Wang Jinwu went to arrange the dishes, and Xu Chunliang came to Tong Guangsheng's side and asked how his health recovery was going.

Tong Guangsheng said that he had completely recovered. He had a strong character and would not concede even in front of young men. But age is a fact, and he got caught in the rain during the rescue operation at the explosion, which made him ill for a few days, and he still felt weak now.

Tong Guangsheng invited everyone to take their seats, and everyone offered the head seat to Yan Huaiyi, as he was a deputy division-level cadre.

Although Mei Ru Xue is the head of a town, she is still at the section level and very young herself.

Mei Ru Xue did not care about the seating arrangement and chose to sit between Xu Chunliang and Tong Guangsheng.

Tong Guangsheng raised his glass and said, "Welcome all the leaders and experts to Xianhong Farm to guide our work. I'm not good with words, so please enjoy the food and drinks."

Everyone drank a toast, but Mei Ru Xue stuck to tea, and Tang Mingmei chose to drink alcohol.

After a few rounds, Yan Huaiyi raised his glass to express his gratitude, thanking Tong Guangsheng for his hospitality as well as Hu Shan Town Government for their strong support of their work.

He certainly understood that Tong Guangsheng mainly invited Xu Chunliang, and they were all just tagging along for the meal. As for Hu Shan Town Government, they had also helped the hospital handle a few troubles recently, so it was only right to thank them.

Yan Huaiyi mentioned that Xu Chunliang is now the Deputy Dean of Weishan Island Branch, which made Xu Chunliang the center of attention.

Everyone took turns to congratulate him, and Xu Chunliang accepted all their toasts and went around the group.

Mei Ru Xue hadn't intended to drink with him, but since everyone else had congratulated him, she couldn't not join. She raised her cup of tea to him, saying, "Dean Xu, congratulations to you, I'll drink tea, you can do as you please."

Xu Chunliang smiled and said, "I wouldn't dare be casual with Town Mayor Mei."

Everyone noticed that what he said was quite casual itself, and Xu Chunliang immediately downed two cups of alcohol, and everyone applauded.

At this time, the chef brought in three platters of shrimp—one with garlic, one braised in soy sauce, and one spicy—the shrimp were all impressively large.

Tong Guangsheng explained that these shrimps were farm-raised and had a fresh, elastic texture, much better than small crayfish, and the key was that they were meaty and particularly satisfying to eat.

After tasting, everyone couldn't stop praising, as Xianhong Farm's dishes mainly featured lake-fresh ingredients, and they'd prepared various flavors of crab and shrimp using methods typically for cooking small crayfish.

Though the chef wasn't formally trained, people said this kind of "wild" chef's cooking was more authentic.

When the stinky mandarin fish came up, Xu Chunliang accompanied Yan Huaiyi in drinking to the fish head and tail, local custom would call it "head with three, tail with four."

Yan Huaiyi found the meal very satisfying, especially since he was about to take a position at the Dongzhou Infectious Disease Hospital. With joy, he downed three cups, picked some fish eye using shared chopsticks, and placed it in the dipping sauce before Tong Guangsheng, which was a gesture of respect.

Tong Guangsheng laughed, "Dean Yan, you're too kind. You're all my distinguished guests, and anytime you visit Weishan Island, I'm here to host you."

Yan Huaiyi responded, "Just based on what you said, President Tong, I'll definitely come more often in the future."

Tong Guangsheng laughed heartily and glanced at Mei Ru Xue, "Then I'll also speak on behalf of the people of Hu Shan Town to welcome you."

The two drank another two rounds, and Tong Guangsheng tasted the stinky mandarin fish, commenting that today's was not up to par, lamenting, "When it comes to stinky mandarin fish, Yushuiqing Restaurant did it most authentically, but unfortunately, the restaurant is gone, and the chef has run off."

Wang Jinwu said, "I heard that the chef set off a gas canister and absconded to evade responsibility."

Mei Ru Xue said, "The specifics are still unclear, Manager Wang shouldn't believe baseless rumors."

This matter has already been handed over to the public security bureau for investigation, and based on current information, the possibility of an accident has been ruled out. It was a deliberate act of revenge and murder.

However, before the final results are out, it's not being announced to the public, which is a consensus reached by the town's leadership team. They don't want to expand the influence of this event, cause undue panic, and affect a stable and harmonious environment.

Wang Jinwu said, "How could I forget that with Town Mayor Mei here, we must adhere to the official explanation for everything?"

Yan Huaiyi said, "With so many rumors flying around, we indeed need to discern carefully. Those who spread rumors are the worst, damaging others just to achieve their own goals. For example, our hospital recently faced quite a bit of slander too."

He actually thought of the rumors about Xu Chunliang and Tang Mingmei and didn't believe them; they came here together and he hadn't noticed anything unusual between them in their daily interactions.

Moreover, the age gap between them was quite large. Yan Huaiyi saying this was also his way of helping clear up the rumors.

Tang Mingmei raised her glass and said, "Dean Yan, we are fortunate to have a leader like you. I wish you all the best in your new position, and may you rise higher and higher."

Actually, both Jin Yonghao and Xu Chunliang were already aware that Yan Huaiyi was going to the Infectious Disease Hospital to take the lead, but neither of them mentioned it explicitly.

