Chapter 188

Mr. Qiu was very happy to see Zhou Jiani. Her family also liked the gifts she brought and told her not to spend money like this in the future.

As a result, Zhou Jiani said that she had to pick up a set of storage stools tomorrow. She had the factory adjust the size and make them according to the existing layout of the Qiu family, and the style was also slightly changed.

Du Yunxin said angrily, "Jia Ni, we're not strangers. Auntie's gifts to you are a token of her care and love. You should accept them honestly, but don't be so calculating with Auntie. Keep the money you earn for yourself. If the family really needs anything and needs to use your resources, Auntie will definitely tell you, but don't spend so much money on ordinary visits."

Qiu Dongshu deeply agreed with this. They gave gifts partly because they felt they owed the girl something. After all, their son was in the army and couldn't accompany the girl to the movies or go to the park like other men. The girl couldn't rely on her man for help with anything. They were far away in the capital and couldn't be there to help her, so they could only give her some gifts.

It turned out that the gift the child gave back was no less valuable than the ones they had given out... Although it's a bit inappropriate to measure it by value, that's how they compared.

Calculating the matter so clearly with them only makes them feel more uncomfortable.

Qiu Hongzhen also said: "Your aunt is right. You should hold on to the money you earn in the future and don't be so estranged from your family."

Zhou Jiani knew Aunt Du and the others weren't just being polite; they were genuinely doing this for her own good, so she smiled and said, "I know, Grandpa Qiu, it's not really that expensive. These kinds of ornaments can last for years. I really wanted to share some of our local specialties with you."

Last time I only gave them a bag, which didn’t give me any idea of the richness of their knitting products.

Oh, how come Comrade Xiao Zhou is so good at talking?

Du Yunxin felt so relieved after hearing this that she couldn't stop smiling. She was even a little envious of Yu Huifang for having such a caring daughter. If this were her daughter... No, no, no, Jiani can't be her daughter. If Jiani became her daughter, what would happen to the iron tree in her family?

Qiu Hongzhen also laughed, thinking that Ze Ming's flower is the best if it doesn't bloom at all.

The meal was lively and warm.

During the meal, Qiu Hongzhen asked her about her work and future development plans.

Zhou Jiani didn't know if rumors about the college entrance exam had spread yet, so she said carefully, "I've been transferred to the county not long ago, and the Bin County Weaving Factory has just been established. Right now, we need to ensure stability, ensure the factory runs smoothly, and live up to the trust and expectations of the Party and the government..."

Qiu Hongzhen nodded with satisfaction.

The little girl is quite capable, but she is too young after all. The elders in her family cannot be around to guide her all the time, and they are worried that she will lose her direction.

Unexpectedly, the young woman knew what was going on, so she smiled and said, "It's good that you have a chance of success. The bigger the company, the more competition there is. You're young and you're being promoted quickly, so it's easy for others to notice you. Before the factory gets on track, no one dares to interfere, for fear of taking the blame for you. But the only thing they're afraid of is that once the factory develops well, some evildoers will emerge. You have to be smart, listen more, observe more, and learn to be more reserved when talking to others..."

Zhou Jiani didn't think Qiu Hongzhen was being pedantic; he was treating her like one. Furthermore, she had no experience as a cadre, so with such an elder willing to offer advice, she sat upright and listened attentively. She even discussed with Mr. Qiu the matter of County Magistrate Wang concurrently serving as secretary of the weaving factory.

Hearing that the county magistrate would provide "protective care" to the weaving factory and allow the factory director time to develop connections and build a solid foundation, Qiu Hongzhen praised him highly: "He is a good leader for the people. With such a leader in charge, why should you worry about the development of Bin County?"

With such a good cadre leading the way, Comrade Xiao Zhou's career should have fewer bumps.

Qiu Dongshu was worried that the little girl would not like this kind of preaching, but he did not expect that Zhou Jiani not only listened carefully, but also humbly asked the old man for advice.

Although Zhou Jiani has a plan, it does not prevent her from learning the experience of the older generation. Some principles are not only applicable in Bin County, but also in other places, and they are all integrated.

