Free Web NovelChapter 437: Chapter 411 Stockings_1
That evening.
Inside the small villa, Zhou Ning recounted the entire process, the old master was unexpectedly calm, while the second aunt was frightened to no small extent, with He Shancun passing a cup of water to the second aunt at the side.
"Relax Mom, it’s not that nothing happened, and the person was caught, so there’s no need for you to be nervous anymore."
The old master fell silent for a moment before looking towards the second aunt.
"This kid is worrisome, but after this incident, he must have been scared enough. You don’t need to scold him over the phone. I reckon he’s learned his lesson and knows to be more cautious in the future. But these scammers are so rampant, they even dared to deceive the police. It’s their bad luck."
Zhou Ning couldn’t help but laugh. frёewebnoѵēl.com
"It’s actually a good thing. Because of this scam call, it seems we’ve advanced Mr. Qu’s development of that thing. It looks like I’ll need to discuss the follow-up development with Doctor Lu in the next few days. But this has to wait for the opinion of the city bureau, and we need a proper channel to implement it. Of course, we also have to consider the needs of various cities within Hua Country."
He Shancun also followed with laughter; he seemed to enjoy the story very much.
"I’m telling you, your team is full of talents. Once you find a direction, you’re capable of developing something new, and every project seems to bring in money."
"Mr. Qu is extremely skilled with computers. He’s been with us on cases and experienced a lot, and he has his own ideas. This is the perfect integration of scientific research and practical application. Okay, my report is done. Don’t be upset anymore, and especially don’t scold Zhou Xiaojun. I’ve already given him a thorough talking-to today."
The second aunt waved her hand.
"We’ll settle the accounts when he gets back. That stinky kid only knows how to play basketball. Look at your development over these two years, look at Shancun’s abilities now, and even Xiaoyu’s progress. Why can’t he be more ambitious?"
Zhou Ning didn’t know what to say to that, while He Shancun smiled and waved his hand.
"Xiao Jun is smart, after all his professional skills are quite good. It’s fine if he wants to stay in Jing City, but if he doesn’t, Zhou Ning could ask Qin University for him, isn’t the research center developing quite well?"
Zhou Ning nodded; he had already asked Doctor Lu about this. The research center indeed needed such professionals, and Zhou Xiaojun, despite being playful, was good in his studies and intelligent.
"I’ve talked to Doctor Lu about this before, but I haven’t mentioned it to Xiao Jun and the second aunt. I want him to focus on completing his dissertation and defense, as it’s a summary of his years of effort. As for the research center, he’s welcome anytime, and we do have research directions suitable for him. I’ve already got plans for that."
On hearing Zhou Ning say this, the second aunt’s eyes welled up again.
"I can’t count on your second uncle. Knowing that you’ve arranged all this, I can rest easy. But don’t tell him; that kid might get too full of himself. Moreover, he has a big mouth, and if he talks to his classmates, it might cause you trouble."
Zhou Ning shook his head; he didn’t mind. In fact, Zhou Xiaojun’s abilities were quite good, and he was better than him in many ways.
"Don’t worry. Xiao Jun is quite capable. By the way, how has Xiaoyu been feeling these days? Is she still having strong reactions?"
He Shancun came up smiling, clearly energized at the mention of Xiaoyu.
"Today marks exactly five months. Xiaoyu is doing fine, no more morning sickness, and she has a good appetite. I’m even thinking of letting her rest early, so she doesn’t get too tired."
The grandfather grinned at the side while the second aunt gave He Shancun a white look.
"You’re spoiling her. She’s still sleeping upstairs. When I was pregnant with the two of them, I worked up until the day before giving birth. None of this fussiness, being tougher made the children healthier, and moving around more is good for the baby too."
He Shancun rubbed his short hair, full of emotion.
"After my parents died, I really felt the warmth and coldness of relatives. Back then, I never thought I would get married or have my own children. Now I realize having a wife and children is what makes a home warm and meaningful. I am truly moved. But I never liked kids before, hearing a child cry, I would get as far away as possible—so strange!"
Zhou Ning gave him a look as the second aunt, after hearing this, nodded her head in agreement. Then her gaze turned to Zhou Ning.
"You need to hurry as well. It wouldn’t be a problem for you to get married in another three to five years, but Momo can’t wait that long. Continue dating, but after the new year, you should also think about redecorating your place; it’s too minimalist for my taste."
He Shancun couldn’t stop laughing and when the second aunt looked at him, he gave her a thumbs up.
"Mom, you’re so trendy, even knowing about minimalist style."
The second aunt was a bit embarrassed to be complimented like this; everyone laughed, as the grandfather affectionately rubbed his stone balls and looked at Zhou Ning.
"Tomorrow is Sunday, and you’re just done with being busy; no need to bring Momo home. You two should go out and have fun. Go to Tongshan or the seaside, or drive to Chi Island."
Zhou Ning thought for a moment, then shook his head.
"Let’s not go for now, I need to visit Momo’s mother at the hospital tomorrow. Her condition has stabilized these past few days, and it’s better to keep her company."
He Shancun’s laughter faded as he nodded.
"I think it’s good to visit your mother-in-law. The situation was quite frightening before, but the stent was placed in time, so all is well now. Just relax, she’ll be bouncing back in a couple of weeks."
Zhou Ning gave him a look, knowing full well that He Shancun was doing this on purpose. At the right time, he can sweet-talk the second aunt with fancy words, but when it’s about Momo’s mom, he’s uncomplicated. It was clear where his priorities lay.
