"Ah, sir, I, I know Xu Zhengyang," Zheng Ronghua hurriedly said again.
“Yes, if you didn’t know the Governor, and if he didn’t value your talent, would you have been able to get here?” Li Haidong sneered and said, “Take him away and execute him for ten days.”
Guo Li immediately obeyed the order, then grabbed Zheng Ronghua and, without giving him a chance to explain, dragged him to the prison cell in the backyard.
Soon, a piercing scream came from the backyard...
After being taught a lesson by Xu Zhengyang last time, Wang Yonggan dared not show the slightest disrespect when he saw Li Haidong again. He bowed and said, "Your Honor, Zheng Ronghua's ghost has been brought here. I will take my leave now."
"Go ahead," Li Haidong said calmly.
After Wang Yonggan turned and quickly walked out of the City God's Mansion, he left the mansion with a thought. This was the rule; as a ghost messenger, one was absolutely forbidden from using mental power to suddenly appear or leave within the City God's Mansion.
As the current governor's close attendant, he doesn't have much free time to linger in these government offices.
Regardless of rank, it's always better to follow the adults! Wang Yonggan felt that his life was pretty good...
After receiving Wang Yonggan's work report, Xu Zhengyang stopped worrying about the matter. As for how to arrange Zheng Ronghua, it was much better to have Li Haidong handle it than to worry about it himself. He was just a messenger, after all, and Li Haidong would naturally report to Xu Zhengyang when he actually made arrangements for Zheng Ronghua.
...
The sound of firecrackers echoed throughout, dispelling the winter chill.
Just like every year during the Spring Festival, we bid farewell to the old year on New Year's Eve and welcome the new year on the first day of the new year. Families reunite and every household celebrates.
As the first rays of dawn on the first day of the Lunar New Year draped Shuanghe Village in a veil of gold and red, the lively atmosphere of the village at dawn gradually quieted down.
People who had gotten up early to pay New Year's visits returned home and lay down on their beds for a blissful nap.
Pregnant Li Bingjie felt increasingly sleepy each day, and having gotten up early on New Year's Day, she was now so tired she could barely keep her eyes open. After eating the chicken soup her mother-in-law had specially prepared for her, she returned to her bedroom and, under Xu Zhengyang's care, fell peacefully asleep.
Xu Zhengyang tucked the blanket around Li Bingjie, got up, went to the outer room, put on his trench coat, and went out.
For him now, temperature changes like hot and cold don't really matter, but he can't be too unconventional, and he's unwilling to do anything too conspicuous.
Stepping out of the courtyard gate, lighting a cigarette, Xu Zhengyang walked through the thick elm trees and onto the snow-covered path heading north.
A howling wind raged across the open fields, whipping up the surface snow and sending flakes of snow swirling and piling up here and there. The bare, desolate trees on the riverbank shivered in the cold wind, yet stubbornly held their branches together, as if holding hands for warmth, encouraging each other to survive the harsh climate.
In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, Xu Zhengyang usually liked to go out alone, have a smoke to satisfy his craving, and quietly think about things in the cold wind.
In the past, I would have gotten together with my buddies before and after the New Year to drink and play cards...
However, he now has no interest in those things at all, while Chen Chaojiang, who is usually cold and aloof and dislikes gatherings, is encouraged by Ye Wan's curiosity to visit his friends and chat and play cards with them.
Chen Chaojiang privately asked Ye Wan if these things were meaningful.
Ye Wan's eyebrows shot up, her beautiful eyes widened, and she grinned, saying, "This is to make you look good, you idiot! Aren't you the only one left who isn't married yet? I'm going to let them all know that your wife, Chen Chaojiang's wife, is no less than anyone else's..."
"Oh." Chen Chaojiang was grateful, but also found it rather boring. Was it really necessary?
Last night, while chatting at Xu Zhengyang's house, Ye Wan brought up this matter, making Chen Chaojiang extremely embarrassed. Xu Zhengyang, however, just laughed and said it was fine, very fine.
Regardless of whether what was done was right or wrong, it's truly remarkable that Ye Wan, given her personality, could consider this point.
Xu Zhengyang stood on the riverbank, looking at the silvery white fields to the north, feeling the chill of the cold wind on his face, and sighed that he was twenty-seven this year, but even he felt like he was seventy-two.
I'm becoming increasingly disconnected from real life; am I becoming withdrawn or lonely?
Xu Zhengyang's phone vibrated. He took it out and looked at it. He was surprised to find that he had received so many text messages since midnight last night. He hadn't been wearing an overcoat at home and hadn't checked his phone for calls after getting up around 3 a.m., so he only noticed now.
So many text messages, all the same, all New Year's greetings.
Huang Chen, Yu Xuan, Diao Yishi... Tang Jing, Hu Bayi, Dong Yuebu, Dong Wenqi, Wu Juan, Zhan Xiaohui, Deng Wenjing... Zhao Qing, Pang Zhong, Yu Zhenbang, Xiao Hanjun...
