Chapter 54: Midnight Conversation Between Mentor and Student

The end of the holiday arrived unceremoniously, like being snatched away by an invisible hand from the warm, bustling everyday life of his hometown. As the roar of the airplane gradually faded, the cabin door opened, and the chilly air of the capital rushed in, Li Yifei finally snapped out of the deep contemplation that had accompanied him all the way.

The formulaic announcement over the plane's public address system brought him crashing back to reality. Having come in haste and returned in a rush, his anxieties about his hometown and his parents' parting advice were temporarily sealed away a thousand miles behind him.

Returning to the empty and silent courtyard house in Shichahai, an indescribable sense of alienation quietly permeated the space.

After washing away the dust of travel, standing in the massive courtyard with the cold moonlight spilling over the grey-brick pavement, it was so quiet all around that he could only hear his own breathing.

An unprecedented and profound sense of loneliness surged over him like a rising tide. The path of his career seemed to be spreading out before him, but this domain ultimately lacked the warm touch of human habitation.

Perhaps it really was time to consider settling down and starting a family? He smiled self-deprecatingly, yet how could fate ever be forced?

He shook his head to clear away the tangled thoughts. The large residence felt exceptionally vast at the moment, and he had no desire to face this chilling solitude alone.

His gaze swept over the dusty copies of his Peking University graduation albums resting on the bookshelf, and an idea naturally sprouted—he should go back to the campus for a visit! It was also time to pay his respects to his mentors. Having been busy adapting to a new environment for a year since graduation, he had indeed neglected sending his regards.

Once the thought arose, it was hard to suppress. He carefully selected several meticulously prepared gifts: two bottles of vintage Moutai for President Yi; an exquisite Duan inkstone for Professor Lu Guocai; sliced wild aged mountain ginseng procured through others from Changbai Mountain for Professor Xia; and two boxes of top-grade Mingqian Longjing tea for Professor Zong and President Chen.

After a moment of thought, he retrieved two jars of self-brewed medicinal liquor from deep within his storage room. After his apartment was renovated, he had brewed this wine in his spare time following a newly discovered ancient recipe. Selecting choice ingredients such as ginseng, velvet antler, cordyceps, and wolfberry, he soaked and aged them in high-proof grain spirits. Originally intended for his own consumption or special occasions, it now seemed much more fitting to present them to his teachers for tasting and nourishing their health.

Driving his car, he entered the familiar grounds of Yanyuan. In the late autumn campus, the phoenix tree leaves were golden, the ginkgo avenue shone brilliant like a painting, and the breath of youth rushed toward him, instantly washing away the loneliness in his heart and the heaviness he had brought back from his hometown. Parking the car, he first walked toward the familiar office building of the School of Economics.

He gently knocked on the door of the dean's office.

"Please come in," came the steady voice of Dean Yi Weiguo.

Pushing the door open, Dean Yi was writing furiously at his desk. Looking up to see Li Yifei, a smile immediately broke out on his stern face as he put down his pen. "Ah, Yifei! What a rare visitor! Sit down, sit down quickly!" He took off his reading glasses and closely examined his beloved student. "You look well, except there's something more in your eyes... you seem more composed. How are things going at the National Development and Reform Commission?"

"Hello, Teacher!" Li Yifei greeted respectfully, placing the Moutai aside. "Work is going well, and I've learned a lot. However... I was recently transferred to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection."

"The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection?" A flash of surprise crossed Yi Weiguo's eyes, which instantly transformed into gratification and understanding. "A good place! The burden is even heavier now! Wherever you are, remember to keep your conduct upright and your actions grounded, and never let down the organization's trust and cultivation!" he said earnestly.

"Your student will keep this strictly in mind," Li Yifei nodded solemnly.

"Have you been in touch with the old university Party secretary? He holds you in very high regard," Yi Weiguo reminded him.

"I have. I have always kept it in mind and never dared to forget," Li Yifei answered sincerely.

