Chapter 1368: I Want to Travel

Chapter 1368 -1240: I Want to Travel

After the start of winter, New Year’s Day of 1984 quickly approached.

Compared to the Spring Festival a month later, this holiday didn’t hold any special significance in Huaxia; life went on as usual.

However, abroad, especially Five in the United States, was absolutely thrilled.

“Mom, Christmas is coming up in a few days, and we start vacation then. This time, I’m going to travel around nearby countries. If you can’t reach me, don’t worry.”

Zhou Jiao understood that this was a notification rather than seeking opinions. But who knows if her son is stepping out with some mission? She could only use indirect methods to probe.

“It’s good to go out and explore; it broadens your horizons and increases knowledge. Mom supports you. Are you going alone, or is someone else accompanying you? What about Little Jiu?”

“Little Jiu is busy with studies, so I’m not planning to take her this time. Mom, a Wenlai alumnus invited me, it’s a guy, and I’m planning to visit him first.”

“Alright, be safe.”

“It’s safe there; he’s got a special status. Mom, afterward, I’ll meet up with my uncle. If you need me, just leave a message with him.”

Five’s words had a lot of information, and Zhou Jiao hung up the phone, still pondering.

When Zhang Guoqing came home from work and saw this, he touched her head in confusion, waking her up, “What are you thinking? You didn’t even notice me coming in.”

“Oh, Five,” she said halfway, and Zhou Jiao pulled him to the study, “Our son just called home. Why are you home from work so late today?”

— letting her slow down didn’t mean he’d secretly put in extra effort at work, right?

“After work, I went to see Da Yi and had dinner at his place. They need to be reminded about their part of the funds; the money hasn’t been sent by Xiao Ming, has it?”

“Not yet, waiting for your notification.”

Zhang Guoqing closed the study door, “Oh, did Five talk about these things with you? I’ve hinted to him that I’m aware and wondering if he still isn’t reassured.”

“No, he didn’t bring that up. It’s just that Christmas and New Year’s Day over there are very close, and the two holidays often result in a continuous vacation. He’s decided to travel around during the vacation.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Guoqing looked at her with confusion: Then what’s there that’s making her frown deeply in thought? Could she possibly disapprove of her son’s decision to travel?

“Brother, isn’t Wenlai going to become an independent nation?”

Zhang Guoqing nodded, “How does this relate to our Five? Wait, he’s not planning to check out that place first, is he? That’s quite some curiosity.”

“He said a special-status alumnus invited him…” Zhou Jiao quietly recounted the conversation with her younger son.

Then she concluded, “First, he didn’t take Little Jiu with him to have fun. Second, he said he might be hard to reach. Do you think he’s on a mission again?”

Whether or not that’s the case, Zhang Guoqing immediately shook his head, “No way! When traveling, making calls back home can be inconvenient.

Secondly, it’s not suitable for him to take Little Jiu out; she’s just started at Columbia University and wants to graduate quickly, shouldn’t she use the vacation to study hard?”

“Really?”

“Absolutely. Besides, the alumni Five interacts with have some unusual backgrounds; he wouldn’t act rashly.”

Seeing her relax, Zhang Guoqing changed the topic, “I see Da Yi and the others feel there’s too much money and it’s too conspicuous, so they want to donate some with us.”

The rest, naturally, would be focused on having fun with his wife. But the way the friends expressed it was very reserved; he also hadn’t brought it up, still needing to listen to his wife’s suggestions.

No matter how close the friends are, they can’t compare to one’s own wife!

Zhou Jiao casually nodded and picked up a pen and paper again, recalculating.

In the past few weeks, as Miao Tianming reported increasing figures, she needed to prevent phone tapping; she needed to carefully calculate how much was earned, including foreign principal.

“Ugh… Having money is a hassle, having none is also a hassle. Jiao Jiao, for the time being, don’t calculate everything. Just take 10% of what’s reported by Xiao Ming and transfer it back.”

Zhou Jiao waved her hand, asking him not to disturb her. Da Yi and his three partners didn’t use leverage back then; they had 2 million, but hers was a large sum.

“Listen, just pause for a moment; the holiday is coming, banks will be on vacation. Have Xiao Ming transfer money in batches around New Year’s, and we’ll plan later.”

Upon hearing, Zhou Jiao immediately put down her pen and picked up the phone.

“Sis, you need me? I was about to find you too; it seems we’ve caught someone’s attention.”

Zhou Jiao was shocked and quickly asked, “Caught someone’s attention? Who? Is it Italy’s government?”

“Certainly not the local government, but rather an investor like us. The other party tested us; Efra felt they had no hostility and are looking for cooperation.”

Zhou Jiao furrowed her brow; she hardly believed the other party had no hostility. These international speculators, none of them are good people; each wishes to swallow others’ wealth.

“Sis, you don’t need to worry. We’ve already withdrawn most funds, probably accidentally noticed when withdrawing.”

“Xiao Ming, I’m not worried about the present.”

“Sis, do you mean there are future problems?”

“Yes. Those entering Italy aren’t good people; since we’re being watched, we must be more careful. Our little money doesn’t mean much in Italy.

If—I’m saying if—we find anything awry, Efra must evacuate everyone, especially the core personnel; they must not be exposed or interact with anyone.”

“You can be assured; Efra and Bo’er are very cautious. They’ve found people on the periphery to gather information.”

Zhou Jiao looked at Zhang Guoqing, saw him write a ‘sun’ character, and nodded, “That’s good. Tell them; one of my requirements is their safety first.”

Miao Tianming laughed, “Sis, I’ll definitely pass on those words. They’ll be so moved they’ll celebrate with champagne.”

“I’m not just saying it, Xiao Ming. Sis is telling you our main event is in the realm of little devils; we still need their strength. Once this is over, the red envelopes will be large. For people to work hard, rewards must be generous. See what they need, I’ll make sure they get it.”

“Understood, sis, I’ll keep my eyes on them. What about Lawyer Xue? He’s earned quite a bit with us, does he need attention too?”

“Hahaha… Don’t worry, Lawyer Xue, with Five’s help, won’t betray us. He prefers the younger generation getting along.”

“Hehe, I understand.”

“Just keep an eye on Efra and the others. Talented and obedient ones like them are rare, treating them well prevents them from being poached.”

Zhou Jiao tapped the table, “Our key focus now remains on the little devils. So, have Efra pass off work to his deputy and take charge over there.”

The two talked about a few more things, then hung up.

“Brother, did I miss anything?”