Chapter 30: Finding a Solution

Zhao Chengyu's deep eyes were fixed on Li Qiang, his gaze sharp as a hawk's, as if trying to pierce through his layers of disguise and strike at the depths of his soul.

He deliberately slowed his speech, each word sounding carefully considered, carrying an undeniable authority.

Yet, a hint of reassurance lingered, as if to assure Li Qiang that he meant no harm, but simply wanted to know the truth.

"Comrade Li Yaqin is very ambitious. She graduated from a literacy class and even got certified. Very good," He Chengyang nodded, offering a simple affirmation.

His tone was full of affirmation and praise for Li Yaqin.

He believed Li Yaqin was a positive, hardworking, and admirable young woman.

Her unwillingness to accept the status quo and her courage to change her destiny were admirable.

"Chengyu and I discussed it and decided to arrange a job for Li Yaqin."

He Chengyang turned to Li Qiang, his tone gentle, as if discussing a trivial household matter.

He offered their suggestions, hoping to provide Li Yaqin with a better platform for development and broaden her career path.

“This matter depends on what you and Comrade Yaqin think,” He Chengyang said, looking at Li Qiang.

“After all, it's about arranging a job for her, and we must respect her personal wishes. Besides, directly arranging it might have a negative impact.”

“We need to see if you can arrange it on your end,” He Chengyang finally revealed the true purpose of the conversation, leaving the decision to Li Qiang.

They couldn't directly intervene; a man and a woman alone together could easily attract gossip and damage Li Yaqin's reputation.

Li Qiang's anxiety eased slightly. It turned out they wanted to arrange a job for Li Yaqin, not what he had feared.

He was somewhat surprised and grateful that Commander Zhao and Political Commissar He had considered so much for Yaqin.

This is truly strange…

Zhao Chengyu's gaze never left Li Qiang, like that of a seasoned hunter.

He intently watched his prey's every move, observing every subtle change in his expression, trying to glean as much information as possible.

"Also, I have something else." Zhao Chengyu's voice was deep, his gaze profound.

"I'd like to see Comrade Li Yaqin."

Zhao Chengyu's voice was deep and magnetic, carrying a subtle, almost imperceptible emotional fluctuation, seemingly concealing a deeper meaning, making him enigmatic.

He paused, his gaze becoming even more profound, as if it could pierce through time and space, glimpsing the distant future.

This… Li Qiang's heart began to pound. Why did Zhao Chengyu want to see his sister?

What was the reason behind this?

He couldn't fathom Zhao Chengyu's purpose.

This was difficult to arrange; after all, a lone man and woman alone together could easily attract gossip, making it quite inconvenient.

As for Zhao Chengyu taking a liking to his sister, Li Qiang didn't even dare to imagine it; it was simply a fantasy.

Zhao Chengyu came from a prominent family, was exceptionally handsome, and was a highly sought-after figure in the military region.

If it weren't for his cold and aloof personality, he would probably be surrounded by countless women long ago.

Li Qiang had personally witnessed many women confess their feelings to Zhao Chengyu, only to be coldly rejected each time, creating extremely awkward situations.

Li Qiang thought of his sister's appearance, although...

She had changed a lot, becoming much prettier, but still far from being a stunning beauty.

However, Zhao Chengyu had seen all kinds of beauties, and Li Qiang wouldn't even consider that possibility; he simply thought it was impossible.

As for Commander Zhao taking a liking to Yaqin…

Li Qiang shook his head. How could that be?

Commander Zhao had seen all kinds of women. Even though Yaqin had become prettier, she was still far inferior to the women who pursued him.

“I’ll go back and ask Yaqin.” Li Qiang didn’t dare to make a decision on his own; he needed to sound out Yaqin first.

He couldn’t fathom Commander Zhao’s thoughts.

But he had a vague feeling that this might be an opportunity, a chance for the Li family to rise to a higher level.

Suddenly, a heavy rain began to fall outside. The wind whipped the raindrops against the window, creating a pattering sound.

Li Qiang’s heart raced. This sudden turn of events gave him hope.

He dared not interfere too much in the affairs between Yaqin and Commander Zhao, but if he could use this opportunity to build a closer relationship with Commander Zhao,

it would... give him a glimmer of hope for his future development.

