0044 49 Clap your hands and laugh to death
Hearing the footsteps grow louder, and smelling the cold air and disinfectant, Ling Xingzhi put down the banquet list in his hand.
"Secretary Ling, let me give you a medical check-up."
Dr. He, the family's personal physician, walked in from the military hospital, accompanied by several nurses. Ling Xingzhi smiled at her, unbuttoned her clothes, and revealed her wound.
Since his gunshot wound, Ling Xingzhi has had a physical examination every week, not only to check his basic bodily functions but also to find out why he couldn't get an erection. Although Zhou Xiye had managed to get him hard at the time, he couldn't always get an erection afterward, and it only recently returned to normal.
The doctor said that after treating the wound, some medications that act on the central sympathetic nervous system were used, which would have some impact on erections. Ling Xingzhi thought about it and guessed that he had gotten up in a hurry and bumped his foot, which had stimulated him, and that's why Zhou Xiye was able to get an erection when he touched him.
"Secretary Ling, your recovery is going well, but you still need to be careful when bathing and engaging in sexual activity. Strenuous exercise can still cause the wound to reopen," Dr. He said, putting away the equipment and handing it to the nurse beside him. "How has your father been lately?"
Ling Xingzhi tugged at his collar, saying as he fastened it, "It's alright. It's normal for people to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar as they get older. I recently found a former world champion in table tennis to play with, so getting some exercise is good for me."
Dr. He smiled and said, "I thought we were going to play golf."
"The golf course isn't big enough, so a ping-pong table will do," Ling Xingzhi explained with a smile. Then, suddenly remembering something, he added, "Minister Ling, your heart hasn't been feeling too well lately. Did you notice that during your checkup?"
Dr. He looked at Ling Xingzhi, his expression not too surprised, but he nodded slightly, "Hmm... if possible, you should still remind Minister Ling to reduce some stimulating... sexual activities, as this is good for his heart."
Ling Xingzhi chuckled and didn't ask any further questions. He stood up and said, "Dr. He, I have other matters to attend to here. Thank you for coming, so I won't see you off."
As the car drove out of the municipal government compound, traffic was heavy. To avoid being late, Ling Xingzhi's car drove directly into the underpass. The tunnel was very bright, with headlights illuminating the area as if it were daytime.
Ling Xingzhi sat in the back seat of the car, holding the list of attendees in one hand and a bracelet made of the finest agarwood in the other, with eighteen beads, each one of the best quality. The sound of the beads twirling and clinking in his hand made Li Qingshan and the driver, who were sitting in the front, a little nervous.
A moment later, a cold, clear voice came from the back row, "Who decided on the guest list for this state banquet?"
Li Qingshan thought for a moment, "This time the list was directly issued by the State Council..."
Ling Xingzhi frowned; these words were as good as saying nothing at all. He tossed aside the list in his hand, his fingers moving the beads faster and faster. He still couldn't understand why Zhou Xiye had been invited to the state banquet.
Zhou Xiye knew perfectly well how she ended up at this state banquet; as a reward for her contributions, this was what she deserved.
Choosing an outfit took some effort; it couldn't be too revealing, nor too conservative. In the end, she chose a mustard yellow cheongsam, the classic style worn by the pirate lord in "Flowers of Shanghai." Getting the dress was also quite a struggle.
At this moment, she was only wearing underwear, her arms crossed over her chest, leaning against the wall looking at the dress she had painstakingly acquired. There was not much joy in Zhou Xiye's eyes.
It's just a dress, but power has granted it the right to choose its owner.
Yes, it's just a dress, but Zhou Xiye had to go to great lengths to borrow it. What was originally just a matter of a dress has become much more complex when it involves "qualifications"—it encompasses much more than just the word "dress"—primarily, it's about power.
Zhou Xiye has never liked to use anything extra to prove her worth. Clothes, jewelry, watches... they can only be a projection of Zhou Xiye's personality, and cannot become her or replace her.
The silence was broken by the ringing of the phone. Zhou Xiye picked up the phone from the cabinet next to him, glanced at the caller ID, and answered it expressionlessly.
"Director Zhou, did you receive the dress? Do you like it?"
Wei Luochen's smug expression seemed to be right in front of Zhou Xiye's eyes, "This dress, I only need to say one word, and someone will get it for me, Director Zhou, Director Zhou..."
Zhou Xiye lowered her head and smiled, her hair falling from behind her shoulders. She had a faint smile on her face. "People always go to great lengths for what they can't have." Zhou Xiye paused. Yes, Lu Daiyuan, a provincial party secretary who was about to enter the cabinet, was obsessed with a doctoral degree. Power can distort everyone.
The person in the mirror has a peaceful gaze, as if they have finally locked up the beast in their heart and found peace after letting go.
