A husband found in the village? I bought a regent for a penny!

Chapter 394 Jealousy

The conversation had progressed to the future first tea plantation in Northwest China.

Gu Xixi is the boss and also the most core technical staff.

He Jinglan is a potential shareholder and has experience in accounting and human resources.

Anqinghe is a partner, manager, and salesperson.

Jiang Mingyuan was the first to propose the concept of public-private partnership, and he is about to return to the Northwest to serve as an official.

The establishment of the tea plantation was related to these individuals.

As the Minister of Revenue, He Jinghui was naturally interested in tea cultivation and making money, as these were within his duties.

Even Lü Jing, a newcomer, was able to smoothly join the conversation because her family grows tea.

Only Mu Nanzhao sat there, hardly saying a word.

With his erudition and extensive knowledge, even if he had never served as an agricultural official, he would still have his own insights.

He was simply in a bad mood and didn't want to talk.

He Jinghui made several explicit and implicit suggestions, but seeing that Mu Nanzhao remained silent, he had no choice but to give up in frustration.

Fortunately, the Regent managed to maintain order and did not leave the room midway. He was able to respond to people who approached him occasionally, and there was no indication that he was in a bad mood.

When I went downstairs after the banquet, I unexpectedly ran into an acquaintance.

Lu Jing waved and greeted, "Military Advisor Meng, you're here for dinner too!"

When Meng Chengping saw the group, his gaze lingered on He Jinglan's face for a moment before he smiled and said, "Yes, if I had known you were upstairs, I would have gone over for a couple of drinks."

"I had heard Meng Canjun describe the scenery of Northwest China several times before, and now I finally have the opportunity to see it with my own eyes," said Lü Jing.

"Xixi promised to take me back with her, so maybe I'll be able to see the Northwest military camp again in the future."

Upon hearing the words "Northwest," Meng Chengping radiated a unique light.

"Really? That's wonderful! Congratulations!"

"The Northwest is vast and completely different from the capital, and the people there are very hospitable."

"I think you definitely won't regret going!"

Lü Jing jumped up happily, "I think so too!"

"It's wonderful to see Military Advisor Meng today and tell you about this!"

Looking at Meng Chengping, He Jinglan felt a tender pang of sadness.

This somewhat naive young general in the Northwest has gradually become more reserved, composed, and intelligent since arriving in the capital. He no longer wears his heart on his sleeve like he used to.

But at this moment, He Jinglan vaguely saw that warm, straightforward man with a silly, innocent smile.

The Northwest is his hometown, and also the place where he shed his sweat and blood.

His family and friends, his comrades, his memories and dreams—how could one not be captivated by them?

After speaking with Lü Jing, Meng Chengping greeted the others in turn.

Gu Xixi smiled and said, "When I come to the capital next time, I will definitely bring you more local products."

Mu Nanzhao's gaze was indifferent. "You keep calling me Brother Mu, but I've never seen you visit often."

Meng Chengping scratched his head, "Didn't I just drink with you last month? You can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, I wouldn't dare go every day."

Everyone laughed.

Meng Chengping and Gu Xixi were already good friends, and he and Mu Nanzhao were even brothers, so their familiarity goes without saying.

Although I had never spoken to Jiang Mingyuan before, I had met him a few times. As fellow natives of Northwest China, we felt an instant connection when we started talking.

Only when facing He Jinghui did Meng Chengping involuntarily stiffen, as if he were still being punished in the Northwest Army camp.

"This humble general pays his respects to Minister He!"

He Jinghui chuckled, "How come everyone else gets brothers and friends, but all I get is a boring official position?"

Meng Chengping was taken aback and suddenly didn't know what to say. He stammered, "This humble general has long heard of Lord He's great name. I respect, respect Lord He, oh no, Brother He."

Gu Xixi broke out in a cold sweat and glanced to the side, only to see He Jinglan with an expression that said, "I can't bear to look at this."

He Jinghui exclaimed with delight, "Brother He? This is great! It's approachable and down-to-earth. I like it!"

He said to He Jinglan, "This young man is quite good. You've been in the Northwest for so long, you must know him, right?"

Gu Xixi lowered her eyelids to control her expression, while Mu Nanzhao subtly raised an eyebrow.

The two people who were directly called out both tensed up.

Meng Chengping was so nervous that he didn't dare to look at He Jinglan.

Fortunately, He Jinglan remained calm and said, "I know him. He often asks Xixi to do things for the Northwest Army. We're acquaintances."

He Jinghui looked at Meng Chengping with admiration, "I think Brother Meng also feels that we have not met sooner."

"I'll organize a get-together sometime, let's get together again!"

Meng Chengping smiled and agreed.

It wasn't that he wanted to keep it a secret, but without Jinglan's instructions, he dared not take it upon himself to confess.

At this moment, Gu Xixi stepped in to resolve the situation, saying, "Let's not block the way here anymore, let's go."

As He Jinghui passed by Meng Chengping, he patted him on the shoulder and smiled meaningfully.

"Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, and a man should be decisive and know how to seize the moment."

Meng Chengping was stunned.

When he came to his senses, he excitedly turned around to look, but the group had already disappeared.

Seize the opportunity, for the flowers are ripe for picking...

Could it be that Brother He actually knew everything?

Is his future brother-in-law encouraging him?

Does this mean he should come to our door to propose marriage?!

Meng Chengping's smile widened rapidly, and he couldn't stop grinning.

Realizing that many people were watching, he quickly stopped smiling and walked away with a serious expression.

Gu Xixi and the others left the restaurant, but Jiang Mingyuan had to leave first.

Unable to contain her curiosity, He Jinglan asked casually:

"Brother, what were you whispering to Commander Meng just now?"

He Jinghui smiled, and seeing that Lü Jing wasn't paying attention, said, "Judging from Brother Meng and Miss Lü's expressions, don't you think there's more to this hero-saves-the-damsel-in-distress story?"

"So I gave that guy a few words of encouragement, lest he miss out on the girl and regret it later."

Gu Xixi's lips twitched violently.

It's hard to say whether Ho King-fai is always out of touch with these kinds of situations, or whether the person involved is just too good at hiding things.

He Jinglan's face gradually darkened.

She suddenly said fiercely, "Brother, since you love meddling in other people's business so much, why don't you resign from your position as Minister and go down to the lower levels to become an official matchmaker!"

Ho King-fai hadn't noticed anything amiss and laughed, saying, "Even official media are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Revenue."

He Jinglan ignored him with a stern face and strode quickly toward the carriage as if venting her anger.

Seeing He Jinghui's blank expression, Mu Nanzhao sneered and remained silent.

Gu Xixi could only smooth things over by saying, "If Lü Jing had such intentions, why would she have taken the initiative to suggest returning to the Northwest with me?"

"Perhaps Lord He has misunderstood."

He Jinghui suddenly realized, "That makes sense, I forgot about that."

His gaze darted back and forth between Gu Xixi and Mu Nanzhao, and just as he was about to speak, the sound of a drumbeat rang out from the street.

Gu Xixi exclaimed "Oh!" and hurriedly said, "I have an appointment with someone, so I'll be going now. Please make yourselves at home."

Watching Gu Xixi walk away, He Jinghui turned his head to look at Mu Nanzhao.

"Did you notice that she only looked at you when she left?"

Mu Nanzhao said coldly, "So what?"

"It didn't stop her from looking at one after another."

He Jinghui took a deep breath and understood, "The smell of vinegar!"

"I always felt something was off while I was eating!"

"It's like a bottle of vinegar that's been bottled up inside but can't be expressed!"