After dinner, Su Yue and Grandma Chen chatted about recent news, while Secretary Chen called Chen Ziming to the study alone.
"What's the meaning of what your mother asked me?" The senior leader sat upright in his chair, his voice deep and steady, betraying no discernible tone.
He was clearly referring to Chen Ziming's request for him to keep an eye on Su Minghua.
"Nothing, just being cautious," Chen Ziming replied lightly.
He clearly didn't want to share his suspicions with Chen Kang'an. For one, he had no proof, and secondly, Su Minghua was Su Yue's nominal father, so badmouthing him would do Su Yue no good.
"You should know that kind of talk won't fool me," Secretary Chen's expression remained unchanged.
Chen Ziming naturally knew he couldn't fool his father. If he concealed things, it would appear as if he were trying to hide something.
When dealing with someone who had spent a lifetime scheming and playing mind games, it was better to be sincere than to weave lies.
But he needed to omit the suspicions that could cause trouble.
After a moment's thought, he replied:
"After I started dating Yue Yue, Su Minghua used an excuse to call me to his office and had a talk with me."
"I don't have a good impression of him. I always feel he's all smiles and daggers, but perhaps it's because I dislike his attitude towards me, as if he expects me to harm his daughter, so I harbor prejudice."
"I'm not sure what kind of person he really is, so I'm being a bit more vigilant."
It was a reasonable answer and didn't completely alienate Su Minghua.
After all, on matters like this, he still needed to hear Su Yue's opinion.
"Oh? Is that all?" Clearly, these words still didn't convince Secretary Chen.
"He's Yue Yue's stepfather, so I can't fully trust him," Chen Ziming's expression darkened as he stated the crucial point.
Even if he didn't say it, his father, who held a high position, would surely find out.
As expected, Secretary Chen's expression softened slightly. He gestured to the chair opposite him and said, "Sit."
Chen Ziming knew their conversation was now entering the main topic, so he sat down obediently.
"I haven't sent anyone to investigate what you mentioned, but when I investigated him before, I learned that he is very capable at work, kind to others, and has a good reputation."
Secretary Chen picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said slowly.
"Yes, that's how it seems," Chen Ziming replied somewhat carelessly, interlacing his fingers.
He had always trusted his intuition. From that one meeting, he could sense that Su Minghua was the type of person who liked to play the wolf in sheep's clothing.
Seemingly benevolent on the surface, but sinister and ruthless underneath.
Especially after that chance encounter, Su Yue's somewhat panicked reaction further indicated that this person was not as gentle as he appeared.
"You don't need to worry about him using his influence to do anything. If he does anything, it will definitely be with my consent. If I don't agree, his efforts will be in vain."
Secretary Chen didn't probe further but directly reassured him.
He and his wife had always respected their children's wishes and had great confidence in their son's abilities, so they wouldn't interfere with the details and would cooperate with him.
Chen Ziming understood his father's meaning.
If Su Minghua had any intentions, it wouldn't be impossible to give him a push, especially considering his capabilities. It wouldn't be a case of misjudging someone's talent.
However, since he had doubts, whether to push him or not would depend on his decision.
"Thank you, Dad," he replied with a slight smile and respect.
On the way home, Su Yue kept the pen in her hand, playing with it as if she couldn't put it down.
"Do you like it that much?" Chen Ziming asked with a slight lift of his eyebrows and a smile as he stopped at a red light.
"Mhm," she replied affirmatively, her gaze not leaving the pen.
It was more than just liking it; she felt as if she had found a treasure.
She was even imagining the scene of herself using this pen to record interview content at important government meetings in the future.
"You're really easy to please," he chuckled, reaching out to place his hand on her head and turning her face towards him.
Su Yue was stunned for a moment, then showed a hint of displeasure: "You've been exposed to these high-and-mighty things since you were young, so of course, you wouldn't understand what this means to us common people."
"Mhm, I don't understand," he said, still smiling happily, "After all, I practiced calligraphy with pens like this since I was little, and I would get my hand spanked if I didn't do well."
"You common folk, of course, wouldn't understand the psychological trauma this caused me."
Su Yue: ...
As expected, now that Chen Ziming had recovered, his mouth was still as annoying as ever.