The grain donation went very smoothly. Zhu Fanfan did not feel like she was being watched and waited cautiously in the space for a whole day before coming out.
After this, the country's food supply will have a buffer, and at least people will no longer starve to death; the food shortage will be over.
Not long after, Zhu Jiabao was reminded that once everyone was gathered, he said directly, "Wife, you should stop selling grain from now on. Someone warned me that the government is going to investigate."
Selling grain can solve the food problem for some people, and the price of grain is much lower than in other places. The goal is to make grain affordable for everyone. Even if the initial intention is good, the country does not allow private buying and selling. In serious cases, it is considered to be going against the country. If caught, the consequences are very serious, and the wife will be expelled from the party.
Liu Yumin agreed: "I've also heard rumors. After all, we're in the capital, so it's always good to be cautious. I've already notified Xu Hong to cut off this line and to behave ourselves."
In fact, she wasn't very good at selling grain. Even if she tried to cover it up, it would be dug up if anyone was willing to. Her past achievements were her source of confidence. If they were exposed, at most she would be expelled from the Party, but her life would not be in danger.
Zhu Fanfan's focus was: "Grandpa, do you think there's enough food?"
She was running low on food, and she donated it all this time. If it still wasn't enough, she had no other choice. She had already done her best to grow crops, working herself to the bone.
Zhu Jiabao smiled bitterly: "How could that be enough? This outbreak has caused a nationwide drought, resulting in reduced production or even complete crop failure. With hundreds of millions of people in the country, how could this amount of food possibly feed the entire nation?"
Zhu Fanfan thought for a moment: "How about I continue planting day and night? I'll just need Grandpa and Grandma to cover for me."
She worked day and night and slept almost all day. She became familiar with everyone in the compound, and people would be suspicious if she didn't show up for a long time.
Zhu Jiabao shook his head: "The food shortage can't be solved in a short time. It's best not to attract too much attention. Just do what you normally do."
It's best to be cautious at this critical juncture. People of their status live under constant scrutiny, and a slight lapse in attention could lead to them being caught red-handed. For example, they were investigated for selling grain, and the warning was only issued because their intentions seemed good. Some high-ranking officials in the country are becoming too impetuous, so it's best for them to prioritize stability.
That evening, Ming Yunshu came and was also reminded that the country prohibits the buying and selling of grain: "Auntie, today the vice minister subtly reminded me that the country does not allow the buying and selling of grain. The matter was over before, but it will be strictly investigated from now on."
Fearing he might not understand, they spoke quite bluntly, practically stating that the Zhu family was connected to the grain donors, that the government was about to investigate the source of the black market grain, that someone had already covered up the previous incidents, and that they were being warned not to get involved.
Liu Yumin reassured Ming Yunshu: "The Zhu family won't get involved."
Ming Yunshu came and went in a hurry, saying only a few words before leaving. Only Zhu Fanfan was puzzled: "How could we be found out even though we're being so careful?"
The Zhu couple exchanged a glance, and Zhu Jiabao explained, "We've been secretive about donating grain because we can't explain the source of such a large amount of it. The country is full of talented people, so don't underestimate people's imagination. If we discover any clues and alert the Dragon Group, the consequences will be severe. The country's top leadership isn't all magnanimous people. There are very few people with selfish motives, but they do exist. If even one appears, and if the interests are large enough, they will be caught and arrested even if they hide abroad."
Zhu Fanfan realized that she had been too optimistic. Curious, she asked, "Aren't the Dragon Group members incredibly powerful? Why don't they perform rainmaking rituals?"
Zhu Jiabao and his wife: ...How did they know? They have no contact with those people.
The days that followed returned to normal. Zhu Fanfan shuttled between the hospital and home. At the hospital, Mu Zhibo specially found out his first-grade textbooks to teach Zhu Fanfan. Zhu Fanfan had a foundation and learned very quickly. Mu Zhibo was very surprised. It was very rare for a child to understand things so quickly. Mu Zhibo became interested and took his teaching seriously.
Whether it's Chinese or arithmetic, Zhu Fanfan passed them all on the first try. Mu Zhibo had to ask his family to bring over all the textbooks for all grades of elementary school. He wanted to nurture Zhu Fanfan well, in case she became a scientist in the future! The country is short of talent, and he didn't want to let go of such a promising talent.
Zhu Fanfan didn't want to give up such a good opportunity, so she made a three-point agreement with her grandfather: when she grew up, she could go to school without having to attend classes, but she couldn't miss any exams, and if she failed, she would have to attend classes at school.
After a busy day at the hospital, Zhu Fanfan was exhausted when she got home. She said to her grandfather, "Grandpa, let's go to Grandpa Ji's house and ask him who made his reclining chair. His reclining chair is so comfortable. It's going to get hot soon, and it's something we really need."
Grandpa said that there were many hidden talents in the compound, and that if any of them taught her a little something, it would be enough for her to live on for the rest of her life. So she followed her godmother around the compound and became familiar with everyone.
Because her face is so deceptive, everyone thinks she is a delicate and weak girl, so they take good care of her and generally don't refuse her requests.
Zhu Jiabao was pessimistic: "Most of the Ji family's products are made in-house. That old rooster doesn't make a move easily, so it's risky!"
Zhu Fanfan immediately straightened her face: "Grandpa, it's too much of you to give people nicknames behind their backs. It's impolite. You need to apologize to Grandpa Ji."
Zhu Jiabao didn't care: "We old guys all have nicknames, we won't take it to heart, your trick won't work."
They just wanted him to apologize and humble himself, then say some emotional things to lower his guard so that the father and son could set a trap for him. This excuse won't work.
Moreover, the old rooster likes this title. He claims to be a descendant of Lu Ban, and in ancient times, "gong" was a respectful term. He calls himself "Ji Gong," which is why they laugh at him and gave him the nickname "old rooster." Maybe the old rooster himself is even smug about it!
Zhu Fanfan asked curiously, "What's Grandpa's nickname?"
Zhu Jiabao: "...We're talking about the recliner, what a digression. There's only one way to win over the old rooster."
Zhu Fanfan stopped caring. Anyway, Grandpa couldn't escape, and he'd find out sooner or later: "What method?"
Zhu Jiabao said smugly, "Sincere."
Zhu Fanfan: ? ? ?
Zhu Jiabao explained, "Your grandfather Ji is a stubborn man who won't listen to reason. So if you have something to say to him directly, he will consider it. If you talk about it in a roundabout way, he will never guess your purpose."
However, the rooster did have a weakness, so it looked at Zhu Fanfan.
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