"Lin Fan, what are you doing here!"
When Ke Yunan saw Lin Fan walk in, she was also taken aback; she never expected that the important person mentioned by Guo Baoming was actually Lin Fan.
"Yun Nan, do you know each other?"
Guo Baoming looked curiously at a shocked Ke Yunan, who hastily nodded: "We just met, I just didn’t expect to see each other again so soon, what a small world."
Ke Yunan did not mention the issue with Zhu Dan, but there was a hint of complexity in her smile.
"It’s not that the world is small, it’s fate."
Guo Baoming smiled and waved Lin Fan over, and when he approached, he introduced: "Since you know Yun Nan, that saves me the trouble. She’s the daughter of my comrade-in-arms; I’ve watched her grow up since she was little. She’s practically my own daughter, so you two should get close from now on."
"Of course, Mayor Guo!"
Lin Fan quickly extended his hand, smiling at Ke Yunan: "Sister Nan, then you’ll have to take good care of me in the future."
"Cut it out, so you’re the talented and promising young man Uncle Guo talked about. Forgive my previous rude words; from now on, I’ll be the one relying on Mayor Lin."
Ke Yunan gave Lin Fan a roll of her eyes. She had just been sitting in the City Mayor’s office for a while and naturally knew that tonight’s dinner was supposed to be with influential local people. She never expected it would be Lin Fan, whom she said she’d cover for.
"Alright, you young people stop being so modest. You are all talented young people, and there will be plenty of opportunities to interact in the future. Lin Fan, you take a seat here."
Guo Baoming pointed to a seat between him and Ke Yunan, but Lin Fan paused—there were clear signs that the tableware had been used: "Isn’t this seat taken?"
"Yun Nan’s husband sat here for a bit before he left, just ask the waiter for a new set of utensils."
After Guo Baoming’s words, Lin Fan naturally could not refuse and took his seat. The dishes were also served one after another. Guo Baoming, as the host, raised his glass to welcome Ke Yunan to invest in Jiangning. The rest followed suit in order of their official rank, and eventually, it was Lin Fan’s turn, and then Ke Yunan. This was the procedure, and by the end, everyone had drunk quite a bit.
"Yun Nan, I think Xiao Lu is not bad either. If something is wrong, it’s already done. There’s no need to be so nitpicky in life."
Guo Baoming looked at Ke Yunan affectionately, but upon hearing this, she immediately straightened her face: "Uncle Guo, I already said not to mention this name when I’m happy. I was forced into marriage by my parents, and I obeyed. But can they force me to have kids with him? I’ve said it before, he won’t touch a finger on me in this lifetime."
Red-faced Ke Yunan gestured dismissively, while Lin Fan paused, wondering if this Xiao Lu and Lucki he had encountered at the entrance could be the same person. Could there be such coincidences in the world?
"Ah, many things in this world are beyond our control, not just you, even your Uncle Guo here has been used as a pawn. So, many aspects of life are not free. Once you get used to it, it will be okay."
As Guo Baoming said this, he patted Lin Fan on the shoulder, as if these words were meant for him.
"Uncle Guo, you know my temper. Since I said it, I won’t change it. If my parents can’t persuade me, don’t try to either. Let’s just enjoy our drinks and catch up tonight."
Ke Yunan lifted her cup, still her valiant self.
"Fine, fine, we’ll just drink. But your Uncle Guo is getting old and can’t keep up. If I get drunk, it could lead to trouble."
Guo Baoming smiled, turned his head to Lin Fan, and said: "Xiao Lin, I’m entrusting Yun Nan to you tonight. You must accompany her well and ensure her safety, otherwise I will hold you responsible."
"Please rest assured, leader!"
In the official circles, when a leader tells you to drink, you must drink even if you throw up blood. Lin Fan had two strengths: one was his prowess, and the other was his capacity. So he picked up the cup, looked at Ke Yunan, and smiled, "Sister Nan, I’ll accompany you in drinking tonight."
"Fine, since Uncle Guo thinks so highly of you, let’s see if you can really hold your liquor."
Ke Yunan, still with her strong woman image, didn’t falter in drinking. She couldn’t help it—being immersed in the drinking culture, as a woman, not being able to drink would be troublesome.
After the drinking session, Lin Fan was a bit tipsy, and Ke Yunan, who had consumed over half a jin of liquor, was flushed and had to be helped out of the private room by Lin Fan. Guo Baoming had naturally arranged a driver to send them to the hotel where Ke Yunan was staying.
"Sister Nan, take care!"
Lin Fan steadied the wobbly Ke Yunan and opened the door to her room. Upon entering, Ke Yunan slumped onto the sofa, her face flushed, half-leaning there, looking at Lin Fan with a dazed gaze.
"Don’t worry, I’m not too... I’m just really happy today... come on, have another drink with me."