Free Web NovelChapter 1102: Chapter 975: Can’t Let Your Guard Down
"Take your time, there’s no hurry, Ping’an of our family is still young."
Old Mrs. Cheng sighed with emotion, "But those wild boys in our family are all at the age to start a career and family, yet none of them seem interested in getting married."
Mr. Cheng shook his head with a smile, "You, you say you’re leaving it up to the kids, but you can’t let go. When the time comes, you won’t let them submit marriage reports, and they’ll be unhappy."
Old Mrs. Cheng laughed self-deprecatingly, "Getting old, and wanting to meddle in things that should or shouldn’t be meddled with."
Mr. Cheng teased, "That’s why they say old people get confused."
"Aren’t you confused when you’re old?" Old Mrs. Cheng laughed indifferently, then sighed with sadness, "It’s a pity many of our old comrades can’t even afford to be confused."
Mr. Cheng saw this and comforted her, "How about I accompany you to stay at Er’s house for a while and visit your old friends?"
Old Mrs. Cheng shook her head, "No, why disturb the kids? They’re all busy working, and I won’t go mess things up."
"Then I’ll go hiking with you."
"Old arms and legs, I’m fine."
Zhou Jiao listened and smiled. Couples growing old together, holding hands and never tiring of each other — the feelings between this elderly couple were something she admired.
"We’ll accompany you two elders to the mountains."
Old Mrs. Cheng patted her hand comfortingly, "You’re still young, different from us. How come there are rumors lately that you’ve been named by those above to join the foreign ministry?"
"Maybe someone misunderstood after seeing the minister over there find me."
"That means someone doesn’t want you to go there." Mr. Cheng thoughtfully tapped the armrest, "It’s not surprising; someone might be worried you’re a threat to them, although it’s a good thing."
Zhou Jiao understood the implication in his words. Her file was encrypted, but traces always leaked showing she was fluent in several languages. Despite her administrative level being known only to herself and a few insiders, her monthly salary always got leaked.
At this critical juncture, whether it was intentional disruption or a test, she had no intention to move. That place was too deep; there were too many lords and ladies, and she wished to stay far from them.
"Jealousy of talent is the nature of petty people." Old Mrs. Cheng sighed, "It was bound to come to this day. Jiao Jiao, listen to me, gold will always shine, first conserve your strength and wait for the opportunity."
Zhou Jiao smiled hearing this, "Auntie, I’m not that exceptional, rest assured, I’m already content with the life I’m living now."
These were her heartfelt words. From graduating college to now, over seven years, although she’s just a small section chief in the office hall, her administrative grade has actually flown from the original level 23 to level 17 due to several achievements — not comparable to Zhang Guoqing’s level 15, but not bad either.
Even if she were reassigned to another unit, even if promoted exceptionally, it would at most be a one-level bump. Anyhow, there’s still a big gap to level 13 high-official treatment, not to mention that place is full of chaos; why give up the stable work environment she painstakingly built, doing more than necessary?
Mr. Cheng looked at her and spoke meaningfully, "As long as your father is Zhou Xiaozheng, you can’t be negligent."
Zhou Jiao understood the goodwill, smiling gratefully towards him, wishing she could do more. She couldn’t reveal any intentions, but some of her pieces were already placed; she wasn’t good at attacking but could defend well.
"How’s your eldest cousin’s niece’s relationship with you now?"
Old Mrs. Cheng referred to no other than Jin Lijuan.
The reason she asked was that the National Planning Commission recently had a vacant deputy director role, and the old lady was worried Zhou Jiao wouldn’t have support and might get caught up in it.
Zhou Jiao laughed, "She’s been traveling a lot this year, we haven’t met often." She left unsaid that ever since the woman’s daughter went to the countryside, her various actions made her choose to distance herself.
––After all, she’s a relative of her eldest cousin-sister, keeping things civil suffices.
"Then be careful."
Zhou Jiao smiled and nodded.
Mr. Cheng sensed their conversation reached a certain point and opened his mouth, "Lin family’s girl may be looking for your mom recently, keep an eye out."
Zhou Jiao was startled and then nodded. She didn’t ask how he knew, figuring it was likely Lin Liyin seeking help.
The Ping’an Brothers nearby glanced knowingly at the old man; while Zhou Jiao mostly focused on work and rarely paid attention to gossip, they thought of some recent rumors.
After a while, with the elder’s rest time arriving, Zhou Jiao took the kids and said goodbye.
The Zhou family courtyard had returned to tranquility, even the stone table was cleaned, and additional stools disappeared, it seemed like a dream without seeing them before leaving.
Aunt Chen, preparing a late-night snack in the kitchen, heard movement and walked out, gesturing inside.
Zhou Jiao understood, stopping her from coming to greet, and entered the living room with the kids.
"Dad, haven’t you rested yet? What are you chatting about with bro?"
In the study with her just-entered son-in-law, Zhou Xiaozheng brightened seeing his daughter come in, "We’re waiting for you and the kids. Why didn’t Aunt Chen take you home?"
Zhang Guoqing followed behind, complaining, "Why are you carrying such big kids with your thin arms and legs? Dad, she’s getting more rebellious from your pampering."
Zhou Jiao chuckled instantly. Why fuss?
Zhou Xiaozheng looked at his beaming daughter, giving him a sideways glance, wasn’t it you, as her husband, who surrounded her with unreliable friends?
Zhou Jiao had something important to discuss, so she didn’t waste words, smiling, "I just took the kids to Auntie’s place for a bit. Where’s Mom?"
Miao Lishan followed, "Here."
"Mom, have you seen Lin Liyin these days?"
Miao Lishan looked confused, then immediately realized her daughter wouldn’t mention the other side for no reason, her face changed, "Did she contact you?"
Zhou Jiao felt strange seeing this, "What’s going on?"
At these words, the family exchanged glances, suddenly falling silent.
Zhou Jiao glanced at their expressions, squinting at the younger sons. Noticed the little ones quickly lowered their heads. She blurted out, "Conduct issue?"
Otherwise, why would little chatterbox May Day, such a young kid blush and be shy? If the brothers caused trouble, they’d own it openly.
Zhang Guoqing snorted with a smile, "How did you come to this question?"
From the desk in front, Zhou Xiaozheng pointed at the twins, "Looks like you’ve got skills, what have you heard, share it."
Zhou Jiao curiously glanced at them, blinking towards Zhang Guoqing.
Zhang Guoqing quickly shook his head, then nodded.
What did that mean? Known for her perceptiveness, Zhou Jiao grew confused, fortunately, the kids spoke out.
Liu Yi scratched his head, "My buddy said she messes with male comrades." Once started, no barrier stopped him — the child grew more fluent as he spoke, "She’s a doctor so contact with male patients is unavoidable, but supposedly there were no outsiders in the room, and the male comrade had injuries in inconvenient places."
