While these people went out to wash their hands, Jiang Qiao asked a question with a puzzled look.
"Where's Miao Xin?"
Ning Hao sighed, "Miao Xin got married, and he was afraid his wife wouldn't be happy, so he didn't come with us."
Jiang Qiao looked at Ning Hao in surprise, "You're married? So fast, how come I didn't know?"
Ning Hao looked at Jiang Qiao with a smile. "Why would someone notify you, a student, to ask you to give a gift? They have to have the face to do that. It's just a ceremony. There's no hospitality. In this day and age, with so many people, no family can afford so much food. They'll just sprinkle some candy and eat some melon seeds. The two of you can put your bedding together and that's considered a wedding. Otherwise, what do you think? They really can't have a big celebration. They might have the confidence, but they don't have the ability."
Jiang Qiao agreed with this, "That's true. If we entertain them once, their family will probably be very upset. Sigh, marriage is different now. With a wife in charge, they won't be on the same page as you guys anymore."
Ning Hao smiled and didn't comment on Miao Xin anymore. The others had already washed their hands and came in. Ning Hao told everyone to hurry up and serve the food.
Jiang Qiao took out several bottles of fruit wine from the cabinet.
"No feast is complete without wine, but let's skip the baijiu. I have some fruit wine here; it'll add to the atmosphere, and it won't make you drunk—"
Fu Lin first opened a bottle of fruit wine and poured it for everyone. "Brothers, I'm just passing on this to you all. I wish you all a successful year ahead and good days every day."
The others echoed her sentiments, and Jiang Qiao smiled as she raised her glass. "Speaking of which, you all really need to keep improving. I wish you all promotions and that you can eat meat every day. Cheers!"
Once the alcohol was down their throats, the others forgot about drinking. They were mainly hungry and ate their food heartily, with no one having time to talk.
Ning Hao spoke up at this moment, "Don't you guys plan to move around? Are you still staying in the factory?"
Ou Ziyang gave a wry smile. "It's easier said than done. How can a worker like us move?"
Fu Lin waved his hand and said, "I'm not moving. My job is good, I have food and drink, and my boss values me. If anyone should move, let the two of them do it."
Guan Jiefang shook his head and said, "Haozi, it's not that we don't want to improve, but I barely graduated from junior high school, so my level is what it is. But Ouzi can think of a way, after all, he graduated from high school and has a certain level of education."
Ou Ziyang glanced at Ning Hao. "What, you have a plan?"
Ning Hao smiled and said, "I heard that the county committee is recruiting people, but there is an exam. I suggest you two give it a try. We'll see if it works out after the exam."
"Remember, no matter which one of you gets to go up, you'll have to protect Jiang Qiao for me. You all know about their family's situation."
Guan Jiefang nodded. "That's true. Ouzi, you should give it a try. I definitely can't do it, but maybe you can become an official in the future."
Ou Ziyang inquired about the details with great interest, and then put his arm around Ning Hao's shoulder, saying, "Brother, don't worry. If I really pass the exam, I'll protect Jiang Qiao for you in the future."
Jiang Qiao said with a smile, "Don't use me as an excuse. If you're going to take the exam, then take it seriously. Doing more practical things for us ordinary people in the future is better than anything else."
Ou Ziyang waved his hand and said, "This is still uncertain. Let's talk about it after you pass the exam. Jiefang, do you really not want to take the exam?"
Guan Jiefang shook his head. "I'm not going to suffer like that. Not everyone can sit in an office. I'd rather just be a worker. Buddy, remember, if you ever become an official, just look after me."
Don't worry, we're both principled people. We won't do anything illegal, and I certainly won't let you go against your conscience. But if I ever get caught dealing in something illegal, you'd better find a way to get me out.
Ning Hao sighed, "Be more careful in the future, try not to get caught. Alright, let's eat—"
After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, they gradually left, but Ning Hao stayed behind to help Jiang Qiao clean up.
Seeing that Ning Hao hadn't said a word, Jiang Qiao sensed that he had something on his mind. "What's wrong? Is there something bothering you? Tell me, and I'll help you figure it out."
Ning Hao chuckled and patted Jiang Qiao's hair. "Trying to comfort me? How old are you? I'm just afraid that even if I explained it, you wouldn't understand."
Jiang Qiao said nonchalantly, "What's there to not understand? It's just the ups and downs of life. I've encountered all sorts of hardships. Don't underestimate me just because I'm young. There are some experiences that you might not be able to understand."
"What's wrong? Are you on vacation? Did something happen at home?"
Ning Hao sighed and shook his head. "It's nothing, I just saw the things my mom left me. I miss her a bit. How could someone as wise as her just disappear like that?"
Jiang Qiao snorted, "You'll have to ask your father. If a man protects his woman and makes her happy, even if your mother isn't in good health, she won't die young. How should I put it? My gut feeling is that your father isn't a good person either. I'm telling you the truth, so don't be upset."
Ning Hao gave a wry smile and shook his head. "There's nothing to be unhappy about. He is him, and I am me. Even though I'm his son, I feel like we live in completely different worlds. I look down on my dad, and I look down on that woman even more."
Jiang Qiao thought to herself, this guy must have been provoked by something, otherwise he wouldn't be talking about his family in front of her.
"Whether you like it or not, you are still in the early stages of your career, and it will be easy for them to figure you out."
Especially that woman's methods, you've experienced them firsthand, and you might even stumble over her again in the future. Better safe than sorry.
Ning Hao, wiping the dishes in his hands, asked a question seemingly casually.
"Qiao'er, what do you think of me? I want to hear the truth."
Jiang Qiao looked up at him in surprise, "Why are you suddenly asking this?"
Ning Hao smiled and said, "I just want to hear what I'm like in other people's eyes?"
Jiang Qiao sighed and continued working with her head down. "You're smart, capable, and adaptable. You're also good-looking. To be honest, you'd be the type of girl many girls would like. Are you satisfied now?"
Ning Hao nodded, quite satisfied with Jiang Qiao's answer, and then he suddenly asked another question.
"Qiao'er, you're fifteen this year, not so young anymore. Have you thought about what kind of person you'll marry?"
Jiang Qiao was amused by Ning Hao's question. "Brother Ning Hao, your question is a bit far-fetched. Anyway, I haven't considered it yet. How should I put it, when I'm looking for a man, he has to be pleasing to the eye, treat me well, and have good character. These are the only things I can think of for now. As for other things, I'll think of them when the time comes."
Ning Hao's expression was much more serious this time, and even his tone was a little nervous. "Qiao'er, let's talk about something. If you really want to find a boyfriend in the future, could you consider me first?"
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