Chapter 123 Yu Jiajia then carefully…

Yu Jiajia then took a closer look at Xu Ya; she really was beautiful!

Xu Ya has excellent bone structure, with a sharp and clear jawline, and a natural air of coldness in her eyes. She couldn't help but think how cool Xu Ya would look if she were wearing a black trench coat, thin gold-rimmed sunglasses, and a few strands of her short hair being blown by the wind.

Yu Jiajia: "Thank you for your hard work, Sister Xu Ya!"

The two didn't exchange pleasantries for long before taking their leave, as the bag needed to be handed over to the Prime Minister as soon as possible.

Yu Jiajia waved goodbye to Xu Ya, turning back every few steps, reluctant to leave. Before leaving, she said, "See you next time, Sister Xu Ya."

Xu Ya smiled and said, "See you next time."

After Yu Jiajia's figure disappeared around the corner, Xu Ya's smile vanished, and she appeared even more sharp. She looked up at the second floor, where Qi Yan emerged from behind the curtains, smiling and waving at her.

Two people were also lurking outside the Yu family's window; Yu Jiamin and Cheng Xiuying were also peeking in.

Cheng Xiuying: "He looks like he came from the military, very capable. The way he looked at us just now was very sharp."

Yu Jiamin nodded, "Yes."

As for what was in the bag Yu Jiajia handed over, they weren't curious, nor did they intend to ask. They simply couldn't resist peeking.

Xu Ya didn't care at all whether anyone was watching. In these peaceful times, what danger could a simple rendezvous pose? The reason she designed this code and made the process so mysterious was purely because Jiajia liked it.

If she likes it, then it's worth it.

She likes good-looking people, and all the members who can participate in the Morning Star Project are very good-looking.

Yu Jiajia had completed a major task and returned home happily, looking forward to the Premier receiving the Baicao Huichun Pill and the complete set of technical data on hybrid rice as soon as possible.

She hopes that those who take Baicao Huichun Pills can regain their health as soon as possible. She hopes that Mr. Yuan can overcome his difficulties and that the golden waves of rice will soon surge across a wider land.

I also have a selfish motive: I want the Premier to see my letter. Will the Premier reply?

It definitely will!

She's so excited!

Just as I was feeling happy, I saw Director Qi at the door.

Her eyes lit up immediately!

Factory Director Qi didn't wear any old-fashioned makeup today. Although she was still wearing the same work clothes, they looked particularly good on her. She looked like a powerful and influential businesswoman, her sharp edges concealed, and she was beautiful with ease.

Yu Jiajia ran over and called out enthusiastically, "Sister Qi!"

Qi Yan smiled: "Just came back from outside?"

Yu Jiajia nodded repeatedly, and couldn't help but hold Qi Yan's hand, saying with extra enthusiasm, "Sister Qi looks so beautiful today."

Qi Yan praised her directly: "You look beautiful today too. This dress is gorgeous, and the hair clip in your hair is adorable."

Yu Jiajia was overjoyed to hear the praise, and even spun around so that Qi Yan could see it more clearly.

Qi Yan: "It looks even better."

Factory Director Qi was carrying a mesh bag filled with canned goods and malted milk powder; she was planning to visit Cheng Xiuying at the Yu family's house.

Yu Jiajia said, "You don't need to bring anything, just come." It's only natural to visit the wounded empty-handed.

The Yu family was very lively at this time. Grandma Cheng had just arrived and was talking to Cheng Xiuying in the bedroom. Dinner was ready and they were just waiting for Yu Jiajia to come back before they could eat.

When Factory Director Qi arrived at her home, Old Mrs. Yu greeted him warmly, without asking why he looked so beautiful today. She, being an old woman, had already seen Factory Director Qi without makeup.

Having become the director of a steel rolling mill at such a young age, he definitely needs to dress more maturely to keep the mill in check.

The fact that they're no longer trying to appear mature shows that they've already won over the steel mill.

Grandma Cheng didn't recognize Factory Director Qi, so she didn't move forward. The rest of the Cheng family also didn't move forward, and even gave up the seat next to Cheng Xiuying.

Wang Shuhua was heartbroken. This was the director of the steel rolling mill, who had come to visit Yingzi early in the morning. But what about Cheng Yonghao? He hadn't even shown his face all afternoon yesterday. How afraid of death was he?

She really wanted to go to the steel mill to find Cheng Yonghao in the morning, but was scolded by Old Mrs. Cheng.

Why are you looking for Cheng Yonghao now? Are you going to make him go to Cheng Xiuying and apologize? Isn't that just disgusting Cheng Xiuying?

