Who wants to take the civil service exam after being reborn?

Chapter 665 Liking someone is a chaotic and arduous journey
Chen naturally did not want to take Yi Baoyu along.

To many, the relationship between Su Hui and the Yi family may seem quite harmonious.

Suhui Technology is a powerful external ally of the Yi family, while the Yi family is the key to Suhui's access to the "Beijing Circle".

After all, whether you're from the Shanghai circle, the Xinjiang circle, or the Guangdong circle, the ultimate goal is the "Beijing circle".

But don't forget, Gege initially wanted to get a free reply.

It was only because of Chen's gentle disguise and her inability to take over temporarily that it was delayed until now.

Therefore, Chen Zhe was always very wary of Yi Baoyu.

Despite her seemingly domineering, irritable, and even somewhat brainless nature, as long as Grandpa Yi remains in 301, she will have the ability to freeload.

Minister Yi may not agree, but as the influence of the reply grows, what if he is eventually coerced by his family into changing his mind?

To put it bluntly, the two sides are not on equal footing at the poker table right now.

Once the Yi family brings out "Old Master Yi," there will be no cards that Su Hui can control.

Chen had to be careful until the old man passed away.

So even though he was unwilling, Chen couldn't even refuse directly. Just as he was thinking of a reason to politely decline, Yi Baoyu's call came.

Where are you going? Back to Guangzhou?

Yi Baoyu asked blankly.

Chen didn't answer, but instead asked with concern, "Miss Yi, what's bothering you? Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I'm annoyed..."

Yi Gege on the other end of the line seemed about to complain, but then suddenly stopped, and then said sarcastically, "You can't help me even if I tell you, and do you even have the right to listen to my business?"

"Fuck your mother!"

Chen cursed inwardly, "I didn't really want to hear it. You were the one being unreasonable first!"

Now is not the time to openly offend Yi Baoyu, so Chen could only suppress his displeasure and replied with a smile, "I certainly don't have the qualifications. I was just concerned about Miss Yi. I didn't mean to be presumptuous."

This was originally just a hypocritical social phrase, a tactic used when someone tries to be friendly but is met with indifference, a way to save face.

As a result, Yi Baoyu's side suddenly fell silent.

She seemed to be "savoring" the meaning of that sentence.

Director Chen initially thought he had said something wrong about this slightly unusual behavior, but upon reflection, it seemed quite normal and there was nothing wrong with it.

Who do you think you are, to presume to care about me!

A moment later, Yi Baoyu suddenly dropped a sentence out of the blue and hung up the phone.

"Are you fucking an idiot?!"

Even someone as good-tempered as Chen couldn't help but yell at the person who hung up the phone.

But after I've finished criticizing him, it seems I really can't just ignore it. If all else fails, I'll ask Yi Shan to help me convey my apology.

This is reality, not fiction.

In reality, if your boss gives you a hard time, unless you're a completely lazy, old-timer, anyone with a bit of ambition will probably be anxiously pondering what to do for a long time.

……

Meanwhile, in a villa in the capital, Yi Baoyu's mood worsened.

A sudden surge of emotion, like a continuous tsunami, crashed through my chest, unable to find an outlet.

The crucial point is that the cause of this "tsunami" remains unknown. Was it an earthquake? A volcanic eruption? Or perhaps lunar tides?

"Dangdang!"

A decorative vase in the bedroom became the victim of this inexplicable anger.

"what happened?"

Aunt Liu, who had come back from Sweden, rushed in after hearing the commotion. Seeing the shards scattered all over the floor, she sighed softly.

This is the fourth bottle already!
I don't know why Xiaoyu has been so irritable lately.

Aunt Liu picked up the broom and was about to go inside to sweep when a hand stopped her: "Give it to me."

Aunt Liu looked up.

It turned out to be Yi Aoxiang, Yi Baoyu's biological father.

This villa belongs to Xiao Dong, the mother of the princess. Chairman Yi usually lives in another villa, but recently, since Yi Baoyu returned to China, he has been appearing here more often and for longer periods of time.

"Soaring"'s achievements are far less than those of his other brothers and sisters; he is merely the vice president of a trade association.

Nominally a "vice president," but in reality, he has neither control nor advisory power; in layman's terms, he's essentially a mascot.

But because of his surname, everyone is willing to give him face and pay hundreds of thousands (private enterprises) or even millions (state-owned enterprises, central enterprises, and private monopolies) in membership fees every year.

After deducting occasional meeting expenses, the remaining hundreds of millions of yuan is basically used to support this [Soaring].

This is also the true final fate of many second-generation rich kids who lack ability.

However, just like in every family with many children and grandchildren, there is always someone who doesn't have to bear the responsibilities of the family.

They have little ability, and the outside world has no expectations of them. They live in a tacitly accepted freedom, becoming an unintentional side note in the family narrative.

However, his years of enjoying life with women have left Yi Aoxiang ignorant of politics, uninterested in business, and clueless about management, but he is very good at understanding women.

