Chapter 17: Metaphor

"They aren't even willing to offer the most basic respect or decency."

"Now that the Jiang family has lost their influence, must we continue to accommodate them and act so subserviently?"

Zhu Jieyu’s words were laced with indignation and resentment. As she spoke, she began clearing the cake plates from the table. Every clatter seemed to voice the dissatisfaction in her heart. Pointing a finger at the last remaining slice of cake on the table, she said to Liu Wen, "If it weren't for He Di’s thoughtfulness and consideration, you wouldn't even have had a cake to eat for your birthday today."

"We originally thought Jiang Zhaoyang would remember your birthday. After all, he usually seems quite attentive. We even thought he would surely have ordered a beautiful cake for you in advance. But look at him—he showed up empty-handed, as if he never even remembered that today was a special day."

At this, she couldn't help but shake her head, her tone heavy with disappointment in Jiang Zhaoyang’s behavior. "He simply came over to sponge a piece of cake!"

Zhu Jieyu then pursed her lips, gesturing for Liu Wen to look at the gift He Di had brought, which sat on the coffee table. Inside the exquisite gift box, premium cigarettes and liquor shimmered, clearly of great value.

"Just look at these. These cigarettes and this liquor—every one of them is top-tier. They must be worth several thousand yuan at the very least," she remarked, her tone a mix of surprise and approval for He Di’s generosity. "His father is just a deputy bureau chief, just like your father, and they don't have a gold mine at home. He Di works in the same office as Jiang Zhaoyang; is his salary higher than Jiang’s?"

She paused deliberately, her gaze locked onto Liu Wen’s face, seemingly waiting for a reaction.

"Then why is He Di so willing to spend so much? It’s because he has you in his heart and places you in a very important position. Contrast that with Jiang Zhaoyang—why is he so stingy? It’s because you aren't in his heart. Or rather, your position in his heart isn't even worth the price of a cake." Zhu Jieyu’s words carried a deep implication. "When you compare the two, the difference is clear as day!"

"You are a university graduate, well-traveled and knowledgeable; you should have better judgment than I do. Tell me, does what Mother says make sense?" She looked at Liu Wen, her eyes full of cunning and expectation.

Under this provocation, Liu Wen began to waver. Seeing this, Liu Huang felt a secret thrill. He knew it was time to guide her further.

"Xiao Wen, think about it," he began, speaking in a coaxing manner. "Imagine a host inviting guests to a dinner. A table of guests is sitting together, and I am among them. When delicious dishes are brought out, one bowl of braised pork is particularly tempting. But there are many guests and little meat; there are only a few precious pieces in the bowl. In such a situation, how does one manage to get that mouth-watering pork?"

He intentionally left a gap, waiting for Liu Wen’s answer.

"Logically, the one who is quickest gets it, right?" Liu Wen replied, though she was still somewhat confused.

"Correct! But how can someone with quick hands compare to someone with long chopsticks?" Liu Huang continued. "Someone with long chopsticks can simply reach out and grab that piece of meat. They don't need to compete with anyone; they don't even need to bother participating in such a scramble." He shifted his tone. "Do you understand now?"

"I... I don't understand," Liu Wen said, looking completely baffled.

Liu Huang smiled slightly and patiently explained, "Let me tell you, this is a metaphor. The tempting braised pork on the table symbolizes a government post—that position in officialdom that everyone craves. But these posts are limited, just like the few pieces of pork in the bowl. Not everyone gets a share, not everyone gets to taste the delicacy, and it isn't something you can get just by working hard. Even if it seems within reach, you might not get it, because in this world, there are always some people whose 'chopsticks' are longer than yours. They can easily pick up that piece of pork, while you can only watch."

Liu Huang’s words were tinged with cynicism and realism. "If we have the backing of the He family, they will place a pair of long chopsticks in my hands. With longer chopsticks than others—and hands no shorter than theirs—I can obtain the 'braised pork' I want without any effort. Why would I easily give up such a chance for a marriage alliance?"

"You might feel some repulsion toward He Di, thinking his appearance isn't handsome, perhaps even a bit repulsive, and his credentials aren't as dazzling as Jiang Zhaoyang’s." Liu Huang sighed gently. "But you must understand: a man’s looks don't matter. What truly matters is his ability and his background. In government agencies, a degree is just a reference, a stepping stone. What truly determines whether you can go further is your background, your connections, and your ability to handle affairs."

"He Di has the background; could his ability to handle people and matters be poor? Look at how generous he was when he came to our house. Do you think he would be stingy when dealing with his superiors? In this world, the truth that 'one does not strike a person who brings gifts' is eternal." Liu Huang’s tone was filled with reflection. "The appreciation and approval of one’s superiors are crucial to a person’s political career. With such ability and savvy, how could he not soar and rise to the top?"

"Furthermore, his family now has a special relationship with Zhang Chaosen; they are on the same boat. Zhang Chaosen is about to become the County Party Secretary. How could he not take the opportunity to promote those on his own boat? His father’s promotion is a certainty—it’s only a matter of time!" Liu Huang said with absolute conviction.

"I even suspect..." Liu Huang hesitated, the words on the tip of his tongue.

"You suspect what?" Before Liu Wen could answer, Zhu Jieyu asked impatiently, her curiosity fully piqued.

Liu Huang took a deep breath and said slowly, "I even suspect that this move against Jiang Jingzhang is actually to clear a position for He Donglai. Think about it: Jiang Jingzhang has been sitting securely in the position of Director of the First Major Bureau. If Zhang Chaosen takes office, how difficult would it be to move him? Wouldn't he need to find a way?"

"Are you saying... that He Donglai might succeed him as the Director of the First Major Bureau?" Zhu Jieyu was startled, her voice rising.

"Isn't it obvious? Su Chaohan only recently finished adjusting the leadership teams for all the departments and bureaus in the county, and the relationships are incredibly complex. If Zhang Chaosen wants to change the leadership now, he really has to put some thought into it," Liu Huang nodded.

"Meaning it would take a lot of effort and must be done carefully, without causing too much turmoil," Zhu Jieyu added.

"Exactly. He can only shift these leading cadres around to different positions."