Chapter 836: Chapter 709: Yi Hunu’s Invitation Tonight

"I brought you something," Zhou Jiao said softly, holding two meal tickets and leaving for her room. She planned to go to the cafeteria later, intending to lie down for a bit.

Yi Jiefang was about to tell her that Yi Hunu had invited them over for dinner tonight and he was planning to take her out for a meal. Watching her back as she walked away, he thought better of it. A single man and woman going out together didn’t look good. He thought about taking a few classmates as cover but didn’t want to burden his cousin.

Yi Jiefang, not very perceptive, didn’t understand why Yi Zhe, who was stationed in the military, would kindly invite him for dinner. Normally, when he returned to his hometown, he didn’t see him eagerly rushing into the city.

Firstly, he didn’t think much of it since, over the phone, Yi Zhe had invited him and Zhang Guoqing and his wife for dinner. His cousin occasionally exchanged letters with good friends, so maintaining good relations and inviting one to the headquarters for a meal was normal.

Secondly, in his eyes, Zhou Jiao didn’t have what it took to attract men. Delicate in looks, she couldn’t do any work. Yet, she mastered learning easily, always undermining his self-confidence.

Apart from his buddies, who would want to suffer having such a wife riding over their heads? That girl could only be treated as a little sister, and taking her out would make him look good.

The logically challenged Yi Jiefang quickly finished distributing the meal tickets while thinking since his cousin’s wife was pregnant, he should perhaps find some time to buy a can of milk powder for his cousin to take back.

Inside the camp, Yi Zhe changed into a new uniform, buttoned up his collar, and was about to put on his hat to leave when he paused and went back to the cabinet to get two bottles of liquor.

When stepping out, a fellow soldier saw him and shouted, "Wow, you still have stock."

"Haha, just bought it recently. A brother came over from Beijing; I ought to treat him to a drink." Yes, Yi Zhe planned on getting that guy drunk.

"Invite them over, so we can join too."

Yi Zhe laughed and nodded, striding towards the parking lot. If he had the chance, of course, he would find an excuse to get Zhang Guoqing over, hoping for a bit of competition. His grandfather mentioned that Zhang was pretty skilled, and Yi Zhe was itching for a match.

Sitting in the car, he glanced at the mirror and was quite satisfied with himself. After more than a year, he wondered when he would see her next. If his wife could give him a daughter this time, it would be great; they could become in-laws.

"Jiao Jiao..." Yi Zhe murmured the name softly, exhaling. Thinking of how his sister admired the couple in the letter, he patted his thigh.

This works too!

Everyone would be fine as they were; all other desires would have to wait for the next life.

Yi Zhe absentmindedly took his wife’s picture out of his pocket, staring intently at the smiling face in his palm and sighed. Really, he didn’t know who owed whom.

Collecting his emotions, he glanced at his watch, then started the car.

A little over two hours later, he arrived at the guest house. Looking at the entrance, he got out of the car and slammed the door hard, as if to shake off some of the agitation inside him.

"Comrade, I’m looking for Yi Jiefang..."

"Bro, over here!"

Following the voice, Yi Zhe saw his younger cousin waving both hands like a child, running over and smiling apologetically at the attendant as he walked towards Yi Jiefang.

"Bro, why are you here so early? I thought at the earliest you’d arrive by dark."

"Getting here by dark could still count as dinner? Quickly go call Xiao Wu and the others; let’s head out now."

Hearing this, Yi Jiefang complained, "Why did you hang up so fast on the phone? I was about to tell you that Xiao Wu didn’t come this time, and you just hung up."

Yi Zhe paused his hand that was about to pat him, "What happened? How come I didn’t hear any news?"

Knowing he misunderstood, Yi Jiefang grabbed his hand but didn’t answer right away. He said to a passing classmate, "Xiao Wei, tell Teacher Wu for me that my brother is here, and I’ll be back by eight."

"Already got permission?"

