0076 85 Undeterred by Green Mountains
Zhou Xiye panicked instantly, her pen tip pressed tightly against the paper. She opened her mouth and met Zhou Pei's gaze, which was like a curved knife, tearing a bloody hole into her heart.
The green sea ripples, startling one bird, and the flock takes flight.
Zhou Pei gripped Zhou Xiye's wrist tightly, slowly squatted down, and asked again, "Sister..."
Zhou Xiye released the pen from her hand and tried to turn around. A sharp force from behind restrained her. "Zhou Xiye, sign first."
Pei Zhiyu's eyes were dark and his tone was icy. His Adam's apple bobbed, but he didn't look up. He just stared at the paper and said, word by word, "Sign it, then catch up with him."
Zhou Pei glared angrily at Pei Zhiyu, "You can't force her."
“I don’t have one,” Pei Zhiyu paused, softening his tone, “Zhou Xiye, it’s just missing an autograph.” His gaze never fell on Zhou Pei, but turned to look at Zhou Xiye’s signature area. “Sign it…”
Zhou Xiye stared at a small dent on the table, which was dirty and filthy.
"Sister, with your abilities, you can get what you want. Why sell yourself out?" Zhou Pei noticed that Zhou Xiye was not in a good mood, so she raised her other hand and turned her face to face him.
"elder sister……"
Zhou Pei met Zhou Xiye's gaze, her eyes unfocused. Two forces were pulling her together: marriage was the rational choice, something she had to do. But what would her future be like if she didn't marry and stayed with Zhou Pei?
Perhaps it's not bad, but she doesn't dare to gamble, how could she? Ling Xingzhi's words make sense, but they are only his own logic. In this world, there are only perfunctory advice, never truly empathetic choices. If politics is like walking a tightrope in the fog, then Ling Xingzhi can fall off the tightrope, with a net catching him below, and a roc spreading its wings to make him fly faster and higher.
But what about her? Below her was an abyss; falling in would only mean certain death.
Some things have no room for trial and error; one wrong step leads to a series of mistakes.
She chose Zhou Pei, and then what? Can their relationship withstand the test of time? Can she guarantee that she won't blame Zhou Pei when she encounters obstacles and setbacks in the future?
Zhou Xiye asked herself honestly, and she couldn't do it. The thrill of love is only temporary; even her own parents wouldn't truly love her, so why should she expect someone unrelated by blood to love her?
Even if he loves you, you can't entrust your whole life to him. Every rational person knows not to put all your eggs in one basket.
This is her own life.
The light in Zhou Xiye's eyes gradually gathered, and he could already hear hurried footsteps. It was security personnel; they came over and surrounded Zhou Pei.
"Zhou Pei, go outside and wait for me. I'll come back to you after I sign the papers," Zhou Xiye said seriously without smiling at him. He then turned to Pei Zhiyu and said, "Don't worry, I'll definitely sign." After saying that, he picked up the pen.
The next second, Zhou Pei snatched the pen away. With a "crack," the pen broke in two. Before anyone could react, Zhou Pei bent down and lifted Zhou Xiye up. His strength was so great that Pei Zhiyu's hand was flung away.
"Sister, I'm sorry."
After saying that, he walked out.
Pei Zhiyu's face turned ashen. She slammed her hand on the table and stood up. "Hold him down!"
A group of people swarmed forward, and in the chaos, Zhou Xiye was pulled down, but his arm was tightly gripped by Zhou Pei. He managed to break free, but it felt like he was being skinned alive. The group pinned Zhou Pei down; he was strong, and it took several people several attempts to finally control him. Zhou Pei glared at Pei Zhiyu resentfully, "Why! You're just lucky to have a good mother!"
Pei Zhiyu stood in front of Zhou Xiye, and upon hearing this, his face tightened even more. The two stared at each other for a few seconds. Zhou Pei laughed and looked at Zhou Xiye behind Pei Zhiyu, "Zhou Xiye, you must come with me today. I do not agree to this marriage."
