parentshiftbook Chapter 127, Part 7
Chapter 127, Part 7
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, with nothing much to do, Ling Yun called An Shiyu: "Are you home?"
"Yes. I just finished lunch."
"I'm coming to visit you to wish your uncle and aunt a Happy New Year."
There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone.
"Come to my house?"
"Yes, wish your parents a Happy New Year."
"No," An Shiyu said in a low voice, "It's too early to meet the parents."
"We've been talking for over six months."
"I haven't graduated yet," An Shiyu said. "My parents are very traditional. They think it's okay for students to date, but they believe that formally meeting each other's parents should wait until graduation and when they have a stable job. If you come now, they will have many concerns."
Ling Yun thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll meet you downstairs."
"That's fine."
Half an hour later, Ling Yun drove to An Shiyu's building.
She came down wearing a red down jacket and a scarf wrapped tightly around her neck.
"Is it cold?" Ling Yun asked.
"It's alright," An Shiyu smiled. "Happy New Year."
Happy Chinese New Year.
Ling Yun took a gift box out of the car.
"If it's for your parents, just say it was a gift from a classmate."
An Shiyu took it; it was tea and snacks.
"Thank you." She glanced upstairs. "I really can't invite you up. My mom just asked whose call it was. I said a classmate."
"understand."
The two walked in the residential area. There was snow on the ground, which crunched underfoot.
A few children were setting off firecrackers; one pop!
"When are you leaving?" An Shiyu asked.
"On the eighth day of the lunar new year, I'll first go to Hong Kong, and then maybe visit Thailand and Malaysia."
"How long will it take?"
"About ten days."
"be safe."
"Know."
They walked into the small garden, where there was snow on a bench. Lingyun wiped it off, and the two sat down.
"I'll formally meet your parents after I graduate," An Shiyu said. "By then, I'll have a job, and your career will be stable, making it easier for my parents to accept you."
"it is good."
Are you angry?
"Don't be angry," Ling Yun said. "You're right."
An Shiyu leaned on his shoulder.
"Actually, my parents know I have a boyfriend. They didn't object, they just told me to focus on my studies and not delay my graduation."
"Um."
"I'll start school when you come back. The last six months will be spent writing my thesis and looking for a job."
What time is your flight?
"10:00 AM."
"I'll take you there."
"No need, it's too early."
"I want to deliver it."
"it is good."
An Shiyu stood up, picked up the gift box, and turned to go upstairs. Ling Yun watched her enter the building before driving away.
Time flies, and it's already the seventh day of the lunar new year.
The festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year hasn't faded yet; firecracker debris is everywhere on the streets. Most workplaces reopened today.
At nine o'clock in the morning, Ling Yun arrived at the city's armed forces department.
The old three-story building had a sign hanging at the entrance. Several military green jeeps were parked in the yard.
Ling Yun found Minister Zhao's office and knocked on the door.
"Enter."
A man in his fifties sat behind a desk, dressed in military uniform, with gray hair.
"Hello Minister Zhao, I am Ling Yun, Ling Jun's nephew."
Minister Zhao stood up and shook hands.
"Ling Jun told me. Sit down."
Lingyun sat down. The office was simple, with a filing cabinet, a map, and a national flag.
"Your uncle said you need to find a bodyguard who can also be a driver." Minister Zhao said, looking him up and down while taking a file out of his drawer.
"Do you think this person is suitable?"
The file was pushed over. The cover read: Zhao Hu.
Lingyun opened it.
Zhao Hu, 26 years old, from Shandong Province. He joined the army at 18 and served in a special forces unit for eight years. He was awarded two third-class merits and one collective first-class merit. He is skilled in hand-to-hand combat, shooting, driving (including special vehicles), and wilderness survival. He was discharged last year because he needed to take care of his family (his father was ill). Now that his father's condition has stabilized, he wants to find a job.
Attached to the file was a black and white photograph. He had a buzz cut, a square face, and very straight eyes.
"Where is he now?" Ling Yun asked.
"He's in my hometown. I can ask him to come for an interview."
"Can you come today?"
Minister Zhao glanced at his watch.
"I'll make a call. His hometown isn't far, only a two-hour drive away."
At 1 p.m., the gatekeeper came to report: Zhao Hu has arrived.
"Have him come to my office."
A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door.
"Report!"
The voice was loud and clear.
"Enter."
The door opened, and a young man walked in. Just like in the photo, he had a crew cut and a square face. He was about 1.8 meters tall, wearing an old, faded military uniform. His back was very straight.
"Greetings, Commander!" Zhao Hu stood at attention and saluted.
Minister Zhao returned the gift.
"This is Ling Yun, President Ling."
Zhao Hu turned to Ling Yun and nodded: "Hello, President Ling."
"Sit down," Ling Yun said.
Zhao Hu sat down, his back still straight.
Ling Yun looked at his hands. The joints were large and calloused.
"Did Minister Zhao tell you? I need a bodyguard who will also be a driver."
"I said so."
What are your requirements?
"Food and lodging are provided, and wages are paid on time," Zhao Hu said. "That's all."
"Can you drive?"
