After Descending the Mountain, Seven Big Brothers Spoil Me - Chapter 590

Chapter 590: Who Can’t Poach Talent?
The smile on the commander’s face froze immediately; he had never anticipated such an outcome.

Beside him, Xi Mo chuckled, the first time he laughed so openly. He finally realized that Zhouzhou never intended to come in the first place; her silence was merely a prelude to finishing her meal before speaking.

That little rascal.

Commander, growing anxious, said, “Your uncle is here too. Don’t you want to see him often?”

Of course, Zhouzhou did. Remembering how her uncle’s missions kept him away for months, Zhouzhou felt tempted.

Just as Commander believed the situation had turned in his favor, Zhouzhou dashed over to Xi Mo, hugging his leg.

“Uncle, why don’t you come to me instead? Our Fourth Bureau is great! We have food, drinks, and we can play with Xinbao and others. We can also earn merits by doing tasks together. How about it?”

Commander: “!”

How did this turn into poaching?

Seeing the commander’s sudden tension, Xi Mo mischievously feigned contemplation. This made the commander even more anxious, and he immediately declared, “No way!”

As soon as he spoke, a voice echoed from outside, “Why not? I think it’s a great idea.”

Zhao Xinghua strode in, casting an approving glance at Zhouzhou. He knew this little girl was incredibly smart. Not only was she resolute, but she also managed to attract a valuable asset.

He looked at Xi Mo and said, “Xi Mo, you should consider it. Rest assured, if you join us, we’ll treat you exceptionally well.”

“Yes, yes,” Zhouzhou nodded eagerly, her chubby cheeks adorably cupped in her hands, winking at Xi Mo, “We can even play together.”

The commander’s face darkened, his teeth gritted, “Zhao—Xing—Hua!”

“Here I am,” Zhao Xinghua casually picked his ear, disdainful, “I’m not deaf; I can hear you. Speak directly if you have something to say.”

Seeing this, the commander realized what was happening—this rascal had clearly briefed the little girl beforehand.

He couldn’t bear to scold the adorable girl, so he directed all his anger at Zhao Xinghua, glaring fiercely, “Corrupting a child, aren’t you ashamed?”

Seeing Commander genuinely upset, Zhouzhou hid behind Ye Lingfeng, peeking out timidly. Ye Lingfeng, amused, pinched her hair, thinking, Now she’s afraid? Just a moment ago, she was quite bold.

Only Zhouzhou dared to tease the commander like this.

Zhao Xinghua, unperturbed, retorted, “Why should I be ashamed? You poach my people, and do you expect me to do nothing and watch you take them?”

Commander was indeed in the wrong but refused to admit it, huffing, “So what if I did? I learned it from you. Didn’t you poach Cui Kun? If you can do it, why can’t I?”

Zhao Xinghua, often stern, was shameless when it came to recruiting for the Fourth Bureau.

Hearing this, he shamelessly replied, “You can poach too, but good luck with that. Don’t end up losing everything in the process. It breaks my heart just thinking about it.”

The commander: “…”

This man is so shameless!

The commander was fuming, glaring at Zhao Xinghua, who fearlessly glared back. As the atmosphere grew tense, Ye Lingfeng stepped in, “Alright, it was just Zhouzhou being playful, teasing Commander. I apologize on her behalf.”

He bowed slightly to Commander, then turned to Zhouzhou, “Zhouzhou, Commander Li is a good man with many military merits. You can’t treat him as if were a bad person.”

Though he doted on Zhouzhou, some lessons needed teaching.

Zhouzhou nodded, trying to digest his words. She glanced at the commander, noting the Protective Light of the Nation surrounding him.

Feeling remorseful, she approached him, bowing deeply, “I’m sorry, Uncle. I shouldn’t have eaten your snacks, taken your toys, and refused to go with you.”

“I’ll return your things,” she said, biting her lip, feeling pained and regretful for eating so much earlier. “I’ll pay you back for what I ate, okay?”

She reached into her bag to return the items.

Seeing this, the commander’s anger dissipated. He sighed, holding her hand, “It’s alright. Keep them as a gift from me. It’s not your fault; blame it on a certain shameless person.”

He glanced meaningfully at Zhao Xinghua.

Zhao Xinghua, feeling a bit guilty, glanced away. Ye Lingfeng’s words had made him realize the inappropriateness.

Clearing his throat, Zhao Xinghua said, “Enough. Let’s stop bickering and focus on preparing for the upcoming competition.”

“Hmph,” Commander snorted but refrained from saying more. He knew the importance of the situation.

However, …

He glanced at Zhouzhou, eyes filled with regret. If only he had met her sooner.

Unfortunately, the little girl was clearly destined for the Fourth Bureau because of Ye Lingfeng.

Back then, Ye Lingfeng wouldn’t have passed the political review to enter the military.

A lost opportunity.

Noticing his thoughts, Xi Mo stepped forward, “Commander, don’t be disheartened. We all serve the country, no matter where we are. That won’t change.”

True.

Commander’s last trace of regret faded. He looked at Xi Mo and suddenly asked, “So when are you getting married? Hurry up and have a kid as capable as this little girl. Don’t waste such good genes.”

He scanned Xi Mo from head to toe.

Handsome, skilled—no doubt his future children would excel.

Zhouzhou, curious, chimed in, “Yes, Uncle, when will you give me a little brother or sister?”

Xi Mo: “…”

Weren’t we talking about the competition? How did it turn into a discussion about marriage?

Looking at his niece, who loved to stir things up, he sighed and redirected her attention. Ignoring their questions, he said, “It’s late. Everyone should rest. We have a competition tomorrow.”

Seeing his resolve, the commander dropped the subject, his expression turning serious, “Alright, everyone, go back and rest.”

“But about tomorrow’s strategy…” His gaze fell on Zhouzhou.

Zhouzhou, confused, looked at him. Understanding his concern, she puffed up her small chest, “Uncle, I won’t ask anything. Dad said we must be fair in this competition. He even forbade me from using the Invisibility Talisman.”

Mumbling, she added, “Judging a child with an adult’s mind.”

The others: “…”