Chapter 027 The Exploration Team Arrives
The day of the third branch of the Jiang family began with Jiang Mancheng's cold sneer.
"She got a bargain."
After listening to his daughter's lecture on Ma Honghua, Jiang Mancheng sneered twice and said rather unwillingly, "Since you've already taken action, I can't interfere any further. I have to give Xiaogui some respect. This Ma Honghua is just lucky to marry into our Jiang family, otherwise she would have suffered a lot."
Chen Jinhua applauded her daughter. Although she had a bad temper and strong fighting skills, she was not as devious as Jiang Mancheng. This straightforward approach suited her temperament and she felt that this was the most satisfying way to relieve her anger.
The family quickly washed up and headed to the main hall for breakfast. Seeing Ma Honghua, Jiang Mancheng immediately smiled, his face full of kindness. He asked, "Second sister-in-law, did you clean up the manure yesterday? Don't tell me there was something dirty on it when we were eating. It would be a shame to ruin everyone's mood to eat so early in the morning, wouldn't it?"
Ma Honghua's face immediately drooped. Helplessly, her son was by her side. She promised him that she would not find fault with the family anymore. She just snorted loudly, pretending she didn't hear anything.
Jiang Mancheng didn't care either. He hummed a song happily and felt very happy.
Revenge doesn't have to be a grand affair. We're all family, so a little lesson is enough. If he goes too far and creates an enemy, then he'll be in the wrong.
Soon, the family was eating their rationed breakfast, but they didn't expect the village to be in an uproar.
Why? Because the exploration team from the oil field headquarters arrived early in the morning!
There is no doubt about it. Oil will definitely be discovered in their village.
This is oil, the oil that symbolizes one family, one job!
Anyone who hears this will be excited.
Anyone who hears this will be confused.
Anyone who hears this will scream.
The first person to see the exploration team was Uncle Ge, an old farmer, carrying a hoe early in the morning, working on his private plot before the sun was too strong. It wasn't time to start work yet, and the collective work was done as a group, so they'd just muddle through if they could, and those who knew how to do it knew how to do it. But private plots were different; they were their own, and they had to be cared for meticulously. So, everyone went there early in the morning, when they were most energetic, and they had to use all their energy on their own land.
The exploration team came in a big truck, and the rumbling sound was so loud that Uncle Ge was so scared that he dropped his hoe.
Their village had been waiting for the exploration team for ages, looking forward to it with such eagerness that their eyes turned red. When they finally saw them, they immediately ran to the village, shouting, "Exploration team! The oil exploration team is here! We're about to discover oil in our village, and there are jobs! Come on, everyone! The oil exploration team is here..."
It was early in the morning, and most of the villagers were at home. How could they not hear such a loud noise? Everyone had skipped their meals, their eyes wide open, stunned. Some of the quickest ones had already rushed out to see what was happening.
This exploration team really came?!
It was not a big deal, the big truck was carrying people, and the villagers were so happy that they couldn't help but burst into tears.
Don't think it's an exaggeration. At that time, the lives of workers and farmers were very different.
A farmer may work hard for a year but not earn as much as a worker in a month.
Who wouldn’t be envious?
There is not only a material gap, but also a spiritual gap.
In those days, workers held a high status; they were the "Big Brothers" of the workers. Furthermore, oil workers were the "Big Brothers" of the "Big Brothers," role models for all workers.
Every family cried with joy, and the noise was so loud that even the Jiang family at the foot of the mountain heard it.
Jiang Mancheng immediately thought of his father-in-law, feeling a pang of pain in his heart. He looked at his wife, Chen Jinhua, for help, but saw that Chen Jinhua's eyes were like fire, not anger, but excitement, and the excitement was rubbing against her. She quickly put on her shoes and ran out: "Dad, is it you who came, Dad?"
Jiang Nan chuckled at her father and ran away with Chen Jinhua.
Jiang Mancheng sighed bitterly and resentfully, and with the courage to face death, he stepped out of the main hall firmly and bravely.
"He's a good person." Du Hehua had been waiting at the gate of the compound. When her in-laws came, she had to go and see them. Seeing her son like this, she was furious. "He's your father-in-law, not a tiger. What are you afraid of? He's so good-looking. It's really an eyesore."
"Mom." Jiang Mancheng thought of his father-in-law Chen Wanli, and shuddered. With a bitter face, he said, "Do you believe that I won't stop until my father-in-law scolds me like a grandson today?"
"That's because your father-in-law is smart." Du Hehua walked forward slowly, speaking calmly, "If I don't scold you, what will happen if everyone in the village comes to find you? You deserve it, so just take it."
So what if he couldn't bear it? Jiang Mancheng mustered up his courage for the ten-thousandth time. Who made him eat the cabbages raised by the old man, right?
Although Jiang Mancheng and Du Hehua walked slowly, the road was short, and they soon reached the exploration team's camp. By then, the area was already packed with villagers, surrounded by thousands. If the police hadn't been present during each exploration, the villagers would have pulled them out early.
