Chapter 760: We’re All Family! (2)
Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“The two old masters should calm down. I’ll give each of you two boxes later.”

The two old masters glanced at each other and gave a tacit hum.

Zhou Chao also breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. Both of these old masters were quite old, yet they behaved like children.

“Alright, let’s talk about something serious. After dinner, Xiao Chao, you stay behind. There are some things I need to discuss with you!” Xiao Lao’s expression turned somewhat serious.

Zhou Chao nodded. Seeing that the two old masters had nothing else to say, he walked over and sat next to Jiang Li.

“What confidential matter did your grandfathers discuss with you?” Jiang Li asked softly as soon as he sat down.

“It’s nothing much. Grandpa finished his wine and wants me to bring him some more later. Besides, there’s something to discuss after dinner. You can take Third Aunt and the others for a stroll then!”

“Don’t worry, my mom and Third Aunt have already agreed. After dinner, we’ll all go out for a walk together.”

“Clap, clap, clap!” Just as Zhou Chao was about to speak, Jiang Youdao stood up and clapped his hands.

All eyes turned to him.

“Ahem, today is a good day. Everyone, raise your glasses and let’s welcome the arrival of Zhou Chao’s Third Aunt and Uncle. Let’s drink to this occasion!”

Upon hearing his father-in-law’s words, Zhou Chao felt like he was about to sink into the ground.

Perhaps because he was young, unlike Third Aunt and Uncle Xiao Zhong, everyone, including Third Aunt, stood up happily and raised their glasses.

Seeing everyone standing up, Zhou Chao also stood up with Jiang Li, raising his glass of red wine.

“Cheers!”

—

The dinner lasted for a full hour and a half. As the dinner ended, it was already eight o’clock in the evening.

“Third Aunt, you can go out for a stroll with Ah Li, or if you don’t want to, you can go home and rest. I have some things to deal with here!”

“Well, we’ve already discussed it. Your mother-in-law and I are going out for a walk. You go ahead with your business. Don’t worry about us. After all, Xiao Li is still here!”

Third Aunt seemed a bit impatient, holding Jiang Li’s hand and waving it, indicating for him to leave quickly.

Seeing this, Jiang Li covered her mouth and chuckled, even her mother-in-law, Li Ya teased him.

“Okay, remember to call me if you need anything!”

“Off you go!”

Turning around and walking towards the house, besides the two old masters, there were also his father-in-law and uncle, Xiao Zhong, and Xiao Yang who hadn’t left yet!

“Have they all gone?” Jiang Youdao asked as Zhou Chao walked in.

“Yeah, they’ve gone out for a stroll!” Zhou Chao said and took a seat at an empty spot.

Xiao Zhong, who hadn’t said much all along, suddenly spoke up, asking, “Dad, you didn’t call me back just for this meal and a chat, did you? You know I’ve been quite busy lately!”

Xiao Lao glanced at the somewhat impatient Xiao Zhong before slowly saying, “Why are you in such a hurry? You’ll know soon enough. This matter is also a huge opportunity for you!”

Upon hearing about a tremendous opportunity, Xiao Zhong’s eyes flashed with a hint of doubt. For someone of his level, if it was considered a significant benefit, it meant he could move up further from his current position.

But he was already nearing the ceiling in terms of his rank. If he were to move up again, it would mean entering the absolute decision-making level.

With this in mind, Xiao Zhong’s eyes widened instantly, looking at Xiao Lao with an incredulous gaze.

Xiao Lao noticed Xiao Zhong’s gaze but chose to ignore it, instead lifting the tea on the table and taking a sip.

“Dad, what’s the good news you mentioned earlier?” Xiao Zhong couldn’t contain his impatience and asked eagerly.

“Why are you in such a hurry? Weren’t you just saying you had something to attend to? Go on, then!”

“There’s nothing, nothing to do at all. I’m quite free now!”

Xiao Lao shook his head somewhat speechlessly, then turned to Jiang Lao, indicating he could begin.

