1450 Sneaky
During the past few days, Qian’e had gone to the factory in the suburbs to supervise the process. The factory was basically completed by now, except for the mechanical equipment inside and the beds in the dormitory. Qian’e and Li Gui still needed to go to the factory to discuss with Deng Fan in detail with regard to these outstanding issues.

By chance, Qian’e discovered Zhao Liu behaving sneakily in the area one day. Every evening, Zhao Liu would go walking around the factory at dusk using a very well-hidden route. If not for the fact that Qian’e had taken the wrong path when she was rushing to go to the toilet, she would not have caught sight of Zhao Liu.

“Why is he there?” Qiao Mei muttered to herself.

The exact location of the factory was not released to the public yet. Before it was completed, she did not want to tell anyone. Those who knew were all her trusted aides. For Zhao Liu to know this, it was not something simple anymore.

“I don’t think he has any good intentions. I suspect that this matter is also related to Zhao Fei. Should we consider finding another business partner?” Qian’e asked.

Back then, Zhao Fei had promised them that he would not let anyone else from the Zhao family dabble in the business. At the moment, Zhao Liu’s actions just served to tell them that Zhao Fei did not keep his word!

Everyone knew that Zhao Liu had designs on Li Gui. They were worried that he would catch Li Gui unaware and do something bad to her. If that happened, Li Gui would not be able to resist even if she wanted to.

Qian’e had heard too many such stories when she was in the hospital. She did not want Li Gui to experience any of those things and she would rather do too much than too little!

“I don’t think it’s that easy to find someone else immediately. Right now, we still need the land in Zhao Fei’s village to produce the seeds. It’s definitely not enough to rely on what my hometown village can produce and the cost will also increase greatly. It’s not a good idea to replace Zhao Fei now,” Qiao Mei said with a slight frown.

“Then… then I’ll think of another way. Zhao Liu hasn’t done anything out of line yet. He’s just walking and looking around outside. We’ll deal with this matter when he makes a move,” Qian’e said.

“That’s doable too. When the time comes, we’ll net them all in one fell swoop! I’ll go and talk to my mother later and ask her to stay at home for the time being. The children are starting school soon and the factory is almost completed. I’m afraid you’ll have to work very hard during this period of time,” Qiao Mei said apologetically.

“It’s not hard at all. This is not just your business. I have a share too! We’re a family! It doesn’t matter which one of us is keeping an eye on the business. There’s no need to be so polite between us. I’m going to work. Take care of your own health,” Qian’e said.

After sending Qian’e off, Qiao Mei went to Li Gui’s house. Li Gui went to supervise the work at the factory often and she would go out early and return late every day. The children would play at Qiao Qiang’s house when she was not around.

“Elder Sister is here!” Zhang Qin said excitedly when she saw Qiao Mei.

“Is Mom at home?” Qiao Mei asked gently as she patted Zhang Qin’s head.

“Yes. Mom didn’t go out today. She’s preparing our stationery at home!” Zhang Qin said excitedly.

The children’s schooling arrangements have been settled. Xia Wen had arranged for Zhang Chao and Zhang Qin to go to an elementary school near their house. With Xia He’s recommendation, Zhang Miao was accepted at the best dance academy in the capital. Zhang Wei also got his wish to study in the military school where Xia Zhe had graduated. Each child was able to continue with their studies.

Li Gui had bought new school bags for the children. The designs were still the most basic ones and as usual, each child’s name was embroidered on his or her school bag. Even if the family had money now, she could not let the children develop the habit of spending money recklessly.

Money should be spent wisely. One should know when to save and when to spend, depending on the circumstances.

“Mom, I’m here.” Qiao Mei walked into the house with a smile.

“Oh my! I’m so busy dealing with the things for those little brats that I didn’t even hear you enter the house. Come and sit down to help me take a look. What else do they need? I’m worried I’m not meticulous enough,” Li Gui said.

Xia Wen had written down a list of items that each child needed when school started. Li Gui bought all the items according to the list and checked them over and over again. She had checked them more than 10 times, but she was still afraid of missing out on something.