Town Head Liao asked Chen Feng, perplexed.