Free Web NovelChapter 465: Chapter 438: Making Friends Carelessly, Scram!_1
January 18, 2013, 19:44 frёewebηovel.cѳm
Exhausted, Zhou Ning got out of the car while Mr. Zhao excitedly shouted from behind,
"Don’t rush, don’t forget your things."
Zhou Ning patted his head, feeling like he could pass out at any moment. It was indeed a laborer’s fate to just participate in a year-end award ceremony at the provincial department, but a six-hour car ride had made him feel like his body was falling apart.
"All right, you drive my car back. I’m truly tired and won’t bother taking you out to a nice meal!"
Mr. Zhao waved his hand.
"Mr. Hu and Director Xu said you should get some good rest, and luckily it’s the weekend tomorrow, so sleep in a bit. But I think there’s a bunch of people waiting for you at home, right?"
Zhou Ning paused and rubbed his cropped hair, just then remembering that Xia Momo had called on his way back, saying that Grandpa and the rest were waiting for him at the small building, wanting to share his award-winning experience. Apparently, his second uncle had also returned.
Zhou Ning hurriedly got back into the car and punched Mr. Zhao.
"Why didn’t you say so earlier? Come on, take me to the villa area."
Mr. Zhao smacked his lips, temporarily unable to retort, and turned around to drop Zhou Ning off at the small building of the villa. Just as he steadied the car, he saw Zhou Xiaojun shouting and waving at the gate.
"Come out quick, my big brother is back!"
Following that call, several people came out, including Xia Momo—who seemed to have been waiting there a while. Zhou Ning quickly got out of the car, and Mr. Zhao wound down the window to wave at everyone.
"Hello, second uncle, second aunt, Xiaoyu, Mr. He, Mr. Xia. I won’t get out. I’m feeling gross after a whole day, I better go clean up and rest. Next time I come over for a meal, don’t judge!"
Only when Mr. Zhao spoke like this did the second aunt stop reaching for the car door.
"Alright then, you’ve had a tough day. Some other time I’ll roast a lamb for you, I’ll call you in advance."
Mr. Zhao grinned and waved his hand.
"Second aunt, I’ll remember that, but you have to tell me a day ahead so I can clear out my intestines, all ready for that roast lamb."
Everyone laughed, and Mr. Zhao quickly drove away. Xia Momo came over to take the bag from Zhou Ning’s hand, but it was heavier than she expected and nearly slipped from her grasp. Luckily, Zhou Xiaojun swiftly caught it. Surprised, she didn’t know what could be inside the bag.
"Weren’t you just at an award ceremony? Why did you bring back so much stuff?"
Zhou Ning smiled and lifted his hand to gently ruffle Xia Momo’s head, feeling the soft fluffiness and a faint scent of flowers that made most of his exhaustion dissipate.
"It’s all award certificates and medals, and to be honest, I don’t even know what all’s been stuffed in there. But I’m starving; I rushed back without stopping for food or waiting for Mr. Hu and Director Xu."
The second aunt stepped forward and patted Zhou Ning on the back.
"You rascal, you know your stomach’s not good, and you still dare to starve yourself. Hurry inside, wash up, and eat. Good thing I’ve saved some food for you. Momo didn’t eat either; she’s been waiting for you. You can eat together now."
As they spoke, they entered the room. Zhou Xiaojun excitedly called for the old master. After Zhou Ning washed up, he went back to the dining area where the old master and the second uncle and aunt were sitting around. The table was set with four dishes, and only he and Xia Momo had plates in front of them.
Having so many people watching him eat wasn’t an issue, but Xia Momo might feel awkward being stared at.
"Grandpa, aren’t you eating? Why don’t you sit on the sofa? Let me finish my meal, and then I’ll go into detail with you. Otherwise, I can’t eat well if I talk while eating, and I’m really hungry."
The old master laughed and got up, gesturing with his hands.
"Let’s go, let’s sit on the sofa. This kid really seems to be starving."
Seeing everyone leave, Xia Momo nudged Zhou Ning’s arm, a smile on her face as she said in a low voice,
"You’re worried I won’t eat well, aren’t you? Actually, I like it when Grandpa and the others watch me eat. You’re just afraid you won’t be able to eat at ease."
Zhou Ning put two pieces of rib on Xia Momo’s plate and seeing her eating with relish, he smiled too.
"Next time don’t wait for me; eat on your own. Otherwise, I’ll be worried."
Xia Momo huffed.
"Hmph, I wanted to make you worry. Eat up, no talking during meals!"
Zhou Ning didn’t say anything more, quickly clearing out the four plates of food and downing two bowls of rice. Watching Zhou Ning enjoy his meal, Xia Momo couldn’t help but eat more too and got up to clean up the dishes. Just then, He Shancun came over and stopped them.
"You two go ahead and debrief us; I’ll clean up."
"How can we let you do that? I’ll wash the dishes."
Mr. He waved his hand, blocking Xia Momo’s gesture.
"Let me show off a bit. Didn’t you see Zhou Xiaoyu looking this way? Otherwise, I’d get scolded. Go on now!"
Xia Momo laughed, unapologetically handing the dishes to He Shancun, and went with Zhou Ning next to the sofa, sitting right next to Zhou Xiaoyu and playfully resting her hand on her stomach.
At that moment, the certificates and boxes from the bag were already displayed on the coffee table by Zhou Xiaojun, and the old master, wearing reading glasses, puzzled over which shiny red certificate to pick up first.
"Were all these handed out today?"
Zhou Ning nodded.
"Some are for individuals, some for the group. I only brought back my individual ones. Mr. Hu said that the city won’t hold an award ceremony, but they will give another bonus so that the formalities don’t interfere with my regular work.
These are "Ludong Province Public Security Science and Technology Talents," "Province-wide Outstanding Individual in Homicide Investigation," "Provincial Public Security Department Annual Outstanding Contribution Award," one first-class individual merit, one second-class individual merit, Qindao City Public Security Bureau collective first-class merit, and Qindao City Technical Department Forensic Room collective second-class merit—that’s about all."
