"Mom, mom, what did elder brother and sister-in-law say? Are they going to find someone to help Jiaxuan? He really didn't commit any crimes, did he?"

Zhou Jiaojiao's heart had just been chilled by her two children, but now she eagerly wanted to know about Lu Jiaxuan's situation. She had been working at the textile factory for five or six years and was almost considered a senior worker. It was almost time for housing distribution. Although Jiaxuan was the village chief, he still lived in the house built in Lu Family Village, and his household registration was still in the countryside.

She thought it must be because she was too busy usually, which is why she hadn't taken better care of her children. If she could get a house in the city, she would be able to move her household registration there, and then her children could study in the city, which would greatly improve their relationship.

The flesh of her own flesh, she still really cared for them deeply.

"Slap!"

Zhou Jiaojiao covered her face, looking incredulously at Liu Sanjin at the entrance of the State-Owned Restaurant, amidst the bustling street, she had been slapped, and the person who hit her was Liu Sanjin, this mother-in-law.

"Mom, you, you hit me?"

"What are you staring at? I did hit you. Instead of wasting time asking questions, you'd better go and cozy up to your elder sister-in-law. Let her finish her commendation meeting quickly and go save your husband. All you know is to keep asking questions. How did our Old Lu Family end up with such a useless person like you, all you ever consider is eating and drinking. Just wait, when my son is out, I'll definitely make him sort you out."

"Sort me out, on what grounds? Over the years, I've worked like an ox and horse for the Lu Family, uncomplaining and hardworking. For Lu Jiaxuan, I had children and raised them well. You should go out and ask around, both your and my father's reputations. You better open your eyes and see who is still around. Among your four daughters-in-law, now only I am staying with you. If you dislike me, then go and change your daughter-in-law, it's just right to get your grandchildren a stepmother and let her mistreat them harshly."

Zhou Jiaojiao's face was terribly ugly, disdained by her own man and children, and after going out she was slapped by Liu Sanjin, this mother-in-law, filling her with resentment, not knowing how her days had turned out this way.

She turned her head to look inside the State-Owned Restaurant, where Shen Meng stood on the stage eloquently speaking, feeling that should be her life, while these disgraceful days should be what Shen Meng was living.

She raised her hands and hugged her own arms tightly, staggering a few steps back, not caring about Liu Sanjin's look, nor about her two children anymore, she turned her head and ran away.

Liu Sanjin held her chest, trembling, and pointing at Zhou Jiaojiao's departing figure, she sat down on the ground, it took quite a while before she could recuperate.

Entering the State-Owned Restaurant, one would see Li Chuan and Qi Mingyue both looking hopefully at Shen Meng, loudly announcing to everyone: "For a long time now, my love and I have adored Shen Meng. My daughter and son also really approve of her. Today, in front of Shen Meng's parents, brother, sister-in-law, and parents-in-law, and most importantly, in front of Zhenping, we old couple want to ask Shen Meng, would you like to be our goddaughter? If you agree, your Aunt Qi and I will definitely treat you as our own daughter. As long as I, Li Chuan, am here, I will never let you suffer even a bit of grievance."

Wang Guizhi and Shen Fugui looked at Li Chuan, then at Qi Mingyue. These two were so enthusiastic just now, no wonder they were trying to steal their lovely daughter.

Shen Meng looked around, her gaze resting on Wang Guizhi and Shen Fugui's faces.

As long as they agree, she would definitely accept. Now Li Chuan is a top official in the Provincial City. If she could become their goddaughter, that would mean she was thoroughly bound to them.

Feng Si's heart thumped excitedly; he had indeed not misjudged. He knew that by sticking close to Shen Meng, his future days would definitely be smooth.

"Grandpa, Grandma, what do you think? My sister-in-law is still waiting, this depends on your opinion, right?"

He was very anxious, wishing he could give Wang Guizhi and Shen Fugui his consent.

Lu Zhenping gave him a stern glance and then turned to look at Shen Meng.

"I have no objections. It just means having another set of in-laws. There will be more people to protect you, and just a few more to nag me."

"Hahaha, you cheeky boy, now that you're in a high position, who dares to nag you!"

Li Chuan laughed and pointed at him.

Wang Guizhi and Shen Fugui exchanged glances, knowing in their hearts that their son-in-law and daughter's future paths should aspire upwards. At this time, having one more person to protect and support them would be better.

"I have no objections, and her dad has none either. Zhenping is right. Elder sister and brother, your appreciation for our Xiao Meng, wanting to cherish her and treat her as your own daughter, is something my wife and I are grateful for. You are people of vision. From now on, please do help and look after my son-in-law and daughter."

Shen Fugui opened his mouth, but a stare from Wang Guizhi silenced him. They were doing well economically, and their sons had already moved out. Xiao Bin and Xiangxiang, now with three children, were living in the county and had their own place. They would come over to help with the grandchildren when they could.

Xiao Meng's family also came over sometimes, but they rarely ever lent a hand. They already felt incredibly guilty about that, having seen the kind of people Li Chuan and Qi Mingyue had been over the years.

Lu Zhenping was working in the Provincial City, and Xiao Meng would soon have to move there with her children. They still had a whole family here and simply lacked the energy to help them out.

It would be better to let the godparents help out more!

"Alright, thank you so much, elder sister, elder brother."

Feng Si hurriedly grabbed two cups and had someone bring two chairs onto the stage. He invited Li Chuan and Qi Mingyue to come up and sit down. Shen Meng also went up onto the stage, took the teacup from Feng Si's hand, called out "Dad, Mom," made the tea offering, and then kowtowed to the old couple, marking the end of the acknowledgment ceremony.

The audience immediately erupted in enthusiastic applause. Some were just there for the spectacle, but others understood that this was a warning from Li Chuan—a clear declaration to the Ning County authorities that Shen Meng was under his protection. Should she wish to advance any project in Ning County, anyone who hindered her would be contending with him, Li Chuan.

Clearly, Shen Meng understood this as well. With the platform prepared by Li Chuan and Qi Mingyue, she naturally stepped up onto it.

Though she had many things already arranged, having additional support was something nobody would turn down.

Pu Jiang, sitting below, watched the proud Shen Meng drinking glass after glass of liquor. His assistant was so anxious that he nearly grabbed the drink out of his hand.

Such misfortune, why would they assign him to assist the new County Party Secretary? This guy was unmanageable. Drinking sullenly in front of all the influential figures and leaders of the county,—he was simply unbeatable.