He immediately understood why his daughter was upset.

Even Yi Baoyu himself didn't realize it.

"This vase really doesn't look nice; I've been thinking of throwing it away for a while now."

Yi Aoxiang didn't scold him. Instead, while sweeping up the mess on the ground, he tried to find a reason for Yi Baoyu's behavior.

Yi Baoyu wasn't particularly fond of this "Eight Li Family" father, but seeing that he was on his side this time, he just snorted and didn't say anything.

"Soaring" is like a seasoned expert, effortlessly and quietly covering up a tsunami caused by a woman.

After cleaning, Yi Aoxiang gently leaned the broom against the door, turned around and went into the bathroom. He first washed his hands slowly, and then tidied his sideburns in front of the mirror.

Although Aoxiang has an ordinary appearance and his figure is a bit bloated due to his age, he has a proper gentlemanly manner in every move. In addition, his face, which is always smiling, makes even his double chin look elegant.

Compared to a man like Chen Zheyi Boxiang, who possesses a deep and calculating mind, this kind of pretentiousness is like a plastic sheet that can't hold anything back.

However, this kind of manners is still very popular with women.

"Director Wei called me a couple of days ago."

As Yi Aoxiang walked out of the restroom, he casually changed the subject: "He said his son has taken a liking to you, and if both families don't object, why not get married before the New Year?"

Upon hearing this, Yi Baoyu's eyebrows were about to stand on end.

Yi Aoxiang interrupted, "I spat in his face! Don't you know what kind of person your son is? He's nothing like the outstanding person you boast about. How dare you send him out for a blind date?"

"They're utterly useless!"

Yi Baoyu was even more blunt: "During dinner, my aunt asked him a few simple questions, and his answers were completely nonsensical. If it weren't for the funding he receives, his lousy company would have gone bankrupt long ago!"

"I'll tell you about your aunt next time."

Yi Aoxiang immediately said, "We'll do a thorough check before introducing you to potential partners. Our home isn't a garbage dump."

"that is!"

Seeing that her father was always going along with her, Yi Baoyu finally felt a little better.

"What about that young man from the Yang family that your third uncle introduced?"

Yi Aoxiang then took the opportunity to inquire, "I heard from the third brother that Xiao Yang is quite capable."

"Well……"

Gege pursed her thin lips and said honestly, "His speech is indeed alright, but not particularly outstanding, and he's not good-looking either."

Yi Aoxiang's lips twitched.

His true thoughts are that he doesn't really care about looks when it comes to marriage, because the filter of "looks" will gradually wear off as they spend more time together.

Just like a book that seems amazing when you're in a bookstore, but you often only flip through a few pages after buying it and taking it home. What truly keeps someone turning the pages is the book's ongoing learning and personal growth, which is what makes a book "always fresh and new."

However, since his daughter was in a bad mood, Yi Aoxiang changed his approach to "tactful agreement." He nodded and said, "Looks are important, of course. It's also for the sake of the next generation."

"By the way, the Qin family lad that your uncle introduced."

Yi Aoxiang continued, "He's your uncle's colleague, and he's already a senior colonel. With his family's connections, he should have no problem becoming a major general in the future."

The promotion from senior colonel to major general is a hurdle, even more so than the promotion from department head to deputy provincial head.

Once you're promoted to major general, you can stay in the military for life; as for what happens after that, it's up to fate.

With the implementation of subsequent military reforms, the promotion of a major general to lieutenant general will no longer be determined by family background.

"Too old."

Yi Baoyu also shook his head.

In reality, the other party was only 36 years old, about ten years older than Yi Baoyu. This age gap is acceptable among ordinary people, let alone in this kind of "political marriage".
Yi Aoxiang did not ask any further questions.

Because he knew that if he continued to ask, no matter who the other party was, there would definitely be some issues where the conditions were not suitable.

Therefore, it's best not to meet someone of the opposite sex who is too stunning before you've ever been in a relationship.

My daughter didn't meet many people after returning to China, but there was one guy who met all the criteria: young, handsome, capable, and with a pleasant voice.

Yi Aoxiang felt that if it were him, everyone he met in the future would probably subconsciously be compared to "him".

When Yi Aoxiang heard that he had a girlfriend, he didn't think much of it.

Having a girlfriend is great. You might have a hundred thousand potential competitors, but once they have a girlfriend, the competition suddenly shrinks.

Whether it's one girlfriend or two, Yi Aoxiang, who frequents brothels, still doesn't care.

Since he's not married yet, having two girlfriends only shows that he's a guy who's popular with women. Thinking about it more deeply, he must also be physically fit, which is a pretty good "talent."

The only problem now is that my daughter hasn't realized her own inner feelings yet, which is why she's so easily agitated.

What Yi Aoxiang needs to do is guide his daughter to understand her true self.

As Romain Rolland said, there is only one true heroism in the world: to see the truth of life and still love it.

The same applies to relationships. If she still has that good feeling after getting to know her better, then Yi Aoxiang will firmly support all of his daughter's choices.