One by one, familiar acquaintances sent text messages of blessing, some brief and some sincere.
Xu Zhengyang couldn't help but smile wryly. Nowadays, they wouldn't even make a phone call, only sending a text message to express their well wishes. Perhaps some of these were just perfunctory mass-sent greetings, going through the motions and fulfilling a favor; others were probably a little afraid of Xu Zhengyang, afraid of bothering him? So they just sent a text message as a token gesture, neither seeming pretentious nor lacking in personal feelings, yet still conveying their blessings.
Scroll down further, and you'll find text message blessings from Chen Hanzhe and Zhu Jun.
On the 29th day of the Lunar New Year, Zhu Jun was sent back to his hometown by Xu Zhengyang to celebrate the New Year. After the old lady's case last autumn, Chen Hanzhe was assigned by Xu Zhengyang to Jinghui Logistics to drive for Wu Juan.
Oh, there's another text message, sent by Zheng Dahai.
This burly, straightforward man with a strong sense of justice, after testifying for Chen Hanzhe in court, was too embarrassed to contact Xu Zhengyang. He spent over a month looking for work but couldn't find anything. Whether it was because jobs were genuinely hard to find, or because he still had Ronghua Group in his mind and was therefore somewhat picky, he finally gave up and tried calling Xu Zhengyang.
Without a doubt, Xu Zhengyang immediately told him to go to the Ronghua Group headquarters in Fuhe City to find Zheng Yaokai.
Subsequently, Zheng Dahai got a job that he was very satisfied with... Of course, besides Xu Zhengyang's influence, Zheng Dahai also had the ability to do the job.
The latest New Year's greeting text message was actually sent by Ouyang Ying.
Xu Zhengyang shook his head with a wry smile. This girl was just at the same dinner table a few hours ago, kowtowing and wishing her parents a Happy New Year together. Why couldn't she say it to their faces instead of sending this text message? She probably received a New Year's greeting and just sent it to everyone on her phone.
Xu Zhengyang selected a particularly interesting yet sincere text message from the editor and promptly sent it to a group.
You have to give something, especially during the New Year; you can't seem impolite, that would be bad.
Sensing someone approaching from behind, Xu Zhengyang turned around and saw Ouyang Ying, wearing a blue down jacket, walking through the snow on a country path. She had her hands raised to cover her face, her pink cotton gloves shielding her from the biting wind. Seeing Xu Zhengyang looking this way, Ouyang Ying paused slightly, then raised her right hand and waved, appearing casual and proactive to avoid any awkwardness.
Unfortunately, Xu Zhengyang was very unsympathetic and walked down the riverbank to meet Ouyang Ying.
A hint of disappointment flashed through Ouyang Ying's heart. She sent a humorous text message of blessing after seeing Xu Zhengyang come out, and then, seeing that Xu Rouyue and the others were resting, she couldn't help but put on her clothes and follow him out, unable to suppress the impulse that had been building up inside her for so long.
She knew that Xu Zhengyang must have gone for a walk on the riverbank alone again.
These days, Ouyang Ying has been paying close attention to Xu Zhengyang's every move and habit.
This made her feel somewhat annoyed and ashamed with self-reproach, but she couldn't shake off the image of Xu Zhengyang that kept flashing in her mind. His once naive and smiling face, his occasional bursts of ruthlessness, masculinity, and bloodthirstiness, and his current calm, aloofness and indifference, all swirled around in Ouyang Ying's mind like scenes from a movie.
Often, such thoughts and uncontrollable behavior will be condemned by others, and even by oneself, as despicable, shameless, and promiscuous...
However, like many girls, when she has someone she likes, she keeps finding reasons to get closer to him, even if it's just to say a few more words. She also tells herself that she just wants to talk to him more, and she doesn't have many expectations... until she makes up her mind that she just wants to express her feelings, and doesn't necessarily need the other person to accept her...
Again and again, until he was completely succumbed and unable to extricate himself.
Ouyang Ying is now on the verge of this danger.
Xu Zhengyang didn't understand the complex thoughts and shifts in a girl's mind. He just felt that women were often really scary... well, women are tigers. But Xu Zhengyang knew that Ouyang Ying had feelings for him. There was no way around it; as the dignified God of the State, his divine sense was so powerful that he could unconsciously know the superficial consciousness of anyone who appeared in front of him.
Therefore, Xu Zhengyang would never allow Ouyang Ying to have such an opportunity to express herself.
If they don't say it out loud, they can still chat and be friends, like brothers; but once it's out loud, Xu Zhengyang, who is extremely thin-skinned and traditional, would probably be so embarrassed that he would avoid Ouyang Ying whenever he sees her.
So the older brother waved his hand with concern from afar and scolded, "What are you doing out in this cold weather? Go home quickly, or you'll catch a cold."
Ouyang Ying stopped, lowered her hands from her face, pouting, puffed out her cheeks, and glared at Xu Zhengyang with a hint of annoyance, without saying a word.
