“Mom.” Qiao Zijin pulled at Ding Jiayi, stopping her from creating trouble for her.
Ding Jiayi pouted unhappily.
Ding Jiayi had been too smug in front of the Chen family. She was thinking of showing off to the Chen family, telling them that the Qiao family had a high social status as well.
When Qiao Zijin married Chen Jun in the future, the Chen family must not bully Qiao Zijin.
Since the man from the Zhu family had left, Ding Jiayi could say whatever she wanted. No one would expose her lies. She could brag as she liked at her house.
Ding Jiayi wanted to brag about her social status, but the Chen family who knew the truth did not give her the chance to do that.
“Brother Qiao, are you close to Director Shi?” Father Chen tried to steer the conversation back to his intended topic—Director Shi. It was because of Director Shi that Ping Cheng became a well-developed city over the past few years.
Many people had been discussing Director Shi.
They said that Director Shi would be due for promotion.
Perhaps Director Shi would be a very important figure in Ping Cheng.
Father Chen wanted nothing but to be on good terms with him.
Now that he could make use of the relationship with the Qiao family to be close to Director Shi, Father Chen would not miss such a golden chance. “One can’t say clearly as to where to place Qiao Nan’s dowry over the phone. Besides, it would be insincere. Since the Lunar New Year is not over yet and the government sector is not as busy, and they have not resumed work officially, why don’t we go to the Shi family’s residence to discuss with them face-to-face?”
Mother Chen glanced at Father Chen. Would that be too obvious and seem hurried?
Father Chen smiled confidently. Mother Chen did not need to worry.
If it was some other family, he would definitely have to spend some time and effort, biding his time. But he knew the three people in the Qiao family inside out. There was nothing to worry about.
Chen Jun had made it very clear. Apart from Qiao Nan, the three people in the Qiao family were not very smart.
There was no need for them to say any pleasantries, lest the Qiao family mistake them as real.
Father Chen was fearless in making use of the Qiao family to be on close terms with the influential people.
He was certain that the Qiao family would not lose their temper because of what he did. They might not even figure out his real intentions.
It was for this reason that they wanted to be close to the Qiao family, who was poor.
Otherwise, the Chen family would not want to maintain a cordial relationship with them.
Qiao Dongliang was hesitant. “This… may not be very convenient.”
As Shi Peng’s neighbor, Qiao Dongliang had seen many cases where other people paid a visit to the Shi family’s residence during the Lunar New Year and even brought with them a lot of presents only to be turned down.
Shi Peng was very clear about what was right and what was wrong. He would never accept gifts from others and would not allow them to worm their way into being friends with him.
This matter could have easily been settled between Shi Peng and him. It would be impolite if everyone went with him.
Qiao Zijin’s countenance changed. She tugged at Chen Jun’s hand. “Aren’t we discussing our wedding? Don’t go overboard!”
Chen Jun gave Qiao Zijin a cold stare. “If the Chen family does well, you will have a better life in the future. Whatever that is good for the Chen family is good for you. You should not be throwing your tantrums now.”
Chen Jun wanted to go to the Shi family’s residence to get to know Shi Peng.
Right now, his career was in Ping Cheng. It would take more than twenty years for him to carve his career in the capital. It was not something that could be achieved overnight.
Chen Jun was ambitious, but he knew he had to take it step by step.
He might not be able to go to the capital right now, but he was able to get close to Shi Peng.
The problem was…
“Dad, Mom, didn’t you have a dinner appointment with Qiao Nan tonight?” If they went to the Shi family’s residence now, they would not be able to rush back in time for the dinner appointment with Qiao Nan. It was a chance to be on closer terms with her.
If Qiao Nan was close to Qiao Zijin, it was alright for Qiao Nan to wait for them.
But the problem was they were not on good terms. It was more important to be on close terms with Qiao Nan than to create an impression on Shi Peng.
There was a glitter in Father Chen’s eyes. “Will Qiao Nan be back for dinner tonight?”
Qiao Dongliang sent word to the Zhai family’s residence ages ago, but Qiao Nan did not give him a reply.
“She will not dare to miss the dinner!” Ding Jiayi puffed her chest in front of the Chen couple. She was as proud as a peacock. “She will definitely be here. If you want to go to the Shi family’s residence, go ahead. Even if we are late, she has no choice but to wait for us. All of us are her seniors. She has to wait for us to have dinner.”
Ding Jiayi might not admit that Qiao Nan was outstanding, but she knew that she must make use of Qiao Nan for the Chen family to have a good impression of Qiao Zijin.
She had to prove that she could control Qiao Nan and make her listen to her. In that case, the Chen family would think that Qiao Nan was on close terms with them and it would be easier for Qiao Zijin to marry Chen Jun. After her marriage, the Chen family would not dare to shortchange her as well.
Therefore, no matter what, she had to show that she was in charge in front of the Chen family.
The Chen couple stared at each other in silence. They had no idea whether to believe Ding Jiayi or not.
It would be best if things were as simple as what Ding Jiayi had made it to be.
“Hey, my in-laws, hesitate no more. Work is more important. Qiao Nan is my daughter. She will definitely listen to me. We have to prioritize. Nothing will go wrong.” It was just a dinner. She was Qiao Nan’s mother. She did not believe that Qiao Nan would not listen to her!
Father Chen looked at Qiao Dongliang. “Is it convenient to talk to Director Shi now? Should we make a phone call first?” How about an appointment?
“Not…” Qiao Dongliang was about to say that it was inconvenient, but Ding Jiayi interrupted him. “Of course it is convenient. There is no need to make a phone call. It is a waste of money. My in-laws, you may not know, but Director Shi has a good relationship with Old Qiao. They have meals often. Director Shi spent the Lunar New Year and had a reunion dinner with Old Qiao in the past few years.”
They were very close to each other.
Father Chen smiled. “In that case, Chen Jun, drive the car over.”
“Sure, Dad.” Chen Jun looked at everyone present before he said, “The car can only fit five people.”
Ding Jiayi smiled. “Chen Jun, thank you for asking. I will stay behind to prepare the dinner. After your chat, you can come back to have your dinner.”
“If not, I will…” Qiao Zijin decided to stay behind with her mother.
“Zijin, come with me over here for a moment. It is the Lunar New Year, how can you go empty-handed to visit Uncle Shi?”
