From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor-Chapter 274 - 250: Old City East

Xu Chunliang got off the car at the entrance of Nanjiang Party School, not letting the driver take him inside.

He had a week-long study here in the past. Although the time was short, he was already very familiar with the environment.

As he dragged his suitcase inside, he passed by the parking lot. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a NIO car nearby. Just after walking past it, Xu Chunliang stepped back, shook his head incredulously at the license plate; this car was clearly Mei Ru Xue’s.

Xu Chunliang quickly thought it through and realized the reason; Mei Ru Xue must also be attending this training. This girl was really good at keeping secrets, not revealing a hint before. It seems she’s been planning a surprise for him.

As he walked by, the car’s unlocking light flashed, and Xu Chunliang paused, turned around, and saw Mei Ru Xue standing not far behind him, smiling brightly at him.

Xu Chunliang sighed and said, "Mayor Mei, you’re being a bit unfair. Since you drove here, you should have at least given me a ride."

Mei Ru Xue said, "Can’t you pretend it’s a coincidence?"

Xu Chunliang nodded, turned around again, then back with a look of surprise, "Oh wow, isn’t it Mayor Mei? What a coincidence!"

Mei Ru Xue held back her laughter, "Yes, what a coincidence!"

"When did you come to Nanjiang?"

"This morning!"

"Me too!"

"What brings you to Nanjiang Party School?"

Mei Ru Xue said, "To attend the youth cadre training class!"

"So coincidental, me too!"

Mei Ru Xue couldn’t help but laugh, "You’re so fake! Xu Chunliang, can you be any faker?"

Xu Chunliang said, "Then to be sincere, did you come here for me?" 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Mei Ru Xue sighed, "Since we met, help me with my luggage."

"Serving Mayor Mei is my honor!"

Mei Ru Xue indeed came here because of Xu Chunliang. Initially, she didn’t plan to attend this youth cadre training class and intended to give the opportunity to someone else. But upon hearing that Xu Chunliang was coming, she immediately decided to come herself.

Secretary Kong Xiangsheng was very supportive of her attending this training. After all, Mei Ru Xue was too popular now, overshadowing his position as secretary in Hu Shan Town.

In Kong Xiangsheng’s view, the world turns regardless of who is around. With Mei Ru Xue gone for a while, he could finally take a breather, reflect, and consider how being the top leader had become somewhat humiliating, often having to gauge the mayor’s mood in his actions.

Kong Xiangsheng had long accepted that he could not compare with Mei Ru Xue. With the national-level tourist resort center starting construction, there was talk of establishing an International Leisure Business District centered on Hu Shan Town.

In just half a year, first came the merger of the two towns to establish the Hu Shan Town Government, then the construction of a national-level resort center, and now an international leisure business district was to be established.

Though the rumors were unconfirmed, the inclusion of the word "international" gave it an upscale appearance. If the district were indeed established, it might be directly under the jurisdiction of Dongzhou City.

In reference to the positioning of High-Tech Zone and International Port District, at least it would need to be at a deputy department level, and the head would naturally be promoted to a deputy department level cadre.

Kong Xiangsheng was somewhat self-aware. This position was certainly not meant for him; he didn’t have the capacity for it. The organization had talked to him several times, and Kong Xiangsheng realized that he might be moved, with a lateral transfer being most likely given his years of achievements.

Kong Xiangsheng had long given up on challenging Mei Ru Xue’s authority, which is why he actively quelled the incident with Kong Lingtao. He didn’t even dare watch indifferently from the sidelines for fear that the fire might burn away his lifetime of political achievements.

Politics is a discipline that highly values hereditary succession.

The most immediate feeling Xu Chunliang experienced upon arriving at Nanjiang Party School was exactly this. Among the ninety-five young cadres attending the training, he was the only one with a civilian political status.

It was at this point that Xu Chunliang realized he wasn’t even a league member, having spent three more years than others in his studies, with his political status ending at being a Young Pioneer.

Among the young cadres, Xu Chunliang wasn’t the youngest; there were quite a few deputy section level officials aged twenty-one.

When reporting, the teacher in charge sincerely advised him to cherish this learning opportunity.

Xu Chunliang understood the teacher’s inner confusion from the look in his eyes: this guy is just a high school graduate, not even a league member, not a national cadre, so how did he get into the youth cadre training class?

The living conditions at Nanjiang Party School were quite good; all academies stayed in single rooms. Xu Chunliang got his key card and put down his luggage.

Mei Ru Xue then called, inviting him to go to the Old City East to hang out together that evening.

In Xu Chunliang’s memory, Mei Ru Xue was being proactive for the first time; it made perfect sense, as this was Nanjiang, not like Weishan Island where recognition was a constant concern.

Mei Ru Xue initially planned to drive, but Xu Chunliang advised her against it, suggesting the subway was more convenient, and they could enjoy some drinks together in the evening.

