Marry a female star at a bargain price

Chapters 275 and 276: Lin Xiao's Exceptional Promotion
The pot of tea was finished.

Lin Xiao had already discussed the topics he wanted to discuss with Cha Mozi and was about to get up to say goodbye when Han Haijun refilled the teapot.

Lin Xiao knew that his father-in-law hadn't finished chatting, so he lifted his bottom halfway up and sat down again.

He had a feeling that the conversation would start with him.

And indeed, that was the case.

"Stop talking about me, let's talk about you!"

Han Haijun smiled calmly, his eyes regaining some of the sharpness of a department-level leader. "You must have heard about your upcoming transfer recently, right?"

Lin Xiao had already anticipated that his father-in-law would bring up the matter, so he was not surprised at all.

"Yes, I've heard about it," he nodded in reply.

"What do you think?"

"idea?"

Lin Xiao smiled calmly, "I have no ideas, I'll follow the organization's arrangements."

The South Korean Navy seemed unsurprised by this answer, but clearly did not agree with it.

He raised an eyebrow and gave a meaningful smile.

"Oh, interesting!"

"Dad... what do you mean by this?"

"Means nothing!"

What does "meaningless" mean?

"I just think you're a really interesting person!"

"???"

Lin Xiao's CPU is about to burn out. He's supposed to be a Chinese major, but now he looks like he's illiterate.

"Dad, stop playing games with me."

Lin Xiao sighed wearily and said with a wry smile, "Your granddaughter only wants me to coax her now, she doesn't want anyone else. I've been working day and night for the past few months, I'm so exhausted that my brain can't function at all!"

The South Korean Navy burst into laughter upon hearing this.

Half an hour after the meeting, the mayor's expression finally regained some of its former vigor.

"This little girl is just like her mother when she was a child!"

"Hmm? Did Xixi cling to you when she was first born?"

"Not when he was just born!"

Han Haijun recalled with bright eyes, "When she was a little over three years old, I was transferred back to work in the provincial compound. Xixi was raised by her maternal grandparents from a young age, right next to the provincial compound."

“I rarely spent time with her since she was born, and we were quite unfamiliar with each other. During that time, I would go to play with her every day after get off work at noon, and also in the evening. Gradually, we became familiar with each other, and later she only wanted me and didn't want anyone else…”

Han Haijun shook his head as he spoke, his face flushing as he recalled the intimate moments with his daughter when she was young.

But then a hint of melancholy flashed in his eyes.

Lin Xiao saw it clearly.

At that moment, he finally became certain that his father-in-law might have always longed for sons and grandsons deep down, but even so, his love for his daughter far exceeded that of most fathers in the world.

People judge by actions, not by intentions; and by intentions, no one in the world is perfect.

Han Haijun is a good father!

"Hey, we've gone off-topic."

Han Haijun took the initiative to end the conversation. Just then, the water boiled, and he poured a cup of fresh tea and handed it to Lin Xiao.

"Your next step is very likely to be promoted to the position of town mayor in Xingguang Town, Mashan County!" Han Haijun said.

Lin Xiao was pouting as he drank hot tea at 100 degrees Celsius.

Before he could even take a sip of hot water, he was burned by his father-in-law's words.

"Ah...ah?!"

Lin Xiao was shocked.

Han Haijun laughed: "Weren't you quite calm just now? You even said you'd follow the organization's arrangements, acting like you didn't care about fame or fortune. What's wrong now? You're unhappy as soon as you hear you're going to a remote, impoverished town?"

Lin Xiao put down his teacup, having calmed down by then.

"I'm not unhappy, just a little surprised," he said truthfully.

"What's so surprising? Are you surprised by his exceptional promotion to town mayor, or by his trip to Mashan County?"

"Hmm... I think so."

Lin Xiao speaks his mind and doesn't engage in empty talk.

Han Haijun appreciated his son-in-law's honesty, smiled calmly, and gestured with his chin toward the teacup in front of him.

"Drink tea."

"Ah."

Lin Xiao picked up the glass and took a sip, burning his lips as expected, and grimaced in pain.

