Wang Jianguo had no idea how he survived that night. Regarding the villagers of Wanli Commune contracting the wild pond for aquaculture, only Chen Yang had mentioned it to him.
He didn't know why Director Zou of the Municipal Management Committee knew about this matter. Could it be Chen Yang?
Instantly, Wang Jianguo's mind flashed to the young man who had made him stand out from the aquatic products station of a county under Qinghe City. He was intelligent, wise, and possessed an unparalleled foresight regarding major trends.
But Chen Yang was in Liuhe County. He was clearly just a sent-down youth in Liuhe County; how could he possibly have access to Director Zou?
Could it be because of Liu Fuchun of Wanli Commune?
Liu Fuchun was the commune director. It was plausible that he had some connection, direct or indirect, with city leaders.
However, that didn't seem right either. If Liu Fuchun were to report this matter, there was no reason why he wouldn't discuss it with Wang Jianguo. This was illogical. He didn't believe Liu Fuchun, after so many years in officialdom, wouldn't understand this simple principle.
Wang Jianguo pondered for a long time but couldn't figure it out. He decided to stop thinking about it. No matter who it was, this was a great opportunity for him.
If the leadership didn't approve, today they wouldn't have notified him of an inspection but would have directly reprimanded him and ordered the matter stopped.
Since the leadership approved, all he had to do was handle this matter well, and he would definitely leave a good impression on the leaders.
As long as Director Zou spoke a word, his position as deputy factory director would be all but assured. After all, all enterprises in Qinghe City, including the state-owned Hongxing Machinery Factory, were under his purview.
If he could truly gain his appreciation, he might even have a chance to become the factory director of Liuhe County Food Factory in the future.
While Wang Jianguo was meticulously recalling what Chen Yang had told him and diligently writing his report, Chen Yang and Shen Xue had already returned to Shenjaba Village with their two children.
Shen Futang and Liu Chunmei were almost in tears seeing the family of four return.
For the past two days, they had been too worried to sleep at night. During the day, Shen Futang still had to look after the aquatic products business that Chen Yang had left behind. In two days, the old man had lost a noticeable amount of weight.
"Haohao, call Grandpa, Grandma."
Chen Yang gently patted his son's round head, finding it curious. His son's little head, he didn't know how it grew so round. Every time, he just wanted to knead it.
"Grandma, Grandpa."
Before Chen Hao could even utter the words, the baby had already scrambled into Liu Chunmei's arms, acting very affectionate.
"My dear grandson, it's alright, it's alright. You can call them slowly once you get used to them," Shen Futang said.
Shen Futang could see that Chen Hao was a bit shy, so he quickly spoke up. Then, the baby, from Liu Chunmei's embrace, asked to be held by the elder. The elder's two days of worry instantly vanished, replaced by a smile.
"Grandpa, Grandma."
As if spurred on by the baby, Chen Hao also called out.
"Good, my good grandson," Liu Chunmei quickly hugged Chen Hao. It was good that he was back, truly good.
Now Yan Yan would have a companion. With the two siblings at home, the spacious house built by their eldest daughter and son-in-law wouldn't feel so empty; it would be lively.
"Old woman, quickly light the fire and cook. It's getting dark. Don't let our two dear grandchildren go hungry," Shen Futang, holding the baby, suddenly patted his forehead, remembering that Chen Yang and the others probably hadn't eaten.
"Grandpa, Grandma, Yan Yan asked Daddy to bring roast duck. It's delicious."
"Eat roast duck," hearing the word "eat," the baby, tugging on Shen Futang's beard, quickly chimed in.
Yan Yan remembered how delicious roast duck was and had been constantly asking her dad to bring some for Grandpa and Grandma to try.
"You really are Grandpa's good grandson. Come, Grandpa will lift you high," although being pulled by his beard was a little painful, Shen Futang was overjoyed.
His dear grandson was so thoughtful, not forgetting them when he went out and even bringing back delicious food for them to try. How could the old man not feel warm inside?
Looking at their daughter and son being held by the elder couple, Chen Yang and Shen Xue also showed long-lost smiles.
Their family was finally reunited.
"Good grandson, you eat first."
The two elders looked at the roast duck wraps Chen Yang and Shen Xue had made for them. The aroma of the roast duck made their mouths water, but they both restrained themselves, feeding the two little ones first.
"It's really fragrant."
The baby took a bite and immediately started eating with gusto. Chen Hao did too; the roast duck was exceptionally delicious.
"Dad, Mom, you eat too. This roast duck is fragrant."
Watching their two children eat roast duck with delighted expressions, Shen Xue felt immense happiness. She quickly helped Chen Yang wrap roast duck rolls for Shen Futang and Liu Chunmei.
"This duck is roasted well, very satisfying." Shen Futang took a bite. The roast duck wrapped in spring pancakes and cucumber strips was fatty but not greasy. One bite filled his mouth with the aroma of roast duck, making him want to swallow his tongue.
"Yangzi, your eldest brother-in-law came to our house yesterday. He wanted to have a drink with you to thank you."
"He heard that you had two drinks with Director Zhong last time with those two shuttlecocks you brought. The director felt your eldest brother-in-law was a good fellow and said he was considering him for a workshop director position."
Shen Futang, while happily eating the roast duck, suddenly remembered his elder sister's husband's visit yesterday, praising his eldest son-in-law.
He was becoming more and more satisfied with his eldest son-in-law. He, Shen Futang, was truly fortunate to have married his daughter to such a good man.
Not only did it give him face among the villagers, but it also helped their relatives.
As the elder brother, his lifelong wish was to help his younger siblings live good lives, which would be honoring his deceased parents.
Unfortunately, his own abilities were limited. Instead, his younger sister's family often helped them. Now, his eldest son-in-law had helped him fulfill that wish, aiding his younger sister's family.
"My eldest brother-in-law is a man of occasion. All he lacked was an opportunity." Chen Yang was also happy for his eldest brother-in-law. The entire eldest aunt's family were straightforward and honest people. He enjoyed interacting with such relatives. His eldest brother-in-law had worked diligently at the fertilizer factory for half his life, and being promoted to workshop director was a great joy.
"Donglai is indeed good. Otherwise, I wouldn't have married my sister to him." Shen Futang stroked his beard, looking quite pleased. Liu Chunmei heard this and snorted.
"You old fool, stop bragging. Do you really think your judgment is that good? What kind of person is your younger brother-in-law? He even tells everyone he's broken off contact with us, afraid that our selling fish would affect him."
Liu Chunmei was extremely displeased with Tian Zhijun. Her eldest daughter and son-in-law were honestly helping the villagers make money, not stealing or cheating, so why was he ashamed of them?
Breaking off relations, good riddance. She didn't want to associate with that ungrateful wretch. It was a waste of the cotton tickets she had saved for years to make that new cotton quilt; it was like feeding a dog.
"Mom, it's not worth getting angry over someone like that."
"Our family's life will be much better from now on. We've never relied on him, Tian Zhijun, for anything."
Chen Yang smiled faintly. This Tian Zhijun truly cared only about his own career, so eager to sever ties with their family.
Unfortunately, what he thought was the path to heaven was merely a detour.