So Zhao Nianmeng didn't say anything, she just nodded.

"Team Leader Lin, you've worked hard. We'll discuss this further later."

"good!"

Lin Jiafu's expression froze slightly. He wondered if he was being paranoid, but he sensed that Zhao Nianmeng's tone was somewhat perfunctory.

But I still answered happily.

...

Jiang Sheng and Zhao Defu rested at their own home for a while, but because the weather was too hot, they went to the home of Zhao Defu's uncle, Zhou Yongming.

Jiang Sheng was incredibly bored, and with his mind preoccupied with his older sister's affairs, he had absolutely no interest in playing games.

In the end, Zhao Defu insisted on dragging him along. In order to distract himself, Jiang Sheng reluctantly watched TV with Zhao Defu for a while to pass the time.

There was no other way; it was just too hot outside, and discos weren't common in Yanjing City yet. Otherwise, he really wanted to take Zhao Defu to a disco for some cool-down time, since they would definitely have air conditioning there.

The two played until nearly evening. Zhou Yongming was busy with business and not at home, so Jiang Sheng did not plan to stay at Zhao Defu's house for dinner.

Jiang Sheng greeted him and was about to leave when Zhao Defu called him back.

"What's wrong?"

Zhao Defu scratched his head and chuckled at Jiang Sheng, saying, "It's nothing much, I just had too much fun today and forgot to tell you."

"What?"

"My uncle is busy today, so if I'm going to see you today, I'll let you know in advance. The factory's paperwork should be almost done by tomorrow, and the paperwork should be ready the day after tomorrow."

"Really? That's wonderful!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Sheng's face lit up with joy: "That's wonderful! Uncle must still be busy today. I'll treat him to dinner another day!"

It was already past six or seven o'clock in the evening. In the 1980s, people ate dinner quite early, and dinner was usually ready by 6:30.

Zhou Yongming hadn't returned by then, so it would probably be a long time before he came back.

“My uncle has a business deal to discuss, and he’s been leaving early and coming home late lately. Even when I’m home, I don’t get to see him much.”

So, does that mean Jiang Sheng won't be able to see Zhou Youming today?

He nodded, not minding at all: "It's alright, I'll have plenty of time in Yanjing City in the future, I'll come to visit my uncle another day."

After saying that, Jiang Sheng waved to Zhao Defu: "My older sister has something to do at her factory, so I have to hurry home and wait for news. I'm leaving now!"

Zhao Defu knew that Jiang Sheng's sister was a strong woman, and upon hearing this, he nodded in understanding. Then, as if he had thought of something, he quickly moved closer to Jiang Sheng.

What are you doing, you little brat?

Jiang Sheng frowned, looking at Zhao Defu's grinning face, and rolled his eyes speechlessly: "So, what do you need my help with this time?"

Jiang Sheng was already used to this kid's expression whenever he needed something from him.

"No, nothing else important!"

Zhao Defu chuckled: "Well... I haven't seen my eldest sister in a long time. When are you free? How about you take me, my eldest sister, and my second sister out for a meal?"

Zhao Defu's words only made things worse. They immediately reminded Jiang Sheng of his childhood, when the chubby boy would chase after his four older sisters every day.

"You're hopeless!"

Jiang Sheng slapped Zhao Defu on the back lightly, laughing and scolding, "Considering how well you treated my older sisters when you were little, I'll take you and my two older sisters out to dinner another day."

"Sheng-ge is still the best to me!"

"Give me a break," Jiang Sheng warned, "You can have dinner, but if you want to be my brother-in-law, that's a no-go!"

"Hehe, how could I dare to have such thoughts?" Zhao Defu quickly assured him, "I'm just having a meal, but then again..."

Zhao Defu couldn't help but ask in confusion, "Ever since we arrived in Yanjing City, all I've heard you say is that you live with your two older sisters. What about your third and fourth sisters?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Sheng casually said as he walked forward, "They're not in Yanjing City these days. Let's talk about it when they return!"

It's true that my third sister teaches at a university, but it seems that due to school reasons, she's been undergoing teacher training in Gangcheng this summer, so we probably won't see each other until the new semester starts.

As for my fourth sister, she has been conducting confidential research in the hospital's research lab due to work reasons, so I probably won't see her for another two or three months.

"Okay, you should go back and get some rest. I'll contact you again once the factory's license is issued."

Jiang Sheng nodded, said goodbye to Zhao Defu, and rode his bicycle home quickly.

It was already seven o'clock in the evening. Second sister Zhao Xuehui had already prepared dinner when she happened to see Jiang Sheng return.

"Come and have dinner as soon as you get back."

The second sister seemed to be in a good mood. Thinking of the love letter from last night, Jiang Sheng washed his hands, sat down at the dining table, and tentatively asked her.

"By the way, second sister, can I see the poem you wrote?"

My second sister has always loved poetry, so if we start with poetry, we might be able to get some useful information from her.

“You little rascal,” Zhao Xuehui saw right through Jiang Sheng’s thoughts, “Are you trying to subtly ask me about the letter from last night?”

Although my second sister has a straightforward temper, she is also very intelligent.

Jiang Sheng knew he couldn't hide it from Zhao Xuehui, so he chuckled and confessed, "I've just recently become quite interested in poetry, so I was really curious about that letter."

"I think you're not curious about the letter, but you simply don't trust Teacher Zhou."

Despite her words, Zhao Xuehui eventually took out the letter without hesitation.

"It's not that you can't see it. Just tell your second sister what's on your mind in the future. Don't beat around the bush. It's just a letter, right? Go ahead and read it. It's not what you think."

Seeing his second sister's carefree and unashamed demeanor, Jiang Sheng became even more curious.

Looking at that letter, and then at my second sister's generous and open demeanor.

Jiang Sheng extended his hand halfway, but ultimately withdrew it.

"What's wrong?" Zhao Xuehui raised her eyebrows slightly, looking surprised as her younger brother pulled his hand back. "Weren't you quite curious? I've already given you the letter, why aren't you reading it?"

"I'm not watching anymore."

Jiang Sheng shook his head honestly, picked up some food, and took a bite of his steamed bun.