The others merely glanced over before resuming their own conversations, waiting for the food to arrive.

Of Su Zhantao’s family situation, only Zhang Yang knew a little; even Mi Xue was largely in the dark.

“It’s a good thing your father is coming down from upstairs. His rank certainly won’t drop; whichever of the two major compounds he joins, you’ll be a true yanei!”

Zhang Yang smiled, keeping his voice low to prevent others from overhearing.

The two compounds he referred to were naturally the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government. Holding sway over either of these provincial-level entities meant one was effectively a regional overlord, and Su Zhantao was certainly a bona fide yanei. With such a father, any business venture he undertook would surely go smoothly.

“That might be true for others, but I’m different. He’s controlled me strictly since I was little, wanting me to follow the exact path he set. I fled to my second uncle’s place precisely to avoid him, and now he’s chased after me here!”

Su Zhantao shook his head, his expression growing more dejected, as if his father’s arrival were a major catastrophe.

This left Zhang Yang speechless. Anyone else would likely be ecstatic to have such a powerful father.

“Forget it, that’s your own business, you handle it. By the way, which major compound is Uncle heading to?”

Zhang Yang shook his head and asked again. Zhang Yang, having been a Deputy Director at the departmental level in his past life, understood politics even if he wasn't an expert. Since Su Zhantao’s father was at the Ministerial level, there were only a few places he could possibly go upon descending to the provincial level.

He immediately ruled out the People’s Congress and the Political Consultative Conference. Su Zhantao’s father was still relatively young and at the peak of his influence; retirement posts like those were out of the question. That left the two major compounds. Zhang Yang couldn’t guess which one he would specifically lead. If it was the Provincial Party Committee compound, he would be the absolute top dog. If it was the Provincial Government compound, he would also be the top dog, though he would have to share the leadership structure with others. Either way, it was excellent news.

After asking, however, Su Zhantao kept looking at him sideways with a strange expression. Seeing this, Zhang Yang couldn't help but ask again, “Old Su, what’s wrong with you?”

“Acting. Just keep acting, why don’t you!”

Su Zhantao shook his head, looking quite indignant, then slumped back down, seemingly still troubled by his father’s impending arrival.

“Wait, Old Su, what am I acting about? Explain yourself clearly?”

Zhang Yang was utterly baffled, immediately pressing for an answer, completely lost as to what Su Zhantao meant.

Su Zhantao stared directly at Zhang Yang, then slowly shook his head after a moment, murmuring softly, “Where my old man is going, you’re supposed to know. Don’t tell me your old man hasn't told you these things!”

This guy kept saying ‘old man’ every other sentence. Zhang Yang found it jarring, but there was nothing to be done; that’s who he meant.

“Su Zhantao, tell me clearly what’s going on!”

Zhang Yang’s expression shifted. It was one thing for Su Zhantao to mention his own father, but dragging Zhang Yang into it was unexpected. Anytime someone mentioned anything related to his father, Zhang Yang instinctively felt a profound discomfort. It was a lingering resentment etched deep in his core, an emotion he couldn't control even with a different soul inhabiting his body.

“You really don’t know?”

Su Zhantao sat up straight, looking at Zhang Yang with genuine surprise. Zhang Yang’s confusion didn't seem feigned.

“Know what? If you have something to say, say it clearly! Stop with the ‘your old man, my old man’ routine!”

Zhang Yang glared coldly. At this moment, he felt deeply unsettled. If Su Zhantao hadn’t brought up his father earlier, he wouldn’t even be asking questions now.

“Fine, I believe you don’t know. My dad is coming down—of the two major compounds you mentioned, he’s going to the Provincial Government compound!”

Su Zhantao shook his head and spoke softly. Zhang Yang nodded; he had guessed correctly—it was one of the two big ones. Moving from a ministry to the governorship was indeed an advancement. Power at the local level often outweighed that in the central ministries. Moreover, Zhang Yang had heard before that Su Zhantao’s dad’s rank was attained, but it wasn't a substantive primary position. Returning to take up the top post as Governor was not a small step up; it was a massive leap.

Looking at Zhang Yang, Su Zhantao shook his head again, his expression becoming even stranger.

“The Provincial Party Committee compound you mentioned also has a new head. Zhang Keqin, the Deputy Secretary of the An’nan Provincial Party Committee, is taking that post!”

After speaking, Su Zhantao stared intently at Zhang Yang, clearly seeking some reaction on his face.

Zhang Keqin. Hearing that name, Zhang Yang froze, his mind momentarily blank. The name felt both unfamiliar and deeply familiar, but overwhelmingly, it brought disgust. Zhang Yang hated hearing that name and preferred not to utter it. But whether he liked it or not, the name existed. It was the name of Zhang Yang’s father.

