I became the Counterpart of the Winner in a Period Novel-Chapter 269 - 266: A Warm Gift in Passing

In just a short while, news of her arrival at the Southern Institute spread.

The logistics answered the phone: "Director Gan is looking for Mr. Jiang."

Alright!

Jiang Mingyue went to Director Gan’s office. This diligent leader just finished reviewing some documents and stood up.

"Xiao Jiang, let me wish your whole family a happy Mid-Autumn Festival in advance, and may everything go smoothly."

Jiang Mingyue: "..." The leader offers his blessings first—just asking if you’re scared.

"No, no, no, I should be the one sending blessings to Director Gan first. Wishing you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival, all the best, continuous success, and lots of wealth..."

Gan Fengzhe waved his hand: "You child. Alright, I’ve received your blessings." Then he took out a lantern from the bookshelf behind him for her.

Jiang Mingyue was alarmed: A rabbit lantern?

Seeing the new colleague refusing to accept it, Gan Fengzhe was also a bit helpless. Indeed, the aesthetic of his generation is different from the younger one.

"It’s for Xiao Ran."

Jiang Mingyue was taken aback, quickly accepted it, and thought she might have been mistaken—did she just see a pitiful look from Director Gan?

Upon closer look, it was indeed her imagination.

But since this gift was for Xiao Ran, she felt no burden at all.

"Thank you on behalf of Xiao Ran, Director Gan."

Gan Fengzhe waved his hand: "I just like that kid."

Receiving the lantern, Jiang Mingyue discovered it was handmade and very exquisite. Suddenly, she felt she ought to give something in return lest it becomes awkward later.

Jiang Mingyue decisively put down her backpack, took out a jar of osmanthus wine and four osmanthus mooncakes from under the black cloth for Director Gan.

Gan Fengzhe beamed with joy: "How could I possibly accept Xiao Jiang’s extravagant gift?"

"Cough, cough... It’s not extravagant! Not at all, it’s all homemade, not worth much."

Gan Fengzhe: That’s exactly why homemade is preferred. It’s good stuff!

As soon as Jiang Mingyue left, An Jian immediately appeared in Director Gan’s office.

"Got some wine, huh?" His extraordinarily sensitive nose had already caught the aroma, and he brought out his roast chicken.

The old and the young exchanged glances, feeling a sense of success like thieves sneaking in through the window.

Combined together, with wine and roast chicken as a side dish, plus osmanthus mooncakes, it truly was delightful!

Looking forward to celebrating Mid-Autumn together tomorrow night, they couldn’t wait for the night to come.

Early the next morning, Yan Jinzhi and Qiao Mingtang came down from Wuyun Mountain.

Mrs. Jiang saw Yan Jinzhi and couldn’t stop smiling.

"Jinzhi, we finally awaited your arrival. Have you had breakfast? What would you like to eat? I’ll make it for you."

Witnessing this treatment, Qiao Mingtang, who came along, felt sour.

"Indeed, I haven’t eaten. Auntie, you can prepare whatever you like. I’m not picky."

Shen Fanghua was even more satisfied. The prospective son-in-law not only looked good but also had a great temperament, truly a blessing for their family.

In a short while, two steaming bowls of sauce noodles were brought to the table. Qiao Mingtang, who was just feeling sour, was instantly drawn in by the aroma.

Impatiently stirring it up, and taking a big bite, mmm! Delicious! So delicious!

Mrs. Jiang observed their eating habits, smiling gently.

They didn’t even need to think about it—this was the family secret recipe for beef sauce, top-quality beef sauce, and with some mushroom sauce, it was fragrant and savory—it’s no wonder it tasted so good.

With breakfast eaten, they relished every bite, and Qiao Mingtang finally understood why his brother always refused to eat breakfast at the Wuyun Mountain kitchen—it was processed in this way thereafter.

After breakfast, Qiao Mingtang was stopped in his tracks by Xiao Ran.

