She could only watch him leave with disappointment, then reluctantly returned to housework, waiting for Zhang Yang’s return so she could properly present herself again.

Her entire focus now was on impressing Zhang Yang, hoping he would approve of her, teach her more skills, and ideally, boost her strength and help detoxify her. Unfortunately, she didn't realize that the more she tried to impress him, the fewer opportunities she created, as Zhang Yang had no interest in witnessing her performances.

Zhang Yang drove straight to an internet café.

He was driving a Mercedes-Benz sedan; while not as flashy as a Bugatti, it still drew plenty of pointed glances from people once he pulled up to the establishment. A Benz, specifically a ‘three-pointed star,’ was still considered an absolute top-tier luxury car in this era.

Zhang Yang didn't stay long at the café; he soon emerged, getting back into his car with a frustrated sigh. In '98, there were internet cafés, but the network wasn't nearly as developed, and there was no Baidu available to instantly query any answer. He couldn't look up what he needed.

If he couldn't look it up, the internet café was useless.

After thinking for a while in the car, Zhang Yang immediately started the engine and headed for the Municipal Library.

If the internet failed him, he had to resort to the most cumbersome, old-fashioned method: digging through newspapers, specifically needing issues from ten years ago. He knew such old papers wouldn't be found elsewhere; only the library held any real possibility. His purpose in coming here was precisely to search the archives for any stray clues. If that failed, his last resort would be to make another trip to the place where his mother had died, hoping to find the answer there.

While Zhang Yang was heading to the library, Mi Xue was sitting in her Mercedes sports car, looking hesitantly at the imposing gate ahead. It was the main entrance to the Provincial Party Committee building, and she had been sitting there for over an hour. She had come here specifically to find Zhang Keqin. She could see Zhang Yang was deeply distressed, and though she didn't know the cause of his pain, she was unwilling to let him continue suffering. She felt it was necessary, even mandatory, to have a talk with Zhang Keqin. Yet, having arrived, she was struck by apprehension. Who was Zhang Keqin? He was the top official of the entire province, the true number one, many levels above her own father. She was just an ordinary citizen, and facing such a paramount provincial leader brought a natural sense of fear.

Glancing at the time one last time, Mi Xue gritted her teeth and resolutely stepped out of the car. The sports car’s gull-wing door rose up, and onlookers were visibly surprised to see the beautiful Mi Xue emerge from the vehicle. A luxury car paired with a beautiful woman—that combination always drew the most attention everywhere. Many looked at Mi Xue with envy, though a few watched with jealousy. People in nearby shops began speculating and discussing, wondering which wealthy family she belonged to, and how many years of struggle someone would save by marrying her.

Mi Xue walked directly toward the Provincial Party Committee gate alone.

“Miss, may I ask what your business is?” The security guards on duty intercepted her, but their manner remained polite; they had certainly noticed the car she arrived in. In fact, they had seen the luxury vehicle earlier, just hadn't realized it contained a beautiful woman.

“I—I’m looking for someone!” Mi Xue sounded slightly nervous, biting her lip as she spoke softly.

“Who are you looking for?” the guard asked again.

“I am looking for Zhang Keqin, Secretary Zhang!” Mi Xue spoke slowly. The moment the words left her mouth, the guard’s previously mild expression instantly turned vigilant. In those days, many people came looking for Zhang Keqin; frequent visitors would appear at the committee entrance demanding to see Secretary Zhang, usually with the same objective: either to appeal an injustice or voice their grievances. Simply put, they were petitioning through unauthorized channels, bypassing the proper hierarchy. The guards at the gate could naturally not grant such requests. Secretary Zhang had countless duties daily and had no time to meet petitioners; letting them through would likely result in immediate reprimands or disciplinary action for the guards themselves.

“Secretary Zhang is very busy. What is your business with him?” The guard’s tone lost its initial softness, but unlike others, he didn't immediately drive her away. It had to be admitted: beauty held an advantage everywhere.

“I—I am a good friend of his son. I have something very important to discuss with him. Could you please relay a message?” Mi Xue spoke quietly, her face flushing slightly as she talked.

“I’m sorry, you must seek an audience with Secretary Zhang through the proper channels. I cannot pass along a message!” The guard shook his head immediately, sneaking a glance at Mi Xue while inwardly smirking. Trying to fool him? Not so easy. He had heard countless stories of people attempting to visit leaders fabricating all sorts of reasons—even claiming to be the leader’s own child. A good friend of the son? He wouldn't let her through even if she claimed to be the girlfriend.

“Why not? Please, just pass on a message. Tell him my name is Mi Xue, I’m a good friend of Zhang Yang’s. He will definitely see me!” Seeing the guard refuse her, Mi Xue grew anxious, calling out urgently. She had come specifically to talk with Zhang Keqin; if she couldn't see him, how could she talk? To see him, she first needed to get past this gate.

“I’m sorry, truly impossible!” The guard shook his head again. Suddenly, he raised his hand in a salute as a car pulled out from within the Provincial Committee grounds. The car stopped at the gate, and the rear window was rolled down, revealing the occupants staring at Mi Xue in surprise.