"By what right or status do you demand that your sister do this?" Pei Zhiyu retorted, her voice noble and cold. "I can help her, but what about you?"
Zhou Xiye was in excruciating pain all over her body. When she heard Pei Zhiyu's words and saw Zhou Pei being suppressed, her anger flared up instantly. "Then what right do you have to lecture Zhou Pei?"
Pei Zhiyu paused, turned to look at her, his jawline sharp and noble, "I am your husband."
Zhou Pei laughed upon hearing this, but his arrogant laughter turned into a bitter one. Zhou Xiye stepped out from behind Pei Zhiyu, walked up to Zhou Pei, and said to the others, "Let him go."
Those men received their orders, but their gazes fixed on Pei Zhiyu behind Zhou Xiye filled her with resentment and anger. It wasn't about power, yet the air itself reeked of authority. She repeated herself coldly, "Let him go!"
Her hands were already clenched into fists on both sides, ready to strike.
Sometimes, the best way to resist power is through violence.
"Sister, I'm fine..." Zhou Pei comforted her, her smile carrying a hint of ingratiation, "Sister, come with me, okay?"
Zhou Xiye's hand was suddenly enveloped by warmth, which held her tightly.
"Let him go," Pei Zhiyu stepped forward, her eyes icy cold. "Let's go sign the papers."
As he spoke, he pulled Zhou Xiye towards the signature, but Zhou Xiye raised her hand and shook him off, her chest heaving. Pei Zhiyu turned to look at her, "What's wrong? What's wrong again? Was it my tone? I didn't mean to order you around, I just said... we should sign..."
The group released their grip, and Zhou Pei slowly stood beside Zhou Xiye, the two standing side by side. This scene was utterly jarring to Pei Zhiyu.
Pei Zhiyu had already exhausted himself with endless concessions and elaborate schemes; the final step was just one step away.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, Zhou Xiye was already standing in front of him. "I'll sign. Please take care of Zhou Pei and get rid of him."
"Zhou Xiye! Zhou Xiye, if you dare to sign, I'll..."
"Click—"
The lighter made a crisp sound, followed by the sofa denting. Ling Xingzhi, with a cigarette between his fingers, threw the lighter away, and a wisp of blue smoke enveloped him. As dusk fell, the dark blue color spread across the sky like ink.
Ling Xingzhi sighed, leaned back on the sofa, rested his arms on the back of the chair, and crossed his legs.
The silence was broken by a cell phone call. Ling Xingzhi, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, picked up the phone with his other hand. It was a call from Wei Luochen.
After looking at it for a few seconds, he answered, "I have something to do, I'll call back later."
Before Wei Luochen could speak, he hung up the phone.
Holding his phone, Ling Xingzhi took a few more puffs of his cigarette. The phone rang again, and Ling Xingzhi narrowed his eyes as he looked at the caller.
"How about it?"
After a few words were spoken, Ling Xingzhi looked at the smoke, a wisp of blue smoke, gracefully rising into the air.
"Okay, I understand."
He hung up the phone, took a deep drag on his cigarette, stood up, walked to his desk, and stubbed it out in the ashtray. His gaze swept across the desk, his finger tapped, and he picked up the phone, pressing a button. "Chen Ran, prepare a wedding gift for me. It doesn't need to be too expensive."
"Okay, is there anything else I need to be aware of?"
Ling Xingzhi looked up at the documents on the table, shook his head, and said, "No, I want the most expensive one. I remember we have Qi Baishi's 'Shrimp and Crab Painting' at home, so I'll take this one."
Chen Ran paused for a moment, then said, "Secretary, this painting belongs to the minister..."
Ling Xingzhi lowered his eyes. "Get it ready and send it to my office."
After saying that, he hung up the phone.
"Thank you for choosing the right path."
Jiang Yunpeng's voice on the phone was icy: "Zhou Xiye, I wish you a meteoric rise in your career."
