Love’s Vow in a Small Town

Shu Miao is a twenty-one-year-old civil servant working at the county Broadcasting and Television Center. A recent graduate from a top-tier university, she returned to her hometown to take the civil service exam. Her parents are teachers at a township school, and she lives in a small apartment they bought for her near her workplace. Shu Miao is described as quiet, somewhat pessimistic, and unambitious regarding her career. She prefers to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention to herself. Her colleague Jiang Qing is an older, more experienced coworker who often shares gossip, particularly about the new county magistrate, Meng Yuchuan. Meng is a young man, not yet thirty, with an impressive background from the capital. He is known for his strictness and lack of social engagements, having never stayed for meals during his previous inspections of various government units.

The story begins with an emergency overtime meeting called just before quitting time. Director Liu Kangming announces that County Magistrate Meng Yuchuan will be inspecting their unit the following day. The next morning, Meng arrives with his entourage. Shu Miao and Jiang Qing are tasked with serving tea. Meng notices Shu Miao, observing her fair skin, neat ponytail, and a small mole on her nose. He is unusually cordial, inviting both junior staff members to join him for lunch, a first in his recent inspection tour. During the meal, Shu Miao sits opposite Meng and feels intense pressure. Meng engages her in conversation, asking about her graduation and background, and praises her performance in front of Director Liu. This interaction marks the beginning of a significant shift in Shu Miao’s professional life.

Shortly after, Director Liu assigns Shu Miao to accompany Meng on a rural inspection tour. Although Shu Miao is reluctant and feels unqualified, she accepts the order to avoid conflict with her superior. During the trip, Meng deliberately creates opportunities to interact with her alone. He sends the rest of the team back early and asks Shu Miao to help copy documents, ensuring they are the last to leave. On the drive back, Meng insists on giving Shu Miao a ride in his personal vehicle, despite her protests. He drives her to her home in the Huating Jiayuan residential complex. Throughout the ride, he asks personal questions about her age and background, displaying a clear interest in her. Shu Miao remains nervous and guarded, viewing him solely as a powerful official.

That evening, Meng adds Shu Miao on social media and initiates a casual conversation. The next day, Shu Miao’s mother pressures her to meet a potential suitor, Hu Weijie, a court worker introduced by a relative. Shu Miao reluctantly agrees to meet him once but remains uninterested. Meanwhile, Meng calls Shu Miao again, asking her to assist with another event. She is picked up early in the morning and spends the day by his side. After the event, Meng takes her to a private farmhouse restaurant he frequents. He pays for the meal, dismissing her offer to treat him, and continues to show attentive care, serving her food and refilling her water. Shu Miao feels increasingly uncomfortable with the attention, fearing the implications of their growing closeness.

The narrative highlights the power dynamic between Shu Miao and Meng Yuchuan. While Shu Miao views his actions as professional courtesy or perhaps pity, Meng’s behavior suggests romantic interest. He remembers small details about her and consistently finds reasons to be near her. Secretary Xiang, Meng’s aide, recognizes the leader’s intentions but remains silent, understanding that such matters are private. Shu Miao’s friend Pei Ran encourages her to seize the opportunity for career advancement, but Shu Miao remains focused on avoiding trouble rather than seeking promotion. The story sets the stage for a developing relationship complicated by their professional hierarchy and Shu Miao’s reluctance to engage with the romantic possibilities.