Chapter 16: The Invitation in Purple Robes

Three years ago, after Lu Hao saved her, Ye Ziyi had someone look into him. But since Lu Hao seemed completely indifferent about the rescue, she never felt the need to thank him in person.

However, over these three years, Ye Ziyi frequently kept tabs on Lu Hao’s situation. Now that he was facing trouble and she happened to be in Anxing County, it was only fitting they meet.

Lu Hao didn’t think much of Ye Ziyi’s sudden appearance. After hanging up the phone, he went back to his dorm, took a shower, changed clothes, and drove to the county town.

The Yunding Grand Hotel was the pride of Anxing County, the most luxurious hotel where high-ranking officials and dignitaries frequented. Lu Hao had been there many times before with Liu Yuanda.

But stepping inside this place again, he could only feel that the expenses were too extravagant.

Soon, a tall and beautiful female attendant led Lu Hao into a private room. The room was lavishly decorated and could seat ten people, yet there was only one woman sitting inside.

She wore a simple white blouse and jeans, her hair tied neatly in a ponytail. Her features were delicate, her complexion fair and strikingly beautiful—almost overwhelmingly so.

Lu Hao had long forgotten Ye Ziyi’s appearance, and seeing her now left him somewhat dazed.

He never imagined the woman he had saved back then would be so stunning, even more so than Xiaoyue, whom he had met in Fangshui Township.

Moreover, this woman’s presence was extraordinary; simply sitting there, she exuded an air of authority that pressed upon him like the weight of someone who held a high position.

“This woman is no ordinary person,” Lu Hao thought, having seen some of the complexities of officialdom.

“Don’t just stand there, sit down,” Ye Ziyi smiled warmly, signaling the attendant to serve tea and pour wine. Soon, dishes were brought out.

“To this glass of wine, I should have toasted you three years ago. Thank you for saving me back then,” Ye Ziyi said sincerely, raising her glass.

Seeing her so earnest, Lu Hao quickly clinked his glass with hers and replied honestly, “I never gave it much thought, and you don’t have to make a fuss. It was just a small favor.”

Indeed, he had long pushed the matter to the back of his mind. If not for Ye Ziyi’s call, he wouldn’t have thought about it again.

“You can think whatever you want, but I must thank you properly. If you have any requests, just say the word—houses, cars, anything—I’ll do my best to fulfill them,” Ye Ziyi said straightforwardly after a few rounds of drinking.

Lu Hao was momentarily taken aback and instinctively asked, “Are you wealthy?”

“Just average, nothing too extravagant. But if you want money, just name a figure,” Ye Ziyi smiled.

“What do you do?” Lu Hao asked out of curiosity, though he had no intention of asking for anything.

“I run a company. It’s not small-scale. I’m the boss, and I manage quite a few people. I’m here in Anxing County on business. Whatever you want, just say it,” Ye Ziyi replied somewhat vaguely.

Lu Hao nodded slightly. Judging from the expensive Moutai wine on the table and Ye Ziyi’s demeanor, the title of company boss suited her well.

Lu Hao smiled wryly and said, “Honestly, you probably can’t help me with my problems.”

Having had some drinks and facing this once-saved stranger, Lu Hao had no qualms about venting. He recounted how after Liu Yuanda’s incident, he was sidelined; how Fang Jing’s parents’ attitude towards him had changed; how the leadership in Fangshui Township made him the scapegoat and punished him. He spilled everything.

At this rate, it was only a matter of time before Fang Jing would break up with him.

While he complained, the attendant poured him another glass of wine. Lu Hao politely thanked her, a small gesture that increased Ye Ziyi’s favor toward him.

She had seen too many low-level people who, lacking real ability, belittled waitstaff to assert superiority. Yet Lu Hao showed none of that base character.

“I understand. It’s a pity I’m already engaged, or else if you broke up, I might have been your girlfriend. But since you mentioned the deputy section chief position, I might be able to help with that. And regarding your cousin Liu Yuanda, perhaps I can assist too,” Ye Ziyi said softly.

She knew Lu Hao was telling the truth; reality was often cruel, and she had long been through and witnessed such hardships.

“Is what you said true?”

Lu Hao’s eyes brightened briefly but soon dimmed again as he shook his head. “County Chief Li and my cousin have always been at odds. I even offended him before. Now that my cousin is in trouble, he dislikes me even more. Even if you have connections, it’ll be hard to help.”

Officialdom was complicated, and Lu Hao only saw Ye Ziyi as someone to confide in.

In his heart, Ye Ziyi might be rich, but in Anxing County’s local affairs, she probably couldn’t do much.

“That’s not necessarily so. The county chief is second-in-command; he’s not the party secretary,” Ye Ziyi smiled faintly.

“I heard he’s already pulling strings and probably will become the top leader,” Lu Hao said, gloom shadowing his face as he relayed the rumors he’d heard.

Ye Ziyi didn’t argue, instead smiling quietly. “In our company, we have extensive networks. I also know some people in the city. Sometimes things that seem difficult can be resolved with a single word from someone at the top.”

Hearing Ye Ziyi speak so casually, a flicker of hope ignited in Lu Hao’s heart.

“My issue isn’t the most important right now. The priority is my cousin. If only the disciplinary committee would go easy on him,” he said earnestly.

Ye Ziyi’s expression briefly faltered, surprised that Lu Hao’s first concern was not himself. A hint of admiration appeared in her eyes as she chuckled lightly, “Looks like your cousin’s situation matters more to you than your promotion.”

Lu Hao scratched his head but nodded seriously. “Yeah, my cousin has always been good to me. As long as he’s okay, I don’t mind being a low-ranking clerk.”

Now, with no news and unreachable by phone, he was deeply worried. If his cousin was charged with corruption and bribery, he would surely be sentenced—a fate Lu Hao desperately wished to avoid.