Chapter 122 A Joyful and Harmonious Moment

Jiang Min's father is the Party Secretary of a heavy machinery factory, overseeing tens of thousands of people. He needs to think about what would be appropriate to bring along.

Just as I was thinking this, I felt a pinch on my waist.

"Ouch—what's wrong?"

"What are you thinking about? Don't you want to go?"

Jiang Min glared at her, giving her a "you dare say no" look.

Li Jianguo was delighted.

"I was just thinking of bringing something suitable, wasn't I?"

"My dad likes to have a drink or two. He can just buy a bottle of liquor from the supply and marketing cooperative. Nothing else is needed."

The two of them didn't waste any time. Li Jianguo took out a bottle of 20-year-old Moutai he had won from signing in through his spatial storage. This kind of wine is still available, but it's not easy to buy. It's not surprising that someone of his status would take it out. He also added some other gifts, and everything was ready in no time.

Jiang Min was quite touched when she saw what he had prepared.

The Jiang family lived in a quiet alley, in a secluded courtyard. The yard was spotless, with two small vegetable plots where some vegetables were grown. These days, even high-ranking officials weren't exactly well-off in terms of food. Growing their own little bit was always good.

Jiang's mother was in her fifties and had a refined air about her. She was dressed in a cadre's uniform and smiled when she saw them come in.

"Come in and sit down. I thought we'd be late."

She sized up Li Jianguo—tall, fair-skinned, and capable. The more she looked at him, the more she liked him.

"I have some things to take care of at the Women's Federation. You guys go in first. We'll be right back."

Jiang's mother was the director of the women's federation at the factory, in charge of all sorts of family matters—domestic violence, marital conflicts, neighborhood disputes. The workload wasn't heavy, but it was varied. She was used to it and was quite efficient.

The two went inside.

Mr. Jiang was playing chess alone at the table when he saw the two enter and waved to them.

"Does Director Li know how to play chess? Let's play a couple of games, it's still early before dinner."

Li Jianguo noticed the probing look in his eyes and smiled slightly.

"I know a little bit, but I didn't play well. Please give me your guidance, Uncle."

"It's okay. I didn't say anything when Xiaomin played chess with me, even though she's terrible at it."

"Dad! I played really well!"

Jiang Min pursed her lips.

The two sat down facing each other.

After walking back and forth a few steps, Mr. Jiang suddenly spoke:

"We've all heard about what happened yesterday. The tallest tree catches the most wind; you know your own worth. Don't put yourself in danger."

Li Jianguo nodded.

"It's just a few petty people causing trouble. With Director Zhang here, nothing will happen."

After a moment's thought, Mr. Jiang said, "Housing is scarce in the city, and it's hard to find a detached house in a short time. If you can manage to stay where you are, you can continue to live there."

Li Jianguo understood.

Housing is a major problem for the entire city. Given his status, it's not impossible for him to ask Director Yang for permission to build on a plot of land—but that would definitely be in a remote area, making commuting inconvenient. His current place is indeed suitable; he can think about it later.

What are your thoughts on the heavy machinery manufacturer?

The conversation then turned to work.

Li Jianguo sat up a little straighter.

"The heavy machinery plant is developing well. I heard from Director Yang that there have been breakthroughs in large heavy machinery this year. With Director Jiang leading the way, things will definitely get better and better."

Chiang's father laughed heartily.

"You're so slippery. Let's just chat casually today, don't be nervous. I don't want to hear platitudes, tell me your true thoughts."

He looked slightly wistful: "These days, the whole country is focused on production, and the Northeast is developing really well. Here... we're still lagging behind."

Li Jianguo agreed, saying, "The foundation in Northeast China is solid, so starting there was the right thing to do. But we also have our own advantages."

"What advantages?"

"We have the youngest team of engineers in the country, and the top universities are also here. Almost all the smartest people are gathered here, so it's only a matter of time before we succeed."

Mr. Jiang smiled.

"That's right, full of youthful vigor."

He gazed at the young man before him. In just six months, he had achieved remarkable success. He had built a world-leading car and helped numerous factories solve technical problems. The number of patents he held was more than the entire country issued in a single year.

This kind of person is going to become his son-in-law.