"Where is he?" Zhou Xiye asked angrily. "I want to see him."
Jiang Yunpeng paused for a few seconds, then said, "There's no need."
Zhou Xiye clenched his fist. "He's my younger brother."
Jiang Yunpeng chuckled on the other end, "Have you forgotten what I told you before?"
Zhou Xiye slowly loosened his fist... lowered his head, and looked down.
"I just... want to know how he's feeling right now, and if he's hurt..."
"Since you've chosen to be his sister, then be a good sister."
The beeping sound came through her ear, and Zhou Xiye put down the phone and looked out the window. The snowstorm had long since passed, and she sighed softly.
"General Hu will not punish him, you can rest assured."
Pei Zhiyu's voice rang out, and Zhou Xiye nodded, "He is my younger brother, and I hope you can respect him."
"He's your brother, why is he stopping you from getting married? Doesn't he want you to have a... capable... business partner?"
Zhou Xiye didn't speak, but turned to look at Pei Zhiyu. His dark pupils were exceptionally clear in the dim light, making him look extremely innocent. She suddenly thought of Zhou Pei. Looking into those innocent eyes, her heart ached, and Zhou Pei's cries still echoed in her ears.
She didn't understand. Few people knew about their marriage registration, so how could he suddenly appear? Now, she didn't even have the right to ask him where he was. She couldn't even bear to watch him being "kicked out"—every sound was like a sharp sword.
It pierced her heart deeply.
Zhou Xiye smiled wryly. The person beside her, unaware of her thoughts, asked in a calm tone, "What are you thinking about?"
"Teacher Hua has arranged a dinner party tonight. Is your mother coming?" Zhou Xiye asked him. Pei Zhiyu pursed his lips and said, "It's enough that I'm here."
Zhou Xiye nodded. Her phone vibrated in her pocket. She took it out and saw that it was a message from Ling Xingzhi.
"It's easy to say, but hard to do. Happy wedding!"
After finishing reading, Zhou Xiye turned off his phone, closed his eyes, and leaned back in his chair.
Hua Chunyang had booked the banquet at Wangyue Tower, in her own private room. Zhou Xiye and Pei Zhiyu got out of the car and walked one after the other. Pei Zhiyu slowed down to wait for Zhou Xiye, and as they walked side by side, her hand, which was hanging by his leg, accidentally touched his.
It's very cold.
The next second, Pei Zhiyu grasped Zhou Xiye's hand. "Why is it so cold? Isn't the air conditioning on in the car?"
Zhou Xiye looked up at the night sky; the moon was hiding behind the Drum Tower.
After leaving the Civil Affairs Bureau, Pei Zhiyu took her to their marital home. There were only sixty-eight households in Yuanshan Academy, and Pei Zhiyu owned one of their apartments there.
"I asked Tadao Ando to design this house. Do you like it?" Pei Zhiyu looked around the room and then turned to look at Zhou Xiye.
Zhou Xiye stood outside the door, hesitant to go in.
“Pei Zhiyu, I should make this clear: our marriage is a political alliance. I don’t want to discuss any personal matters outside of official business, nor do I want any private communication… Besides, I have my own house, and I want to live in my own home.”
She never imagined that Pei Zhiyu would actually buy a wedding room for this marriage that seemed like a joke.
Pei Zhiyu stood inside the room looking at Zhou Xiye, her hand on the door, her lips slightly moving. "In my opinion, marriage is a commitment, not a tool. Now that we're married, you are my wife and I am your husband. I think we can have a normal married life."
Zhou Xiye looked at him, and when he mentioned the words "marital life," he pursed his lips.
Pei Zhiyu was too innocent and pure, and Zhou Xiye couldn't bring herself to say the teasing words she wanted to say. But it wouldn't do for the two of them to stand there awkwardly at the door, so after thinking for a moment, Zhou Xiye nodded, "Alright, I'm a little tired and want to rest for a bit. I have a banquet to attend tonight."
"Please come in."