Han Haijun smiled and said, "Don't be surprised by the exceptional promotion. You were sent to the grassroots level through the provincial seedling program. You were a promising talent that the organization was focusing on cultivating. You also won the provincial advanced award based on your strength and achievements. It's just a matter of course for the organization to promote you exceptionally."

"This is a good thing for you, and it's not bad for the organization either. After all, the trend of making cadres younger is a general trend now. Selecting a capable and young cadre like you is what everyone wants and it's also the general trend."

Lin Xiao nodded calmly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with his father-in-law's statement.

In my mind, I replied: If you say so, then so be it!

"As for Xingguang Town in Mashan County... I picked it out for you!" Han Haijun continued.

This time, Lin Xiao was genuinely surprised.

He looked up, staring blankly at his father-in-law, whose expression was calm and whose tone was composed.

Han Haijun looked at him, waiting for him to speak, but he didn't say anything for a long time.

"Aren't you going to ask me why?" he asked proactively.

"Because... you won't be holding a real position anymore and won't be able to protect me, so you've assigned me to the most difficult and remote townships. It's both a challenge and a temporary respite from the limelight?"

Lin Xiao guessed.

Han Haijun looked at him with surprise and nodded in satisfaction.

"Dad was right about you. You really are good at working in the system."

"Uh, you flatter me."

Lin Xiao scratched his head, "I'm not that stupid at most. You already reminded me about this once last year when I was recognized as an advanced individual in flood control. If I still don't understand it every time, then I'd be too dumb!"

Han Haijun burst into laughter, his face glowing red once more.

“This time the situation is different from the last time.”

Han Haijun said seriously, "The last time you were recognized as an outstanding individual in flood control, it was a trivial honor, nothing to compete for. But this promotion is a major event concerning your future, you must strive for it!"
"However, when arguing, one must pay attention to the methods and approaches, and more importantly, assess the situation. If I were still serving in Yizhou, I would absolutely not have sent you to Mashan County."

"Your talent is better suited to a leadership position in a government agency; going to the grassroots level would be a waste of your potential. But times have changed. Now that I'm going down to the grassroots, it would be dangerous for you to go back to the government agency, especially since you were promoted exceptionally!"
"Dad has absolute faith in your abilities. You can achieve success on any platform. But in our line of work, without the help of influential people, we're more afraid of being made things difficult by unscrupulous individuals."

"If it weren't for my connection, it would be fine. You'd probably just get a few sarcastic remarks from others, but your superiors wouldn't really make things difficult for you."

"But the key point is that the fact that you're my son-in-law is an open secret in the city. Just look at how I ended up having to go back home and be transferred back to Ninghai. Do you think you'll have a good life if you go to the city?"

Lin Xiao was somewhat moved as he listened to his father-in-law's heartfelt analysis.

After all, leaders don't like to speak too bluntly. I don't know if they genuinely like this ambiguous feeling of half-concealing the truth, or if they think that this kind of obscure language makes them seem particularly clever.

Since Lin Xiao married Han Xixi, his father-in-law has always spoken to him in a roundabout way, only hinting at the truth.

It's rare to hear someone explain things so clearly like they did today.

He was deeply moved, knowing that these were his father-in-law's heartfelt words, and that he was genuinely worried about him.

But Lin Xiao didn't take his underlying concerns too seriously.

After all, he has a cheat code.

Frankly speaking, if he didn't possess wisdom that is unique in this world, he wouldn't have achieved what he has over the past year, nor would he have won this provincial-level advanced honor.

Since there are cheat codes.

So whether it's a work-related predicament or backstabbing from a villain, he is confident that he can overcome and resolve it.

So, regarding whether or not to promote, and to which unit to promote.

Lin Xiao didn't care.

Since the father-in-law had good intentions and arranged for his son-in-law to go to a remote mountain village in Mashan County to avoid danger at the last moment of his high position.

Lin Xiao might as well accept it all.

There's only one problem—he's not alone anymore!
Now he has a wife and a daughter, and his daughter is especially attached to him—although she only uses him as a human cushion and never gives her father a smile!
Lin Xiao simply couldn't do that; he could just pack up and leave, free to roam the vast sky and sea!

A year and a half ago, he signed up for the Green Seedling Program to go to the countryside.

On the one hand, it was a marriage of convenience with Han Xixi, and there was no real affection between them. On the other hand, it was to avoid his in-laws' "meticulous planning" of his future.

