Chapter 376 United as One
Not only did Lou Dashuai make this connection, but everyone else in the private room did too.
Lou Dashuai's face darkened, and the others dared not utter a sound lest they walk into the line of fire.
Xia Xiaoxiang hid behind the second concubine, and then behind the third concubine. Although it was Mao Mao's own idea to give whomever Christmas present she wanted, she inexplicably felt a little guilty.
The third concubine turned around and glanced at her. Xia Xiaoxiang tugged at her clothes and gave her a sheepish smile.
The third concubine raised an eyebrow, her eyes holding a half-smile, but she didn't say a word. She took a small step to the side to block her view.
Everyone could sense that Commander Lou was in a low mood, except for Mao Mao.
She happily told her father, "I gave gifts to all my friends, and they gave me Christmas presents too. Not only Uncle, but also Zhaozhao, Xuanxuan, and the chef uncle gave me presents... Dad, Mao Mao received so many presents."
Commander Lou: "..."
Yes, Mao Mao received a lot of gifts.
On Christmas Day, the area under the pine tree in the hall was almost entirely piled with gifts bearing Mao Mao's name; all the other people combined didn't receive as many as Mao Mao alone.
However, Mao Mao received a lot, and also gave away a lot.
She emptied her wallet and practically emptied the department store counters, so much so that even the postman had to make many trips to finish delivering it all.
Little did Lou Dashuai know that among those gifts was one intended for Nie Zhengyun!
Looking at his innocent-looking little daughter in his arms, he forced a smile: "Mao Mao, you wouldn't have given Shen Zhaolin anything like that..."
Mao Mao nodded: "Yes, Mao Mao also gave one to Uncle Chen."
Commander Lou: "..."
Nie Zhengyun adjusted the position of the brooch again.
When he left home today, he probably hadn't found the perfect spot for the brooch, so he had to keep adjusting it. When he raised his hand to fidget with the brooch, even if people tried to ignore him, their eyes would unconsciously follow his movements.
Especially since he was sitting right across from Commander Lou, it was difficult for Commander Lou to pretend he couldn't see him.
This childish and cute pink lace pearl brooch was now a thorn in his side, constantly provoking his nerves.
Lou Dashuai glared coldly at the person opposite him.
At this moment, Nie Zhengyun's calm, confident, and slightly surprised smile was more irritating than the brooch.
Which faction were those who assassinated Nie Zhengyun? How come they were so useless? Were they all just sitting around doing nothing? Not a single one of them succeeded?
Of all the people in Haicheng, why does Mao Mao favor this bastard so much? And Shen Zhaolin, that bastard too, both of them are bastards.
With both old and new grudges combined, Commander Lou wished he could immediately pull out his sidearm and shoot the man dead.
But then, looking down at his little daughter's soft, fair face in his arms, Mao Mao tilted her head to meet his gaze, then uttered a puzzled "Hmm?" Lou Dashuai took a deep breath, his chest heaving violently, and held back.
He forced a smile: "It's getting late, Mao Mao, we should go home."
Mao Mao: "Going home?"
Nie Zhengyun asked in surprise, "Is the Commander leaving already?"
Lou Dashuai looked at him with a forced smile: "I'm not like some people who wander around aimlessly and can be seen everywhere. I'm very busy."
"I truly admire the Commander for his tireless efforts for the people of Haicheng. It's a pity I'm in such a bind, otherwise I would love to go to the Military and Political Affairs Department to share the burden with the Commander." Nie Zhengyun flattered him at the right time: "The Commander's speech just now was inspiring. I'm sure there are many like-minded people like me."
Mao Mao opened her eyes wide and said excitedly, "Uncle, you heard my dad's speech too?"
"That's right, I listened to the whole thing."
"My dad is amazing!"
"The commander is exceptionally handsome." Nie Zhengyun clapped his hands in admiration. "When I heard this from below, I immediately thought of Miss Mao Mao. With a father like the commander, Miss Mao Mao must be very proud of him."
you do not say!
This flattery really hit the nail on the head for Mao Mao.
Her eyes sparkled as she listened, gesturing wildly with her hands and feet to share her joy with her friends: "So many people came today, all to hear my dad's speech. My dad said... um... that everyone is united!"
Upon hearing the last sentence, Lou Dashuai lowered his head in surprise: "Mao Mao, you remembered it?"
The phrase "united as one" is a line from Lou Dashuai's speech.
The others looked over in surprise.
They only knew that Mao Mao loved excitement and was always interested in everything, but they never expected that she not only came to join in the fun today, but also remembered the content of the speech after listening to it.
Mao Mao raised her little head: "Mao Mao knows!"
"Why!"
Lou Dashuai was overjoyed and hugged her, giving her another big kiss on the cheek: "Mao Mao, you are truly Daddy's good daughter!"
"Dad prepared this speech for several days, and I didn't expect even our Mao Mao could remember it. Haha, it was worth all the revisions I made." Lou Dashuai was inspired by a little child's voice, and it was as if his speech had become extraordinary, giving him a greater mission.
He said a lot of nice things during his speech, which sounded a bit like official jargon, but it was different when Mao Mao remembered them.
Lou Dashuai assured her, "Maomao, don't worry, Dad will definitely keep his word. I will do exactly what I said in the speech. Watch me closely and I promise I won't let you down."
Mao Mao's eyes sparkled: "Daddy's amazing!"
Lou Dashuai enjoyed her adoring gaze. "Yes, Daddy is the best, hahaha."
He had originally planned to give a speech today, and he specifically set aside half a day during the holiday to spend quality time with his daughter.
But now, under Mao Mao's adoring gaze, Lou Dashuai couldn't sit still any longer.
Today is New Year's Day. Although ordinary people have a holiday, the tense international situation will not stop because of the holiday. In this turbulent world, even time is of the essence.
After thinking for a moment, Commander Lou immediately said, "Fengju, come back to the Military and Political Department with me and call everyone else over. Let's resolve that matter we discussed last time today."
Lou Fengju raised an eyebrow: "Today?"
Commander Lou: "Now."
Lou Fengju: "..."
He looked at his father, then at his little sister's big, bright eyes.
"Received." Lou Fengju put his military cap back on, pressed down the brim, and said with a hint of helplessness, "I'll be right back."
At the command of Commander Lou, his adjutant went to notify the others to attend a meeting, and he himself put down Mao Mao from his arms and smoothed out the wrinkles on his clothes.
The first wife looked at the father and son: "So eager?"
"The sooner it's resolved, the sooner you can relax." Lou Dashuai ruffled Mao Mao's hair. "Don't worry, Mao Mao, Dad won't let you down!"
Mao Mao blinked, looking completely bewildered: "Oh."
As everyone watched Commander Lou's departing figure, they felt as if they were enveloped by an invisible flame, their fighting spirit soaring.
strangeness.
Wasn't the commander-in-chief here today to give a speech and inspire the people?
How come he was also inspired?
Nie Zhengyun clapped his hands gently and exclaimed, "The Commander-in-Chief is truly remarkable."
……etc!
Lou Dashuai turned back, staring intently at him: "Nie Zhengyun, didn't you just say you wanted to help me with something?"
"..." Nie Zhengyun cautiously began, "I do say that, but..."
"Perfect timing, I need your help too." Commander Lou said with a forced smile, "You wouldn't go back on your word, would you?"
Lou Fengju turned to the side and said, "Mr. Nie, please."
Nie Zhengyun: "..."
Mao Mao looked over in surprise: "Uncle, are you going to help my dad?"
Nie Zhengyun: "..."
Staring into those bright, shining eyes, brimming with joy and adoration, it was impossible to pretend I didn't see them.
Nie Zhengyun pinched the bridge of his nose.
His tone was devoid of emotion: "The commander-in-chief has tens of thousands of troops under his command. He could raze Haicheng to the ground with a single order. Why would he need the help of my little Green Gang?"
“They’re all soldiers.” Commander Lou smiled, looking at him with ill intent. “Besides, your Green Gang isn’t small, Boss Nie, don’t be so modest.”
"..."
"All right."
Nie Zhengyun stood up leisurely and smoothed the wrinkles on his long robe.
He readjusted the brooch, took it off, and put it in his pocket.
"Since it is the General who has invited me, then I, Nie, will gladly accept. As Miss Mao Mao's friend, it would be my honor to be able to help her."
It's to help Mao Mao, not to help Commander Lou.
Lou Dashuai didn't mind at all.
With one heart and one mind.
As long as we share the same goal, that's fine.
To be Mao Mao's favorite dad, he has to set a good example. When it comes to accomplishing great things, the most needed thing is capable people.
By the way, should I try to persuade Shen Zhaolin again another day? Anyway, Old Master Zhou is on his side...
...
Commander Lou is gone.
They also took Nie Zhengyun and Lou Fengju with them, along with a large group of their subordinates.
In the blink of an eye, the private room was empty again.
