The Tempting Road to Becoming an Official

The words had come to this point.

If Chen Fang were to refuse again, it would be clear he didn't want to "be friends" with people.

He could only nod and say, "Alright, then I'll trouble you, Guli."

Guli was very happy to hear this.

She immediately opened the door across from him and said, "Chen Fang, please come in."

Chen Fang closed his own door.

He stepped into the room.

The scene that unfolded before his eyes shocked him even more.

It was the same layout as his own apartment.

However, in terms of decoration, this apartment was clearly more upscale.

Not only was there a liquor cabinet, but there was also a humidor, and even the TV was over a hundred inches, obviously expensive.

Don't even think about buying it.

Even renting such an apartment would be quite costly.

After changing into slippers.

Guli asked Chen Fang to wait a moment, then dashed into the kitchen.

At this moment, he noticed that there were already several dishes on the dining table, and three sets of tableware were prepared, suggesting that Guli had initially planned to invite both of them over.

It must be said.

These dishes looked quite exquisite.

Though the taste was unknown, the appearance and aroma were certainly present.

While secretly admiring them in his heart.

Guli carried out a bowl of soup.

Placing it in the center of the dining table, she said with some guilt, "I just arrived today and didn't prepare much, so I just casually made a few dishes. I hope you don't mind, Chen Fang."

"Why would I mind? You're too polite, Guli. These dishes look delicious."

"Then don't just stand there, sit down. It's just the two of us, let's be casual."

Having said that.

Guli sat down.

To be honest.

This kind of dinner was indeed somewhat awkward.

Even as classmates, there wasn't much to talk about between them, and being alone as a man and woman made it even more delicate.

Chen Fang simply focused on eating.

A chopstick full of food went into his mouth.

Only then did he realize the taste was excellent, even better than a restaurant chef's.

"Is it good?"

Guli asked with a bit of anticipation.

Chen Fang nodded repeatedly and said, "Yes, it's delicious, very delicious. I didn't expect you to be so good at cooking, Guli."

This compliment.

Made Guli's face turn even redder.

Murmuring, "As long as you like it. Eat more, I was worried you wouldn't be used to my poor cooking skills."

To break the awkward atmosphere.

Chen Fang ate and looked for topics to talk about.

Discussing the weather, cooking.

Finally, they talked about the apartment.

Chen Fang casually remarked that the apartment was beautiful.

Guli's face turned gloomy.

She didn't respond; it was clear she was very resistant to the topic.

Since that was the case.

Chen Fang didn't press further.

After finishing a bowl of rice.

Chen Fang burped.

Intending to help Guli clean up the dishes.

Unexpectedly, a sudden knocking sound erupted.

At that instant.

Chen Fang noticed a flash of fear on Guli's face.

Though fleeting, his keen senses picked it up.

"Chen Fang, I'll do the dishes. Could you please get the door?"

Guli asked with a flushed face.

"Of course."

Chen Fang walked to the door.

Opening it.

What appeared before him was a face that looked to be in its forties.

The man was dressed very well.

Slightly shorter than Chen Fang.

Wearing gold-rimmed glasses.

A luxury brand polo shirt, black trousers below, complemented by polished leather shoes.

He appeared quite refined.

The man looked surprised to see Chen Fang.

He peeked inside and asked, "Is Guli here?"

"Oh, you're looking for Guli? She's here."

After saying this, Chen Fang stepped aside, intending to let the man in.

Unexpectedly, the man glanced at the not yet cleaned dining table.

Then turned and left.

This left Chen Fang bewildered.

What's going on?

He clearly came to find Guli, I responded that she's in the house, but he left without saying a word?

Chen Fang turned around.

Only to find that after collecting a bowl and entering the kitchen, Guli hadn't come out.

It seemed she was also deliberately avoiding this stranger.

In an instant.

He seemed to understand something.

After a click, he closed the door.

Chen Fang then took the initiative to walk to the dining table, hearing the door closure, Guli came out of the kitchen.

She didn't ask who the visitor was.

Just continued to collect the dishes.

"Actually, you didn't specifically invite us over for dinner, did you? You wanted us as a cover, right?"

Chen Fang softly asked.

Guli froze.

She didn't expect her actions to be seen through by Chen Fang.

Her face instantly showed some panic.

"I don't like being used in such a mysterious way, so thank you for the meal."

Chen Fang said seriously.

Turning to leave.

Just reached the door.

Guli, standing still, suddenly called, "Chen Fang, wait."

"Is there something else?"

Chen Fang asked.

Guli chased to the door.

It was then that Chen Fang noticed her reddened eyes, holding back some tears.

Seeing her bow to Chen Fang.

She said, "I'm sorry, Chen Fang. I... I'm out of options. Anyway, I... I apologize to you."

Seeing Guli so sincerely apologize.

Half of Chen Fang's anger instantly subsided.

He waved and said, "Let this be the last time."

Just as he was ready to change shoes and leave.

Chen Fang suddenly hesitated again, turned to ask, "Guli, I shouldn't meddle, but I still want to ask, are you in some kind of trouble?"

Initially.

Guli just wiped away tears about to fall off her face.

It was clear.

She didn't want to talk.

But looking at Chen Fang's sincere face.

Pausing, she said, "Chen Fang, I really need your help. You... I can tell you what's going on."

Just like that.

Chen Fang returned to the living room.

Guli brought over a glass of water.

Composing her thoughts, she said, "I'll first answer a question you asked during dinner. This apartment isn't mine, it's Western Capital's Beijing Office."

Beijing Office?

If that's the case, it makes sense.

During the years before the Beijing Office was abolished.

Almost every region had such an establishment.

Beijing Office, simply put, is the establishment set up by local governments to strengthen inter-governmental communication, coordination, official reception, and services, officially dispatched and permanently stationed in the Capital.

In the beginning.

Only provinces, sub-provincial cities, or economic special zones set up such units.

Later on.

Even ordinary prefecture-level cities or districts began to emulate this.

Why do this?

Besides the apparent reasons, there are two very important ones.