"Chen Feng, really? The three of us coming to the Five States District, shouldn't we be facing a lot of work and eager to get started? How come there are still three days for you to visit your hometown?"
Qin Yan was stunned.
This was completely out of character for Chen Feng.
Throughout his journey, Chen Feng had always prioritized urgency.
How could he now want to spend three days relaxing first?
Cheng Lu, on the other hand, was very happy.
Going back to the rural hometown with Chen Feng gave her a feeling of happiness, like a new bride meeting her in-laws.
In China, there was an unwritten rule.
When a man brings a woman back to his rural hometown, it meant the couple was introducing their parents to each other.
"Director Qin, you and I are both seasoned veterans of the political arena and have long been in charge of economic affairs. You should know that economic development is not achieved overnight; it requires a long process. Since it requires a long process, then taking three days for leisure should not be a big problem. Of course, if you don't want to visit my hometown with me, that's fine too. I'll go back with Cheng Lu."
Chen Feng deliberately provoked Qin Yan.
Women, regardless of their status, would generally get jealous.
"Of course I want to! Frankly, I've always wanted to visit your hometown with you for a few days. However, what would be our status if both Cheng Lu and I went back with you?"
Qin Yan asked cautiously.
"Director Qin, have you forgotten? Our village already knows you are my superior. Initially, I was your dedicated driver. Everyone in our village knows that. As for Cheng Lu, they are not very clear about her. How about this, to avoid gossip, Xiao Lu, this time you will return to my hometown with me as my secretary. Of course, if you feel that would be an inconvenience, I can take you back to my hometown alone next time."
Chen Feng continued to provoke her.
"Chen Feng, the three of us going to the countryside this time to experience rural life and relax, the specific status is not important."
Cheng Lu responded immediately.
Cheng Lu understood Chen Feng very well.
Chen Feng deliberately said she was a secretary mainly to avoid misunderstandings. What would it look like for two women in positions of power to return to a man's hometown?
If she was introduced as a secretary, it would be easier to explain.
Villagers, like most rural people, enjoyed discussing gossip.
If Chen Feng brought back two women without explanation, they would surely misunderstand.
By clearly explaining the situation, he would prevent any gossip or speculation.
After chatting for a while longer, Chen Feng drove Qin Yan and Cheng Lu to his hometown.
Along the way, Chen Feng felt a bit heavy-hearted.
Although rural development in China had improved in recent years,
China's rural areas were still quite backward compared to those in foreign countries.
Moreover, they could not compare to the development of China's cities.
In the future, if he were to enter the high levels of Chinese politics, he must truly address the issues of China's rural areas, making them as prosperous as China's cities.
...
The three of them arrived at Chen Feng's rural hometown at noon.
The entire village was abuzz.
This was the first high-ranking official to emerge from the village, and everyone had to come and see.
Upon arriving home, Chen Feng was astonished to find that the situation had changed dramatically.
In his memory, the new houses built in his hometown were just ordinary rural brick and tile houses.
But now, his parents were living in a rural villa.
And not just any villa, but the best villa in the entire village.
Especially the two pairs of large lion statues at the entrance of the villa, which would have cost tens of thousands of yuan.
In the city, lions costing tens of thousands of yuan were not a big deal, but in the countryside, they were definitely eye-catching.
This was completely unexpected for Chen Feng.
What was going on?
Why had their home suddenly become a luxurious villa? And so quietly.
With so many people around, Chen Feng couldn't ask. He could only force a smile and chat and laugh with the villagers.
After a while, the villagers returned to their homes.
They thought that they were common folk, and Chen Feng, a sparrow that had flown onto a branch to become a phoenix, was a superior being with great power. A little joking around was acceptable, but they couldn't joke indefinitely. If a joke went too far and angered Chen Feng, they, the common folk, would be in big trouble.
This was also the general sentiment of ordinary Chinese people.
There was a subconscious awe towards powerful figures in the political arena.
It was similar to Zhu Yuanzhang in ancient China.
When Zhu Yuanzhang was young, he had many friends, and they played together well.
However, once Zhu Yuanzhang became emperor, none of his friends dared to joke around with him anymore.
Anyone who dared to joke was seeking death!
Of course, besides their fear of Chen Feng's position, the villagers also deeply envied him.
They envied Chen Feng's supreme power.
For the villagers, even a village head was a big official. Let alone an official like Chen Feng, who was a leader among leaders.
Furthermore, they envied Chen Feng's ability to live like an emperor, with multiple wives and concubines, living a supremely comfortable life.
The two women by Chen Feng's side looked like celestial beings, making them incredibly envious.
"Mom and Dad, what exactly is going on?"
After the villagers had dispersed, Chen Feng asked directly.
"The village helped us build the villa."
Chen Feng's parents didn't lie; they said whatever they knew.
Chen Feng wasn't stupid; he understood what was happening.
The village did this to curry favor with him.
"Mom and Dad, we already have a house. Let's return the house to the village."
Chen Feng said with a serious expression.
"Xiao Feng, are you foolish? The village has already built it and explicitly stated it was a gift to our family. It would be a shame to return it."
Chen Feng's parents said with confusion.
"Mom and Dad, haven't you ever wondered why the village is doing this? Do they really have too much money to spend?"
Chen Feng asked sternly.