Chapter 165 Bi Lei's Thoughts

"We have some good news to share with you all today." The crowd below the stage pricked up their ears curiously, their eyes fixed on them.

Liu Xinlang cleared his throat, a happy smile spreading across his face, and said, "On the occasion of my birthday, I've invited many friends to gather here. It's to tell everyone that Lingxi and I are getting married!"

Shishi, sitting in the audience, was shocked by his acting skills. Just a moment ago, he and Hu Lingxi seemed quite unfamiliar with each other.

A burst of enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted from the audience; what everyone was thinking was anyone's guess. No one would say anything offensive in the host's home. In any case, everyone was happy for the newlyweds.

Upon hearing this news, Fu Yingzhou frowned, seemingly lost in thought.

Li Shengjun walked over to him and whispered a few words in his ear. Shi Shi was standing right next to him; it was impossible for her not to hear.

"Hu Lingxi's father has accepted his fate."

Driven by curiosity, Shi Shi wandered through the banquet. Until she saw a familiar face.

"Bi Lei?? What brings you here?" Shi Shi saw Wang Ruizhe beside her and naturally understood that the two of them were now together.

Bi Lei readily admitted, "I came back with him to meet his parents."

Shishi was genuinely surprised. She quickly pulled Bi Lei aside and said, "No way? Sister! How long have you two been together? Just over a month? And you've already met each other's parents?"

Bi Lei said matter-of-factly, "Actually, we haven't even officially confirmed our relationship for a month. It's precisely because we're together that we should meet each other's parents first!"

"Turns out you're the biggest love-struck person around me. I should really record this and let Yiting and Ruirui hear it. That way they won't keep nagging me."

Bi Lei looked at her with a "you just don't understand" look: "Our relationship isn't that deep right now. How can I feel at ease continuing to date him without getting to know his family better!"

"So you're... planning to retreat if things don't work out?"

Bi Lei readily agreed, saying, "Yes!" without any sense of urgency. She continued to Shi Shi, "My transfer will be finalized in a month. I came to see you today to give you a surprise."

"Where has he been promoted to?"

"Jingu!"

Shishi was very happy for her. Tianjin is a municipality directly under the central government, bordering the Bohai Sea to the east, the Yanshan Mountains to the north, and Beijing to the west. Moreover, Tianjin is an international transportation hub, and many of the country's advanced manufacturing and R&D bases are located there.

"That's great! Does that mean we can see each other more often from now on?"

Bi Lei proudly said, "Of course! I checked the ticket! It won't even take two hours! I've finally returned to the human world from the doghouse!"

That's more like it! She thought Bi Lei was going to tell her the good news that she was no longer single. Looking at her carefree attitude, it's clear that Wang Ruizhe is the one infatuated in this relationship.

During the State Council's institutional reform, the former Ministry of Culture and the former National Tourism Administration were integrated into the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Unaware of the truth, Fu Yingzhou was still feeling envious, not at all that Liu Xinlang was getting rid of her single status. But seeing Wang Ruizhe's smug look, he started to feel a little defensive.

And yet, they just had to add fuel to the fire!

"Leilei came back to see my parents this time." After saying this, he sighed insincerely and continued, "Leilei and I shouldn't have been late, but my mother really likes her personality. She insisted on holding onto her and chatting with her for a few more minutes."

If Fu Yingzhou had supernatural vision, Wang Ruizhe would have been shot through 800 times and turned into ice shards.

He said lazily, "Auntie likes Bi Lei so much, she's probably been exposed to fox-like smells too much."

Wang Ruizhe remained silent. He felt that Fu Yingzhou was simply jealous of him.

After the banquet, Jiang Haichao arranged to meet Liu Xinlang the next day and then hurriedly left, as "Peace Wish" had already entered the preliminary preparation stage. He's been very busy lately.

Shishi chased Fu Yingzhou into Wang Ruizhe's car, while she herself took Bi Lei with her.

With only two men left in the car, they spoke without any restraint.

When will Bi Lei be transferred back? Do you need any help?

We're all within the system, and although we're far apart, we can still find some solutions.

Wang Ruizhe shook his head: "He's been transferred to Jingu."

Tianjin is nice, but it can't compare to being right under the emperor's nose. It seems Wang Ruizhe's love life isn't so smooth after all.

Fu Yingzhou saw through her intentions but didn't say anything, instead asking about other things: "How come Auntie and Bi Lei are so close?"

In terms of interpersonal relationships, Wang Ruizhe reigns supreme.

“People prioritize their own needs. Bi Lei’s requirements are simple; she just wants a mother-in-law who won’t interfere too much.”

Fu Yingzhou nodded. Ruizhe's mother was a careless person. Besides, Wang Ruizhe didn't live with his parents.

"As for my mom, she has more requirements. She wants to find me someone who is rich but not unsophisticated. Bi Lei happens to fit all of those criteria."

When the mother spoke of the Wang family being wealthy yet not tacky, she wasn't referring to the literal meaning. The Wang family certainly had some resources, but Rui Ze's father's generation hadn't been good at business. Without engaging in commerce, expecting to have enough money to maintain their status in Beijing's elite circles was nothing short of a pipe dream. Even sitting around doing nothing will eventually lead to ruin!

Bi Lei is an only child, and her family is incredibly wealthy.

The Wang family has connections, and the Bi family has people who know how to run a business.

How can this not be considered a powerful alliance?

As for Wang Ma's comment about not being "uncool," it wasn't really for her own sake. Wang Ruizhe has some niche interests and hobbies—the kind of thing a bohemian type would have. He doesn't expect the girl to be an expert, but at least she shouldn't be clueless and he should be able to keep up with her conversation! Otherwise, how would the two of them get along?

As long as Wang Ruizhe creates the image that Wang Ma (his mother) envisions, that's fine.

First impressions are very important. According to his mother's logic, once a fixed impression is formed, the whole thing becomes an 8 out of 10.

Fu Yingzhou was truly impressed by the fox and said he had learned something from it.

The four hadn't seen each other for a long time, so they went to a congee restaurant to eat and chat. They'd all drunk quite a bit at the banquet earlier, so this was a good opportunity to warm their stomachs.

"I've only been gone a short time, how come he's getting married already?"

The "he" that Wang Ruizhe was referring to was naturally Liu Xinlang.

"Hu Lingxi's father's appointment letter is coming soon. He'll be the head of the Ministry of Tourism."

Wang Ruizhe understood immediately from his words. He then carefully explained to Bi Lei, "The core department that liaises with Liu Xinlang is the Tourism Department. The organizational structure was adjusted at the executive meeting two years ago."

Bi Lei wasn't exactly an innocent bystander; once he said that, she understood. After two years of major reshuffling, Liu Xinlang's new father-in-law was clearly the victor.

That concludes the discussion; delving any deeper would only lead to gossip.

Shi Shi raised her teacup: "Then let's wish them a happy marriage in advance."