“Since we’re all here today, let’s have a family confidential meeting. The main purpose is to give you all a heads-up. This matter concerns the development of our three families for the next few decades, even centuries.”

Currently, the second generations of the Jiang and Xiao families are doing very well, especially Jiang Youdao, who has already crossed the most crucial threshold with Zhou Chao’s help. As for Xiao Zhong, he’s a step slower, while among the third generation, only Xiao Yang is the most promising, being one of the main heads of the security department, with a promising future.

As for Xiao Feng and Jiang Li, it goes without saying. If Jiang Li hadn’t found Zhou Chao, this excellent fifth-generation heir, they might also end up with an arranged marriage in the future.

Knowing the reason behind the matter, Jiang Youdao’s lips curled slightly. He was ready to witness Xiao Zhong’s reaction.

“Getting back on track, I’ve already conducted some simple tests on the technology you gave me, Xiao Chao. It’s somewhat different from what you described, but it’s close enough. Mainly because of the rush, I discussed it with Xiao Lao, and we plan to talk to No.1 about this matter in the next few days!”

Having said so much in one go, Jiang Lao’s throat felt dry. He lifted the tea and took a gulp.

“Technology? What technology is this? Xiao Chao, has your research institute developed new technology again?”

Even Xiao Yang looked at Zhou Chao with curiosity. As the third-in-command of the security department, he was quite sensitive to information. The fact that this technology needed to be reported to No.1 indicated that there were some undisclosed secrets involved.

“I can briefly explain it to you, but you’re not allowed to tell anyone else!” Jiang Lao said sternly.

As the only two uninformed members of the Xiao family, father and son quickly nodded.

“This is a technology related to desertification. It can change desertification and convert it into arable soil, and the cost is quite low.”

Changing desertification? Doesn’t this mean there will be more available farmland and land?

Thinking of the current desert area in the country, Xiao Zhong instantly understood the importance of this technology.

Xiao Zhong licked his dry lips, glanced at Zhou Chao, then at the two old masters. He wanted to say something, but when he opened his mouth, he didn’t know what to say.

“Xiao Chao, besides the previous request you mentioned, do you have any other requests?” Jiang Lao suddenly turned the topic to Zhou Chao.

“Me? I don’t have any, just the one before. If there’s anything else, I hope the duration of land ownership can be extended to permanent!” Zhou Chao chuckled after finishing.

If he really became the permanent owner of the land, wouldn’t that mean he owned a private territory? It’s probably impossible in China.

“You’re quite ambitious, kid. But this request isn’t unreasonable. Without this technology, who knows how many decades it would take to combat desertification!”

Jiang Lao fell silent for a moment before continuing, “I’ll mention it to No. 1. I can’t guarantee if it will be accepted!”

“As long as you said that, Grandpa!”

Xiao Lao looked somewhat embarrassed as he glanced at Zhou Chao. “Xiao Chao, there’s something I need to consult you about.”

“Xiao Lao, we’re family. Just say what you want to say directly!”

Xiao Lao gritted his teeth, as if he had made up his mind. “Well… it’s about… your uncle is not getting any younger, and he’s been in this position for some time now. I… I want to take this opportunity to let him move up!”

“I thought it was something big. You’ve mentioned this before, and you said you’d handle it. Besides, Uncle is also family. I fully support this proposal!”

Zhou Chao also knew that Xiao Lao had never asked for help in his entire life. Being able to say these things meant he had put down a lot of his pride.

“Thank you, Xiao Chao!” Xiao Zhong also understood the meaning behind Xiao Lao’s words earlier. It turns out that he could have this opportunity all thanks to Zhou Chao’s efforts.

“Uncle, we’re all family. Why are you talking like we’re from different families!” Zhou Chao pretended to be angry.

“Yes, yes, Xiao Chao is right!” Xiao Zhong’s face was beaming with smiles.

“Alright, look at your ugly face, really bringing shame to the Xiao family.” Xiao Lao glared at Xiao Zhong unkindly.

“Hehe, isn’t this just excitement!”