Chapter 10: Deliberate Obstruction

“Lu Hao, you’ve misunderstood my parents. They never said to break off the engagement; they just want to wait until you get promoted to deputy section chief before holding the wedding. I believe, with your ability, getting promoted won’t be difficult,” Fang Jing quickly explained.

As she spoke, she subtly shook her head at Lu Hao, signaling him not to argue with her parents.

Seeing the hopeful look in Fang Jing’s eyes, Lu Hao could only suppress his anger and pressure, speaking earnestly, “Uncle, Auntie, please believe me. I will definitely get promoted to deputy section chief. I will make Fang Jing happy.”

“How long will it take for you to get promoted? One year? Two years? Or five? If you can’t get promoted, does she have to wait for you forever?” Jiang Lan immediately retorted.

“Six months. I’ll definitely get promoted in six months,” Lu Hao said through gritted teeth.

Just then, Wang Shaojie suddenly interrupted, “Lu Hao, you’re exaggerating! You were just transferred by County Chief Li to Fangshui Township, and you have no achievements yet. How do you expect to get promoted?”

“Besides, your cousin Liu Yuanda is still under investigation by the Discipline Inspection Commission. If he implicates you in any illegal or disciplinary violations, you’ll face punishment, maybe even dismissal. It could even drag Director Fang’s family into trouble. And right now, you’re like a thorn in County Chief Li’s side; anyone close to you might end up suffering,” Wang Shaojie’s words made Lu Hao’s eye twitch involuntarily.

Today, Fang Jing’s parents had changed their attitude toward him so drastically, and Wang Shaojie’s gossip was undoubtedly behind it.

“Whether I get promoted in six months isn’t up to you. No matter how hard it is, I’ll work for it—for Fang Jing!” Lu Hao said coldly.

Fang Jing’s expression shifted slightly, touched by his determination.

They had been together for six years, during which Lu Hao truly cared for her. Although she was dissatisfied with his current position, she had decided to stick with him and try to make things work.

Noticing Fang Jing’s expression, Wang Shaojie hurriedly added, “Lu Hao, don’t play the emotion card. Love doesn’t put food on the table. Honestly, everyone knows your qualifications are enough for promotion. If you’re really capable, get promoted within a month.”

“Dad, isn’t one month too short?” Fang Jing’s face changed; she knew Wang Shaojie was deliberately making things difficult for Lu Hao.

“It’s not short. Promotion depends on connections. Without them, you won’t climb the ranks even if you work until retirement. One month it is!” Fang Aiguo said sternly.

Having spent half his life in the Agricultural Bureau, Fang Aiguo knew the pitfalls of officialdom. If not for Lu Hao’s ties, Liu Yuanda wouldn’t have been promoted to deputy director. He understood that ability was only part of the equation; connections were key.

Still, knowing his daughter had feelings for Lu Hao, Fang Aiguo was willing to give him some time. If Lu Hao failed to get promoted within a month, it would be solid grounds to break them apart.

“Lu Hao, it’s settled then. We’ll give you one month. If you don’t get promoted to deputy section chief by then, you break off the engagement with Fang Jing and don’t bother her anymore!” Jiang Lan also pressed him.

Seeing Fang Jing anxiously trying to speak up for him, Lu Hao firmly held her hand and shook his head. Raising his chest and chin, he said, “Uncle, Auntie, I promise. If I don’t get promoted within a month, I won’t contact Fang Jing again.”

He had always promised Fang Jing that they would work in the city someday, live in a big house, and have better jobs.

But now, if he remained mediocre in Fangshui Township, he really wouldn’t be able to make Fang Jing happy.

This society was harsh: no money, no power, no house, and no car—there was no way to give the woman you love a good life.

“Lu Hao, your words must count. I’m the deputy township head of Fangshui now, so I’m your superior. I’m witnessing this promise today,” Wang Shaojie said with a pleased grin, flaunting his position.

Now that he was part of the township leadership, Lu Hao would never get promoted on his watch.

“Yes, Lu Hao, this isn’t a joke. Don’t back out or renege,” Fang Aiguo said seriously.

“Uncle Fang, this should be my promise. I hope that once I get promoted, you won’t find any more excuses to oppose my marriage to Fang Jing. I will make her happy,” Lu Hao said, looking at Fang Jing with fierce determination.

Then he left Fang Jing’s home without looking back.

Fang Jing felt her parents had gone too far and wanted to follow him, but Jiang Lan grabbed her arm and said, “Dear, it’s your dad’s birthday today, and Shaojie is here too. Let’s have dinner first. If you want to comfort him, you can message him on WeChat.”

Seeing this, Fang Jing had no choice but to give up for now, though she hoped Lu Hao would truly prove himself and get promoted soon.

Lu Hao reached downstairs, feeling somewhat lost.

Seeing a message from Fang Jing with emojis of hugs and encouragement, his heart lightened slightly.

Fang Jing must have been stopped by her parents and couldn’t follow him out.

But tonight, he had seen Fang Jing’s parents for who they really were. Once he lost his value, Fang Aiguo would never give him a second glance. This only strengthened Lu Hao’s resolve to climb higher in the political arena.

Thinking of work the next day, Lu Hao drove back to Fangshui Township and stayed in Fang Jing’s dormitory as usual.

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Early the next morning, he began running laps around the township middle school playground, a good habit he had formed in the military.

After a few laps, he noticed a woman on the field.

Lu Hao immediately recognized her as the woman who had picked up a package at the school gate two days prior.

This time, Lu Hao was wiser and kept his distance, running separately.

But the woman deliberately slowed her pace, as if waiting for him.

Instinctively, Lu Hao wanted to speed up to avoid being recognized.

“Why are you running so fast? Why aren’t you sneaking a peek at me this time?” the woman suddenly said.

Lu Hao was startled, realizing she had recognized him. He forced himself to slow down, his face flushing red as he said, “Beauty, I’m just running at a normal pace. And that day, I wasn’t sneaking a look, just admiring you.”

“Oh? That means I still have some charm,” the woman smiled faintly.

Lu Hao was instantly embarrassed, wishing he could disappear.

“Do you also live at the township middle school?” The woman took off her sports earphones, breathing heavily, her cheeks flushed and body glistening with sweat, looking quite alluring.

“Yes, I live in my fiancée’s dorm,” he replied.

The woman was taken aback for a moment, then asked, “Do you like working at the township’s poverty alleviation office?”

“How do you know I work at the poverty alleviation office?” Lu Hao asked, surprised.