After dinner, Mr. Qiu and Qiu Dongshu went to the study to discuss business matters, and Du Yunxin took Zhou Jiani downstairs to show off her daughter-in-law.

There were many people in the courtyard holding palm-leaf fans to enjoy the cool air, chatting while watching a group of half-grown children running around and playing happily. There were also girls of the same age as Zhou Jiani walking in groups of three or four, strolling on the paths on both sides.

Du Yunxin brought Zhou Jiani out and instantly attracted a lot of attention.

"Doctor Du, this is Ze Ming's girlfriend, right?"

Du Yunxin replied with a smile: "Yes, this is my son's girlfriend, Zhou Jiani."

Or: "Yunxin, is your son's girlfriend here?"

Du Yunxin looked happy: "Yes..."

They walked along the way, responded to calls along the way, and then took Zhou Jiani with them to call for help.

As the future mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were about to leave the house, a middle-aged couple came towards them. The woman in the middle-aged couple took a closer look, then hurried over and said, "Lao Du, is this Jiani? I think she looks like her..."

"It's Jiani!" Du Yunxin hurriedly introduced Zhou Jiani, "Jiani, this is your Aunt Zhan, and that's your Uncle Bai, who are also Bai Haoyang's parents."

The person who greeted him turned out to be Bai Haoyang's mother. No wonder he could call out her name right away.

It seemed that Bai Haoyang's family had the group photo of them taken at Bin County Photo Studio, so it was not surprising that he recognized her.

Zhou Jiani smiled and said, "Hello, Aunt Zhan, hello, Uncle Bai."

Bai Haoyang's father nodded gently: "Hey, hello, Comrade Xiao Zhou."

"Jia Ni, I finally get to see you in person. Last time you came and left in such a hurry, I didn't realize how much of a shame it was..." Zhan Shuqing was very enthusiastic and waved her hand to let her husband, Lao Bai, go back by himself: "I'm going out for a walk with Lao Du and Jia Ni."

As soon as Bai Haoyang's father left, Zhan Shuqing said with a smile, "My kid mentioned you a lot when he came back..."

After she finished speaking, she realized that her words were a bit inappropriate. She naturally added Qiu Zeming's name and said, "They said how great the girl Zeming found was... He originally wanted to live out his days in the countryside, but seeing how hard you and Zeming worked, they didn't want to be left behind. If it weren't for your positive and striving spirit, I'm afraid he'd still be living out his days in the countryside. And Wanxia, that girl really adores you."

Zhan Shuqing is Yu Wanxia's aunt.

Zhou Jiani smiled and said, "Aunt Zhan, you're too polite. They're all talented people, and outstanding people are willing to work hard together to improve themselves. Bai Haoyang's position as factory director is now unanimously recognized by everyone in the factory. Wanxia is also working hard, and I believe she'll also achieve outstanding results in the near future."

Oh, how come this girl is so good at talking? Zhan Shuqing was so happy to hear that she couldn't stop laughing.

No wonder her son and Wanxia both admired this friend. No wonder she became Qiu Zeming's partner. Excellent people should be with excellent people. If she could have met him earlier... Never mind. There are no ifs. Du Yunxin really wants him.

He hurriedly asked Zhou Jiani how many days she would stay and what her plans were, and invited her to his home.

When she heard that Du Yunxin was going to take Zhou Jiani out for a stroll the day after tomorrow, she quickly said, "Take me with you then. I haven't been out for a stroll in a while. Although Jiani is Zeming's girlfriend, she's also a good friend of Haoyang and Wanxia. They're not strangers, so let's go out and have fun together for a day."

Zhou Jiani naturally had no objection. Seeing that she really didn't mind, Du Yunxin was also happy to have one more person to make it more lively. She said, "I'll go to your house the day after tomorrow to call you, and we'll go out for a walk."

Zhan Shuqing: "It's settled!"

The two elders and the younger one were chatting happily. After strolling along the road for a while, they turned around and returned to the compound, talking and laughing.

"Doctor Du."