Pei Zhiyu stepped aside, and Zhou Xiye walked in. She glanced at the interior design, as if she were in a breathing building.
"Let me show you your room."
Pei Zhiyu walked up the spiral staircase, but Zhou Xiye said, "No need, I'll just lie down on the sofa for a bit."
He turned to look at Zhou Xiye, and after a few seconds said, "Okay, I'll go get you a blanket."
Zhou Xiye sat on the sofa, tossed aside her handbag, and unconsciously surveyed the room's design. Every detail was clever and vivid. Zhou Xiye closed her eyes wearily. Marriage was only the first step. Next, she would have to deal with all the issues during the Two Sessions, whether it was public opinion scrutiny or every move her opponents made.
Lost in thought, she fell asleep, exhausted. All her worries and anxieties vanished, and Zhou Xiye's breathing grew heavy. Pei Zhiyu, clutching the blanket, watched her.
It was sweltering. Zhou Xiye wanted to turn over, but his body was restrained.
She slowly opened her eyes, and what came into view was a gray and white color scheme. The simple and sharp chandelier was just like Pei Zhiyu's temperament.
Zhou Xiye smiled, turned her head and saw Pei Zhiyu lying on her side, her arm draped over her body, her head buried in her neck.
For a fleeting moment, she felt nauseous. Like sleeping while clutching a sharp sword. After a few seconds, she heard Pei Zhiyu's breathing. The two were huddled together on the sofa, sharing a blanket. Zhou Xiye reached out and touched Pei Zhiyu's hair, somewhat dazed.
Judging from his current behavior, Pei Zhiyu does have some feelings for her. If the marriage was for political reasons, then his willingness to hold her while sleeping must be out of personal motives.
If that's the case—a strange light flashed in Zhou Xiye's dark eyes—if that's the case, then her situation would be better; at least living with Pei Zhiyu wouldn't be so troublesome. Having a little leverage and a weakness is their way of surviving.
Zhou Xiye turned around and moved slightly, and Pei Zhiyu opened her eyes.
"What time is it? Shouldn't we be leaving?"
Zhou Xiye hummed in agreement and sat up, and Pei Zhiyu followed suit.
After arriving at the room arranged by Hua Chunyang, the moon peeked out from behind the Drum Tower.
"Among those attending the banquet are Minister Ye, Professor Hua, and President Yi. I'm not too familiar with the others," Zhou Xiye briefly explained before the waiter opened the door.
Only Yi Shuyuan was inside. Zhou Xiye paused, "President Yi, hello."
Pei Zhiyu glanced at it and then called out to Yi Shuyuan, "Uncle Yi."
Yi Shuyuan stood up with a smile on his face. "Hello, Xiao Zhou. Just call me Uncle Yi like Xiao Pei does. You two are married now, so there's no need to be so formal."
Zhou Xiye smiled and nodded. Not long after he sat down, Ye Lifeng and Hua Chunyang also arrived.
"Congratulations to Zhou and Pei on your marriage!" As the words were spoken, everyone raised their glasses, and Zhou Xiye smiled as he accepted their blessings. Pei Zhiyu didn't smile, but tonight he looked dashing and radiant.
Amidst the clinking of glasses and the downing of several drinks, the atmosphere became lively.
"Xiao Zhou, everything's settled in Hangzhou. We've made the arrangements, but the official approval is expected to come after the Two Sessions. Just wait a little longer."
Zhou Xiye nodded, "Thank you, Minister Ye. I must toast you with this glass." He picked up his glass, but Ye Lifeng waved his hand, "You have to admit you're excellent. Opportunities are for those who are prepared. When you get there, be careful. The environment is unfamiliar, so take it slow."
Zhou Xiye put down his wine glass and listened to Ye Lifeng's words.
"There are too many factions down there. Even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake. When you get there, first figure out what you need to do, and act according to the situation. The principles of doing things here may not apply locally. Besides, you yourself know the power struggle between the local and central governments. I won't go into too much detail about that. The rest, you'll have to figure out on your own!"
