Tan Zhenwei’s resignation undoubtedly had a significant impact on Liuhe Base City. The departure of such an honest and hardworking city leader was, without question, a great loss for the city's residents.
"Didn't you say you didn’t want to leave?" Li Xiaofei asked.
Tan Zhenwei sighed and replied, "The Northwest Administrative District government directly issued the final transfer order. I can’t disobey it. All I can do now is try to leave without any regrets."
Li Xiaofei also sighed. He had only been in Liuhe Base City for half a year, but the people he had grown familiar with were now leaving one by one. Partings always brought a sense of melancholy to life.
"When are you leaving tomorrow? I’d like to see you off." Li Xiaofei said sincerely.
Tan Zhenwei glanced at him and said, "The aircraft will depart from the landing pad at the city government office at nine o'clock tomorrow morning. My departure is confidential, so please don’t tell anyone else."
Li Xiaofei nodded. Tan Zhenwei looked at the young man in front of him who had been burdened with his countless hopes. Li Xiaofei's growth rate was astonishing, even among the geniuses of the Saint families.
He had originally hoped to shield this young man from the storms for another half year, until he could rise from this small base city and soar into the skies to compete for glory in the top universities. But things had not gone as planned.
"After I leave, you’ll need to keep a low profile," Tan Zhenwei advised earnestly. "The new city leader will be someone the Saint families choose, and they’ll come with the mission of cooperating with Jiepeng. You've already thwarted their plans several times, so you’ll undoubtedly be their first target. If you keep being arrogant and reckless, it’ll be easy for them to trap you."
"I wasn’t that arrogant and reckless, was I?" Li Xiaofei chuckled.
"I'm not joking," Tan Zhenwei shot him a stern look. "I've cleaned up the things you did in the past, but you need to restrain yourself from now on. You're not invincible yet."
Out of respect for his father-in-law, Li Xiaofei quickly said, "Alright, you’re right. I’ll listen to you."
After all, having slept with the man’s daughter, he had to behave.
"Have you given any thought to applying to universities after graduating high school?" Tan Zhenwei asked.
Li Xiaofei replied, "My first choice is a university in Xiajing."
Tan Zhenwei nodded in satisfaction. He knew exactly why Li Xiaofei had made that choice.
Tan Zhenwei nodded. "Very well. When the time comes, I’ll arrange a recommendation for you with a suitable mentor. If you can get into Beixia University, that would be ideal. It shouldn’t be too difficult with your abilities."
Beixia University was the best academic and martial arts institution in Great Xia, often referred to as the Cradle of Saints. It had produced a hundred and four Saints since its establishment. Since some of them were even from foreign countries, Beixia University's influence spanned the globe.
"Alright," Li Xiaofei replied confidently. "Little Ying and I made a promise. I’ll definitely go to Xiajing to find her."
Tan Zhenwei didn’t say anything else. He handed Li Xiaofei a new private light core frequency number and said, "If you ever need anything, contact me through this number. Even though I won’t be in Liuhe Base City, there are still some things I can help with."
"Thank you, Uncle Tan," Li Xiaofei said gratefully.
Ten minutes later, Li Xiaofei left the Tan residence. When he stepped out of the building, he saw the male secretary waiting below.
"Secretary Song," Li Xiaofei greeted him, "Still here, I see."
The secretary smiled and replied, "Just waiting to help the leader wash the dishes. I won’t see you off, but since we’ll both still be in the same city, I’ll be counting on your support, Brother Li."
Li Xiaofei was a bit surprised and asked, "Aren’t you going to Xiajing with City Leader Tan?"
Secretary Song shook his head. "I’d like to go, but... my family is here. I need to stay behind to take care of them."
Li Xiaofei nodded. "I see. Well, Secretary Song, there’s no need to be so formal. If you ever need anything, feel free to reach out. I’ll help however I can."
Secretary Song was overjoyed and replied, "Then I’ll thank you in advance."
Everyone knew that Li Xiaofei was currently at the peak of his influence in Liuhe Base City. His promise was the same as obtaining a top-tier backer. When he watched Li Xiaofei leave, Secretary Song hesitated for a moment before turning around and heading back upstairs.
"Why did you come back?" Tan Zhenwei asked.
Secretary Song replied, "You’re leaving tomorrow. After working under you for so many years, it’s hard to let you go. I figured I’d come back up with an excuse to spend a little more time with you, like offering to wash the dishes after dinner."
"You’re thoughtful," Tan Zhenwei gestured to the sofa. "Sit down. I know what you’re thinking. Little Song, are you disappointed that I’m not taking you to Xiajing?"
Secretary Song quickly responded, "No... no, it’s because I haven’t done my job well enough. I lack the capability and can’t fulfill the responsibilities of your secretary anymore..."
"No, you’ve done very well." Tan Zhenwei sighed, and for the first time in years, he spoke openly. "I’ve seen your efforts over all these years. The reason I’m not taking you to Xiajing is because the future there is uncertain. I’ll be stepping into a whirlpool of power struggles, and I may not even be able to protect myself. Taking you there would only put you in danger."
"I’m not afraid," Secretary Song said firmly. "I would follow you, even if it meant risking my life."
Tan Zhenwei responded, "But I can’t put you in harm’s way. You haven’t experienced the ruthless infighting of powerful families. It’s far more dangerous than you realize. One small misstep, and it could cost you everything."
Disappointment flashed across Secretary Song’s face.
"You’ve been by my side for many years, and so I’ve made arrangements for you." Tan Zhenwei continued, "You have two options. First, you can go to Lanfu Base City and study at the University of Logistics Support for three years as a graduate student to further develop your skills, or second, you can stay here in Liuhe Base City and take a position as Dean at Liuhe University. Which will you choose?"
Secretary Song listened and then replied, "I’d still prefer to stay on the front lines, contributing more to the people."
"Take a few years to grow and gain experience, and then we can look into a frontline position."
"Alright... I’ll think it over." Secretary Song said.
When Li Xiaofei returned to the slums, he was surprised to find someone waiting for him at the entrance of the Guang'an neighborhood.
"Why are you here?" Li Xiaofei was taken aback when he saw Hu Yuer, the headmistress, dressed in professional clothes. "Is something wrong?"
"This is the proposal for adding teaching materials, office supplies, and personnel appointments for the school. It needs your approval, President Li," Hu Yuer said, holding out an electronic document.
Li Xiaofei didn’t take it and replied, "Didn't I say that these matters should be handled by Hall Master Yang Cheng. There's no need for me to approve them."
However, Hu Yuer stubbornly blocked his path.
Her chest heaved as she insisted, "It’s precisely because Yang and I have differing opinions and couldn’t reach an agreement that I came to you. I personally believe, as the founder and primary investor of Cloudy Sky Youth Academy, you have a responsibility to review this proposal."