The two old men asked in unison, and Ning Hao could only shake his head and say, "Not yet, but it'll be soon. There must be something that's keeping you from contacting the family. Just wait at home."

Ma Liu sighed, "This girl, why is she not making a sound at all? She should make some noise so we know she's safe."

Gu Hanting walked in from behind and said, "What kind of trouble do you want Qiao'er to cause? Blow up a building or kill someone or set it on fire? This has already caused enough trouble. Don't let her cause any more trouble. Just live your life in peace."

Ning Hao arrived, and Ma Liu took the opportunity to express his plans: "I want to go and keep Lao Hou company, but they won't let me. Haozi, what do you think? Should I go?"

Ning Hao touched his nose. "Grandpa Liu, why don't you go? Master Hou is here, what are you worried about?"

Ma Liu shook his head. "Old Hou is quite capable, but I'm always worried about him if I'm not there. If I go, I might be able to help in some way. I know that place well."

Qiao Jie sighed, "Liu Zi, how old are you? So many years have passed. Some places have changed so much that you probably wouldn't even recognize them. Let's not go over there and cause trouble for others."

"What if we run into bad people? Don't go and cause trouble for the children. Just stay home with me and wait for them to come home."

Since Qiao Jie had spoken, Ma Liu couldn't insist on going. "Alright, then it's settled. If the girl still doesn't have any news, I really will go and look for her."

Qiao Jie and Gu Hanting exchanged a smile. "You're just used to being on the go. Are you not used to sitting at home all of a sudden?"

Qiao Jie was right; staying at home is just so boring.

There are only three old men, and their children are not at home. When Jiang Qiao was around, they would come back every two or three days. If all else failed, they would go to the city.

Now it's not possible. They won't even let them leave the village, for fear that bad people will kidnap them and use them as hostages to threaten their children.

"Hehe, big brother, you know me best. It's just that there are fewer people at home now, so it's not fun."

Gu Hanting smiled and said, "What do you mean it's not interesting? In a few days you will be going out to gather herbs. If you don't go with me, who will? Brother Qiao, who will?"

Remembering this, Ma Liu immediately became obedient and said, "Okay, I'll go with my older brother to gather herbs."

"By the way, Haozi, have you arranged for the things you had someone bring back?"

Ning Hao nodded with a smile, "Everything is arranged. We'll let Qiao'er handle it when she gets back. Seriously, you guys are really something else! Did you go out to play or go treasure hunting? There's so much stuff here."

Speaking of his trip, Ma Liu shook his head proudly, "Why not stay at home? What are we going out for? Who would go out to suffer without a purpose? We're going for good stuff to leave for my grandchildren. Besides, the girl likes that stuff, so let's get it."

Ning Hao got up and poured some medicinal wine for the old men. "Eat, eat. When I come back, I'll bring you some good food. Grandpa Liu, what would you like to eat?"

Ma Liu shook his head. "I don't want anything to eat. Just bring the person back to me. I have no other requests."

During the meal, Qiao Jie remembered something: "Haozi, when you leave, take some extra medicine from home, just in case."

Ma Liu nodded in agreement, "I think it's a good idea. Better safe than sorry. Haozi is quite skilled, but we're just worried about someone sabotaging us from behind. Bad guys don't have their names written on their foreheads, so let's bring more."

Ning Hao smiled and replied, "Okay, I'll listen to you."

After finishing her meal with the old man, not long after, two young men came over from the restaurant. They had come specifically to keep the old man company, in case something happened and Dong Kaizhen couldn't handle it alone.

Before leaving, Ning Hao gave them a few words of advice and then drove away.

Qiao Jie, Gu Hanting, and the other two sat on the kang (a heated brick bed). After a long silence, the old man finally spoke.

"Old Gu, is Haozi going to deal with Jiang Qiao this time?"

Gu Hanting sighed, "Haozi didn't say, but I guess it's related. Let's wait and see. Once he comes back, we'll all understand."

Ning Hao was also surprised that the document for his training trip arrived the very next day. According to the requirements, Ning Hao was the only one who met the criteria. This training was specifically for summarizing and exchanging information about the competition, so Liu Qingshan sent Ning Hao out directly.

As for Jiang Qiao, the next day, she went out to sell things with Hou Diankui. She didn't expect to run into any special envoys. Things are never that simple and easy.

The reason she didn't object was that she was bored at home. Making money was a small matter; she just wanted to see if Hou Diankui had any items that caught her eye.

Jiang Qiao's products have all been approved by Hou Diankui, so they're sure to sell well. They haven't been around for long, and the items in the box are almost all gone.

"Save some, we haven't even had lunch yet."

Jiang Qiao replied from inside the car, "Don't worry, we definitely won't go hungry, Master, just around the corner—"

The reason Hou Diankui turned was because there was a house ahead that belonged to her. Ma Liu had rented it out, and she hadn't had time to come and take a proper look. She had to take this opportunity to check it out properly, making sure no one had messed it up.

Fortunately, the house looks well-maintained from the outside, but it seems that everyone has gone to work and the front door is locked.

Jiang Qiao hesitated for a moment, and Hou Diankui glanced at the house and said, "Don't worry, your sixth grandfather came to check it out before, there's no problem, it's all occupied by respectable families."

Jiang Qiao smiled and said, "I thought he hadn't come. Since we're all respectable people, let's not go in. I'm just worried. That cobra is everywhere. What if he finds out through some channel that this house is in my name? What if he hides something here? I really won't be able to explain myself then."

Hou Diankui was taken aback for a moment. "You know what, we need to be careful about this. Let's do this: go back and I'll call Liu Zi to discuss it. This matter can't be taken lightly. We'll come back later. There's another house there; let's both go and take a look."

Jiang Qiao nodded. "I think it's a good idea. If you're going to investigate, you should first clarify things on my end. Otherwise, if something really happens, even if there's an inscription, I probably won't be able to escape either."

Jiang Qiao's caution impressed Hou Diankui; this girl was truly careful.

When the two of them came back from their stroll, there was nothing left. It was so delicious! People who had bought it before blocked the way when they saw Jiang Qiao and her group reappear, all wanting to buy the steamed buns she made. Even Jiang Qiao herself was a little surprised by how popular they were.

"No way, it's really that delicious? Mine is just a home-style recipe."

The buyer said with a smile, "Your food tastes like home cooking, but to us, it's an exceptional delicacy. Everyone's cooking is different."

So, you're naturally gifted, and we envy you too. Otherwise, we wouldn't be waiting here blocking your way. My grandson loves to eat it, and I had no choice but to come and try it out.