Zhou Xiye smiled as he listened. "I've learned a great deal from what you've said." Ye Lifeng nodded, the deep lines on his cheeks becoming more pronounced. These words ignited the desire and excitement in Zhou Xiye's blood. He picked up his wine glass and downed it in one gulp.
She's already eager to make her mark.
"Hangzhou?" Pei Zhiyu put down her wine glass and leaned close to Zhou Xiye's ear. "What's going on here?"
Zhou Xiye shook her head. The matter hadn't been settled yet, and she didn't want to tell anyone.
The meal was already quite noisy, but it strengthened our bonds and made us happy to have the Pei family join the intellectual faction.
Just as the banquet was about to end, the door was suddenly pushed open. The people at the table were at a loss; some froze in mid-air with their wine glasses, while others dropped food they were holding with their chopsticks onto the white tablecloth, leaving unsightly yellow oil stains.
A group of people strode in, their steps rhythmic and their manner menacing.
It seemed as if swords were suspended in the air, and with a single command, none of those present could escape.
The smiles on Hua Chunyang and Ye Lifeng's faces froze, and their sharp eyes were now filled with murderous intent.
Zhou Xiye turned his head to look. The men in black stood on both sides, while the person in the middle strolled leisurely. The black shadow fell on the man's face, and the sound of his footsteps mingled with darkness, carrying a sense of menace.
It wasn't until the person walked in that Zhou Xiye could see the faint smile on Ling Xingzhi's face.
"Hello, Professor Hua, Minister Ye, and Governor Yi."
Ling Xingzhi bowed slightly to them, straightened up and looked around the room, finally fixing his gaze on Zhou Xiye. His smile widened, but his eyes remained dark.
"Xiao Ling, why such a big fuss?" Hua Chunyang put down his chopsticks, leaned back in his chair, and pointed at the bodyguards. "Come here, I'm just an old lady, I don't need so many people."
Ling Xingzhi took a step forward. "Teacher Hua, I just finished a meeting and didn't think much about it when I came over. If I offended you, I apologize." His smile was not apologetic at all. He raised his hand and waved to the group of people. The door closed, and only Li Qingshan stood at the door without going out. The room became quiet again.
Ling Xingzhi clenched his fist, put it to his mouth, and turned his head to look at him in a pretentious manner. "Teacher Hua, may I sit down and talk?"
Hua Chunyang arranged a seat for him. "It was my fault, Xiao Ling, please sit down," she said, pointing to the seat near the door. Ling Xingzhi didn't care about the location and sat down, unzipping his jacket.
"You rushed over right after the meeting. What's the matter that's so urgent?" Ye Lifeng asked. After all, this was Hua Chunyang's home turf, a gathering of intellectuals in a sense. If he, as an opponent, were to barge in, he would surely have ill intentions.
Ling Xingzhi sighed softly, picked up the Moutai on the table, poured himself a glass, took a small sip, clicked his tongue, and looked at Ye Lifeng. "Uncle Ye, Teacher Hua, don't overthink it. I'm here today because my good friend, Zhou Xiye, is getting married." When he said this, he specifically emphasized the words "good friend."
Zhou Xiye stared at Ling Xingzhi with a cold expression.
He smiled as always, "I've come to present a congratulatory gift." With a wave of his hand, Li Qingshan stepped forward and placed the gift in Ling Xingzhi's hands.
"This is a shrimp and crab painting by Qi Baishi. I'm giving it to Zhou Xiye to wish her a happy marriage."
As he spoke, he stood up and walked to Zhou Xiye's side in full view of everyone. Zhou Xiye did not get up either, but just looked up at him.
Ling Xingzhi looked at the painting in his hand, then at Zhou Xiye, and said with a smile, "I don't know what you like. This painting is a family heirloom, so I'm giving it to you."
After he finished speaking, he handed over the painting, but Zhou Xiye did not take it.
For a moment, the two were locked in a stalemate.
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