Zhao Jianlan looked around, ensuring no one was paying attention to them, and then recounted the matchmaking mischief involving He Jinxuan and Luo Xiujuan orchestrated by Zhang Chengxiang’s grandmother in the security department: "You wouldn’t believe the amount of gossip Luo Xiujuan stirred up at the time. Yet she wasn’t afraid of what others said and didn’t care whether Director He agreed or not; she simply fancied herself as Director He’s partner.
But ever since Director He brought those two nephews over, Luo Xiujuan became less persistent. Not long after Director He injured his leg, rumors spread that Luo Xiujuan was seeing Li Jiang from the technical department. Luo Xiujuan is indeed quite pragmatic."
Even though it was one-sided on Luo Xiujuan’s part, Yu Xinyan still asked, "Has Luo Xiujuan gotten married yet?"
Zhao Jianlan shook her head and said, "Not yet. I heard people say Li Jiang’s mother is quite picky. She believes her son isn’t just any ordinary worker, so the choice of daughter-in-law can’t be ordinary either. I heard she’s not very satisfied with Luo Xiujuan and hasn’t even let her cross the threshold yet."
Yu Xinyan was about to speak when she heard Zhang Wenqiang say, "Everyone, hang in there a bit more. Let’s work a little longer, and then we can go home early to rest. In the afternoon, let’s come back when the sun isn’t as strong to avoid heatstroke, which would be bad."
Upon hearing this, Yu Xinyan knew for sure that He Jinxuan had said something to Zhang Wenqiang.
Actually, she was quite fine. After all, her physique had improved thanks to the Space Stream Water — not only was she strong, but her endurance was great too. Plus, although her face was sun-reddened, she wouldn’t get tanned or sunburned.
She had already tested it before, so she hadn’t taken any special precautions during this time and hadn’t thought about wearing a straw hat for sun protection today.
*
Han Jingchen couldn’t stay idle at the guest house, so he had Su Jingsong accompany him around Yilan County. He wanted to get to know the place and see where his daughter lived.
As they passed by the county high school, he wondered if the family was treating his daughter well, whether they bullied or scolded her, and if they allowed her to attend school. Would they strip her of the right to an education just because she was adopted? The more he thought about it, the more anxious and upset he became.
When they returned to the guest house, they overheard someone inquiring about them at the registration desk.
Han Jingchen subtly signaled to Su Jingsong with a glance. Han went straight upstairs, while Su waited at the corner. Once the person left, he followed them out of the guest house.
When he came back, Su Jingsong reported to Han Jingchen, "Mr. Han, I found out that person is from Beilan Village in Malan Town, named Yu Shuosheng. Coincidentally, Zhang Libing and his team are there these days. I’ve already sent someone over to find him and have him start an investigation in Beilan Village."
For some reason, Han Jingchen suddenly felt as though he was close to finding his daughter, making him restless: "No, we’re not waiting. Get in touch and figure out how to bring the village chief of Beilan to the county. We need to meet him."
Only two towns were left unsearched by Zhang Libing’s team, and Beilan Village happened to be one of them not yet inspected. Han had a special, strong feeling about it and didn’t want to delay any longer.
Soon, Su Jingsong used his connections, and the county called Beilan Village directly. When Sang Baosheng received the county’s call, he was quite apprehensive, puzzled about why the county government would contact him directly and ask him to come to the county promptly.
After hanging up, he was utterly confused, but he dared not delay. He quickly changed into outdoor clothes and briefly informed his family before setting off on his bicycle, making haste towards the county.
However, when he arrived at the county government, he didn’t meet any county leaders but was instead taken to the county guest house. On the way, he received some brief instructions, and upon reaching the site, he was escorted upstairs.
Truth be told, he was extremely nervous; just in the time it took to go upstairs, sweat had started to form on his brow.
Once he was brought into the room, he saw a righteous-looking middle-aged man sitting on the sofa inside. The man’s aura made him realize that this was no ordinary person.
After bringing him in, Su Jingsong said, "He’s here."
Han Jingchen looked at the village chief and gestured to the sofa beside him: "Please, have a seat."
Maybe seeing his apprehension, he added, "No need to be nervous. I’ve invited you here just to understand some situations."
Sang Baosheng tried to steady himself: "Please, go ahead and ask. I’ll stand."
Su Jingsong advised, "It’s best if you sit."
Sang Baosheng knew he had to be considerate. He quickly stepped forward a few paces and sat on the sofa, just as the middle-aged man opposite him asked, "Are you the village chief of Beilan Village in Malan Town?"
Sang Baosheng quickly answered, "Yes."
Unable to contain himself, Han Jingchen asked eagerly, "Is there someone named Yu Shuosheng in the village?"
Sang Baosheng was a bit puzzled but still replied honestly, "Yes."