Return to the City: The Strongest King-Chapter 1917 - 1819: The Blooming of the Immortal Cactus (Part 2)

"Oh, I'll definitely want to see it then." Li Fengshuo chimed in, following Director Wang's lead.

"Of course, of course, everyone from our office will come then. This kind of opportunity won't come around again for three to five years at least." Director Wang boasted proudly.

Li Fengshuo thought to himself: "This Religious Affairs Office truly is a laid-back job, the whole department seems idle enough to come watch a cactus bloom at night."

The conversation continued as the tea was served.

"Director Li, please help yourself. This is Da Hong Pao given to me by Master Kudeng, the abbot of Yunzhong Temple. Please have a taste, Director Li."

Li Fengshuo took a sip; indeed, it was fragrant and left a sweet aftertaste.

"Wow, Director Wang does have some good stuff!" Li Fengshuo relaxed his eyebrows.

"Hahaha..."

"Director Wang, I hope you can take care of me during this temporary reassignment. Coincidentally, I have a few pots of rare flowers and plants at home. This evening, I'll pick one you fancy and bring it over!" Li Fengshuo said to Director Wang.

"Sure, I don't like anything expensive, just rare plants, like this cactus which blooms once every thirty years. Three directors have changed in this Qingshui Yamen, and this cactus still hasn't bloomed. Now in my term, look, it's flowering, hahaha." Director Wang laughed as he spoke to Li Fengshuo.

After the pleasantries, Director Wang looked at Li Fengshuo's temporary transfer order and realized this guy must have offended someone and would be transferred back eventually. Understanding that he couldn't afford to offend him — despite the small position, the Urban Construction Bureau is a real power department, which might come in handy later — he decided not to give Li Fengshuo a hard time. However, the document clearly stated that Li Fengshuo had to go to Yiquan Temple to listen to sermons, so although other things could be ignored, listening to the sermons was non-negotiable.

"Director Li, here's the thing. I have to follow orders as well. Director Li's stay here is temporary; eventually, you'll go back, so I'll treat you as a guest. But there's one thing that must be done, which is written in the transfer order: going to Yiquan Temple to listen to sermons. This is non-optional for Director Li. I hope you understand, it's not my idea, it's written in the order." Director Wang quickly distanced himself from responsibility.

"I follow the higher-ups' orders. Director Wang, please make the arrangements."

"Hey, Director Li, no rush. Although it's listening to sermons, there's no clear instruction on how to listen, so we're not pressed. Let's go, I'll treat Director Li to a meal."

The two went out for a meal, and after that, headed straight to Yiquan Temple.

"Director Li, although this is an order from the higher-ups, I hesitate to ask, but this temporary transfer of yours is quite peculiar. I wonder, who did Director Li manage to offend?" Director Wang asked Li Fengshuo.

"Well, in Minghe we have a Mr. Song, I wonder if Director Wang has heard of him?" Li Fengshuo asked.

"Even though news gets closed off in my position, of course I know Mr. Song from Minghe. Did you manage to offend him?" Director Wang asked.

"Yeah," Fengshuo thought about the situation, never imagining that his cousin's husband was actually Song Xiaodong. Song Xiaodong was so low-key that even Li Family relatives looked down on him, but eventually he snapped. Three phone calls and he turned Li Family's Feng Rao, Fengshuo, and Fengsheng's world upside down.

"No wonder, but I've heard about this Mr. Song. He is ruthless when he takes action. If Director Li truly offended Mr. Song, how come you're only being made to listen to sermons?" Director Wang was puzzled.

"Perhaps it's because of my cousin. Xiaodong is my cousin's husband." Fengshuo replied.

"Oh..." Director Wang pondered for a long time.

"So Director Li is actually related to Mr. Song. Looks like my little temple has welcomed a God today. Director Li, when you get promoted, please consider helping your brother here!" Director Wang began to forge a closer relationship.

"Director Wang, you're teasing. I'm here listening to sermons myself, where's the chance for promotion?" Li Fengshuo replied with a bitter smile. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"Brother, it all depends on your performance. I mean, you're related to Song Xiaodong, could he truly have transferred you here? He's just giving you a warning; I don't know how you offended him, but I see this situation has room to ease up. Mr. Song might just be waiting for your sincerity."

Director Wang had a keen insight into the situation.

Li Fengshuo fell into deep thought.

Unlike Feng Rao and Fengshuo, Li Fengsheng's household was filled with joy, as he finally secured a loan and officially began construction. The construction site was bustling with activity.

Li Fengsheng and Fengsheng's wife were spared from the need to declare bankruptcy and sell skewers.

The eldest uncle's wife was already anxious, with cold sores covering her mouth, and insisted on staying put at Li Jianguo's house since morning.

"Jianguo, look at the good daughter you raised, marrying a husband and then divorcing, marrying another one, and even ruining our Feng Rao's company. Is this how one treats relatives? That's just wrong, you should talk to your girl!" The eldest uncle's wife was crying her eyes out, sitting firmly on Li Jianguo's sofa unwilling to leave.

"Is this how you make requests? Is that the right attitude to ask me for a favor?"

"Who's asking you for a favor? Your family ruined my son's company; you owe me compensation!"

"So you're here to act shamelessly again, recreating those shameless antics from when we divided the family won't work here, let me tell you. Later, don't blame me for not giving face to your elder brother!" Li Jianguo was infuriated by the eldest uncle's wife's words, his nose almost crooked from rage.

"What's the point of yelling here? Did I ruin your son's company?"