As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store

Chapter 733: I Want to Become a Large-Scale Grain Grower (2)
Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Perhaps Si Cong felt that his little scheme had been exposed, or he was feeling a bit uneasy under Zhou Chao’s gaze, so he quickly changed the subject.

“Young Master Zhou, how did your business go? If it’s all sorted out, we can set off on a road trip tomorrow!”

“It might be delayed for a couple of days. This matter won’t be resolved in a short time.”

Si Cong nodded understandingly. Although he was curious about what Zhou Chao was up to, he knew better than to ask. If Zhou Chao wanted him to know, he would surely tell him.

“Alright then, let’s go eat. I’m exhausted these past few days!” Si Cong rubbed his waist.

Patting Si Cong on the shoulder, Zhou Chao chuckled and headed outside. “Let’s go. Today, we’ll have lamb kidneys. It’s time to replenish our Si Cong’s energy!”

Si Cong was puzzled, muttering softly to himself, “You want to eat lamb kidneys, but I’m the one who can keep going for almost… half an hour!”

“What are you waiting for? Let’s go!”

Snapping back to reality, Si Cong replied with a quick “Coming” and hastened to catch up.

For lunch, Zhou Chao purposely chose a restaurant famous for its lamb kidneys, treating Si Cong to a hearty meal. Although Si Cong boasted about his abilities, he ended up eating the most.

After the meal, Si Cong felt rejuvenated. After bidding farewell to Zhou Chao, he hurriedly left.

Back at the hotel, after sending Lin Wu to his own room, Zhou Chao sat on the sofa, deep in thought. He pondered on how to exert the least effort in the upcoming project while maximizing his gains.

Sitting there, Zhou Chao occasionally revealed a mischievous smile or chuckled to himself, feeling quite pleased.

“It seems I’ll need to put in a bit more effort with my father-in-law. Although the big portion is already taken care of, ensuring I eat my fill as well!” Zhou Chao had already planned out his next steps.

“If this matter is handled well, in the next few years, both my company and my family elders will reap substantial rewards!”

With that in mind, Zhou Chao took out his phone and dialed a call to his father-in-law, Jiang Youdao.

The call was answered promptly.

“Well, look who finally decided to call me! It’s been ages since we last talked. People might start thinking my son-in-law went missing!”

Jiang Youdao’s somewhat teasing voice came through as soon as the call connected, making Zhou Chao’s heart skip a beat.

Quickly, Zhou Chao replied with a smile, “Dad, I’ve been really busy lately. Just found some free time, so I thought I’d give you a call to check in!”

“Humph, you’re idle every day. With all this free time, you still don’t know how to spend more time with your wife. If it wasn’t for Jiang Li insisting that she doesn’t want to distract you by calling you, I’d be scolding you over the phone right now!”

Hearing this, Zhou Chao’s brow furrowed. His face, which was previously smiling, suddenly turned tense. “Dad, what happened to Ah Li? Is something wrong?”

“What could possibly be wrong? Your wife is doing just fine. She’s been pampered by your mother every day, drinking all kinds of nourishing soups. The only thing is, your old man has gained almost ten pounds from eating so well these past few days. I’m telling you, can’t you come back and take care of your wife yourself? Don’t come here to cause trouble for me, alright!”

Hearing his father-in-law’s complaints, Zhou Chao’s nervousness eased. “Dad, why did Ah Li go back there?”

“It’s all because you’re not at home. Jiang Li was bored staying there alone, so we decided to let her move back!”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chao also realized that he had been neglecting his wife. He admitted to himself that he had indeed been a bit excessive. He had plenty of money, yet he was constantly out and about, feeling overwhelmed with a sense of never-ending busyness. However, upon reflection, he hadn’t accomplished much.

“I understand, Dad. Once this matter is settled, I’ll stay home and spend quality time with Ah Li!”

“Hmm, that’s more like it. By the way, what’s the matter with your call? You usually only call when something’s up.”

