Cycle of Redemption

4.Misty Love, Secret Promise

Looking at the familiar classroom, familiar classmates, the only thing that's different is perhaps the mood. As he gazes at the attention-grabbing girl, Liu Jian feels a faint bitterness in his heart. How should he face Zhang Ying? How should he handle their relationship? He decides to leave it all to time.

Liu Jian's seat wasn't arranged in the front row after all. Following Liu Jian's height, Kong Xianrong assigned him to the fifth row, right in the center of the classroom. Every day, countless small notes passed through this area, making Liu Jian feel like he should set up a toll booth here to collect fees.

His desk mate, Meng Qing, is a chubby boy with fair skin, looking quite cute. Liu Jian looks at Meng Qing's round face and almost bursts out laughing. He knows that despite this boy's seemingly honest appearance, there's a darker side to him. One word can describe him: mischievous!

Liu Jian restrains himself from hugging Meng Qing and simply greets him with a smile, knowing there's plenty of time for them to get acquainted.

Meng Qing, being quite friendly, says, "Hello, I'm Meng Qing. Why did you come so late?"

Liu Jian smiles and replies, "My grades are too terrifying. The principal of Yi Zhong hesitated for a long time, fearing I might cause trouble outside in society, so he decided to keep me here to make a contribution to the people."

Meng Qing blinks, taken aback by Liu Jian's response. It seems that kids nowadays are still quite obedient, far from being as foul-mouthed as those influenced by the internet in later years.

Seeing Kong Xianrong's gaze on them, Meng Qing immediately shuts his mouth, and Liu Jian, not wanting to be criticized right after joining, simply smiles and keeps quiet. Kong Xianrong almost got provoked by Liu Jian's smile but, for some reason, refrains from criticizing him.

After class, even before Meng Qing could ask anything, Zhang Ying's figure appears next to Liu Jian's desk, leaving Meng Qing with his mouth wide open, and the other students in the class noticing that something is going on.

High school is indeed the time when feelings begin to bud. Zhang Ying's outstanding appearance has drawn the attention of countless boys, but every boy who approached her was coldly rejected by Zhang Ying. No one expected that today, this seemingly unremarkable boy would catch Zhang Ying's attention.

Without much thought, Zhang Ying expresses her joy upon seeing Liu Jian, "Why did you come so late? They all said you quit. Did you go to help your uncle?"

Seeing the hostile glares around him, Liu Jian feels it's better to leave, so he takes Zhang Ying out of the classroom, leaving behind a floor covered in broken eyeglasses.

Standing by the school pond, the two of them don't know how to start, so Liu Jian initiates the conversation, "I did go to help my dad, and I don't plan to continue studying!"

Zhang Ying's expression freezes, "What did you say? Didn't you promise me earlier that we'd go to high school together, then to university?"

Liu Jian can't help but recall that afternoon when the two of them strolled along the railway tracks, promising to go to high school together, then to university, and work together for a lifetime. Looking back, it might have been just a few months for Zhang Ying, but for Liu Jian, it felt like a lifetime ago. Thinking about the unknown ending, Liu Jian feels a pang of pain in his heart and doesn't know what to say.

Liu Jian and Zhang Ying weren't childhood sweethearts in the traditional sense. They were desk mates in primary school, and in order to attend the same school as Zhang Ying, Liu Jian chose Panchi Middle School, which was undergoing reforms, over the stronger San Middle School. In the midst of these reforms, male and female students were separated, so they could only exchange glances after class to confirm each other's presence. Only on the way home from school could they walk together, maintaining that hazy feeling of affection.

Seeing Liu Jian silent, Zhang Ying feels as if her heart is breaking, and tears start to flow uncontrollably.

On a sunny morning by the school pond, the cicadas chirp incessantly. A hesitant boy and a crying girl stand there, as if in a painting, yet also like a poem. Years later, when recalling that afternoon, the two of them simply exchange glances, smiling faintly, with everything understood without words.