"Uncle Qiao, Coal likes you."

Qiao Mingtang looked at Coal, who had bitten his pants. He almost believed it. If it really liked him, why did it always turn its back on him during previous visits?

But he was a gentle person and couldn’t just kick away a small animal—it would be outrageous.

Qiao Mingtang was left with no choice but to accompany Xiao Ran, as Coal forcibly made him stay.

Mrs. Jiang was in a difficult position: "Then it’d be great trouble for Jinzhi to take Yueyue to the city. It’s a festival today, and she needs to go back and see."

Mrs. Jiang, sharp-eyed and discerning, knew her daughter was sentimental and that during such holidays, it was necessary to send some gifts to old friends and relatives.

Yan Jinzhi was more than willing: "It’s no trouble. I just so happen to need to go to the city to buy some things."

Yan Jinzhi unloaded the holiday gifts he brought from the car—pork, beef, fish, fresh shrimp, and mooncakes. Mrs. Jiang became even more satisfied with this prospective son-in-law because with such benefits and treatment, their daughter wouldn’t suffer any hardship in the future.

Sitting in the 212 car, the jolting feeling reminded her of the first time.

"What’s funny?"

"I just remembered something."

"I also remembered something. Ming Yue, am I expected to be officially confirmed now? The original plan was to go for a field experiment in the desert next month, possibly moving forward."

Jiang Mingyue was a bit surprised, also a bit disappointed—habits truly are frightening, but she didn’t mind.

"Cough, cough... Let me think about it."

Yan Jinzhi was helpless: "How long?"

"I don’t know."

Well, eventually, she’d have to come to his bowl.

The first stop was the County Committee. Today was a holiday; there were only a few people on duty, with everyone else at home, making it appear quite deserted. Uncle Ma wasn’t used to it and stood at the gate early in the morning, looking around.

Cleaning staff Old Liu passed by him repeatedly, and finally couldn’t resist chatting a bit.

"Old Ma, are you waiting for someone?"

Uncle Ma immediately retorted, "Can’t I watch sparrows looking for food?"

Old Liu glanced at a few street trees nearby. Indeed, there were sparrows perched on the branches.

Alright, you’re watching sparrows.

Old Liu shook his head, thinking that a man should find a woman to marry and have children, so he’d have a family in old age. Like him, even though he resisted his parents finding him an ugly wife when young, in time, he found it wasn’t so bad—being a bit ugly meant safety and less likely to distract him from outside affairs. And she was caring—there was always a bowl of steaming food waiting for him when he returned. Isn’t this all a person’s life is about—making oneself comfortable?

But when he looked at Old Ma, all alone... sigh! No family, no one to fetch him water when he’s sick, pitiful!

Feeling pity, Uncle Ma was thinking: Will Yueyue, that girl, come? She must come and remember to bring him a jar of wine. That wine was magical—wonder what was added to it. Not only does it taste good, but also he no longer suffers from insomnia after drinking it, with a good night’s sleep. Plus, he feels more vigorous while walking lately—it’s miraculous.

Jiang Mingyue didn’t disappoint Uncle Ma’s hopes, arriving just as he was watching the sparrows.

Stop right before him, the green military license plate car left Uncle Ma stunned.

If owning a bicycle in those days was equivalent to a BMW...

Then driving a military green car was akin to flying in a passenger jet—truly a spectacle.

Uncle Ma forgot everything; in this lifetime, seeing such a big guy fulfilled his life.

Uncle Ma moved to tears, hitting him suddenly.

The car door opened, and out jumped a person who looked familiar to him.

The familiar person looked strangely at Uncle Ma: "Grandpa Ma, how did you know I was going to come? I did come, but there’s no need to be moved like this."

Uncle Ma’s body stiffened, and his previous emotion disappeared entirely. His old face grew stern: "You little rascal, what makes you think I’m here to see you? Did you bring the wine?"