Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

Gu Mingyuan looked at him quietly, his gaze seemingly carrying a power that made Hou Liangping feel inexplicably guilty.

"Hou Liangping".

Gu Mingyuan's voice was not loud, but it was impossible for others to ignore it.

"It's Zhong Xiaoai's freedom to date whomever she wants."

"If your affection becomes a burden to her, or even a weapon for you to attack others, that's not affection, that's selfishness."

"Also, what's wrong with being from the countryside?"

"Handong University admits students based on their scores. You and I are standing here, starting from the same point."

"As for the future, it depends on each person's own abilities, not on the legacy of their ancestors, nor on belittling others."

These words were so powerful and resounding that Hou Liangping blushed and was speechless.

Gu Mingyuan stopped looking at him and turned to leave.

This lesson made Hou Liangping much more restrained, but the knot in his heart only grew bigger.

He often felt that he was like a clown jumping around in front of Gu Mingyuan. Whether it was his achievements or his demeanor, he always seemed to be inferior. He felt as if he was living in Gu Mingyuan's shadow.

Time flies, and as they enter their second year of university, Gu Mingyuan and Zhong Xiaoai's relationship naturally blossoms.

On a moonlit night, Gu Mingyuan formally confessed his feelings to Zhong Xiaoai on Lover's Slope, a famous spot at Handong University.

Zhong Xiaoai nodded vigorously, her face flushed with shyness and happiness.

News of their relationship spread quickly, and the two became a celebrated couple on campus.

Upon learning this, Liang Lu secretly inquired about Zhong Xiaoai's family background and was shocked. She immediately gave up all thoughts of Gu Mingyuan.

She knew very well that she couldn't afford to mess with that kind of family.

At the same time, she also noticed that the student council president, Qi Tongwei, who was one year ahead of Gu Mingyuan, was handsome, capable, and from an ordinary family in a remote mountainous area.

Her gaze involuntarily shifted over there.

After falling in love, Zhong Xiaoai devoted her whole heart to Gu Mingyuan.

During the summer vacation, she mustered up her courage and took Gu Mingyuan back to her home in Beijing to meet her parents.

Zhong Xiaoai's father, Zhong Zhengguo, was a middle-aged cadre with a refined and scholarly demeanor.

He did not look down on the boyfriend his daughter had chosen because of his background. On the contrary, he was secretly surprised by Gu Mingyuan's conversation and views on the current situation.

This young man often has a sharp and insightful perspective, which is both idealistic and pragmatic.

"Mingyuan, what are your plans for the future?" Zhong Zhengguo asked casually, holding his teacup.

Gu Mingyuan sat upright, his expression respectful yet relaxed: "Uncle, I believe that law is ultimately a practical discipline."

"I hope to put what I've learned into practice and do something tangible for the country and society."

"We still need to learn more and observe more to determine the specific path."

Zhong Zhengguo nodded in satisfaction. He didn't like boastful young people, but he admired Gu Mingyuan's pragmatism and foresight.

This meeting can be considered as gaining the initial approval of my future father-in-law.

After learning about this, Hou Liangping was devastated and remained depressed for a long time. Later, with the help of his family, he began to contact Wang Ting, the daughter of Wang Wei, the president of the Jingzhou Intermediate People's Court.

Junior year was a peak in Gu Mingyuan's college career.

In the student council election, thanks to his outstanding abilities and wide network of connections, he successfully succeeded Qi Tongwei, who was about to graduate, and was elected as the new student council president.

During this period, Qi Tongwei fell in love with Chen Yang, the daughter of Chen Yanshi, the executive deputy chief prosecutor of the provincial procuratorate, and their relationship was very deep.

Liang Lu had hinted at the help she could offer him, but Qi Tongwei, who was deeply in love with Chen Yang and wanted to prove his worth through his own efforts, politely but firmly refused.

Liang Lu didn't say anything on the surface, but a thorn was planted in her heart.

Success in studies, smooth career, and sweet love.

In the second semester of their junior year, with the blessings of both sets of parents, Gu Mingyuan and Zhong Xiaoai obtained their marriage certificate and held a simple yet heartwarming wedding.

Their union became a celebrated story at Handong University.

Hou Liangping also appeared at the wedding with his new girlfriend, Wang Ting. His smile seemed forced, and he frequently raised his glass, whether to offer blessings or to drown his sorrows was unclear.

The graduation season for seniors is just around the corner.

Standing at the crossroads of life, everyone faces crucial choices.

Gao Yuliang found Gu Mingyuan and patted him on the shoulder affectionately: "Mingyuan, you are the most outstanding student in our department. There is one spot in the department for postgraduate recommendation, and I will consider giving it to you."

"Staying in school, focusing on academic research for a few more years, and potentially staying on as a faculty member or moving to a higher academic platform in the future will offer limitless potential."

Staying on campus to pursue graduate studies is an opportunity that many students dream of.

