Sizhe was just as pleasantly surprised when he came back from school. Mom, you are finally back! Wow, are we having hot pot tonight?

It was truly a double blessing!

Without waiting for Nansheng to say a word, he dashed upstairs to change his clothes, then came clattering back down. Nansheng had told them no less than a hundred times to be careful on the stairs, but the kids always forgot when they were in a hurry. They really needed a good smacking.

Having plenty of time today, Nansheng even made hand-beaten beef meatballs. Each one was round, plump, and bursting with juice at the first bite—absolutely delicious.

The two children kept asking about the provincial capital. Mom went to visit the research institute. When there is a chance in the future, I will take you guys to see it too. The leaders even wanted Mom to go work in the province, but I turned them down.

Work in the province?

The two children did not even care about eating the delicious food anymore. Being transferred directly from the county to the province—their mother was just too awesome!

Mom, you should have agreed! It is such a pity to give it up. We would all go over there with you anyway.

There is nothing to pity. Mom is still young. In fact, based on my qualifications, my current position is already a bit high. Besides, if I went to the province, I would be even busier. How could it be as comfortable as our life now?

Seeing that Nansheng had made up her mind, the two children did not try to persuade her anymore. As long as their mother was happy, that was all that mattered.

Besides, if they all moved to the province, it would be quite pitiful for their dad to live alone in the family courtyard.

Siqi asked, Mom, when we go home for the New Year, will Auntie have given us a little brother or sister by then?

That is right, Luotong was pregnant. She would probably be in her postpartum confinement around April next year.

It will not be that fast. But if you want to see the baby earlier, you can go back for a trip during the summer vacation. You can stay for a few days and come back when you get homesick.

Nansheng hoped the two children would travel and play more before they started working, as they would not have this freedom once they had jobs. However, whenever it was holiday time, they never wanted to leave the adults.

This time, Nansheng, like the experts, received a generous bonus. In a good mood, she remitted some money to both her maiden home and her in-laws. The weather was getting cold soon, and there would be many places where money was needed.

She no longer needed to follow up on the laboratory work, which greatly reduced her workload. As for the affairs of the Disciplinary Inspection Commission, she only needed to steer the ship; her subordinates were all very capable.

Recently, the government issued a transfer order. Cao Guoxiang was going to be transferred, and the deputy secretary would be promoted to the official position. The deputy secretary’s name was Jiang Hongjun. He had worked diligently under Cao Guoxiang over the years, and his promotion also involved Cao Guoxiang’s recommendation.

Cao Guoxiang called him to his office for a heart-to-heart talk. Hongjun, given your qualifications and work experience, I should not say too much, but I am just afraid you might get the wrong idea.

Jiang Hongjun did not quite understand Cao Guoxiang’s meaning. Secretary, please speak frankly. I will definitely take it to heart.

Cao Guoxiang explained to him using his own personal experience, Before Director Nan was promoted to the county, how many people wanted to suppress her? And what was the result? When she was first promoted to the position of Director of the County Disciplinary Inspection Commission, many people told me, openly or secretly, that she would be a stumbling block for me. They wanted the two of us to fight, but what was the outcome? Now, I have been promoted because of Director Nan. If I had not met her, perhaps I would have been stuck in this county town for the rest of my life. From now on, as long as her ideas do not violate discipline, I hope you can strongly support her instead of causing internal divisions!

Jiang Hongjun stared at Cao Guoxiang with both eyes, seemingly speechless. Cao Guoxiang glared at him, What, you do not like hearing me say this?

Jiang Hongjun immediately shook his head in denial. I just do not quite understand, Secretary. Why would you think I have the guts to go against Director Nan? I have not lived long enough yet!

Cao Guoxiang was both annoyed and amused upon hearing this. Although I do not want you to go against her, could you have a little backbone? Do you really need to be scared like this?

I want to, but Director Nan has people covering for her even in the province. Pulling me down from my position is just a matter of a phone call for her, is it not? Do not worry, I will just honestly do my own job and definitely will not cause any trouble.

These words made Cao Guoxiang feel that Hongjun’s ideological awareness was even higher than his own. He was indeed a man who worked under him.

Tomorrow evening after work, I am inviting a few people to my house for dinner. Remember to come over!

Jiang Hongjun: Absolutely!

Nansheng also received the invitation. Cao Guoxiang even specifically asked, The day after tomorrow is a day off. Will Regiment Commander Lin be coming over tomorrow? I would like to invite Regiment Commander Lin to have dinner together too!

Nansheng said that if Lin Han came, she would definitely bring him along!

Recently, both she and Lin Han had quite regular work schedules. Lin Han came back every week, and this time was certainly no exception. Hearing that they were going to the Cao family as guests, he went to a restaurant to buy food for the two children.

Going as guests, they certainly could not go empty-handed. Nansheng did not buy anything expensive either, just some liquor, fruits, and pastries. However, the fact that the couple could attend was more precious to the Cao couple than any gifts.

When arranging the seats, Nansheng was so annoyed she laughed. This is your home, and it is you, Secretary Cao, who is being promoted to the city. Is it appropriate for you to let me sit in the seat of honor?

Why would it not be appropriate? You are my benefactor. Let alone sitting in the seat of honor, I will have to come and pay you New Year greetings every year from now on!

Sister-in-law Cao was meeting Nansheng for the first time, but she had already heard her name from her husband’s mouth many times.

Yes, Director Nan. My Old Cao keeps talking about it. If you had not found someone to produce such an effective compound fertilizer, he would not have been promoted. Whether it is for Old Cao or for those commoners who cannot get enough to eat, I must toast you a glass of wine today.

Sister-in-law, please do not say that. Ever since I came to the county, Brother Cao has also helped me a lot. We achieved success together!

Sister-in-law Cao had quite a bold and uninhibited personality, and her words were pleasant to hear. Nansheng, who rarely touched alcohol, was persuaded by her to drink two glasses. It was obvious that Secretary Cao was definitely kept firmly under her thumb at home.

The people who came today were all prominent figures in the government. Jiang Hongjun did not dare to raise his glass to Nansheng, so he went to toast Lin Han. By the end of the meal, Lin Han had also drunk quite a lot.

They still had children at home, so when it was about time, the couple took their leave. As for when the drinking party ended, they had no idea.

Cao Guoxiang soon went to work in the city, and the affairs in the county were officially taken over by Jiang Hongjun.

He finally understood why Secretary Cao had specially reminded him before leaving. It was because too many people would come to flatter and curry favor with him, and his ego would unknowingly inflate.

Every time he felt himself getting carried away again, he would take a stroll around the Disciplinary Inspection Commission. If he saw Nansheng, his heart would instantly come back down to earth.

See that? If you dare to harbor any bad intentions, this fierce woman will definitely not let you off!

The effect was immediate!

When Su Jie noticed this, she would gossip with Nansheng, Sister Nan, why do you think Secretary Jiang is always strolling over to our side when he has nothing to do? He does not even come inside. Could he be trying to catch us making mistakes?

I actually hope so. As long as we act upright and sit straight, are we afraid of being messed with? Stop having persecution paranoia and just work hard!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep