Chapter 171 (1712 Update)

After walking around the streets, Zhou Weifang immediately received the "suggestion" that the wedding date should be set for next spring when the weather warms up.

His original plan was to finish the renovation before National Day, let it air out, and then move in after his wedding during the Spring Festival.

But plans can change in time, so of course we should listen to our future mother-in-law's advice.

Zhou Weifang said, "I'll arrange a car to pick up my mother-in-law when she arrives."

It's good that you have this thought. Liu Yinfeng said, "I will definitely not be polite if I need anything. We're all family now."

These three words were meant to reassure Zhou Weifang, but he was still uneasy about not being married or having a marriage certificate, so he tactfully suggested, "Then I'll take Yanyan to buy a ring first?"

It means they want to make a commitment and secure the status first.

Since last year, people have been able to buy jewelry, and some old customs have come back to mind. Nowadays, in families that are reasonably well-off, the groom will bring a gold ring when making a betrothal.

Liu Yinfeng also planned to add two items to her daughter's dowry, saying, "Okay, let's pick a good day to come."

Zhou Weifang secretly breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a little embarrassed by the teasing looks from his elders, and rode away on his motorcycle.

Liu Yinfeng found it amusing. After the two children went to the bathhouse, she mentioned to her husband, "All three of them are clearly anxious."

Although Luo Xinmin was also reluctant to part with his daughter, he could understand her better, saying, "He lives alone outside, and every day when he opens the door, the stove and pot are cold. If he had a girlfriend, he would be very busy."

He had lived like this for many years.

Liu Yinfeng thought about it and agreed, saying, "It's almost July, there are definitely no auspicious days, why don't we let him come for the Mid-Autumn Festival?"

With two months to go, she can also make some preparations.

Luo Xinmin wasn't quite clear on these rules either, and said, "I'll do whatever you say."

He added, "I was thinking of getting you a gold necklace this year, but now it seems we're not that well-off."

When the couple got married, they didn't have much money. Liu Yinfeng was lucky to have a silver ring.

Therefore, as soon as the policy was introduced last year, Luo Xinmin went and bought a gold ring.

Liu Yinfeng felt uneasy no matter where she hid it, saying, "I don't dare to wear it out. I'd rather put this money in the bank; it would even earn interest."

The security situation here is getting worse every day; all sorts of cases are happening.

Luo Xinmin said optimistically, "The central government will deal with these people sooner or later."

He was right; the next day's newspaper headline was "Severe and swift crackdown on serious criminal offenses."

The family of four was having breakfast when Luo Xinmin read this news to them.

Upon hearing this wording, Luo Yan said, "It seems they're going to crack down hard on public security."

It's good to crack down on it; since the reform and opening up, there has been countless problems in Beijing.

Leaving aside distant examples, Luo Hong said, "There are a few people in our alley who should be arrested and properly treated."

Luo Yan echoed her brother's words, drank the last mouthful of porridge, filled the water bottle and put it in her bag, saying, "I'm leaving."

She was very proactive in her fieldwork. Luo Hong reminded her, "Don't get too close to the main road. There have been some young people riding motorcycles like crazy lately."

Luo Yan: "They only come out at night. During the day, even if they want to go crazy, they need a way to go."

That's true, the streets were incredibly crowded.

Luo Yan watched the traffic lights all day and felt that they would definitely improve the road conditions, but there might be better solutions suitable for the current situation. She quietly had an idea in mind.

But she always just went with the flow when voting, did whatever tasks were assigned, rarely expressed her own opinions, and treated it as a routine thing to do, sharing it with Zhou Weifang during lunch.

After hearing this, Zhou Weifang said, "An overpass? How come you're so smart to come up with something like this?"

Luo Yan: "I don't have that ability. The first one in the country was in Guangzhou. They built it 80 years ago. Our teacher mentioned it in class."

Zhou Weifang also praised her, saying, "You have a really good memory."

This person has a whole basketful of nice things to say.

Luo Yan: "Do you drink honey like water?"

Zhou Weifang argued confidently: "I feel sweet inside and sweet to the mouth whenever I see you, there's nothing I can do about it."

The private room wasn't very soundproof, so Luo Yan quickly pulled him aside and said, "Speak properly."

Zhou Weifang whispered in her ear, "Our Yanyan's ears are all red."

Luo Yan patted him on the shoulder and retorted, "I got it from the sun."

Zhou Weifang didn't argue with her, but waved her fan vigorously: "Isn't this better?"

Luo Yan proudly raised her chin: "Wait until you've eaten your fill before fanning yourself, then there will be more wind."

She's adorable no matter what expression or demeanor she has. Zhou Weifang suddenly sighed, "We can't get married until next year."

Luo Yan coaxed him, "It's good that the renovation doesn't need to be rushed, so you'll have more time to spend with me."

She then hugged his arm and said sweetly, "I really hope my mother-in-law can come, even though I didn't grow up with her."

"What you want is what I want."

Zhou Weifang hoped that everything would go smoothly for Luo Yan, but it would be foolish not to take advantage of a good deal. He was really frustrated and pointed to his face.

Luo Yan: "I'll owe you one, and I'll kiss your face all oily again."

She had only eaten half of her meal.

Zhou Weifang smiled maliciously: "You have to pay interest on your debts."

"Fine, I'll take it," Luo Yan said. "I'm not the kind of person who reneges on debts."

Zhou Weifang wasn't afraid of her being unreasonable, but he was afraid of scaring her, so he gulped down most of the bottle of iced soda.

That arrogant and boastful manner made it seem like he was drinking Yanjing beer.

