The main thing is to make money, and the rest is just a matter of convenience.

-

On February 14, 1988, Hua Yan took Taiji and Hu Zhiang back to China by plane.

During this month, they were all busy with their own things and achieved remarkable results.

Taiji's excellence led a professor at MIT to consider securing him a full scholarship with immediate enrollment. Therefore, Taiji urgently needs to acquire computer science knowledge so he can quickly learn more advanced technologies there.

Taiji, who originally planned to major in physics at Yenching University, had to abandon that plan and instead pursue a more pressing task: learning cutting-edge computer technology.

Hu Zhiang also changed his original plan, which was to communicate with Liu Liang and An Xin regularly, even go to the site to guide their work, and shorten his study time at school.

Hua Yan hasn't changed much; she adapts to circumstances and goes wherever she's needed. However, she will prioritize studying political science and military science.

"Jiu'er, will you come to my house for the Spring Festival?"

"Of course, I have to wish Uncle Hu and Aunt Zhihui a Happy New Year!"

When he got off the plane, Hu Zhiang asked a question that seemed to be casual.

"Alright, I'll have them prepare to entertain you."

Hu Zhiang didn't want to be separated from Hua Yan, but she went home for the New Year, and he couldn't go with her.

These interactions made Hu Zhiang realize that Hua Yan was many times more capable than in his previous life. Beyond respect and admiration, he felt even more affection for her. Therefore, he wanted to create more opportunities for himself.

Seeing that Taiji could go home with Huayan, Hu Zhiang felt an indescribable sense of loss, which is why he asked that question.

Taiji also noticed Hu Zhiang's unusual feelings for Hua Yan. In his previous life, Hu Zhiang had hidden his feelings for Hua Yan very well, but the perceptive Taiji still discovered it.

Hu Zhiang hasn't revealed it yet, but he hasn't deliberately hidden it either. The perceptive Taiji feels that Hu Zhiang is doing it on purpose for him.

Taiji wanted to assert his dominance, but both he and Huayan were too young, and making their relationship public was clearly inappropriate, which troubled Taiji. However, he also had his own agenda; he kept holding Huayan's hand tightly, wanting Hu Zhiang to see what he could do that Hu Zhiang couldn't.

"Hehe! What's there to prepare? We're all family here, no need to prepare anything."

Hua Yan was unaware of the contest between the two men.

Upon hearing the phrase "one of our own," the two men felt completely different.

"Okay! Our whole family is waiting for your arrival."

Hu Zhiang was so happy he couldn't stop smiling.

Hu Zhiang drove away by himself, while Hua Yan and Tai Ji rode in Kong Wen's car, with Liu Zhiyi also in the car.

"Jiu'er, my father heard that you're back and asked me to invite you to our home."

Liu Zhiyi and Hua Yan sat in the back seat of the BMW, holding hands like long-lost sisters.

"Great! That's perfect, I need to bring Uncle Liu a New Year's gift!"

Hua Yan knew that Liu Heming wouldn't let her go at this special time unless there was something special going on.

Many images flashed through my mind, and I thought about many things that might happen.

After sending Taiji back to the courtyard house, Huayan told Liu Quan that she wanted to go to Liu Heming's house.

"Jiu'er, I've been to the homes of several leaders in Kyoto, including Mayor Zhang, Secretary Hu, Director Jin, Chief Liu, Chief Men, and so on."

The standards are based on last year's; they haven't been reduced, but they haven't been increased by much either. We're worried this might cause them inconvenience.

Liu Quan was exceptionally thoughtful in his consideration of social etiquette and gift-giving for Hua Yan.

"Thank you, Uncle Quan, for thinking of everything. I'll just go to Chief Liu's house to pick up a few things."

Hua Yan doesn't need to specifically tell Liu Quan these things anymore; Liu Quan has already done them all.

It's not about how expensive the gifts are, it's about the sentiment, letting people know that Hua Yan hasn't forgotten them.

Hua Yan deals with these people frequently, especially with these companies; it's unavoidable that she'll need to trouble them. She cultivates these relationships beforehand so that things don't feel awkward when she needs their help.

"Okay! Go ahead, try to come back for dinner."

Although Liu Quan knew that the chances of him saying this were slim, he still wanted to say it.

"Uncle Quan, you guys eat first, don't wait for me."

With that, Hua Yan got into a car and left with Kong Wen and Liu Zhiyi.

"Ugh! I haven't even had a chance to sit down for a while this time."

Liu Quan looked at Hua Yan's car exhaust fumes and shook his head helplessly.

Even if a child is a prodigy, you can't treat such a young child like this! Liu Quan's heart was filled with heartache.

"Uncle Quan, if we do more for her, she'll have an easier time."

Taiji comforted Liu Quan in an adult-like tone.

"Ok, I know."

Liu Quan has been doing his best. He has already started setting up the construction company that Hua Yan asked him to set up, and he has also contacted Jin Bu, the director of the Kyoto Housing Bureau, to help him oversee the process.

Jin Bu now looks at Hua Yan with new respect and dares not harbor any ulterior motives anymore. He still feels lingering fear about the time he acted as an intermediary to introduce Hua Yan to Zhan Sheng's mother for treatment, which almost led to Hua Yan's death!

When Liu Quan approached him this time, he helped Liu Quan complete all the formalities without saying a word and also offered many helpful suggestions.

Every year, Liu Quan would send him a New Year's gift, and the two were quite familiar with each other, so when Liu Quan proposed to establish a construction company, he didn't hesitate at all.