"Yes. I've driven jeeps, trucks, and armored vehicles in the military."
Have you ever been abroad?
"no."
"You might need to travel abroad frequently. Do you speak English?"
"I know a little. I learned simple conversations in the army."
Ling Yun thought for a moment.
"What would you do if you encountered danger, such as an attack?"
Zhao Hu answered quickly.
"Prioritize the employer's safe evacuation. If evacuation is impossible, find cover and call the police or seek help. Do not use violence unless absolutely necessary. If violence must be used, its purpose should be subjugation, not harm."
What if the other side has a weapon?
"Assess the threat level. If it is a lethal threat, take necessary measures."
The answer was very professional.
"How is your father's health?" Ling Yun asked.
"Much better. I can walk now."
Do you need money?
Zhao Hu paused for a moment.
"I need it. But I'll earn it."
"Monthly salary of 1,500 yuan, room and board included. Overseas allowance. Bonuses for good performance. Acceptance?"
Zhao Hu's eyes lit up.
"accept."
"Can I come to work today?"
"Yes. My luggage is downstairs."
"What luggage?"
"A backpack and a few pieces of clothing."
Ling Yun stood up.
"Let's go then. Let's arrange accommodations first."
Minister Zhao saw them to the door.
"Xiao Zhao, do a good job."
"Yes, sir! Thank you!"
Ling Yun was driving a Santana. Zhao Hu was in the passenger seat.
"Do you know how to drive this kind of car?"
"Yes. I've driven civilian vehicles in the military."
"You drive."
The two switched seats. Zhao Hu adjusted his seat, fastened his seatbelt, started the engine, and shifted gears smoothly. The car drove off steadily.
"Come to my company first to pick up some things. Then I'll find you a place to stay."
"it is good."
On the way, Lingyun asked, "Why did you leave the army?"
"My father suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and is now paralyzed on one side. I am his only son, so I must come back to take care of him."
"And now?"
"He's recovering well and can take care of himself now. His younger sister is married in the village and can help him."
Are you married?
"No. I didn't have time to talk about it when I was in the military."
Do you have a girlfriend?
"no."
The car arrived at Xinghuo Electronics Factory. The factory reopens on the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, but there was no one there today.
Ling Yun led Zhao Hu inside and got a contract.
"Look, if there are no problems, then sign it."
The contract is simple: a monthly salary of 1,500 yuan, and the duties are driver and safety assistant, subject to reasonable work arrangements.
Zhao Hu finished reading and signed.
"Give me your ID card, I'll make a copy."
After making the copies, Lingyun took him to the factory dormitory.
"There are empty rooms here, you can stay here for now. I'll arrange long-term accommodation after I return from Hong Kong."
The room wasn't big, but it was clean. There was a bed, a table, and a wardrobe.
"The factory has new bedding; you can pick it up later."
"it is good."
"Do you know how to use a gun?" Ling Yun suddenly asked.
"Yes. I've practiced with pistols, rifles, and sniper rifles."
"Guns are prohibited in China. But abroad, you might be required to carry one if necessary. Is that acceptable?"
Zhao Hu thought for a moment.
"If it's legal and for security reasons, then yes."
"it is good."
Ling Yun took out a wad of cash from his bag, two thousand yuan.
"I'll give you an advance on one month's salary, plus a 500 yuan settlement allowance. Send some money home and buy yourself some clothes. You're coming to Hong Kong with me the day after tomorrow, so dress presentably."
Zhao Hu took the money without counting it.
"Thank you, Mr. Ling."
Just call me Lingyun.
"Yes, Mr. Ling."
Ling Yun smiled.
"Come on, let's go to the mall, I'll buy you two suits."
In the afternoon, I bought Zhao Hu two suits, two shirts, and a pair of leather shoes at the mall. I also bought a suitcase.
When Zhao Hu tried on a suit, his shoulders made the suit look very upright. The sales assistant complimented, "Sir, you have a really good physique."
After shopping, I returned to my dorm.
Lingyun said, "Please pick me up here at seven o'clock the day after tomorrow. We'll go to the airport."
"Yes."
Do you know how to use a mobile phone?
"Won't."
"I'll teach you."
After ten minutes of instruction, Zhao Hu learned it.
"Keep your phone on. I might need to contact you at any time."
"clear."
After giving his instructions, Lingyun prepared to leave.
"President Ling," Zhao Hu called out to him.
"Um?"
"Thank you for giving me this job. I will definitely do my best."
Lingyun patted him on the shoulder.
"Mutual success."
As I walked out of the dormitory building, it was getting dark.
Ling Yun drove home. On the way, he thought, "Zhao Hu is a good guy. He doesn't talk much, but he's honest and professional."
It's a good helper.
When I got home, my mother was making dinner.
"Mom, I'm leaving the day after tomorrow."
"So urgent?"
"Yes, something's up."
"Be careful. Did your uncle say he found someone for you?"
"I looked for it, and I met him today. He was fine."
"That's good."
That evening, Lingyun packed her luggage: passport, visa, US dollars, and Hong Kong dollars.
There was also an economic data report on Southeast Asian countries, which he had Section Chief Wu compile.