CHAPTER 1409: CHAPTER 1409: SEEKING OUT AND BEING PUT IN A DIFFICULT POSITION

Shen Juan, being a graduate from a prestigious university and having worked in a local hospital for a few years, quickly passed the interview and written test.

In the final round of hands-on evaluations, she stood out among many applicants. When the results were posted, Shen Juan’s heart finally settled.

The paperwork was processed quickly—partly because Luo Qiao personally made a call, but mainly because Shen Juan was truly outstanding.

Coincidentally, the steel plant had recently built some staff housing. There was a vacant small courtyard just available. This was a favor extended to Shen Juan on account of Luo Qiao. The courtyard wasn’t large, with just one main room, a kitchen, and a storage room, but Shen Juan was very satisfied.

She tidied it up a bit. Half a month after arriving in the Capital City, she and her son finally had their own little home.

On moving day, Ji Lin and her husband, Luo Qiao’s family, Miao Shuang with her son, and Shen Juan’s elder brother’s family all gathered noisily for a meal, effectively holding a housewarming party.

After settling into Capital City, Shen Juan informed her parents in Ji City, reassuring them.

Father Shen and Mother Shen said everything was fine at home and told her to take good care of Xiao Rui while living away.

During the household registration process, Shen Juan changed her son’s name directly to Shen Rui. Initially, the three-year-old acted up for a few days, but after staying at Luo Qiao’s home and being influenced by the triplets, he became much more obedient.

Actually, after Shen Juan and her son left, the Fang family, for the sake of face, held a grand wedding for Fang Ziqiang and Deng Ziru a week later. They hoped Deng Ziru could quickly bear a child or two for the Fang Family, making Shen Juan and her family regret their actions.

Unfortunately for the Fang family, they didn’t know that Deng Ziru got divorced precisely because she was unable to have children—a fact deliberately concealed by the Deng family.

As for the Deng family’s assets, the Fang family was overly optimistic. The Deng family had long trapped their funds in non-performing assets and were now a façade of wealth, buried deep in debt—what one would call "flashy but bankrupt."

It’s hard to say what expressions the Fang family would have if they ever learned the truth. Truly, one could only wait and see.

******

That day, Luo Qiao had just stepped out of the lab when she received a call from Gu Qianru: "Qiaoqiao, the Ning family has gone to the Gu family."

Hearing this, Luo Qiao asked, "Is Stone at home?"

On the other end of the line, Gu Qianru panted slightly, "He is. I’m still in the staff compound, just getting ready to head over."

Before Luo Qiao could respond, she heard her father’s voice on the phone: "Don’t rush, I’ll drive you over. First, change your shoes."

Gu Qianru continued over the phone, "Qiaoqiao, your dad and I will head over first. If you’re free to leave, come back as soon as you can. It’s better to deal with this quickly—I don’t want the Ning family bothering your grandfather every day."

Luo Qiao thought, "I’ve been waiting for the Ning family to come knocking. It’s time to settle this."

She replied, "Alright, Mom. You and Dad go ahead. I’ll clean up and come by later."

After hanging up, she immediately called Lu Yichen: "Brother Chen, the Ning family showed up at my grandfather’s place."

"Dad already called me. I’m getting ready now. If you’re busy, don’t rush back; I’ll handle it."

"I just got out of the lab. I have classes this afternoon. I’ll head over once they’re done."

"Alright then, take your time and drive carefully."

"Okay, see you soon."

******

At the Gu family home, Stone was sitting next to the Old Master, calmly staring at the members of the Ning family across from him.

If it weren’t for his grandfather telling him not to act rashly, he would have kicked these people out long ago.

Ning Ziping’s older brother, Ning Zijun, began, "Old Master Gu, we came uninvited today out of helplessness. Truly sorry to disturb you. My younger brother, Ning Ziping, has been searching for any trace of Zheng Lei. I hope you can understand."

Old Master Gu feigned ignorance and asked, "How could someone lose track of their own son? And how is it that he can’t be found?"

This remark left Ning Zijun somewhat embarrassed. He hesitated before awkwardly replying, "It’s a long story, and it’s indeed my younger brother’s fault."

Old Master Gu looked intrigued and said, "I’d like to hear it."

At this, Ning Zijun briefly explained the situation between Ning Ziping and Sun Mei. He didn’t fully absolve his brother of responsibility, only saying, "Back then, Ziping was impulsive and didn’t think things through."

Old Master Gu chuckled faintly. "Dismissing it as youthful impulsiveness and poor judgment does nothing to erase the suffering Zheng Lei endured in the village all those years."

Wang Hailan, seated to the side, interjected, "Old Gu is absolutely right. Our family’s Ziping has been looking for Zheng Lei all these years to make amends for his mistakes. We hope Old Gu can grant him that chance."

Hearing Wang Hailan’s words, Old Master Gu’s expression darkened. "Make amends? Zheng Lei has already graduated from college. How exactly do you plan on making it up to him? I’d really love to hear this."

Ning Ziping, his eyes filled with emotion, looked at his son and said, "Zheng Lei, I’ve been searching for you all this time. If you’re willing to forgive me and come home with me, everything in the family will be yours in the future."

Stone laughed and said, "No thanks. I have no interest in your assets. If there’s something I want, I’ll achieve it through my own efforts."