Upon arriving at the Ning family home, Qi Taiguo first greeted Old Master Ning, and then, seeing the phone, thought of Cheng Su and had the urge to call back home.
Old Master Ning said, "Youâve been here studying for some days now, havenât you? You havenât been back yet, so give Xiao Cheng a call to ease her mind."
"Alright!" Qi Taiguo replied with a smile, then, checking the time, he first dialed the number for the jam factory.
Cheng Su wasnât sure where she had gone, and after waiting a long while, he finally heard her slightly breathless voice coming through, "Taiguo?"
"Itâs me!" Qi Taiguoâs expression softened as he spoke, "Iâve finished my studies. Iâm currently at the Ning family home, accompanying the old Chief and them for a chat. Iâll take the evening train back home tomorrow!" Cheng Su responded, "Still another two days? I miss you already!"
Qi Taiguo felt a pang in his heart, a bit stirred, and said, "Yes, two more days." He missed her too, but with the old master present, he couldnât say anything too affectionate.
"Alright then!"
Qi Taiguo couldnât talk for long, so after saying a few words about taking care of herself and getting some rest, he hung up. Seeing the old masterâs gaze on him, he felt his face heat up, somewhat uneasy.
"Young man, itâs a good thing for a couple to have a harmonious relationship!" Old Master Ning chuckled, saying, "For a man, having a virtuous wife and a harmonious family allows him to work on the front lines with no worries."
Qi Taiguo sat up straight, nodding with a smile.
"Dad, shall we go to the study to talk?" Ning Gang suggested, since there were inconveniences discussing things in the living room.
Qi Taiguo felt a slight sense of foreboding.
"Alright, letâs go to the study then!"
The group went to Ning Gangâs study, sat down, and after the servants set the tea down and left, closing the door behind them.
"So, how has the studying been these past few days?" Ning Gang broke the silence, asking Qi Taiguo.
Qi Taiguo answered each question and also mentioned yesterdayâs completion ceremony hosted by Jiang Conghe and what was said to him.
Jiang Conghe had a humiliating moment at the farewell banquet, which put Ning Gang in a pleasant mood. Hearing this, he said, "He even let go of his pride. To reconcile with someone he clearly despises, isnât that letting go of pride?"
"In a way, Jiang Conghe is indeed someone capable of adapting. Director Wang is retiring in two years, and the next year and a half is crucial; we mustnât be careless," Old Master Ning remarked.
"Understood!"
"And how are things progressing with the fourth matter?"
Ning Ge sat on the sofa chair and said, "I went to check on the Loo familyâs transport company in Guangcheng. Theyâre doing quite well there. I spoke with Old Master Cheng and asked him to have someone keep an eye on them. Currently, the relations between the Jiang and Loo families arenât as tight as before; the rope has loosened. Itâs a great chance to separate them quickly. If they become aware and unite again, it will be much harder to deal with!"
Interests can bind two otherwise discordant individuals, and itâs the same with established families. Now is a prime opportunity to split the Jiang and Loo families. Weâre just hoping the Cheng family can uncover something.
Old Master Ning nodded slightly, "Be careful not to alert the snake in the grass."
Qi Taiguo felt a bit envious; had the Cheng family in Guangcheng really been swayed to help?
Unfortunately, he hadnât been able to go there this time, so he didnât know what exactly had happened.
Ning Ge noticed Qi Taiguoâs thoughts and said with a smile, "Big Brother Qi has married a wonderful wife; the Cheng family holds your sister-in-law in high regard, especially Old Master Cheng. Being able to involve the Cheng family this time is also thanks to her!"
Qi Taiguo was taken aback.