The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 755 - 724: Major Case, Branch_1

Chapter 755: Chapter 724: Major Case, Branch_1

In the evening, Huo Zhekun and Jiang Lifang were delighted to see their son, daughter-in-law, grandson, and granddaughter arriving for a visit.

Grandma Wang still remembered the incident from the morning and hurriedly spoke to Huo Zhekun about it, urging him to pay attention.

"Aunt Wang, I’ve made a note of it, and I’ll speak to my colleague in charge of public security tomorrow, so he can launch another crackdown," Huo Zhekun said. "Now that the economy has developed, people have more freedom to move around, which also provides more ways and avenues for criminals to commit crimes."

"Dad, I don’t think you’re right," Huo Yingjie interjected. "Not to mention anything else, back in Qijia Village, when the management was strict—wherever you went, you needed a letter of introduction, and inspections were very rigorous—still, a murderer managed to escape!"

"Not just that, there were two large tombs discovered in the hills behind Qijia Village, and on both occasions, traces of tomb robbers were found. Crime will always exist, and it doesn’t just occur because of economic development," He Tiantian said. "Instead, we need to enhance investigative skills, improve the law, and govern by law!"

"Governing by law?" When Huo Zhekun heard these words, his eyes lit up as if the phrase held great promise!

Huo Yingjie and He Tiantian exchanged a resigned smile, predicting that their father was probably thinking about how to make an impressive move in his career.

"Ah, it’s really pitiful. Those two children were sent to our hospital and only began to wake up from their coma gradually by the time my shift ended," Jiang Lifang said. "Fortunately, the children’s intelligence is normal, and they haven’t become mentally deficient."

"That’s a relief," He Tiantian said. "These four children represent four families!"

"Yes, it’s fortunate they were found," Jiang Lifang remarked sentimentally. "I hope they can find their parents soon."

What was thought to end there, surprisingly unravelled a human trafficking ring, with dozens of people found and over a hundred rescued.

Nan City received commendation for cracking a major case, but that’s a story for another time.

Taking advantage of the holiday before school started again, He Tiantian went to check on her shop.

Sanfeng Bridge, reopening on the eighth day of the new year.

When He Tiantian arrived, she gave everyone red envelopes containing eighteen yuan and eighty-eight cents, symbolizing: I want to prosper.

"Thank you, boss," Sun Sihao said with a laugh. Although the amount wasn’t much, He Tiantian’s gesture was something not seen in other workplaces.

For ordinary employees, this money could buy a nice set of clothes or even cover a family’s living expenses for ten days.

"Everyone’s been working hard. Keep it up, and there will be more salary, bonuses, and red envelopes in the future," He Tiantian said with a smile, hoping to encourage everyone’s working enthusiasm with the new year’s spirit.

"Yes!" The crowd applauded in unison.

"Okay, everyone back to work!" He Tiantian nodded, then turned to Sun Sihao and Qian Shikun. "Uncle Sun, Uncle Qian, come with me to the office, I have something to discuss with you."

"Alright, let’s head to the office first," Sun Sihao said, as he also had something to discuss with He Tiantian about a new store location he had found.

Once in the office.

He Tiantian personally poured tea for Sun Sihao and Qian Shikun.

"Tiantian, if you have any issues, you go ahead and speak first," Sun Sihao said, acknowledging that He Tiantian was the boss and even if he had something to say, he would wait until after she had spoken.

He Tiantian smiled and said, "Actually, it’s nothing major, just wanted to ask about the progress regarding our branch store."

"In the southern district, there are many residential areas, and compared to other places, people there have relatively higher incomes. Opening a shop there could definitely be profitable," Sun Sihao explained. "I’ve also visited the location and found two potential spots. If you’re free, we can go check them out after lunch. If it looks good, we can finalize it. It can be renovated in a month, and we could be in business by next month."

He Tiantian nodded, having also considered opening a store in the southern district which coincided with Sun Sihao’s plan, and said: "Good, let’s go have a look after lunch."

Afterwards, He Tiantian turned to a beaming Qian Shikun.

"Uncle Qian, Aunt Qian, and your son, are they still in Nan City?" He Tiantian inquired. "If they are, I’d like to invite them to a meal."

"They are, they are. But you can’t be the one to invite, I will. When you come back from the southern city this afternoon, come directly to my house for dinner, alright?" Qian Shikun offered, for he had borrowed money from He Tiantian to renovate his house neatly, so his son and wife did not feel disappointed upon returning.

"Hehe, then we’ll take the liberty of visiting tonight," He Tiantian chuckled, happily accepting Qian Shikun’s invitation. "By the way, it’s been many years since we’ve seen each other, how is it getting along?"

"Very well. When I think about the foolish things I did when I was young, I feel terribly embarrassed." Qian Shikun said. "I’m fortunate that my wife doesn’t hold it against me and has forgiven me. Moreover, she said she wouldn’t return to Xiangjiang; she wants to stay in Nan City with me. My son and daughter-in-law have jobs there and will return after the Lantern Festival."

"That’s wonderful," He Tiantian said with a smile. "So, it’s true—youthful spouses make for old-age companions. By the way, haven’t you ever thought of going to Xiangjiang?"

"I’ve thought about it!" Qian Shikun replied. "I don’t want to be apart from my wife and son, and I also want to see my grandchildren often. But my wife longs for her hometown, Nan City is where she’s from, and she likes it here, not the climate in Xiangjiang. Since she wants to stay here, we’re not moving anywhere. While we’re still young, we can accumulate more for our children."

"Hehe, regardless, I’m happy for you," He Tiantian said. "And remember, if you’re facing any difficulty, you can talk to me."

"Of course, I won’t be shy," Qian Shikun said, feeling invigorated by having family around, the large courtyard now lively, and longing to return home right after work, knowing someone was waiting.

Huo Yingjie was nearby, quietly flipping through an account book.

It had to be said, He Tiantian had a good eye for people; the shop was well-managed, and accounts were in order.

After having lunch at the shop with the staff, He Tiantian and Huo Yingjie went with Sun Sihao to check out properties in the southern district, eventually settling on one.

"This one is suitable, but the owners only want to rent, not sell!" Sun Sihao said. "The other property, the owner said they would consider selling if the price is right."

He Tiantian thought about it, recognizing the future value of land ownership as an investment.

"Let’s buy it then, to avoid our rent going up every other day if our business does well," He Tiantian suggested. "And if other neighboring properties go up for sale, we might as well buy those too, to have them ready for the future."

"Alright, I got it!" Sun Sihao said. "We don’t have much time left today, we need to get ready and head to Old Qian’s house for dinner."

"You’re right; we should go home and get changed, and prepare some gifts," He Tiantian agreed, not wanting to visit for the first time without looking presentable or bringing gifts.