"That would put them in danger."

"Hehe, don't worry, we have people there. Actually, we've had this idea for a long time, but we just haven't been able to transport it over."

"Hehe, does this count as theft? Doesn't it infringe on someone's intellectual property rights?"

"Yes, that's why I don't want you involved, but only you have the ability. Actually, I've negotiated with them about this issue too many times, but to no avail. A humiliating defeat for the nation is absolutely unacceptable."

I sent people over to learn, but they couldn't learn the core technology at all.

"Brother Zhang, why don't you select some skilled craftsmen to go over there?"

"Heh, it's not that easy. They'll thoroughly verify your files. Nobody's a fool."

"Now that you mention it, I feel a little guilty. Do you think we could attract foreign investment? We can provide them with conveniences. Besides, we have a vast territory and abundant resources. Businessmen are profit-driven, and with enough incentives, no one can resist."

“I’ve tried, but I haven’t had a chance to have a detailed discussion, and the people I sent over haven’t responded yet.”

“Then I’ll give it a try. If there’s a proper way, we won’t have to resort to methods that are criticized by others.”

"Okay, my wife is capable."

"You're really shameless. Brother Zhang, if I still don't have any romantic feelings for you when I grow up, can we just be brother and sister?" Zhang Hongmei's playful tone vanished, replaced by a serious and earnest expression as she spoke to Zhang Shouyi.

"Okay, if you're older and I still can't get you to accept me, then we'll be family." Ha, how could that be? Why would I let the duck that's already in my mouth fly away? Saying that is just to reassure her.

Zhang Hongmei felt much more relaxed now that she had let go of her burden.

Looking at Zhang Hongmei, who was laughing happily, Zhang Shouyi also laughed. Sigh, she's still too naive.

After dinner, Zhang Hongmei continued her conversation with Wang Xinyi, while Zhang Shouyi sat listening. His thoughts, however, had already drifted far away. Could his wish finally come true? He hoped the girl would succeed; after all, it was a good thing for the country and its people.

Sunday was spent studying, and no one disturbed Zhang Hongmei. Even when they spoke in the yard, they kept their voices down.

Zhang Hongmei saw Wang Ying at the dinner table. Seeing that she was in much better condition, her guilt lessened a bit.

On Monday morning, as soon as I arrived at the school gate, I saw Shan Mianzhi coming to greet me.

Good morning, Chairman Shan.

"Hongmei, let's talk."

Seeing Zhang Hongmei's somewhat helpless expression, Shan Mianzhi immediately assured her, "Give me ten minutes, it won't affect your class."

"Okay, let's go to the playground."

The two walked in silence to the center of the playground. Zhang Hongmei stopped and asked, "Chairman Shan, is there something important?"

Dan Mianzhi paced back and forth a few steps, as if he were having an internal struggle. "Hongmei, was what Zhang Shouyi said on Friday night true?"

"Does it really matter whether this is true or false? Chairman Shan, you are just my senior."

Upon hearing Zhang Hongmei's words, Shan Mianzhi immediately slumped his shoulders.

Zhang Hongmei waited for a few minutes, but Shan Mianzhi did not say anything.

"Chairman Shan, I'm going back now. I've missed too many classes, I need to catch up quickly." With that, he turned and left.

A week passed like this. Zhang Shouyi came home for dinner every night and would accompany Zhang Hongmei to study foreign languages. If they had enough time, the two would also play a couple of games of chess. Gu Chuanming came home on Thursday, and Zhang Hongmei didn't notice anything amiss.

The semester's final exams are next week, but Zhang Hongmei isn't too nervous. Her expectations aren't high; she just doesn't want to fail any courses. It would be too embarrassing to fail. As for being number one, she shouldn't even dream of it.

Zhang Hongmei has now gotten used to Zhang Shouyi coming home every day; it's become a habit.

On Friday night, Gu Chuanming suggested going out for dinner together, and Zhang Hongmei readily agreed. The intense studying over the past two weeks had left her feeling a bit tired, and going out to relax was just what she needed.

The old man wanted to eat hot pot with mutton, and Zhang Hongmei didn't mind. The whole family came, filling both cars perfectly.

When the manager saw that an important person had arrived, he hurriedly left the people he was chatting with and went to greet him.

"How many of you have arrived? Please come in quickly." The manager ushered them into a private room, where a waiter had already brought tea.

"Boss, should I take a look and decide?"

"OK."

"Everyone, we have lamb spine hot pot today, is that alright?" Although the manager was asking everyone, he was actually looking at Zhang Hongmei and asking her directly.

"Grandpa, is it okay?"

"Hehe, let's try it."

Throughout the meal, Zhang Hongmei didn't lift a finger; Zhang Shouyi served her the whole time. Everyone at the table was used to it, but the manager who brought the food was relieved that he had shown the young woman absolute respect.

Apart from the two young men, everyone else present was quite health-conscious, so they didn't eat too much at night, which benefited Xiao Li and Chengzi.

"Hongmei, the results will be out next week after the exams, right?"

"Yes, the notice says the graduation ceremony is on Friday, and then we'll get our results. How did this year's college entrance exam go?"

"Not bad. Did one of your students get into the Capital University?"

"Boy or girl?"

“The boy is Song Zigan, whom you know.”

"Heh! This kid is not bad. I'm leaving for the holidays. Uncle Li, keep an eye on my letters. If Song Zigan comes over while I'm away, make sure you treat him well."

"Yes, I will keep an eye on all three and won't miss any messages."

"Grandpa, you don't need to come with me. I'm going by myself. I'm not even bringing Wang Ying with me."

"Understood. Have Xingguo call us when we arrive."

"Hehe, I know. I'm still a week away from leaving. Look at your long face. I'll bring you something delicious when I come back."

"Hmph, what good food could there be in that place? They're just trying to fool me."

"How could that be? Every place has its own unique cuisine."

"So you went over there to eat?"

"Hehe. Since we're already there, we should at least enjoy ourselves."

Wang Ying was anxiously trying to say something, but she couldn't interrupt them. Chengzi patted her hand.

Zhang Hongmei also noticed Wang Ying's anxiety. "Wang Ying, I really have something to do this time. Just stay home and wait for me. Also, you need to work on your foreign language studies as soon as Aunt Wang comes back."

“But it’s too far for you to drive alone, so I’ll drive for you.”

Neither Zhang Shouyi nor Gu Chuanming spoke. They were helpless against Zhang Hongmei and couldn't persuade her. It would be best if someone could convince her.

"Really, there's no need. I'll arrive in about half a month. Don't worry, just stay home and wait for my guest. Just make sure he's well taken care of."