booktalesy Chapter 423 To Youth
Chapter 423 To Youth
Especially those celebrities who were once high and mighty and unattainable, once they faded from popularity and lost their source of income, some of them would step down from their pedestals and become "guests of honor" of the wealthy.
Liang Dongming asked calmly, "President Liao, what do you mean by telling me this?"
Liao Chenggong quickly said, "Secretary Liang, I didn't mean anything by it."
I was thinking that if you are a fan of Liu Manli, I could try to arrange for you to meet her, catch up, and reminisce about your youth.
After all, you liked her work when you were young, which is a kind of fate.
Liang Dongming remained silent, his heart churning with turmoil.
Liu Manli was his dream girl when he was young.
Back then, you could only see people on TV or in posters. If you could sit across from them, have a meal, drink with them, or even...
Once the thought popped into my head, I couldn't suppress it anymore.
But he knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch.
Whether it's the delicious food, fine wine, beautiful women at the resort, or Liu Manli herself, they are all bait.
However, the bait tasted too delicious.
At this moment, Liang Dongming was split in two.
One of Liang Dongming's views is that Liao Chenggong is unreliable, and Chen Jimin and Deng Haidong are cautionary tales that must not be repeated.
Another Liang Dongming said, "What is power? Isn't it simply the ability to control resources while satisfying desires that ordinary people cannot attain?"
Did Liang Dongming work so hard to climb to his current position just to hold meetings, approve documents, and engage in power struggles day after day?
Why should those bloated businessmen be able to spend money like water and enjoy beautiful women, while those who hold real power have to be cautious and timid?
Liu Manli, the woman who once shone brightly on screen and captivated countless men, is now within easy reach.
Liao Chenggong didn't intend to manipulate Liang Dongming this time; he simply wanted to give Liu Manli to Liang Dongming as a gift to deepen their relationship.
His goal is to make Liang Dongming the second Yuan Jin.
"Secretary Liang, I understand your concerns. You are a leader with a special status, and you have to consider the impact of everything you do."
Although I, Liao Chenggong, am a rough man, I know the rules and how to behave appropriately.
I assure you, this matter is known only to Heaven, Earth, you, and me.
The meeting place doesn't have to be at the resort; you can arrange everything.
We'll arrange for you to be placed wherever you feel it's safe and convenient.
I'm just here to connect you with the project; the specifics are entirely up to you.
The only thing I can do is have Liu Manli stay with you for one night so you can have a deeper conversation.
Liang Dongming couldn't help but think back to his university days.
In the university dormitory, a classmate bought a tape recorder, and they listened to Liu Manli's songs together, and even went to the cinema to watch movies starring Liu Manli.
Back then, Liu Manli was young and beautiful, and every smile and frown was captivating.
There were six boys in the dormitory, and they all had her posters on their walls.
She was a shared memory for all male college students of that era, an unattainable dream lover.
Liang Dongming hesitated. He was in charge of choosing the location, which meant that he held the initiative.
Choose an absolutely safe place, without using Liao Chenggong's territory or going through Liao Chenggong's people. Just let Liao Chenggong bring Liu Manli over. What risks are there?
Liang Dongming suddenly thought of a safe and secluded place to stay.
He had a flight attendant lover and bought her an apartment.
Flight attendants spend most of their time flying.
I have a flight to take off this weekend.
She's not here, the house is empty, so it's perfect to use.
Liang Dongming thought again that Liao Chenggong probably wasn't trying to control him this time.
Because Liao Chenggong gave him 500,000 yuan in cash and a golden Buddha statue, which was considered a pledge of loyalty.
If you really want to control him, the 500,000 and the golden Buddha would be enough; there's no need to drag Liu Manli into it as well.
Lifestyle issues are clearly insignificant compared to economic issues.
The reason Liao Chenggong gave Liu Manli gifts was not primarily to control him, but to curry favor with him.
Finally, Liang Dongming spoke up: "Since President Liao is so thoughtful and has made such thoughtful arrangements, let's meet."
Mr. Liao is very familiar with my situation. Liu Manli was indeed my idol back then.
In our youth, who hasn't idolized a few celebrities?
Back then, there were posters of her in the dormitory, I listened to her songs, watched her movies, and thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
Later, she had an accident and gradually disappeared from the public eye.
To be honest, after all these years, I would have almost forgotten about her if you hadn't brought her up.
Liao Chenggong laughed and said, "Secretary Liang, this is called staying true to your original aspiration. You can never forget the things you liked when you were young."
I learned about Liu Manli's current situation by chance, and you were the first person I thought of.
Liang Dongming picked up his teacup and took a slow sip: "President Liao, I have only one request regarding this matter—keep it low-key."
I don't like to show off, and I especially don't like being the subject of gossip.
"Just meet up, catch up, that'll be enough. Everything else depends on the situation."
Liao Chenggong nodded repeatedly: "Secretary Liang, please rest assured, I understand the rules."
As for Liu Manli, I will only tell her that you are a business friend and a former fan of hers, and I will never reveal your true identity.
She knew exactly what to say and do after they met.
This kind of person is worldly-wise and knows how to behave appropriately. To be honest, she doesn't want others to know her personal life.
Liang Dongming nodded: "Then let's do it this Saturday night. I'll decide on the location."
Liao Chenggong stood up: "Alright, Secretary Liang, I won't bother you any longer. You're busy. I'll follow your instructions when the time comes."
After Liao Chenggong left, Liang Dongming leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and the image of Liu Manli in her youth floated into his mind.
That face, that figure, that smile...
Power is such a wonderful thing. I never dared to dream of it before, but now I can get it if I want it.
As some people have said, an official like him could make his dreams come true the next day, even if he only had them at night.