He finally understood Su Zhantao’s expression, why he’d insisted Zhang Yang should know where his father was going. And at this moment, Zhang Yang finally realized that the person he had always resented in his memories was such a major figure. The head of the Provincial Party Committee compound—that was a true provincial governor, an undisputed regional authority. Zhang Yang had just called Su Zhantao a yanei, unaware that he himself was an even greater yanei.

Yet, this outcome left Zhang Yang more speechless than Su Zhantao. From his memories, Zhang Yang knew that the original ‘he’ had only come to Changjing for university to avoid this man, to keep any interaction from happening. Otherwise, his grades would have secured him admission to an even better university. He had tried so hard to evade him, only to run right into him in the end.

“Zhang Yang, you truly don’t know that your father is coming here?”

Su Zhantao sensed something was amiss and said quietly, “My father only told me about him coming down to the provinces recently. That’s when I learned why my father had been inquiring about you and asking about the relationship between you two.” It was then that Su Zhantao realized Zhang Yang’s status was in no way inferior to his own.

“I don’t know. Stop bringing him up!”

Zhang Yang turned his head and gave Su Zhantao a sharp look. Su Zhantao immediately lowered his head, not daring to meet Zhang Yang’s eyes. When Zhang Yang had looked at him just now, Su Zhantao had distinctly felt an icy chill. Now, Su Zhantao understood: Zhang Yang’s relationship with his father was also poor—even worse than his own relationship with his father, far worse than he had imagined. Otherwise, Zhang Yang wouldn't have that expression, nor would he be unaware of his father’s movements.

But regardless, the new Secretary was Zhang Yang’s father. The direct familial tie between them was something no one could change.

Just as Su Zhantao was feeling awkward, the food arrived punctually. They had ordered mostly seafood this time, which required more complicated preparation. With the delicious dishes laid out, everyone’s focus immediately shifted, and they began battling the feast before them.

Zhang Yang picked up his own utensils and started snatching food with Hu Xin and the others. From his actions, nothing seemed overtly different, but Su Zhantao knew that Zhang Yang’s mood must be turbulent internally. Normally, even when fighting for food, Zhang Yang wasn't this exaggerated.

The meal concluded with everyone stuffed. Zhang Yang hadn't managed a smile even by the time they were settling the bill; his expression was gloomier than Su Zhantao’s had been at the start.

“Zhang Yang, I don’t know what’s going on, but we’re always friends!”

As they headed out to the cars, seeing Zhang Yang still looking downcast, Su Zhantao couldn't help but speak up.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine!”

Zhang Yang turned back and offered Su Zhantao a smile, but it was strained, utterly different from the bright smile Zhang Yang usually sported. Mi Xue, noticing Zhang Yang’s distress, walked over, looped her arm through his, and looked at him with concern.

“Good that you’re okay. I thought I had it bad, but you’re worse off. Our brothers are truly fellow sufferers this time!”

Su Zhantao nodded and patted Zhang Yang’s shoulder. He didn’t know what else to say, offering only this comfort, yet Zhang Yang not knowing about his father’s transfer truly surprised him.

“Who’s your fellow sufferer? We’re leaving now!”

Zhang Yang waved his hand, got into a car, and immediately started the engine. Hu Xin and the others, unaware of the situation, piled into the car with Zhang Yang. Once the car was full, Zhang Yang drove off. Su Zhantao stood there until Zhang Yang’s car vanished from sight before vigorously shaking his head.

“Brother, what’s wrong with Zhang Yang?”

Su Wei had appeared by his side at some point, asking in a low voice. During the meal, Su Wei had watched Zhang Yang several times, noticing his unusual state; he seemed distracted from the very beginning.

“Nothing much. Every family has its own troubles,” Su Zhantao sighed softly, even surprising himself with the sudden sentiment. He didn’t know the exact nature of the conflict between Zhang Yang and his father, but he was certain their relationship was far worse than his own with his father—perhaps unimaginably so. The mere mention of his father’s name had completely changed Zhang Yang’s demeanor; Su Zhantao dared not contemplate the nature of such a rift.

After sending Hu Xin and the others off, Zhang Yang drove back to their residential complex. Mi Xue held Zhang Yang’s hand tightly the entire way; Zhang Yang remained silent, and so did she. Today’s Zhang Yang was markedly different. Usually, if they returned together in the evening, he would tell Mi Xue jokes or recount ghost stories in dark spots, deliberately baiting her to cling to him. A silent drive like this was unprecedented.

“Zhang Yang!”

Upon reaching their doorway, Mi Xue couldn't hold back any longer. She turned and wrapped her arms around him. Her face was etched with worry—it was the first time she had seen him so emotionally low, so unhappy.

“I’m fine,” Zhang Yang whispered, sighing softly, pulling Mi Xue close. They stood tightly embraced at the entrance to their home... Fourth update, pulling an all-nighter to write; there’s more coming! (To be continued... RQ)