Chapter 1353 - 1225: Secret Assignment

Chapter 1353: Chapter 1225: Secret Assignment

After attending the gathering, these minor details did not affect Zhou Jiao’s satisfaction with her two daughter-in-law candidates, and she put it aside after mentioning it to Zhang Guoqing.

Especially since these two kids always come over to accompany them whenever they’re free, either cooking a couple of dishes or taking them shopping.

A daughter-in-law, can one really imagine them as one’s own daughter?

Facing Ping’an and Liu Yi, she didn’t say a word. She understands her sons; they may seem gentlemanly in behavior, but they’re quite petty at heart.

Not to mention Ping’an, even Liu Yi couldn’t tolerate a hint of doubt about his character and would definitely turn against them if he knew.

But life as a couple won’t always go smoothly.

She, now, is already concerned.

After hearing Ping’an say he didn’t plan to get engaged anytime soon during his vacation home, Zhou Jiao thought deeply and supported the idea: A longer pre-marriage adjustment is good.

Their side is worried about having children, while she, as a mother, feels her son is being wronged. What kind of match does her son deserve?

The summer passes, and the autumn wind picks up.

Without giving her time to consider these issues further, the long-awaited overseas inspection opportunity was disrupted.

What’s the saying?

"You must first stabilize the internal affairs before dealing with external relations."

That’s how it is; she, who works in the economics department, was unexpectedly entrusted with doing the disciplinary inspection’s work. Of course, this is an unofficial duty.

Zhou Jiao guessed the reason was most likely that those old men had learned she made money abroad and looked down on the meager domestic kickbacks, right?

As for those public praises about being a good comrade, just listen to them; she wasn’t so foolish as to think she could become Ultraman with a mere wave of an arm.

It’s pitiable, really; she originally intended to conveniently visit her child on May 1st abroad and personally check out Wall Street—but having a salary means being subject to assignments.

Still, she felt quite pleased inside; aren’t we also a big shot? Hehe... I can’t brag too much about it; I’m the humble Zhou Jiao!

Oh my! Just when better days are starting, some people start digging their own grave.

Economic reform?

No, it’s not about changing regulations to let you freely accumulate illicit wealth.

Apparently, according to the leaders, we’re currently in a new era; the common folk are just beginning to shift from poverty to the path of affluence.

And yet...

There’s this portion of cadre comrades, who during this critical transition period, were blinded by monetary interests, including some who remained steadfast during the war.

Zhou Jiao has figured it out; she was misled by her father—being such a clear-cut figure, isn’t this the exact right candidate!

Alas... she can only comfort herself as an insect exterminator while packing up to quickly head towards the tumultuous special zones.

Upon hearing the news, Zhang Guoqing returned to find his wife looking unhappy, not knowing the inside scoop and mistakenly thinking she was upset about not being able to go abroad for inspection.

How can a wife be wronged?

Yet, he could only offer comforting words; he couldn’t just go around and smack those old men, could he? Speaking of which, those old guys aren’t too bad.

Though they’ve frequently freeloaded his wine and tea leaves, he himself hasn’t regretted swiping a good number of nice items from them several times.

Zhang Guoqing chuckled twice, cleared his throat, "Wife, do you know who’s the decision-maker? I’ll bring you over for a feast at their place tonight."

Zhou Jiao was amused by his teasing, letting out a soft laugh.

"Actually, not going abroad now is quite suitable for you. Think about it, by next year they’ll have switched to new leadership over there, and the stock market is still set for a crash year.

What can you do if you go early aside from taking a peek at the market?

If the trip happens next year, wouldn’t that be great? You can even transfer funds while personally watching the market there and picking stocks with your son."

Zhou Jiao glanced at him, "I just want to see how my son is faring over there first."

"Oh, what’s there to worry about? Haven’t you heard our child’s reassuring words during every phone call, saying he’s diligently studying and making progress? He just got there and everything’s fresh; nothing can go wrong."

Zhang Guoqing said, blinking at her, "Moreover, aren’t you concerned about your husband being left alone at home if you go abroad? I’m eager for you to stay put."

"What a character!"

Zhang Guoqing unperturbed, grinned—look, it’s still his cheerful, cute wife. As long as she’s happy, a few punches won’t faze him.

Then he asked the key question, "How long will this business trip last?"

"It should be soon. Inspections are just a few things, going around several special zones won’t be a problem, then it’s back home—if something goes awry over there, naturally other departments will take over."

"Is that how your economic division works? Not going down to assert authority?"

"Whose authority should I assert? I don’t even know if the people below will respect me. I just manage my own data, whether there’s a problem isn’t my responsibility."

Zhang Guoqing gave her a thumbs up, "Sis, you’re mighty! I thought you’d go on a rampage, contemplating whether to send you a good hand."

Zhou Jiao burst out laughing, "Dummy! That’s certainly not my responsibility, what are those salaried law enforcement personnel for? I find the issues; they handle the cleanup."

While that’s said, Zhang Guoqing just worries that when she sees something displeasing she’ll get stubbornly insistent. His wife’s style could use more finesse.

"When things occur, flip through your little book more often, don’t foolishly charge into everything head-on. The mountains are high and the Emperor is far, the smaller the place, the messier it is—especially now with the imperfect system."

Zhou Jiao hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn’t reveal the truth, lest this foolish man worries excessively. "Okay, I’ll keep your words in mind."

Whether it would be etched in her mind, Zhang Guoqing didn’t know, but he was well aware that her current nonchalant attitude had a motive. What could he do, except protect her more?

Even before Zhou Jiao left Beijing, many had been instructed by Zhang Guoqing to watch over his wife—one hair out of place, and there’d be no more brotherhood!

The term "brotherhood" from his mouth carried such weight, that by now, aside from a few countable figures, who dared to openly buddy up?

Like Zhang Hongwei.

Upon receiving Zhang Guoqing’s words, he was nearly scared to death!

Ignoring a business deal he was in the midst of, he quickly instructed his subordinates to pay extra attention to his sister-in-law during this period, holding their ground even if it was dire!

Zhou Jiao wasn’t aware of the turbulent undercurrents stirring in private; upon arrival, outwardly everything seemed fine wherever she went.

Especially the construction site, which showed a new look of vigorous development everywhere.

Despite planning to develop economic special zones, everyone is crossing the river by feeling the stones; no one knows how long it will last or what it will turn into. Compared to the opposite shore, managing to develop to this scale is already considered impressive.

Regarding those murmuring about opening doors to foreign capitalists to invest and set up factories with preferential conditions—is it revisiting the rental district, colonialism?

Why don’t you say it louder?