……
Liang Dongming's home is in Jiangzhou. On Saturday, he did not go home, but went directly to the flight attendant's apartment.
No one suspected that Liang Dongming returned to Jiangzhou over the weekend.
He doesn't go home, but lies to his wife that he's working overtime on the weekend, and she doesn't suspect a thing.
Given his current position, working overtime on weekends is perfectly normal.
After entering the apartment, Liang Dongming took a hot shower, shaved his beard, and refreshed himself.
Then, I tidied up the bedroom and changed the sheets and duvet covers.
On the coffee table in the living room, he placed a bottle of red wine and two wine glasses.
With everything ready, he sat on the living room sofa and checked the time.
Six o'clock in the afternoon.
There is one hour left until the agreed time.
Liang Dongming was bored, so he watched TV in the living room.
But I just couldn't concentrate on it; my mind was wandering.
I wonder if I'll be very excited when I see Liu Manli?
Tonight is destined to be a wonderful night.
At 6:45, the doorbell rang.
Liang Dongming stood up from the sofa, took a deep breath, straightened his collar, and walked to the door.
He didn't rush to open the door, but first looked out through the peephole.
There were two people standing outside the door.
Liao Chenggong, and a woman wearing sunglasses.
The woman was tall and slender, wearing a dark gray trench coat and black high heels.
The trench coat's belt was tied tightly, outlining her slender waist.
Although you can't see their face clearly, their aura is something that ordinary people don't possess.
Liang Dongming opened the door.
Liao Chenggong walked in with a big smile on his face, followed by the woman.
"Secretary Liang, this is Ms. Liu Manli," Liao Chenggong introduced.
The woman took off her sunglasses, revealing a well-maintained face.
However, the makeup on her face was a bit too thick.
Forty-one years old.
Liu Manli's age is available online.
The Liu Manli in front of him was younger than he had imagined.
Her features were still delicate, and her skin was still fair, but there were a few fine lines at the corners of her eyes, and her jawline was not as firm as it had been when she was young.
She was a recognized beauty in her youth, and although her youth has faded, she still retains her charm.
Time has left its mark on her face, but it has not taken away her charm.
On the contrary, she possesses a unique charm that mature women can't imitate.
"Ms. Liu, this is Mr. Liang, whom I told you about." Liao Chenggong introduced him according to the pre-arranged script. "Mr. Liang is a businessman who has always admired your work and is a long-time fan of yours."
Liu Manli smiled sweetly: "Hello, Mr. Liang, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Liang Dongming extended his hand: "Ms. Liu, I've heard so much about you. Please come in."
The two shook hands.
Liu Manli's hands are soft, delicate, and well-maintained.
Liao Chenggong tactfully said, "Mr. Liang, Ms. Liu, I have something to attend to, so I won't bother you any longer."
Before leaving, Liao Chenggong specifically reminded Liang Dongming: "Mr. Liang, Ms. Liu and I have an agreement."
She'll be with you until 10 a.m. tomorrow.
Liang Dongming nodded: "President Liao, thank you for your hard work."
"It's not hard work, it's not hard work. Mr. Liang, you can do whatever you want during this time."
Liao Chenggong turned and left, gently closing the door behind him.
Only two people remained in the room.
Liang Dongming looked at Liu Manli, and Liu Manli looked at him.
There was a moment of awkwardness in the atmosphere.
"Please sit down," Liang Dongming said, gesturing to the sofa.
Liu Manli sat down on the sofa, her legs together and her body slightly turned to the side, her posture very elegant.
Having been a celebrity, she still exudes a certain charm that ordinary women lack.
Liang Dongming sat down opposite her, with a coffee table between them.
"What would you like to drink? Would you like some red wine?" he asked.
Liu Manli said softly, "I'll listen to Mr. Liang."
Liang Dongming stood up, picked up the red wine on the coffee table, opened the bottle, and poured a glass for each of them.
He handed it to Liu Manli: "Here, a toast to you. A toast to my youth."
Liu Manli took the wine glass, swirled it gently, and took a sip: "Mr. Liang is very eloquent."
Liang Dongming sat down opposite her and raised his glass: "It's not just talk, it's the truth. I'm still listening to your songs from back then."
"Really?" Liu Manli looked up, a glimmer of light in her eyes. "Which one is Mr. Liang's favorite?"
"Orange-flavored Dusk," Liang Dongming said without hesitation. "Back in college, we would play this song in the dorm every night after the lights were turned off."
At that time, I thought the lyrics were really well written. For example, these few lines:
Orange-flavored dusk that won't let you sleep
All tenderness is stranded for you
The sweetness of unspoken words
They all disappeared into the orange horizon…
Liang Dongming hummed along; his voice wasn't particularly pleasant, but his pitch was accurate.
Liu Manli was surprised that Liang Dongming could sing a part of the song so clearly.
She gently swirled her wine glass, her gaze seemingly following the song back to that distant past.
That song was one of her most popular representative works and a symbol of the peak of her career.
Now, hearing it sung by a strange man, she felt as if she were in another world.
"Mr. Liang has a good memory," Liu Manli said softly. "This song is from a long time ago."
Liang Dongming put down his wine glass and looked at her intently: "For me, it feels like yesterday. At that time, I felt that someone who could sing such a song must have a very gentle and beautiful heart."
I've seen many of your movies, especially "Before Sunrise." Your portrayal of the girl who was passionately in love and dared to love and hate left a deep impression on me.
Liu Manli said softly, "That movie was the one I struggled to make the most."
Liang Dongming asked, "Where is the hardship?"
Liu Manli picked up her wine glass, took a sip, and gazed at the darkening sky outside the window, as if recalling something from a very, very distant past.
"The problem is that I got too immersed in the role. That story was too heartbreaking."