The crowd in the square outside dispersed after the speech ended, with only a few people lingering around the stalls.
Lou Heming quickly bent down and picked up Mao Mao, weighing her in his arms. He said gently, "Dad and Big Brother have left. Mao Mao, how about Second Brother goes to play with you?"
"Hurrah."
"And me too." Lou Hongjian chimed in, pulling a few theater tickets from his pocket. "I've already bought the tickets. It's a holiday today, there's a new play!"
Old Madam Lou coughed.
Lou Hongjian immediately said, "Grandma, don't worry, I bought them all for you! There are even two extra."
The third concubine volunteered, raising her hand: "I'll drive."
“Me too, I can do it too.” Xia Xiaoxiang raised her hand enthusiastically: “I can already drive very well.”
Mao Mao immediately responded, "I'll ride in Mom's car!"
Lou Yansui immediately replied, "Then I'll sit with Mao Mao, please."
"Hey, Ah Sui, you're cheating!"
A group of people emerged from the private room, laughing and chatting as they blended into the crowd outside, immersing themselves in the festive joy.
Perhaps it was because of Lou Dashuai's speech, or perhaps it was because of the festival, but even though war was raging outside, the people of Haicheng still had a lively and festive holiday.
Mao Mao went to see a play and a variety show with her family. She took turns holding her family members' hands, and the group strolled from one end of the street to the other until night fell. Only then did the family return home to enjoy a sumptuous dinner prepared by their chef.
That night, she lay in her mother's arms and fell into a sweet sleep.
After New Year's Day, Mao Mao also received good news.
The kindergarten that was accidentally burned down has been rebuilt!
The news was delivered by a phone call from Teacher Ye.
Mao Mao answered the phone herself.
She stood on a small stool and heard the good news coming from the microphone. Her sweet voice grew louder and louder, and the little tuft of hair on her head was raised higher and higher.
Mao Mao: "The kindergarten is finished!"
Teacher Ye: "That's right!"
Mao Mao: "Mao Mao can go to school again!"
Teacher Ye: "That's right!"
Mao Mao said happily, "Teacher Ye Ye, I miss you so much! I'll bring you something delicious tomorrow. My aunt bought me some really tasty chocolate, I'll bring it to you tomorrow..."
Her cheerful, childlike voice chattered incessantly from the phone booth, attracting the ladies in the small living room to come out and lean against the doorframe to watch her.
Not only was her sweet, childlike voice happy, but her round, chubby back and even the strands of her hair seemed to radiate joy.
Mao Mao's toes wiggled inside her socks, and her little body swayed on the stool to a strange rhythm, as if she were about to flap her wings and fly away.
However, before she could take flight, Teacher Ye poured cold water on her plans over the phone: "No, no, Lou Queyin, you can't go to school tomorrow either."
"hold head high?"
Mao Mao's voice visibly lowered, sounding dejected: "I can't go to school..."
Even Teacher Ye, listening over the phone, felt a pang of sympathy.
How much do you actually love going to school?
"Although the kindergarten has been rebuilt, there are only a few days left before the winter vacation. Therefore, we will keep the school on vacation until the end of the winter vacation and then start school in the new semester," said Teacher Ye.
Mao Mao thought for a moment and said, "Teacher Ye Ye, I don't need to have a holiday."
Teacher Ye: "...But I need it."
All right.
Mao Mao had no choice but to accept it.
She hung up the phone, climbed off the small stool, and laboriously carried it back to the corner before running to look at the calendar.
After New Year's Day, the calendar was also replaced.
Mao Mao stood on tiptoe, counting the days one by one on her fingers. After she finished counting, she was even more disappointed: "Mao Mao has to wait a long time before she can go to school..."
The wives were left speechless, both amused and exasperated.
While other children eagerly awaited the winter break, she was already counting down the days until the new semester began, even before the winter break was over.
"Not long at all."
The second concubine pointed to several days circled on the calendar.
"Mao Mao, look, winter vacation is just a few days away, and then the Lunar New Year is just a few days away. After the Lunar New Year, you can go back to school in a few days." Second Aunt reminded her, "But don't forget, there are final exams before winter vacation. Although you don't have to go to kindergarten, we have prepared test papers for you. The exam is scheduled for the same day as Fourth Young Master's."
Mao Mao listened, completely bewildered.
Xia Xiaoxiang's expression, which had been watching the commotion, froze.
She looked around cautiously and asked, "Then I..."
The third concubine glanced at her meaningfully: "Of course you have it."
Xia Xiaoxiang: "..."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com