Luo Yan: "Be careful, don't choke."

Zhou Weifang placed the empty bottle on the table, pressing it down slightly, and tried to distract the other person by talking about something serious.

He asked, "Would you like to learn how to ride a motorcycle?"

Luo Yan hesitated: "I'm afraid it will hurt if I fall."

She learned to ride a bicycle because her brother was forced to go to the countryside, and she was a coward from a young age.

Zhou Weifang: "No, I'll teach you. If you fall, I'll be there to cushion your fall."

Who says only he has a sweet tongue? Luo Yan: "If you fall, wouldn't I feel bad?"

Zhou Weifang's heart almost melted, but he said, "I just think riding a motorcycle isn't as tiring as riding a bicycle. If you'd like, you can learn."

Luo Yan was both tempted and scared. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Forget it. You and my brother use motorcycles every day. I won't be able to use them even if I learn."

Zhou Weifang: "As long as you can ride, the bike is no big deal."

He just bought a house, and the new house cost three to five thousand yuan just to have all the appliances installed.

Luo Yan probably knew how much money he had left in his pocket, and said, "I'm not buying it, it's too expensive."

Zhou Weifang shook his head slightly: "I didn't buy it. Your brother asked me to teach you how to do it. He said he'd get you one as a gift later."

Luo Yan believed that her brother would be able to afford a motorcycle when she got married, but she still shook her head: "I don't want one. He doesn't even have a wife yet. Why doesn't he save his money?"

Zhou Weifang knows his childhood friend very well, saying, "He just informed me about this matter."

Luo Yan snorted: "He only picks on the weak. If he's so capable, let me know."

Zhou Weifang was practically crushed into a persimmon shape by the siblings, and said with a wry smile, "Oh dear, I can't afford to offend my brother-in-law, and I can't afford to offend my wife either."

Luo Yan corrected him: "You're missing a modifier; it should be 'future'."

Zhou Weifang said pitifully, "My wedding date has been postponed until next year, so let me just talk about it."

Luo Yan reached out and pressed his forehead: "Go ahead, go ahead, what am I supposed to do if I don't agree?"

Zhou Weifang immediately took advantage of the situation and insisted that she call him "husband" so he could hear it.

Luo Yan couldn't bring herself to call out the name. Even though everyone was already at the stage of discussing marriage, it was a very formal matter for her.

She said, "I'll give you an IOU for this too, and I'll pay you back when we get married."

"An IOU?" Zhou Weifang said thoughtfully, "Then after we get married, no matter when or where, you'll have to pay me back."

His behavior was unsettling at all times and in all places, but Luo Yan emphasized, "It can only be when the two of us are alone together."

Alone? Zhou Weifang stared at her: "Absolutely alone."

His gaze made Luo Yan subconsciously swallow hard: "What mischief are you plotting?"

Zhou Weifang stated confidently, "It is absolutely reasonable and legal."

Luo Yan didn't quite believe it, but she couldn't guess what it was. Seeing that it was almost time for her to go to work, she didn't think about it too much and ate the rest of her food.

In the afternoon, she continued to observe traffic on the street, recording all the details. She then wrote the report on her day off and submitted it on Monday.

As Wu Huiling said, leaders often have already made up their minds about many things, and the report is just a formality.

But Director Zhang still called Luo Yan into his office and asked, "Tell me your thoughts these past few days."

Luo Yan succinctly recited what was written on the paper while observing the leader's expression.

Unfortunately, she wasn't good at this, and couldn't see any clues at all.

Director Zhang saw her clearly and thought to himself: She is energetic, has ideas, and is simple-minded; she is indeed worth nurturing.

She said, "I have read your report. It was written very carefully, and I can tell that you put in a lot of effort."

Luo Yan saw this as a scoring process and happily said, "Thank you, Director Zhang."

In any office, there's more than just simple work. Director Zhang intended to make her his confidante, saying, "Do a good job, and come to me anytime if you need anything."

Luo Yan had completely forgotten about the pedestrian overpass, but suddenly remembered it and hesitated slightly.

Although they hid quickly, the other side was too shrewd.

Director Zhang: "I'm your senior from school. I'm an old classmate of your teacher Wang. He specifically mentioned to me the other day at dinner that you're one of the top students in the department. Why would you hide anything from me?"

Luo Yan hesitated. She was never one to stand out, but then she thought that she was just a newcomer in her internship period, and who would take her words seriously?

Since you don't take it seriously, why not bring it up?

She said, "I was looking at it in Xidan that day and thought it would be a great place to build a pedestrian overpass."

A pedestrian overpass? Director Zhang: "What a coincidence, I mentioned it to the bureau last year, but the budget wasn't approved. I'm planning to bring it up again this year. No wonder your teacher Wang praised you. Here, could you draft this year's application report and let me take a look?"

Luo Yan was particularly efficient in receiving and executing tasks, and would dig out old materials for reference as soon as she left the leader's office.

Wu Huiling curiously leaned over for a look and said, "It's another pedestrian overpass."

Luo Yan asked her, "Did you mention it before?"

Wu Huiling lowered her voice: "Think about what kind of place that is. Building an overpass would require closing roads and rerouting, and it wouldn't be cheap. It wasn't approved last year."

With that in mind, Luo Yan knew which direction to take with this year's application.

She asked a few more questions about last year's details, and had a rough draft in her mind, but she was still missing a few pieces of data to support it, so she went upstairs to the archives to find the information.

After gathering all the things she wanted, she finally got to work late into the night, something she hadn't done in a long time, almost a month into her job.

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Author's note: Please do not apply the career line to reality; it is only for reference.

good evening!