They had just entered the courtyard and walked a short distance when they heard someone calling Du Yunxin. The three of them turned around. Du Yunxin's expression flashed with a slight discomfort, but she still greeted her cheerfully and generously, "Ai Lan." She then looked at the young girl next to her, "Xiao Jun!"

"Auntie Du!"

Zhao Xiaojun was wearing a light yellow dress with blue plaid and had two ponytails. She looked youthful and lovely. After she came closer, her eyes fell on Zhou Jiani's face and she looked at her inquiringly.

I didn't look carefully last time, and I only remember that face was stunning in a flash. Later, I hadn't seen it for a long time, and I vaguely thought that it might be an illusion she had. Now that I look at it carefully from a close distance, I suddenly find that this face seems even more stunning than last time.

She didn't want to, but had to admit that it would be hard to find a face that could compare with this beauty even in the capital.

But...that cold and noble young man shouldn't be a vulgar person who cares about his appearance.

But the handsome and aloof young man actually chose the stunningly beautiful Zhou Jiani.

Zhao Xiaojun lowered his eyelids to suppress the bitterness that was rising in his eyes.

Zou Ailan also saw Zhou Jiani. When she saw her face clearly, she sighed deeply and asked Du Yunxin with a smile, "Is this Ze Ming's girlfriend?"

Du Yunxin's hearty smile was filled with unconcealable joy. It was obvious that she was very willing to show off her future daughter-in-law to others. She said, "Yes, Zeming's girlfriend is Zhou Jiani. Jiani, call her Aunt Zou."

Zhou Jiani: "Aunt Zou!"

Du Yunxin then gracefully introduced Zhao Xiaojun, "This is your Aunt Zou's daughter, Zhao Xiaojun. She is two years older than Ze Ming. You should follow Ze Ming and call her Sister Xiaojun."

Zhou Jiani also recognized this girl. She was the girl who had talked to Qiu Zeming on the way when Qiu Zeming rode his bike to the compound last time.

The older sister of Qiu Zeming's childhood friend.

Zhou Jiani smiled and said, "Hello, Sister Xiaojun."

Zhao Xiaojun's expression and smile were a little stiff, and he said softly, "Hello!"

Zou Ailan smiled and exchanged a few words, then took her daughter past them and went home.

After entering the room, Zou Ailan's smile fell, and she said sternly, "You have to give up on me, even if you don't want to. Du Yunxin is so protective of her, it's obvious that she really likes this daughter-in-law. Don't make both families look bad."

Just introduce her to Zhou Jiani. What's the meaning of mentioning that she is two years older?

Zhao Xiaojun burst into tears: "Her family is just an ordinary working class family. There is such a huge gap in strength between us and the Qiu family. They can't help Qiu Zeming at all..."

Zou Ailan said angrily, "Du Yunxin always goes there to celebrate Chinese New Year. How could they not know what kind of family she comes from? If they know and still like her so much, it shows that they are truly satisfied with this daughter-in-law. Besides, if Qiu Zeming wanted to find someone who could help him, why would he choose this girl? Now everyone approves of her, which shows that they don't care about this at all. Can you wake up?"

Zhao Xiaojun lay on the table and cried: "I can't wake up."

Zhao Xiaocheng walked in sweating profusely, spinning a basketball in his hands. Noticing the off-kilter atmosphere at home, he asked, "What's going on?"

Zou Ailan said with a look of disappointment: "I saw Qiu Zeming's girlfriend today..."

Zhao Xiaocheng's eyes lit up: "Zeming's boyfriend is here? That's great. Last time I came in such a hurry I didn't even see him. This time, no matter what, I have to ask everyone to set up a party for my sister-in-law."

Zou Ailan glared at him and winked at him. Zhao Xiaocheng knew his sister's feelings for Qiu Zeming, but his brother was not open to his sister. He couldn't force such things, so he said, "Just accept it. You and Zeming are not that destined. You make me embarrassed in front of my brother..."

Zhao Xiaojun angrily asked, "Which side are you on? Are you my brother or not?"

