By this time, the tea had been brewed, and the woman in the cheongsam was serving it to Qi Xukai and me.
Qi Xukai took a sip from his teacup, seeming to find it a little too hot, and muttered a low, "Ah!" The woman leaned forward quickly, bringing her lips to the rim of the cup and gently cooling it. Her gesture was casually intimate, but I caught a glimpse of the buttoned collar at her armpit, which had unravelled at some point, revealing a glimpse of her snow-white breasts.
I immediately looked away, lowered my eyes, and pretended not to see it.
Qi Xukai was clearly a little embarrassed by her unseemly approach. He gave her an unidentified look, but the woman suddenly sat back down, a look of panic crossing her face.
To alleviate Wang Cai's embarrassment, Qi Xukai calmly put down his teacup, as if nothing had happened, and calmly brought the subject back: "The Old Book of Tang records that Yuan Zai sold official positions and titles, living an extravagant life. He built numerous mansions in Chang'an and Luoyang, villas stretching out in rows and lanes, no fewer than several hundred. He had over a hundred servants and a troupe of singing girls. You have to remember that the Tang Dynasty was already in its middle years, and after the An-Shi Rebellion, the country's strength was gradually declining. And Yuan Zai's tyrannical and extravagant behavior, if it weren't for the soft-tempered Li Yu of the Tang Dynasty who repeatedly indulged him, I'm afraid he would have died several times over."
He is not a university history professor, and I am not an elementary school student here to listen to his stories. His words, using the past to illustrate the present, clearly have a deeper meaning.
I met his gaze and asked sincerely, "Secretary Qi, what do you mean?" I hoped to read a more precise answer from his eyes.
Qi Xukai didn't respond directly. He simply coughed lightly and turned to the woman. His tone was gentle but unquestionable: "Boss Wei, the tea is ready. We won't waste any more of your time. We can just refill the water ourselves."
This boss Wei was originally the owner of the teahouse. She stood up when she heard the voice, bowed slightly to each of us, then gently gathered her clothes and quietly left the teahouse.
At this moment, the hazy intoxication in his eyes instantly dissipated, his gaze became as clear as a spring, and his expression turned calm. He did not continue the previous topic, but got straight to the point:
"Today in the office cafeteria, with Mayor Hu present, there are some things I can't say much about. Tonight, it's just you and me, and I hope we can have a heart-to-heart talk. I hope you'll tell me everything you know—can you do that?"
My heart trembled, and an invisible pressure came over me: "Secretary Qi, don't worry, I will tell you the truth."
He looked me straight in the eye and asked directly, "What is your relationship with Mayor Hu? Why did he so enthusiastically recommend you for the position of President of City Bank?"
I was a little uncomfortable with such a blunt question. He was completely different from the cheerful and talkative man just now.
He noticed the subtle change in my expression, understood the turmoil in my heart, and continued, "If you get to know me, you'll know that I'm always polite to others, but I'm very strict with those around me. Do you know why?"
I calmed myself and replied, "The deeper the love, the more severe the criticism. It's precisely because of your trust that you are so strict. This strictness itself is a sign of respect."
He nodded slightly: "Then, even if my words are unpleasant, can you accept it?"
I didn't hesitate: "Absolutely."
A relieved smile finally appeared on his face. "Actually, I'm not always so stern. I'm not that scary." His tone softened, and he raised his hand to gesture, "Have some tea, and relax a little."
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