As Jiang Xile left, the educated youth settlement became lively. Not only at the settlement, but in every corner of the village, people were discussing the day's events.

Suddenly unable to go up the mountain, the villagers seemed to have nothing to do, gathering in twos and threes and talking amongst themselves.

In fact, not only the Progressive Brigade, but all the villages and towns around Phoenix Mountain were notified that no one was allowed to enter the back mountain without permission.

Zhang Zhenghao was already at the designated location, waiting for the main force to arrive.

This time, he also benefited from misfortune. While being chased by the wolf pack, he inadvertently found a large number of weapons left behind by Xiaoben, as well as some experimental equipment.

The only pity was that no one was caught alive. There were only a few corpses wearing wooden clogs and some documents that had not been completely destroyed in the cave, which could prove the identities of these people.

This mission has come to an end. Once the troops have transported the weapons and equipment away, Phoenix Mountain will be open to all.

At the same time, Zhang Zhenghao no longer needed to continue as Zhang the Hunter. After shedding his layers of disguise, he was also a handsome young man.

In the capital, Jiang Yanshu had already arranged all her affairs for the short term and was preparing to travel to Sweet City accompanied by two subordinates.

Unexpectedly, just as he stepped out of the National Security Bureau's gate, he was stopped by a communications officer who was running up behind him.

"Director Jiang, your former boss is on the phone. He wants you to go back right now. He'll call back in five minutes."

He took a deep breath. Although he felt extremely reluctant and helpless, he quickly adjusted his emotions. His soldier's intuition told him that this matter was definitely no small thing.

"Ring ring..."

Just as Jiang Yanshu reached the phone, it rang. He answered it decisively without hesitation.

"Hello, I am Jiang Yanshu!"

"Yan Shu, there is an extremely important and urgent task that requires your immediate attention..."

On the other end of the phone, the leader's voice was steady and powerful, every word striking a chord in Jiang Yanshu's heart, making him involuntarily straighten his spine.

"Yes, mission accomplished!"

The planned trip to Sweet City had to be interrupted, and the reunion with his daughter had to be postponed for the time being.

A barely perceptible sadness flashed in Jiang Yanshu's eyes; it was a deep sense of guilt towards his daughter. He had failed to fulfill his responsibilities as a father, and he felt indebted to her emotionally.

But this feeling was quickly replaced by a stronger belief—that soldiers are duty-bound to obey orders.

Personal feelings and desires must always yield to national interests.

He knew that he wasn't the only one; countless others were working silently and selflessly for the prosperity and development of the country.

It is thanks to these people who stepped forward at critical moments, burying their personal feelings deep in their hearts and prioritizing the overall interests of the country that we have such a great deal of strength.

Only then can an impregnable wall of national security be built, safeguarding the peace and tranquility of this land.

Only with a country can there be a home. Only when the country is stable can the family be stable. If you protect the country, you are also protecting your daughter.

Jiang Yanshu buried all her thoughts deep in her heart and threw herself back into her work, arranging her tasks in an orderly manner.

After much searching, Jiang Xile finally found a skilled old tailor in Songzhan Commune.

In the long and narrow alley, there was an inconspicuous little house, which was the old tailor's residence.

Jiang Xile gently knocked on the door, and after a short while, an elderly man with graying temples opened the door from the inside.

Who are you looking for?

"Excuse me, is this Zhou the tailor's house?"

"What Zhou tailor... There's no such person! You've come to the wrong place! Get out of here!"

The old man paused for a moment, then began to shoo people away, but Jiang Xile quickly stopped him from closing the door.

"I was introduced by Sister Zhao from the supply and marketing cooperative. I want to have a garment made; I have no ill intentions!"

It was quite an achievement for Jiang Xile to find this tailor, Zhou.

Zhou the tailor's boss used to be a teacher at the commune's primary school. Later, he was labeled a "stinking intellectual" because of the revolution, and Zhou the tailor's shop suffered as a result.

After his wife passed away, Zhou the tailor moved here. He rarely came into contact with outsiders and only occasionally took odd jobs from acquaintances to make a living.

To avoid unnecessary trouble, he refuses to accept any jobs that are not with acquaintances or that are not introduced by acquaintances.

When Jiang Xile mentioned Sister Zhao from the supply and marketing cooperative, Zhou the tailor stopped insisting on chasing her away.

"What do you do?!"

"You must be Zhou the tailor! I'm an educated youth from Suzhou, and I'm currently working in the Progressive Brigade."

I bought a nice piece of fabric in Sweet City a while ago and wanted to make a trench coat, so that's why I found out about your place!

Having understood Jiang Xile's background, Zhou the tailor was no longer so nervous. He released the wooden door he was holding and said:

"Since you were introduced by Xiao Zhao, please come in and talk!"

"Okay, thank you for your help!"

Jiang Xile followed Zhou the tailor into the house.

The room wasn't big, about the same size as the small storage room she lived in at the educated youth settlement. But though small, it had everything she needed. Under the window, a sewing machine was prominently displayed.

"This is the fabric. Take a look. I want to make a long one, not too long, about thigh length is fine!"

Jiang Xile took out the fabric and held it up against herself, describing the style she wanted.

Zhou the tailor nodded.

"I'm getting old, and my eyesight isn't very good. I can do what you're saying, but it will take a bit longer."

I still have some work to finish. Can you leave the fabric here and come pick up the clothes in about two weeks?

"It will take half a month!"

"Since we were introduced by acquaintances, I certainly wouldn't cheat you on my skills. As the saying goes, slow and steady wins the race!"

"But half a month is still too long. It's getting cold now, and I'm still waiting to wear it. How about this, ten days? Is that okay?"

"Ten days!"

Zhou the tailor frowned and pondered for a moment.

"Ten days is a bit tight, but it's about right. Old man, I'll make it in time. Come and pick it up in ten days!"

Jiang Xile was very happy to get the answer she wanted.

"How much is the labor fee? Will I pay you when I pick up the clothes?"

"The labor fee is five yuan, and the cost of buttons and lining is separate."

Jiang Xile nodded. That made sense, but five yuan for the workmanship was quite a lot. Hopefully, the tailor's skills this week would be worth the price.

"As long as the clothes are well made, the labor fee is not a problem. I can settle the payment when I come to pick up the clothes, is that okay?"

"Of course! Since you've decided to do it, I'll take your measurements!"

"Okay, go ahead and measure!"