Chapter 634: Inform Secretary Dong
As Secretary Dong spoke, he gently patted Zhao Shuzhuo's shoulder. The force was neither light nor heavy, but full of the care and intimacy of an elder.
After a pause, Secretary Dong seemed to have seen through everything. A sly look flashed in his eyes. He changed the subject and asked with great interest:
"How's it going? Tell me, is there any progress with that lesbian?"
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes full of curiosity and anticipation, like a listener who was eager to know the ending of the story and couldn't wait to uncover the mystery.
When Zhao Shuzhuo heard this question, his cheeks instantly turned red to his ears. He subconsciously glanced at Wang Jianguo, who was holding back a smirk and winking at him.
Zhao Shuzhuo coughed lightly and began to tell the story somewhat embarrassedly. The courtyard was suddenly filled with warmth and joy, as if time had stopped at this moment, just to listen to this beautiful story.
Secretary Dong's gaze was like a searchlight, fixed on Zhao Shuzhuo, his eyes full of curiosity and concern. The question just now seemed to still echo in the air, carrying a hint of expectation.
Zhao Shuzhuo was a little overwhelmed by this sudden attention, and subconsciously turned his gaze to Wang Jianguo beside him, as if seeking some kind of support from him.
Wang Jianguo was standing there, his hands spread out, his shoulders slightly shrugged, his face full of helplessness, as if to say that he was also forced into a helpless situation. Then he said:
"You haven't shown up yet, and Secretary Dong asked where you've been. What can I do? I can't just make up a story, so I can only tell the truth."
There was a hint of grievance in his voice, and he spoke at a slow pace, as if he was explaining the whole story to Zhao Shuzhuo in detail.
As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Secretary Dong, then quickly shifted his gaze back to Zhao Shuzhuo. That cautious little movement revealed his complicated feelings at the moment.
Secretary Dong stood aside, wearing a washed-out Zhongshan suit. The wrinkles carved by time on his face became deeper and deeper, but his eyes were always vigorous and kind.
Watching the interaction between the two young men, he couldn't help but laugh out loud. The laughter was hearty and friendly, instantly breaking the slightly tense atmosphere in the room.
After laughing, he took a step forward, stretched out his hand, and patted Zhao Shuzhuo's hand with a smile, saying, "I'm so happy!"
"Don't blame Jianguo. I had to ask him."
His tone was gentle yet firm, as if he was trying to calm Zhao Shuzhuo's emotions.
"You know I'm an old man with a lot of curiosity. I haven't seen you for so many days, and I've been thinking about you. Tell me, how is the matter with that female comrade going?"
At this point, Secretary Dong leaned forward slightly, his eyes widened and his gaze became increasingly fiery.
I was eager to pry the answer out of Zhao Shuzhuo's mouth, just like a child waiting to open a present, looking forward to the surprise.
Zhao Shuzhuo felt the warmth from Secretary Dong's palm, and then looked at Wang Jianguo's innocent expression. The slight awkwardness in his heart instantly disappeared.
He took a deep breath, lowered his head slightly, the corners of his mouth rose unconsciously, and a shy blush appeared on his face, as if he was ready to share that sweet story.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the room became increasingly warm, as if wrapped in a layer of sweet syrup.
Everyone was quietly waiting for Zhao Shuzhuo to speak and open a new chapter in this youthful love story.
Inside the house, the dim lights flickered gently, casting a soft halo, casting shadows on everyone's figures.
Secretary Dong sat steadily on the old wooden chair, his eyes never leaving Zhao Shuzhuo, full of concern and curiosity.
It was as if she wanted to see through him and she was determined not to give up until she got a satisfactory answer. She was really determined to get to the bottom of it.
Zhao Shuzhuo felt a little uncomfortable being stared at, his cheeks slightly flushed, he scratched his head subconsciously, his eyes dodged for a moment, then quickly regained his firmness, cleared his throat, and said:
"Secretary Dong, this is the case... Xiaohua and I have talked a lot these past few days, and we have roughly sorted out our future plans."
Having said this, he paused slightly, and the image of Yang Xiaohua's slightly weak yet tough face lying on the hospital bed emerged in his mind. The corners of his mouth rose unconsciously, and his eyes became gentle.
"We have already discussed it. After I return, I have to arrange the things at home first. I have to clean up what needs to be cleaned up and prepare what needs to be prepared."
"After all, the conditions in the Great Northern Wilderness are harsh. I have to prepare daily necessities for Xiaohua in advance so that she can suffer less when she goes there."
As Zhao Shuzhuo spoke, he gestured with his hands, as if those objects were right in front of him.
"Also, I have to talk to the villagers and let them be mentally prepared so that they can welcome Xiaohua happily."
His voice trembled slightly, revealing his longing for the future and a hint of nervousness. After all, this was a major event that concerned the rest of their lives.
"When Xiaohua's father's condition improves and he can move around, she will write to me and I will pick her up to go to the Great Northern Wilderness immediately."
A hint of determination flashed in Zhao Shuzhuo's eyes, as if he had already seen that day coming. He straightened his back and continued.
"After we get there, we'll... discuss... what to do next."
In fact, he knew in his heart that the next thing to discuss would most likely be getting married and starting a family.
But at this moment, nothing has been decided yet, and there are too many variables in the future. He dare not jump to conclusions, for fear of putting too much pressure on each other, and also afraid that if things change, everyone will be disappointed.
Secretary Dong listened quietly, the smile on his face becoming brighter and brighter. He nodded slightly, his eyes full of approval, as if he had seen a bright future for this young couple.
He patted Zhao Shuzhuo's shoulder gently and said earnestly:
"Okay, Shuzhuo, you are a very methodical kid, I'm assured. I think Xiaohua is a good girl too, you two should get along well, if you encounter any difficulties, just tell me."
Wang Jianguo stood aside and joined in the fun:
"That's right, Brother Shuzhuo, I'm looking forward to drinking at your wedding!"
The house was suddenly filled with laughter, and everyone was sending their most sincere blessings for the future of Zhao Shuzhuo and Yang Xiaohua.
This warmth and expectation, like the dim light, illuminates Zhao Shuzhuo's path forward and makes him full of confidence in the future.
Secretary Dong was originally sitting on the somewhat old but spotlessly clean armchair, with his back straight.
His eyes revealed the concern and dignity of an elder as he listened quietly to Zhao Shuzhuo telling his story with Yang Xiaohua.