A good life starts with blind date

Chapter 272 finally uttered something sensible.

Aden is a port city in Yemen and the temporary capital of the Yemeni government.

Why is it temporary?

Because the capital Sana'a was captured by the Houthi rebels, the beleaguered Yemeni government had no choice but to make Aden its temporary capital. Aden guards the gateway from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean and is known as a vital maritime hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.

There is a list of the most chaotic countries in the world.

Yemen is one of them.

I won't go into the history; it would take thousands of words to explain it all.

In short, the country is now divided into several factions. In addition to the infamous Houthi, al-Qaeda has also occupied a territory and is causing trouble. The current Yemeni government is a joint formation of the former Hadi government and southern separatist forces.

Their relationship was also marked by periods of separation and reunion, with the president frequently seeking refuge in Saudi Arabia.

In short, it was a complete mess.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is also chaotic, but it's nothing compared to Yemen.

Inside a star-rated hotel owned by Saudis.

Jiang Ning met the team that Metsis had assembled.

There were thirteen people in total, including five professionals responsible for liaison.

The remaining eight were all bodyguards. Coming to a place like Yemen without bodyguards is like sending yourself to your death.

The team leader was named Keren, an onslaughter in his forties.

"Have you talked about it?"

We met yesterday.

"What's the outcome? Does the Yemeni government really want to sell the island?"

"Of course!"

Kren said, "The Khalimi government is desperate for money. At least a hundred people are starving to death in this country every day. Selling territory is not uncommon. Of course, the main reason is that the Khalimi government only has nominal sovereignty over Socotra Island. In reality, Socotra Island is controlled by the UAE. The Khalimi government cannot exercise sovereignty, so it is better to sell it and make some money."

Jiang Ning asked, "How much do you think you can get?"

Kren shook his head and said, "It's hard to say now. We've only met once and haven't had any formal negotiations. Tomorrow is the second meeting, which should cover some substantive issues. Would you like to attend?"

"never mind."

Jiang Ning said, "I won't go. Does the Khalimi government have any requirements for buyers?"

Kren understood what he meant and said, "The Khalimi government doesn't even ask about the buyer's nationality or identity. As long as they're willing to pay, I think they might even sell Socotra Island to al-Qaeda. Of course, al-Qaeda won't buy it; they'll steal it. But that island is barren and has a very harsh environment, so al-Qaeda obviously wouldn't be interested."

Jiang Ning laughed: "You're very humorous."

Kren shrugged: "Thank you, boss. It's important to stay happy."

Jiang Ning nodded: "You two talk, I'll take a walk around."

Kren asked, "Should I arrange some security personnel for you?"

Jiang Ning waved her hand: "No need, I don't need anyone to protect me."

Kren nodded, but he was very curious.

This is Yemen, one of the most chaotic countries in the world. Even with bodyguards, you can't be 100% safe. Yet this boss is running around alone and hasn't been robbed. He's incredibly lucky.

There's no sign of things getting better in Yemen.

The tropical desert climate is so hot that people question the meaning of life.

Jiang Ning stayed for three days, after the second meeting.

It wasn't until mid-August that I flew back to my hometown.

The family in my hometown has already made arrangements for a large-scale grave-sweeping ceremony on the fifteenth of the seventh lunar month.

I have to get back.

I flew to Shanghai and then took the high-speed train to Hangzhou.

The Lu family moved to Hangzhou, and since they had some time, they decided to visit Hangzhou while they were there.

Following the navigation, we arrived in Xiaoshan and at the entrance of a high-rise residential complex.

Jiang Ning did not let the car in; instead, she got out and walked inside.

After wandering around for a while, I found Building 6 and took the elevator to the 18th floor.

I counted the house numbers and found 1804, then rang the doorbell.

The door opened quickly, and Lu Jingwei, wearing an apron, was still holding noodles.

It looks like they're kneading dough.

This scene is very funny.

"coming?"

"What are you doing?"

"I'm cooking!"

Jiang Ning entered the house, looking around as she couldn't help but chuckle, "You can cook?"

Lu Jingwei said, "I've always been good at cooking. Please sit down for a while while I wash my hands."

Jiang Ning didn't sit down, but went to the kitchen to take a look.

I also took a look around the house.

The house is small, a two-bedroom apartment, and simply decorated.

However, it's enough for a family of three.

Lu Jingwei is washing his hands.

Jiang Ning stood at the kitchen door and asked, "Did you buy this house?"

"no."

Lu Jingwei said, "Where would I get the money to buy a house in Hangzhou? This is a talent housing unit provided by the city, it's free."

"Talent housing?"

"Yeah, I tried applying, and I didn't expect it to be approved."

Jiang Ning said, "That's fine, otherwise renting a house in Hangzhou isn't cheap."

Lu Jingwei said, "It's not cheap. I'm currently unemployed and my wife supports me, so I'll save money wherever I can."

Jiang Ning wanted to laugh: "Hey, do you regret it?"