Yan Huaiyi beamed and modestly said, "What rise through the ranks... Wherever... it's all for the... revolutionary... work!" His excitement caused him to stutter.

Xu Chunliang chimed in supportively, "Dean Yan, when you become wealthy, don't forget about us."

Yan Huaiyi pointed at him with a smile, "I really believe you. Why don't you come with me to the Infectious Disease Hospital? I'll recommend you for the role of the office director."

He wasn't just saying this casually; he truly acknowledged Xu Chunliang's abilities. If he could bring a fierce talent like this to the Infectious Disease Hospital to break new ground, the efforts would be doubly effective.

Xu Chunliang replied with a grin, "Thank you for your kind offer, Dean Yan. I still have things to handle here, and I can't just drop everything midway. That would be too irresponsible. But if I ever can't make it in Changxing, I'll definitely come to find you."

In fact, Xu Chunliang was not convinced by even Zhao Feiyang, so how could he be convinced by Yan Huaiyi? Staying in Changxing was just a temporary measure. Even if a good bird chooses its perch, he could never abandon Zhao Feiyang and choose someone like Yan Huaiyi, who was lacking in every aspect.

Standing by, Jin Yonghao understood clearly that with Xu Chunliang's rebellious nature, Yan Huaiyi couldn't control him at all. Besides, he was highly valued by the dean in Changxing. After all, Changxing was a major general hospital with prospects far greater than a specialized hospital like the Infectious Disease Hospital. If it were him, he wouldn't choose to follow Yan Huaiyi either.

Yan Huaiyi then suggested they give Tang Mingmei a farewell. When it was Xu Chunliang's turn, he said, "Sister Tang, the three of us came to Weishan Island together. Now you two have both disembarked, leaving me alone on Weishan Island. What happened to sharing hardships and joys?"

Tang Mingmei laughed, "If I wasn't rushing back to hand over my duties, I'd love to stay a few more days. The mountains are beautiful, the water is beautiful, and the people are even more beautiful here."

Women are naturally sensitive, and she keenly sensed that this Town Mayor Mei and Xu Chunliang seemed to have a good relationship, or at least had some mutual affection.

Tang Mingmei proactively approached Mei Ru Xue for a drink, "Town Mayor Mei, please take good care of our hospital in the future, and also look after our young Dean Xu."

Mei Ru Xue, being very astute, immediately understood Tang Mingmei's underlying meaning and smiled, "When it comes to work, I'll do my best. As for personal matters, I have to rely on you, Sister Tang, for guidance."

Tang Mingmei silently noted that, after all, Mei Ru Xue was someone from the officialdom. She clearly understood the meaning, but subtly retorted back. Today's young people are truly not to be underestimated. However, this also showed that Mei Ru Xue was wary of her, probably because of Xu Chunliang.

Tang Mingmei had a couple more drinks with Mei Ru Xue and then cheerfully asked Xu Chunliang, "Xiaoxu, how's the girl I introduced to you last time?"

Xu Chunliang paused, remembering that Tang Mingmei did introduce someone to him through Zheng Peian, but he didn't agree to meet.

Before he could answer, Tang Mingmei added, "If you're not satisfied, I can introduce you to other girls. Your Sister Tang knows many excellent ones."

Xu Chunliang understood that Tang Mingmei purposely brought up this topic to provoke Mei Ru Xue. The subtle games women play with each other can seem gentle yet are astonishingly intricate.

Xu Chunliang said, "No rush, Town Mayor Mei is a year older than me and she's not in a hurry, so neither am I."

Mei Ru Xue's face flushed crimson. What was Xu Chunliang trying to imply saying this in front of so many people? Wasn't this just making others overthink?

Tang Mingmei deliberately said, "How could an excellent girl like Town Mayor Mei not have a boyfriend?"

Mei Ru Xue replied, "Everyone has different perspectives. Director Tang seems to think that romantic relationships are the most important thing in life. Personally, I think it's better to accomplish more while we're young." This clearly expressed her displeasure.

Xu Chunliang said, "On that point, I share the same view as Town Mayor Mei."

Tang Mingmei chuckled, "You young folks really are different. There's a generational gap between us."

Tong Guangsheng, sensing a slight tension in the atmosphere, raised his glass and said, "You can't fight getting older. Even someone as ambitious as me has started to accept it. The future belongs to the young."

Yan Huaiyi wholeheartedly agreed, "Youth is the greatest asset for the revolutionary cause. I used to think the younger generation was immature and irresponsible, but after seeing Xiaoxu and Town Mayor Mei, I've realized I harbored too many prejudices against young people."

Mei Ru Xue smiled, "There's a saying in society that our generation is a lost one."

Yan Huaiyi said, "That's not true. It's our understanding that has issues."

The discussion about the younger generation successfully steered the conversation in a new direction. Tang Mingmei wasn't targeting Mei Ru Xue; she just said those things on purpose. Though Mei Ru Xue concealed her emotions well, Tang Mingmei could still catch the subtle emotional shifts in her expressions. Women understand women best, and she felt sparks were flying between the two.

Tong Guangsheng asked about the progress of Da Heng Group's investment, to which Mei Ru Xue replied that negotiations were ongoing, and there were still many uncertainties until the contract was officially signed.

Taking advantage of this, Mei Ru Xue asked Tong Guangsheng's opinion about Da Heng Group.

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