I don't mean any harm. I just want to invite people home to eat some food and drink some wine, and at the same time get closer to them.
In the middle of the crowd, Chen Jinhua stood like a little quail, and Jiang Nan snuggled up to an old man obediently, like an oversized white rabbit.
The person being snuggled up to was said to be an old man, but in fact he was only about fifty years old, tall and thin, about the same height as Jiang Nan, with a scholarly air about him, soft facial lines, and hair meticulously combed back, with faint traces of white hair visible.
This old man was none other than Jiang Mancheng's father-in-law, Chen Wanli. He glanced at Jiang Mancheng from a distance, expressionless.
The crowd buzzed.
When Jiang Mancheng got married, Chen Wanli had come to the village. It was just that time had passed and no one had remembered clearly. Seeing this, the clever one ran to Jiang Mancheng and complimented him, "Mancheng, your father-in-law is leading the team this time, right? You have to say good things to my family. We had a good relationship back then..."
"Who do you think you are? Mancheng and I were classmates in junior high school, right, Mancheng? My boys are young, three of them are under ten years old, and you see, this family can't even be divided. Please go talk to Uncle Chen and ask if he can give my family a few more jobs. I have a big family and I need to take care of them, right?"
"Go away, your family is nothing. When Aunt Lotus came to the village, my family gave her a bowl of cornmeal, right, Aunt Lotus? We have a very close relationship! Aunt Lotus, we have a deal. My mother and I will come to your house tonight and have a chat."
"Hehua, you look really strong. We should have a good chat tonight. Tell me how you maintain your health. We have been sisters for many years. You can't hide anything from me."
Jiang Mancheng and Du Hehua walked in front, flanked by countless villagers who spoke well of them. They looked as if they were walking on a flowery path, majestic and impressive.
Jiang Mancheng chuckled, not saying a word. Glancing at his father-in-law's expression, he put away his smile and trotted over to Chen Wanli. He bowed and called out, "Dad."
Chen Wanli's jaw bobbed and he hummed heavily. He looked very unhappy and asked sternly, "How did you raise the child? Look at how skinny Xiaonan is! You're such a good-for-nothing! If Jinhua hadn't taken a liking to you, I would never have married my daughter to you. Look at you, how could anyone be interested in you? You're just a pretty boy, and a frail one at that. You've really made life difficult for Jinhua and Xiaonan."
His sudden outburst calmed the excited crowd down a lot.
The villagers looked at each other with subtle expressions.
This powerful father-in-law is not easy to deal with.
It's hard to be a son-in-law. Well, that's what I mean.
Jiang Mancheng lowered his head, looking extremely terrified. He said, "Dad, look at what you said. Jinhua and I are truly in love. We have a very good relationship, and my family..."
"That's enough!" Chen Wanli shouted, looking extremely angry. "What family? Your family makes Xiaonan do farm work, and you think I don't know? Stop talking nonsense here. I'm here now, and you can't fool me, and your family can't bully Xiaonan. Jinhua and Xiaonan are staying with me for the next two days, so go home and reflect on your mistakes. Talk to me again when you realize you're wrong."
"Dad." Although Chen Jinhua guessed something, she still considered Jiang Mancheng's face and wanted to say a few nice words. However, the old man glanced at her coldly. She didn't dare to say anything for a moment and could only give Jiang Mancheng a look that told him to fend for himself.
Du Hehua spoke at the right time, saying, "The more you get angry, the better. A lot of people wanted to come to my house tonight, so if I cursed them a little more, I'd probably dampen their enthusiasm."
She also looked unhappy and said angrily, "My dear in-laws, please don't go too far! A daughter who is married off is like spilled water. How can a father-in-law interfere in his daughter's affairs like this? In the end, there's no such thing as this! Although your Jinhua is a city girl, we all have oil workers in the city now. She's more than enough to match her!"
"Okay, mother-in-law, you finally told the truth." Chen Wanli narrowed his eyes, with an expression that said, "I knew this would happen." He threatened fiercely, "What oil worker? How ridiculous! He's just an archivist. A worthless fellow, not worthy of us Jinhua. Believe it or not, if you dare to talk to me like that again, I dare to make it either him or me in the oil field! I don't believe he can stay here any longer."
Chen Wanli snorted heavily and ordered his students and apprentices who were also watching the excitement: "What are you looking at? Are the tents set up? Build one for my daughter and granddaughter. Where are the comrades from the police station?"
He asked loudly. Several uniformed officers stepped forward. Chen Wanli shook hands with them, his expression changing naturally. He said softly, "I'm sorry to have made a fool of myself. During our exploration, please ask the police station comrades to patrol more frequently. As you know, these exploration equipment are very valuable. Any damage will have a significant impact on the oil exploration work."