The form doesn't matter, what matters most is that you like it!

"Since you don't like any of these people."

Yi Aoxiang deliberately said, "Then I'll talk to your aunt and we'll expand the screening scope a little more."

"Don't choose anymore!"

Yi Baoyu retorted irritably, "It makes me look like nobody wants me!"

"The more choices you have, the more likely you are to meet your true Mr. Right."

Yi Aoxiang seemed to be giving advice, but he actually meant something else: "Otherwise, you won't even know who you like. According to your father's experience, when you really like someone, you will unconsciously want to get closer to them."

"Yes...really?"

Yi Baoyu was stunned for a moment. These words were like a bomb, causing a huge uproar in his heart.

She suddenly thought of herself.

Was that phone call just now because he saw that Chen was about to leave, so he used "being annoyed by blind dates and wanting to leave the capital" as a pretext, but actually just instinctively wanted to get closer to him?
"Of course."

Yi Aoxiang seemed to be guiding her, or helping his daughter clear away the fog: "When we were in school, if we met a friend we liked and heard that he was transferring schools, we would be sad for a long time, and we would even consider transferring with him."

"Then what if..."

Gege was clearly involved, and after a moment of silence, she asked, "Does the other party have a daughter... or is she married?"

Yi Aoxiang understood the meaning of the first half of the sentence, which was just a cover-up, but he pretended not to know and said, "It's better to be married. It gives you another way to get to know that person. You can learn about him indirectly from his wife, his family, and his children."

Gege's gaze wandered, indicating that she had listened but had not yet made up her mind.

The process of finding one's true self is probably a chaotic and arduous journey.

"Xiaoyu."

At this moment, Yi Aoxiang finally pulled out his "Burning Technique," a skill he'd honed over years of navigating the world of women, and said earnestly and confidently, "Sometimes when we get to know someone, the ultimate goal isn't to win them over, but rather to gain a richer, more comprehensive, and clearer understanding of ourselves in the process, so that we can better embrace ourselves in the future..."

"Okay, I'm planning to have dinner with a friend tonight."

Seeing that Gege was deep in thought, Yi Aoxiang didn't disturb her any further, leaving behind a message before preparing to leave.

"and many more!"

Gege suddenly looked up and asked hurriedly, "What if there's a huge gap between the two sides?"

"what?"

For a moment, Yi Aoxiang almost lost his mind.

Is there a big difference between Chen Zhe and you?

My daughter doesn't seem to like Chen Zhe, does she? That would be a huge misunderstanding.

But then I think about my daughter's current views, and it seems that all of this makes sense.

"What does the gap matter!"

Yi Aoxiang waved his hand and said righteously, "There are no shackles that cannot be broken in this world, only cowards who dare not love! Sometimes you should learn from your father. If you like someone, be brave and pursue them. Remember to come to your father's wedding banquet next year."

Yi Baoyu frowned: "You're going to divorce your current partner again?"

"Ah."

Yi Aoxiang shrugged, showing no sadness whatsoever: "She said that after we got married and lived together, the Yi family lost its legendary mystique. We're not gods, we still have to eat three meals a day."

Princess scoffed, too lazy to care about her father's romantic escapades.

Yi Aoxiang walked out of the bedroom, took two steps, and then suddenly turned back.

Don't you want to know who I'm planning to have dinner with tonight?

Yi Aoxiang asked.

"What does it have to do with me?"

Yi Baoyu waved her hand, most likely she was a singer from the General Political Department Song and Dance Troupe, less likely she was a beautiful professor from a university, and very unlikely she was a female celebrity in the entertainment industry.

"It's Chen Zhe. I'm planning to ask him out for dinner again tonight."

Yi Aoxiang chuckled: "I'll try to get him drunk, but I can't guarantee it. This kid has an exaggerated alcohol tolerance, but at least I can get him to leave tomorrow or the day after."

Yi Baoyu's heart skipped a beat.

It's like when you were in school, someone deliberately bothered the teacher, giving you a chance to skip class.

I heard that Song Shiwei has returned to Guangzhou, but I don't like this always aloof and cold beauty.

And what about the other one?

……

The weather in Shanghai is different from that in the capital.

The capital is located in the frozen north, with snow covering thousands of miles.

Even in winter, Shanghai carries a touch of bourgeois charm. In the afternoon, outside the cafes on Hengshan Road, groups of men and women sit on roadside chairs, slowly stirring their lattes.

"Yu Xian?"

Someone suddenly shouted.

Amidst the flickering light and shadows, someone turned around.

The midday sun flowed like gold, gently enveloping her. The smile on her lips was pure and genuine, yet it was set in a pair of naturally affectionate eyes.

Her chestnut-red hair swayed gently in the wind, even the ends of her hair seemed to be warmed by the sunlight.

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(I've been so busy lately, my body was overloaded. I rested and adjusted yesterday, and now I'm starting to update again.)
(End of this chapter)