The more Jiang's father thought about it, the happier he felt.

The way he looked at Li Jianguo made the latter a little uneasy—why was he staring at him like a wolf eyeing meat?

"Uncle, it's your turn."

"Okay."

Mr. Jiang casually tossed down a piece of paper, seemingly unintentionally saying, "Come visit the factory when you have time. Cars and heavy machinery are similar in function. Give me some advice."

"I'll definitely go."

Li Jianguo understood what he meant.

The two exchanged a knowing smile, their understanding unspoken.

In the kitchen, Jiang's mother was talking to Jiang Min.

"Minmin, I'm quite satisfied with your boyfriend. He's an orphan, so you won't suffer if you marry him. It's just that he's too busy with work; I don't know if he can take good care of you."

"Mom, no matter what, I'll always be your daughter. If he's busy, I'll come back to be with you. I can take care of myself."

Jiang Min was a little embarrassed when she talked about it.

Looking at her flushed cheeks, Jiang's mother smiled slightly.

A daughter is like a tree that grows up and cannot be kept at home.

The meal is ready.

"Stop cooking, let's eat."

Li Jianguo wanted to show off his skills, but Jiang's mother had already made all the arrangements.

The food was ordinary, mostly home-style cooking, but with the addition of fish and chicken. It probably wouldn't be this lavish on ordinary days—these days, no matter how high your position or how much you earn, the supplies are limited. It's not hard to be full, but it's not easy to eat well.

Li Jianguo is not picky.

At the dinner table, Mr. Jiang opened the bottle of Moutai.

The two chatted over drinks. Mr. Jiang asked some professional questions, which Li Jianguo answered one by one.

As we chatted, the topic turned to large-scale agricultural machinery.

"Currently, we mainly rely on imports of large combine harvesters from the north," Li Jianguo said. "But we can actually manufacture them ourselves. Moreover, smaller agricultural machinery suitable for mountainous areas may have a better market prospect."

Mr. Jiang's eyes lit up.

"What do you think about the heavy machinery manufacturer undertaking this project?"

Li Jianguo was slightly taken aback.

The heavy machinery factory typically produces heavy equipment weighing several tons or even tens of tons. This small agricultural machinery…

"Won't this conflict with the factory's development direction?"

Mr. Jiang shook his head.

"The factory is called a heavy machinery factory, but it was actually established not long ago. From the beginning, we were not limited to making heavy machinery. We had a weak foundation in large machinery, so we thought we would find another way."

Li Jianguo expressed his agreement.

"If we're making agricultural machinery, many of the technologies we've developed recently can be applied. We can also apply these principles to other areas as well."

"That's what I've been waiting to hear."

Mr. Jiang smiled.

Everyone could see Director Yang's beaming face. Now that this precious treasure was going to become their son-in-law, how could they not take the opportunity to use it?

"We're practically family now, how about you become a consultant at the heavy machinery factory?"

"dad!"

Jiang Min blushed immediately. "You're clearly taking advantage of my misfortune!"

Are you using her as an excuse?

When his daughter exposed him on the spot, Mr. Jiang was a little embarrassed and annoyed, but he laughed it off and tried to smooth things over.

"Fine, fine, I was just saying it offhand. If you don't like it, that's fine too. Let's be democratic. Come on, eat your food, it's getting cold."

Li Jianguo smiled.

"If my knowledge can truly contribute to the country, it doesn't matter which factory I work as a consultant for. If your factory needs anything, just ask, and I will definitely help if I can."

Since we've come into this world, we should do something truly meaningful. Staying cooped up in the steel mill would be a waste of this opportunity.

"Alright, the words are all in the wine."

Jiang's father raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp.

The family enjoyed a harmonious and happy atmosphere.

This visit to my future in-laws was a complete success.

It got a little windy tonight.

One of the streetlights in the alley was broken, and the remaining light cast a long shadow on the ground. Jiang Min walked Li Jianguo to the alley entrance, and the two walked slowly, their shadows creeping along the wall.

Several middle-aged women, who had just returned from their walk, were standing under the utility pole, each holding a palm-leaf fan. When they saw the two approaching, their eyes turned sharply towards them, like searchlights.