"That's right, that's right." These officers were from the patrol team of the Public Security Bureau in the Operations Department. They had only been working for a few years and were a little nervous about meeting such a senior leader for the first time. One of the older officers assured them seriously, "Don't worry, leader. We will arrange the patrol work and ensure the safety of the team."
"Why call me leader? Just call me Captain Chen."
As he spoke, Chen Wanli nodded to the police, turned around and took Chen Jinhua and Jiang Nan into a tent.
The onlookers looked at Jiang Mancheng and Du Hehua with a touch of pity in their eyes. This father-in-law, tsk tsk, wouldn't he have instigated his daughter to kick the pretty boy?
Du Hehua was so angry at being watched that she dragged her youngest son away. Jiang Mancheng's eyes were filled with sorrow, and he kept looking back like a bullied daughter-in-law, even lowering his head to wipe away his tears.
The villagers continued to sigh, saying that this pretty boy must have a hard time.
In the tent, Jiang Nan chuckled and said angrily, "Grandpa, you're too harsh. Daddy can't even hold his head up after being scolded by you."
"Nonsense." Chen Wanli's face was no longer angry. His eyes were gentle, and if you looked closely, you could see a hint of cunning. He took out a piece of candy from the pocket of his Zhongshan suit and handed it to him, saying, "Here, have some."
Jiang Nan took it and saw that it was her favorite hawthorn candy. Her smile was sweeter than honey. She said softly and coquettishly: "Grandpa, you are the best. I love you the most."
Chen Wanli raised the corners of his mouth and said modestly, "Alright, alright, you're already this old and still acting like a spoiled brat. Your father is just acting, don't feel bad. I don't know him well enough, he's not as thick-skinned as a city wall. Just wait, he'll come tonight and drown his sorrows in wine, crying out his unwavering love for your mother, so that no one who comes to his house will be embarrassed to ask him for help."
"Hehe." Jiang Nan raised his thumb and gestured repeatedly, "Grandpa, you still know my dad best. Where are my uncles? Why didn't they come with us?"
"They stayed in Linshi to continue their exploration." Chen Wanli raised his lips, pointed at the two packages, and said, "The big one is a gift from your uncles. The small one is from your grandfather. Go and eat it."
"Dad, what else did you bring?" Chen Jinhua's eyes were red. She looked at her father's face and said distressedly, "Dad, how long have you not rested? Why do you have dark circles under your eyes?"
"It's okay. I've been busy with work these past two days. I'll be fine after a while." Chen Wanli didn't exchange any more pleasantries and asked his daughter directly, "Xiao Nan has graduated from high school. Has she found a job yet?"
"Dad!" Chen Jinhua showed surprise. Seeing that there was no one around, she lowered her voice and told him that Jiang Nan had made three meritorious contributions and was likely to be sent to the police station.
She raised her head, her tone proud and complacent, and said, "Dad, don't worry so much. Xiaonan is fine. How is Xiaowei from my eldest brother's family? I heard that he didn't get into high school. Is he going to the countryside?"
Chen Wanli saw Jiang Nan's vibrant spirit, clearly delighted to be a police officer. Although he felt the danger was dangerous, he ultimately held back. He could manage his daughter, but he couldn't interfere with his granddaughter's affairs without interfering with his son-in-law.
"Your eldest brother is in charge. As for me, I only take care of your eldest and second brothers. They are their own children, so I don't worry about them. You should stay out of it..."
The three of them were chatting in the tent. Outside, Wu Dachui finished unloading the equipment from the car and trotted over to Jiang Mancheng to say hello: "Mancheng, I didn't expect to see you here. Your father-in-law is really fierce. It's not easy for you, a pretty boy."
He had lost face in the tube building, and now seeing Jiang Mancheng lose face in public, he felt a little secret pleasure in his heart. So, as soon as the job was done, he came over to stab him.
He is happy when others are more embarrassed than him.
Jiang Mancheng smiled when he saw Wu Dachui coming over, then turned to Jiang Manpo and said, "Manpo, this is Wu Dachui from our building. Didn't you ask me about this yesterday? Speak of the devil, and he'll appear. Isn't this fate?"
Wu Dachui's face suddenly drooped. A stranger asked him questions for no reason. What else could it be?
He glared at Jiang Manpo and turned to leave. Unexpectedly, Jiang Mancheng asked loudly, "Dachui, are you going to stay in the exploration team forever? Are you not going back to the special forces team?"
Wu Dachui ignored him and walked straight ahead. Wu Jianguo, who ran over to greet him, looked embarrassed. He said, "Uncle Jiang, my dad has a bad temper, please don't be offended. He still needs to go to the nearby city to pick up some equipment. We will return to the special vehicle team tomorrow."
"Oh, so where are you staying tonight?"
"We're staying in a tent, and there's too much equipment. It might be eight or nine o'clock when we get back, so we won't go home." Wu Jianguo scratched his head, smiled awkwardly at Jiang Mancheng, and then left.
Jiang Mancheng turned around and saw his second brother Jiang Manpo's eyes shining like searchlights, and he smiled.
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