Chapter 2: Breaking Through Father-in-law's Obstruction

  "Dad, if you don't agree then forget it!"

  For over a decade, his father-in-law had rarely heard him address him in such a humble manner.

  "I heard that the central government is going to adjust the leadership team at the ministerial level soon. You... just wait another half a year and the deputy minister position will be vacant." He said this as he took out a cigarette from the pack, held it between his thumb and index finger, and gently twirled it around.

  The deputy minister's position is vacant and it's mine. I didn't say a word out loud but silently responded in my heart.

  "The other day, I saw your minister." He probably guessed what was muttering in my heart and nodded to indicate that I should pay attention to his next words. "Your minister said that all of you overseas-trained master's students in business administration are talents. The ministry has taken this into consideration when it comes to promotion."

  I silently say nothing.

  Not saying is equivalent to saying: I am not interested in this kind of topic.

  An awkward atmosphere appeared in the room. Father-in-law had some embarrassment on his face. He held the cigarette in his hand for a long time, but there was no sign of lighting it up.

  The difficulty of this conversation was probably beyond his expectation.

  To break the deadlock, I quickly picked up the lighter on the table and lit a faint flame, respectfully presenting it to the old man.

  "Dad, this time the department held a mobilization meeting and the minister mentioned my name." The lighter was thrown out by me subconsciously "I think I'd better go."

  The words I had been hesitant to say for half a day were finally spoken out loud with the help of this action.

  A wisp of smoke rose up. My father-in-law coughed lightly and glanced at me with a knowing look, but didn't say the words "thank you".

  Doing such a filial thing abroad will be appreciated.

  "What about Cai Er if you leave?" The mother-in-law, who had been silent for half a day, was somewhat indignant. At this time, she no longer had the leisure to consider "smoke and fire control" for the old man, all for her daughter's sake.

  My wife, who had been doting on her mother, was now leaning against her with two dull eyes staring at me. Perhaps it was the first time she heard me and my father-in-law discussing such a serious topic, and the usually dull eyes of this weak-minded person actually shone with joy.

  "Cai Ying is my wife, of course she will go with me." I said this sentence without thinking and it slipped out of my mouth. "I'll hire a good nanny to take care of her."

  "Alright, alright, she's gone and is your burden......" My father-in-law had just dissipated the anger he had earlier, but upon hearing my words, his face immediately clouded over with infinite worry.

  I know that in this gloomy and depressed expression, he is silently enduring the pain that has been magnified by the sensitivity of old age.

  But at least things have come to an end.

  In this family debate, I have achieved a phased victory and the tension in my heart has also eased a bit.

  The window was pushed open.

  The room was filled with nicotine and a gloomy atmosphere, as the hazy smoke rushed out of the window in a hurry.

  The sky outside is blue and clear. A series of pleasant pigeon whistles came from the air.

  Gazing out of the window, Beijing's autumn colors are breathtakingly beautiful. The high and low-rise buildings in the distance are scattered with white glazed tile walls shining brightly in the sunlight. Two highways fly in from afar, winding through the tall buildings like a giant dragon. The nearby Left Anmen overpass stands tall, like a powerful arm holding up the tired roadbed, then sends it off into the distance, stretching out endlessly. In the nearby Temple of Heaven Park, the red walls and green tiles are ancient and fragrant. On the open green spaces, tourists from different countries walk around, dressed in colorful clothes, laughing and chatting, adding to the festive atmosphere of the mortal world. Under the autumn sun, Beijing's grandeur and prosperity are even more striking, leaving a lasting impression.

  Alas Beijing, ah Beijing...

  You, this ancient capital of the East, which has been illuminated for thousands of years, you, this sacred place where the spirits of countless Chinese sons and daughters are gathered, have inspired the dreams and pursuits of so many wise men at home and abroad! But I, a humble and ordinary person born and raised here, am really not destined to share with you, can only be a fleeting guest.