Chapter 356: Looking at Her Face

Chapter 356: Looking at Her Face
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The next morning, Jiang Chuan personally saw off Jiang Xia and Xiao Li from the village before heading to work with peace of mind.
It wasn’t that he was worried about his daughter leaving the village alone for the first time. Instead, he was concerned that Xiao Li was too honest and gullible. If Liu Xing managed to deceive Xiao Li with just a few words, Xiao Li might end up foolishly helping others count their money.
Therefore, Jiang Chuan specifically instructed, “Xiao Li, my daughter is growing up and needs to learn how to manage household affairs. Let her take the lead in the negotiations with Liu Xing this time. You just listen by the side and see if Jiang Xia’s terms are reasonable.”
By saying this, he was essentially giving Jiang Xia the authority to speak.
Xiao Li patted his chest to assure Jiang Xia and then rode on a donkey cart borrowed from the production team towards the town.
After seeing them off, Jiang Chuan headed to the commune.
When he arrived at the commune, it was around nine in the morning. Unexpectedly, he bumped into Chief Captain Tian.
Jiang Chuan was slightly taken aback as he hadn’t expected to run into Captain Tian so early.
Tian Zao had been serving as the chief captain for a few days. Perhaps due to her recent move, she’d been tidying things up at home every morning and only heading to the commune close to noon. So, her early appearance today was surprising.
Jiang Chuan greeted Chief Captain Tian upon regaining his composure. However, Tian Zao’s response was quite cold; she merely nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
By now, Jiang Chuan had grown accustomed to her aloof demeanor, so he didn’t take it to heart. Not wanting to push his luck with her, he made his way directly to the accounting office.
Unexpectedly, halfway there, Tian Zao approached him and initiated a conversation. “I heard you went to the city yesterday?”
Jiang Chuan was stunned. The sun must’ve risen from the west today for Tian Zao to strike up a conversation with him voluntarily.
Nevertheless, he replied, “I’m building a house, so I went to the city to purchase some supplies.”
Now that he was an accountant, many eyes were on him. He couldn’t sneak into the county town like before, so he had properly processed the paperwork and went to the county with an introduction letter.
Moreover, with the sudden addition of so many windows at his home, it would be hard to explain if asked. Honesty was the best way to avoid complications.
Tian Zao cast him a brief glance, not continuing the topic. Instead, she enquired out of the blue, “Have you checked all the village accounts? Including the previous ones?”
The village accounts were relatively straightforward, with only one or two changes recorded every few weeks. On his first day at work, Jiang Chuan had sorted everything out.
Confused by Tian Zao’s line of questioning and her early morning whims, Jiangchuan responded straightforwardly, “Chief Captain Tian, if you have something to say, just say it. I’ve completed my tasks here.”
Tian Zao seemed to interpret Jiang Chuan’s words as defiance, and her expression turned sour. “Xiao Jiang, many people would kill for your position. You should be dedicated. Instead of trying to use your position for personal gain, you should serve the villagers. You’ve only been working a few days, and yet you’re always seeking favors for your daughter and going to the county town to shop. Your focus isn’t on your work.”
Despite being only a year or two older than Jiang Chuan, Tian Zao’s tone was distinctly patronizing.
Now it became clear to Jiang Chuan. Apparently, Tian Zao was idle and had decided to nitpick his actions.
Being a gentleman, Jiang Chuan didn’t feel like arguing with a woman. He stated that he had work to do and intended to move on when suddenly, someone called out from behind, “Uncle Jiang!”
Jiang Chuan was puzzled. He was considered among the younger generation in the village. His peers usually referred to him as “Third Brother Jiang,” so who would call him ‘uncle’?
Turning around in confusion, he recognized Shen Mo, who was wearing an ordinary outfit that somehow gave off a formal vibe.
Wasn’t Shen Mo in the county town just yesterday? Why had he come to the village today?
Before Jiang Chuan could react, Tian Zao’s displeasure was evident. “Look at this, Xiao Jiang. Just as you claimed to work, someone’s already here for you. You exhaust yourself daily handling such personal matters, leaving no energy for your actual duties!”
Before she could continue, Shen Mo had already approached. Standing tall next to Tian Zao with a business-like smile on his handsome face, he addressed her, “Chief Captain Tian, I’m here to see you..”