Zhao Xiaocheng said unhappily, "Zhao Xiaojun, can you please be reasonable? Is it useful to take sides in matters of the heart..."

Seeing her two children about to start arguing, Zou Ailan quickly scolded them, "Shut up, keep your voices down! Aren't you ashamed if the neighbors hear you? Xiaojun, go stay in your company dormitory for two days tomorrow. Xiaocheng, don't claim to be my sister-in-law. Just like your sister, go back to the company dormitory tomorrow and don't embarrass yourself at home."

Zhou Jiani didn't know that someone was arguing with her. She said goodbye to Zhan Shuqing on the way, followed Du Yunxin back home, grabbed her things and took a shower.

When she returned to the room, Du Yunxin brought in a glass of milk and said with a smile, "Drink some milk and you'll sleep well at night."

Zhou Jiani felt warm in her heart and said with a smile, "Thank you, Aunt Du."

Du Yunxin didn't leave, but sat down on a nearby chair. She was always outspoken, and worried that if she didn't say anything, someone might start gossiping in front of Jiani, which would be even more serious. So she said bluntly, "The Zhao Xiaojun I met tonight is the older sister of Zhao Xiaocheng, Zeming's childhood friend. She's older than Zeming, and Zeming has always treated her like a sister. But before Zeming went to the countryside, your Aunt Zou came to our house and hinted that she wanted to marry into a relationship with our families. I didn't agree, and besides, Zeming has no such intention at all."

The key point is that her son was even more distant from female lesbians than the monk at that time. She even thought that her son might be a bachelor for the rest of his life. Who knew that after going to the countryside, he met his destiny and brought back... Oh no, such a good partner.

Du Yunxin patted Zhou Jiani's hand and said, "There are a lot of good people in this compound. I'm afraid you might misunderstand something you heard later, so I'm going to be honest with you first."

Qiu Zeming hadn't mentioned last time that Zhao Xiaojun's mother had mentioned wanting to marry someone from the same family. She smiled broadly, displaying her magnanimity, and said, "Don't worry, Auntie. I trust Zeming, and you've given me great support tonight. I know what's going on. Besides, Zeming is so outstanding. If there wasn't a single girl interested in him, I'd be worried..."

Worried that there's something wrong with him.

Du Yunxin was relieved and gave him a few words of advice with a smile. Finally, she said, "We get up early for work in the morning, so you don't have to rush us. It's a rare day off, so take a good rest and get enough sleep before getting up."

"Okay Auntie Du!"

There was a burst of hurried voices coming from the main entrance on the first floor. After a moment, it returned to silence. Zhou Jiani opened the door and walked to the stairs, saying, "Auntie Du."

Du Yunxin looked up and smiled, "Your Aunt Zhan sent a watermelon. I'll soak it in water and you can eat it tomorrow." She added, "Go back to the room and rest."

Zhou Jiani returned to the room, humming and thinking about writing a letter to settle accounts with someone, but after thinking about it, she decided to let him go for the time being to prevent him from being distracted on the battlefield. She took out a piece of letter paper and began to write about the warm daily life she had spent with his family since she came to the capital.

Oh, I am really a qualified candidate.

As for that account, I'll wait for that person to come back and settle it with him for several times the amount.

On the other side, Qiu Zeming returned to the base and ran to their battalion commander's office in a hurry without even having time to eat. On the way, his nose felt itchy and he couldn't help sneezing. He rubbed his nose, straightened his military uniform covered with mud, and shouted a report.

Company Commander Dong Kang knew he had just returned from a mission and assumed he was here to report on his work. He even glanced at his watch and said tolerantly, "Haven't you eaten yet? There's no rush to report on your work right now. Go eat first."

Qiu Zeming said sternly, "Report, I'd like to request a call home."

Dong Kang was surprised for a moment, and asked with concern: "Is there anything urgent at home?"

They came back late and didn't have dinner until after eight o'clock. If it was something important, couldn't they call after dinner?

Qiu Zeming still had a serious expression, but a smile that could not be suppressed overflowed from his eyes: "Report, my partner went to my house."

Dong Kang: ...