Chapter 284: Chapter 284: Advisor Chen, Will You Take My Command This Time?

After finishing a one-hour video call with Lin Xi, Chen Xiao finally put down his computer to rest.

The next day, when he woke up, Xiaoji personally drove him to the venue of the commendation ceremony at the sub-bureau.

For Chen Xiao, the commendation ceremony had two main purposes.

First, he needed to publicly clarify the truth about the Yang Lake Phantom Case.

Secondly, he had to use his speaking skills to further enhance the reputation of the Dragon Cauldron.

However, what surprised Chen Xiao was that at this commendation ceremony, he also met the leaders of the Shencheng City Bureau.

After having lunch with everyone, Chen Xiao left the venue.

Guo Qing offered to drive Chen Xiao and Xiaoji, along with another friend, to the airport.

Before parting at the airport, Guo Qing entered a number into Chen Xiao’s phone.

"When you go back, if there’s anything troublesome you can’t handle, just give him a call."

Looking at the saved number, Chen Xiao smiled and said:

"Aren’t you afraid I’ll send your brothers into trouble again?"

"We’re all sensible people. Don’t we understand that any relationship needs reciprocity? Sometimes, even if I’m good to others, they might still feel anxious and uneasy internally!"

"Rather than that, even if it pains me, it’s better to have them contribute something."

Chen Xiao gave him a thumbs up.

No doubt about it, Guo Qing had a point.

Every relationship needs mutual achievement.

This applies to married couples as well.

However, with couples, it’s different since they are truly unrelated by blood.

As for brothers unrelated by blood, often, you can’t just assume goodwill will suffice.

Mutually achieving and needing each other, is the best way to get along!

"Since even you’re saying this, then I won’t be polite."

"Why be polite with me? Anyway, you just sit back and relax in Dongzhou, leave the money-making to me, and don’t forget, the old man will be coming tomorrow!"

Chen Xiao nodded. With nothing to worry about in Shencheng City’s affairs, he didn’t linger much, and entered the waiting room with Xiaoji, Xiaoji Knife Man, and Liu Dayou.

Several hours later, the four of them returned to Dongzhou together.

Chen Xiao didn’t keep Xiaoji and the others by his side anymore; after all, they had been away from their families for over twenty days.

It was time to give them a proper vacation.

Back at home, Chen Xiao bought some items first, and then called his father-in-law, Lin Shanhu.

The call was answered quickly, but it was his mother-in-law, Han Meixiang, who spoke first:

"Chen Xiao, Xiaoxi called us last night and said you’re coming tomorrow. Your father-in-law took me to the market first thing this morning. Anything you feel like eating, let us know while we’re still here so we can buy it and bring it back!"

Chen Xiao could clearly feel the shift in his mother-in-law’s attitude towards him.

But to Chen Xiao, this change was entirely reasonable.

Who doesn’t want their son-in-law to be successful?

Especially when she only has two daughters, and only one is married as of now.

Even though the words were quite realistic, they were merely human nature.

Chen Xiao thought for a while, then deliberately named a few dishes.

Han Meixiang laughed and said after each one: "We’ve bought it! We’ve bought everything you like!"

"Great, I’ll bring my parents over first thing tomorrow."

"Oh? Your parents are coming too? That’s wonderful!"

Han Meixiang sounded pleasantly surprised.

As far as Chen Xiao knew, his mother Yang Ying and his mother-in-law Han Meixiang always got along well.

But due to Chen Xiao’s previous lack of success, Old Chen and Mother rarely visited Yangguan apart from essential social events.

Now hearing that his parents would be coming, Han Meixiang was naturally overjoyed.

"Alright, see you tomorrow, Mom and Dad."

"Alright, alright, see you tomorrow. I’ll go prepare a room for your parents now."

The call ended on a joyful note.

But holding his phone, Chen Xiao couldn’t help but think of someone.

That person was neither a friend nor a relative of Chen Xiao’s.

He was Chen Xiao’s teacher.

A resident of Yangguan County, but he had been teaching in Dongzhou.

During his middle school years, Chen Xiao’s grades were neither good nor bad.

Except for Chinese, which Chen Xiao was always quite good at.

Maybe because he had lived two lives, whenever Chen Xiao came across a familiar place with people he was grateful for, he became particularly thoughtful.

Chen Xiao remembered clearly that before marrying Lin Xi in his previous life, he often visited that teacher.

But later, due to his own struggles, Chen Xiao gradually neglected many feelings.

Recollecting now, Chen Xiao felt he should visit that teacher, Wang Dahe.

After all, during his youth, he received a lot of care from that teacher.

With a plan in mind, Chen Xiao drove out again to buy some items.

For him, the trip to Yangguan.

Wasn’t truly to "tidy up" the relatives, as Lin Yao had suggested.

To gain face for his in-laws, Chen Xiao wouldn’t miss a beat.

But since the people hadn’t come, it wouldn’t be right to forcefully assert himself.

When Chen Xiao came back with the items, Old Chen and his mother had already arrived.

This time, both of them were dressed quite smartly.

Especially Old Chen, who was standing much straighter, and his phone was busily ringing.

People were often calling to inquire about the Lobster Base, and Old Chen was diligently explaining things, to the point that it amused Chen Xiao’s mother:

"Busy every single day like something else, you would think he’s a big boss if you didn’t know better!"

Chen Xiao grinned and laughed: "Mom, don’t you think Dad now looks glowing, with a bit of a CEO aura?"

His mom didn’t say anything, but from her expression, you could see she was genuinely happy about their current situation.

But as they chatted, she became a bit wistful: "It’s a pity that we’re visiting the in-laws, but Xiaoxi can’t come with us, it doesn’t feel right!"

Chen Xiao could do little about it, as a couple of days ago, Lin Xi had rushed back across the distance just because of Chen Xiao’s words.

Now it was up to...

Just as Chen Xiao was thinking, the front door opened from outside.

Lin Xi walked in with a smile and called out: "Dad, Mom, I’m off work!"

His mother immediately went up to greet her, and Old Chen put down his lobster business to ask seriously:

"Xiaoxi, can you take leave for tomorrow?"

Lin Xi shook her head: "I can’t, I have to lead a team to investigate a case tomorrow!"

Old Chen was filled with regret but didn’t say much.

But Chen Xiao noticed something was off in Lin Xi’s expression.

"Hmm... something’s not right here. Even though you can’t go back with us, why do you look so happy instead of disappointed?"

Lin Xi giggled, linking her arm with his mom’s, and said with a smile: "Because the case I’m investigating tomorrow is in Yangguan County!"

With a bit of a proud tone, Lin Xi continued: "So, Advisor Chen, will you let me direct you this time?"