The Tempting Road to Becoming an Official

"My surname is Lin, Lin Jie. Nice to meet you, Mr. Chen."

The man said with a slight smile.

Lin Jie?

This name was completely unfamiliar to Chen Fang.

But he knew that anyone who could easily mobilize the security at West Sea Villa was definitely not an ordinary person.

As expected.

After stating his own name, Lin Jie added, "Lin Shuwei is my father."

Upon hearing this name.

Chen Fang shivered slightly.

Now he understood why the man before him had such remarkable influence.

Lin Shuwei, former Party Secretary of a northern province.

In this election, he was selected as a member of the National Institute, ranking in the vice-national level, essentially reaching the pinnacle of leadership.

But Chen Fang couldn't figure out why such a privileged official's son, without any prior connection, would seek him out.

"Mr. Chen, may we sit down and chat?"

Lin Jie was rather polite.

He proactively pulled out a chair for Chen Fang.

At this point.

Chen Fang could only brace himself to see what Lin Jie was really up to.

After Chen Fang was seated.

Lin Jie walked to the door and gestured to someone outside.

Soon after.

Dishes that looked quite delectable were brought in.

"Mr. Chen, knowing you're from Yong'an, I've specially prepared some seafood. How is it? To your taste? If not, I can have them redo it."

Lin Jie sat down beside him, smiling as he spoke.

"Mr. Lin, I think we should talk about the real matter first, or else I really can't eat this meal."

Chen Fang said.

Upon hearing this.

Lin Jie suddenly burst into laughter.

He said, "Mr. Chen, you're too cautious. The reason for inviting you over today is really simple, just to make a friend with you."

"Make a friend? Just like that?"

Chen Fang asked.

Lin Jie nodded and said, "Yes, just like that. Mr. Chen, feel free to eat. We won't ask you for anything, nor trouble you with anything, just purely to know each other. Would Mr. Chen give us this chance?"

Such a grand setup.

Even dispatched the security from West Sea Villa to pick him up, just for a lunch?

That wasn't the main point.

The main point was how precisely he was invited, indicating that Lin Jie had been paying attention to his entry into West Sea Villa for a while.

Perhaps, it wasn't just him.

Suddenly.

Chen Fang realized something.

Could it be that Shangguan Shoudong did it intentionally?

Yes! It must be intentional!

The words he conveyed today could have been relayed through Li Chong; there was no need for the elaborate arrangement in such a hectic meeting period to bring him to West Sea Villa.

A waste of twenty minutes.

The only reason for such an unnecessary act might be.

To tell everyone that Chen Fang is connected to Shangguan Shoudong.

Plus, as he's about to attend the top Party school, doesn't that give him an opportunity to connect with those from Yuanjing?

In other words.

Shangguan Shoudong was using his influence to provide Chen Fang with a platform to build networks.

The person in front of him was a living example.

Otherwise, as a mere Mayor, how could he get Lin Jie's attention?

Thinking of this.

All of Chen Fang's doubts were instantly cleared.

He sighed and said, "Since Mr. Lin thinks I'm worthy, I'm honored to oblige."

Picking up the wine glass in front of him.

Chen Fang willingly offered it.

What followed was a lively time of toasts and camaraderie.

Of course.

Lin Jie was not entirely without motive.

While drinking, he also subtly tried to inquire about Chen Fang's reasons for visiting West Sea Villa today.

Chen Fang naturally couldn't disclose the words from Shangguan Shoudong and Li Chong.

So he mentioned his upcoming graduate studies at the Party school.

Hearing this, Lin Jie immediately said, "Brother Chen, as you're coming to Yuanjing for studies, there's no need to stay in the dormitory. I happen to have a vacant apartment. Would you mind staying there to help make the place lively? After all, leaving a house empty for long isn't good..."

It must be said, Lin Jie was quite adept with words.

Obviously trying to curry favor.

Yet his tone made it sound like he was asking Chen Fang for a favor.

It was indeed a pleasant way to speak.

Of course.

Until he was completely sure whether the person in front of him was friend or foe, Chen Fang certainly couldn't agree.

He chuckled and said, "Brother Lin, I'll remember your words. If the need arises, I'll look for you first."

At such a response.

Lin Jie was evidently satisfied as well.

He burst into hearty laughter.

Unknowingly.

The meal had stretched into the afternoon past one o'clock.

Had it not been for Jiang Xiaofan's call.

Chen Fang might not have ended it so soon.

Seeing the number.

He thought she was impatiently waiting.

Chen Fang glanced at Lin Jie, who immediately turned sideways and said, "Brother Chen, please feel free."

After all, there was nothing to hide, so Chen Fang didn't avoid it and answered the call.

"Hey, Xiaofan, did you get tired of waiting?"

"Sob sob... sob sob..."

On the phone, there was a heart-wrenching sob.

Chen Fang's heart tightened, and he asked, "Xiaofan, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"Brother, where are you? I...I need to find you..."

Jiang Xiaofan said, choking up a bit.

"Where are you? What exactly happened? I'm coming to find you now!"

Seeing that she refused to say, Chen Fang naturally felt a bit worried.

"I'm...I'm still at school, can I wait here for you?"

Xiaofan asked.

Chen Fang nodded and said, "Okay, wait for me. I'll be there in half an hour."

After hanging up.

Lin Jie was already standing up, asking, "Brother Chen, is there something urgent?"

"I don't know yet, it's a call from my god-sister, I have to rush over right away, Brother Lin...um..."

Chen Fang still wanted to say a few words of apology.

Lin Jie interrupted, "No problem, no problem, take care of your matters first, there'll be plenty of chances for eating and drinking later. Let's go, where do you need to go, I'll take you."

Having Lin Jie personally drive him.

Chen Fang felt a bit embarrassed.

But being in this remote place, calling a taxi wouldn't be likely either.

He could only nod and say, "Then I'll trouble Brother Lin."

"We are brothers, no need for formalities, let's go, we are leaving now!"

With that said.

The two of them hurried out of the bamboo grove.

When they reached the path, an Audi A6 was already waiting there.

Originally, there was a driver.

But Lin Jie dismissed him.

He himself took the driver's seat.

After confirming the destination as Yuanjing Art College, he stomped on the accelerator and "flew" off.

From this place, it would normally take forty-five minutes to get to the school.

But for Lin Jie, driving didn't take that long.

Without any delay, he reached the school's entrance in exactly half an hour.

Along the way, Chen Fang reminded him several times to drive slower, Lin Jie just smiled, yet didn't ease up on the accelerator at all.

It's undeniable that, to connect with Chen Fang, he indeed went to great lengths.