One last look

When most of the people had arrived, Zhang Shengmin, who was standing at the door, glanced at his watch and went inside to ask Jiang Xu to lead the way.

Zhang Chenglin kept his eyes closed, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.

Shortly after, Jiang Xuyin and Zhang Shengmin appeared together and sat down at Zhang Chenglin's table.

Zhang Chenglin was about to say "Mom" when he was abruptly interrupted. Jiang Xuyin picked up the teacup in front of him and said to Zhuang Yanbin, "Yanbin, brother, you've worked hard these past two years."

When Jiang Xuyin uttered these words, Zhang Chenglin's expression remained unchanged, but Zhang Shengmin's expression subtly shifted.

A moment later, Zhang Chenglin looked up at Jiang Xuyin, Zhuang Yanbin, and Jiang Rusu as if watching a spectacle. The three of them had different expressions on their faces, but they quickly put on smiles. Zhuang Yanbin's smile was flattering, but also carried the arrogance of a superior: "What are you saying, sister-in-law?"

After hearing Zhuang Yanbin's words, Jiang Rusu glanced at Jiang Xuyin, but ultimately said nothing.

“Shengmin and Alin both have their own ideas. After all, this path is a risky one,” Zhuang Yanbin poured himself another cup of tea and refilled Jiang Xuyin’s empty cup, as if talking to himself: “We’ve been with Lao Zhang for so long with his ambitions. We can’t just give up like that. Not to mention whether Lao Zhang will blame us when we see him again, even we ourselves won’t forgive ourselves.”

"You agree, don't you, Ru Su?"

As Zhuang Yanbin spoke, he suddenly turned his attention to Jiang Rusu, who, who hadn't wanted to get involved in this mess, nodded helplessly: "Mm."

Jiang Xu's gaze fell on Jiang Rusu, his eyes filled with complex emotions that Jiang Rusu couldn't understand for a moment.

After a luncheon where everyone had their own thoughts, came the formal sacrificial ceremony, a custom in Zhang Deyue's hometown.

Dozens of vehicles drove towards the cemetery together, which looked quite impressive to passersby.

"What's going on? Why are there so many cars in Zaozhuang today?"

"I don't know, but when I went out to buy groceries this morning, I saw a lot of cars heading this way... and they all seemed to be going north."

What day is it today?

"December 28th, there are only three days left until the Gregorian New Year."

"December 28th... the anniversary of Mr. Zhang's death."

"Oh? Which Mr. Zhang?"

"What do you think? In Shandong, who else could be called Mr. Zhang besides that guy?"

"..."

Ji Yuxing, who was also standing on the street watching dozens of cars head towards the cemetery and listening to the occasional whispers in the crowd, turned and left after the last car disappeared around the street corner not far away.

Two years after Zhang Deyue's passing, his standing in the hearts of Kuomintang members has not diminished in the slightest. Even though their views differ, Zhang Chenglin can see that many people are genuinely paying their respects and sincerely remembering him.

Thus, in this solemn scene, Zhang Chenglin and Zhang Shengmin stood at the very front with Jiang Xuyin, and inappropriately curled their lips into smiles.

For some reason, although Zhang Chenglin didn't turn his head, he felt that Zhang Shengmin seemed to have turned his head and glanced at him.

After the sacrificial ceremony, it was naturally time for the high-ranking officials who had not seen each other for a long time to chat. Zhang Chenglin and Xin Jie were just standing on the right side of the gate of Zhang Deyue and Jiang Xuyin's house.

If someone comes to talk to him, he will keep them company.

If no one came to him, he would stand there and sunbathe.

They acted as if it were none of their business.

Shortly after Sheng Dongsheng and Tan Yuanbo accompanied the General Secretary on his departure, Zhang Chenglin also prepared to leave with Xin Jie.

Upon entering the courtyard, I encountered Zhang Shengmin. I exchanged a brief greeting and said, "Brother, if there's nothing else, I'll be going now."

Zhang Shengmin didn't stop him, only reminding him, "Be careful on your way back. I'll come visit you when I'm done with my work."

Zhang Chenglin smiled, but his eyes betrayed his true feelings as he agreed, "Okay."

The moment Zhang Chenglin turned around, Jiang Xuyin accompanied Jiang Rusu out of the main room.

In that instant, Zhang Chenglin's eyes met hers.

Zhang Chenglin wanted to smile at her, but ultimately gave up; he just couldn't manage a smile.

Zhang Chenglin left the Zhang residence with Xinjie. Behind him, Jiang Xuyin thought of the look in Zhang Chenglin's eyes just now and couldn't help but cover his chest with his hand.

That glance carried regret, loss, and resolve.

The mere thought of it caused Jiang Xuyin excruciating pain.

Jiang Rusu noticed her movements and asked, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No." Jiang Xuyin withdrew his gaze and gently shook his head.

Jiang Rusu knew she didn't want to say more, so he didn't ask any further questions.

No one knew that Jiang Xuyin had seen the farewell in Zhang Chenglin's eyes.

But life is so long, how could we possibly never see each other again?

Jiang Xuyin comforted himself, as if only in this way could he feel better.

But Zhang Chenglin's seemingly "last look" made her feel uneasy from the bottom of her heart.

"What are your plans for the future?" Jiang Rusu changed the subject, also diverting Jiang Xuyin's attention: "Stay in Shandong? Or go back to Shanghai?"

“Let’s go back to Shanghai,” Jiang Xuyin said without hesitation. “My father always wants me to stay by his side.”

