"How so?"

"It's that noble air about him. I've seen photos of the leader, but I've never met him in person, yet he doesn't have that princely air about him."

"Hehe, I'm starting to understand."

Huang Meihua shook her head. "You don't understand. Hongmei, when you wear red and don't say anything, your demeanor there is very similar to that of a prince."

Ha! So you mean my inner qualities aren't enough? Zhang Hongmei laughed after asking herself that question?

"A little, but that's only comparable to a prince. Of all the people I know and have met, your temperament is the best."

"Hehe, that's a biased view. I'm the person you've chosen. Of course you see everything about me as perfect!"

The two elderly people smiled after hearing Zhang Hongmei's words.

"That's not true. I've met the princess too. She's not comparable to you."

"Haha, in your eyes, your own children are all the best."

Beth listened to the two women discussing this topic and was truly speechless. It seems that women of all ages value these things immensely.

He wasn't solely attracted to Huang Meihua because of her looks. But women's thoughts can be quite frightening; they focus solely on a man's appearance, which, in a way, makes them even more lustful than men.

"You two chat, I'm going out for a walk!" I really didn't want to listen to them anymore and decided to go outside. I couldn't waste this opportunity to have fun; how could I stay indoors?

The two women watched Beth leave, then burst into laughter. Who says men don't care what others think of their appearance?

“Hongmei, you are really bold. I have lived in the McCann family for so many years and I have never mentioned wanting to fight for weapons for the country.”

Zhang Hongmei looked at Huang Meihua with confusion, "Godmother, does this have anything to do with it?"

"You have such a simple mindset. I am the matriarch of the household, Beth's wife, and Carlos's mother. Even with these identities, I have never had the opportunity to handle weapons."

The McCann family rose to prominence because of weapons; it's their lifeblood. Do you think they would let it slip away?

The reason I have a place in the family is because I haven't crossed their bottom line. Do you think this big family is controlled by Beth or Carlos?

Not entirely. Those elders who are usually quiet want peace within the family. Therefore, they generally support the patriarch in matters. Believe me, if someone were to actually try to sell the family's weapon blueprints, they would face strong opposition from the elders.

Zhang Hongmei nodded. "I understand. It would be best if it could work out. I was just worrying for no reason. Actually, the leaders never mentioned this issue. I only asked because I suddenly remembered that my family owns a weapons factory."

"I'm sorry to have put you two in such a difficult position. As I said, it would be best if it could be done, but if not, so be it. Actually, it's not like we don't have advanced weapons in China. I reckon we should be able to mass-produce them within ten years, after all, we've already developed atomic bombs and satellites."

"Yes, our country is developing so fast, and a group of patriotic people have joined us."

The two ended the topic, as it wasn't appropriate to discuss it further.

"Hongmei, I've always been curious, how did you and the leader meet?"

Zhang Hongmei laughed heartily, "I met his father first. I was young and ignorant back then, and I talked back to the old man. As a result, the old man wanted to recognize me as his goddaughter, but I disagreed. Gradually, I got to know him."

Zhang Hongmei didn't say much; some things are better left unsaid. Besides, it was her private matter.

Huang Meihua smiled too. She believed what Zhang Hongmei said; although she might not have mentioned the main reason, she was sure it was true.

"Grandma, Mom, what are you talking about? You seem so happy."

"Hehe, we were just talking about your mom. Is Annie sleeping well?"

"Yes, that's very good. Mom, didn't you get any rest?"

Zhang Hongmei nodded, "Mom doesn't usually take a nap, which is very bad. Children, like you, must develop good habits."

“Let’s go for a walk outside, the three of us. Seeing all this greenery makes me feel so relaxed.” Huang Meihua stood up and took Annie’s hand.

After dinner, Zhang Hongmei returned to her room and wrote down in detail what had happened that day for Zhang Shouyi.

After reading his wife's letter, Zhang Shouyi was at a loss for words. This girl, who usually seemed quite shrewd, why did she make such a blunder from time to time? It was no wonder she wouldn't agree to his requests.

"Honey, don't worry about these things. Just focus on your studies and come back soon. Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."

Zhang Hongmei is now lying in bed, feeling like an idiot. But what's done is done. Can she take it back?

And so, the four of them stayed there for several days, and Zhang Hongmei gained even more favor from Huang Meihua. Beth also grew to admire her even more.

Thursday morning. The driver was supposed to pick them up. Carlos was very busy making plans for next week, so he didn't come.

The four of them arrived home at noon. After lunch, Zhang Hongmei took Annie home.

I haven't seen Wang Xinyi for several days. Her belly seems to have gotten bigger again.

Zeng Zhongkang was very dissatisfied with Zhang Hongmei being away for so many days, but he had no right to say anything, as he himself was extremely busy.

Cheng Guangxu didn't care about any of that. "Hongmei, you go out to play, and I don't even have a chance."

"Even if I take you there, you'll just be reading in a different place. What's the point?"

Everyone in the family laughed. Cheng Guangxu wanted to retort, but couldn't think of anything to say for a moment. Actually, if he really had to choose between staying home to do his research or going out to play, he definitely wouldn't go out. He was just a little resentful that Zhang Hongmei hadn't come back for several days.

"Aunt Wang, I'm going to country Y next week. Could you ask the doctor if I can fly?"

Wang Xinyi shook her head, touching her belly, "I'm not going anywhere. I'll wait until he's born and a few years later before I go out to play."

"Hongmei, can you go abroad from here?"

"Carlos went to get my identity certificate, and Cheng Guangxu and the other two also got theirs done."

“Then I’ll go too,” Zeng Zhongkang said, not as a question, but as a statement.

“I’ll go too!” Cheng Guangxu quickly agreed.

"I'll go too!"

"Okay, let's all go, but don't blame me if you don't have time."

None of the three took Zhang Hongmei's words to heart.

Annie kept staring at Wang Xinyi's belly. "Grandma Wang, when will the baby be born?"

Wang Xinyi held Annie's hand and placed it on her stomach, but suddenly she moved, startling Annie. She quickly pulled her hand back.