Jin Bu was aware of what Hua Yan was doing. He didn't know Gao Wei or Old Wang, but he was clear about Zhang Fan's attitude towards Hua Yan. Even if he couldn't do his best, he should at least help her along the way.

-

Military compound

Kong Wen dropped the person off and drove away, perhaps feeling a little guilty, or perhaps he was too busy before the New Year, without stopping at all.

Hua Yan, carrying Moutai liquor and fruit, followed Liu Zhiyi upstairs.

Liu Heming knew in advance when Hua Yan would be returning, so he specially waited at home today. Zhou Yuchan was busy at work and not at home.

"Uncle Liu, did you miss me?"

Hua Yan asked loudly and shamelessly.

"Yes! I miss you. I look forward to your return every day."

Liu Heming reached out and took the things Hua Yan brought.

Now their relationship is more like that of family, without all the empty formalities.

"Jiu'er, there's someone who misses you more than I do. Come and see them!"

Liu Heming took Hua Yan's hand and walked towards the study.

Liu Zhiyi didn't follow, but went to the kitchen to help the nanny.

"Uncle Liu, who is it!"

Hua Yan was genuinely curious about who was missing her.

Liu Heming didn't say anything, and pushed open the door to the study.

A tall figure stood by the window, holding a half-smoked cigarette in his hand.

"Uncle Men!"

Hua Yan stared wide-eyed, her eyes filled with disbelief.

"Jiu'er, I've finally met you."

Men Buhui stubbed out his cigarette and strode towards Hua Yan.

"Uncle Men, why are you back?"

"After you helped me eliminate the traitors last time, the enemy seemed to be severely weakened. We took the opportunity to launch a counterattack and have already driven them back into Y country."

I can also go home and visit; I haven't been back for several years.

However, they haven't given up their final struggle and are gathering their strength.

Men Buhui didn't hide anything from Hua Yan, because Hua Yan was credited with all these achievements.

"They rely on their geographical advantage and are always unwilling to admit defeat. But their strength is limited, so what other options do they have?"

Hua Yan's focus is always on the big picture, neglecting matters of the heart.

“We sent people over to investigate, but they didn’t find any useful information. It seems like they don’t want to take any more action.”

In the past few years of fighting, Men Buhui has experienced betrayal by his own people, infiltration by the enemy, and being tricked by the enemy. All of these have caused losses to the country and innocent sacrifices of his comrades. Therefore, he does not want to be so passive anymore.

"You two sit down quickly, and talk things out slowly."

Liu Heming watched the two people, one big and one small, standing there discussing important matters, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

"Jiu'er, Uncle Men has a favor to ask. He would like you to take some people to Country Y."

I heard from Chief Liu about your work in China, and General Gao praised you highly. If it weren't for your vigilance, China might already be in dire straits.

I know your abilities; I know that rescue from the water dungeon was something no ordinary person could do.

Our people are currently unable to infiltrate the enemy and obtain reliable information.

If we cannot completely subdue Country Y, the border battles will continue incessantly, which is not what the country and its people want to see.

Even if they're holding back their ultimate move, we'll render it useless. After a crushing defeat, they'll lose all ambition to fight again.

"To kill someone is to destroy their spirit. If we easily defeat them in their hopeful battle, they will surely come to their senses and give up completely."

Men Buhui stared intently at Hua Yan.

"Okay! As long as you trust me, I'll do my best. When do you plan to take action?"

Hua Yan knew that since Men Buhui had specifically mentioned this to her, it meant that he couldn't do without her.

"Thank you, Jiu'er. On behalf of the country, the people, and the soldiers fighting on the front lines, I thank you for your unwavering commitment."

Let's enjoy the Lunar New Year at home, and then we'll get started.

Men Buhui is quite considerate of Huayan.

"Okay! When are you going back after the New Year?"

"We set off on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year."

"Can I choose someone to take with me?"

"This one……"

"Although this person is working for me now, he used to be a soldier in the army. He is Xue Biao, who went to the border with me last time. He has strong reconnaissance capabilities and will be of great help to our operation this time."

Hua Yan wanted to bring Hu Zhiang along, but then she thought that this was a military secret that not just anyone could know. Although she trusted Hu Zhiang, she might not be able to trust Men Buhui.

The reason Xue Biao was mentioned is because they had cooperated before and had a foundation of trust.

Men Buhui and Liu Heming exchanged a glance and then nodded. Xue Biao was one of Liu Heming's soldiers, so he was quite trustworthy.

The matter was settled, and Men Buhui felt a sense of relief. With Hua Yan's help, the chances of success were much higher.

"Uncle Men, have you met Grandma Men and Aunt Wenlan yet?"

"Not yet! I want to finalize things with you before considering anything else!"

Men Buhui hasn't been home for several years. There are countless people like him who are working for the safety of the country and its people.

"If you don't go back soon, they won't even recognize you anymore."

Hua Yan deeply admired these soldiers who served the country and its people.

"Yes! It's all thanks to bringing your grandmother to Kyoto back then, with your Aunt Wenlan taking care of her. Otherwise, I don't know how worried I would have been if I had left her alone in Shengjing."

Men Buhui's eyes were filled with guilt towards his mother.

"Don't worry! Aunt Wenlan takes very good care of her."

Hua Yan sincerely comforted Men Bu Hui.

The three chatted for a while before Liu Zhiyi knocked on the door to say that dinner was ready.