Chapter 189: Learning a Foreign Language

The sound of firecrackers came from far and near, and the air was filled with the scent of saltpeter and sulfur. It wasn’t too pungent, as if celebrating the imminent passing of the old year.

New Year’s Eve in the village was simple: after breakfast, people put up spring couplets and went out to visit each other. However, the home of Xiaoyu was unusually lively.

“What a fine figure of a man. Xiaoyu has been sensible since she was little. I always said she would be blessed when she grew up—it seems she has married into a good family,” a somewhat plump middle-aged aunt said.

“Blessed? It’s the virtue accumulated by her ancestors. My daughter just told me that he owns a big company—he’s a billionaire.”

“A billionaire? He’s even met the country’s leaders. Can a billionaire meet the country’s leaders?”

…

Several women sat together, their eyes fixed on Chen Mo, chattering incessantly. It would be a lie to say they weren’t envious; they wished Chen Mo were their own son-in-law.

Sitting in his seat, Chen Mo looked helpless.

Now he felt like a baby panda in a zoo, surrounded by a crowd staring at him. Having experienced many things, he was used to all sorts of unusual gazes, so he wasn’t too disturbed, just resigned.

“Hello, are you Chen Mo? Can I take a photo with you?” A girl came over with her phone, staring straight at Chen Mo, her eyes filled with excitement and admiration.

Chen Mo was an idol for the new generation of youth. After his exposure, news about him spread everywhere. Anyone who paid a little attention to mobile news could recognize him. She just never expected such a super celebrity to be right in front of her.

This was the daughter of Xiaoyu’s cousin’s uncle; Chen Mo remembered her from the introductions earlier.

“Sure.” Chen Mo nodded in agreement.

After taking the photo, the girl left. Immediately, two more girls ran over excitedly, and several men also approached eagerly.

After taking photos with everyone, Chen Mo finally breathed a sigh of relief.

It was New Year’s Eve today, and Chen Mo was going to take Xiaoyu home to celebrate the New Year in the evening. Knowing that Xiaoyu had an exceptional and very wealthy boyfriend, many neighbors, relatives, and friends came to Xiaoyu’s home to visit, wanting to see the He family’s son-in-law. That was how this situation came about.

Chen Mo was certain that all sorts of aunts and relatives were here. Luckily, the courtyard was large enough to seat quite a few people. But Chen Mo felt like an animal on display.

Hiding in the room would be impolite, so he could only sit there, playing games with the neighbor’s young child who still didn’t understand much.

“Xiaoyu, your boyfriend is the boss of Legion Ant Company, right?”

In the main hall, a middle-aged woman spoke with a smile. Her attire was somewhat flashy, with permed and dyed curly hair, adorned with jewels, making her look more like a noblewoman. Her LV bag was placed in the most conspicuous spot, as if afraid others wouldn’t see it.

“Could you ask him to arrange a position for your brother, like a department manager or vice president in the company?”

“How dare she say that? Does that mean I could be the president?” Xiaoman, who was peeling an apple nearby, muttered under her breath, her voice only audible to those next to her.

Xiaoyu, sitting beside her, didn’t know what to say either.

The woman in front of her was her father’s cousin. Xiaoyu was seeing this aunt for the first time and didn’t even know her name.

She had never encountered such a situation before. She never expected that bringing Chen Mo back would attract such people.

“Aunt, the company has a hiring system. Interviews are required; we can’t just arrange positions arbitrarily,” Xiaoyu said.

The middle-aged noblewoman adopted a haughty demeanor. “Your boyfriend is the company’s boss, and you’re the president’s assistant. Can’t you just assign him a job directly?”

“As the president’s assistant, I don’t have that authority. Hiring matters are decided by the HR department and the president. I can’t interfere in these matters, and Chen Mo doesn’t handle them either.”

Xiaoyu tried to refuse as politely as possible. She knew Sister Zhao’s temper—no one could pull strings, and she wouldn’t do it either. The company belonged to Chen Mo, and she didn’t want to put him in a difficult position.

“Isn’t it just a word from him? Is it that hard?” The noblewoman’s tone was impatient.

He Zhenghua’s expression was very dark. This cousin, having married a rich man, rarely interacted with their ordinary relatives, putting on the airs of a nouveau riche and looking down on their poorer relatives.

Since she got married, they had had no contact at all, so there was no family affection to speak of.

If she hadn’t come this time, he wouldn’t even have remembered this cousin. If she went out to bother Chen Mo now and caused trouble for his daughter, that would be real trouble.

