Chapter 544: Not My Business (3)

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Zhou Chao had just reached the staircase when he overheard the others chatting away, “Am I that scary? How come everyone seems so cheerful the moment I leave?”

However, without dwelling on it too much, he headed straight for the bathroom. All he wanted now was to soak in the tub and sleep.

The next morning, around ten o’clock, Zhou Chao received a call from Old Master Jiang, summoning him to the Jiang residence. They had something to discuss, and Zhou Chao guessed it must be about the follow-up of the recent events.

Sure enough, when Zhou Chao arrived at the Jiang residence, Old Master Jiang and Old Master Xiao were leisurely sipping tea in the study.

“Grandpa, why the early call?” Zhou Chao asked as he took a seat across from them, pouring himself a cup of tea.

“You young lad kept us out until the wee hours last night. Don’t you know old folks need their rest?” Old Master Xiao complained, eyeing Zhou Chao with reproach.

Zhou Chao was puzzled by this remark, not quite sure what Old Master Xiao was getting at.

“Grandpa, how’s the progress of the experiment?” Zhou Chao inquired curiously.

At the mention of this, both Old Master Jiang and Old Master Xiao’s expressions turned serious. “The progress of the experiment has been exceptionally smooth. We’re nearing the end, and you’ve made a significant contribution this time.”

Both men wore somewhat somber expressions. This time, both families had benefited from Zhou Chao’s actions.

Hearing this, Zhou Chao understood that the matter had been settled, but the specifics remained unknown. Moreover, he didn’t want to know. It was better not to pry into such matters.

“Besides you, does anyone else know about the controlled nuclear fusion project?” Old Master Xiao asked Zhou Chao sternly.

Zhou Chao understood the importance of the question, especially coming from his elders. If his background were less substantial, he might have spent last night in a small room somewhere. The gravity of leaking such information was indescribable.

“No, only I know. I’m aware of the seriousness of the matter, so even Jiang Li is kept in the dark.”

“Aren’t you curious about the data?” Old Master Xiao asked.

“What’s there to be curious about? It’s all stored in my brain,” Zhou Chao replied without hesitation.

As soon as the words left his mouth, Zhou Chao realized his slip-up. Indeed, both Old Master Xiao and Old Master Jiang looked at him with incredulous expressions.

“When you say it’s in your brain, does that mean you’ve researched it yourself?” Old Master Jiang’s voice trembled slightly as he spoke.

Seeing the intense gazes fixed on him, Zhou Chao could only nod wryly. Besides this excuse, he couldn’t think of anything else to say at the moment. After all, this thing was exclusive worldwide, all because he had been too quick with his words.

“You better keep this matter to yourself. Nobody else besides us should know about it. And this matter ends here, with no connection to you whatsoever. Just like you said earlier, this is something the country has researched on its own, understand?” Old Master Jiang said, his expression unusually serious.

“Got it, Grandpa. So, did the authorities give out any rewards?” Zhou Chao asked with a playful grin.

Upon hearing Zhou Chao’s inquiry, Old Master Xiao and Old Master Jiang looked somewhat embarrassed. “We kind of owe you for this. Most of the benefits went to your dad and Uncle Xiao Zhong. As for you, you got a little something.”

Zhou Chao knew the status of his father-in-law and Uncle Xiao Zhong, so he couldn’t believe what Old Master Jiang was implying. “Grandpa, are you saying my father-in-law and Uncle Xiao Zhong have also crossed that threshold?” “Yes, thanks to your efforts.”

“Really? That’s great!” Zhou Chao’s face lit up with joy at the confirmation. Even if they did want to reward him, it would likely be a headache for the higher-ups. After all, he wasn’t lacking in anything, and in terms of personal wealth, Zhou Chao was among the top in the country.

“This time, we owe you one,” Old Master Xiao said somewhat regretfully.

“Well, we’re all family here. Let’s not talk as if we’re strangers. Oh, by the way, what’s the reward for me?” Zhou Chao was curious about what they had in store for him.

The two men exchanged a glance before Old Master Xiao spoke up, “Um, we’ve arranged a third-grade civil service position for you, five years of tax exemption for Dragonfly Group, and permission for your security company to possess weapons, with a limit of twenty licenses.”

Zhou Chao wasn’t particularly surprised by these rewards. At most, he was interested in the twenty licenses, even though he probably wouldn’t need them in China. It was better to be prepared, though. And as for the civil service position, he hadn’t expected to wear a military uniform someday. There was a hint of pride in his heart.

Seeing Zhou Chao’s calm demeanor, Old Master Xiao and Old Master Jiang thought he might be dissatisfied with the reward, so they quickly added, “Zhou Chao, we hope you understand. You’ve been inconvenienced because of this.”

Zhou Chao quickly reassured them, “Grandpa, I’m already satisfied. My father- in-law and Uncle Xiao Zhong have crossed that threshold, which is the greatest reward for me. Perhaps in a few years, I’ll have the chance to join that illustrious group of seven.”

Seeing Zhou Chao genuinely didn’t mind, the two men felt relieved. After all, it would be meaningless if these matters caused discord within the family.

The three of them chatted for another half an hour until Jiang Li called to ask if he was coming home for dinner, bringing an end to their conversation.

“Grandpa, I’ll head back now. Ah Li is urging me to come home for dinner. Oh, by the way, if I were to go abroad now, there shouldn’t be any issues, right? I won’t be restricted, will I?” Just as Zhou Chao was about to leave, he remembered something and quickly asked.

“Abroad? Where are you planning to go? It’s probably best not to go, considering your current status is still somewhat special.”

“It’s not too far, just to our neighbor, Bearland. I plan to visit Lake Baikal!” Zhou Chao didn’t hide anything and directly revealed his plans.

Old Master Xiao remained silent for a moment before responding, “Let me check. I’ll get back to you tomorrow.”

Zhou Chao nodded at the response. “Okay, I’ll wait for your reply. I’ll head back now, gentlemen.” With that, he got up and walked out of the study.