Xu Zhengyang, feeling a little embarrassed, walked up to Ouyang Ying with an awkward smile. Like a loving older brother, he patted her on the shoulder and said, "Come on, let's go home. It's so cold... Is something bothering you again? Tell me when we get back!"
You're avoiding me!
"Huh? Silly girl, what are you talking about? Why would I avoid you?" Xu Zhengyang laughed.
You're afraid of me!
Xu Zhengyang coughed twice, then put on a stern face and said, "What nonsense are you talking about? Go back, go back!"
“My mom doesn’t want me anymore, my dad is going to jail, and my brother went abroad with my mom. I have no home anymore…” Ouyang Ying cried, tears streaming down her face. “Now you’re avoiding me too, not even giving me a chance to speak!”
"I really didn't!" Xu Zhengyang panicked.
As a dignified provincial god, he really had no way to deal with a girl crying.
If anyone saw this, especially my sister, my parents, or even my wife Li Bingjie, or even Qingling, where would I put my face? Heaven knows what others would think.
"Then why did you turn back as soon as you saw me?" Ouyang Ying glared at Xu Zhengyang through her tears.
Xu Zhengyang said innocently, "It's not because it's cold, but I was wondering what you were doing out here, so I wanted to get you back quickly..."
"I have something to tell you!"
“This…” Xu Zhengyang sighed, his expression turning serious, and said, “Yingying, there are some things we shouldn’t say. Come back with me.”
"I like you!"
...
Girls are often more impulsive and reckless than men.
The cold wind howled, and occasionally a gust of wind would sweep up a patch of snow, creating a snow curtain that would fall into the distance.
Xu Zhengyang looked at Ouyang Ying with a calm expression, his eyes narrowed as if he couldn't withstand the cold wind.
Ouyang Ying stared stubbornly at Xu Zhengyang, without flinching.
"Not good!" Xu Zhengyang uttered two words softly, then turned and walked home.
However, she adopted an attitude of ignoring Ouyang Ying, acting as if she didn't care about anyone else... She was somewhat annoyed, somewhat helpless, and somewhat... soft-hearted.
Who says it's as hard as climbing a mountain for a man to pursue a woman, but as easy as piercing a sheet of paper for a woman to pursue a man?
That makes a lot of sense.
Throughout history, countless heroes have succumbed to the allure of beautiful women…
Xu Zhengyang doesn't consider himself a hero; he now sees himself as a coward! Faced with this situation, he becomes a coward and backs down, which is why he can overcome the allure of a beautiful woman.
To say that one would remain completely unmoved by such a beautiful woman's direct declaration of love would be utter nonsense, pure and utter pretentious posturing. Xu Zhengyang may not have many virtues, but at least he's not promiscuous, especially since… he felt that doing so would be unfair to his wife first, and second, unfair to this lovely, pitiful, beautiful girl, Ouyang Ying.
Besides, even if it's because his wife is pregnant and they haven't had sex in a while, and he desperately needs it, he can't just go for it with someone he knows so well! He's too embarrassed to make a move...
He was able to sense the loneliness, defeat, and disappointment in Ouyang Ying's heart during their eye contact.
Yes, this isn't Xu Zhengyang being narcissistic; it's the truth. In Ouyang Ying's mind, she hasn't been able to accept anyone else for years. Every girl dreams of a prince charming, but without experiencing maturity and trials, she ultimately can't accept other princes who have been left far behind by her current goal.
Xu Zhengyang was thinking, if every girl were to compare herself to others like Ouyang Ying, would any other boys in the world still be able to find wives?
After all, Xu Zhengyang is the only god! He is simply incomparable to ordinary mortals!
Of course, this is also an impossible situation... Xu Zhengyang is being a bit of a worrywart.
Rejecting her is for her own good. She'll recover from this temporary sadness naturally. Xu Zhengyang thought this with a mixture of helplessness and gentlemanly pride.
What Xu Zhengyang didn't expect was that Ouyang Ying's change of mindset was incredibly fast, and her self-control and ability to hide her personal feelings were quite formidable.
After standing blankly in the cold wind for a long time, Ouyang Ying actually went home.
After returning home, he acted as if nothing had happened, still laughing and joking, and even sat down with Li Bingjie several times to whisper and discuss whether he could feel his baby kicking him now.
This made Xu Zhengyang wary, wondering if Ouyang Ying might be a vicious woman who would put on a romantic drama of "If I can't have her, no one else can either."
It would be inappropriate to send ghost messengers to prevent this, since it's all just whispered gossip among women.
Xu Zhengyang could only give Qingling a few words of advice, telling her to stay by Li Bingjie's side at all times and protect her safety.
This puzzled Qingling. Protecting Li Bingjie's safety was her duty, but she had indeed been somewhat lax in her vigilance lately, which was understandable, since they were all... her own people and posed no danger. Now, with Xu Zhengyang's words of advice, Qingling, though still doubtful, felt that Xu Zhengyang was right. He was reminding her not to let her guard down because of a long period of peaceful life.