He merely looked up at Chen Li Shu without asking.
Chen Li Shu knew Chen Guo Ping was a sensible person. They shared an unspoken understanding, neither mentioning anything further.
After a few more casual remarks, Chen Li Shu stood up, preparing to leave.
"Li Shu, I'm simmering soup on the stove. It's this time of day, you must not have eaten yet. Why don't you stay and eat with us?" Sun Yong Mei said, trying to keep her.
Chen Li Shu smiled and declined, "Thank you, Auntie Sun. I didn't tell my family I wouldn't be back for dinner when I left. They'll be waiting for me, so I should head back."
"Ah, be careful going downstairs. Take care of yourself."
Sun Yong Mei walked her to the door and only turned back after watching her go downstairs.
Returning to the room, she saw Chen Guo Ping still looking at the document and couldn't help but ask, "Old Chen, with this document, don't you need to be transferred anymore?"
She knew her husband well. He was a man dedicated to practical matters. This flat transfer was meant to make space for that Jiang fellow. Jiang Huai An had been scheming for so long and had deliberately hindered Chen Guo Ping's work.
"This matter still needs careful consideration."
Of course, he couldn't bring this up himself. At the critical juncture of a transfer, it could easily be suspected of being a fabrication or an accusation. Therefore, finding the right person to bring it up was crucial.
Sun Yong Mei sighed, "Li Shu has been a great help this time."
Chen Guo Ping nodded. Some things were best kept in mind.
...
After Liang Chun Sheng reported Chen Li Shu, he waited at home for his work notification. However, he waited and waited, but no one came. His parents anxiously inquired once, and they were told it was being arranged.
One evening, just after dinner, they saw the factory secretary personally visit. Guessing it might be about the work arrangement, the family eagerly invited him in.
"Secretary Sun, is there any news about Chun Sheng's job?"
"Mm, the factory's propagandist."
Liang's father was taken aback. "Not sales?" Sales had a better prospect than a propagandist. Just posting big-character posters and holding propaganda meetings – what great future could that hold?
Secretary Sun glanced at Liang Chun Sheng. A two-faced person who would betray a leader for personal gain – such character, he didn't dare to heavily rely on him. He wouldn't even let him work in the workshop. Being a propagandist was already good enough.
"Dad, it's fine. Propagandist is also pretty good." Seeing Secretary Sun's displeasure, Liang Chun Sheng quickly interjected. He believed his abilities would eventually be recognized by the leadership. As long as he could get into the factory first, he could slowly transfer positions.
"Young Liang, before you start at the factory, I'll need you to make a trip to the Industry and Commerce Bureau. You'll need to explain that regarding the batch of fabric for 'Shu Se' clothing store, you personally misreported the price. Organize your own explanation, but make sure it's clear it was all a misunderstanding. You must ensure that the batch of fabric is returned to 'Shu Se' clothing store. Do you understand what I mean?"
Hearing this, Liang Chun Sheng suddenly stood up from his stool, his face extremely unpleasant. "Secretary Sun, what do you mean? You were the one who told me to report her initially, and now you're telling me to withdraw it. Are you playing with me?"
Liang's father and mother also looked unhappy.
"Times change. Besides, this isn't a difficult matter for you, Young Liang. If you handle it tomorrow morning, you can come to me for onboarding in the afternoon."
Secretary Sun dropped his words and left, regardless of the family's expressions.
It was only then that Liang Chun Sheng understood Secretary Sun's slightly mocking tone, and his face turned pale.
For him, it wasn't a difficult matter. It wasn't difficult; he had gotten used to it, so how could it be difficult?
If he didn't do it, he wouldn't even be able to enter the factory. And he had completely offended Chen Li Shu. Now he was in a difficult position with no way back.
...
Having resolved the major issue that had been weighing on her mind for days, Chen Li Shu finally felt relieved. After dinner, she spent some time chatting with her family and then went to bed early.
Gu Xing Dong returned after ten o'clock at night. He had just come down from the flood-fighting front lines. His clothes, covered in mud and water, had already been dried by his body heat, and his skin surface seemed coated in wax. However, he was long accustomed to this discomfort. Thinking of seeing his wife and child, his steps upstairs unconsciously quickened.
He went upstairs in a few strides and slowed his pace as he reached the door. As he took out his key to open the door, the living room lights suddenly lit up.
He instinctively glanced towards the bedroom and said in a low voice, "Mom, why are you up?"
"I'm old and sleep lightly. I heard footsteps and figured it was probably you returning at this hour."
"Mom, go back to bed quickly. I'll be back to sleep after I wash up."
"You haven't eaten yet, have you? Should I cook you some noodles?" As the weather got warmer, they tried not to cook too much food at home as it spoiled easily.
"No need to bother, Mom. I'm not hungry." It wouldn't be good to wake Li Shu. He could just wait and eat with her in the morning.
Li Xiu Lan nodded upon hearing this and turned back into her room.
Gu Xing Dong quietly went into the room first to get his change of clothes, then went to the bathroom to wash up briefly, finally feeling much more comfortable all over.
As he lay down next to Chen Li Shu, he felt the person beside him stir and then the whole body leaned towards him. He quickly reached out an arm and pulled her into his embrace.
"Did I wake you?"
In the darkness, Chen Li Shu shook her head. "The baby just kicked me a couple of times."
As she was further along, the baby's arms and legs were growing stronger. A kick now and then took half the day to recover from.
As soon as she finished speaking, a large hand covered her belly and stroked it gently. The two babies who had been moving around restlessly gradually quieted down.
"Sleep."
"Mmm." Chen Li Shu found a comfortable position in his arms and soon fell asleep again.
The next day, Chen Li Shu opened her eyes and found, to her surprise, that Gu Xing Dong was beside her. She curiously asked, "Day off today?"
Gu Xing Dong nodded. "I've been busy for over ten days. I'm home today to accompany you."
Chen Li Shu's eyes lit up, and she smiled, "Then you can take me and Rui Rui to school later."
However, just accompanying her for a day made her this happy. Gu Xing Dong felt a pang of guilt, realizing how little time he spent with her.
Seeing her about to get up, he quickly reached out to help her. Soon, they went out together. Li Xiu Lan and Zhao Qiu Yue had already prepared breakfast.
"Daddy?" Rui Rui clearly froze when he saw him come out.
"Sit down and eat quickly. Your mom and I will take you to school later." Gu Xing Dong's words made Rui Rui grin instantly. He quickly and obediently sat at the table to eat.
The couple also sat down to eat after washing up.
After breakfast, the family of three walked towards the school.