Special Forces Medic-Chapter 679 - 642: The Distance of One Foot

Yao Zheng nodded, his face showing humility and remorse, eyes cast down, with emotions unclear. He replied to Secretary Luo's words with mere nods or sighs, offering little substantial content, and despite his servility, there's a hint of arrogant disdain. Naturally, Secretary Luo wouldn't take Yao Zheng's slight discourtesy to heart. He stood up from the sofa, this sudden action somewhat puzzled Yao Zheng.

"Secretary Luo, are you..." Yao Zheng stood up as well.

"Oh, it's nothing!" Secretary Luo retreated one foot back and quickly placed his hand on Yao Zheng's shoulder. "District Chief Yao, please sit down quickly. Your secretary already informed me about your health situation. Xiao Luo thought for a long time. I shouldn't have visited you today. I think it's better to come another day, wait till you recover, then we can extensively discuss the issues about the construction and security of the northern district. As for Han Fei's matter, I believe District Chief Yao will handle it well, preventing incidents like yesterday that might lead to bad repercussions."

Yao Zheng was pressed back onto the sofa, facing Secretary Luo's suggestion, he suddenly felt trapped between a rock and a hard place. He squinted slightly and let out his habitual sigh, stopping Secretary Luo who was about to leave. "Secretary Li, see if you want to bring a doctor over for District Chief Yao. His complexion really doesn't look good."

Such genuine concern exceeded the intent of Secretary Luo's visit, leaving Secretary Li, who had been standing by, in a dilemma. Without Yao Zheng's instruction, he wouldn't dare to decide on his own. However, the person who requested was two to three ranks higher than Yao Zheng, as a municipal secretary, making it impossible to refuse. He rubbed his hands, pondering how to speak without damaging the dignity of either side.

"Secretary Li, ask Dr. Zhang to come over, my headache has started again recently." Yao Zheng waved his hand at Secretary Li, dispelling his awkwardness.

"That's right, District Chief Yao." Secretary Luo laughed, placing his bag aside. "Secretary Hua often has headaches due to his workload. I know a remedy that's very effective for this. I'll prepare some for you. Taking Western medicine all the time can be harmful!"

He casually hung his coat on the hanger, Secretary Luo tousled his hair, making him appear less formal and much more approachable.

"How can this be? You are a respected secretary, second only to one, above tens of thousands. I'm just a small district chief; how dare I have you personally make an effort for me." Seeing Secretary Luo directly walk into his small kitchen, Yao Zheng rose and pursued.

"Don't move!" Secretary Luo saw Yao Zheng approaching and retreated one foot away instantly. "To be honest, District Chief Yao, I've always heard about how excellent the governance plan for the northern district is at the municipal committee. I've always wanted to seek your guidance but never found the time. Had it not been for Han Fei's affair, I wouldn't know when I could ever meet you. I truly admire your talent and appreciate you greatly. I've always regarded you as my model for learning and kept mentioning you to Secretary Hua, thinking that your talents as a district chief are really being underutilized."

Yao Zheng blinked, unable to decipher the motives of this influential figure. His calculating nature led him to let out a slight smile, continuously waving off Secretary Luo's compliments.

"Secretary Luo, if you keep addressing me like this, it might just shorten my lifespan!" Yao Zheng wanted to further approach Secretary Luo, but he unexpectedly stepped one foot back again, causing Yao Zheng's expression to slightly fall, although this dissatisfaction lingered just a few seconds on his face, it did not escape Secretary Luo's notice.

Secretary Luo laughed heartily. "It's said that District Chief Yao is a person of strong character, so I'll call you as 'big brother.' I wonder if District Chief Yao would be willing to accept me as your younger brother?"

"Really?" Yao Zheng couldn't help but show a surprised look. "I'm afraid I couldn't be worthy." Once more, he stepped forward, forcing Secretary Luo to retreat to the side of a modular cupboard. "Secretary Luo, this is..." Seeing Secretary Luo retreat, Yao Zheng raised his eyebrows.

"Haha, big brother, don't misunderstand me. This is my way of showing respect to you—maintaining a distance of one foot from you. Not sure if you've heard of this tradition, but as your little brother, I respect you, so I maintain such a not-too-close, not-too-far distance, symbolizing my position can only be beside you, watching from afar, not comparing myself directly to you."

"Oh, haha, so that's what you mean." Yao Zheng understood Secretary Luo's subtle intent, feeling wildly pleased and no longer paying attention to such actions. "Since Secretary Luo just arrived in the northern district, how about staying here so that I can appropriately entertain you, my little brother, as a host should?"

"Then I, as the younger brother, will gladly accept." While speaking, Secretary Luo had already prepared his special tea. "Big brother, try my handiwork and see if it helps with your headache."

"Alright!" When the two returned to the sofa, Secretary Li had already brought Yao Zheng's personal doctor into the room.

"Secretary Luo, please wait here!" Yao Zheng walked into the room with the doctor, while Secretary Li stayed outside, politely blocking Secretary Luo at the door.

Secretary Luo glanced coldly at Secretary Li, sipping his brewed tea without saying much, causing the atmosphere to become instantly awkward. Secretary Li opened his mouth several times to find a topic but clammed shut due to Secretary Luo's aloof expression.

"Secretary Li!" Suddenly hearing his name, Secretary Li startled, drawing Secretary Luo's glance back. "Hehe, no need to be so tense. How long have you been with District Chief Yao? I just wonder if District Chief Yao often suffers from headaches?"

"For about seven or eight years. Our district chief's health hasn't been great for a while. He spends most nights here due to his workload and rarely goes home. Alas! This headache has been prolonged. Urging him to see a hospital is futile. He hardly listens."

"Secretary Li, are you talking bad about me behind my back?" Yao Zheng had already changed into comfortable clothes and came out of the room, his personal doctor following with a bag.

"No, no!" Secretary Li hurriedly defended, his nervous demeanor resembling a mouse being eyed by a cat.

"Big brother, you jest. Secretary Li was lamenting your neglect towards your health to me. He's truly concerned about your well-being. I'm really envious that you have such a good secretary by your side."

"If you think he's good, why don't I give him to you, what do you say?"

"I wouldn't dare take big brother's person, hahaha!" Secretary Luo approached, stopping at a foot's distance, reaching out to help Yao Zheng down the steps. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian.com to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)