This night, in the study room of the Zhou Family Courtyard in Beijing, the family gathered to chat, sharing some things they encountered or heard about recently.

The pleasant fragrance of top-grade Tieguanyin tea filled the room with Lin Lishan’s tea art, leaving Zhou Jiao regretting that she could only appreciate but not taste it.

Lin Lishan, amused, poured a cup of brown sugar water from the kettle for her: "What do you think about what your father said earlier? If you don’t want to take a break from school, you’ll need to find an excuse to intern at a unit."

Zhou Jiao took a sip and shook her head. As long as she shows up with a big belly, who wouldn’t notice? She knows better than anyone the risks involved, so why set herself up as an obvious target?

"Will you be able to manage it?"

Zhou Jiao smiled easily: "Look at my health, don’t worry. In rural areas, pregnant women seven or eight months along still work the fields without issues. If you don’t believe me, ask brother—some kids are even born in the fields."

Zhang Guoqing quickly looked away, taking the opportunity to play with his son. His wife is stubborn; he’s already mentally prepared and just keeps an eye on her.

"Brother Zheng..."

Zhou Xiaozheng shook his head: "Don’t you see how confident Jiao Jiao is? She probably has a plan. Let’s hear what she has to say; if it’s feasible, we can observe for now."

"It’s no fun, I knew you’d guess."

Zhou Xiaozheng laughed heartily at his daughter’s pouting and little eye rolls.

"What’s the plan? Tell Mom."

Zhou Jiao wasn’t planning to divulge anything until things were more certain. Seeing Lin Lishan’s anxiety, she decided to speak: "My due date is in August."

"Solar or lunar calendar?"

Zhou Jiao glanced at her wordlessly; she’s nearly four months along, and what about ten months pregnant? On the lunar calendar, she’d be giving birth to Nezha.

Zhang Guoqing also found it hard to explain how due dates are calculated. Things like adding nine or subtracting three to the month of the last menstrual period and adding seven days—neither his mother-in-law nor probably his father-in-law would understand.

He kindly reminded his mother-in-law: "Mom, it’s the solar calendar. The child might even be born on August 1."

"Why don’t you even look pregnant? Is it a lack of nutrition? We need to find some nutrition products tomorrow."

Zhou Jiao knew her mom always missed the point.

Zhou Xiaozheng waved his hand: "No need to find someone; I’ll figure it out. Did you understand what Jiao meant? August is before school starts, so it won’t affect next year’s internship."

Zhou Jiao nodded quickly. Talking to her father was much easier.

"Have you thought about the busy farming season in the first half of the year? Xiao Wu wrote a medical note that might be useless by farming season. At most, you won’t work in the fields, but they’ll still give you light tasks."

Zhou Xiaozheng understood his daughter well, suspecting she’s worried about the impact as usual. Imagining their precious child sweating under the sun, unable to squat, he felt tight inside, pondering if there might be a suitable task outside of school. Thinking of Shi Dashen, he frowned; that old guy is incredibly obstinate.

Zhou Jiao tugged his arm, "Dad, I won’t let myself suffer. With a sick leave note, if I insist on farming, and feel unwell, others will lose interest in guessing."

Hearing this, Zhou Xiaozheng recognized his daughter’s little schemes, patting her head: "No unexpected incidents. Discuss with Xiao Wu before doing anything. Don’t worry about being a burden to your dad; I’m more than happy to be burdened by my own daughter. You’re different; others’ actions don’t matter."

Zhou Jiao smiled sweetly, continuing: "Yes, I have elders above and children below—I’m not just anyone. Dad, you have to trust your daughter’s intelligence."

Seeing his father-in-law compromise once again, Zhang Guoqing couldn’t help but tease, "Yeah, without some intelligence, who could come up with such ideas."

Understanding the hidden meaning, Zhou Xiaozheng addressed Zhang Guoqing: "Let’s start after the Lantern Festival."

Zhou Jiao wrinkled her nose and grinned at Zhang Guoqing.

Zhang Guoqing laughed silently, clearing his throat, looking at Zhou Xiaozheng: "Dad, if outside rumors sound bad, you and Mom shouldn’t overthink it."

Lin Lishan tilted her head, patting her grandson: "Sweetheart, do you understand what they’re talking about?"

Ping’an eyed the adults, shook his head: "I’m still young, I’ll understand when I’m older."

Zhou Xiaozheng shook his head: "Don’t ask, you’ll know in time."

Zhang Guoqing understood why his father-in-law didn’t explain; with her straightforwardness, any hidden thoughts would be revealed. If she knew Zhou Jiao was using powder to pretend illness, she’d lose her temper when others gossiped, possibly exposing them. Better to leave it as is.

Zhou Xiaozheng changed the topic, asking about the New Year’s arrangements for the Miao family?

"Rest assured, Jiao Jiao has everything organized. Zhicheng returned home for vacation and brought gifts back. But with you not back, we’re unsure whether to visit them?"

Zhou Xiaozheng wasn’t worried. Remembering plans to visit by year’s end, he glanced at his wife: "Now, Jiao Jiao’s priorities come first."

Lin Lishan wasn’t concerned; she was especially busy at year-end. Besides, going to pay respects to deceased strangers, feels odd.

"Dad, if you get a break, you should visit them; it’s only a two-day trip. Bring Ping’an, get back soon—I’ll take care of Jiao Jiao at home."

Zhou Xiaozheng smiled, acknowledging his son-in-law’s growing maturity: "Dad still has some preparations to make for now, whether to go or not doesn’t matter."

This means there’s still trouble with this relationship. Remembering what Miao Zhicheng mentioned, Zhang Guoqing nodded thoughtfully.

"Let the old gentleman know tomorrow; since our families are connected, I’ll meet him tomorrow night." Zhou Xiaozheng said, glancing at his silent daughter, "Rest assured, I’ll handle certain matters."

Zhou Jiao nodded slowly, stood up, pulling her mother and son to make supper, leaving space for the father and son-in-law to talk privately.

After they left, Zhang Guoqing shared the confidential information Yi Jiefang revealed and the insider news from Fang Fei, adding his own insights.

Zhou Xiaozheng leaned back in his chair, twirling a pen with his right hand, saying, as his son-in-law finished: "Once the grain issue eases, the situation will get more tense."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Guoqing sat up straight, waiting for more. Compared to him, his father-in-law truly provides a comprehensive analysis.

"The Yi family’s small maneuvers, they think they’re well-hidden. Your uncle already saw through them. Anyone can tell they’re interested in Fang Fei’s father."

"I didn’t know."

"You silly boy!" Zhou Xiaozheng affectionately tapped his forehead. "Why else do you think your uncle arranged for you to join the Beijing Research Institute upon graduation?"

Zhang Guoqing smiled knowingly. Previously his father-in-law considered the Logistics Command Automation Management Study, but it seems plans have changed?

But it doesn’t matter where; graduating with a military position is decided with certainty. Besides, having a military son secures his parents’ future.

Initially refusing to enlist was infamous. To avoid repercussions, joining a logistics department or research institute was plausible.

Zhou Xiaozheng also considered: "You had an excellent internship at the automation management study last time, matching your major. For now, let’s confirm these two units. Working closely with your Grandpa Zhou, in the Armed Department, or the Staff Department, worries me at times. It’s a matter for the latter half of next year; for now, stay alert and decide later."

"Dad, I’m in your hands. You take charge for me."

Zhou Xiaozheng shook his head, chuckling. The boy’s sweet-talking ways, no wonder even Mr. Cheng has plans for him.