Chapter Three: General!

Jiang Zheng hurriedly tugged at Zhao Jiacheng’s sleeve, signaling that they were all family here. Third Aunt, standing nearby, waved her hand dismissively, her face showing clear disdain. “Young Master Zhao, why bother comparing yourself to him? I heard your family’s company is applying to go public. Once it’s listed, the company’s valuation will multiply several times over, won’t it?”

“Our family just runs a few small businesses, nothing worth mentioning,” Zhao Jiacheng replied politely, without the slightest air of arrogance, which pleased everyone present.

“Oh right, I heard my Zheng mention you a few times. You left a few years ago, didn’t you? What were you up to?” someone asked.

“Xiao Mu was recruited into the army when he was young,” Qiu Shuixia interjected proudly. In her eyes, having a son in the military was a source of honor for the family.

Zhao Jiacheng let out a thoughtful “Oh,” and said, “So he was in the army. My elders once told me that unless you’re among the very best, by your age, you should have retired from service.”

“What does it matter if he’s retired? Serving as a soldier is still a badge of honor. Protecting the country is what makes a real man! He’s not beneath anyone!” Jiang Haishan stiffened his neck as he spoke, unwilling as a father to see his son lose face.

“You’re absolutely right, Uncle,” Zhao Jiacheng replied with a gentle smile.

“Yes, serving in the army is excellent—it teaches discipline. Jiacheng, look, Xiao Mu just got back and hasn’t found a job yet. Why not help him out and find him a respectable position at your company?” Qiu Shuixia suggested eagerly.

“My future mother-in-law, that would be quite difficult for me,” Zhao Jiacheng replied, shaking his head emphatically and refusing outright. “Ours is a large corporation, and even for an entry-level position, we require a certain level of education and work experience. With someone like Qin Mu, I’m afraid he wouldn’t even pass the interview.”

“Besides, if I were to use my connections to get a relative a job, wouldn’t that be unfair to all the employees working so hard for the company?” Zhao Jiacheng’s words were entirely reasonable, both professionally and personally, and everyone nodded in agreement—except for Qiu Shuixia, whose face was flushed with embarrassment.

“Mom, don’t make things difficult. Big companies have their own rules; they can’t just break them for anyone,” Jiang Zheng said, pulling Qiu Shuixia aside.

“That’s right. Xiao Mu, if you can’t stand idleness, why not come work for me? Old Huang at my place just landed a construction job. You’ve been a soldier, you’re strong—carrying dozens of loads of bricks a day should be no problem,” someone chimed in.

“I could use someone to deliver water up the stairs too. It’s tough work, but the more you carry, the more you earn.”

“You didn’t finish your studies and went off to be a soldier. Without a diploma, these are the only kinds of jobs you can get. Don’t look down on them,” another added.

In the past, Jiang Haishan had boasted endlessly about how well Qin Mu did in school, always ranking first in his year, so much so that the other kids in the neighborhood were overshadowed. Now, with the tables turned, the younger generation all jumped in to offer Qin Mu menial jobs, their apparent concern thinly veiling their mockery of both Qin Mu and the Jiang family’s reputation.

Jiang Haishan and his wife listened, their faces burning with shame, while Jiang Zheng kept her head down, sneaking glances at Qin Mu.

Strangely, Qin Mu sat calmly to the side, sipping his warm tea with a serene air, completely unbothered by the ridicule. His thick-skinned indifference only deepened Jiang Zheng’s disappointment.

There is nothing more troubling than a man without ambition. Qin Mu had spent ten years as a low-ranking soldier, achieving nothing of note. Now, with opportunity before him, he didn’t even bother to seize it.

If only he would humble himself, say a few nice words to Zhao Jiacheng—given their family ties and the prospect of soon being brothers-in-law, Zhao Jiacheng might well have done him this favor.

She was secretly glad she hadn’t taken her father’s advice to wait for Qin Mu and had instead pursued the well-connected Zhao Jiacheng; otherwise, she would have been stuck in this small county for life, never knowing such prosperity.

Just then, Qin Mu stood up, and Jiang Zheng’s eyes lit up, thinking he had finally come to his senses and was about to lower himself to beg Zhao Jiacheng for help.

“Godfather, this tea is quite good. Is it from your private collection?” Qin Mu asked casually as he picked up the teapot and poured a cup for Jiang Haishan, his movements graceful and composed, clearly unaffected by the sarcasm and sneers.

Yet the more indifferent Qin Mu appeared, the more uncomfortable Jiang Zheng felt. She had worked so hard for years to climb into the Zhao family, all for the sake of presenting a polished face to the neighbors and bringing honor to her family. Now, if only Qin Mu would bow his head and ask Zhao Jiacheng, he could secure a good job with the Zhao family. It might not guarantee a brilliant future, but at least it would be stable and respectable—nothing to be ashamed of.

