Chapter 028: Promotion Celebration Dinner

This story is purely a work of fiction.

After reporting the case in Ma Shengwei’s office, Ma Shengwei could hardly believe Wu Zhengzhe had made such a breakthrough. A chill crept down his spine.

Ma Shengwei could no longer sit still. He picked up his satellite phone. “How did this happen? You told me everything was seamless. Do you know what you left at the scene? And Wu Zhengzhe has already named you directly. He’s even been to your place. Why didn’t you tell me anything, you idiot?”

Lü Jiahui was utterly bewildered. “I don’t know where things went wrong, but don’t worry, I’ll handle it.”

“You’d better hurry and make sure there are no more slip-ups,” Ma Shengwei said, irritation evident in his voice.

“There won’t be, there won’t be. Hanging up now.” Lü Jiahui answered, still shaken.

When Zhao Ming saw Wu Zhengzhe and Xiao Jin arrive, he welcomed them, invited them to sit, and poured tea for them, placing the cups before his guests.

“You’re really something,” Xiao Jin said. “You became an official and didn’t even mention it, and now, on such a happy day, you still didn’t think of me. That’s not right!”

“Is that so? I didn’t think it necessary. Outside of work, apart from my wife, I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t want to make a fuss. If friends outside work found out, one would want me to host a dinner, another would want to celebrate. I can’t stand all that. Even my colleagues insisted I treat them, and that alone gave me a headache. I dislike banquets, especially those that revolve around drinking. Some people get all riled up at the table, and while they’re endlessly excited, I’d rather be asleep—it just feels like a burden. Don’t you think so too?”

“Sometimes it is, but there’s no way around it. My colleagues are the same, and even if you don’t like it, you have to endure. But on a day like this, you shouldn’t feel troubled,” Wu Zhengzhe replied.

“In theory, you’re right. But today, my headache is about money. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be asking you for help.”

“You’re unbelievable. You work at the TV station; your income should be decent. Why don’t you ever keep some cash for yourself? Do you hand it all to Du Juan?” Wu Zhengzhe asked.

“People always think that, saying there are all sorts of extra earnings, that working at the TV station means making a lot of money. Let me tell you, just a few days ago, a colleague’s mother-in-law, who used to work with my mother-in-law, secretly asked about my income and whether I got bonuses and so on. Later, my mother-in-law asked me, and I told her the truth. She didn’t say anything else, probably because her own daughter’s husband also hands over his salary honestly, with no hidden money.”

“Maybe she’s just concerned for her daughter, wondering if there are any difficulties?” Zhengzhe said with a smile.

“Oh, hardly. If you ask me, she’s worried her son-in-law is stashing money away. But come on, our salaries are barely enough to support a family—where would I get the money to hide? Every cent goes onto one card, and I gave the card to my wife. She gives me five hundred yuan a month, which is plenty for me! You wouldn’t believe it, when I returned from the army, after renovating the house, we even had to borrow three thousand yuan from my sister-in-law just to buy furniture. With all the sponsorship fees, school choice fees, tuition for the kid, and household expenses, we can barely keep up, let alone save anything. My wife has had her share of hardship with me, never lived well. If I kept any extra money, how could I give her anything at all? Even so, her colleagues don’t believe her, always saying ‘no way your husband only has that much money.’ My wife keeps asking if I have a private stash—I swear I don’t!”

“Oh, that really is unjust. Next time I see your wife, I’ll have to scold her a bit—tell her to give you a bigger allowance!” Wu Zhengzhe laughed, then handed over money. “Here, two thousand yuan. Is that enough?”

“More than enough. It’s getting late, shall we head out?” Zhao Ming looked at Wu Zhengzhe.

When Zhao Ming and Xiao Jin arrived at the restaurant, all their colleagues were already there. Zhao Ming introduced the police officers, Xiao Jin and Wu Zhengzhe, exchanged pleasantries, and everyone sat down.

The restaurant specialized in lively Cantonese seafood, serving everything that flew in the sky, crawled on the ground, ran in the mountains, or swam in the sea.

Zhao Ming took a seat next to Officer Xiao. Xiao Jin, barely glancing at the menu, ordered a dozen dishes—turtles, seafood, everything—and announced, “Since Director Chi is treating today, let’s let the boss bleed a little!” The waiter filled the order sheet to the brim, glancing at Xiao Jin with wide eyes, thinking, This guy is ruthless.

