Lu Jiaxuan's face changed as he listened to Shen Meng's words, and he looked at her with a somewhat gloomy expression. He wasn't unaware of her grievances towards him and Jiaojiao; the fact that she came to find him in such a public setting, he felt she was certainly there to revel in his misfortune.

"Yes, I was preparing work materials all of yesterday, didn't get much rest, but elder sister-in-law, I didn't delay any work."

Shen Meng rubbed her hands together and gave a light chuckle as she looked at him, then sighed.

"Jiaxuan, don't overthink it. I didn't mean anything by it. I had already hinted to dad earlier, advising you to work hard at Xiangyang Commune for a couple of years. Only when the time is right could you... Now the words might not be explicitly stated, but who doesn't know you're a brother to my in-law's family? So many eyes are watching you; sigh, work is never finished, and you must balance work and rest. In the eye of others, you must always present your best state!"

Lu Jiaxuan's face looked a bit unnatural. Glancing around, he noticed many people stretching their necks to look at him and promptly puffed out his chest.

"Yes, yes, yes, I will make adjustments, elder sister-in-law."

"Jiaxuan, you're also a father now, you have to have some plans in your heart. I heard that Xiangyang Commune's new Soviet Director is short of an assistant. You're young, it's a good opportunity to gain more experience. I'll mention it to Xiao Zhang later, drop a hint. Although you can't be promoted too quickly, we can't always have you stuck in that position. Being an assistant is no easy task—there will be a lot more work. By recommending this position change for you, I'm afraid Jiaojiao might have opinions."

"No, no, sister-in-law, she won't have any opinions at all. You just be at ease, I will do my job well, I definitely won't let you lose face."

Shen Meng patted his shoulder and turned to leave.

Lu Jiaxuan watched Shen Meng's retreating figure, his eyes shining with light. Indeed, he was a talent, and his elder sister-in-law also knew that she couldn't suppress him forever. Besides, her position was so high now, she always needed someone reliable to support her, and Xiao Zhang, no matter how capable, was still an outsider.

Hehe, just wait, his future will only get smoother and smoother.

Shen Meng stood at the brick kiln factory entrance for a while until she saw Xiao Zhang coming over with two lunchboxes. She then sent Xiao Zhang back to fetch the new leader of Xiangyang Commune and conveyed her intentions.

The newly arrived leader of Xiangyang Commune was famously honest, but even the most honest people have a tactful side. He also admired Lu Jiaxuan's work ability and personality. Now that Shen Meng, the Secretary General, who was also his superior, had spoken, he couldn't refuse the request no matter what.

Shen Meng watched as Xiao Zhang came out and the Soviet Director walked towards Lu Jiaxuan; she sneered in her heart.

She wanted to see Lu Jiaxuan hold a bit of power, and she wanted to see Zhou Jiaojiao spend her life working hard in the textile factory workshop. The busyness of labor can wear down a person's will, especially someone whose aspirations are as high as the sky.

When she sees her husband climbing the ladder of success while she remains stagnant, dealing with housework, children, and the gap between her and others, under such stark contrast, Shen Meng didn't believe Zhou Jiaojiao could remain the perfect, virtuous, and strong heroine.

That evening, Lu Jiaxuan brought the good news back home; Zhou Jiaojiao and Liu Sanjin were thrilled, even Lu Dezhu couldn't help feeling delighted. He thought that it must have been Lu Zhenping's idea, which led to Shen Meng's sudden promotion of their Lao Si.

The family even slaughtered a chicken that night to celebrate properly. Later in the evening, Lu Jiaxuan embraced Zhou Jiaojiao with warmth. Feeling support above him, his future path seemed wide open.

In early September, Mingyang's children started school, transferring from the commune's primary school to the county's primary school. When they left, Shen Meng gave Teacher Zheng many gifts.

The children were quite reluctant to part with her, and Shen Meng admired her anew. Previously having thought about bringing her over to work alongside herself, but knowing she was devoted to educating rural girls without other ambitions for money or a desire to move elsewhere, Shen Meng respected her decision.

That day, while Shen Meng was having lunch in her office, the phone suddenly rang. She picked up the receiver, and Lu Zhenping's voice came through.

"Xiao Meng, I'll be returning in a couple of days. There's an update on the incident from last time. Meng Chao has been suspended, but that's just for show. Lu Zhengya and the Deng Zhuang family's dealings were caught by the inspectors, and now they are attending study sessions. Morning and night, they are paraded through the streets with worn shoes. Jiang Wei's past dirty deeds have also been exposed. Things are nearly settled. When you come to the Provincial City sometime, let's properly treat Jiang Huan and the Song Da Gui family to a meal."

"Okay, I'll listen to you. The phone call is pretty expensive, and I have things to handle here. We'll talk in detail when you get back."

"Alright."

Shen Meng hung up the phone, her face clouded with gloom. They, as a couple, were being trifled with like insignificant ants!

"Secretary General, do you have a moment now? Mr. Yu would like to talk with you."

"Shirley, let her in."

Yu Xueli cautiously entered her office and, after sitting down, finally took a deep breath when Xiao Zhang poured her some tea.

"Lord, this is my first time here, and I'd dare not come again. Even breathing I'd not dare to do loudly."

"What are you scared of? It's not like Xiao Zhang has never seen such things, is it?"

Yu Xueli gave her a glare. How could that be the same? Outside she could be as casual as she liked, but this place was the County Government, not somewhere just anyone could enter.

"What's up?"

"I want to have a meal with you. Ever since you started working here, we haven't had time alone together. I was thinking of inviting you and the kids over for a meal in a few days. It's on me and Old Qian."

Shen Meng raised an eyebrow at her. It wasn't even a holiday; why such a formal invitation to dinner? Clearly, there was something going on. Her eyes scanned Yu Xueli before finally resting on her belly.

Yu Xueli's face turned red, and her hand gently caressed her stomach.

"Your eyes are so sharp, and you're not wrong. I'm pregnant, a little over a month. Old Qian and I haven't dared to tell anyone; even his mother doesn't allow it. But I wanted to properly thank you all. We wouldn't have our life today without you all, you are the biggest contributors."

"That's wonderful, really wonderful! Are Daya and Xiao Ya excited?"

"Oh, don't even mention it, they're over the moon! They keep wanting to listen to their little brother or sister move in my belly every day; it's quite the sight."

"Having dinner is fine, such good news definitely deserves a proper celebration."

Yu Xueli's face bloomed with sweetness, and seeing her like this, Shen Meng also felt quite satisfied.

"Living these days feels like a dream. While I'm young, I want to give Old Qian a couple of kids, to let the old lady have a look, to do the Qian Family justice. Daya and Xiao Ya are sensible. Although Dezi isn't doing too well these days, with Xifeng and Lianhua looking after him, it won't be too distressing. Xiao Meng, you must hold this position of Secretary General firmly, and carve out a good future for us women."