He dared not interfere too much in the matters between Li Yaqin and Zhao Chengyu, lest he make things worse.

Using this opportunity to build a closer relationship with Zhao Chengyu would be of great help to his future development.

“Alright.”

Zhao Chengyu picked up the white porcelain teacup in front of him, the lid lightly tapping the rim.

A crisp sound echoed.

He lowered his head and took a sip of tea.

The warm liquid slid down his throat, leaving a faint tea fragrance.

Zhao Chengyu lifted his eyelids and looked at Li Qiang; this was to see the guest out.

As the youngest regimental commander in the military region, Zhao Chengyu was always fair in rewarding and punishing.

Li Yaqin had saved him; he had to repay this kindness.

But to what extent he would repay it depended on what Li Yaqin wanted.

Assigning a job casually was effortless for Zhao Chengyu.

But if this "gratitude" became a burden, it wouldn't be good.

Li Yaqin had saved him halfway, and Zhao Chengyu absolutely couldn't let this life-saving grace turn into revenge.

He needed to figure out what Li Yaqin really wanted.

"Sir, then I'll head back now."

Li Qiang stood up abruptly, leaning forward, his waist curving respectfully.

As a veteran who had spent many years in the army, he was well-versed in dealing with superiors; reading between the lines was a basic skill.

Zhao Chengyu served him tea, and he naturally understood it was time to take his leave.

He turned, his feet barely touching the ground, wishing he could fly home immediately.

In the military compound, the once clear sky had changed; dark clouds rolled in, like a huge black cloth, making it hard to breathe.

Li Qiang's mood also became heavy. Zhao Chengyu was going to arrange a job for Li Yaqin—this was a tremendous stroke of good luck.

But he had a vague feeling that things weren't so simple.

Who was Zhao Chengyu? He'd risen to the position of regimental commander at such a young age, relying not only on his military achievements but also on his exceptional intelligence and methods.

He, an ordinary deputy regimental commander, was like an ant before Zhao Chengyu, easily crushed.

Li Qiang walked briskly, his military boots splashing mud on the wet ground.

The red brick houses in the family compound seemed particularly oppressive under the gloomy sky.

As soon as he entered, Li Qiang slammed the door shut with a loud bang.

"Dad, what's wrong?"

Li Panpan, Li Qiang's wife, was startled. She came out of the inner room, her pregnant belly showing, and her face was filled with confusion.

Li Qiang didn't bother to explain. He grabbed Li Panpan's wrist with surprising force.

"Let's talk inside!"

He pulled Li Panpan into the inner room and slammed the door shut.

The room was dimly lit, with only an old oil lamp casting a faint glow.

Li Qiang told Li Panpan everything that had happened in the political commissar's office.

"What?! A job arranged for Yaqin?"

Li Panpan exclaimed, her sharp voice breaking the silence of the room.

"This is incredible news!"

She rubbed her hands excitedly, her face flushed, as if she had seen a mountain of gold.

"It's great news, but..."

Li Qiang stammered, his brows furrowing.

“But I always feel like this isn’t so simple. Commander Zhao, why does he want to see Yaqin?”

Li Panpan’s smile froze on her face.

“This…how should I know?”

She began to feel uneasy.

Li Qiang paced back and forth in the room, the wooden floorboards creaking under his feet.

“We need to find someone else for the baby. Since Yaqin has to work, we can’t let her go back to taking care of her during her postpartum period.”

Li Qiang paced back and forth in the room.

“If all else fails, we can hire a nanny. It’s worth the money. Once Yaqin’s job is stable, she can help out at home.”

“But…but my belly…” Li Panpan touched her prominently pregnant belly, her eyes dimming.

“And the baby, who will take care of him?”

Li Qiang stopped pacing, rubbing his face vigorously with both hands.

"If it really comes down to it, I'll take some time off to take care of you and the child."

"I'll figure something out! I'll never let you and the child suffer!"

As the head of the family, as a husband and father, he had to shoulder the responsibility. Even if it meant facing mountains of knives and seas of fire, he had to overcome it.

But why did Zhao Chengyu want to see Li Yaqin?