The person who said these words to He Jiang was Ji Shuyu.
She held no personal grudge against He Jiang himself, so there was no conflict between them. Her blessing was sincere.
By leaving the island, he might find a better life elsewhere and leave all these troubles behind.
He Jiang nodded, thanked her once more, and boarded the boat leaving the island.
The boat sailed into the distance, as if carrying him toward a new beginning.
He Yuan wrapped his arm around Ji Shuyu’s waist.
“Li Cuihua is gone too. All these troubles are finally resolved.”
“I really ought to commend…” Ji Shuyu began.
At her words, He Yuan’s eyes lit up, thinking she was about to praise him.
But instead, she changed direction.
“I ought to commend Zhao Qiang. He helped a lot. I asked Xiao Xin on his behalf, and she said she’s willing to meet him. Later, ask Zhao Qiang when he’s available.”
After He Yuan had relayed Zhao Qiang’s message to Ji Shuyu, she had gone to inquire. Xiao Zhang had no immediate plans to settle down, feeling she was still young and wanted to focus on her work.
Xiao Xin, however, had more traditional views. Since she was of the right age, she was indeed open to marriage.
She trusted Ji Shuyu unconditionally and believed anyone Ji Shuyu introduced would be a good person.
So, she agreed to meet first and see how things went. Whatever happened afterward would be up to the two of them.
Hearing this, He Yuan shook his head helplessly.
“That guy really lucked out. I’ll ask him tomorrow and get back to you.”
After saying this, the two headed home.
With Li Cuihua gone, Ji Shuyu felt much more at ease.
Lin Feifei had left, and now Li Cuihua was gone too.
The two people who had caused her trouble were no longer on the island. From now on, she could focus wholeheartedly on her work.
The next day, when He Yuan arrived at the military base, he found Zhao Qiang and relayed Ji Shuyu’s message.
“Xiao Xin is a bit shy and doesn’t talk much, but she’s hardworking and thoughtful.”
“You’ve seen what she looks like. Your sister-in-law says she’s willing to meet you and see if things can progress. If you’re interested, set a time and place.”
After He Yuan finished speaking, Zhao Qiang stood there stunned, his mouth agape.
It wasn’t until He Yuan called his name several times that Zhao Qiang finally snapped out of it.
“I’m free anytime. It’s up to… up to her.”
Despite his usual bold and unrestrained demeanor, Zhao Qiang was surprisingly nervous when it came to matters like this.
“Don’t be nervous. Xiao Xin is already quiet by nature. If the two of you just sit there staring at each other without saying a word, do you expect her to speak first?”
Seeing Zhao Qiang like this, He Yuan felt a mix of exasperation and amusement.
He seemed to have forgotten how he had acted when he first met Ji Shuyu—equally nervous, stumbling over his words, and even saying the wrong thing, nearly causing a major misunderstanding.
“It’s just… this is my first time going on a blind date. Boss, could you ask your wife what Xiao Xin likes? I’ll bring her a gift when I go.”
Zhao Qiang scratched his head sheepishly. He Yuan patted him on the shoulder.
“Already asked for you. Bring her a bouquet of flowers. Your sister-in-law says girls like that.”
Hearing this, Zhao Qiang nodded repeatedly.
After conveying the message, He Yuan let Zhao Qiang leave. The agreed-upon time was two days later, which happened to be Xiao Xin’s day off.
Once he finished speaking with Zhao Qiang, Political Commissar Qi came to see He Yuan. This time, however, his expression was rather grim.
“The report I submitted with Old Li regarding the materials on the island was rejected.”
“They said that even if Ji Shuyu can prove the value of these materials, it’s not worth establishing a dedicated research institute for her since she lacks professional certifications.”
Political Commissar Qi sighed, seeming quite frustrated.
But the reality was that Ji Shuyu indeed did not have the relevant certifications to demonstrate her research capabilities in this field.
Naturally, the higher-ups were unwilling to invest both funds and effort.
This response took He Yuan by surprise. He had assumed that with such important materials on the island, the authorities would be more proactive.
“However, I’ve discussed this with my wife, and she said she’s willing to use her savings to help Comrade Shuyu establish this research institute.”
Political Commissar Qi shifted the topic, leaving He Yuan momentarily stunned.
“Personal funding?”
It wasn’t unheard of for individuals to establish research institutes, but the authority of a private entity was inevitably less than that of an official one.
If this endeavor succeeded, it would be a significant achievement.
If it failed, however, the initial investment would be lost.
Political Commissar Qi’s wife had never even met Ji Shuyu. How could she trust her so readily?
“Yes, it’s personal funding. How about this: tonight, bring Shuyu to our home so she can discuss this matter face-to-face with my wife.”
“I don’t fully understand these things myself, and I’m always worried about miscommunicating her intentions.”
With Political Commissar Qi’s invitation, He Yuan knew he had to bring Ji Shuyu to visit them that evening.
Since he had no urgent tasks in the afternoon, he returned home early to convey the message to Ji Shuyu.
“It seems Political Commissar Qi’s wife is also very optimistic about this matter.”
It was only reasonable to meet her in person.
Once they decided to visit Political Commissar Qi and his wife, Ji Shuyu went to prepare gifts.
From He Yuan’s description, she could roughly guess the personality of Political Commissar Qi’s wife.
Thus, the gifts she prepared were neither overly extravagant nor too modest.
Among them was a Hero brand fountain pen.
After everything was ready, the two set off for Political Commissar Qi’s home.
When they arrived, the door was opened by a gentle, bespectacled middle-aged woman who exuded an air of refinement and education.
She was Political Commissar Qi’s wife, surnamed Qin. Ji Shuyu followed He Yuan’s lead and addressed her as Auntie Qin.
Auntie Qin was exceptionally warm and promptly invited them inside, offering them fruit and tea.
“Old Qi often talks about you at home. Xiao He is an excellent soldier, and you, Shuyu, are such a thoughtful and capable young woman!”
Auntie Qin smiled at Ji Shuyu, her eyes filled with admiration.
Ji Shuyu felt a little embarrassed by the praise and quickly replied, “Auntie Qin, you flatter me. I’m just tinkering around.”
“Oh, this is far from just tinkering,” Auntie Qin waved her hand, her expression turning serious.
“Old Qi told me all about your insights into materials. I’ve been on this island for so many years and never realized the potential of those things. It’s truly remarkable!”
As they spoke, Ji Shuyu presented the gifts she had brought, specifically taking out the Hero fountain pen.
“Auntie Qin, since it’s our first meeting, I hope this pen will be useful to you.”
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