Madam Ji was overjoyed to see a letter addressed to her as well, and opened it without any hesitation. Ji Xingmi didn't say much, only recounting what she had been doing and what had happened since arriving. The rest of her message was a display of affection, expressing how much she missed her mother. This nearly melted Madam Ji's heart, and she repeatedly told her daughter how wonderful she was. However, since Mushroom had already left and there wasn't enough time to send a reply, she reread the letter before putting it away.
When Father Ji returned, Madam Ji, humming a tune, handed him the letter and also the other one addressed to Gu Jingyi, asking him to deliver it to Gu Jingyi the next day at work. Ji Mingxue was a bit curious seeing his wife in such a cheerful mood. Usually, she would complain about their daughter only writing to him and never mentioning her, which always made her angry. If it weren't for the official matters in the letter, he feared he might have been in trouble. Why was she so happy today, not seeming to mind at all?
Unable to figure it out, Ji Mingxue finally asked, "What's wrong today? You seem so happy."
"When am I ever unhappy?"
"Usually, you'd complain a bit. What's with you today, have you changed your ways?"
"I have not! I'm broad-minded, and besides, if my daughter writes to you, it's bound to be for important matters. How could I get angry over something like this?"
Ji Mingxue didn't respond, looking at Madam Ji with suspicion.
"What's with that look? Oh, it's just that my daughter wrote to me today, telling me about the things she's encountered. She also mentioned that she planted watermelons at Elder Hua's place, and once they're ripe, she'll have someone send one over for me to taste."
"Ah, I see! Oh, I'm so envious! Your daughter is truly good to you!" Ji Mingxue said with a hint of sourness in his tone. Madam Ji, however, didn't notice it; she was too happy to dwell on such things.
Ji Xingmi, unaware of these conversations, was preparing the items she needed to take to the research institute. She figured she would be staying there for quite some time, so it was better to pack more things.
The next day, led by Secretary Sun, Ji Xingmi arrived at the military research institute. After entering the military zone, Ji Xingmi saw many soldiers training. Their car couldn't drive directly to the institute; they had to walk a considerable distance.
Fortunately, Ji Xingmi didn't have much with her, just one suitcase. She didn't have to carry it herself. Secretary Sun led them towards the research institute. The soldiers training also noticed their group and were curious about who they were. However, they didn't whisper or discuss amongst themselves, merely glancing over before returning to their training.
Midway, Ji Xingmi stopped and turned to look at the soldiers training. Secretary Sun noticed her pause and walked over to ask, "Xing'er, what are you looking at?"
"I think I saw an acquaintance?"
"An acquaintance? Who?"
"Uncle Hu Li! But why can't I see him now? Did I mistake him?"
"Gu Zhongli from the Gu family?"
"Mhm!"
"He seems to be around here recently. Perhaps he didn't see you and has already left."
"He's here? What's he doing here?" Ji Xingmi seemed to remember something and quickly covered her face. "Quick, quick, Mushroom, Little Chicken, cover me! Don't let him see me! Uncle Sun, let's go, quickly!"
Ji Xingmi covered her face with one hand and pulled Secretary Sun forward with the other. Uncle Hu Li was here, and she wasn't sure if he had seen her. It was best to leave quickly before being discovered. She didn't want him to start "fleecing" her again, so she had to hurry!
"What's wrong with Xing'er?"
"I can't let Uncle Hu Li know I'm here, or he'll always be trying to fleece me. Come on, let's go!" Without waiting for Secretary Sun's reply, she pulled him along.
Ji Xingmi didn't see it, but Gu Zhongli, hiding in a nearby corner, watched her hasty retreat before turning to leave. His niece-in-law had arrived. This was interesting. She wondered what brought her here. kuAiδugg
Elder Ye and the director of the research institute were waiting for them at the entrance. Ji Xingmi and her group quickly went to greet them. The research institute had already been informed of their arrival and had arranged the laboratories. They were here to escort them. After greeting the director, Ji Xingmi moved to the back and chatted with Elder Ye. Although Director Xu was speaking with Secretary Sun, his peripheral vision caught Ji Xingmi chatting with Chief Ye in the back.
It didn't look like a subordinate speaking to a superior; rather, it resembled a grandfather and granddaughter chatting. Ji Xingmi and Elder Ye weren't really discussing research. Elder Ye gave her a few instructions, but it was mainly Ji Xingmi doing the talking.
"Grandpa Ye, you absolutely must help me! You must not let Uncle Gu find me! If necessary, give him some task so he doesn't have time to look for me!"
"What? Did he offend you?"
"He wants to fleece me, and I'm scared. He's always trying to bully me! Now his excuses have probably gotten even more elaborate!"
Elder Ye chuckled and shook his head. These two, both foxes calculating against each other, yet they seemed to enjoy it.
Upon reaching the laboratory, Ji Xingmi inspected the items delivered. After a quick check, she prepared to begin immediately. She wouldn't be involved in any other matters; Mushroom would handle them.
Once inside the laboratory, Ji Xingmi no longer paid attention to anything outside. She even had Mushroom set up a small bed for her in the lab, where she could lie down when she was tired. She was essentially living in the lab. She hadn't considered asking others for help, but she had no acquaintances here. When she went out a few days ago, she felt as if the people at the research institute were avoiding her.
It wasn't exactly avoidance, but more of a condescending attitude, as if they assumed she would always seek their help. Ji Xingmi had thought the military research institute would be more straightforward, but it turned out to be just as utilitarian.
Perhaps in the future, she would find an opportunity to establish her own research institute. At least then she wouldn't have to curry favor with others, and perhaps they would be the ones seeking her favor. She wondered how much it would cost to set up a research institute and if her personal savings would be enough.
After that day, Ji Xingmi didn't frequent the cafeteria much. Mushroom would help her get meals and bring them to her. Director Xu, however, noticed her infrequent outings and came to check on her. Ji Xingmi didn't explain, but instead, she requested a lot more supplies from Director Xu. Fortunately, Director Xu didn't hesitate and delivered everything she asked for the next day.
What Ji Xingmi didn't know was that Director Xu had received calls from Number One and Number Two, instructing him to provide everything she requested without any delay. This made Director Xu realize just how powerful the young lady's backing was, and he began to wonder if he had ever shown her any disrespect.