"Good." Yi Weiguo nodded with satisfaction, his gaze drifting to the Moutai beside him, and then to the archaic wine jar Li Yifei had placed on the floor. "And this is?"

"Oh, this is some medicinal liquor I brewed in my spare time following an old recipe, adding a few medicinal herbs. I thought I'd bring a jar for you to try and nourish your health," Li Yifei explained.

"You're very thoughtful." Yi Weiguo patted his shoulder with a smile. "Alright, don't waste time here with an old man like me. Go see Old Lu, Old Xia, and the others; they talk about you often enough."

"Teacher, tonight I'd like to invite you and several other teachers to a casual dinner. It's been a while since I've listened to your teachings," Li Yifei extended the invitation.

"Alright!" Yi Weiguo readily agreed. "Tell me once you've picked the place."

Bidding farewell to Dean Yi, Li Yifei went on to visit Professor Lu Guocai, the titan of economics; Professor Xia Yeyu, an authority in traditional Chinese medicine; Professor Zong Ying, a legal luminary; and Dean Chen of the Law School in succession.

Every teacher was delighted to see him, inquiring warmly about his recent situation. Li Yifei briefly touched upon his job transfer, while primarily expressing his regards and gratitude. Likewise, he presented the prepared gifts one by one and cordially invited them to dinner that evening. The mentors readily accepted.

Li Yifei booked a private room at a well-regarded, elegantly furnished mid-to-high-end restaurant near the university, sending the address and room number to all the teachers.

With still plenty of time before dinner, he took a leisurely stroll across the campus. By the banks of Weiming Lake, beneath the Boya Pagoda, in front of the library... the familiar scenery stirred up countless memories.

Looking at the energetic and hurried junior students around him, his restless state of mind gradually settled. Here, he had absorbed knowledge and shaped the foundational character of his spirit. A sense of tranquility, akin to returning to one's roots, quietly soothed the rushing and pondering of the past few days.

As evening approached and the city lights began to twinkle, Li Yifei arrived early at the restaurant entrance to wait. Before long, several teachers arrived in a group, chatting and laughing cheerfully. Dean Yi, Professor Lu, Professor Xia, Professor Zong, and Dean Chen were all heavyweight figures in Peking University's academic circles. Li Yifei respectfully ushered his teachers into the private room.

The private room was elegantly decorated, and the dishes were soon served. Just as Li Yifei was about to open the Moutai he had brought, Professor Xia Qingquan, who was seated next to him, gently sniffed the air.

A flash of professional sharpness appeared in her eyes. "Wait... hold on..." She raised a hand to signal Li Yifei to pause, her gaze locking precisely onto the two jars of wine Li Yifei had placed in the corner. "This scent... the fishy richness of velvet antler, the sweet mellowness of ginseng, and the unique fungal aroma of cordyceps... distinct in layers, yet blended so smoothly. Yifei, is this the medicinal wine you mentioned you brewed yourself?"

Hearing this, everyone looked with curiosity at the unpretentious wine jars. Xia Yeyu's status in the traditional Chinese medicine community was unquestionable; her nose was the most authoritative testing instrument.

"Yes, Teacher Xia. I made it following an old recipe, just tinkering around," Li Yifei said, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

"Tinkering around?" Xia Qingquan smiled and shook her head, turning to Yi Weiguo and Chen Qiming. "Dean Yi, Dean Chen, shall we... try the fruits of Yifei's 'tinkering' today? Moutai is fine, but this medicinal wine makes one's spirit lift just by smelling it. The combination of ingredients is exquisite and authentic—it's a wonderful health tonic!"

Yi Weiguo and Chen Qiming exchanged a smile. Since Professor Xia had put it that way, who could refuse? Besides, a student's heartfelt handmade creation was far more precious than any famous wine.

"Alright! We'll go with Professor Xia's suggestion!" Dean Yi made the decision.

Li Yifei smiled and complied, carefully breaking the mud seal of one of the jars. Immediately, a rich yet non-pungent unique aroma blending herbal fragrance and wine scent permeated the air. Crisp, mellow, and refreshing to the heart and lungs, it was indeed much more appetizing than the scent of pure wine alone.

Li Yifei stood up and used a special wine ladle to fill a cup for each mentor. The amber-colored liquid rippled in the cups, emitting an enticing luster. The teachers picked up their cups, either taking a light sniff or a small sip, and expressions of enjoyment appeared on their faces.

"Mm! Excellent!" Professor Lu Guocai praised first. "Smooth upon entry, the herbal fragrance lingers in the throat, with a long-lasting sweet aftertaste, warming without being drying! Yifei, you've got some real skill here!"

"Truly not bad! The formulation is exquisite, and the proportions of monarch, minister, assistant, and guide herbs are handled just right—it stimulates the medicinal properties without harming the stomach. Yifei, this recipe of yours has real substance!" Xia Yeyu also gave professional-grade affirmation.

Professor Zong smacked his lips. "Far better than those flashy commercial products! Good stuff!"

Dean Yi and Dean Chen also smiled and nodded in approval.

Three rounds of drinks later, the atmosphere grew even warmer and more harmonious. The teachers cast aside their academic airs, and their words were filled with elders' care for a junior.

Li Yifei also relaxed. In front of his mentors, he was no longer the anti-graft novice who needed to remain constantly vigilant, but rather more like a wanderer returning home.

He briefly chatted about his work experiences at the NDRC and the CCDI, mentioning the promotion of the "sharp eyes" initiative, and subtly expressed the pressure he felt when facing complex cases at the Discipline Inspection Commission and the areas where he needed to learn. He deliberately avoided specific issues concerning his hometown of Anyin, discussing only the challenges inherent in the work itself.

The mentors were worldly and experienced, listening to his words and observing his actions. Combining his deep understanding of grassroots economics, Professor Lu Guocai reminded him: "Yifei, discipline inspection work ultimately comes down to the economic foundation and social contradictions. When looking at problems, you can't just look at the case files; you must understand the underlying chain of interests and the hardships of the people's livelihood. Sometimes, behind a single number lies the livelihood of a populace." These words stirred Li Yifei's heart, reminding him of that repeatedly dug-up and repaired road in his hometown.

Professor Zong emphasized from a legal perspective: "Procedural justice is the bottom line, and the chain of evidence is the lifeline. No matter how big the case, it must speak through ironclad proof. You must be meticulous, and even more, you must have patience. Do not be swayed by emotions; let the law and the facts speak." This was undoubtedly another reinforcement of Li Yifei's working principles.

Legal titan Dean Chen added: "You must understand not only the legal provisions, but also human nature. Those who violate discipline and laws are often well-versed in the loopholes of rules and psychological gaming. Dealing with them is a contest of intelligence and an even greater battle of wills. You must learn to find the fulcrum within the rules to crack a stalemate."

Professor Xia Yeyu joked from a health perspective: "Health is the capital of revolution. You young people shouldn't rely on your physical fitness to push through hard times. Drink some of this medicinal wine of yours yourself when you have the chance, instead of only thinking about honoring us old folks."

Everyone laughed at this. Listening to everyone's words and looking at his beloved student, who carried a trace of imperceptible confusion beneath his composure, Yi Weiguo understood clearly. He put down his wine glass, reached out, and heavily patted Li Yifei's shoulder with a steady force and a profound gaze:

"Yifei, listen to what your teachers have said and take it to heart. Your current position is a very good starting point, and also a great melting pot."

He paused, his voice not loud, but carrying a penetrating insight into the world: "I reckon that just staying up there is not enough. I estimate... the organization will soon let you go down to get some hands-on exercise. The waters at the local level are very deep, and also very muddy. Once you go down, you must keep your composure even more—observe more, think more, and learn more! Only by driving your roots deep and fully grasping the situation can you withstand the winds and waves!"

