5: Chapter 5 Expressing One's Aspirations While Drunk

Division Chief Hu Weihang stepped forward quickly, gripping Li Dakang's hand with both of his, the pressure gentle yet the hold lingering: "The son of Minister Li is truly a man of talent, with an extraordinary bearing."

He turned to his son and said: "Xiao Bin, call him Brother Dakang."

The boy bowed politely: "Hello, Brother Dakang."

As soon as he finished speaking, he slipped over to Guo Mingming's side. The two teenage boys huddled together, whispering something, glancing toward the center of the living room from time to time with curious eyes.

"Come, come, everyone, don't just stand there!"

Guo Yue poked her head out from the kitchen, her apron dusted with a little flour: "The dishes are all on the table; we're just waiting for you to eat!"

In the dining room, the round table was already filled to the brim.

In the center was a basin of golden, glistening old duck soup, a thin layer of oil floating on the surface, its aroma drilling straight into everyone's noses.

It was surrounded by braised carp, oil-braised prawns, and water spinach with garlic. Even the simplest stir-fried greens were arranged neatly, with scallions sprinkled in the shape of tiny petals—it was clear that care had been put into it.

"Dakang, sit here."

Guo Mingxian patted the seat beside him and beckoned to Little Yaoyao: "Come, sit on Grandpa Guo's other side."

Little Yaoyao cheered and climbed onto the chair, but she squirmed around: "I want to sit next to the big brother!"

Everyone burst into laughter again.

Eventually, the seating was settled: Li Dakang had Guo Mingxian on his left, and the right side became Little Yaoyao's "exclusive throne."

The little girl swung her legs triumphantly, the red silk ribbon on her braids brushing against Li Dakang's arm, and she would occasionally sneak a piece of green pepper she didn't like into his plate.

At this moment, Guo Mingxian took a bottle wrapped in red cloth out of the cabinet. He lifted the cloth to reveal a bottle of Moutai.

Li Dakang had sharp eyes and caught a glimpse of the date on the bottle—1978.

This was no ordinary liquor; it was from the first batch of special supply liquor after the Reform and Opening-up. It couldn't be found on the market, and ordinary people couldn't buy it even with money.

Li Dakang quickly stood up to take the bottle, opening it and pouring the wine with practiced hands.

The amber liquid slid from the bottle's mouth into the cup like a thin golden ribbon. The mellow aroma of the wine instantly filled the air, carrying the softness accumulated over time.

"I'm happy that Dakang came today!"

Guo Mingxian raised his glass. Although his hand trembled slightly, his grip was steady.

"The first cup is to welcome the star of the Li family!"

Li Dakang held his cup with both hands and respectfully clinked it against the old man's, keeping the rim of his cup slightly lower: "Grandpa Guo, you are too kind. I toast you with this cup; I wish you health, longevity, and may all your wishes come true!"

After saying this, he tilted his head back and drained the cup.

The spicy liquid slid down his throat, but it carried the unique aftertaste of aged fine wine, warming him from his throat to his stomach.

"Good!"

Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua slapped the table and praised: "Dakang, great tolerance for alcohol!"

Little Yaoyao curiously leaned in to sniff Li Dakang's cup and immediately wrinkled her little face, her features scrunching together: "It smells so bad! Big brother, how can you drink that?"

Li Dakang smiled and picked up a piece of deboned fish, placing it in her bowl: "Yaoyao, try this. It tastes much better than wine."

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the table became increasingly lively.

As everyone chatted, the topic naturally turned to Li Dakang's work arrangements.

"Dakang."

Guo Mingxian put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and his expression became solemn: "The old leader specifically instructed that you must be sent to the most arduous place to gain experience."

Li Dakang straightened his back even more, his tone firm: "Grandpa Guo, my grandfather's wish is my own intention."

"I came to the grassroots level specifically to endure hardship and gain experience."

"The more arduous the conditions, the better one can temper their character and grow their skills."

He paused, recalling the revolutionary stories he had heard in his previous life, and added, "Just like in the war years, the conditions were so harsh, yet didn't you and my grandfather and the others manage to pull through?"

"So please rest assured, I will definitely cherish this opportunity and hone myself well."

Guo Mingxian slammed the table, his eyes shining: "Well said! This spirit of Dakang's is just like when we were doing the revolution back then! You have responsibility, you have courage!"

He turned to look at Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua: "Zhenhua, has Dakang's placement been arranged?"

"Dad, it's all arranged properly."

Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua leaned forward slightly, his gaze sweeping over Li Dakang's face without leaving a trace: "I plan to first send Dakang to be the Township Head of Guantian Township in Anjiang County, Xinying City, and then make adjustments after he has adapted for some time."

While saying this, Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua's gaze swept over Li Dakang's expression without leaving a trace.

Elder Li had called personally, specifically instructing that his grandson be sent to the most arduous place to gain experience; the underlying meaning was thought-provoking. Was it truly to let the younger generation temper their bones, or was there another consideration?

If arranged according to the former, it might be too comfortable, fearing it would offend the Li family; if following the latter speculation...

Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua dared not think too deeply, only feeling that this glass of wine had suddenly become a bit scalding.

Xie Xiaomei heard this, and the chopsticks in her hand trembled slightly; the shrimp she had just picked up dropped back into the plate with a "plop."

She instinctively looked at Li Dakang, her eyes full of worry: "Guantian Township? That is a famously poor place in our Xinying, where even the mountain roads are difficult to travel..."

As she spoke, she turned to her husband: "Zhenhua, why not change it to..."