But this man just sat there, doing nothing, as if he were impervious to humiliation. Didn’t he realize that every mocking word from the neighbors was a slap in her parents’ faces? He had no ambition at all! Useless—like mud that couldn’t be shaped into bricks.

“Jiang Zheng, your brother just got back from the army; he’s still too proud to ask for help. Why don’t you step in and plead with Young Master Zhao? He’s very principled, but after all, we’re family,” Third Aunt suggested, sensing the awkwardness, and winked at her.

“Young Master Zhao, don’t you agree?” she prompted.

Zhao Jiacheng shot Third Aunt an annoyed look but said nothing, as if waiting for something.

Seeing there was still hope, Qiu Shuixia quickly hugged Jiang Zheng’s shoulders and coaxed, “Yes, even if it’s just for your brother’s sake, ask Jiacheng, won’t you?”

Jiang Zheng gave Qin Mu one last look, sighed twice, and turned to Zhao Jiacheng. “Would it be possible on your end?”

Zhao Jiacheng put down his teacup and thought for a moment. “If I’m to be soft-hearted, perhaps there’s an opening for a security guard at my company. The pay isn’t much, but it doesn’t require a degree or experience, and the work is light—just standing guard. Given your brother’s build, it seems suitable.”

The neighbors all deflated at this, realizing how lucky Qin Mu was to have such a capable sister, now able to climb the Zhao family ladder.

“Pour me a cup of tea, and I’ll arrange it for you,” Zhao Jiacheng said, offering his cup to Qin Mu.

Sensing the matter was about to be settled, Third Aunt quickly urged, “Qin Mu, don’t you have any sense? Pour the tea and thank your future brother-in-law!”

“Huh?” Qin Mu looked as if he had just returned from a daydream. “Sorry, I was thinking about something else and didn’t catch what you were saying.”

“What’s wrong with you? Your mother and sister are pleading with Young Master Zhao to get you a decent job, and you didn’t even hear? So shameless!” Third Aunt scolded sharply. “Did you become a ruffian in the army or what?”

Suddenly, Qin Mu sat up and looked directly at Third Aunt. Their eyes met, and she was instantly chilled to the bone, a coldness crawling from her feet to the crown of her head. She fell silent, not daring to speak further.

At that moment, a roar of engines from outside caught everyone’s attention; people gathered to look.

“A green vehicle—is that a military truck?”

“White background, black letters, five numbers in a row—this is a real military vehicle!”

People who had never seen such a scene rushed outside, holding their children. The military truck approached with authority; the security guards at the gate didn’t dare block its way and let it through. The vehicle slowed to a stop right outside the Jiang family’s building.

Third Aunt soon regained her wits and whispered, “Could the military be here to arrest a fugitive?”

As soon as she said this, everyone understood. Not just any fugitive, but likely a dangerous criminal! Otherwise, why would the military be called instead of the police?

They were all neighbors and knew each other well. In an instant, all eyes turned to the newcomer.

Qin Mu.

“Your family is unbelievable—harboring a fugitive and even asking me to give him a job! Are you trying to drag the Zhao family down with you?” Zhao Jiacheng sneered.

“Impossible!” Qiu Shuixia protested at once. “I watched Xiao Mu grow up; he would never do such a thing!”

“The evidence is irrefutable—you have no right to argue.”

“Get him out, or we’ll all be implicated for harboring a criminal!” the crowd clamored, turning on Qin Mu as if he were already condemned. Third Aunt shrieked and tried to drag him out, but recalling the cold look in his eyes, she froze, unable to move forward.

The Jiang family was at a loss, unable to explain.

Soon, Wu Mu came up the stairs, his imposing figure stirring the room to restlessness. The crisp sound of his military boots echoed on the floor, his green uniform commanding respect. Everyone instinctively stepped back, not daring to breathe too loudly. Even Zhao Jiacheng, usually full of spirit, seemed weak and unable to straighten his back in Wu Mu’s presence.

“What a terrifying aura…”

“My god, what kind of event could bring out someone like this?”

Qiu Shuixia rushed forward, grabbing Wu Mu, her face streaked with tears. “There must be some mistake! Xiao Mu would never break the law! Please, don’t take him away!”

Wu Mu was momentarily startled, then quickly composed himself, gently disentangling himself from her grip. He smiled and said, “Auntie, you misunderstand.”

Then, Wu Mu strode up to Qin Mu, his face turning grave, and addressed him in the manner of a subordinate reporting to his superior:

“General, the car is ready.”