He swept his gaze across the assembled teachers, his tone carrying an unquestionable protectiveness: "Remember, work hard! If you truly encounter an obstacle you can't bypass or a difficulty you can't resolve, don't try to carry it alone! Call us old folks! No matter where the disciples of Peking University go, they are never fighting a lonely battle! We old bones still carry a bit of weight and can always offer you some counsel or sound the drums of support on the sidelines. Isn't that right, everyone?" The last sentence was directed at the other professors.

"Naturally!"

"If Yifei has matters, just speak up!"

"Our university still has that bit of heritage and network!"

The mentors chimed in with smiles, their words radiating sincere care and formidable backing.

With peaches and plums spanning the world, their students and former subordinates populated the political, business, and academic spheres, embedding their influence deeply into the system. This seemingly casual promise was, in reality, an extremely precious "amulet" and "think tank" for Li Yifei, one that could exert tremendous power at a critical moment.

Yet the current Li Yifei, having stepped into this complex system only recently, had yet to deeply comprehend the intertwined networks of relationships and energy within it.

His present confusion stemmed mostly from unfamiliarity with the complex grassroots ecosystem and the adjustment period of finding his own footing.

Nevertheless, the teachers were well aware that, given the composure, comprehension, learning ability, and political intuition far surpassing his peers that Li Yifei had demonstrated, the slight confusion before him was merely a temporary mist.

Once he truly immersed himself at the local level and weathered a few storms, this layer of mist would quickly dissipate, revealing his restrained sharpness and mastery. By this time next year, they likely wouldn't need to offer him such earnest instruction anymore.

The mentors' heart-to-heart guidance and unreserved support were like a warm current pouring into his heart, dispelling the lingering loneliness and trace of uncertainty about the future in Li Yifei's mind.

He only felt energized and eager for battle, as if injected with fresh strength. He stood up, raised his cup with both hands, and solemnly toasted his teachers: "Thank you, teachers! Your student will keep it in heart and will surely live up to your expectations!"

Amidst the flush of wine, the atmosphere grew even more relaxed. Looking at his teachers' kind faces and recalling his mother's urging at the dinner table, Li Yifei spoke half in earnest and half in jest: "Teachers, your student has one more unrequited request... My family is urging me hard, and regarding this lifelong matter of mine... if any of you happen to know a young lady of gentle character and refined manners, you must keep me in mind! It would save my mother from nagging me all day long!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the private room fell silent for a moment, before erupting into even more joyous and resounding laughter.

"Hahaha! Good lad! You've finally figured it out!"

"Alright! Leave this matter to Teacher Xia! We have plenty of good young ladies at the medical school!"

"Our law school has talented women too! Yifei, would you like me to introduce a few?"

"Old Lu, your School of Economics has plenty of female PhDs as well!"

"Right, right, right! We'll all keep an eye out! We must find Yifei a capable helper who can keep him in line!"

The teachers teased and joked, pushing the atmosphere to its peak.

This evening gathering of the mentorship, brimming with warmth and wisdom, drew to a close amidst laughter and cheer. Li Yifei saw his slightly intoxicated teachers off one by one, watching their taxis drive away.

The late autumn night breeze blew against his face with a hint of chill, but his heart was exceptionally fiery. The teachings and expectations of his mentors, along with the prophecy regarding "going down for exercise," weighed heavily on his mind while simultaneously igniting the flame in his chest.

He got into his car without starting the engine immediately. Gazing into the deep night sky in the direction of Yanyuan, one thought became exceptionally clear: whether the road ahead was smooth or thorny, whether he remained at the center or plunged into the grassroots, he was ready.

Only... in what manner and when would this "going down for exercise" spoken of by Dean Yi arrive? And where would it lead him? Was that seemingly peaceful native soil of Anyin the battlefield he was about to rush into?