All paths are walked by oneself; what you sow, you reap—there's no going back.

Wang Shuhua considered herself not very smart, so she was always very obedient. She did whatever her mother-in-law did and did whatever her mother-in-law told her to do.

Cheng Yongqing really wanted to go forward. This female factory manager of the steel rolling mill was young and beautiful. Was she easy to fool? What if she was in a good mood and arranged jobs for herself and her husband?

But when she looked at Cheng Yongping and Cheng Yongyi, and saw that neither of them was moving forward, she stopped abruptly.

Cheng Xiuying also got out of bed and came downstairs to greet Director Qi.

Qi Yan said, "Lie down quickly, don't pull on the wound." He then pressed Cheng Xiuying back down and placed the net bag on the table.

Cheng Xiuying had no choice but to continue lying down. "Director Qi, you've come all this way. Why did you bring such precious things? My little injury is nothing. The malted milk powder should be left for those who need it more."

What needs to be said must be said! Respect must be shown!

Qi Yan: "You are the comrade we need most right now. Take good care of your injury; the factory needs you."

Cheng Xiuying's eyes welled up with tears. "Thank you, Director Qi. I will definitely take good care of my injuries and return to the factory as soon as possible."

Qi Yan genuinely felt that the Cheng family were all intelligent people and very likable.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Cheng Xiuying invited Director Qi to stay for dinner, but Director Qi declined, saying that as an outsider, she shouldn't join in the fun with such a large family.

Before leaving, Director Qi inquired about the old lady's health and praised her for being robust.

The old lady was very excited; this was the factory director! But thinking about it carefully, Sanbao was still the deputy factory director. She was used to being an ordinary citizen and didn't realize that her granddaughter was now a deputy factory director.

As soon as Director Qi left, Yu Jiajia chased after him. She had just packed fish porridge and several stir-fried dishes in a lunchbox, and also took two steamed buns made from two kinds of dough.

With so many people in the family, it's easy to guess that Director Qi won't stay, but even if he doesn't, we can still eat.

Yu Jiajia followed closely behind the Qi family and handed two lunchboxes to Sister Qi: "Sister Qi, my second brother cooked fish porridge, it's so fragrant, my second brother is an amazing cook! You should try it!"

Who could resist such a cutie?

Qi Yan grew increasingly fond of Yu Jiajia. She didn't refuse the boxed lunch, and said with a smile, "Thank you. Go back and eat."

Yu Jiajia nodded and went home for dinner.

The Yu family is large, so they ate at two separate tables: one in Cheng Xiuying's room and the other in the main room.

Cheng Xiuying wanted to get out of bed to eat, but everyone told her not to, insisting that she rest properly. Grandma Yu even wanted to feed her spoonful by spoonful, but Cheng Xiuying firmly refused, saying it was ridiculous, as she wasn't paralyzed.

Breakfast was plentiful, and the best dish was the fish porridge, which was fresh, fragrant, and delicious. She ate a big bowl of it with the stir-fried vegetables and was full without even needing to eat any steamed buns.

They hadn't finished their breakfast when Cheng Yonghao arrived.

As soon as he arrived, he asked, "Is Auntie injured? Is it serious? I just heard about it, it scared me to death."

Yu Jiajia asked curiously, "Did you just hear that all the enemy agents have been captured and there are no more bombs?"

Yu Jiamin almost burst out laughing: "You found out about this way way too late."

Cheng Yonghao, who was crying, froze instantly.

He choked up, "How could Jiajia say that? It breaks my heart. Such a big thing happened, why didn't she tell me? There was even a time bomb, these bad people are too brazen."

Cheng Yongyi's eyes were full of mockery. "So you say you don't know?" she thought. But this wasn't something that could be resolved with a simple "I don't know."

Cheng Yongqing: "Second brother, stop talking, I'm blushing just listening to this. Such a big thing, you didn't know? Who are you trying to fool? Even a three-year-old wouldn't believe it. It's all in the past, just pretend you never knew. What are you doing here now? Someone like you probably wouldn't even understand how to work properly. You should quit your job in the city and go back to the countryside to farm. You might as well give me your job."

You ran away when things were tough, but you came when things were good.

How could Cheng Yonghao possibly give up his job to Cheng Yongqing? He explained that he didn't know anything about it; his supervisor had assigned him a bunch of odds and ends yesterday, and he was so busy with work that he didn't hear the bomb at all. His coworkers all ostracized him and wouldn't talk to him, so he hadn't heard anything about it.

Yu Songyan asked curiously, "Didn't my second cousin say that he was very popular in the workshop and well-liked by the master craftsman?"

