Chapter 1009

"Director Cao, welcome to my humble abode!"

"I apologize for not coming out to greet you sooner; I hope you won't take offense!"

"Please, come in!"

"Director Zhao, you are truly too polite!"

Zhao Yuchu warmly welcomed Cao Weiguo into the living room.

A room full of the Zhao family members looked at Cao Weiguo with various expressions.

Among them, a girl wearing a red floral cotton-padded jacket, with a sturdy build, slightly dark skin, and two braids, was quite eye-catching.

Without needing to ask, Cao Weiguo guessed the girl's name at a single glance: Zhao Suchun, who also had the nickname "Silly Chun."

Cao Weiguo never agreed with this nickname.

Zhao Suchun was absolutely not "silly"; she was honest, simple, and responsible, wholeheartedly wanting the best for this family, and doing her utmost to keep the family from falling apart, but sometimes good intentions do not necessarily

receive good rewards, and instead, she would be met with complaints from some people.

"So this must be Director Cao. Truly young and promising, a man of great talent. Please, have a seat."

"Silly eldest, don't just stand there in a daze, go make some tea for our guest!"

Xu Minrong, with her short hair and blue cotton-padded jacket, greeted Cao Weiguo with a kind smile, while not forgetting to instruct Zhao Suchun, who was standing nearby, without even considering, even in front of an outsider,

whether the address "Silly eldest" was appropriate.

Zhao Yuchu also had no dissatisfaction with this, and with a beaming smile, he introduced his family to Cao Weiguo: "Director Cao, this is my wife. The one going to make tea is my eldest daughter, Zhao Suchun. This is my

second daughter, Zhao Sumian; my third daughter, Zhao Subu; my son, Zhao Sujue; and my youngest daughter, Zhao Suxiao."

Cao Weiguo politely greeted them one by one, and the attitudes of the several children were also quite different.

Zhao Sumian was quiet and proper, Zhao Subu was a bit shy, Zhao Sujue was indifferent, and Zhao Suxiao was a bit curious.

Zhao Suchun brought the tea over and handed it over in a carefree manner: "Director Cao, please have some tea."

Cao Weiguo stood up and took the teacup with both hands: "Thank you, Suchun."

Zhao Suchun asked straightforwardly: "How old are you? I feel like you're even younger than me!"

Cao Weiguo smiled gently: "I'll be twenty-one after the New Year."

Zhao Suchun chuckled honestly: "Then you're really amazing, becoming a cadre at such a young age. How did you do it?"

Xu Minrong scolded with a straight face: "Silly eldest, you have no manners at all. Is that how you talk to a guest? Go to the kitchen and cook, stop acting so silly here."

Zhao Suchun lowered her head and turned to leave. Cao Weiguo said with a smile: "Sister Xu, it's fine. I feel that Suchun's personality is quite good; she is simple and straightforward, which makes people feel relaxed and comfortable."

Xu Minrong said: "What's so good about being silly? She only brings trouble and embarrassment to the family."

Zhao Yuchu glared at Xu Minrong: "Why are you saying all this? If you have the energy, go to the kitchen and help the eldest."

Xu Minrong went to the stove with an unhappy expression; if there hadn't been guests, she would have definitely argued a few words.

In the living room, Zhao Yuchu chatted with Cao Weiguo, while the children couldn't get a word in and went about their own business.

Zhao Sumian, however, stayed in the living room, sitting quietly to the side, pouring water for Cao Weiguo from time to time.

Such quietness, obedience, and sensibility made Zhao Yuchu feel very proud.

Zhao Yuchu held a cigarette and smiled: "Director Cao, this time it's all thanks to your help that I've gained so much face at the factory. I must thank you properly."

Cao Weiguo smiled: "Director Zhao, you speak too harshly. This time it was purely a matter of timing. I often go to the countryside, and the villagers are willing to support my work. I also want to help the villagers more. That batch of supplies was originally prepared by the superiors to entertain technical personnel from out of town, and there was some surplus after the meeting. It was also a coincidence that you found me at that time; if it had been any later, those supplies would have gone to the Rolling Mill's cafeteria."

Zhao Yuchu laughed heartily: "This is fate! Since I started working, I haven't admired many people, but I truly admire you. Compared to your work ability, I feel I am lacking too much. If it weren't for your help, I don't know how many disciplinary actions and criticisms I would have received by now; how could I have received commendations from the superiors?"

……

After the meal was ready, Zhao Yuchu invited Cao Weiguo to take a seat and poured wine with great hospitality.

The Zhao family had a feudal patriarchal style, and the rules were very strict; Zhao Suchun and the other children were not allowed to sit at the table.

At the large table of dishes, there were only Cao Weiguo, Zhao Yuchu, and Xu Minrong.

The Zhao children carried the dishes and set up another table in the adjacent room.

Zhao Sumian said with a smile: "This Director Cao is too amazing, becoming a deputy division chief at such a young age. The youngest section chief in our area must be over thirty, right?"

Zhao Suchun held her bowl: "So what if he's a deputy division chief? No matter how high a cadre is, aren't they still serving the people?"

Zhao Sumian said irritably: "That's why they say you're half-witted. You don't understand anything, just eat your food."

At the dining table in the living room, Zhao Yuchu and Cao Weiguo drank Fen wine together. Xu Minrong didn't have much of an appetite because she was pregnant, but her chopsticks couldn't help but reach for the braised pork.

After a few cups of wine, Zhao Yuchu talked more and more, even starting to talk about the struggles in the factory, which made Cao Weiguo afraid to respond, until Xu Minrong interrupted in time.

Because of Zhao Yuchu's untimely remarks, Cao Weiguo didn't dare to drink any more.

Without eating for too long, Cao Weiguo proposed to leave.

He was truly afraid that Zhao Yuchu would drink too much and blurt out more sensitive remarks.

Moreover, he also wanted to consider Zhao Yuchu's situation in the midst of the turmoil; this person should not be befriended too deeply, so as to avoid being implicated.