That's why he just packed his bags and left.

Later, he and Xixi's on-screen romance turned into a real-life relationship.

Xi Xi is also very supportive of his work and career.

Of course, Lin Xiao knew that was because Chaobai Town was very close to Ninghai, and the commute by car took only about an hour. Later, when a highway entrance was built in Chaobai Town, the commute time was reduced by almost half.

This commute time is longer than that of 80% of office workers in first-tier cities, so it's not considered far at all.

Xi Xi naturally wouldn't say anything.

This time, however, he wasn't going to Chaobai Town, a "remote town" that was called "going to the countryside" but was actually no different from staying in Ninghai.

He was going to the very backwaters of the mountains.

Mashan County, located at the westernmost part of Yizhou City, is a true mountainous area and the worst-performing county in terms of economic development among all the counties under Yizhou's jurisdiction, with its economic data consistently ranking at the bottom.

Although Anyang County has also experienced sluggish economic development in the past few years, it has not fallen to the bottom of the rankings.

It is precisely because of the support from Mashan County that this is possible.

However, Mashan County ranks last in economic development, yet city leaders never criticize it. In contrast, if other counties fall to second to last, they would be subjected to a severe dressing-down.

The reason for this differential treatment is quite simple.

Because Mashan County is located in a mountainous area, it is the only county in Yizhou that still does not have a high-speed rail station.

The mountainous terrain severely hinders the construction of various road and transportation systems, with highways, roads, and trains all having to take detours.

As seen on the map, this small county town located in the central part of Nanzhou Province is completely surrounded by a well-developed road network, forming an isolated island-like existence.

Given such harsh realities, economic development is naturally difficult, and the county only recently shed its label as a poverty-stricken county.

As a native of Yizhou.

Lin Xiao was very familiar with the name of Mashan County, but it wasn't a good one.

He wasn't afraid to go there.

However, my wife had just given birth not long ago, and the baby wasn't even 100 days old yet.

Xixi has finally recovered somewhat in terms of health, and her emotions are much more stable than before.

At this critical juncture, if Lin Xiao were transferred to a remote mountain village more than 100 kilometers away, where high-speed rail is not available and even highways require a detour of dozens of kilometers, commuting back and forth every day would be simply unrealistic.

His wife would definitely not agree! Lin Xiao looked troubled, unsure how to solve this problem.

Han Haijun saw right through him and asked directly, "Are you afraid Xixi won't agree?"

Lin Xiao nodded: "After all, she just gave birth."

Han Haijun, however, didn't take it seriously: "Don't you have so many people at home to take care of the child? You two aren't short of money, you can just hire a postpartum nanny or a babysitter!"

"This exceptional promotion is a great opportunity for you, one that many people would dream of. You must not make a mistake. If Xixi doesn't understand, you should try to persuade her."

"However, based on my understanding of Xixi, she is not the kind of woman who only cares about romance and holds men back. She has a good overall perspective, just like her mother."

Lin Xiao looked embarrassed.

"what happened?"

“Dad, I agree that Xixi has a good sense of the big picture.”

After hesitating for a long time, Lin Xiao awkwardly said, "But looking at the trajectory of your and Mom's marriage, it seems that a man being too career-driven and a woman being too ambitious isn't entirely a good thing..."

The South Korean navy listened intently, their eyes glued to the screen.

"Hey, you little brat!!"

"Dad, don't be angry, I was just talking nonsense, just talking nonsense..."

Lin Xiao chuckled and quickly picked up his cup to drink tea.

Han Haijun chuckled irritably, then said seriously, "Let me tell you, Lin Xiao, although your mother-in-law and I have come to this point, it doesn't mean you can follow my example and treat my daughter badly in the future. You should pursue your career, but you also need to take care of your wife and children, understand?"

Lin Xiao nodded with a bitter expression.

Although he was confident that he could achieve career advancement and a happy family life, he couldn't help but feel a little resentful, thinking, "Why should I be expected to do what my father-in-law can't do?"

Moreover, Lin Xiao realized that it was no wonder that many men were unwilling to get married these days.

