88 An Unexpected Guest

Xiao Zhenshan asked Xin Chengyou and his family to wait in a private room upstairs, while he and his wife and son stayed by the entrance to welcome the other guests. After Xin Chengyou’s family had gone up, the other invited guests had yet to arrive, but an unexpected visitor showed up first.

Xiao Zhenshan was talking with his wife when he suddenly spotted a man of about fifty, somewhat short and stout, laughing and chatting as he walked in. “That’s Ji Guangrong, our unit’s new top boss. What a coincidence, he’s come to dine here too. Let’s go over and greet him,” Xiao Zhenshan murmured with a crease in his brow.

He quickened his pace, stepped forward to meet Ji Guangrong, and greeted him with a cheerful smile, “Director Ji, what a coincidence! Are you entertaining guests here today as well?”

Ji Guangrong shook hands with him with a touch of reserve. “It really is a coincidence. My family and I just came for a simple meal—no other guests.”

“Director Ji, you’re not only outstanding at work, but also so attentive to your family. You’re truly a model we should learn from. I invited a few colleagues from the unit for dinner today. Why don’t you join us at our table?” As a matter of etiquette, Xiao Zhenshan had to extend the invitation to his superior.

Having only been at his new post for less than half a month, Ji Guangrong was still unfamiliar with the work and in the process of adapting to the executive team. Hearing Xiao Zhenshan’s invitation, he was genuinely tempted.

“Are all your guests from our unit? Is it really appropriate for me to join a private gathering?” Though aware that Xiao Zhenshan was being polite, Ji Guangrong considered himself the big boss—accepting the invitation would be a favor to Xiao Zhenshan, and there was no reason to feel awkward.

Suppressing his displeasure, Xiao Zhenshan maintained his smiling demeanor. “They’re all colleagues from the unit—we’ve known each other for ten or twenty years. We’re colleagues and friends alike, and everyone’s brought their wives and children. It’s really a family gathering. Since you’ve brought your wife and child too, it’s perfect for us to share a table.”

He then gave a brief introduction of the colleagues expected at the gathering.

“So it’s a family get-together! What a coincidence indeed. I was just thinking it felt a bit dull with just my family. Since we’re all familiar faces, I won’t stand on ceremony,” Ji Guangrong replied with an easy manner.

“It’s wonderful to have Director Ji and your family join us today. The others will be both surprised and delighted to hear the news—everyone will have to drink a few extra toasts in celebration.” With the boss showing such openness, Xiao Zhenshan could only accept it with a forced smile. “Director Ji, allow me to introduce my wife, Bai Yuzhen, and my son, Xiao Yao.”

After exchanging greetings with Bai Yuzhen and Xiao Yao, Ji Guangrong praised, “Chief Xiao, with such a gracious wife and capable son, you clearly have a happy family—truly enviable.”

He genuinely meant it. Though Bai Yuzhen and Xiao Yao hadn’t spoken much, both of them were notably attractive, impeccably dressed, and carried themselves with poise and dignity, leaving a strong impression on him.

“It’s your family that’s enviable. All of you are glowing with health and spirit—it’s the mark of a harmonious and happy home,” Xiao Zhenshan replied.

Ji Guangrong was pleased by these words and happily introduced his own wife and son to Xiao Zhenshan.

Facing a junior section chief under the head of the unit, both Ji Guangrong’s wife and son were reserved and spoke little.

“Yuzhen, you and Xiao Yao stay here to welcome the guests for me. I’ll escort Director Ji upstairs.” With no way to decline, Xiao Zhenshan could only accept the situation.

After Ji Guangrong’s party left, Xiao Yao complained unhappily, “I really think Dad should change jobs as soon as possible—with our family’s situation now, there’s no need to put up with this kind of humiliation.”

“You’re aiming higher now, so your standards are higher too,” Bai Yuzhen said, though she herself wasn’t thrilled about the unplanned addition of Ji Guangrong’s family to their gathering. “For most people, having the top leader’s family attend is a matter of great pride—no one would refuse.”

“I just can’t stand how arrogant Ji Guangrong’s family is. I don’t want to see Dad having to humble himself like this.”

“What’s so humiliating about this? Since your father works at the unit, the most basic respect should be given to the higher-ups. He’s been there for half his life, and he’s done well—he can handle this sort of thing,” Bai Yuzhen replied, having long since grown accustomed to such situations herself. “Leaders in state-run units always put on airs around subordinates. Ji Guangrong only just started, and he was actually quite restrained today—not too excessive.”

Xiao Yao, still new to society, hadn’t yet learned the arts of tact and endurance. Even in his past lives, he had always been a figure others revered—never one to tolerate humiliation from anyone.

Though it was normal for Ji Guangrong to act superior toward Xiao Zhenshan, and Xiao Zhenshan himself didn’t mind, Xiao Yao found it hard to endure. This was already the limit of what he could tolerate—if Ji Guangrong ever crossed the line further, Xiao Yao would not show him deference; at most, he would simply help his father find another job.

“Don’t take it so seriously. Since your father chose to stay at the unit, he has to accept this kind of superior-subordinate relationship,” Bai Yuzhen said patiently, seeing her son’s discontent. “With a son like you to back him up, do you really think your father will have to put up with too much? If things ever go too far, he’ll just resign—he’s not without options.”

Since this was his parents’ choice, Xiao Yao could only respect it. Even if his father was unwilling to quit, Xiao Yao was determined to ensure he received due respect and never suffered indignity.

Lost in thought, Xiao Yao was suddenly interrupted by a voice. “Mr. Xiao, what a coincidence—are you dining here as well today?”

He looked up and recognized the man, not exactly familiar, but definitely an acquaintance. “Secretary Ran, what a coincidence indeed. My father is hosting a dinner here today.”

The well-dressed man was Ran Lixin, secretary to Fan Jingyu, whom Xiao Yao had met twice before.

“Director Fan is entertaining guests here today as well. Which private room have you booked?” Ran Lixin knew full well how highly Director Fan regarded this young Mr. Xiao. Having run into him here, he had to get the details—Fan Jingyu might even stop by to toast him later.