Chapter 920: Chapter 793: Hello, Hello, Hello... Can You Hear Me?

In the study, Mr. Cheng looked at the son-in-law duo before him, then turned his gaze to the painting on the wall—"Nation." The calligraphy was regular and upright, yet it fit perfectly.

"How many paintings has the Chairman given to Jiao Jiao?"

Zhou Xiaozheng smiled at the question.

"Uncle, quite a few indeed. Every year there’s at least one. Sometimes, when he’s in a good mood, he even includes a calligraphy book."

For these matters, Mr. Cheng knew more than outsiders. For example, the child’s thoughtful gesture of giving handmade shoes as a return gift—a genuine display of affection.

She’s a caring girl, wise and discreet. Who wouldn’t want a dozen daughters like her?

Mr. Cheng took the cup handed over by Zhang Guoqing. "A few days ago, Old Man Mo and the others kept asking me why a bunch of you kids were making such a fuss for a gathering?"

Saying this, he glanced at the pair opposite: "Today they’ve all fallen silent. Before coming here, I received two calls. One said it was good; let the kids solve their conflicts themselves. Another said not to let the kids make too much noise, and we, as elders, should intervene when necessary."

Zhou Xiaozheng calmly continued sipping his tea, uninterested in who said what, as long as the kids had valid reasons, he had no intention to compromise.

Zhang Guoqing lowered his gaze, rubbing the cup. Hey, how come he never noticed how nice this tea set was before? No wonder his father-in-law liked to brew tea for fun.

"The attitudes of these people, the meanings they convey, are quite clear. The initially turbulent waters have calmed after you threw a little stone, but the key lies ahead."

Zhang Guoqing looked at him, shocked, "Uncle, isn’t that an exaggeration? I thought we already settled this. Those matters have nothing to do with our family."

Zhou Xiaozheng glanced at his son-in-law with a smile, lowering his gaze to continue listening.

"You see, I originally planned to get a few friends as witnesses to clear things up. Who knew those guys would come uninvited?"

"As Jiao Jiao said, digging up the yard doesn’t really matter. Since we’ve lent it out and haven’t returned for years, where would we have the energy to manage it?

But they should never have thought of running off to the Northwest to seek out the Lin Family, right? And they picked such a perfect target. Jiang Jiangyu! Who is she? If I remember correctly, she’s Elder Jiang’s own daughter, correct?

The Liang Family intends to form a big alliance and insists on toppling my father. That’s not going to happen! We must show everyone just how much injustice our family has suffered, right old man?"

Mr. Cheng glanced at him and laughed, "Where’s your evidence? The team sent to the Northwest hasn’t finished their investigation, and you’ve already made up your mind?..."

Evidence? Are you kidding? If there were concrete evidence, would there be this kind of game?

Zhang Guoqing stared in shock at him, "What workgroup? No way. In front of over a hundred people today, Young Master Liang didn’t even refute."

Nearby, Zhou Xiaozheng interjected, "This is an internal secret. It’s understandable that you and Jiao Jiao don’t know."

"See, see... Dad, you just stick too closely to principles."

Zhou Xiaozheng playfully scolded, "You brat! Stop spouting nonsense."

"Dad, I’ll make a bet with you. Do you believe even Uncle knows that the workgroup sent to the Northwest will find the trail gone cold? No, perhaps someone even willingly takes the blame."

Zhou Xiaozheng shook his head slowly: "Let them mess around. A clean conscience doesn’t quake at crooked shadows. Our family has nothing to hide."

Zhang Guoqing’s eyes gleamed as he looked at Mr. Cheng, frowning with worry, "Uncle, even if my dad steps down, what benefit does the Liang Family gain?"

"Dad, every job has its place. Besides the alleged treasures, are you a threat to someone? Maybe you should step aside and give way? Who knows what kind of tricks they’ll play on our family next?"

Zhou Xiaozheng almost laughed at his son-in-law’s act.

That rascal will probably run off spouting nonsense again soon. Good, now those watching him don’t dare to act recklessly; how do they plan to play?

Mr. Cheng couldn’t restrain himself any longer, lunging forward and giving Zhang Guoqing a slap on the forehead, "Enough, save your flattery for Old Man Mo and his friends, and stop rambling in front of me."

Zhang Guoqing grinned at him, "I mean what I say. Many people don’t understand that those who know satisfaction always find happiness. Always scheming this and that, too much selfishness destabilizes society."

"You make a point. Back in the days when we were starving and gnawing on roots, unity prevailed among the people." Mr. Cheng sighed and changed the subject, "The Liang Family is deeply entrenched with numerous in-laws, you better be cautious."

"Mm, I’ll remember your advice." Zhang Guoqing nodded seriously.

"Xiao Wu, stay at home for the next two days and don’t go out. It’s your father’s turn as an elder to take a stance. You two youngsters caused a ruckus on a whim, and now your father’s confining you!"

Zhou Xiaozheng smiled and shook his head, "Uncle, I didn’t intend to let my kids suffer just to appease outsiders. Instead, I’ll support them openly. Xiao Wu has a sincere heart, but he’s also clear about right and wrong. Jiao Jiao never holds grudges against others, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t know how to fight back. This is their true nature."

Having said this, he looked at Mr. Cheng, who seemed thoughtful, then continued, "Next year, they’ll start their careers. I can’t suppress them, I have to let people understand that although our Zhou Family is small, none of us are pushovers."

"Ring ring..." just then, the sharp sound of a phone ringing interrupted their conversation.

Zhang Guoqing glanced at his father-in-law, thinking the call must be about the same matters and people again.

Zhou Xiaozheng gestured for him to answer, shaking his head slightly.

Seeing this, Zhang Guoqing went to the desk, picked up the phone, "Hello, who are you looking for?"

"Xiao Wu? I’m looking for your father-in-law."

"Hello... Hello, who’s this? The signal must be acting up again," Zhang Guoqing tapped the receiver on the table and put it back to his ear, "Hello, hello... can you hear me? This darn old phone is useless."

"I’m Liang Youge, I have important matters for Zhou Xiaozheng..."

"Hello, hello... can you hear me?" Zhang Guoqing pouted and hung up with a clatter.

The old guy’s quite bold! Thinks he’s got a good daughter, that he’s on par with everyone else? Haven’t put a tag on your old neck, aren’t you flying too high without knowing your place!

Zhou Xiaozheng sat calmly by the tea table, leisurely reached out and made tea for the old man, as if nothing had happened.

"Ring ring..." the sharp phone ringing started again.

Zhang Guoqing grabbed it once more, "Hello, who are you looking for?"

"Hello, can you hear me? I’m Liang Youge."

Zhang Guoqing mused to himself, "Who? Liang Youge? I don’t know you, you’ve got the wrong number, this is the Zhou Family."

"You brat! It’s me, Liang Jiajun’s grandfather..."

Zhang Guoqing quickly exclaimed, "Oh my, it’s Grandpa Liang, you’re too much. Why didn’t you just say it’s Grandpa Liang, then I’d recognize you. So your magnificent name is Liang Youge, it’s a good name, sounds great..."