Ning Ge looked at Qi Taiguo in astonishment. He really had changed, now using connections to maneuver.

In the past, Qi Taiguo relied solely on himself, climbing up through grit and determination. Even with connections like Ning Ge and Ning Gang, he never asked for favors.

For the first time, he wanted to use connections to shift his position.

Had Qi Taiguo conformed to the world now?

"I always thought your pride would hold, that you’d never ask for something like this," Ning Ge said.

Qi Taiguo took out a cigarette, offered one to him, lit one for himself, and said, "In the past, I disdained this. I thought relying on one’s own skills was best. But over the years, so much has happened, and I’ve realized that for a grassroots soldier like me, reaching the top is nearly impossible. You either need support from a wife’s family like Jiang Conghe or use connections to get by..."

"Times are changing, people are changing. If I want power and want to climb step by step, how many years would that take? In war, the worst scenario is a strong enemy and a weak self. Now I have your sister-in-law and Xiao Qi. I need to protect them and think for them. As for pride..." Qi Taiguo laughed. "Can it feed me? Can it protect my family?"

Having gone through loss, death, and betrayal, Qi Taiguo has understood the impermanence and couldn’t help but become an ordinary man.

Being ordinary—if it means the people he loves and cares for can live well—what’s wrong with it?

To live well, to live the way he wants, he must strive and give. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

With connections in hand, if he can avoid a few detours, why not use them? What’s the point in fighting for temporary pride?

"I can’t guarantee I’ll do much better, but in my position, I will give my all to live up to the expectations of the family and the nurturing of Chief Ning," Qi Taiguo said to Ning Ge again.

"You’ve truly wisened up!" Ning Ge took a drag of his cigarette and said, "You should have been like this a long time ago."

He’s not worldly. In this era, who isn’t entwined in a web of relationships? Just look at his current business; it took countless connections, countless relationships, pulling strings to get it running smoothly. Would the company have opened without those intricate relationships? Don’t be ridiculous!

Starting from scratch is possible, but it requires maneuvering and also relationships.

Whether you admit it or not, reality is this harsh. Nowadays, it’s an era of relationships and connections. Not using them isn’t pride; it’s foolishness.

Having someone in high places makes things easier; that’s an eternal truth through the ages.

Qi Taiguo chuckled softly, "Young people always think they have pride, thinking themselves above reliance. But actually, even if I’m lifted up by others, as long as I do well, what’s the difference if I rise on my own or am uplifted by others?"

It’s just a matter of staying true to oneself from the start to the end!

Back then, I said I looked down on those with backing, but wasn’t there a bit of inferiority and sourness within me?

"If there’s a position, aren’t you afraid of being transferred?" Ning Ge said, "Xiao Qi is still young."

If he left, there truly wouldn’t be anyone to take charge at home.

A trace of reluctance flashed in Qi Taiguo’s eyes. "If I don’t have the ability to protect them, what good is staying? I only hope his path in the future will be a bit smoother."

Ning Ge fell silent, then after a while said, "Alright, I’ll talk to the elder brother about it."

Qi Taiguo nodded.