He's mother, upon hearing that she was the first to witness the birth of Chen Lishu's work, smiled so broadly that her lips couldn't stop turning upwards. "Now that I know you have your own plans, this stone in my heart has finally landed."
Chen Lishu also followed up on He's mother's words, asking, "Then, Godmother, do you still have any objections to me bringing my work home to handle this matter?"
The moment Chen Lishu mentioned bringing work home to complete it, He's mother's face immediately darkened. She gravely took Chen Lishu's hand and said, "I can agree to anything for you, but not this. Zhang Wan'er has been finding excuses to come to the courtyard these days. I'm afraid she might harbor suspicions and malicious intentions, and do something to your competition entries!"
"Anyway, you handle the company's affairs, and I have my ways to deal with Zhang Wan'er. I can make her obediently spill out everything that happened in Shanghai back then. You shouldn't get involved in this matter. Just focus on the competition. If you really have nothing to do, you can take this opportunity to nurture your relationship with Gu Xingdong."
"Logically speaking, as an elder, I shouldn't meddle too much in your young people's affairs, but your cold attitude has hurt the children. They often come to me and ask what's wrong with you two."
"Before, I didn't interfere too much because Gu Xingdong wasn't doing anything excessive and was focused on the family, and you were busy with company matters and had no spare time to chat with him. I thought it was normal for a married couple to quarrel. But it's been too long, and there are people who are eyeing Gu Xingdong!
"All relationships deepen through communication. I'm afraid that if you don't communicate, someone will take advantage, and you'll regret it later when you lose him. By then, it will be too late to win him back! Even for the sake of the two children, you have to compromise and humble yourself to seek peace!"
Seeing He's mother, at her age, still worrying about their relationship, Chen Lishu raised an eyebrow. She then covered her mouth with her hand and chuckled softly, "Godmother, this matter is really not as complicated as you imagine. We haven't quarreled. It's just that the recent mission is too demanding, and I simply don't have the extra time to sit down and chat properly!"
"It seems like someone above has assigned Gu Xingdong a new task, which is why he's been going out early and coming back late these days. If I were really angry, I would just say it openly, why be so coy? Besides, it's not Gu Xingdong who is wrong this time, so why should I be unreasonable and bring misfortune to the whole family?"
"It's best that you think this way. But what kind of mission has Gu Xingdong been assigned that he's so busy he has no time to interact? If I remember correctly, his direct superior seems to be Yang Zhiguo, and Yang Zhiguo is Zhang Wan'er's uncle!"
"You're saying, could it be that this Zhang Wan'er is causing trouble for you two behind your backs again? Oh, right, a while ago I asked the old man to go find Yang Zhiguo at the military. He hinted that his little niece's actions should be thoroughly investigated. However, Yang Zhiguo has been slow to take action."
"If you ask me, he must know what Zhang Wan'er has been doing these days. He's shielding Zhang Wan'er! I'm just afraid they're plotting some shameless schemes behind our backs to separate you two!"
As she spoke towards the end, He's mother's expression gradually turned grim. She snorted coldly, clenched her fist, and slammed it hard on the table. "Such a sacred place is ruined by a single rotten apple, how disgusting! And he calls himself a soldier, pah!"
"No, if Gu Xingdong comes back today, you come to my room and call me. I want to advise him to stay away from the military. Your company is growing stronger by the day. It can not only support your family but even dozens of people, so you don't necessarily have to live on the subsidies in the military!"
"Yang Zhiguo is simply not a good person. He knows his niece is doing immoral things and condones it. I don't doubt for a moment that Yang Zhiguo might use his status to plot against Xingdong for his niece!"
"And Gu Xingdong is Yang Zhiguo's subordinate. If the latter really issues an order, it's hard to refuse many things. If Xingdong goes astray, our entire family will fall apart! Before anything happens, we need to take emergency measures to protect ourselves!"
Chen Lishu reached up and scratched the back of her head, then said earnestly, "I've had such worries before, but Gu Xingdong told me he's not working for Yang Zhiguo, but for another leader. As for what mission he's completing, I'm not very clear. It seems to be a rather confidential matter."
"He's an adult now, and he has his own ideas when it comes to choices. Since he doesn't want to tell me, I naturally won't ask too much. I trust my husband more than strangers!"
"Godmother, I know what you're worried about, but I want to tell you that what belongs to me cannot be escaped, and what doesn't belong to me, no matter how hard I try, I can't hold onto it. You don't need to worry about these things. I believe he will handle them very well."
Hearing Chen Lishu's words, He's mother gritted her teeth, somewhat disappointed. She knew Gu Xingdong was an upright person, but when temptation is placed before someone for too long, as an ordinary person, he will eventually lose control. Who knows if Gu Xingdong might stumble and fall into their trap, and Chen Lishu would regret it too late in the future.
Just as she was about to say something, there was a sudden noise from outside the door. Chen Lishu pointed towards the door and said with a smile, "It sounds like Rui Rui and Xiao Bai. The children might be looking for me. Godmother, I'll go out first. Don't overthink this matter. The most important thing now is to recover your health! Leave the rest to us to handle. We are adults and know what we're doing."
Seeing Chen Lishu speak as she retreated from the room, He's mother's face showed a look of helplessness. She then shouted after Chen Lishu's retreating figure, "If you really knew what you were doing, I wouldn't be this worried!"
With that, Chen Lishu disappeared. He's mother shook her head helplessly. Since Chen Lishu couldn't be reasoned with, she would have to find Gu Xingdong to have a serious talk about his views on the matter.
Meanwhile, at another luxurious hotel, Zhang Wan'er returned to her room to find Yang Zhiguo standing by the window with a dark expression.