146: Chapter 146 Visiting Relatives

Academician Chen... After Chu Ge saw the leaders off, he returned to Academician Chen's office.

"Little Chu, it's the Mid-Autumn Festival in two days. Do you want to go back to your hometown to see your parents? You haven't been back for over half a year, right?"

Chu Ge hesitated for a moment after hearing this.

"I do want to go back. My sister said my mother's old ailment is acting up again."

"Oh? What's the condition? I happen to know a few authoritative domestic experts," Academician Chen asked with concern.

"Meniscus wear and tear. It's a minor issue; the doctor said these problems occur at this age. It's like an engine that's been running for decades—it's bound to have some wear here and there."

Academician Chen nodded and then asked, "How many days do you need? Things here at the Academy are already on the right track; it's time you went back for a visit."

"Just one day will do. H City isn't far from Yanjing. I'll go back to see my mom."

"No need to rush like that. Just come back the evening of the following day. It's settled."

Academician Chen made the decision for Chu Ge, and Chu Ge didn't refuse, agreeing after a moment's thought.

After Chu Ge left, Academician Chen sat at his desk and thought for a while. Then he stood up, looked through his phone book, found a number, and dialed it.

Chu Ge only told Chu Xiaowu about his trip the day before he went home. She was very excited and immediately said she would pick him up.

Chu Ge thought about it and refused. Nowadays, the military handled all his travel arrangements; Chu Xiaowu likely wouldn't be able to pick him up even if she wanted to.

"I'm only going back for a day or so. You'd have to take time off school—it's too much trouble."

"Oh, brother, what time off? We're already on break! Besides, your little sister has finished the Gaokao. I have to go report for college after the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Are you even keeping up?"

Only then did Chu Ge remember that Chu Xiaowu was a senior this year and had already finished the Gaokao. It seemed the girl had done quite well.

"Uh, I'm getting confused. I forgot all about that and thought you were still in school. Fine, just stay home. I have my own arrangements."

"Oh!" Chu Xiaowu pouted as she hung up the phone, then skipped toward the living room.

"Mom, guess who just called?"

"All day long, who else could it be besides Ma Xiaotiao or your dad? Your brother doesn't have time for you."

"It actually was my brother."

Mother Chu stopped talking, waiting for her daughter to continue. But Chu Xiaowu stayed silent, staring back mischievously with her beautiful large eyes.

"If you don't speak up, I'm going to have to use 'family law' on you."

"Oh, Mom! You always bully me. Just wait until my brother comes back tomorrow; see if I don't tattle on you to him. Surprised? Haha!"

Chu Xiaowu left behind a string of silvery laughter as she ran out. She wanted to tell the news to her best friend, Ma Xiaotiao.

Mother Chu was stunned for a good while before she snapped out of it. She hurriedly pulled out her phone and ordered Father Chu to go on a shopping spree at the wet market.

Chu Ge tidied himself up a bit that evening and was about to go to bed when the phone on the table rang. He glanced at the caller ID and picked up.

"Good evening, Princess."

"Lord Chu, I see you've grown quite capable. Are your itineraries confidential now?"

Chu Ge was slightly taken aback but quickly understood. "Xiaowu must have told you, right?"

"Xiaowu has more of a conscience than you do. Hmph!"

"Haha, I'm only going back for a day. There isn't enough time, otherwise I would definitely go to Magic City to see you."

"Even one day is fine; we can still see each other. You're in Yanjing, and I can't even get in there right now. I know you're busy and specifically carved out a day to visit your parents. I... I can go to H City; you don't have to come to Magic City. I just don't know if you or your parents would mind?"

Dilireba Nazha's voice grew quieter and quieter toward the end, until Chu Ge could barely hear her. He thought his signal was bad and fumbled with his phone for a while.

"Of course not. None of us would mind, as long as it doesn't interfere with your work."

"Then it's a deal. See you tomorrow. I have a press conference to attend, so I'll talk to you later. Bye!"

Dilireba Nazha hung up and a happy smile appeared on her face.

Today, she wore a small black evening gown with pleated ruffles, knee-length in the front and trailing to her ankles in the back. The pure black dress was studded with rhinestones. She wore no ornate necklaces or earrings on her neck or ears, and on her feet were high heels that sparkled like crystals. This outfit made the already tall Dilireba Nazha look even more statuesque.

She had only learned that Chu Ge was returning to H City tomorrow from Chu Xiaowu's text message. Ignoring Sister Li's calls from behind, she had run out to make this call.

Sister Li was already standing behind her. "My little ancestor, the press conference is still going on up there."

"I know, Sister Li. I'm going up now. Oh, by the way, cancel all my appointments for tomorrow."

"And the day after tomorrow's too. Cancel them all," Dilireba Nazha added after tilting her head in thought.

"Huh? But didn't you say you wouldn't take a break for the Mid-Autumn Festival? Our schedule is fully booked. My little ancestor, what kind of mischief are you up to now?" Sister Li said, her face full of displeasure.

"He's coming back."

After saying that, Dilireba Nazha ran off, leaving Sister Li dazed. "He? He who?" Suddenly, a name flashed through her mind, and Sister Li quickly shut her mouth.

"No wonder. Fine, even if I know I'll be offending people, I'll just have to grit my teeth and do it." Silently compromising, Sister Li looked at the radiant Dilireba Nazha at the press conference and smiled helplessly.

The fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, the Mid-Autumn Festival.

In Huaxia, there are only two traditional festivals each year that trigger a massive wave of people returning home to visit family: the Spring Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Both are festivals of reunion. If travelers away from home have the time, they generally choose to return to their hometowns during these two holidays.

The county town where Chu Ge lived was exceptionally lively today.

Chu Jingran returned early this morning. He worked for a joint venture in Magic City, which wasn't far from H City to begin with.

After purchasing some holiday gifts in Magic City the day before, he had driven onto the highway today before dawn. Highways are free during holidays, and he was afraid that if he left any later, he might get stuck in traffic.

After several twists and turns, he parked his car in front of his house. Getting out, Chu Jingran looked around in confusion. Strange—this street felt exceptionally quiet today, not at all like a holiday. Compared to other parts of the county town, the atmosphere here felt a bit odd.

"Mom, I'm home."

Chu Jingran walked into the familiar small courtyard carrying large bags of items. His father and mother hurriedly came out to greet him when they heard his voice.

"Jingran, you bring so many things every time you come back. It's such a hassle; I don't lack anything. Old man, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and help Jingran carry the things inside."

"Right, right." The old man came over to take the things, and the three of them walked into the living room.

"Dad, why is it so quiet outside? It's never this quiet even when it's not a holiday."

Chu Jingran asked curiously before he even had a chance to drink some water.

"The Subdistrict Office came by early this morning with a notice. It seems some leaders are coming for an inspection or something today, so they told everyone not to go out and gawk. Didn't you see the police on duty at the nearby intersections?"

Jingran's Father replied casually.