"Thanks for that, but second aunt, you don’t know. Your son-in-law, when he argues outside, is top-notch. I had the pleasure to witness it once. Four middle-aged children wouldn’t take care of a gravely ill elderly parent, and instead fight over the inheritance right outside the emergency room. What a scolding your son-in-law gave them; he left them in tatters!"
The second aunt nodded vigorously.
"You’re right; the more children there are, the less care the elderly receive. It’s a common occurrence. If it comes to it, my son-in-law won’t even need to lift a finger."
Zhou Ning rubbed his nose, knowing that the conversation was over for the day as everyone was united in their stance.
"Grandpa, it’s getting late. I’m going to head back to sleep. Shall I take you out tomorrow?"
The old man gave him a look.
"Don’t give me that. It’s Xiaoyu who’s pregnant now, shielding you from the pressure to marry. If it weren’t for her, you’d be the one getting nagged at. Focus your energy on Xia Momo. We’re not rushing you into marriage, we just think it’s time to start discussing certain matters. Let’s have both families meet before the New Year, and set what needs to be set."
Apart from nodding, Zhou Ning could say nothing else. After all, the elder’s words were final. Moreover, his interactions with Xia Momo were comfortable: no rigid rules, no unreasonable demands, no endless scrutiny or interference. In short, her presence was tremendously comforting.
Especially being able to see those beautiful legs every day and holding her soft hands seemed quite nice.
...
The next day.
Zhou Ning walked out of the hospital, holding hands with Xia Momo.
Mrs. Xia was recovering very well, but as Doctor Lu had said, it would be beneficial for her to stay a few more days to rest properly. However, Mrs. Xia insisted that Xia Momo go out with Zhou Ning instead of staying in the hospital smelling disinfectant.
The two of them stood in the parking lot, and Zhou Ning didn’t know where to go, with his aunt’s suggestions from last night crowding his mind.
"How about we buy some food and head to North Jiushui in Tongshan?"
Xia Momo lifted her foot, revealing a pair of high heels to Zhou Ning. She put her hands on her hips and pursed her lips slightly.
"You expect me to climb mountains in these?"
"That’s an easy fix. We can go to Mackay Le and get it done in one stop. First, we’ll buy shoes for you, then some food and necessities. I think it might be cold up the mountain, so how about we get you a suitable set of activewear as well?"
Xia Momo glanced at Zhou Ning’s outfit. He was dressed quite formally today. On further thought, Zhou Ning seemed to be someone who didn’t care much about his attire; aside from his uniform, it was always shirts, trousers, and leather shoes—making him look like a little old man. If not for his natural good looks, his dressing would definitely be a negative.
"Fine, but we’re wearing couple outfits. I’ll choose the clothes, and you can’t refuse. Whatever I say you wear, you wear—even if it’s a dress for you today, you can’t object. Can you do that?"
Looking at Xia Momo’s serious expression, Zhou Ning rubbed his chin, leaned in close to her ear with a teasing tone, and whispered:
"Sure, as long as you don’t mind, it’s fine by me. But I want compensation—I want you to wear stockings for me to see."
Xia Momo paused, feeling her cheeks grow warm, but just nodded slightly.
"Hmm."
"I have a say in the color, too. I’ll pick it out later."
Xia Momo raised her fist and lightly punched Zhou Ning on the shoulder. Laughing, Zhou Ning opened the car door for her, and the two drove off to Mackay Le. To Zhou Ning’s surprise, Xia Momo didn’t wander all over the place exaggeratedly; they finished shopping for their head-to-toe outfits in just two stores.
However, finding stockings took quite a bit of time, and eventually, Xia Momo, unable to stand it any longer, took Zhou Ning to the women’s apparel floor. Yet, seeing the scantily-clad clothing next to the stocking counter, Zhou Ning didn’t know where to look.
As for the stockings, Zhou Ning chose every color in the store—black, white, blue, nude, brown, and even fishnet and patterned designs. With a big bag full, he was satisfied, and as they walked toward the elevator, Zhou Ning poked Xia Momo’s waist.
"Shall I buy you a few sets of these clothes?"
Xia Momo grabbed Zhou Ning’s hand and quickly pulled him toward the elevator.
"That’s enough from you, stocking girl. I already agreed to wear them. What are you thinking? Let’s go!"
Zhou Ning chuckled sheepishly twice without resistance and followed Xia Momo downstairs.
They got into the car and drove towards North Jiushui in Tongshan.
On the way, they talked a lot. As they approached their destination, Xia Momo looked worried. Zhou Ning felt her unease and parked the car, turning to face her.
"What’s wrong? You look worried. Is it because you’re concerned about your mom?"
Xia Momo shook her head.
"I’m not worried about my mom at the hospital. After all, she’s in good condition post-surgery, her vitals are normal, and she’s recovering well. I just worry that being out with you might end up like last time we went to Chi Island, coming back with a suitcase meant for a corpse. I’m still scared about it. What to do with your luck?"
Zhou Ning froze, at a loss for words due to Xia Momo’s comment. It was true; they had hardly enjoyed two hours of their last vacation on the island when they found a suitcase with a body inside—a streak of luck like no other.
He was unsure himself, but outwardly he brushed it off casually.
"It won’t happen. Last time it was because we were with Mr. He. It was his dirty mouth and excessive curiosity that led us into that mess. Come on, let’s go hiking!"