Because I'm just so tired!
There are many frustrating things at work, and the house is a complete mess. Unless you have three heads and six arms, how can you possibly cope?
Women who become housewives can go online every day to practice boxing and talk about their hardships, and the public can understand that.

If a man is unemployed and stays at home, he'll be verbally abused to death. How could he dare to go out and fight?
Lin Xiao was confident that he and Xixi would not go that far, after all, their material conditions already surpassed those of 99% of the people on Earth.

In just the last two years, only a few songs.

His copyright fees and the money Xixi earned exceeded 2000 million.

Neither of them are very materialistic, so apart from buying a villa, most of their money is now sitting in the bank.

The bank manager treated them like royalty, sending them rice, flour, and oil during holidays; they couldn't refuse.

Even if Xixi doesn't make a comeback and Lin Xiao doesn't write songs anymore.

This money is enough to ensure they have enough to eat and wear for the rest of their lives.

Moreover, these revenues continue to grow.

With this money as a safety net.

Their marriage can avoid 90% of the trivialities and pains, while retaining 90% of the purity and sincerity of their feelings.

But the more this was the case, the less confident Lin Xiao felt about leaving home to take up his new post.

If their family is just an ordinary family.

Lin Xiao's departure is a journey towards a bright future, which will directly benefit his entire family in the future.

My wife is reluctant to let me go emotionally, but I also have to support her rationally.

But ironically, their family already lacked nothing; all they needed was to keep their love fresh, not to invest in their future.

If Xixi doesn't agree to him leaving, Lin Xiao will be powerless to stop her.

This time, I stand at a crossroads in my life.

He was plunged into an unprecedented state of confusion.

……

I left Yizhou and got home at 10:30 p.m.

The baby slept with the nanny, while Xixi waited for him in the living room downstairs, almost falling asleep herself.

"You're back! Have you eaten?"

When she saw him return, Xixi rubbed her eyes and got up from the sofa, her smile serene and gentle.

She said she was going to get him slippers.

Lin Xiao waved his hand, changed into slippers, and took his wife's hand to go inside.

"I've eaten, why aren't you asleep yet?"

"Okay, I'm not sleepy, I'll wait for you."

"Is something wrong?"

Lin Xiao noticed that his wife's gaze was somewhat unnatural.

Xixi instinctively replied, "It's nothing..."

However, as soon as she finished speaking, she met Lin Xiao's gaze and bit her lower lip, smiling shyly.

"Uh... something's up."

"I'll tell you!"

Lin Xiao affectionately pinched her cheek, but the feel of it was not as good as before.

My wife has been exercising regularly lately, and her weight has quickly returned to what it was before she had children, or even exceeded it. She's even gotten rid of her chubby baby face.

Now Xixi's cheeks are thinner and smoother, losing three points of cuteness but gaining five points of refinement.

Of course, it looks even better if it's already good-looking.

However, Lin Xiao was still quite dissatisfied with the fact that it didn't feel right to the touch.

"Let's go for a walk. I also have something to tell you," he said.

"You have something to say too? What?"

"Let's talk after we get out."

Lin Xiao helped his wife put on her coat.

Although it's already June, the nights are still a bit chilly. Xixi caught a cold once after her confinement period, so she can't afford to catch another one.

The two strolled through the residential area.

After their daughter was born, their entire world revolved around the little girl, and their time as a couple almost ceased to exist.

Taking a stroll hand in hand like this used to be commonplace, but now it has become a luxury.

Feeling the warmth of Lin Xiao's palm, Xi Xi couldn't help but laugh.

"What are you laughing at?" Lin Xiao looked at her and also curled up the corners of his mouth.

"Nothing, I just feel...life is wonderful!"

"Hmph, you're so wonderful!"

Lin Xiao sighed deliberately, "I can't sleep well every day because Lin Xiaochu keeps me up, and now I have dark circles under my eyes. I'm not happy at all!"

Xi Xi got angry when she heard this and shook off his hand.

"Hey, you're already annoyed after only a few months of taking care of the baby? I was in labor for over ten hours before I gave birth to her, you know?"

"I was wrong!" Lin Xiao quickly stood at attention.

"You... um? How come you admitted your mistake so quickly!"

Xi Xi was a little disappointed, as she hadn't been able to perform to her full potential yet.

