In name only: I will break the chess game in Handong!

Chen Luo was visibly surprised when he saw Qi Tongwei, Gao Xiaoqin, and their six-year-old son, Qi Lin.

"Oh? It's Tongwei!"

"It's me, Secretary Chen!"

At this moment, Gao Xiaoqin also greeted them very politely.

"Hello, Secretary Chen!"

"Oh, you're here to eat too?"

"Yes, Secretary Chen, this old restaurant has been open in Handong for decades. When I was in college, I would come here to treat myself to a couple of dishes when I had some extra money. Even after more than 20 years, I still can't forget this old taste."

Chen Luo's gaze was somewhat mocking. At this moment, Qi Tongwei still did not notice anything amiss, but he soon saw Huang Ming and Chen Yang, who had his back to him.

"Huh? Deputy Secretary Huang is here too?"

Qi Tongwei knew Huang Ming, and Huang Ming was very straightforward, showing no emotional change whatsoever.

"It seems Director Qi is recovering well!"

After shaking hands with Huang Ming, Qi Tongwei realized that the figure with his back to him looked somewhat familiar.

However, it had been more than twenty years since they last met. Although they were familiar with each other, Qi Tongwei did not recognize Chen Yang.

Chen Yang then turned around confidently, looked at everyone, and calmly said to Qi Tongwei, "Long time no see, Qi Tongwei!"

boom!

Qi Tongwei finally saw Chen Yang's face. In just a moment, he knew from his voice and appearance that the person in front of him was his former first love, Chen Yang.

Qi Tongwei's mind went blank for a moment, but Qi Lin, who was next to him, tugged at him and brought him back to reality.

After realizing what was happening, Qi Tongwei smiled and nodded.

"Long time no see, Chen Yang, what brings you here?"

Qi Tongwei looked at Chen Luo and Huang Ming, as if asking Chen Yang why he was with them.

"Director Qi, I forgot to introduce you. Chen Yang and I got married twenty years ago. This time, Chen Yang came back to visit Handong and take care of Chen Hai's matter."

Huang Ming grasped Chen Yang's hand. Qi Tongwei felt a slight melancholy after the initial shock, but things had already changed for the better, hadn't they?

At this moment, Chen Luo and Zhang Nian stood to the side, and both of them couldn't help but laugh as they watched this scene.

"Alright, alright, if we want to catch up, let's go to a private room. Don't block the entrance to their restaurant."

Upon hearing Chen Luo's words, Huang Ming and his wife, as well as Qi Tongwei and Gao Xiaoqin, all smiled and nodded in agreement.

Soon, inside the private room, there were nine people: Chen Luo and Zhang Nian, Chen Zhengshu and Chen Zhengxi's family of four, Huang Ming and his wife, Qi Tongwei and Gao Xiaoqin, and their son.

Adults talk about adult things, and children talk about children's things.

Next to Chen Zhengshu was Qi Lin. Like an older brother coaxing a child, Chen Zhengshu was already chatting enthusiastically with Qi Lin, listening to Qi Lin talk about his life in Hong Kong.

And what about the adults?

"More than twenty years have passed since we last met; time flies!"

Qi Tongwei started the conversation, and Huang Ming picked up where he left off.

"Director Qi, actually I knew twenty years ago that you and my Chen Yang were ex-partners. I know your story, and it's a bit of a regret, but time can't be turned back. Now everyone is doing well. You and President Gao have a son, and I heard you're hoping for a daughter?"

Huang Ming's direct and frank explanation actually made the atmosphere more and more relaxed.

Upon hearing this, Qi Tongwei exchanged a glance with Gao Xiaoqin and said, "We do have this plan. We're also hoping to have both a son and a daughter, just like Secretary Chen."

"Tongwei, that's a good idea. The birth rate has slowed down in recent years, and in a few years we'll probably have to encourage childbirth. You're making a contribution to the country."

After Chen Luo finished speaking, Chen Zhengxi obediently snuggled closer to Chen Luo, which made Qi Tongwei and Huang Ming extremely envious, as they each currently only have one son.

Soon, the dishes were served.

"Secretary Chen, Deputy Secretary Huang, this old restaurant has really good food, and the prices are very reasonable. I used to come here often, and I still think it's a great place!"

After Qi Tongwei finished speaking, Huang Ming nodded.

"It's really good. Chen Yang often mentions this restaurant. It's a part of many people's childhood memories in Jingzhou."

Huang Ming's attitude is one of composure. He is aware of his wife's past with Qi Tongwei, but he believes that his marriage with Chen Yang, which has lasted for more than 20 years, will not be affected by past experiences. Therefore, he can face it calmly and talk about it freely.

The topics they discussed became increasingly in-depth.

They talked about everything from the past to the present, and then about Chen Hai. Throughout the conversation, Chen Luo only occasionally chimed in.

After all, there are some things he cannot easily express his opinion on, and Huang Ming and Qi Tongwei cannot be ignorant of the rules and ask questions casually.

Finally, Huang Ming and his wife, along with Qi Tongwei, all expressed their gratitude to Chen Luo.

When leaving, Qi Tongwei simply waved to Chen Yang before leading Gao Xiaoqin and Qi Lin into the car.

On the bus, Chen Luo and his family of four were unaffected.

"Honey, did Chen Yang and Qi Tongwei really date before? They seemed quite calm about it."

Chen Luo rolled his eyes.

"We haven't seen each other for over twenty years. I have some feelings in my heart, but who would dare to say them out loud?"

I think Huang Ming is very frank, but thinking about it, it makes sense. They've been married for over twenty years, sharing a bed and trusting each other deeply. A first love couldn't possibly sway them.

"Do you really think so?"

"Of course, besides, it has nothing to do with us. We'll just live our own lives."

"I'm afraid not. Sister Ye called me a couple of days ago and said she wanted to come to Handong to see you."

For a moment, Chen Luo fell silent.

"not see!"

"Really not going to see him?"

"It's not appropriate. Their family situation is rather special. They won't say anything to their superiors in private, but it would be taboo for them to come to Handong to see me. Tell her not to come."

"Alright."

Meanwhile, Qi Tongwei and his family of three were in the car.

"I say, Director Qi, are you still feeling melancholy?"

"I'm not even jealous, why are you feeling down?"

"Huh? That's not true. Chen Yang is not the same Chen Yang he used to be. She and I have both let it go."

"I don't believe it!"

"But the truth is, it was Qi Tongwei from twenty years ago who liked Chen Yang from twenty years ago. Neither Chen Yang nor I are the same people we were back then. Instead of thinking about that, we should think about when we're going to have a daughter. You've seen Secretary Chen's daughter, haven't you? Tsk, she's so adorable!"

"What am I considering? You're the one who planted the seed, I didn't stop you..."

The chance encounter at dinner was just an accident, which only shows that Jingzhou is still too small.

The next morning, Chen Luo got up early and left home at 8:30 a.m. sharp.

At nine o'clock, Chen Luo had already arrived at the entrance of the Provincial Public Security Bureau.

The car slowly came to a stop, and Yun Haifeng, who had been waiting for a long time, jogged forward and opened the car door for Chen Luo.

"Secretary Chen, you've arrived!"

Chen Luo smiled and nodded, then shook hands with Yun Haifeng.

"Comrade Haifeng, how's the work at the provincial department going lately?"

"Reporting to Secretary Chen! Everything is proceeding normally at the provincial department!"