At the same time, Zhong Zhengguo also gave Gu Mingyuan another option: "Mingyuan, come to Beijing after graduation. I can arrange for you to work in a ministry, the Supreme People's Court, or the Supreme People's Procuratorate. It's a high-level platform and a high starting point, which will be beneficial to your future development."

The mother-in-law especially hoped that her daughter and son-in-law could stay by her side.

However, after careful consideration, Gu Mingyuan made a decision that surprised everyone.

That night, in the rented room, he held Zhong Xiaoai's hand and spoke frankly: "Xiaoai, I appreciate Dad and Teacher Gao's kindness, and I am very grateful."

"However, I want to take a more stable and solid path."

Zhong Xiaoai nestled against him and said gently, "Go ahead, I'm listening."

"Our country's foundation lies at the grassroots level. Without understanding the grassroots, all policies and laws may become castles in the air."

"I have studied the resumes of many successful cadres, and solid grassroots experience is an invaluable asset."

Gu Mingyuan's gaze remained calm as he continued his analysis.

"I want to start from the grassroots level and truly understand this land and its people."

"Staying in Beijing or going directly into a provincial government agency may offer a high starting point, but it can easily lead to a disconnect from reality."

"Only by taking one step at a time can we build a solid foundation and avoid being gossiped about behind our backs, with people saying that I only got ahead because of my father-in-law's support."

Looking at the determined light in his eyes, Zhong Xiaoai felt a surge of understanding and support.

She knew that this was the man she loved: ambitious, responsible, and honest, without opportunism or trickery.

"I understand. Mingyuan, whatever decision you make, I will support you. Wherever you go, I will go."

A warm feeling welled up in Gu Mingyuan's heart, and he hugged her tightly.

The next day, Gu Mingyuan solemnly thanked Gao Yuliang and Zhong Zhengguo and explained his thoughts.

Gao Yuliang was initially surprised, but then his eyes revealed even greater admiration: "Excellent! Not seeking superficiality, but with lofty aspirations, Mingyuan, I knew I hadn't misjudged you! The grassroots level is a great crucible, capable of forging people. I support your decision!"

Chung Cheng-kuo held the phone for a long time before a gratified smile appeared on his face: "It's a good thing that young people have their own ideas and are willing to go to tough places to train."

"I respect your choice. Remember, wherever you are, be an upright person and do things conscientiously."

Finally, the allocation plan was finalized.

Gu Mingyuan was assigned to Jinshan County, Lüzhou City, where he served as an ordinary staff member in the county party committee office.

This is the largest and poorest mountainous county in Handong Province.

Zhong Xiaoai, in order to support her husband, insisted on going with him.

Based on her professional background and family circumstances, she was assigned to the Jinshan County Federation of Literary and Art Circles, a relatively relaxed department that would allow her to take care of her family.

Meanwhile, Hou Liangping, who was in the same cohort, entered the Handong Provincial People's Procuratorate smoothly after his relationship with Wang Ting stabilized, thanks to the Wang family's connections, and enjoyed great success.

On the eve of leaving school, the students went their separate ways.

Hou Liangping looked at Gu Mingyuan and Zhong Xiaoai, who were packing their belongings, and felt a mix of emotions.

He finally couldn't help but walk up to Gu Mingyuan, his voice tinged with bitterness: "Gu Mingyuan, are you really going to that poor mountain village?"

Gu Mingyuan raised his head and looked at him calmly: "Yes."

"I admire you!" Hou Liangping uttered two words, though it was unclear whether he meant them sincerely or not.

"Wang Ting and I are going to the provincial inspection department. I hope... I hope everything goes well for you down there."

"Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors." Gu Mingyuan smiled faintly.

Different road non-phase plan.

Standing at the connecting point of the green train carriages heading to Luzhou, Gu Mingyuan looked out the window at the fields and mountains rushing by, and held Zhong Xiaoai's hand tightly.

The train roared, carrying their hopes and a little unease for the future, heading towards the unknown, yet infinitely possible, grassroots world.

The carriage was crowded and noisy, filled with the smell of sweat and tobacco.

Zhong Xiaoai leaned on Gu Mingyuan's shoulder, her face showing a satisfied and determined smile despite the harsh environment.

Gu Mingyuan looked down at her and said softly, "Xiao Ai, you've suffered with me."

Zhong Xiaoai shook her head, her voice soft yet firm: "With you, anywhere is home."

"Besides, I trust your choice, and I believe in our future."

Gu Mingyuan's heart stirred, and he hugged her even tighter.

He knew that the road ahead would not be smooth sailing, and that the situation at the grassroots level was far more complex than that in the classroom and in books.

But he was fearless, possessing the wisdom of his past life and the efforts of this life, and even more so, the lover by his side who was willing to share joys and sorrows with him.

He believed that he would be able to forge a solid path on this vast land.

As the train passed through the tunnel, the flickering light illuminated Gu Mingyuan's resolute profile.

His gaze was fixed on the distance, where Luzhou and Jinshan County lay—the starting point of his political career and the first testing ground for him to put his ideals into practice.