Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 165 The Balance of Emotions

After hanging up the phone, Hu Ruoxi had a complex expression, a mixture of excitement at reuniting with her boyfriend who had been missing for two years and guilt towards Wu Zhiyuan.

After spending some time together, she developed feelings of attachment to Wu Zhiyuan.

Although neither of them confessed their feelings, they both knew what was going on between them.

Hu Ruoxi also plans to completely forget Yang Baocai and start a new relationship.

However, Yang Baocai returned.

Her longing for Yang Baocai had long since overshadowed her suspicions about him.

"Zhiyuan, why don't you stay in the basement for a while?"

Now, if Wu Zhiyuan goes out, he will likely run into Yang Baocai.

Yang Baocai did not recognize him and did not know his true identity.

However, after the meeting, Wu Zhiyuan will face some inconveniences in carrying out his missions.

Therefore, he did not intend to meet Yang Baocai.

"Okay." For some reason, Wu Zhiyuan felt a faint bitterness in his heart.

It seems that he wasn't entirely acting; if he were acting purely for work, he wouldn't feel bitter.

Unfortunately, now is not the time to expose Yang Baocai's true colors.

Capturing Yang Baocai is very easy, but eradicating the intelligence network behind him is very difficult.

What is his mission this time? Who is he going to meet? We have no idea.

You have to cast a long line to catch a big fish.

Hu Ruoxi went upstairs.

Wu Zhiyuan did not stay in the open fitness area, but instead hid in the storage room at the stairwell.

This location is more secluded, and you can hear what's happening upstairs.

Yang Baocai went inside.

"Ruoxi, I'm back. I'm so sorry for making you wait so long. Do you know how much I missed you?"

Yang Baocai put down his luggage and was about to hug Hu Ruoxi.

Hu Ruoxi stood there blankly, lost in thought.

She finally couldn't hold back anymore and began to sob softly, gently pounding Yang Baocai's not-so-broad chest with her fists.

"Bao Cai, you've disappointed me so much! So much time without any news; I thought I'd never see you again!"

Yang Baocai hugged Hu Ruoxi tightly and began to explain.

The story goes like this: his father was critically ill, he had to return to China urgently, he himself was in a serious car accident and fell into a coma, and he didn't want to be a burden to her, so he reluctantly cut off contact—a seemingly reasonable and tragic drama.

Wu Zhiyuan heard it clearly downstairs.

"Bao Cai, is everything you said true? Let me see, are there any more wounds on your body?"

"Ruoxi, I thought I was going to die. The car hit me and I was knocked unconscious on the spot."

I was hospitalized for over a year, but I have now fully recovered.

As you know, the medical technology in the United States is very advanced; there are no visible scars on his body now.

I'm back, all lively and energetic! I can love you like I used to! It's so good!

Ruoxi, you don't have a boyfriend, do you?

Hu Ruoxi remained silent.

Because Wu Zhiyuan was in the basement.

It's quiet at night; people talking upstairs can be heard downstairs.

If there is any truth to it, it would undoubtedly make Yang Baocai sad.

However, if he said no, it would make Wu Zhiyuan sad.

Silence is the best option.

Yang Baocai murmured, "Ruoxi, I'm sorry, it's all my fault for making you bear so much alone."

I came back this time to make it up to you; I'll never leave again.

As Hu Ruoxi listened to Yang Baocai's moving account and saw the tears in his eyes, the softest part of her heart was touched.

The grievances, longing, and worries of the past two years seemed to find an outlet at this moment.

She leaned against Yang Baocai's chest, tears blurring her vision.

After all, this was the man she had once deeply loved and thought she could entrust her life to.

"It's all in the past, Bao Cai. It's good that you're back."

Hu Ruoxi's voice choked with emotion as she suppressed the budding feelings she had for Wu Zhiyuan.

If she had to choose, her emotions would tip in favor of Yang Baocai.

After all, one was her first love with whom she had spent a long time, and the other was a man she had only known for a little over ten days.

Yang Baocai gently patted her back and comforted her, "Yes, I'm back. We'll never be apart again."

Ruoxi, this place is still the same as before, making me feel very safe.

He glanced around the spacious living room, his gaze casually drifting towards the direction leading to the basement. "By the way, I remember your heated swimming pool is the most relaxing. I'm tired from the journey, so I'd like to go for a swim to unwind."

