Rebirth of Corrupt Officials

Chapter 38.1

Jiang Xiaochuan never imagined that, as he walked into the municipal compound lost in thought, he would come across Jiang Encheng and Yue Qingci sitting together and conversing in a secluded corner.

Jiang Xiaochuan didn’t have a penchant to look around as he walked. And Yue Qingci was seated in a well-concealed spot, on a bench behind a tree. They were not visible from the avenue. Jiang Xiaochuan only heard a faint whistle—a peculiar sound, not resembling a traditional one; rather, it seemed to be a modified small whistle. It sounded awkward but had a unique metallic quality.

This sound drew Jiang Xiaochuan’s attention, prompting him to take a few steps towards a garden he had never explored before, where he witnessed the scene.

Yue Qingci sat beside his father, Jiang Encheng, a yellow belt wrapped around one wrist, a small golden whistle hanging near his thumb, and a long empty shell in his other palm. The recent sound appeared to originate from this item.

Jiang Encheng took the cartridge case, examining it with a smile on his face.

For quite some time, Jiang Xiaochuan stood behind the two individuals.@@@@

Yue Qingxi in front of him no longer appeared as aloof as before. His facial expression softened as he looked at the small whistle in his hand, and his voice took on a somewhat lingering tone: “When that person left and so on... It’s such a simple matter. Uncle Jiang must be more informed than me, right?”

Jiang Encheng sighed and, for some reason, shook his head. “You’re still a young man. Why do you speak so maturely? You’re almost like someone from my own family...”

Since escorting Jiang Encheng back, Yue Qingci had been seated there, calmly examining a bullet casing in his hand. His expression was serene, with a graceful aura and a mysterious charm emanating from the dark glint in his eyes.

“What do you mean?” This was the first time Jiang Xiaochuan had seen himself act so impolitely.

“It’s nothing; I just happened to meet him.” Yue Qingci raised his eyes to meet Jiang Xiaochuan’s gaze. Despite knowing that his explanation might not be believed, even if Yue Qingci were in the same situation, he wouldn’t believe it was a genuine coincidence. Nevertheless, it was impossible for Yue Qingci to admit it outright. “Mayor Jiang, must you employ the utmost suspicion when speculating about others?”

In that moment, Jiang Xiaochuan was tempted to respond with his late teacher’s famous saying: ‘I am never afraid to assume the worst about you.’

However, he realized he couldn’t say that. In this lifetime, he and Yue Qingci had no animosity, so why would he speak to Yue Qingci in such a manner? He was not oblivious to the principles of treating people with respect. Suppressing the urge to make that remark, he attempted to convey calmly, “I apologize; that’s just how I am. It’s challenging for me to trust others. Yue Qingci, I’m not Mayor Jiang now; I’m Jiang Xiaochuan.”

He hesitated at first, it had been so long for someone to call his full name instead of his title. Jiang Xiaochuan had almost forsaken this name for quite some time, yet he found himself compelled to reclaim it in this lifetime. He couldn’t abandon everything.

Choosing to address Yue Qingci as ‘Yue Qingci’ rather than ‘Major Yue’ indicated his reluctance to delve into official matters with Yue Qingci at the moment. He intentionally confined the incident involving Jiang Encheng to just the two of them, steering clear of power transactions.

Jiang Xiaochuan always exercised caution, especially concerning Jiang Encheng.

Yue Qingci seemed aware of his tendencies and displayed no concern, maintaining a composed expression.