After washing his hands, Lu Jingwei invited him to sit in the living room, made him a cup of tea, and said, "I don't regret it, and there's nothing to regret. Everyone has different pursuits in life. Although life isn't wealthy now, it's a new beginning for me. I no longer have to endure the torment in my heart, nor do I have to be tormented by the feeling of powerlessness. I think it's pretty good."

Jiang Ning asked him, "Do you want to go back to Bei'an for a visit?"

Lu Jingwei shook his head and said, "I dare not go."

"You're afraid to go?"

"I'm afraid of being reminded of painful memories."

Jiang Ning understood; Lao Lu seemed like a completely different person now.

He no longer has the aura he had when he was in office.

He's just an ordinary person.

We took a sip of tea and chatted for about ten minutes.

Lu Jingwei was going to cook, and Jiang Ning went to the kitchen to help.

Luo Bing went to work, while Lu Hang is working a summer job.

Lu Jingwei cooks for his wife and son at home.

So a former local official and a wealthy businessman, one kneading dough and the other picking and washing vegetables, chatted in the kitchen while preparing lunch. The scene was quite comical, but that's just how life is.

Lu Jingwei asked curiously, "You can cook?"

Jiang Ning said, "If you can cook, why can't I?"

Lu Jingwei laughed and said, "Your family has plenty of cooks, why would you need to cook?"

"That's what I said..."

Jiang Ning said, "You just envy me for having two wives, so just say it."

Lu Jingwei said, "I'm not envious."

Jiang Ning believed it; he would have scoffed at it if it were anyone else.

But Lao Lu is different.

How many local officials can truly say they're quitting and then actually quit?

What were you doing in Yemen?

"I'm planning to buy an island."

How do I buy an island in Yemen?

"Opportunities like this, where someone sells sovereignty along with the property, are rare."

"What do you need sovereignty for?"

"It's my territory, I'm in charge, I can do whatever I want."

"It's not as simple as you say."

"I'll kill anyone who makes my life difficult."

"You think you're that capable?"

"Money can make a fool of himself."

Lu Jingwei asked curiously, "How much money do you have?"

Jiang Ning said, "There are many. We have several gold mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. After renovation, they can produce hundreds of tons of gold a year."

Lu Jingwei was quite surprised: "So many?"

Jiang Ning nodded and said, "More than that."

"Nobody's causing trouble?"

Yes, of course we have it.

"How to solve it?"

"Kill those who can be killed. I've brought in two shareholders to share the firepower."

We chatted for a while.

Lu Jingwei couldn't help but ask, "How is Bei'an?"

Jiang Ning asked in surprise, "You didn't pay attention?"

Lu Jingwei said, "I haven't paid much attention to it."

Jiang Ning said, "Not good."

"What's wrong?"

"The new owner thinks it's too noisy, so no more dancing in the square. The access control system has been put back on, and parking is no longer allowed."

"Sigh!" "Those factories are making a fuss. The county held a meeting to discuss it for a while and felt that the labor costs of one or two factories were too high, which was not conducive to the healthy development of enterprises. It is estimated that workers' wages will be reduced."

What's your opinion?

"I have no objection, I don't want to get involved, let them do whatever they want."

"You can't do this."

"I didn't want to bother with that in the first place. If you hadn't morally blackmailed me, would I have bothered to do a second round?"

"Ugh!"

"Stop sighing all the time. You're not doing it anymore, so why are you still worrying so much?"

"I heard you're planning to start a farm in Qize?"

"I'm annoyed by being looked for. The main reason is that Feng Yu and Feng Xue are from Qize. Even if we don't care about the monks, we should at least consider their feelings."

"I saw it on Douyin, an organization that arranged for employees to travel to Europe."

"You're still using TikTok?"

"I didn't have time before, but now that I have some free time, I browse the internet a bit."

"Is this benefit acceptable?"

"That's quite good. Most people never leave the country in their lives. It's good to go out and see the world."

“I introduced my cousin to a girl, Feng Yu, who is a teacher at Feng Yu’s school, but she still complained. If we improve the benefits, it will be easier for the young people in the field to find partners in the future. It’s just that the cost of going abroad is too high. It would cost more than 100 million yuan for everyone to go abroad at once.”

"We don't need that little bit of money for one game."

"It's not lacking, but it's too extravagant."

"Then let's travel domestically. Domestic travel is cheaper, and we can go out once every three to five years."

"That's a good idea. Let's get it done by the end of the year."

Around midnight, Luo Bing returned home from get off work.

Knowing that Jiang Ning was coming, there was no surprise.

After greeting them upon entering, he ushered Jiang Ning and Lao Lu out of the kitchen.

The food is ready; just plate it and bring it out. Now you can cook noodles.

After a while, Lu Hang arrived.

I haven't seen him for quite a while; the young man has grown taller than Jiang Ning.

He was half a head taller than Jiang Ning.

"Uncle Jiang is here!"

"You're taller than me, what did you eat to grow so tall?"

"Hey hey hey!"

"How's your strength?"

"I am very strong."