“It’s good to go back to Shanghai. If the war really breaks out, it will be much safer in Shanghai than in Shandong.” Jiang Rusu praised, and he also thought it was better for Jiang Xuyin to stay in Shanghai than in Shandong.

"What about Ah Lin?" Jiang Rusu suddenly asked, glancing at Jiang Xuyin before asking, "Is he still staying in Shandong?"

Because of Jiang Rusu's words, Jiang Xuyin recalled the look in Zhang Chenglin's eyes when he left earlier.

My heart suddenly ached.

"He's not a child anymore."

"I have my own plans."

Jiang Xu answered Jiang Rusu's question by quoting two sentences, attempting to end the topic.

But Jiang Rusu did not intend to end the topic there, as if he wanted to get a stance from Jiang Xuyin:

“You know, Dad doesn’t want anyone in the family to get involved in politics.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuyin chuckled softly: "Isn't my elder brother also doing things that Father doesn't want?"

Jiang Xuyin did not want to say anything more and turned to go into the house.

But then she suddenly stopped and said softly, "Big brother doesn't even listen to Dad, let alone what Grandpa says to Ah Lin."

After saying that, Jiang Xuyin didn't wait for Jiang Rusu to speak and stepped into the house first.

Jiang Rusu stood there, his eyes growing deeper, leaving Jiang Rusu behind.

*

Shortly after Zhang Chenglin arrived home, Sheng Dongsheng paid him a visit.

At that time, Zhang Chenglin was in the kitchen researching what to eat—the housekeeper had taken leave temporarily due to family matters, and he hadn't eaten much because he was attending the sacrificial ceremony.

As soon as Ji Yuxing opened the door, he saw Sheng Dongsheng, who was supposed to be at Tan Yuanbo's house with the General Secretary, appear at Zhang Chenglin's door.

Ji Yuxing paused for two seconds before reacting and greeting him, "Mr. Sheng."

"Yes." Sheng Dongsheng nodded in agreement, then asked, "Is Zhang Chenglin home?"

"Yes, yes!" Ji Yuxing nodded quickly, stepping aside to let Sheng Dongsheng in: "Please come in first."

Ji Yuxing accompanied Sheng Dongsheng into the room, settled him in the reception room, and had the old butler make tea for Sheng Dongsheng before speaking again: "Then please sit down first, I'll go and inform him."

Sheng Dongsheng nodded: "Okay."

"Something terrible has happened."

Ji Yuxing hurriedly entered Zhang Chenglin's kitchen. Zhang Chenglin had just cooked noodles and was standing by the kitchen door, eating them while holding a stainless steel basin.

Seeing his expression, Ji Yuxing paused, then heard Zhang Chenglin ask, "What's wrong? Why are you making such a fuss?"

"Mr. Sheng is here." Ji Yuxing sighed, thinking that he probably wouldn't be able to have this meal.

Just as he expected, after hearing his words, Zhang Chenglin put down the steel basin and walked towards the reception room without saying a word.

"Do you know why Mr. Sheng came here?" Ji Yuxing walked alongside him toward the reception room, asking as they went, "What happened this afternoon?"

“No,” Zhang Chenglin shook his head, “there must be some new mission arrangements.”

Ji Yuxing nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

"Mr. Sheng," Zhang Chenglin greeted as he entered the room.

"Oh? You're here?" Sheng Dongsheng put down his teacup and stood up.

He only sat down again after hearing Zhang Chenglin say "Please sit down".

"Time is of the essence, so I'll get straight to the point." Sheng Dongsheng placed an invitation on the table. "Tomorrow is the Kuomintang's annual meeting, you all know that, right?"

Zhang Chenglin lowered his eyes and nodded, "I know."

“It’s been two years. The Kuomintang needs to elect a leader by now,” Sheng Dongsheng said, tapping two fingers lightly on the invitation on the table. His voice was low. “Although Zhuang Yanbin and Jiang Rusu are handling the Kuomintang’s affairs very well, they still lack a legitimate identity and a legitimate position.”

“I think no matter what, you’ll have to be present for the election at this year’s annual meeting, right?” Sheng Dongsheng said, glancing up at Zhang Chenglin sitting opposite him.

Zhang Chenglin nodded, but then said, "I don't intend to get involved in this mess."

“This year’s KMT annual convention is bound to be a major reshuffle and a complete overhaul. Rather than waiting to be slaughtered, why not show up and exercise the power in your hands?” Sheng Dongsheng took back the invitation from the table and said with a smile, “Since Zhuang Yanbin’s election as the new chairman of the KMT is a foregone conclusion, why doesn’t Ah Lin go and do him a favor by casting his vote?”

Zhang Chenglin looked up and met Sheng Dongsheng's gaze, but did not respond.

“After the KMT annual meeting tomorrow, Zhuang Yanbin will definitely take action against some of the high-ranking officials who voted against him, so you’d better take a look at who are the people who are important to you,” Sheng Dongsheng picked up his teacup, took a sip of tea, and said, “You can also secretly help protect them later.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chenglin's usually calm eyes finally showed a slight ripple, and he nodded: "Okay."

"The General Secretary has been invited to attend the KMT annual convention tomorrow, so I'm here to tell you to deploy more of your own troops tomorrow to ensure the General Secretary's safety."

"The General Secretary's people..."

Before Zhang Chenglin could finish his question, Sheng Dongsheng interrupted him: "The General Secretary's people will all be in place, but you still need to do what you're supposed to do."