Chapter 555 Things Have Changed in Just One Month
The evening gathering was lively, with dozens of people filling several tables in the courtyard.
The head chef this time was Han Hao. Ever since Gong Wentao was arrested, he had taken over all the private kitchen business, but he hadn't recovered from his master's predicament, appearing listless.
Gong Wentao was now under investigation by the relevant authorities, while Elder Village Chief Gong and his wife, along with their child and the still unconscious Sun Fangni, had been arranged by Zi Yisheng to leave Mingcheng.
They were not short of money, so Zi Yisheng sent them to M省, where there were excellent medical institutions and many of his subordinates.
This was the best arrangement Zi Yisheng could make for them. In M省, no one would recognize them, and the child could have a good living environment, free from gossip.
As for whether the old couple could hold on until the child grew up, it was uncertain, but Zi Yisheng could guarantee that the child would be well taken care of until adulthood.
There was also He Quan. After Zi Yisheng placed him in Chenghai City, he never bothered with him again and even forbade him from returning to Mingcheng in his lifetime.
A struggle that lasted less than a month had led to drastic changes. Zi Yisheng looked at the people still present and suddenly felt a sense of weariness, wondering if his persistence and efforts would ultimately harm these people.
Ye Shengsong, seeing him lost in thought while picking up food, understood his feelings perfectly and placed her hand on his.
"Today is a joyous occasion."
"Yes, it's my fault."
Amidst clinking glasses and toasts, the family dinner allowed everyone to temporarily set aside their worries and focus on the present.
The courtyard was vast, and the children had spent the entire day running around various sections. Before the adults had finished their drinks, they were already tired and asleep in the playroom.
Ye Shengsong had converted three rooms into a playroom, equipped with a slide, a small swing, a reading area, and a drawing corner. The floor was carpeted, allowing them to lie down at any time.
Gu Miao looked gratefully at Chen Tangtang and Aunt Zhen as they carried the children one by one to their respective rooms, washing their faces and feet and changing them into pajamas. His limbs were still weak, so he could only watch when it came to taking care of the children.
"This child is too thin. Men are not good at raising children."
"Yes, he suffered hardship with me when he was young."
"Hahaha, don't worry, Shengsong is the best at raising children."
Aunt Zhen nodded with a smile. She loved seeing a house full of children. The daily chatter and requests for food from them were her greatest sense of purpose.
"Shengsong is very meticulous in raising children, and Gu Ning is a child who dotes on her. He will quickly grow up to be like Youyou and the others."
Gu Miao had initially been reluctant to stay at Ye Shengsong's house, but Asen and the others had persuaded him, saying that bodyguards should always be by their side to be responsible.
Now, seeing his child's happiness and the kindness extended to him, it would be disingenuous to refuse. He only hoped to recover quickly and return to work so that he could be worthy of the unequal treatment he was receiving.
Little Youyou and Little Mier had their own separate courtyards. A Long and the newly transferred A Ning stayed with them, effectively assigned to each child.
For once, Zi Yisheng and his wife had their own time together, with no children disturbing them in the middle of the night.
Ye Shengsong was applying skincare after her shower, while Zi Yisheng stood behind her, combing her hair.
"I've never seen you like this since I met you."
"Like what?"
"Distraught, indecisive."
Zi Yisheng smiled. Although his wife rarely participated in his affairs, she was undoubtedly the one who understood him best.
"Yes, this time I'm not confident."
"Why aren't you confident? Haven't I told you that I'm your fallback?"
Zi Yisheng kissed the top of his wife's head and pulled her onto the bed to lie down.
"But even a fallback can't save everyone's lives. It can only ensure that we have food, clothing, and money."
"Then make arrangements for everyone's escape in advance. If we fail, we'll run. Failure is not shameful."
"I'm afraid of losing my life."
Ye Shengsong was helpless. If this didn't work and that didn't work, then it was better to admit defeat now.
"Why have you become so indecisive?"
"Perhaps it's because I have too many attachments and concerns."
He still needed people to fight for him and wanted to save everyone's lives. It was impossible to have it all.
"It's actually quite ironic. I only recently realized that my true enemy is someone I've always supported. When do you think he changed?"
"How many times have you seen him since we returned to Mingcheng? Could there be a problem with your communication?"