Zhou Chao chuckled before replying, “Well, Dad, I have a technology specifically designed for desertification. I want to discuss it with you!”

“Desertification technology? Are you asking me to help you find a way? Hmm, wait a minute, with your current status, you should be more knowledgeable about this than me. What exactly are you up to?” Jiang Youdao couldn’t quite grasp Zhou Chao’s intentions for a moment.

“Hehe, Dad, no need to guess. It’s just something that will leave you puzzled for days!” Zhou Chao said smugly.

“Alright, stop beating around the bush and get to the point,” Jiang Youdao said, unwilling to continue guessing. However, he had a vague feeling that his good son-in-law was about to surprise him again.

“Dad, I can’t explain it all in a few words over the phone, but basically, I can turn all the deserts in China into lush green landscapes within a few years!”

“All of them into lush green… What?! Turn all the deserts in China into lush green landscapes? Oh my!” Jiang Youdao stood up suddenly, accidentally knocking his knee against the table.

Hearing the groan over the phone, Zhou Chao quickly asked, “Dad, are you okay? What happened?”

“It’s nothing, just hit my knee on the table. It’ll be fine soon.”

Zhou Chao could tell from the sound that the impact wasn’t light.

After about a minute, Jiang Youdao’s voice came through again. “Xiao Chao, are you telling the truth about what you just said?”

“Dad, how could something like this be false? Originally, I was thinking of finding an expert in desertification control to collaborate with. After discussing it with him, I realized the importance of this technology. So, I called you to get some advice!”

Zhou Chao didn’t hide anything and briefly explained his recent itinerary to his father-in-law.

“Is that technology still in your hands and not shown to anyone else?”

“There haven’t been any leaks, but several people are aware of this technology, and they’re all insiders!” Zhou Chao replied.

Jiang Youdao listened attentively, then fell into deep thought. After a while, he spoke slowly, “When will you return to Jingdu? When you do, let’s thoroughly research this matter. Let’s stop here and not mention it to anyone else. You understand what I mean, right?”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chao’s lips curled slightly upwards. “Dad, I understand. You can rest assured.”

“Alright. Anything else? If not, I’ll go discuss this with your grandfather and uncle!”

“No, that’s all.”

As soon as Zhou Chao finished speaking, the call was abruptly disconnected.

Looking at the disconnected phone, Zhou Chao smirked slightly, “Oops, I accidentally made my father-in-law break a sweat. If my wife finds out, she won’t scold me, will she?”

He casually tossed his phone onto the table and lounged on the sofa, humming a tune.

—————–

Zhou Chao and his companions spent another two days in Hohhot, specifically visiting the local attractions. However, they returned feeling a bit disappointed, as the sights were not as impressive as they had hoped. Nonetheless, they spent a joyful day at the Ice and Snow World in Hohhot.

As night fell, the three of them sat leisurely on the sofa in their room, sipping on drinks.

Zhou Chao teasingly asked Si Cong, “We’re leaving Hohhot tomorrow. Are you going to miss it a little?”

“What’s there to miss? I’m actually looking forward to our upcoming road trip!” Si Cong replied nonchalantly, suddenly showing interest when it came to the road trip.

Zhou Chao couldn’t help but shake his head when he thought about Si Cong’s flirtations with several pretty girls during these past few days.

“I’ve looked at the route. Our first stop is Ulanqab, then we’ll go to Wucheng, and finally, our destination is Jingdu. It’s been snowing in Inner Mongolia recently, so we need to prepare for all sorts of measures!”

Upon hearing Zhou Chao’s words, Si Cong stood up abruptly. “Zhou, is that it? Just like that?”

“Well, there’s no other way. There are important matters waiting for me in Jingdu. If it weren’t for accompanying you on this road trip, I would have just taken a plane straight back!” Zhou Chao looked at Si Cong with a “I’m a good friend” expression.

Si Cong could only nod helplessly. “Alright, better than nothing!”

“Here, cheers! Wishing us a pleasant journey!” Zhou Chao raised his glass.

“Cheers!”