On his first day of school, Liu Jian skipped class with the prettiest girl in the class, Zhang Ying, becoming the most unacceptable topic in Class 6 of Year 1.

Meng Qing looks at the empty desk beside him, muttering to himself, "Impressive, truly impressive. No wonder they say putting him in society would lead to calamity. In school, he's already done something similar." The rest is just a fierce criticism of the principal. How could such a scoundrel be allowed into Number One Middle School?

That morning, something happened by the pond, but neither of them spoke about it. After that, they didn't exchange a single word. Only occasionally, when their eyes met, could they discern each other's feelings.

The classmates who had been eagerly waiting to see what would happen noticed that since that day, after the lack of communication, they felt both relieved and a sense of immense difference. No one hoped that the striking girl would become someone else's.

So, the campus of First Middle School gained a new figure - a boy who dressed in branded clothes every day, occasionally stood in the hallway smoking, and talked on the phone. Liu Jian returned to campus with an indifferent attitude.

That evening, the Liu family drove to visit someone with gifts. Interestingly, it was Liu Jian's suggestion. During this period, Liu Fu, following his son's advice, revisited the families of friends who had helped him over the years. Liu Fu, who had never paid much attention to these relationships, was suddenly startled by Liu Jian's words.

Liu Jian said, "Dad, now that you're wealthy, your friends will do anything for you with just a little favor. Do you think they're doing it out of friendship, or because of your wealth? These friends have helped you so much, you need to reciprocate. Now's the time to strengthen these relationships. If we ever encounter trouble or business failure in the future, we won't even have the chance for a comeback."

Liu Fu stood there dumbfounded after hearing this. He knew his son was right, but the idea that good friendships required money was hard for him to accept.

Liu's mother looked at Liu Fu, who was lost in thought, and asked, "Xiaojian, what do you think we should do?"

Liu Jian glanced at his mother, giving her a thumbs-up discreetly. He knew his mother was worried that his father might lose face, so he continued, "Dad, I think we should show some appreciation to these friends who have helped us so much. Nowadays, even strangers expect to be treated to meals when they do favors, but with your relationships, it's unnecessary."

Liu Fu nodded in agreement, "That's what I was thinking too. Treating them to meals is unnecessary, and the food in restaurants isn't even that good. Why don't we have your mother prepare some dishes and invite them over to our place?"

Liu Jian slapped his forehead, "Dad, they won't feel honored enough with just a meal at our place. As you said, your relationships are significant. My idea is to prepare some gifts, and then we, as a family, go visit them, and let Mom give out the gifts. Dad, you know, the most effective way to maintain relationships is through the pillow talk strategy. Let Mom give gifts to those aunties and ladies; it'll not only solidify your relationship with them but also make them happy and feel like you're a good friend. Isn't that better?"

Following Liu Jian's suggestion, Liu Fu bought some cigarettes and alcohol and prepared a bunch of gold jewelry. Gold was relatively cheap at that time, only costing tens of dollars per gram. A set of three gold jewelry pieces didn't cost much, but the effect they had when received was surprisingly good.

Indeed, the pillow talk strategy was the best approach. These friends, who had previously kept some grievances hidden, now had no complaints. The bonds between them became even stronger than before. And Liu's mother gained several new mahjong partners. With Liu Jian around, there was no need for her to worry about anything; playing mahjong became her new occupation.

Today, they were visiting one of Liu Fu's most important friends, Chen Sheng.

Chen Sheng and Liu Fu had met by chance. Both being former soldiers, they had a lot in common. Chen Sheng was currently the deputy mayor of Panshi City, albeit ranking relatively low among the deputy mayors and lacking substantial power. But with Liu Jian's rebirth advantage, he knew that Chen Sheng had a strong background. Slowly climbing from deputy mayor to mayor, then party secretary, and finally chairman of the People's Congress, even after retiring to the second line, he still wielded immense power. Over decades of his career, Chen Sheng had cultivated cadres in various government agencies throughout Panshi City.

