Shen Xianjun failed to save up any private money and even ended up owing his wife a house, so he didn’t dare hide his allowance anymore.
"Whatever Mom gave me last time, I handed it all over to you. I didn’t keep anything for myself."
"Was ten yuan enough?"
Qin Nian took out ten yuan and happened to hear Shen Xianjun’s words, unable to suppress a smile.
"Mom gave you money last time? Then why did you only give it to me now?"
A mischievous thought crossed Qin Nian’s mind.
"Well, I had to fix Mom’s tricycle, and then I didn’t run into you, so I held onto the money. I didn’t spend it recklessly."
Shen Xianjun couldn’t help feeling a little nervous.
"Hmm, if it was Mom who gave it to you, why are you giving it to me?"
Qin Nian continued teasing.
"Mom once said something very true—when men handle money, they grow poorer, but when women handle money, they grow wealthier."
"Then why don’t you let Mom manage it? Why give it to me? Aren’t you afraid Mom will be upset?"
Shen Xianjun fell silent, his eyes tinged with a hint of resentment.
Seeing this, Qin Nian decided to stop teasing him.
"Ahem, let me give you another ten yuan. It wouldn’t be good if you didn’t have money when you needed it."
She pulled out another bill and stuffed it into Shen Xianjun’s hand before putting the rest into her bag.
"Sometimes I feel like you and Mom get along too well. My standing in this family is probably just a tiny bit higher than the chickens in Mom’s coop."
Shen Xianjun tucked the money close to him—now he only had twenty yuan to his name. At least he didn’t have any bad habits.
"Don’t be silly. If Mom didn’t value you, why would she travel all the way to the capital to take care of me? And she adores the kids. Don’t overthink it."
Qin Nian reassured him just as Hu Jun approached with another man.
"Niannian, this is our department head from the Military Industry Bureau. He has something to discuss with you. I’ll take you upstairs."
Shen Xianjun instinctively followed and stood guard at the door.
"Researcher Qin, I should have gone to the research institute to see you, but since I had time today and we happened to be in the same place, I asked Comrade Hu Jun to bring me to you. I hope you don’t mind."
"Not at all. Please, go ahead. If I can help, I’d be happy to."
"That’s wonderful. Over the past two years abroad, you must have deeply felt the gap between our country’s development and theirs. In every aspect, we have much catching up to do—especially in telecommunications. The West already has electronic communications, while we’re still in the dark about computer technology."
The elderly man, with silver hair and wise, kind eyes, spoke thoughtfully.
"You participated in the 'Milky Way' project, and recently developed that projection program—I think it’s excellent. Your research team is also working on home appliances, including this washing machine. These are all promising directions. Revitalizing the nation through science and technology requires talents like you."
Qin Nian smiled gently at his praise and listened attentively.
"Technology will be our nation’s sword in the future. I hope you young people can harness it well—to strengthen the country, enrich the people, and modernize agriculture. It can be applied everywhere."
Qin Nian nodded. She shared the same vision and was striving toward it, hoping one day to contribute to the nation’s rapid progress.
"Are you suggesting we introduce children to computers?"
She had assumed they’d start with university students, but the leader was thinking further ahead.
"Yes. They are the future of our country and should be exposed to the world’s latest advancements early. But foreign computers are too expensive. If we could manufacture our own or reduce production costs, it would benefit both the nation and its people."
The idea of producing computers ignited in Qin Nian’s mind.
"Our military district has also purchased a batch of computers, but many comrades have never used them. I believe computers will play a crucial role in future military operations. Could you spare some time, or recommend someone to teach our personnel how to use them?"
The leader shifted from long-term vision to immediate needs.
"That’s no problem. However, computer languages aren’t in our native tongue, so basic familiarity is needed before operational training. I’d actually recommend another comrade for this—Fan Juan from the Economic Department, who’s here at the social today. She’s very skilled with computers and has strong foreign language abilities."
Fan Juan, who had just finished dancing with Liao Yuanjie, sneezed and found a jacket draped over her shoulders.
"The weather’s turning cold. The temperature swings between day and night—take care of your health."
Liao Yuanjie was glad he’d worn formal attire today.
"Thank you."
Inside, the conversation lasted an hour, while outside, the social event gradually wound down.
"You’re a fortunate man. Cherish it."
The leader patted Shen Xianjun’s shoulder as he left. After saluting, Shen Xianjun’s gaze settled on Qin Nian.
"I’ll visit your institute next time. We’ll have many more opportunities to meet."
Hu Jun escorted the leader away while Shen Xianjun stayed by Qin Nian’s side.
"Niannian, Xianjun, could you take Little Baby home first? I need to return to the hospital—your brother needs me."
Zhou Ang appeared, holding Little Baby’s hand.
"Of course, sister-in-law. Don’t worry. Come here, Little Baby, let Auntie hold you."
Qin Nian reached out, but Shen Xianjun scooped the child up first.
"I’ll carry him. Call me Uncle."
"Auntie, Uncle!"
Little Baby chirped obediently, melting Qin Nian’s heart and reminding her of Erbao’s younger days.
"Niannian, wait for me. I’ll just check in with the leader and come find you."
Fan Juan approached as well.
"Alright."
Qin Nian nodded.
Shen Xianjun, holding the child, wandered over to Liao Yuanjie.
"Not sure what Comrade Fan Juan needs, but she said she’d go with Niannian later. It’s been a while since you visited the old leader, hasn’t it? He probably misses you."
Liao Yuanjie held his jacket, having hoped to use it as an excuse to arrange another meeting. But near the end of the event, Fan Juan had returned it after borrowing another coat.
"Right, it’s been too long. With this rare break, I should go see the old man. Uh… would it be alright if I dropped by to see your mother afterward? Would that be inconvenient?"
His eyes brightened again.
"Not at all. Except… my mother isn’t home."
Shen Xianjun burst into laughter and walked off, remembering how Liao Yuanjie had teased him last time.
"Little Baby, what do you want to eat? Uncle will buy it for you!"
With twenty yuan in his pocket, Shen Xianjun felt generous.
Little Baby’s eyes sparkled.
"Tanghulu! And for the brothers too!"
"Deal."
The child counted on his fingers—five sticks in total, including his own.
Shen Xianjun watched as his twenty yuan dwindled to nineteen. But that was fine—nineteen was still plenty.