"Me too, I was out of my mind. Clothes are just objects. You might not understand, but I enjoy them. For example, the fact that I have to go to great lengths to get a dress from the secretary's wife only proves one thing: I'm not powerful enough," Zhou Xiye said calmly.
She walked barefoot toward the skirt, touching its texture, her gaze clear and resolute.
"But if I could get anything I wanted with just a word, that would be meaningless."
Before Wei Luochen could answer, Zhou Xiye hung up the phone and put it aside. She took off her skirt, crossed her legs, and put it on.
This dress accentuated Zhou Xiye's beauty, exuding a classic yet assertive charm. She has never shied away from showcasing her femininity in the workplace—she identifies as female and never feels that being among men means she has to become a man.
Many people do this. Zhou Xiye doesn't think there's anything to criticize; it's just that they're not strong enough. In such a male-dominated circle, if you don't conform to them and become like them, you'll be scrutinized and rejected.
This isn't the women's fault; it's that people are afraid—afraid that people with different traits will appear in this circle, because they see it as threatening. It's just a biological instinct.
On the contrary, she likes to emphasize that she is a woman.
Upon seeing Zhou Xiye, Lu Daiyuan's gaze fell on her dress before he nodded and greeted her, "Good evening."
"Good evening, Secretary."
Mrs. Lu, standing to the side, smiled gently and took Lu Daiyuan's arm, saying, "Hello, Feng Ping."
Zhou Xiye extended his hand and gently shook it. "Hello, Mrs. Feng."
"Old Lu told me that you did him a huge favor, and I don't know how to thank you enough. How about we have a meal together sometime?"
Zhou Xiye shook his head and said with a smile, "That's a work matter, so it's naturally my responsibility."
Before Feng Ping could reply, his gaze was drawn to the person behind Zhou Xiye. "Minister Ye, it's been a long time. You look much younger."
As soon as Zhou Xiye turned around, he saw Ye Lifeng appear alone, looking radiant and poised. Ye Lifeng and Lu Daiyuan looked at each other for a few seconds before shaking hands.
"Secretary Lu, I'll probably be seeing you quite often from now on, right?"
Lu Daiyuan smiled and shook his head. "Don't you want to see me?"
The two laughed, and then the four of them walked towards the dining table, talking as they went.
The hall was brightly lit, with countless small lights shining from the ceiling. In the very center was a huge five-pointed star surrounded by four smaller stars.
A row of red national flags were planted, and the peonies on the dining table were in full bloom.
Soon, all the guests arrived, and a well-known CCTV host announced the start of the banquet on stage. The national anthem was played in the hall, and everyone stood up.
Not far away, Zhou Xiye saw Ling Xingzhi and Ling Qingyun. The two looked at each other, but then silently looked away.
After a few rounds of drinks and about 70% full, Zhou Xiye had just put down his glass when Lu Daiyuan suddenly turned to him and asked, "You're so outstanding, haven't you ever thought about changing jobs? Talented people should be placed in the right positions."
Zhou Xiye smiled but didn't say anything.
Lu Daiyuan added, “I know that the Central Military Commission’s Discipline Inspection Commission is short of people. You are a Party member and have been to the battlefield, so it will be easy to transfer you.”
After thinking for a moment, Zhou Xiye said, "Secretary Lu, I'm afraid I'm not up to the task of the Military Commission's Discipline Inspection Commission."
Lu Daiyuan shook his head. "I know what you're worried about, but it's a small position, definitely no worse than the director of the Beijing office. Go for it with peace of mind. I appreciate you, and besides, Minister Ye values you too. How could we two old folks misjudge someone?"
Zhou Xiye smiled, and Ye Lifeng, who was standing next to him, also spoke up, "Secretary Lu appreciates talent. Little Zhou, don't be afraid. With such strong abilities, you can adapt to anywhere. If all else fails, you can come to my department!"
The group laughed heartily, and Feng Ping raised his glass, "Then I wish Director Zhou a meteoric rise in his career!"
The four people clinked glasses.
Just as he put down his wine glass, the man above, accompanied by a large group of bodyguards, passed by. "What are you all talking about, so happy? Old Lu! Long time no see. You've accumulated quite a few achievements, and you haven't lost a single hair."
Everyone at the table stood up and surrounded the person at the front, chatting and laughing.
Zhou Xiye stood at the very back of the crowd, holding a wine glass in his hand, a smile on his face, without saying a word.
She didn't relax until the banquet ended. As she walked out of the Great Hall and waited for her car, Ye Lifeng's secretary ran over and stopped her. "Director Zhou, your car hasn't arrived yet, has it? Minister Ye said it's too late, he'll take you home."
Zhou Xiye nodded, wrapped his coat tighter, and followed Ye Lifeng's secretary to the car. Ye Lifeng opened the car door, and Zhou Xiye got in.
The partition at the back of the car was raised. Ye Lifeng was unbuttoning his sleeves. He glanced at Zhou Xiye, who had just gotten on the car, snorted, and said, "Help me unbutton my clothes."
