Chapter 953: The Change That Must Be Made

Later, Old Zhou added, "In all matters, don't jump to conspiracy theories; investigate the truth objectively, and finally make judgments from a fair standpoint."

Su Yang said: "Alright, I've got it. I'll book the earliest flight tomorrow morning to go back. I originally planned to stay with grandpa and grandma a few more days, then go to Jiangnan Province to spend time with you and Mom, but that plan now has to be cancelled."

Old Zhou said contentedly, "Having that intention is enough; the current work is still the top priority. Also, you still need to speak properly with Ruo Han; you just got married, it's not the same as other times."

"Just after getting married, you send Ruo Han off to work; from a father's perspective, I'm very reluctant. If there weren't an urgent major matter, you wouldn't need to rush back to your post."

The old man also said, "Ruo Han has been nagging at home every day for these months; you finally came back to marry, and we thought you'd at least stay with her for half a month, but now you're leaving again. If she weren't pregnant, we could have taken her to the county, but now that's not possible; she must stay in Jingcheng."

"Because Jingcheng has advanced medical facilities, I also have a health doctor and a dedicated nutritionist here."

Su Yang laughed, "Ruo Han has turned into a panda; back in your day, everyone worked hard, sometimes couldn't even get enough food, yet I never saw my dad and the others unhealthy or stunted."

The old man, his face dark, said, "Conditions differ from generation to generation, and the air, water quality, and even food are different. Back then, there were no additives; everything eaten was pure and natural, so people's constitutions were better, and there weren't all the injections and medicines we have now."

"And constant labor kept the body stronger. Look at your generation—you get winded after a few steps; you can't even compare to people of the past. Not to mention comparing to our generation, even your parents' generation, you fall short."

"Especially the medical facilities in your county—do you think they'll hold up in a critical moment? If you go to Jiangnan with Ruo Han, to your dad and mom, then I'm relieved, because Jiangnan Province's medical conditions rank among the best nationwide."

Zhou Weiguo also said, "Exactly, you young people are truly a generation worse than the previous; physical condition is deteriorating. After you go, work is one thing, but you also need to strengthen your training. First handle the work well, and if Ruo Han needs anything later, you can return."

Zhou Tong also said, "Brother-in-law, everything should prioritize sister's health and my little nephew's well‑being; you can go without worry."

Su Yang, hearing Zhou Tong's words, suddenly asked, "I recall that night you said your girlfriend used to work in nursing, also as a nanny or postpartum caregiver, right? Then just have her stay here instead of going back, let her stay with your sister and take care of her."

"We'll give her the full salary, but our wages aren't high; my salary still has to support the household. We'll give her the portion of your sister's salary; what do you think?"

Zhou Tong was so moved he could hardly contain himself; he had already planned to find Song Linlin a job so she could stay in Jingcheng, both to develop a relationship and, if that didn't work, to arrange a pregnancy‑driven marriage, acting first and dealing with it later.

Moreover, earlier Su Yang and Ruo Han had the same idea; after all, this matter had already been preliminarily decided, and we couldn't let the girl keep going back.

He said, "Alright, alright, I'm just afraid she's clumsy and can't take care of people. Besides, what salary does she need? The family provides food and drink; I'll just give her some pocket money when the time comes."

Su Yang said, "Do you think everyone is like you? And she doesn't have to spend money herself? Can the money you give equal what she earns on her own? This is settled then."

Ruo Han had actually already started packing, preparing to go to Jiangnan. She could have gone earlier, but was too lazy. According to her, if Su Yang isn't there, going anywhere is meaningless; if Su Yang is there, any place works, even the wind feels sweet.

When Su Yang returned, she eagerly asked, "How's it going? Did grandpa agree? This concerns Zhou Tong's lifelong happiness, and Song Linlin is indeed a good girl."

"In the few days we've spent together, I've found her not only smart and diligent, but mainly kind and decent—perfect for running a household. Second aunt sneaked off to meet her, and came back grinning so broadly she could barely close her mouth. She wants to meet openly, but I persuaded her; what if we scare Song Linlin?"

Su Yang laughed, "Second aunt is satisfied, that's good."

Ruo Han continued, "Dad's heading back to Jiangnan tomorrow, and Mom will definitely go too. We'll stay in Jingcheng another day or two, then head straight to Jiangnan for a few days of fun. Even though Jingcheng is still especially cold now, Jiangnan is already in the teens, the climate is wonderful."

"When the time comes, we'll rely on Qiao Yindi for food and drink; as the chairman of Jiangnan Bank, we should benefit from her influence. Otherwise, her earning money at work would be pointless, and she can also cook for us at home while we just go out to have fun."

"Besides, if she doesn't transfer money to us, what motivation would she have to go to work…"

Su Yang said, "The plan is great, and I also want to go to Jiangnan, but something happened in our county, so I have to take the earliest flight tomorrow morning back. So I'll have to ask you to endure a few more days alone in the empty house, but at least you've already overdrawn in advance; otherwise it would be a big loss."

A clear hint of disappointment crossed Ruo Han's face; she had already prepared the clothes she would wear to Jiangnan. Though she is now pregnant, it hasn't shown yet, so she could have gone out to flaunt herself, but now the plan is completely ruined.

She couldn't help asking, "What exactly is going on? How can something happen during the New Year? And even if something did happen, what does it have to do with you?"

"Now the County Party Secretary and the County Magistrate have both taken office; for major matters, the County Party Secretary is the primary responsible person, though the County Magistrate can also bear responsibility. As a Vice County Magistrate, whether you're present or not makes no difference. If you have any important tasks at hand, you don't need to handle everything personally."

Su Yang recounted in full what Li Lingyu had just said, then added, "It has now escalated to a mass incident; the crux is that the road‑construction projects that started last year are all under my charge. When the trouble arose, I was the primary responsible person, with no room for excuse, and of course I never thought of shirking responsibility."

Zhang Jiangbo, full of malicious intent, initially tried desperately to suppress the matter; in doing so, if the issue could be resolved, it would showcase his decisive leadership as the top official, highlighting his swift and forceful style.

"Moreover, covering up incidents has always been the local leaders' usual practice, which was originally not entirely condemnable, but his behavior was excessively despicable; eventually the matter couldn't be hidden, which is why they informed you."

"I always feel this matter isn't that simple; after you return, you must change your work approach—never rush to the front line, and ensure the relevant departments handle what they're supposed to do."

"Also, now you're only in charge of investment promotion, not the comprehensive duties you once had; keep that in mind. Otherwise, why not have me go with you?"