Xia Xingchen went to send off Xu Ancheng and his group. Xia Donghe was called to the office by Xue Changgui for a talk, "Old Xia, what’s your plan for your daughter?"

"That child is working in Huaixi County. She’s taking the early train back tomorrow, but I’ve heard she won’t stay there for more than two years before coming to Jing City." Xia Donghe quietly shared. What does this mean? It means the Xu Family’s son will come to Jing City in two years.

"Your daughter works in the Huaixi County distillery, handling finances, and she’s doing well at the textile factory too. When she returns, the accountant position at the textile factory will have your daughter’s name on it," Xue Changgui promised.

Xia Donghe expressed his gratitude repeatedly upon hearing this.

"Old Xia, work hard. You’ve been in the section chief position for quite a few years now. It might be time for a change in a couple of years. I think the workshop manager position would suit you well. Get familiar with the business over the next two years so that when the timing is right, you can be promoted," Xue Changgui said, looking at Xia Donghe.

Xia Donghe knew this was a hint. Xue Changgui valued him mainly because of his daughter’s close relationship with the Xu Family and the Huang Family. To rise higher, he had to demonstrate value, which currently was sustained by his daughter’s connections. If in the future, he could help Xue Changgui get in touch with important people or accomplish hard tasks, early promotion wouldn’t be an issue.

Xia Donghe hesitated whether to let his daughter come to Jing City earlier. But if she came, she’d be farther away from the Xu Family and the Ding Family. Not bringing her would make it difficult to accomplish anything in the next two years.

"Old Xia, one needs to see far when planning," Xue Changgui could see through Xia Donghe’s thoughts easily, "You not only have a daughter but also a son. The future of the Xia Family depends greatly on your daughter."

"Your wife, though being from the Gu Family, is married. Plus, about the recent Gu Family matters, many in Jing City are aware. Your wife won’t benefit much from it," Xue Changgui pointed out, waking Xia Donghe instantly.

"Director Xue, thank you so much. I’ve been shortsighted," Xia Donghe said sincerely, "I know what to do now."

When Xia Donghe left Xue Changgui’s office, he knew maintaining a close relationship with Xia Xingchen would be paramount in the future since their bond had weakened while she was working away for several years.

"Did you get everything sorted?" With the Xia Family absent, Yi Roujing directly asked Xia Xingchen.

"Yes, almost everything. I’ve stored what I could find; some were already given away as favors by Xia Donghe," Xia Xingchen pursed her lips, "I didn’t care before, but now after checking the list, I realized the jewelry Gu Yiyi took belonged to my mom, given to her by Xia Donghe." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"I’ll retrieve them before going to Huaixi County," Xia Xingchen said with determination, "Tonight I’ll bring it up, and Xia Donghe will surely agree."

"Alright, do as you see fit, but don’t push people too hard," Yi Roujing nodded.

"Don’t worry, I can handle it well. Right now, I don’t care much about them. Isn’t it all just an act? I can perform too," Xia Xingchen said, "From now on, sister-in-law, you all will be my real family."

"Yes, and the door is always open for you," Yi Roujing replied with a smile, bringing tears to Xia Xingchen’s eyes.

"Have you handled things?" Xu Ancheng draped his arm over Gu Shizhao’s shoulder.

"Can’t wait?" Gu Shizhao teased.

"Do I lack that much?" Xu Ancheng raised his eyebrows.

"Tsk tsk, indeed! Mr. Xu, with your massive empire, surely doesn’t think much of the Gu Family’s little business," Gu Shizhao said self-deprecatingly, "It was only after coming back from Jing City that I realized the Gu Family is nothing like it was. We’ve been keeping up appearances with the same habits, spending lavishly despite limited income, and relying heavily on past savings these years."

"Since you can’t let go, why not take charge? Xia wouldn’t mind the way things are now. If you managed the Gu Family, who would dare show her any disrespect?" Xu Ancheng commented.

"The Gu Family is too complicated to lead a peaceful life. I lack big ambitions and the sense of duty to elevate the Gu Family; what I do is to distance myself from it," Gu Shizhao sighed, "I truly want to accomplish something. Once I break free, all Mr. Xu has to do is promote me."

"I’m just a teacher, seeking promotion from me, you should know my aspirations lie elsewhere," Xu Ancheng admitted.

"Minister Xu has only you as his son. If you don’t go down that path, who’s going to protect the Xu Family later?" Gu Shizhao frowned.

"I’m aware. You should work hard too, so that I can rely on you in the future," Xu Ancheng said with a smile, "Before leaving Jing City, I’ll have someone help you out since I still don’t want to lean on my family."

"Ah, lofty aspirations," Gu Shizhao truly admired Xu Ancheng, "I’m actually curious. Just how did you, at your young age, establish your own network? Moreover, as a teacher, how come you’ve connected with so many people?"

"All thanks to my intelligence," Xu Ancheng wasn’t wrong about that, "While in Jing City, I helped solve cases and assisted numerous families. Most of the time, I don’t ask for returns, but when needed, these favors can be collected."

"If you’re so keen on solving cases, wouldn’t being a police officer suit you? I remember the Xu Family initially rose from this profession," Gu Shizhao pointed out.

"How many years do you think it would take for me to reach my dad’s position?" Xu Ancheng replied, "Too long, and not guaranteed to even reach it. Serving the country and the people doesn’t necessarily need public office."

"What we used to do is not permissible," Gu Shizhao reminded.

"Relax, I’ve discussed with my dad. It’s not a big deal, and I can wait," Xu Ancheng assured.

"As long as you’re aware. I shouldn’t worry about you, as there’s no problem you can’t solve; I should worry more about myself," Gu Shizhao said in self-mockery.

"You should be worried indeed. My kid is about to be born, while you haven’t even married. Plus, Xia is not getting younger, and given our relations now, the Xia Family may aim higher. You should act quickly, or you’ll lose your hard-won partner," Xu Ancheng warned sincerely.

"Don’t worry, it’s close. The net is being drawn in, and once the internal Gu Family wins and loses are decided, I’m no longer part of it. The agreements are signed and sealed, soon I won’t be a Gu Family member."

"Then you must work hard, or the Xia Family may not consider you," Xu Ancheng pressed.

"Rest assured, I have plenty of utility. The Xia Family will agree," Gu Shizhao said with a smile, "Even if they don’t, as long as Xingchen agrees, there’s no way this marriage won’t happen."

"I haven’t agreed yet," Xia Xingchen heard Gu Shizhao’s last words, which he said loudly, causing Yi Roujing and the others to look at her amusingly, making her blush.

"Hehe, I’ll listen to you, all listen to you," Gu Shizhao turned to coax his future wife.