Zhou Xiye closed the door, and the car slowly started to drive off. Ye Lifeng unbuttoned his shirt and took off his outer shirt, changing into a more comfortable outfit.
“He wants to transfer you to the Central Military Commission’s Discipline Inspection Commission, which is a good place, but…” Ye Lifeng pondered for a moment, “you won’t be able to exert much influence there. The higher-ups will definitely observe you for a while. Lu Daiyuan is not simple. He knows you are one of my people, yet he still puts you in the Central Military Commission…”
Without saying a word, Ye Lifeng looked at Zhou Xiye and moved his fingers on the car seat.
"Minister, I owe you my life."
Ye Lifeng nodded and leaned back. "Xiao Zhou, what are you talking about? A little kindness is appreciated, but too much can breed resentment. I'm just afraid that you'll feel that I'm holding you back and preventing you from doing great things."
"I owe my success to your guidance and support, Minister. Everyone knows that. If I don't treat you well, how can I gain the trust of others in the future?"
The car moved forward smoothly, and no one spoke. Zhou Xiye didn't even turn her head to look at Ye Lifeng's expression. She naturally understood what he was thinking, but she wouldn't willingly hand over her leverage. Lu Daiyuan seemed to be another good "boss." Perhaps someone who rose from the countryside must be a cunning fox who had become a master strategist.
She knew Ye Lifeng, but not Lu Daiyuan, so of course she wouldn't easily switch allegiance. Besides, she really owed him her life.
Ye Lifeng shifted his body, raised his hand and turned off the back light. The tunnel was brightly lit, giving it a desolate feel.
"Zhou Pei went to the Tibet Military Region with General Jiang. How is the situation there?"
Zhou Xiye pursed his lips, his hand tightening around a corner of his mouth. "The signal over there isn't very good. We'll contact each other once a week."
Ye Lifeng sighed, "That's true, Tibet should be developed properly, but there are too many foreign forces... too many. I heard Zhou Pei isn't your biological brother?"
Just as Zhou Xiye opened his mouth, before the emotions in his eyes could even surface, the car braked suddenly and came to a stop.
The two leaned forward.
Zhou Xiye held onto the partition with one hand and blocked Ye Lifeng with the other to reduce the impact force caused by his inertia.
Motorcycles and several unlicensed taxis surrounded them. Someone knocked on the window, and Zhou Xiye rolled it down. It was a man wearing a police badge who looked down and asked, "Are you alright?"
The sound of sirens reached my ears.
Zhou Xiye glanced back at Ye Lifeng, who nodded. Then Zhou Xiye turned to the people outside and said, "Everything is fine. Has something happened outside?"
The policeman straightened up, looked ahead, then looked down at Zhou Xiye and said, "That's Secretary Ling's car up ahead."
Zhou Xiye nodded and rolled up the car window. "Minister, I'll go out and take a look."
"Okay, be careful."
As soon as I got off the bus, a cold wind hit me, and the tunnel walls reflected a chilling light.
Zhou Xiye's hair fluttered in the wind. A few hundred meters ahead of the car was a vehicle from the Discipline Inspection Commission, along with several police cars, and vehicles from the public security, procuratorate, and court.
She took a few steps forward, stepping out of the area protecting Ye Lifeng, the sound of her horn echoing inside the tunnel.
Ling Xingzhi got out of the car at this moment, looking very elegant. He turned around and smiled as he spoke to the people from the public security, procuratorate, and court.
Zhou Xiye crossed his arms and looked at them.
Before long, Ling Xingzhi was taken aside and searched with a detector, followed by his driver and secretary.
Zhou Xiye frowned. Could something have gone missing at the banquet?
As she was pondering, Ling Xingzhi suddenly saw her. The disciplinary committee's car slowly opened, and Ling Xingzhi's secretary got in, but Ling Xingzhi didn't. He looked at Zhou Xiye and smiled. He turned his head, and the wind ruffled his hair; his hair, which had been perfectly neat all night, suddenly became disheveled.
He spoke a few words with the people from the public security, procuratorate, and court, and then the person nodded.
Ling Xingzhi turned around and walked towards Zhou Xiye, followed by several people. Ling Xingzhi's face was expressionless at first, but after taking a few steps, he suddenly smiled, very slightly, but Zhou Xiye still caught it.
He stopped, about ten meters away from Zhou Xiye.
The wind blew, ruffling Ling Xingzhi's hair, and his tie shifted.
The two looked at each other, and Ling Xingzhi smiled. Zhou Xiye understood; the smile contained appreciation and praise.
More danger than danger.
Zhou Xiye understood, and she smiled broadly, a smile filled with the excitement of a beast smelling blood.
Raise your hand and clap in front of your chest to show your approval.
Applause is the sound of drums, and the one who beats the drums is the attacker.
——Clap your hands and laugh.
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