Yu Jiamin kindly explained on his behalf: "When my second cousin and his wife came last time, they said that it was our mother who was causing trouble for my second cousin behind his back."

Cheng Yonghao's face turned red. "I want to see my third aunt."

Wang Shuhua couldn't take it anymore and slapped Cheng Yonghao across the face. "Go away, and don't ever come to your aunt's house again. Go wherever you think treats you well."

You can't even stand the people who give you a job; how heartless can you be?

These days, jobs are so hard to find.

Cheng Yonghao covered his face and said, "Mom, I want to see my third aunt."

Cheng Yongqing: "You want to beg your third aunt to put in a good word for you, to get your master to treat you better, to get your coworkers to treat you better? Hahaha, you're not pretty, but you're dreaming."

In the end, Cheng Yonghao did not get into the house to see Cheng Xiuying; he was dragged out by Cheng Xiufeng.

Cheng Yonghao never expected that his third aunt's family was all safe and sound, and that the bad guys had all been caught. He regretted not going with his second and fifth brothers yesterday. Who would have thought that the Yu family would be safe and sound?

The bad guy planted two time bombs, but the Yu family was fine, and the second and fifth sons were also fine.

The Yu family continued eating, as if Cheng Yonghao had never been there. Wang Shuhua secretly wiped away her tears, when she heard Cheng Xiuying say, "People, it's okay to be a little stupid, but it's terrible to be stupid, wicked, and arrogant. Sister-in-law, I won't let anyone make things difficult for him. He's just an apprentice, I really wouldn't do that. But he's doing so badly, that no one likes him. The key is that he doesn't think he's done anything wrong. I even suspect that he hoped everyone would have an accident yesterday so that Yongping and Yongyi's jobs would be freed up. He could sell them or have someone else fill in."

Wang Shuhua couldn't believe it. How could Cheng Yonghao be so bad? "Yingzi, I know everything. I regret it now. I really shouldn't have let Yonghao come to work. Even if I had come to work, it would have been better than him."

Cheng Xiuying didn't reply and focused on eating.

A word of advice would suffice; in her opinion, someone like that should be separated from her. She wouldn't interfere with what her family did. But if her family dragged her down, she would kick them all out.

After breakfast, several more groups of guests arrived at the Yu family home, all there to see Cheng Xiuying and to offer her proper care and help her recover.

Since all the visitors were neighbors, Cheng Xiuying felt it would be impolite to refuse them, so she made a note of them and planned to return the favor later.

The Cheng family was also preparing to leave. Cheng Xiuying wanted the old lady to stay for two days, but the old lady said, "I'm old, I just want to stay at home, I don't want to move."

Cheng Xiuying asked Grandma Yu to help her prepare some meat for Grandma Cheng to take back.

Grandma Cheng refused to accept it and didn't take anything.

Grandma Yu insisted on getting the two pounds of pork onto the tractor.

Yesterday, Liu, the tractor driver from the commune, also came along. He stayed at the guesthouse and didn't come to the Yu family's house for breakfast. He ate at the guesthouse and then waited outside the courtyard gate with his tractor.

He knows what he's doing!

After dropping off the Cheng family, the Yu family should also go to work.

Yu Jiajia and Yu Songqing went to work together. Yu Hongding took two days off to take care of Cheng Xiuying at home. Actually, with Grandpa Yu and Grandma Yu at home, he didn't need to be there at all.

But Yu Hongding still took leave! His wife was more important than work.

Yu Jiajia also really wanted to ask for leave, but the educated youth office was too busy and she had to go check it out.

Old Yu, carrying fish bait, invited Old Zhou and Old Wang to go fishing together. He wanted to catch another blackfish to help his injured daughter-in-law recover.

The steel rolling mill has fully resumed production, and several eye-catching red banners flutter in the wind in front of the factory gate.

The most eye-catching banner in the center displays gleaming gold characters: "Salute to Cheng Xiuying! Alone she embraced a bomb to protect thousands of lives; her courage and integrity shine like steel!" Another banner to the side proclaims like a battle flag: "Iron fists shatter enemy schemes; the steel mill's anti-espionage struggle has achieved a great victory!"

Every blackboard in the factory area was updated overnight with new posts, recording the thrilling and dangerous events of the previous day.