“Secretary Zhao!” Mi Xue recognized the person in the car and quickly called out. The person inside was Zhao Min. He got out of the car and walked straight to Mi Xue’s side, asking with astonishment, “Miss Mi—Miss Mi, what are you doing here?” Zhao Min recognized Mi Xue. Aside from having met her several times, he paid close attention to anyone associated with Zhang Yang. He knew all of Mi Xue’s background details, as well as the nature of Zhang Yang and Mi Xue’s relationship.

“Secretary Zhao, I want to see Uncle Zhang, but they won’t let me in!” Mi Xue quickly explained. She had just been filled with disappointment, but Zhao Min’s arrival offered her new hope. As Zhang Keqin’s secretary, Zhao Min certainly had a way to get her an audience.

“Follow me!” Zhao Min hesitated for a moment, then nodded, signaling Mi Xue to get directly into his car. He was fully aware of Mi Xue’s connection to Zhang Yang. If Zhang Yang remained committed, she could very well become the leader’s future daughter-in-law; he dared not slight someone of that potential status. He had actually been on his way out to handle a task assigned by Zhang Keqin. Weighing the situation, he decided to bring Mi Xue in first. The leader cared deeply for his son, and Mi Xue’s appearance might just help mend the strained relationship between father and son—that was the matter Zhang Keqin held most dear. Compared to that, the errand he was running was relatively minor.

Watching Zhao Min lead Mi Xue into the Provincial Committee compound, the guard’s mouth fell wide open. It turned out she hadn't been lying; she really was a good friend of the Secretary’s son, and judging by Zhao Min’s demeanor, this 'good friend' was likely more than just platonic—perhaps even a girlfriend. He hadn't expected his casual assumption to turn out to be the truth.

Zhao Min escorted Mi Xue directly to Zhang Keqin’s office. No one questioned someone he brought along. Zhang Keqin’s personal guard did inquire, paused briefly upon hearing Mi Xue was Zhang Yang’s girlfriend, and then said nothing more. Zhao Min asked Mi Xue to wait outside while he knocked, reasoning that even if she was the leader’s potential in-law, he couldn't bring her in without announcing her presence first.

“It’s you. Didn't I tell you to prepare the residence? Why are you back so soon?” Zhang Keqin looked up at the person entering, his brow immediately furrowing. He had tasked Secretary Zhao with finding the most comfortable, quiet, and elegant villa; the old friend from the Capital and his father were arriving soon, and they were not ordinary people; their accommodations had to be arranged flawlessly. This was the task he had given Zhao Min, yet here he was, back already.

“Boss, as soon as I left, I ran into Mi Xue. She wanted to see you, and after considering it, I brought her over!” Zhao Min quickly explained, anxious not to give his boss an impression of incompetence.

“Mi Xue?” Zhang Keqin looked up, appearing momentarily puzzled, but his eyes quickly brightened.

“Zhang Yang’s girlfriend?” Zhang Keqin asked again.

“Yes, they lived together before, and they are still together after moving houses!” Zhao Min nodded immediately, adding the clarification pointedly. Zhang Keqin lowered his head, seemingly lost in thought. After about half a minute, he raised his head and said softly, “Let her in. You go take care of your task.”

“Yes, Boss!” Hearing Zhang Keqin’s instruction, Zhao Min let out a long sigh of relief and slowly backed out of the office. He knew he had made the right call this time; the leader approved of his action, which indicated Mi Xue held significant weight in Zhang Keqin’s estimation. He hadn't lost favor with the leader this time. As the saying goes, serving a monarch is like accompanying a tiger. It might not be as perilous now as in ancient times, but for secretaries like him, life was not easy; it was spent in constant trepidation. Outsiders saw the glamour, but their reality held its own hardships.

Zhao Min left and led Mi Xue directly into the room.

“Mi Xue, welcome, welcome! Come sit!” Zhang Keqin warmly stepped forward, personally guiding Mi Xue to a sofa nearby. Even when department heads or mayors came to visit, they never received such treatment. After bringing Mi Xue in, Zhao Min quietly withdrew; he still had work to attend to, and it wasn't appropriate for him to remain there.

“Uncle Zhang, I’m sorry for imposing on you like this!” In this office, before Zhang Keqin, Mi Xue felt rather constrained. This was, after all, the Provincial Party leader, the paramount official, exerting immense pressure on her. At this moment, she could only keep telling herself that this man, apart from being the Secretary, was also Zhang Yang’s father; she had come today solely because of that paternal role.

“You haven’t imposed at all. In fact, I should thank you for looking after Zhang Yang!” Zhang Keqin smiled faintly. Someone immediately brought tea, which Zhao Min had arranged before leaving. The person delivering the tea also looked somewhat surprised to see Mi Xue and Zhang Keqin seated together on the sofa.

Chapter Hundred Bonus Update Forty-Fourth, more coming soon, expected update around three o’clock! (To be continued)