Hu Ruoxi was startled. Wu Zhiyuan was right below. What would she do if Yang Baocai saw this?

She made an excuse: "Now? Isn't it too late? The water might be a little cold, and I'm a bit tired. I want to rest early."

Yang Baochai was in high spirits and grabbed Hu Ruoxi's hand: "A swim will warm you up. Come with me and get some exercise, let's celebrate our reunion."

Hu Ruoxi said helplessly, "Alright then, I'll swim for a while."

Footsteps echoed down the stairs as Hu Ruoxi and Yang Baocai entered the basement.

Wu Zhiyuan hid in the storage room and opened a crack in the door.

For some reason, seeing Yang Baocai holding Hu Ruoxi's hand made him feel a pang of sadness, like he had eaten sour grapes.

The basement was softly lit, and the pool water shimmered.

"Ruoxi, I don't plan to leave this time I'm back."

I want to settle down and live a good life with you.

As for work, I'd like to find something stable, preferably one that can help you.

Do you think I could get a job at Dadi Company?

My professional background and overseas experience should be helpful to the company.

"Bao Cai, I understand your intentions."

However, after the company became state-owned, the appointment process for important positions became complicated, and the background checks were very strict. It was not something I could arrange simply by making a call.

If you really want to stay and develop your career in Jiangzhou, I can recommend you to a private company run by a friend of mine. The environment there is relatively relaxed, and with your abilities…”

"No, Ruoxi," Yang Baocai interrupted him, "I just want to be closer to you, to work by your side, so that I can better help you and make up for what I didn't do for you."

I believe that with your current position as executive vice president, as long as you are truly willing to help me, you will definitely find a way.

Hu Ruoxi looked at him, a hint of suspicion rising in her heart. Yang Baocai was so eager to join Dadi Company as soon as he arrived. Could it be that he really had ill intentions?

She dared not think any further, so she tentatively asked, "Bao Cai, if you really want to join Dadi Company, what kind of position would you like to work in?"

Or, to put it another way, where do you see your strengths, and what kind of work do you think you're suited for?

Yang Baocai pretended to hesitate for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Ruoxi, can I go to the Strategic Development Department or the New Technology Assessment Office?"

My international perspective and understanding of cutting-edge technologies may help the company better grasp technological trends and mitigate risks…

Hu Ruoxi's doubts deepened.

The Strategic Development Department and the New Technology Assessment Office have access to the company's core strategic plans and technical secrets.

Yang Baocai's goal was clear, and he seemed to have come prepared, which suggests that his purpose might not be so simple.

"Bao Cai, these two departments are very critical to the company right now."

Because it is a key area, the entry threshold is higher and the procedures are more stringent.

Although I am now the executive vice president, my power in personnel matters, especially in bringing in people with overseas backgrounds like you, is limited.

But I will do my best. As is customary, there will be another campus recruitment and social recruitment in about a month. I will try to find a way then. I can't guarantee you'll get in, but under the same conditions, you will have priority in the selection process.

Hu Ruoxi was cautious and was using delaying tactics.

"More than a month? And we still have to go through the recruitment process?"

Ruoxi, can't you think of a way to handle this as a special case?

For example, could I go in as a consultant or special assistant first?

"Bao Cai, don't be in such a hurry. The company has its own rules and regulations. I'm under a lot of scrutiny right now, so I can't be the first to break the rules."

Are you worried about not having much income since you just got back? If you run out of money, just tell me, and I'll give you some.

"Ruoxi, I'm not doing this for the money; I just want to make it easier to take care of you."

"Bao Cai, settle down first and adapt to the domestic environment. I'll keep the work in mind and find a suitable opportunity to move forward."

"Okay, Ruoxi, I was too impatient. I just wanted to make up for the time I missed."

Okay then, I'll leave the matter of going to your company to you.

However, let me accompany you on your daily commute and work!

I'll pick you up and drop you off at get off work every day, have a nice lunch with you, and wait for you in the office if you work overtime.

I want to take good care of you and make up for what I've missed out on these past two years.

That way, I can get familiar with the area around the company sooner, right?

Yang Baochai launched a romantic offensive, suddenly hugging Hu Ruoxi from behind: "Ruoxi, I want you right now. It's been over two years since I last touched you, I've been thinking about you day and night!"