The editorial office’s “Little Braid,” who knew Zhao Ming best, worried his boss was spending too much. She shouted, “Go easy, Officer Xiao! Those are some expensive dishes. If you squeeze the boss too hard, he might not invite you next time. Better to take it slow!”

Zhao Ming replied, “No problem, order as much as you like!” Though he said this cheerfully, his heart was uneasy—tonight’s dinner might well empty his pockets. But as the new appointee, what could he do? He’d just have to bear the expense.

In the midst of their lively toasts, a man entered the private room. His skin was tanned, eyes sharp and bright, a slight smile on his lips, and prominent cheekbones. He walked over to Officer Xiao, clapped him on the shoulder, and greeted him with a hearty, “Hey, Lei Hao!” His accent was distinctly Cantonese.

Xiao Jin stood up with his wine glass. “Let me introduce everyone. This is Leng Junfeng, the owner of this restaurant—a good friend of mine!” Zhao Ming smiled and nodded. “A pleasure to meet you!” Beside him, Xiao Jin said to Leng Junfeng, “This is my friend from Dahe TV, the newly appointed director, Zhao Ming!”

“I’ve heard so much about you! You’re a news figure in Dahe—there’s not a soul here who doesn’t know you!” Leng Junfeng exclaimed. “Come, a toast to our friendship and this happy occasion! Congratulations to Director Zhao on your promotion—cheers!”

Everyone raised their glasses, the clinking crisp and bright. After a brief silence, the contents of the cups were drained in one gulp. Xiao Jin, licking his thick lips, made a smacking sound. Everyone looked his way, and Xiao Jin, slightly embarrassed, said, “Excellent wine, truly excellent!” Then he sat down and picked up his chopsticks to eat.

After countless rounds of toasts, everyone felt satisfied; even Zhao Ming, who seldom drank, was tipsy and incoherent.

As the restaurant was about to close, the group of men was still drinking and reminiscing.

The celebratory banquet was enjoyed by all; the mood was lively, and everyone spoke freely, their faces flushed with drink. Seeing it was getting late, Leng Junfeng called over a waiter. “Put everything from this room on my tab.”

The waiter nodded repeatedly. “Understood, Boss Leng. Don’t worry.”

When Zhao Ming realized Leng Junfeng was paying, he hurried to object, but Leng Junfeng didn’t give him the chance and sent the waiter away. “No need to stand on ceremony. If it weren’t for this wonderful occasion, you might not have graced us with your presence. Take it as a gesture of friendship—it’s nothing, really.”

“Well then, thank you, Boss Leng.” Zhao Ming felt a little embarrassed.

“Now that we’ve had our fill of wine, where to next?” Zhao Ming saw everyone was still eager for more. “Shall we go to sing karaoke?”

Xiao Jin chimed in, “Let’s skip the karaoke.”

Everyone agreed it was late and, with the drinks settling in, decided it was time to head home to their families.

One by one, they left the Zhizhen Hotel, leaving only Wu Zhengzhe, Zhao Ming, and Xiao Jin.

“The most important thing now is to clear our heads,” Xiao Jin suggested.

“What do you think, Wu Zhengzhe?” Zhao Ming asked.

“Let’s follow Xiao Jin’s idea. Find a place to sober up,” Wu Zhengzhe replied.

Seeing Wu Zhengzhe agree, Xiao Jin became visibly excited, like a child. “Yes, yes, yes!”

“Mind your image as a police officer. Don’t act like a kid shouting ‘yes, yes, yes’ all the time. You’re already at the uncle stage,” Wu Zhengzhe scolded sternly.

“All right, all right, boss. It’s a rare happy occasion—let’s relax and not be so uptight. My place isn’t far from here, just by the river. There’s a boat moored there—a perfect spot for tea.”

They walked along the riverbank, the streetlights casting a warm amber glow. Were it not for the alcohol in their veins, the chill wind would have been unbearable.

By the roadside, plane tree leaves drifted to the ground, caught by the wind. The leaves skittered along the pavement, fluttering and scraping with a soft, rustling sound as the wind picked up, making them seem to fly.

On the riverside boat, the lights still blazed. From the embankment, they could see people moving about, those accustomed to nightlife chatting comfortably, lost in their own leisure.

Xiao Jin led the way in silence, Zhao Ming and Wu Zhengzhe following behind as he shepherded them toward a fishing boat by the river. Slurring his words, Xiao Jin mumbled about a miraculous hangover cure aboard.

The three of them stumbled after Xiao Jin, making their way down the gangplank to board the boat.

(To be continued)