Deputy Factory Director Cheng Xiuying was the first to intercept intelligence. In the critical moment when a time bomb might be hidden in the canteen, she gave the order, and countless fearless figures resolutely rushed towards the canteen, which could explode at any moment. Deputy Head of the Security Department, Chen Hongmei, took the lead, leading her team into the core area of ​​the canteen to quickly organize the safe evacuation of personnel. Canteen Director Cui Dapeng remained calm under pressure, leading the workers to risk their lives to transport national grain and oil supplies, vowing to ensure the safety of collective property! Meanwhile, a bomb disposal vanguard team composed of key members such as Liu Weidong, Zhou Liang, Lin Mei, Zhou Wenbin, and Lin Mufeng had already begun a thorough search of the site. Just as flames were about to erupt, young Deputy Director Yu Jiajia was the first to pinpoint the location of the bomb!

In the nick of time, Director Qi also bravely tried to take over the dangerous situation. Deputy Director Cheng rushed forward and snatched the bomb. In the last five seconds, she threw it into the air with all her might. The explosion was deafening. Deputy Director Cheng was covered in blood and seriously injured!

Enemy agents have once again resorted to a foolish tactic, spreading rumors to slander our factory's heroes and role models. Led by Wang Dali, the steel rolling workers were filled with righteous indignation, shouting "Our steel will is unbreakable, our heroes' honor will not be dishonored," and vowed to fight to the death with the strength of an iron wall.

Under the thunderous encirclement of the People's Army and public security officers, the enemy agents were completely destroyed, and their conspiracy was shattered.

The steel rolling mill has won a great victory in this struggle to defend its glory!

Everyone crowded around the blackboard to look at it. Actually, everyone had already heard about what happened next, but they still wanted to see it again. With so many people blocking the blackboard, those at the back definitely couldn't see it, so those in front read it aloud so that those at the back could hear.

I said yesterday that they were just two homemade cannons used by enemy agents, what was there to be afraid of? The invaders were driven out back then, why should we be afraid of these chickens and dogs now? Sure enough, in just one afternoon, all of them were caught!

Everyone became more and more excited as they listened! Some people participated, which was a great honor. Even those who didn't participate were proud to be a member of the steel rolling mill.

Despite the threat of bombs, they did not back down! They would rather be blown up than drive away the heroes!

One of the cafeteria workers said, "Yesterday I was helping Director Cui move some of the cafeteria's property. I carried a bag of high-gluten flour and a bag of rice!"

The person next to her immediately exclaimed, "Auntie, you're so brave!"

Another middle-aged man said, "Yesterday I helped the security department evacuate the crowd. There was a young man who sprained his ankle, and I carried him out."

Most people were happy and excited, but this did not include Zhang Jianguo and Gu Yazhen, who were waving the flag to make Yu Jiajia stop working, be suspended from her post, and temporarily leave the steel rolling mill.

Yesterday's explanation was far-fetched enough. Now that they've won a great victory, these people are like rats crossing the street.

Everyone condemns them and despises them.

Zhang Jianguo's behavior is hardly befitting of a deputy section chief in the trade union! He must be dismissed! He doesn't even deserve to be a worker at the steel rolling mill; he should be kicked out! And those who fanned the flames with him—we remember them all clearly; they must all be driven away too.

Zhang Jianguo and his family moved into their old house yesterday with their valuables. It's good that they don't have to move back. They'll just pack their things and leave together.

Whether he can be dismissed is unknown, but Zhang Jianguo will definitely not be able to become a cadre, and naturally he will not be able to live in the cadre dormitory.

Zhang Jianguo and his family were dumbfounded. Had they dealt with the enemy agents so easily? Weren't there supposed to be a third and fourth time bomb? Explode!

If there's no bomb, what are you bragging about?

This has really ruined their family.

Besides Zhang Jianguo, Cheng Yonghao, a new apprentice at the steel rolling mill, also became notorious. His roommate exposed his behavior: "When the deputy director was hospitalized, he acted like nothing had happened. He was so comfortable lying in bed at night. I could even hear him chuckling to himself. He fell asleep after a few laughs and slept like a log! What a grudge he has against Comrade Jiajia! When he heard that the enemy agents were going to bomb Comrade Jiajia at all costs, he was overjoyed."

Cheng Yonghao kept explaining that he wasn't happy. The deputy factory director was his third aunt, and Jiajia was her cousin. How could he be happy? He was just too upset, so upset that he cried.

The more he explained, the more people felt that Cheng Yonghao was shameful.

Many people went to visit Cheng Xiuying yesterday, and later even went with her to the county committee compound to keep the Yu family company, but Cheng Yonghao was nowhere to be seen.

How heartless!

Cheng Yonghao went to find Cheng Yongping. He couldn't take it anymore. The workers' words and gazes were like dull knives constantly grinding against his flesh. He couldn't bear it.

