I was chased by my sickly junior brother who had two lives

The afterglow of the setting sun gently sprinkled on the banks of the Yellow River, coating the land that had just experienced hardships with a layer of golden brilliance. The water of the Yellow River has become calmer. The river that was once surging and raging like a wild horse now flows obediently, as if telling of the tranquility after being tamed.

Although the villages along the coast still bear traces of the flood, the rebuilt houses have been erected in an orderly manner, with curls of smoke rising from the chimneys, adding a bit of vitality and hope to this land.

In an open space by the Yellow River, Chen Jue and Chen Jia were busy and happily preparing a special celebration - a barbecue feast. Chen Jue skillfully fiddled with the grill in his hand, propped it up steadily, and carefully checked whether the charcoal fire was evenly distributed.

His eyes were focused and bright, and his face, which was slightly flushed by the charcoal fire, was filled with rare ease and joy.

Chen Jia was preparing the ingredients carefully. She washed and cut the fresh mutton and vegetables one by one and put them on bamboo sticks. The tender mutton was bright in color, with fat and lean parts, and seemed to emit an attractive luster under the afterglow of the setting sun.

Chen Jia raised her head and looked at Chen Jue's focused look, her eyes full of smiles: "Xiao Jue, you see the Yellow River is much calmer now, thanks to your efforts during this period of time."

Chen Jue stood up, looked towards the Yellow River, and nodded slightly: "Yes, sister. It was not easy along the way. Fortunately, with everyone's concerted efforts, we have finally brought the disaster under control. Today's barbecue can be regarded as a celebration of our staged victory."

Chen Jia put the skewers on the grill, and immediately, the sizzling sound and the aroma of meat filled the air. She gently flipped the skewers and said, "Xiao Jue, after this incident, you and Lin Yuan, Wang Qi, Su Jin have gone through hardships together. I think you might as well get along with them more in the future. It's a good thing to have a few like-minded friends in the officialdom to support each other."

Chen Jue pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Sister, you are right. They are all talented and ambitious people. By making friends with them, we can not only learn from each other on government affairs, but also work together for the future of Da Chu. Tomorrow, I will invite them to travel together, so as to enhance our friendship."

The next day, the sun was shining brightly and the breeze was blowing gently. Chen Jue brought Chen Jia, Lin Yuan, Wang Qi, Su Jin and others to a place on the outskirts of the city surrounded by green mountains and clear waters. Everyone was delighted to see each other.

Lin Yuan smiled and bowed, "Brother Chen, today's outing is really a good idea. I have been busy managing the Yellow River recently, and I haven't had such free time for a long time."

Chen Jue quickly responded: "Brother Lin, you are too polite. I invited everyone here this time because I wanted you to relax and chat about the future."

Wang Qi said excitedly, "The scenery here is pleasant, just right for us to chat. Brother Chen, you really picked a good place."

He looked around, admiring the beautiful scenery around him. The joy in his eyes was beyond words, as if he had forgotten the fatigue of managing the Yellow River.

The group walked slowly along the mountain path, admiring the wild flowers and green grass on the roadside and chatting.

Su Jin said: "Although the Yellow River flood control was full of difficulties, it also brought us a lot of gains. Not only did we accumulate experience in water conservancy projects, but we also saw the tenacity and unity of the people of Da Chu."

Chen Jue nodded in agreement: "Brother Su is right. This also makes me more determined to serve the Great Chu and benefit the people. In the future, whether it is water conservancy or other government affairs, we should go all out."

When they reached an open grassland, they stopped. Chen Jue smiled and said to Chen Jia, "Sister, you have prepared a lot of delicious food for us today. Why not enjoy it here?"

Chen Jia smiled and nodded, directing the servants to take out the food that had been prepared. In addition to various exquisite snacks, there were also barbecue ingredients that were not finished yesterday. Chen Jue volunteered to set up the grill again and started grilling.

Soon, the aroma of barbecue spread. Lin Yuan smelled the aroma and said with a smile: "Brother Chen's barbecue skills are really unique. I have experienced it last time by the Yellow River, and today I am lucky enough to taste it again."

Chen Jue smiled and handed the grilled skewers to everyone: "Brother Lin, thank you for the compliment. Everyone, come and try it."

Everyone took the skewers and continued chatting while eating. Wang Qi suddenly said, "Brother Chen, how do you think we should further improve the water conservancy?"

Chen Jue swallowed the food in his mouth, thought for a moment and then said: "I think that when more lakes and ponds are built along the Yellow River, water can be stored in the rainy season to reduce the pressure on the Yellow River, and it can also provide irrigation water for surrounding farmland in the dry season. At the same time, the supervision mechanism of water conservancy management needs to be further improved to ensure that various water conservancy facilities are properly maintained."

He spoke slowly, and every word he said was carefully considered, as if he was painting a grand blueprint for the future development of Dachu's water conservancy.

Lin Yuan nodded in agreement: "Brother Chen, this is a very good idea. However, the construction of water storage facilities will require a lot of manpower and material resources, and we must fully communicate and coordinate with the local government and people."

Su Jin went on to say: "In terms of the supervision mechanism, a special inspection team can be set up to regularly inspect water conservancy facilities and establish detailed archive records. Officials who fail to maintain them should be severely punished."

There was a hint of seriousness in his eyes, and he knew that only a strict system could ensure the smooth progress of water conservancy projects.

Everyone was discussing, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious. Chen Jia listened quietly, and from time to time offered everyone drinks or snacks. She was pleased to see Chen Jue talking to everyone.

She knew that Chen Jue was gradually growing in the officialdom, and with the company of these like-minded friends, his future would be smoother.

As the sun gradually set, the horizon was dyed into a gorgeous sunset glow. The laughter of the crowd echoed in the mountains. This trip not only enhanced the friendship between Chen Jue and several meritorious officials, but also allowed them to relax and rest for a moment after the busy government affairs.

Chen Jue looked at the sunset in the sky, feeling deeply moved: "It is a pleasure to meet with you all today. I hope we can do this more often in the future and work together for the prosperity of Da Chu."

Lin Yuan and the others nodded: "Brother Chen is right. We will definitely work together."

In this warm and beautiful atmosphere, everyone set out on their way home. Chen Jue and Chen Jia walked side by side, their figures were stretched out in the afterglow of the setting sun. Chen Jue whispered to Chen Jia: "Sister, today is all thanks to you. With you by my side, I can be so relaxed, and it also makes me get along with them more naturally and harmoniously."

Chen Jia smiled and held Chen Jue's hand: "Xiao Jue, as long as you are happy. I will always be with you, whether in the storms of officialdom or in the dullness of life."

Chen Jue felt the warmth in Chen Jia's hands, and his heart was filled with emotion and happiness.