Liu Jian's previous job was arranged by Liu Fu through Chen Sheng.

Their relationship had always been good, and even when Liu Fu's family fell on hard times, it didn't affect their personal relationship. Liu Fu always considered their friendship genuine and never asked Chen Sheng for help, even in the face of great difficulties. Sometimes, when Chen Sheng offered to help, Liu Fu couldn't bring himself to refuse. It wasn't for the sake of his son's future; perhaps he would never ask Chen Sheng for help in his lifetime.

But everything changed in this life. After being persuaded by his son and maintaining contact over the past few days, reality had dealt a heavy blow to Liu Fu. He understood that there were no longer purely genuine friendships in this society; it wasn't the same as over a decade ago. He also reflected on his relationship with Chen Sheng and realized that contact was necessary. Pretending to be aloof was unnecessary; friends with interests might be more useful than purely genuine friends. So, according to the pre-agreed plan, they arrived at Chen Sheng's house.

Despite being a deputy mayor with a low rank, Chen Sheng's house was well decorated. As soon as they entered, Chen Sheng came over to give Liu Fu a hug and said with a smile, "Old Liu, it's been a long time since you last visited. Let's have a couple of drinks tonight."

Liu Fu laughed and replied, "Of course, look at this fine wine I've brought. It's a 30-year-old Maotai that I've managed to get through a lot of effort." At that time, Maotai wasn't as expensive as it would be in the future, but a 30-year-old aged Maotai was still something that ordinary people couldn't afford. Even Chen Sheng, as a deputy mayor, had never tasted it.

At this time, the two wives had gone to the kitchen, whispering to each other as they prepared the dishes. Women never got involved in men's affairs.

Seeing that no one was paying attention to him, Liu Jian stepped forward and called out, "Uncle Chen." Signaling his presence, he realized that his previous image had made it difficult for Chen Sheng to acknowledge him. Then, he looked around but didn't see his rival.

Chen Sheng patted Liu Jian on the head and said, "You little rascal, skipping classes again? Your sister isn't at home; she's gone out to meet her classmates."

With Chen Sheng's words, Liu Jian breathed a sigh of relief. Chen Xue was Chen Sheng's only daughter, a few years older than Liu Jian, but incredibly formidable. She was stronger than most boys; when they were kids, Liu Jian had been bullied by Chen Xue many times. It could be said that he had developed a psychological shadow whenever he saw her. Hearing that Chen Xue wasn't at home, Liu Jian relaxed and glanced around, not spotting his adversary.

Chen Sheng continued, "You little troublemaker, always skipping class. What are you up to? Your sister isn't home, so you went out to hang with your friends?"

With Chen Sheng's assurance, Liu Jian felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Chen Xue, Chen Sheng's only daughter, was a few years older than him but remarkably tough. Even tougher than most boys, in fact. When they were kids, Liu Jian had often been at the receiving end of her antics. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he bore a psychological scar from those encounters. Hearing that Chen Xue wasn't around eased his nerves.

While the men chatted, the two wives busied themselves in the kitchen, preparing dishes and engaging in hushed conversations. They knew better than to interfere in matters between men.

Seeing that he had gone unnoticed, Liu Jian cleared his throat and called out, "Uncle Chen," to remind him of his presence. He realized that his previous image had made it difficult for Chen Sheng to acknowledge him. Glancing around, he didn't spot his rival anywhere.

Chen Sheng affectionately ruffled Liu Jian's hair and teased, "You little rascal, skipping classes again? I suppose your sister isn't around, so you've gone out to hang with your friends."

With Chen Sheng's words, Liu Jian breathed a sigh of relief. Chen Xue, Chen Sheng's daughter, was older than him and exceptionally strong-willed. Despite being a girl, she could outmatch most boys. In their childhood, Liu Jian had often been at the receiving end of her pranks. Hearing that Chen Xue wasn't at home, Liu Jian felt a sense of relief.

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