Cheng Yongping was busy in the workshop when he heard that Cheng Yonghao was coming to see him. He put down his file, told his master, and then walked over to Cheng Yonghao.

Cheng Yonghao: "Yongping, please help me. I'll explain for me. I didn't do it. I'm not the kind of person who has no conscience."

Cheng Yongping: "Explain that you didn't laugh or sleep soundly?"

He believed his aunt's words. Did Cheng Yonghao want them all to get into trouble?

Cheng Yonghao: "I didn't laugh."

Cheng Yongping: "Just focus on your work. As long as you don't make any mistakes, you'll still have a job. You're a fitter; as long as your skills are good, it doesn't matter if your character is a little off. Second brother, you'd better watch yourself."

He has already considered the possibility of splitting up the family, whether to separate his second brother or himself.

He refused to stay with his second brother's family any longer.

He was truly chilled that his second brother could fall asleep with a smile on his face.

Deputy Director Yu returned to the office for educated youth and checked the progress of the educated youth registration. There was not much progress yesterday afternoon, and he thought it was because of the time bomb incident that had caused the delay.

Yu Jiajia looked at the names on the list and felt worried.

She used to think that these comrades would have a better life in the countryside after learning the skills, but now she couldn't bear it. Their fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters faced time bombs without fear of death, and stood firmly behind her in the face of enemy rumors. Now she couldn't bear to send their loved ones to an unknown rural area.

Sending educated youth to the countryside wasn't all that great.

Some were lucky enough to be assigned to a relatively good brigade. The brigade leader was kind and disciplined the members, preventing the educated youth from being bullied. Coupled with their skills, life was relatively smooth.

But those unlucky ones, arriving in places with fierce local customs, were like fat sheep falling into a pack of wolves. Countless ways were used to force them into submission, dragging them into the cage of marriage and devouring them alive, ultimately wasting their youth in despair. How many years would it take until reform and opening up?

The thought that these vibrant and bright young comrades might become lambs to the slaughter tugged at her heartstrings.

How can we provide jobs for these people? How can we keep them in the city?

This is too difficult.

We should choose a better team for them!

She firmly believes that the country will develop rapidly, and intercontinental ballistic missiles will emerge even sooner, becoming the nation's strongest weapon. The earlier development of hybrid rice will ensure that every compatriot has enough to eat, becoming the nation's greatest source of confidence for progress.

The national situation will be completely different by then.

Yu Jiajia didn't know what to do, so she went to ask Factory Director Qi for advice.

Qi Yan patted her hair. "My dear child, this is indeed a difficult situation. We can only try our best to provide job opportunities, without restricting them from taking over their parents' work or getting married. As for the rest, we'll arrange for them to go to safe places, prioritizing rural areas around Qingshan County, so that they can seek help if they encounter problems in the village. We can't stand out too much, or we might become a negative example nationwide." She pinched Yu Jiajia's cheek. "Come on, let's go eat."

Yu Jiajia looked troubled: "If I had known that Sister Qi was free to have dinner with me, I wouldn't have agreed to meet Lily and Xiaomei."

We made plans last night to have dinner together in the cafeteria today.

Qi Yan smiled, thinking of those pretty, sweet-talking girls: "Go ahead, let's meet up next time."

Yu Jiajia: "I'm bringing food to Sister Qi tonight!"

Qi Yan: "Okay."

When Yu Jiajia left the factory director's office, she felt much better. She wanted to do her job well, get more and better information, and help the country move forward faster, ideally even to the point where it could take flight.

It was almost time to get off work, so she went straight to the cafeteria.

I spotted the stunning Tian Lili from afar. She was wearing a light green dress, and she looked even more beautiful than before, her radiance almost as if she had a filter applied. Power and passion are undoubtedly the best beauty elixirs for nourishing a woman!

Lin Mei had also run away beforehand. Now she was standing next to Li Heyu, talking to him, and even grabbed some peanuts and melon seeds for Li Heyu and the others to eat.

She wanted to take this opportunity to quickly make her presence felt by Li Heyu's side.

Of course, she wouldn't be foolish enough to express her affection for Li Heyu; that would be the most low-class thing to do!

Lin Mei was an artistic soul at heart, well-read and possessing a natural air of aloofness. She rarely fawned over anyone, but at this moment, her words to Li Heyu were gentle and soothing, like a spring breeze. Since Lin Mei's actions, Li Heyu had become fond of talking to her, thinking her incredibly capable and knowledgeable.

Yu Jiajia gave her friend an encouraging look, "Go, go!"