Ye Shengsong thought simply. When two people who were once good have problems, it's definitely a communication issue.
"But a person's ideology and beliefs don't change, so I'm very confused now."
"Then go and find the source of your confusion and the reason for the problem. Perhaps your confidence will return."
Zi Yisheng smiled. He only allowed himself to be confused and indecisive with his wife. When it came to actual matters, he couldn't afford to have such emotions.
"My wife is right. I should listen to your advice more often. See, I've immediately had a revelation."
Ye Shengsong playfully hit him, "Who are you trying to butter up?"
"Wife, is your body okay?"
"Huh? Shameless."
"Isn't this normal? It seems it is."
After a night of indulgence, Zi Yisheng seemed like a changed man the next day and began holding meetings in his study. He was going to take action and not give anyone any more chances to defeat him.
Ye Shengsong woke up to find it was already ten o'clock, and she had missed sending the children to school again.
"Who sent the children today?"
"Young Master Zi did, and the children were overjoyed."
Aunt Zhen brought breakfast. She never ate breakfast on time.
"Was Gu Ning with them?"
"Yes, and his little face was tense the whole time."
"That boy is also precocious. Going to school with Little Mier should make him more cheerful."
Ye Shengsong drank a bowl of porridge and stopped, as she had a large bowl of medicine to take later.
"Where's Master?"
"He left early this morning, saying he had to meet some people."
He was busy for her again, and she had to get busy too.
"Contact Ouyang and have him bring the assistants he met last time. I want to see how they've progressed in their studies."
"Understood. I'll make the call right away."
Ye Shengsong didn't disturb her husband and went directly to her study to read a medical book.
The phone in the study rang. There were three phones in the house, one in the living room and one in each study, making it convenient for her and her husband when working from home.
"Hello."
"Hello, Ms. Ye. It's Xiao Zhao."
"Oh, Manager Zhao, is there something you need?"
"The new medicine you asked for before you left is in the final experimental stage. Would you like to come and take a look?"
Ye Shengsong frowned. She had provided the most detailed information, so why was it still in the experimental stage?
"Did something go wrong during this period? I thought it should be in the testing phase by now."
"Alas, it's the recent incidents that have unsettled everyone. Two researchers left the lab, so things have slowed down."
Ye Shengsong thought of her master, who had died tragically in the lab, and felt a pang of heartache. Although the killer had been found and secretly executed by Zi Yisheng, it couldn't ease the pain in her heart.
"I'll come over when it's time for drug testing. Have them speed up the process."
"Alright. Also, a new batch of university students has applied for positions. The lab is short of staff, so would you consider offering a few spots?"
"Six, perhaps. This time, you personally go to the schools of the selected candidates and get their comprehensive evaluation reports. I'm looking for not only capable individuals but also those with good character."
"Yes."
As soon as she hung up, Ouyang's call came.
"Madam, the five individuals selected earlier will arrive this afternoon."
"Thank you for your hard work. How have they been learning?"
"Ji Zeng is the most outstanding. Bao Qianqian is not as sharp, only able to follow orders well. The remaining three are not exceptional but are adaptable."
"Hehehe, Ouyang, I've realized you're the best talent."
Ouyang chuckled smugly on the other end of the line. He had always known his strengths.
"I've wanted to work for Madam for a long time. It's easy and pays well."
"Be careful, or I'll report you. Are you tired of the salary Mr. Zi pays you?"
"Not at all. The salary is fine, it's just too tiring. Haven't you noticed my hair is thinning?"
"I think Chen Tangtang has worn you out. But even if you go bald, she won't dislike you."
After some playful banter, she felt much better and looked at the work plan for her jewelry company, which had been stalled.
The people previously sent to find supply sources had obtained the supply contracts, and the locations were ready. Currently, there were only two designers, plus herself, who could plagiarize designs from her past life. Soon, they would be able to officially launch.
In her past life, she particularly enjoyed reading fashion magazines. She had many jewelry design sketches from them. Although plagiarism was not honorable, it was good to anticipate fashion trends.
Thinking of the young man who had transmigrated, as her elder brother had mentioned, Ye Shengsong picked up the phone again.
"Shengsong? What's wrong?"
"What did Jin Yu Tian study before?"
"It seems to be software design."
Ye Shengsong's eyebrows arched in pleasant surprise. If fashion could be anticipated, why not technology?