Mei Ru Xue agreed, and the subway station was just a short distance from the entrance of the Party School.

The last time they enjoyed such freedom together was in Weishan County; Xu Chunliang shared his experience of the tea banquet at noon with Mei Ru Xue, and she couldn’t help but laugh.

Asking Tong Guangsheng and Wang Jinwu to attend the tea banquet was indeed a challenge for them; Mei Ru Xue planned to visit Tong Guangsheng at the Provincial People’s Hospital sometime.

Xu Chunliang informed her that Tong Guangsheng hadn’t been admitted yet, and since their training lasts a month, there would be ample time.

Mei Ru Xue couldn’t stay in Nanjiang for the entire duration like Xu Chunliang; she would probably have to return a few times to handle official duties.

During the rush hour, the subway was crowded, and Xu Chunliang offered his seat to a woman with a child. Mei Ru Xue stood up with him, and they found a corner to stand in, with Xu Chunliang shielding them from the crowd.

Standing so close, Mei Ru Xue felt a bit uneasy and lowered her head.

Xu Chunliang noticed her black-framed glasses and realized they were non-prescription, serving purely as decoration.

As the subway reached the station, Mei Ru Xue grabbed his arm, and Xu Chunliang’s hand naturally rested on her waist; although gentlemanly, Mei Ru Xue still blushed.

An unexpected silence fell between them, and the ambiguous atmosphere quietly intensified.

Mei Ru Xue wondered if he deliberately discouraged her from driving today, just to prepare for this moment.

Looking closely at Mei Ru Xue’s beautiful face, Xu Chunliang lamented internally that his resolve would likely be tested daily over the next month.

"We’ve arrived!" Mei Ru Xue whispered.

Xu Chunliang paved the way ahead, as Mei Ru Xue followed him, squeezing towards the subway door. Using his height and strength, Xu Chunliang parted the crowd, showcasing his protective boyfriend qualities.

Exiting the train with some difficulty, they merged with the constant flow of people departing the station.

Mei Ru Xue hadn’t experienced such crowded conditions in a long time; returning to the city felt both familiar and strange. As the crowd pushed her along, she worried about getting separated.

At this moment, Xu Chunliang reached out, holding her soft hand in his palm; everything felt natural. Mei Ru Xue bit her cherry lips, appearing docile like a kitten in front of Xu Chunliang, in contrast to her assertive demeanor in Hu Shan Town. She didn’t protest and allowed him to hold her, savoring the warmth of his hand.

The historical and cultural district of Old City East extends from Changle Road in the north to the Ming city walls in the south, from Jiangping Road in the east to the Inner Qinghuai River at the Zhonghua Gate Castle Segment in the west.

Most buildings here are reconstructions, adhering to the principle of restoring the old as it was. This section of the district retains a quaint, classical charm.

The archway of Old City East looms ahead, standing seventeen meters tall. With exquisite stone carving details of musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, painting, and auspicious symbols like winter jasmine and bamboo, the archway is truly remarkable. The base’s drum stones are also adorned with elegant cloud patterns.

On either side of the arch, a couplet reads: "In the market and alleys, the mist and rain of six dynasties imbue the air." The other line states: "In humble attire, generals and ministers write eternal great essays."

Xu Chunliang remarked that this couplet was impressive; in just twenty-two words, it encapsulates both the shared historical brilliance of Nanjiang’s builders and the depth of the city’s character, creating a vivid, inviting image.

Passing through the archway of Old City East with the crowd felt like entering another time; the old streets conveyed the charm of history, and many visitors in traditional Han clothing wandered about, evoking a sense of temporal dislocation.

Mei Ru Xue’s phone rang, and Xu Chunliang released her hand, taking a few steps forward to wait by a street sculpture.

Dongzhou also has such ancient streets, though with a different style. Dongzhou’s historic buildings feature gray walls and roofs, lacking the horse-headed walls and abundance of wooden structures seen here.

Although both in Pinghai Province, the styles of Jiangnan and Jiangbei differ completely; one is delicate and refined, the other rustic and substantial.

As they approached the food street, the number of pedestrians increased. Xu Chunliang was never interested in street food, but savoring it with Mei Ru Xue was quite enjoyable.

It was rare for Mei Ru Xue to relax as she did today, finally free from the judgmental gaze of others. She suggested trying some street food and then going to the De Yun Society for a comedy performance. Xu Chunliang readily agreed to whatever his leader proposed.

After waiting in line for quite a while, Mei Ru Xue finally bought a box of Si Ji tofu pudding. As she brought it out, someone bumped into her from behind, causing the tofu pudding to spill all over Xu Chunliang.

A man in his twenties had bumped into her, and without looking back, he hurriedly fled forward. Xu Chunliang wanted to chase after him, but Mei Ru Xue stopped him, pulling out tissues to wipe the tofu off his body.

At that moment, two men ran past them. One shouted, "Stop right there!"

The other yelled, "Catch the thief, catch the thief!"

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