“We can’t help with this,” He Zhenghua spoke up. “Doesn’t your family run a company? Why not let your nephew help out there?”

“We’re family. You won’t even help with such a small matter?”

The noblewoman’s voice was a bit loud, reaching those sitting in the courtyard. Everyone glanced curiously toward the window, but with Chen Mo present, they didn’t want to be too obvious.

Chen Mo naturally heard the commotion inside. He excused himself from the neighbors in the courtyard and went in.

The argument in the room stopped as Chen Mo entered. He Zhenghua and Wang Lan looked worried, while the noblewoman beamed with joy.

“Mr. Chen, hello.” The noblewoman stood up and greeted Chen Mo, her earlier impatience gone, replaced by a wide smile.

“Hello.”

Chen Mo smiled slightly and sat down next to Xiaoyu.

“Chen Mo…” Xiaoyu gave him a look.

“It’s fine.” Chen Mo patted Xiaoyu’s hand and gave her a reassuring smile.

He Zhenghua and Wang Lan got up and left the room. At this point, with them not present, Chen Mo wouldn’t be too pressured, and there were other neighbors and relatives outside to attend to.

“Mr. Chen, you really are a fine figure of a man. Would you like to come to my home for a visit? My daughter has always wanted to meet you,” the noblewoman said, sizing up Chen Mo.

“Thank you for the offer, but I have to go back today. I don’t have time,” Chen Mo replied, shaking his head.

“Then next time.”

The noblewoman showed no impatience, instead wearing a fawning smile.

“Xiaoyu has a brother who wants to change his work environment. Do you think you could let him join your company as a supervisor or something? After all, family is more trustworthy and reliable.”

“Our company doesn’t have a precedent for backdoor arrangements, but it’s not impossible for you to ask me for help,” Chen Mo said, comforting the slightly anxious Xiaoyu beside him.

This made the noblewoman’s face light up. “Mr. Chen, I knew you were a good person.”

“Does your son have management experience? Our company is planning to expand into the African market, and we’re short of people there. I value that market highly and don’t trust just anyone to handle it. It would be perfect to send him there—I’d feel more at ease with someone from the family.”

Her smile froze.

Africa?

So far away?

Her son, raised in luxury, couldn’t possibly endure such conditions. Moreover, she had heard Africa was chaotic, and if something happened to him there, she would be powerless.

“What’s wrong?” Chen Mo asked.

“My son isn’t good at foreign languages. Could he work domestically instead?” the noblewoman asked hesitantly.

“He can learn the language there. No one is born knowing it, and there are translators too. Learning a foreign language is good—he really should study it well.” Chen Mo nodded seriously.

Xiaoman, sitting nearby, suppressed a laugh, almost spitting out the apple in her mouth. Xiaoyu also wanted to laugh but didn’t dare.

“Call him to come over now. I’ll arrange for him to join the African branch. He can start after the New Year,” Chen Mo said, picking up his phone.

“Not necessary for now,” the noblewoman quickly stopped Chen Mo. “I’ll go back and ask for his opinion first, then get back to you. Could you give me your phone number?”

“Sure.”

The noblewoman left happily after getting Chen Mo’s number.

“Brother-in-law, do you want to learn a foreign language?” Xiaoman finally couldn’t hold back her laughter.

“No,” Chen Mo said, glancing at Xiaoyu, and immediately shook his head.

After the noblewoman left, He Zhenghua and Wang Lan came back in. “Xiaomo, you should go home now.”

“Dad, what’s wrong?” Xiaoyu asked, worried by her father’s tone, which seemed like he was rushing them out.

“I’m afraid others from her family might come. I know exactly what your two cousin uncles are like. Otherwise, it’ll just put Xiaomo in a difficult position again. Xiaomo, take Xiaoyu back to celebrate the New Year. I approve of your relationship. Take good care of Xiaoyu from now on,” He Zhenghua said to Chen Mo.

Which family doesn’t have a few odd relatives?

The neighbors and villagers all knew each other well. The villagers were simple-hearted—they might envy and gossip over tea or meals, occasionally comparing their children’s jobs and achievements, but they wouldn’t make excessive demands.

Like just now, he had held back his temper, but some people dared to ask for anything. Truly, those without shame are invincible.

And so, Chen Mo and Xiaoyu were practically driven out of the house by her parents. Sitting in the car, Chen Mo and Xiaoyu were still speechless.