Lin Xiao grinned and said, "When it comes to raising children, no matter how much a father puts in, he can't compare to a mother. That's an undeniable fact. I'm always pragmatic. Since I can't win, I won't bother. It's better to surrender early and be a hero!"

Such frankness left Han Xixi speechless.

"Deputy Director Lin, you're getting sharper and sharper with your words these days. I can't argue with you!"

"Hehe, thank you for acknowledging me!"

Lin Xiao, seeing that things were going well, got back to the main topic, "Didn't you have something to tell me? What is it?"

Xixi looked a little embarrassed when this was mentioned.

After stammering for a while, I finally said, "Jiajia called me during the day and said that Tencent Video has a music variety show and wants to invite me to be a regular cast member. This variety show is very popular and has a strong musical element, and I'm quite interested in it... Originally, my plan was not to take on any work before Xiaochu turned one, and to focus on staying at home with her."

“But now that we’ve stopped breastfeeding, I, as the mother, am fine, and my body has recovered. Besides, compared to me, Xiao Chu is more attached to you. As long as you spend time with her every day, there shouldn’t be any major problems…”

As Xixi spoke, her voice grew lower and lower, clearly realizing that her idea was very irresponsible.

But she still forced herself to say, "Mainly because I haven't worked for almost a year since I got pregnant, I'm really getting tired of staying at home. This show isn't really to my liking, but... brother, please don't be mad at me..."

In the end, Xixi looked a little aggrieved.

Lin Xiao had mixed feelings.

I was planning to tell my wife about my promotion, but I didn't expect her to bring it up first.

This is a difficult situation!
"I'm not angry. What's there to be angry about?"

Lin Xiao laughed and smoothed his wife's long hair, which had been ruffled by the wind.

Xi Xi's eyes lit up.

"Really? You're really not angry?"

"Of course it's true, you silly boy!"

Lin Xiao sighed and gently tapped her forehead, laughing, "You were so emo the other day, I was afraid you'd become depressed. I forced you to stop breastfeeding because I wanted you to break free from the bondage of your child, return to yourself, and be happy again."

"If there's a suitable job opportunity now, you should take it. What's the big deal? Anyway, I'm not going to make much money in my life. Our family's future well-being will depend on Comrade Han Xixi's hard work and pioneering spirit in the entertainment industry!"

Upon hearing this, Xixi quickly said, "Brother, you can't say that! Although I'm earning a little more money now, all of that income comes from the royalties of those few songs. If it weren't for you, I would have been forgotten in the music industry long ago, and I wouldn't be sitting at home living a life of ease."
"Even if I reluctantly debuted, I couldn't escape being exploited and oppressed by the company. How could I be as free as I am now, taking a vacation whenever I want and having a baby whenever I want, without the company interfering at all?"
"To put it bluntly, the company isn't indulging me right now; they're trying to curry favor with you, Teacher Ma Yao... I'm aware of that much, so please don't say that!"

Lin Xiao was just joking around, but he didn't expect Xi Xi to take it so seriously.

He looked at her helplessly and flicked her forehead again.

"Just kidding, look how anxious you are!"

"How can you joke about something like this?"

Xixi raised her head, looking obedient and serious, "Honey, you are the best and the most amazing. I won't allow anyone to say anything about you, not even yourself!"

Lin Xiao: "..."

Fine, my wife's domineering and forceful love is both painful and pleasurable.

"I support your comeback. Don't worry about things at home. Your mom, my mom, and I are here, along with a nanny and a caregiver. Everything will be fine!"

"Really? You really support it?"

"Of course!"

Lin Xiao said seriously, "You are Xiao Chu's mother, but you are also Han Xixi—the most promising newcomer in the music scene today! During the time you disappeared, the online buzz about you has not only not subsided, but has become more and more lively, with all sorts of speculations about your disappearance. If you don't show up soon, who knows what other outrageous rumors might appear."

After hearing this, Xixi was convinced that Lin Xiao truly supported her.

My heart, which had been hanging in suspense all afternoon, finally settled down.

"Okay! Thank you, brother~"

After saying that, Xixi tiptoed and kissed him on the cheek.

Lin Xiao turned his head and saw her smiling sweetly and gently, her eyes full of tenderness.

(End of this chapter)