"Yes." Having made arrangements, Yi Jiefang pulled Yi Zhe out the door, talking as they walked, "He’s fine, I’ll explain outside."

Yi Zhe took big strides. Even though he heard what Yi Jiefang said, he still felt uneasy. The situation in Beijing was complicated and could change anytime; the kid didn’t understand that sometimes surface appearances could hide the turmoil underneath.

Sitting in the car, before Yi Zhe could speak, Yi Jiefang continued, "This time, Xiao Wu has been selected to join the military. I heard from my dad that if all goes well, his qualifications would get a substantial boost, and afterwards, he won’t return to his original unit."

Yi Zhe frowned slightly; his cousin still didn’t get to the point. How could Zhang Guoqing possibly transfer back to the Northeast? Since taking the exam for university, his ambitions were clear.

"Initially, I thought of asking the old man for help, but later learned everything had been arranged internally and couldn’t be altered. I had no choice but to come here."

Yi Zhe nodded absentmindedly.

"Bro, I saw it seemed like he’s going back into the military, right? But no matter how I think about it, it feels off. I heard from the old man that if Uncle Zhou hadn’t insisted on letting the kid make his own choices, he would’ve joined the military academy long ago."

Yi Zhe shook his head, "Maybe it’s coincidental this time. Who knows what plans their family has? Don’t mention these things to outsiders. Where he’s interning next year will make everything clear."

"Sigh... That’s the only way. I wanted to join him at a unit but worry he might change course midway. I definitely won’t join the army."

"You silly boy! Aren’t you worried they’ll send you to some remote research institute? What’s wrong with being a soldier? Uncle is indulging you too much. If you ask me, you should still..."

Yi Jiefang quickly shook his hand, "Enough, don’t talk about these demotivating topics. Where are you planning to take me today? Let me be clear, I’m not going to any state-owned restaurant."

Yi Zhe chuckled, tapping him with a finger.

"Let’s go to upscale restaurants, the more expensive the better! I just don’t believe I can’t catch that cheeky girl who actually left without saying goodbye to me. I’ll show her that I’m someone important too."

Yi Zhe laughed heartily, "Found a girlfriend? Whose girl is she?"

"Bulls**t girlfriend! If it were her, I’d rather never marry! Who else could it be? Just Zhou Family’s precious darling. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t insist on the fanciest restaurant."

Yi Zhe’s eyes lit up, "Zhou Jiao?"

"Who else? Xiao Wu asked me to keep an eye on her. Can I do that? This time, Cheng Family’s Cheng Ruzhu came on a business trip. Even before she arrived, they’d arranged to meet here. Just during the nap, she left with her aunt without leaving me a note."

"Which officer from the Cheng family, the Commercial Bureau? Don’t worry, I’ll definitely help you find her!"

Seeing Yi Zhe start the car and drive out, Yi Jiefang was startled. Wasn’t he really taking him to a fancy hotel? I was just venting.

"Bro, did you bring enough money? Don’t let it be your treat but my bill!"

"You rascal!"

"Hahaha... I’m worried you’ll be stripped bare after getting married. Where are we going now? Should we find someone to get info?"

Yi Zhe shook his head, "We’re heading straight to the guest house of the Commercial Bureau. Would anyone from their system stay elsewhere? How did Uncle Zhou trust her to come over this time?"

"Don’t mention it. Before she left, Uncle Zhou personally asked me to take good care of her. Aunt Shan kept stuffing meal tickets into my hand, and Xiao Wu had a lot to say before her departure. I’ve never seen such a complicated family."

Yi Zhe laughed heartily. With a single child, isn’t it natural to be tense? Moreover, with Zhou Jiao being so beautiful and obedient, the long distance from the north to the south wasn’t suitable for her to come over.

It’s just that Zhang Guoqing was relaxed about it. If it were myself... well, it’s better not to think about it. There are no hypotheticals. Being a friend suits me just perfectly!