Chapter 36: The Qiao Family Dinner and the Marriage Proposal

Hearing this, He Shinian paused slightly.

Ever since he became Secretary Wu Yunqiu’s assistant, the Qiao family had extended numerous invitations to him, all of which he had politely declined, citing work commitments. Today’s dinner, however, centered on his marriage to Qiao Yina. This was a topic that had to be addressed sooner or later; there was no escaping it. Since that was the case, he decided it was better to face it with composure.

"Very well, I will check with Secretary Wu to see if he has other arrangements for today."

When he arrived home, Qiao Yina had already returned and was changing her clothes. Hearing the sound of the door opening, she ran out, wearing a warm yellow floral dress. She spun around in place, the hem of her skirt swirling in the air.

"Do I look good?"

He Shinian looked her up and down. Qiao Yina had inherited her mother Wei Ziqin’s physique and complexion—tender, fair-skinned, and firm. The floral dress accentuated her waist and full bust. The generous curves of her chest were particularly striking.

"You look beautiful."

After saying this, He Shinian stepped forward and embraced her from behind, his hands becoming restless.

"Stop it!" Qiao Yina felt a surge of electric sensation throughout her body. "It's still early!"

"You haven't even showered... oh..."

Forty minutes later, Qiao Yina lay in He Shinian’s arms, her face flushed and her breath coming in soft gasps.

"You are so bad..."

"Am I? If I weren't, would you love me?"

He leaned in to kiss her, but just then, the phone rang, startling them both.

Qiao Yina sighed, "It's my mom. It’s all your fault; they must be getting impatient waiting for us."

Ten minutes later, the two headed downstairs. He Shinian expertly retrieved his bicycle. Qiao Yina pouted and said, "Shinian, why don't we take my scooter? I'm wearing a dress; how am I supposed to sit on a bike?"

"What, are you worried I can't carry you? Don't worry, even if you gained another ten pounds, I could still carry you."

He Shinian’s ear was promptly pinched by Qiao Yina. "Oh, really, He Shinian? You’re actually calling me fat!"

"Ouch... it hurts, let go of my ear..."

Eventually, Qiao Yina reluctantly climbed onto the back, wrapped her arms around his waist, and they set off toward the Qiao residence at a leisurely pace.

"Shinian, let's buy a car when we get married. My colleagues basically all have cars now; I'm the only one still riding a scooter."

He Shinian replied, "There’s nothing wrong with the bike. It's convenient, eco-friendly, and you don't have to worry about traffic jams, parking spots, gas, or maintenance."

"Hmph, I don't care. Regardless, before we get married, I must buy a large apartment—one with an elevator and property management. Once we’re married and have more spare cash, then we can buy a car."

"You know how brutal the sun is in Ninghai. Do you really have the heart to let me deal with the wind and rain all the time?"

"Alright, we'll talk about it once we have the money," He Shinian said, deflecting the issue.

"By the way, Shinian, you’re the county committee secretary’s assistant now. Getting money should be easy for you. Why are you so stubborn?"

"It's not being stubborn; it's about having a bottom line and principles."

"Can principles and bottom lines put food on the table? Everyone else takes bribes and kickbacks; you're the only one trying to be clean."

He Shinian chose silence, unwilling to argue the point.

Qiao Yina continued, "Even though you’re the secretary now, have you thought about how long you’ll hold this position? Three years? Five years? If Wu Yunqiu gets promoted, what will you do then?"

"There’s a saying: use your power while you have it, or it becomes worthless. While Wu Yunqiu still trusts you, you should plan for your own future and secure some benefits."

Qiao Yina’s points were valid, but He Shinian didn't want to overthink it. For now, he only wanted to do his job well; the future could wait. As for using his position for personal gain, that was out of the question—his military background and party discipline would never allow it.

"I’ve been Secretary Wu’s assistant for less than a month. There’s still a long road ahead. We’ll talk about those things later. Regardless, remember: no matter who tries to send gifts through you, absolutely do not accept them."

"Oh," Qiao Yina replied, falling silent.

They soon arrived. Qiao Yina got off the bike, complaining that her backside was sore, and walked up the stairs with He Shinian’s support.

His last visit to the Qiao residence had been unpleasant. He had seen firsthand the petty, sycophantic nature of her parents, who valued wealth over character. He wondered how this visit would go.

Inside, Qiao Hailin was sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed, smoking, while Wei Ziqin was busy in the kitchen. Seeing He Shinian, Qiao Hailin stood up enthusiastically. "Shinian is here! Come on in, get in the AC. It’s hot outside, isn't it?"

He Shinian offered a faint smile in response. Qiao Hailin added, "Look at you, what's the point of bringing gifts?"

Hearing of He Shinian’s arrival, Wei Ziqin emerged from the kitchen, bringing over a plate of pre-cut fruit. The treatment was a far cry from his previous visit. This served as a stark reminder to He Shinian of the importance of power for a man. With power, you can be anything; without it, you are nothing. Whether it’s a man or a woman, power seems to cure most of their ailments.

Qiao Yina went into the kitchen to help, while He Shinian sat in the living room, exchanging idle chatter with Qiao Hailin.

Soon, Qiao Yina’s brother, Qiao Yizhou, returned. Seeing He Shinian, he laughed, "Brother-in-law arrived early?"

Qiao Yizhou was dressed in a patterned shirt, white trousers, and white leather boots, his hair slicked back with heavy pommage. At first glance, he looked like a street thug. In reality, Qiao Yizhou ran a KTV and a bar with some friends, though business had recently been poor, and rumors were that he couldn't keep them open much longer.

Qiao Yizhou offered He Shinian a cigarette. "Brother-in-law, have a smoke."

Qiao Hailin snorted, scolding, "You brat, dressed like a peacock. You’re an embarrassment."

Qiao Yizhou didn't care, shrugging his shoulders. "Dad, this is the trend—youthful, vibrant, full of energy... forget it, talking to you is like talking to a wall."

Qiao Hailin scoffed again. "You should learn from your brother-in-law. Look at him—composed and dignified. Not like you, reckless and immature."

*Brother-in-law?* He was already calling him that.

Qiao Yizhou lit his cigarette, took a drag, and said, "That's different. Brother-in-law is a public servant; being formal is a requirement of his job. I’m not a public servant, why would I dress so formally?"

"I wanted you to take the civil service exam, but you insisted on running around with those good-for-nothing friends. Look at you now—can’t even keep your bar and KTV running? And how old are you? Still single! You should really learn from your brother-in-law in that department, too."

He Shinian didn't want to hear this, but he had to listen patiently.

"What's wrong with Yizhou’s KTV and bar?" He Shinian asked.

"In Ninghai, KTVs are everywhere now. Business is hard," Qiao Yizhou sighed, then added, "Right, brother-in-law, aren't you guys in the government allowed to use public funds for entertainment? Could you help me out? Bring some business my way. We can keep a tab, settle it once a month, and I’ll give you a cut."