Lu Hang said with a hint of pride, "I can carry a bucket of purified water in one hand."

Jiang Ning said "Oh," and held out her hand: "Shall we compare our strength?"

Lu Hang was full of confidence and reached out to shake hands with him.

Jiang Ning glanced at them and could tell at a glance that they were hands that had never suffered.

The fingers are slender, just like a woman's hands.

His is about the same.

As soon as the force was exerted...

"Ouch..."

Lu Hang let out a scream and almost jumped up.

Jiang Ning let go: "Kid, you're no good!"

Lu Hang cried out in pain, clutching his right hand with his left: "It hurts so much! Uncle Jiang, you have a really strong grip."

Jiang Ning laughed heartily, and Lu Jingwei also laughed.

It’s good to be young!

Lu Hang washed his face and ran to the kitchen to help Luo Bing.

Once the food was served, the four of them sat around the table to eat.

Jiang Ning asked Luo Bing about her job.

After chatting for a bit, I asked Lu Hang, "What kind of summer job are you doing?"

Lu Hangdao: "I'll work as a ticket collector at a movie theater."

How much money?

"One hundred yuan a day."

"so little."

"I'm a student, and I've had quite a few summer jobs."

"Why didn't you tell me you were going to work on a farm during the summer vacation?"

"Beian is too far away, I want to stay with my parents."

When does school start?

"End of August."

What's your major?

"Electronic Engineering".

Jiang Ning was envious; she wished he could go to Tsinghua University!
This kid wasn't bragging; he was 700 points short of the college entrance exam score by 3 points.

He was truly envious of the fact that Tsinghua and Peking Universities were vying for his attention, a student who had never attended university.

After lunch, Luo Bing and Lu Hang took a nap.

Lu Jingwei accompanied him for a stroll outside.

Jiang Ning asked him, "What are you planning to do?"

Lu Jingwei said, "I want to do charity work."

"Public welfare?"

"Yeah, I want to do something interesting."

Which type?

"Focusing on children's growth and development."

"Tell me more specifically."

"There are so many childhood diseases nowadays, such as childhood diabetes and heart disease, which are difficult to treat. It is especially difficult for impoverished families to encounter these diseases. I plan to do work in this area to provide some assistance to families in need."

"What are you planning to do? Are you thinking of starting a foundation?"

“That’s too difficult. I’ve contacted several foundations in this field and we’re in talks.”

“Is it reliable?”

Well, it all depends on human effort!

……

After spending one night in Hangzhou, Jiang Ningfei flew to Bei'an.

I missed the city's flight and flew to the provincial capital instead.

I got home at three o'clock, and my daughter had just woken up.

Feng Yu and Feng Xue laid out a moisture-proof mat under the tree and played with the little guy.

It was too hot. Feng Yu was wearing a loose dress and lying on her side on the moisture-proof mat, exuding a lazy vibe. She had her hair done again, permed into big waves, making her look mature and charming.

Feng Xue was wearing a short-sleeved shirt and long pants, with her hair tied up.

She wore her hair in a bun, looking sweet and playful.

Jiang Tiantian sat quietly between her two mothers, playing with stickers.

The Audi drove into the yard before I turned my head to look over.

The car came to a stop, and Jiang Ning got out.

Feng Yucai asked his daughter, "Tiantian, look who's here."

The little guy stared for a long time without saying a word.

Jiang Ning strode over and opened his arms: "Sweetie, come here, let Daddy give you a hug."

The little guy turned around and snuggled into Feng Yu's arms.

She hid her face in her mother's arms, but secretly peeked at him by twisting her little head.

Jiang Ning chuckled and first looked at Feng Yu: "Why did you change your hairstyle?"

Feng Yu said lazily, "I'm getting a new hairstyle to lift my spirits."

Jiang Ning asked, puzzled, "Does hairstyle have anything to do with mood?"

Feng Yu said, "Of course! My mood has been completely different lately since I changed my hairstyle."

Jiang Ning couldn't understand, and looked at Feng Xue again: "Why is your hair in a bun, sister?"

Feng Xue gestured a couple of times, but couldn't express herself clearly.

Feng Yu translated: "I tidied up the house at noon and then tied my hair up."

Jiang Ning looked at it carefully: "It's quite nice."

Feng Xue smiled, her smile becoming even sweeter.

Feng Yu smiled and said nothing.

Jiang Ning's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly complimented her, "Your hairstyle looks great too."

Feng Xue turned her face to the side, pursing her lips and secretly smiling.

Feng Yu chuckled: "Mr. Jiang has had a tough time!"

Jiang Ning sighed, "Being a man is really hard!"

Feng Yu asked him, "What's wrong with you?"

Jiang Ning decisively elevated his perception: "I must be the happiest man in the world."

Feng Yu laughed: "Finally, you've said something sensible!"

Jiang Ning's lips twitched. Women, their minds are really hard to fathom.

Even though Feng Yu is magnanimous, she still tries her best to treat everyone equally.

(End of this chapter)