Zhao Dashan looked puzzled, "Propose what? It shouldn’t make you angry or worried." "Xiao Wu wants to bail Zhou Xiaocun, that bastard, out and have him take care of the old man and old lady. Otherwise, the old lady would be upset. Jiao Jiao’s only concern is her grandma. The old lady isn’t in good health, and if she can’t take a shock, we’d regret it as father and daughter. The intention is good, but Xiao Wu has too many reservations, is too inexperienced, and acts impulsively. Since he’s going to take care of Jiao Jiao in the future and Jiao Jiao likes him, I’ll let him try. Only after he tries will he understand what endless trouble and thorough elimination mean. Why I was worried something might happen between them and asked for your help was because of this. They’re not trouble-making kids; I have no worry about that. But I’m not comfortable with Zhou Xiaocun coming out. He’s my brother; wouldn’t I understand that bastard? The worst person in this family is him, always doing sneaky tricks behind the scenes without leaving evidence, never making a move himself. Even if Xiao Wu doesn’t bail him, he’d be out in two years max. I originally planned to let him out after Jiao Jiao returned to Beijing." Zhou Xiaozheng said helplessly. As for anyone from the Zhou Family upsetting Jiao Jiao, he’d have his ways to deal with them. He hadn’t planned to tell the kids about this. Upon hearing this, Zhao Dashan thought for a moment and said, "This kid does look out for you and your daughter; he’s always been kind-hearted and enthusiastic. He should be able to control Zhou Xiaocun. Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on them." Zhou Xiaozheng nodded in agreement, "Indeed, my feelings towards this kid are very conflicting. I hope he grows tough but worry that being too tough isn’t good for Jiao Jiao. Why is it so hard to be parents? Anyway, let’s watch and let him learn to grow. One more thing, how much do you know about Mr. Liu?" "Mr. Liu is very cultured, very tactful in dealing with personal affairs. He seems very clever, like an old fox. This old guy is quite wealthy. Everyone knows he retreated from Beijing, a college professor, so the impression is that he’s just a poor scholar, but who’d expect he’s wealthier than a landlord? But just by looking at today’s furniture, it’s clear he’s richer than Wang Baiwan. This political movement didn’t involve him, apart from a few old folks at the provincial level, only him." Zhou Xiaozheng pondered, "He wants to make friends with Xiao Wu and Jiao Jiao by offering a ladder. I’m considering whether to let the kids have dealings with him. He’s got knowledge, and if he sincerely treats Xiao Wu well, they could learn something that would greatly benefit them." Zhao Dashan parked the car by the roadside, thought for a while, then shook his head and said, "Brother Zheng, my view is they can interact, but no need to be close. Teaching Xiao Wu isn’t necessary. Wait a couple of years till Xiao Wu goes to college, and you can guide him then. How old is Mr. Liu? How long can he teach Xiao Wu? Close dealings aren’t the issue; the key is he has two sons. If he’d rather sell the yard than leave it to his sons, there must be something wrong. He might value Xiao Wu’s sense of loyalty; if the problematic sons find trouble, would Xiao Wu help or not? It’s better to interact without forming deep connections. Haha, believe it, if you tell Jiao Jiao that Mr. Liu would rather sell the house than give it to his sons, no matter how capable he is, Jiao Jiao would surely refuse without hesitation." Zhou Xiaozheng laughed heartily, "I always treat my Jiao Jiao like a little girl, without considering her thoughts, but indeed, saying that would scare her off quickly. She might even not want the house." Zhao Dashan restarted the car, laughing, "So we should just wait and see. Xiao Wu is emotional but listens to Jiao Jiao, and Jiao Jiao is very rational. Their young couple should be fine. Guess Xiao Wu told you last night about wanting to release Zhou Xiaocun and also talked to Jiao Jiao. Now she’s prepared on how to guard against Zhou Xiaocun. You got to have confidence in your own kids." Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵⚑𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⚑𝓷𝓮𝓽 Zhou Xiaozheng patted his head, "Alright, Dashan, you’ve learned, keeping all things together. Are you flattering your Brother Zheng?" "Humph, you just be happy, having a good daughter. Isn’t it uncertain if Xiao Wu’s done with things today? Why hasn’t he come to town; this kid doesn’t visit unless there’s trouble." Zhou Xiaozheng grinned at him sinisterly, "You think I don’t know your little calculations? Don’t worry, he’ll definitely visit tonight based on what you said last night; didn’t you plan with Zuo Lin?" "Oh my, Brother Zheng, how are you so smart? No wonder Jiao Jiao’s like you. I wish Xiao Wu and Zuo Lin would get along well; Zuo Lin’s firm and impartial, having Xiao Wu makes things easier." Zhou Xiaozheng said casually, "Don’t worry, he’ll not only find Zuo Lin but also climb the ladder up." "What do you mean? Climb what? We can’t let Zuo Lin lead him away; the documents are ready." "Drive your car, estimate they should come out soon; you’ll know tonight when he plans to sneak to Zuo Lin’s place." "Alright, since you said so, I’ll trust you. Brother Zhou, give me 500 jin of coal ticket and 100 jin of coal ticket; don’t bother coming down, I’ll go tell them, then have it sent straight over." Saying this, waiting for Zhou Xiaozheng to casually hand over the tickets and money, counted the money, returned the extra, and got out of the car. Zhou Xiaozheng relaxed in the car, quietly planning what needs to be dealt with before leaving. Settling Jiao Jiao before taking office makes him at ease. As for the matter on his mother-in-law’s side, Jiao Jiao probably has figured it out; still, need another talk to check if she’s considered everything. Shanshan, being scatterbrained, is fine, saves trouble. Likely to miss Ping’an’s first month celebration; food supply is crucial, must drive out to check tomorrow. Zhao Chuan Guang got in the car, "Brother Zheng, all done? Anything else to settle? Let’s wrap it all up together." "Nothing much left, just small bits for your sister-in-law to handle slowly. But I still need to find grain; they say rural areas still aren’t well fed; where can grain be found?" Zhao Dashan chuckled, "Once the household register’s moved, afraid there’s no grain? At worst, buy from the black market." Hearing this, Zhou Xiaozheng’s eyes lit up, "You have connections? Rice and flour, fine grains?" "These ten villages are too stingy to eat fine grains, often traded for coarse. With year-end grain rations being divided soon, it’s easier to buy. Big and small markets won’t lack grains. Don’t rush, Xiao Wu knows the way; he’s more familiar than me. Fine grain is only more toward year-end; other times there’s not much. Isn’t Jiao Jiao pregnant? He’s worried sick about not getting fine grain; he’s likely found it already. Wait till you see him, just instruct him." "Then there’s nothing else, let’s head home. Wait for deliveries there."