Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 130 Qingmei Cried

Wu Zhiyuan could picture Han Tingting's expectant gaze on the other end of the phone.

He couldn't bear to refuse this girl who had grown up with him since childhood and was like a younger sister to him; he had to do his best to be a good host.

Having spent the last few days at the investigation site, he figured he could finally relax tonight. So he said, "Tingting, where are you? I'll pick you up after get off work and treat you to dinner tonight."

"Brother Zhiyuan, I'm at the Dongfang Hotel near the Second People's Hospital of Longcheng City."

"Okay, I'll contact you when I arrive."

As dusk settles, the city lights begin to twinkle.

Wu Zhiyuan parked his car in front of the Dongfang Hotel. As soon as he got out of the car, he saw Han Tingting standing under the street lamp.

It was already late autumn, and after several autumn rains, the "autumn tiger" had disappeared without a trace, and the evening breeze carried a slight chill.

Han Tingting wore a beige long trench coat with the belt loosely tied around her waist, outlining her slender figure.

She stood tall and graceful, with long hair flowing over her shoulders. Under the warm yellow light, her skin was as white as snow, and her features were exquisite. She stood there quietly.

"Brother Zhiyuan!" Han Tingting greeted Wu Zhiyuan with a bright smile.

"Tingting!" Wu Zhiyuan walked up with a smile and naturally looked her over. "Have you been waiting long? There was a bit of traffic on the way."

The temperature difference in Longcheng is large in autumn, and it gets cold at night. Is this enough to keep you warm?

"It hasn't been long, I just came down a little while ago. It's not cold, this trench coat is quite windproof." Han Tingting felt warm inside.

Just then, several young girls whispered among themselves.

A girl laughed and called out to Han Tingting, "Tingting, is this the guy you always talk about? Wow, he really is handsome! No wonder you can't find anyone you like!"

Han Tingting's face flushed red, and she stomped her foot shyly, saying coquettishly, "Don't talk nonsense! Go back now!"

The women laughed and ran off, waving goodbye to Wu Zhiyuan before they left.

Han Tingting was too shy to look at Wu Zhiyuan directly. She lowered her head and explained softly, "Brother Zhiyuan, they are my colleagues who came here for training together. They are all from Haihe County. One of them even shares a room with me. She loves to joke around."

Wu Zhiyuan smiled faintly. He knew that those words were not entirely a joke, and he understood Han Tingting's feelings for him.

The girl who used to follow him around since childhood has grown into a beautiful young woman. Although she has many suitors, she has always been devoted to him.

He felt a little touched and a little guilty, but said casually, "It's okay, your colleagues are all quite lively. Come on, what do you want to eat? I'll treat you to a big meal today to welcome you back."

"Brother Zhiyuan, I'm not picky about food and drink. I'd be happy even if you just treated me to congee."

"Tingting, is your brother really that stingy? Let's go to a Western restaurant."

"Brother Zhiyuan, you've gone to so much trouble. I'll treat you next time."

Wu Zhiyuan smiled but remained silent.

The restaurant was softly lit, and soothing piano music flowed gently through the air.

The two sat facing each other and ordered food.

After the food was served, Han Tingting mustered her courage and said, "Brother Zhiyuan, we grew up together, and you've always protected and taken care of me like an older brother. But to me, you've never been just an older brother..."

Han Tingting hesitated, her face flushed red.

Wu Zhiyuan stared blankly at Han Tingting.

Han Tingting is outgoing and lively, but she has never been honest with him about her feelings.

Han Tingting continued, "I know you are a top student who graduated from a prestigious university and now works in an important department in the city. You have a bright future ahead of you."

As for me, I'm just a junior nurse with a college diploma, working in a township health center.

Many times, I feel like I'm not good enough for you.

But Zhiyuan, I really have no other desires.

I just want to tell you that from childhood to adulthood, my eyes and heart have only ever held you.

I have never liked any other boy besides you, and it is impossible for me to like any other boy.

Seeing you makes me feel at ease and happy; when I can't see you, I can't help but miss you.

This time, Han Tingting spoke frankly and tore through the thin veil of secrecy.

Not wanting to let Han Tingting down, Wu Zhiyuan said, "Tingting, thank you for trusting me so much and telling me such precious feelings."

Hearing you say that really touched me, and it also broke my heart.

However, you must never say anything silly like "you're good enough" or "you're not good enough".

In my eyes, you have always been that kind, lively, and beautiful girl, and that has never changed.

Your goodness has absolutely nothing to do with your education or job.

But Tingting, in my heart, you really are like my own sister.

This feeling has been ingrained in me ever since you were a child, running after me.

My care and protection for you come from the bottom of my heart, but it is the affection of an older brother for his younger sister.

You are still young, and you have a long road ahead of you. You will definitely meet someone who truly understands you, loves you, and cherishes you deeply.

Han Tingting's eyes instantly reddened, and glistening tears welled up in her eyes, which she stubbornly held back from falling.

Wu Zhiyuan felt a pang of pity, but he continued, "You are an exceptionally good girl, embodying all the virtues of a girl, and deserve the best affection and the most wholehearted treatment in the world."

I can't make any promises to you. I'm even more afraid that if our relationship changes and ultimately hurts you, I'll never forgive myself.

Wu Zhiyuan's voice was filled with sincere remorse: "So, Tingting, I'm sorry. I hope we can still be the best of siblings, just like before."

"Let me continue to be the Zhiyuan brother who can protect you and whom you can rely on, okay?"

After hearing Wu Zhiyuan's words, Han Tingting's tears, which she had been holding back, finally fell silently.

She lowered her head, her shoulders trembling slightly, letting her tears drip onto her napkin.

The pain of having my long-buried expectations suddenly dashed was so real.

"Okay, I understand, Zhiyuan-ge. I'm sorry, I was too willful..."

"Tingting, don't say that. You weren't being willful, and you didn't do anything wrong to me." Wu Zhiyuan was filled with guilt. "It's my fault. I didn't handle our relationship well and made you sad. Stop crying, or you won't look pretty anymore."

He pulled out a tissue and handed it to Han Tingting.

Han Tingting took the tissue and silently wiped away her tears, but new tears kept welling up.

She shook her head, her voice choked with emotion: "Brother Zhiyuan, I'm fine, really!"

I just... I just couldn't help myself.

She tried to force a smile, but it was more heartbreaking than crying.

Neither of them could taste the food during the meal.

Han Tingting barely touched her knife and fork, keeping her head down and occasionally taking a sip of water, trying to calm herself down.

Wu Zhiyuan felt sorry for her, but didn't know how to comfort her better, so he could only stay by her side silently.

After paying the bill, Wu Zhiyuan drove Han Tingting back to her hotel.

The two remained silent throughout the journey, with only soothing music playing from the radio.

Han Tingting kept staring at the neon lights outside the window, her profile looking particularly lonely in the flickering light and shadow.

Wu Zhiyuan tried to say something several times, but in the end he said nothing.

The car came to a smooth stop in front of the Dongfang Hotel.

Han Tingting said softly, "Brother Zhiyuan, I've arrived. Thank you for dinner."

Wu Zhiyuan got out of the car and watched Han Tingting leave.

Han Tingting took a few steps, but seeing Wu Zhiyuan staring at her back, she turned back and suddenly hugged him.

She gently pressed her cheek against his shoulder and whispered in his ear, "Goodbye, Zhiyuan. Take good care of yourself."

After saying that, she let go of his hand and walked away quickly without looking back.