The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 358 - 329: Return to Yanjing, Discussing Affairs_1

Chapter 358: Chapter 329: Return to Yanjing, Discussing Affairs_1

As the year drew to a close, Qijia Village was bustling with activity, a departure from its prior dullness.

Since they had received quite a bit of money and meat, even visiting relatives felt like they could stand taller and head out with dignity.

Qi Ergou, who was attending university, had come home as well, bringing with him some kumquats for Third Grandma Qi, a gift from Zhao Dajiao and He Tiantian for her to taste.

Wang Shuping returned the favor to Zhao Dajiao with some egg cakes; such exchanges ensured that relationships would last.

Regrettably, Qi Xiaoyan could not come home and would have to wait until the next year’s New Year celebrations.

Unable to return, Qi Xiaoyan was missed by Village Chief Qi and Liang Hongyu at home, but they were consoled by the presence of their eldest son and grandchildren, while Niu Dajun grew restless and bought a train ticket to visit Qi Xiaoyan.

This year was the most lively one that He Tiantian had experienced since her rebirth.

Now, Huo Yingjie had worked overtime and had finally completed the project on the twenty-sixth of the twelfth lunar month, handing it over to Chief Engineer Sun.

Since it was crucial, Chief Engineer Sun had been tracking it closely and approved it in less than half a day after it passed the tests.

"You’ll be on holiday tomorrow, and the institute will assign someone to protect you," Chief Engineer Sun said. "This is for your safety, and I hope you won’t find it bothersome."

Huo Yingjie was no ordinary young man; he was more composed and smiled, "I appreciate the concern and care from the institute!"

Before leaving, Huo Yingjie gave each of his three assistants a dried wild rabbit, and the remaining three to Chief Engineer Sun.

When Huo Yingjie left, those accompanying him were still Zhang Aijun and Li Yunzhong.

As they were acquainted with each other, the trio felt at ease, at least there was no need for an adjustment period.

After his holiday started, he didn’t go directly to see He Tiantian, but headed to Yanjing instead.

Huo Yingjie did not lack the desire to visit He Tiantian, but he had some important matters to attend to in Yanjing.

First, he wanted to inquire about He Tiantian’s situation and find out who the masterminds behind her framing were.

Secondly, he needed to discuss this year’s happenings and next year’s trends with his grandmother, uncle, and father.

Only after learning everything could Huo Yingjie feel reassured about visiting He Tiantian.

At the same time, his elder brother had been in Country M the entire year and would surely return for the New Year festivities.

Thus, Huo Yingjie could gather some information about Third Grandma Qi’s son.

After arriving in Yanjing and undergoing numerous checks, Huo Yingjie finally reached home.

Zhang Aijun and Li Yunzhong were amazed, recognizing that Huo Yingjie truly had capabilities.

He was entirely different from their impression of someone from a good family who flaunts their privileged personality.

Huo Yingjie was composed, driven, and also very modest.

Upon reaching the Huo Family home, there was nothing more for Zhang Aijun and Li Yunzhong to do, so they joined the bodyguards in guarding Old Master Huo.

"Yingjie, you’re finally back," Huo Yingjun said warmly, coming over to greet his exceptionally capable younger brother.

This younger brother was impressive; just by saying a few words and looking at a photograph, he had helped him find the key figure, Qi Shu.

Huo Yingjie chuckled and said, "Since my elder brother has returned from Country M, of course I have to come and see him."

The two, looking like good brothers, went to the study.

Old Master Huo, Huo Zheqian, and Huo Zhekun were already waiting inside, chatting and drinking tea.

As for the women, they were outside preparing lunch.

"Grandpa, good day, uncle, good day, Dad, good day." Huo Yingjie stepped forward and paid his respects. It had been a year since he had seen his parents and grandfather, and they seemed to have aged more than last year.

"Yingjie is here. Come, have a seat and rest," Huo Zheqian called over, now feeling happier to see this nephew than his own son Huo Yingjun.

Through several incidents this year, Huo Zheqian had safely made it through and strengthened his power, which was inseparable from this nephew’s involvement.

Fatherly love is as solid as a mountain; Huo Zhekun was pleased and proud inside, but he did not lavish praise on Huo Yingjie. Instead, he patted Yingjie’s shoulder and said, "Well done."

"Dad!" Huo Yingjie chuckled.

"Alright, everyone take a seat. Let’s talk about everyone’s business this year and discuss the gains and losses," Old Master Huo stated, summarizing the past, grasping the present, and looking to the future.

Old Master Huo was the family’s supreme commander.

It was rare that both his sons and grandsons were home, a time that should not be wasted.

Huo Zhekun and Huo Zheqian, the two brothers, were in the official circles, one in Nan City and the other in Yanjing, and could exchange information through the family’s special channels.

However, Huo Yingjun was in Country M. Passing information to him was not easy. Huo Yingjie was confined in the research institute, even more unable to freely pass information. Every transfer required a lot of manpower and resources. Hence, today’s main focus was on Huo Yingjun and Huo Yingjie.

After Huo Zhekun had spoken, Huo Yingjun began to talk about his activities in Country M.

"At first, I made no progress in Country M, until the photos that the second brother obtained. Then, there was a breakthrough. Qi Shu immediately agreed to help us maneuver," Huo Yingjun said. "Afterwards, Qi Shu spared no effort to help us in various ways, contributing money and effort. Now, we’ve made significant progress over there, and it shouldn’t be long before we succeed. However, before I returned this time, Qi Shu requested to see my mother. The matter is of great importance, and I couldn’t make the decision alone, so I said I’d report back to the department."

Old Master Huo thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "This Qi Shu, indeed has a sincere heart! Yingjie, you have more understanding of Qi Shu’s mother. Tell us how we should handle this situation."

Huo Yingjie smiled and said, "If Qi Shu comes here, it would involve a lot. Before establishing diplomatic relations, it is not appropriate for Qi Shu to return to the country. But, for Grandma Qi to go to Country M, that would be simpler."

Old Master Huo’s eyes brightened and he nodded, "That makes sense!"

"Yes, I had always thought about Qi Shu coming back, which would inevitably cause huge impact. Especially those local powers would surely obstruct us with greater effort." Huo Yingjie brought up these difficulties because of this reason. "But if we send Qi Shu’s mother to Country M, what if Qi Shu refuses to let his mother return?"

Huo Yingjie chuckled and said, "Elder brother, you can be completely at ease about this point."

"Why are you so sure?" Huo Yingjun asked, puzzled.

The others also wanted to know why Huo Yingjie was so confident, looking to him for an explanation.

"Because Third Grandma Qi is a woman who deeply understands the greater good. In ancient times, we had Yue Fei’s mother, who tattooed ’serve the country with utmost loyalty’ on her son’s back, and Yue Fei became a loyal and excellent general. Although Grandma Qi didn’t do as Yue Fei’s mother did, we just need to make clear to her that the prolonged separation has led to many like her being separated from their loved ones, and she will then persuade Qi Shu to do his best to assist us," Huo Yingjie said with certainty, knowing the situation better than anyone.

In his past life, Qi Shu wanted to keep his mother in Country M, but Grandma Qi’s words had a profound impact on Qi Shu and the many staff members, and it became a beautiful tale.

Third Grandma Qi was an ordinary old lady, but by no means was she an ordinary mother.

It was precisely because of her open-minded and tenacious character that she was able to raise someone as talented as Qi Shu.

Huo Yingjie’s words left everyone deep in thought.