Chapter 219

However, Cheng Jingmo said, “Whether the higher-ups will approve is still uncertain.”

Even though there is a shortage of such talents, the military has many strict regulations.

Yu Xiangnian asked, “Aren’t you going to ask my dad for help? Just now, I praised you for being compassionate, but now you’re all about cold, hard regulations?”

Cheng Jingmo had previously avoided using his relationship with his father-in-law, fearing accusations of nepotism and preferential treatment from the Yu family. Yet, he ended up resorting to this route anyway.

The first time Cheng Jingmo approached Yu Jiashun for help, both Cheng Jingmo and Yu Jiashun felt quite awkward.

They sat face to face in Yu Jiashun’s study.

Cheng Jingmo briefly explained the situation. Yu Jiashun was surprised that Cheng Jingmo had come for a favor, and awkwardly responded, “Oh… I see.”

Cheng Jingmo also felt uncomfortable, trying to fill the silence with small talk, “Yes, that’s right.”

Yu Jiashun said, “In that case, a written report needs to be submitted, and it will have to go through multiple levels of approval.”

Cheng Jingmo thought to himself that this favor might as well not have been requested.

Feeling embarrassed for seeking the favor, Cheng Jingmo couldn’t even bring himself to look at Yu Jiashun during dinner.

After the meal, he took Yu Xiangnian and Xiao Jie and went home.

Zhao Ruozhu noticed the awkwardness between the two men and asked Yu Jiashun what was going on.

Zhao Ruozhu, who valued education and respected intellectuals, commented, “Your son-in-law finally asked you for a favor, and you turned him away like this?”

“I didn’t know he was asking for a favor!” Yu Jiashun said, taken aback. “Besides, the military has its own regulations!”

Zhao Ruozhu sighed, “In special cases, special measures are needed. Those people are unfortunate, full of knowledge but buried in the dirt. The military needs such professionals. Allowing them to come in and teach is a win-win situation!”

“Remember last time, when Cheng Jingmo and the others had radio issues and nearly couldn’t return? If most of the soldiers were trained in these skills, such problems could be avoided.”

Yu Jiashun understood these points, but military matters aren’t decided by a single person; they require democratic resolution and collective decision-making.

“I will make a suggestion,” Yu Jiashun said.

Zhao Ruozhu, somewhat resigned, said, “If Yu Xiangyang had the same vision as Cheng Jingmo, I wouldn’t worry.”

Yu Jiashun scoffed, “I didn’t expect that kid to say nothing and just obediently follow along.”

Zhao Ruozhu retorted, “Do you think he has a high awareness? According to Xiangnian, Cheng Jingmo gave him a talking-to!”

Yu Jiashun sincerely hoped, “The two of them complement each other perfectly. I hope they can support each other and go further than we did.”

Zhao Ruozhu agreed with Yu Jiashun’s sentiment.

With Yu Jiashun’s support, Cheng Jingmo’s request was approved.

The political department of the military intervened and negotiated with the village, arranging for Zhang Guoping to be temporarily assigned to the military to teach radio knowledge.

Zhang Guoping didn’t want to stay in that place any longer; every corner reminded him of his grief.

On the day Zhang Guoping arrived at the military base, Cheng Jingmo and Yu Xiangnian specifically invited him to their home as a guest.

Being able to engage with his professional knowledge again and contribute in some way brought a glimmer of hope to Zhang Guoping during these bleak times.

Time passed quickly, and today was the day for Xia Qingyun’s discharge.

After having cold-shouldered her for so long, Zhao Ruozhu felt it was time to finally see her.

Today, Zhao Ruozhu deliberately pretended to be inspecting work at the department, and coincidentally ran into Xia Qingyun.

Xia Qingyun had expected Zhao Ruozhu to visit her for a chat on the second or third day of her hospitalization.

To her surprise, Zhao Ruozhu acted as if she didn’t exist. During the entire week of her hospitalization, Xia Qingyun hadn’t seen Zhao Ruozhu even once.

In this psychological battle, Zhao Ruozhu was temporarily in the lead.

“Auntie,” Xia Qingyun greeted Zhao Ruozhu proactively.

Zhao Ruozhu glanced at her and said in a businesslike manner, “Be careful not to get hurt again after being discharged.”

“Auntie, may I speak with you for a few minutes?”

Zhao Ruozhu appeared busy and thought for a moment before responding, “Yes, but not right now. I have things to do. You wait in the ward, and I’ll come over when I’m done.”

Xia Qingyun waited for over two hours, and it was already lunchtime by the time Zhao Ruozhu finally arrived.

“Comrade Xia, what do you want to say?” Zhao Ruozhu asked.

Xia Qingyun moved a chair for Zhao Ruozhu to sit and took a seat across from her confidently.

Xia Qingyun began by stating her position, “Auntie, I know you don’t like me, and I understand that my background is very different from Yu Xiangyang’s. Being with him is something I shouldn’t have hoped for. I considered breaking up with him, but after much thought, I couldn’t bear it. I am truly sincere about Xiangyang! Auntie, I am willing to accept any tests you set until you agree to our relationship.”

Zhao Ruozhu raised an eyebrow and said, “Alright, I understand.”

Let’s see what you can come up with!

Xia Qingyun was momentarily speechless.

After a pause, she asked, “Auntie, may I know why you don’t like me? I can change.”

This kind of obedient attitude could touch any elder, but Zhao Ruozhu wasn’t easily swayed.

Zhao Ruozhu replied, “I’ve never said that I don’t like anyone. We respect Xiangyang’s choice of partner. I only suggested that he isn’t mature enough and his temperament isn’t stable. He isn’t ready for marriage yet. Whether he accepts my suggestion is his own business.”

Zhao Ruozhu, a seasoned fox, subtly shifted the responsibility to Yu Xiangyang.

As her son, she had to manage and oppose him at home. But in front of others, she wouldn’t play the role of the obvious villain.

Xia Qingyun was also perceptive; she smiled and said, “So, Auntie doesn’t oppose my relationship with Xiangyang?”

Zhao Ruozhu maintained her indifferent demeanor, “The country advocates for free love, and I support the national policy.”

Her words sounded impressive but were essentially meaningless!

Xia Qingyun added, “When Xiangyang returns, I will come to formally visit you and Uncle.”

Zhao Ruozhu was definitely unwilling, “We can talk about it when Xiangyang is back.”

Xia Qingyun’s attempt at probing didn’t achieve the results she hoped for.

It was clear that Zhao Ruozhu didn’t like her, but her attitude towards Xia Qingyun’s relationship with Yu Xiangyang seemed indifferent.

It felt as if Zhao Ruozhu was certain that Xia Qingyun would never become a part of the Yu family.

For Zhao Ruozhu, Xia Qingyun was merely a passing figure in Yu Xiangyang’s life, and she couldn’t care less!