"Find a way to clear his name and bring him out."
"Do you need him?"
"Yes, he might be very useful."
Currently, computer technology in China was very backward, and they hadn't even grasped the basics. With books and equipment, and then adding a person, they might be able to make significant progress in this technology.
"It might take some time, as his situation is public knowledge."
"No rush, as long as he doesn't die."
"That won't happen, it just needs a little time."
"Come home tonight and pick up some materials for him. Let's see his level first."
Ye Mu En seemed to understand what his sister was planning. He was also a computer expert, but he hadn't touched it for a long time.
"Leave this to me."
Ye Mu En also became interested. If his sister was going to pursue this field, he might be able to contribute.
Zi Yisheng came to find his wife after his meeting and found her organizing documents again.
"Tired?"
"Not tired. By the way, did any of the exchange students you sent out earlier study computer science?"
"Yes, there are currently five of them."
"When will they return to the country?"
"About two more years."
"Can they bring back some of the content they've learned?"
Zi Yisheng frowned. These exchange students were also under their supervision when they went abroad, and they would be screened upon their return, so obtaining information was feasible.
"Yes, why are you suddenly interested in these things?"
"I suddenly want to explore this area. Perhaps it will be a surprise for you."
Zi Yisheng smiled and kissed his wife's lips.
"Why do you always give me surprises?"
"Isn't it good that I give you surprises?"
"Good, I'm looking forward to it."
The study in her spatial realm actually had plenty of information. Once she reorganized it, it would surely advance China's computer technology by several steps.
Moreover, to put it bluntly, this would be the most profitable business she would have. Why would she not do it?
"Let's go. The children are coming back. They'll surely chatter about their school day to you."
"It would be good enough if she didn't cause me trouble."
As they reached the front courtyard, they saw A Ning returning with Little Mier's schoolbag, but her face clearly showed some helplessness.
A Ning was one of the few female subordinates Zi Yisheng had. She was young but very capable and had been busy in other areas before.
"Mommy, Little Mier is back!"
Before Ye Shengsong could catch her daughter, Zi Yisheng had already scooped her up.
"Let me see, why is your face so dark? Did you get into a fight again?"
"No, I was very well-behaved."
Zi Yisheng didn't believe her. The more certain his daughter was, the less credible her words were.
Little Youyou reached out and held his mother's hand, not forgetting to wave to Gu Ning to follow. He didn't want to see his sister and father being "birds of a feather."
"How are you two?"
"I'm fine, they're all familiar classmates. It's Gu Ning who's not doing well. On his first day of school, he offended several classmates."
"Oh? Did he have a disagreement with the other children?"
Ye Shengsong held Gu Ning's hand with her other. The little fellow had a good disposition.
"Ask your daughter. Gu Ning is in the same class as her, so don't expect any peace."
Ye Shengsong pursed her lips into a smile and stroked Gu Ning's short hair. This child would suffer a lot in the future.
"Gu Ning, if Little Mier does something wrong in the future, you can tell her. Don't just side with her, or it will only make her worse."
"But I don't think Little Mier did anything wrong. They started by saying Little Mier was dark, like a little country bumpkin."
"Even so, you can't hit people. How many did you hit today?"
"Three."
Ye Shengsong turned and glared at the brat who was still clinging to her father's arm, acting cute. She'd deal with her later.
"A Ning, thank you for protecting Little Mier, but you can't just protect her blindly, because she's too much of a troublemaker."
Gu Ning looked confused. Ye Shengsong suddenly didn't know what to say. Should she let Gu Ning experience more before saying anything?
"A Ning, if the teacher looks for a parent in the future, have them contact me directly."
"Yes."
A Ning breathed a sigh of relief. It was the first time she had experienced being lectured as a parent, and the helplessness of apologizing to other parents.
"Thank you for your hard work, Madam."
Ye Shengsong smiled with surprise and helplessness. Was she being indirectly mocked by her subordinates?
"You have to bear with what you've given birth to."
Zi Yisheng had already carried his daughter far away from his wife.
"Causing trouble on the first day, are you trying to make Mommy furious?"
"No, I was very restrained today, but they kept provoking me, and if I didn't fight back, I would be letting myself down."
Zi Yisheng took a deep breath. She had spirit, and she deserved a beating.