Courtyard House: A System Connecting Two Worlds, Resources for the Nation

Regardless of what kind of company Shenzhou Trading actually was, Zhou Feng spoke of it so casually that Tao's father, being a sensible man, naturally wouldn't press for details. He simply smiled and raised his teacup: "Young Zhou is young and promising. Come, come, let's toast you with tea instead of wine."

"Uncle, you're too kind. I'll toast you."

Zhou Feng quickly picked up his cup, adopting a very humble attitude.

Although he is now dealing with higher-level people, he still shows the utmost respect for elders.

After all, he had quite a bit of feelings for Tao Muyao, so why could he put on airs in front of her parents?

Ms. Li watched her son's behavior with a mixture of pride and disdain, though a hint of disgust still showed on her face.

That little bastard is lazy at home, but acts all high and mighty when he's out!

As the dishes were served one after another, the atmosphere at the table became much more lively.

Tao's mother found Zhou Feng more and more pleasing to the eye, and would occasionally ask, "Is your work tiring, Xiao Zhou?" "Are you settling in well?" "What do you usually like to eat?"

Zhou Feng answered each question in turn, his attitude respectful but not obsequious, striking the perfect balance.

Tao Muyao sat to the side, a faint blush on her face. She would steal a glance at Zhou Feng every now and then, and then quickly look away.

How could such a small trick escape Ms. Li's sharp eyes?

Got it!

This has potential!

Ms. Li was overjoyed, and her smile became even more genuine. She immediately grabbed Tao Muyao's hand and began to chatter about all sorts of trivial matters. Anyone who didn't know better would think that Tao Muyao was Ms. Li's daughter!

The two mothers started chatting with their respective children. Old Zhou and Tao's father exchanged a glance and awkwardly started making small talk.

When it comes to matters concerning their children's lifelong happiness, neither of them has much say in their respective families.

Zhou Feng wasn't idle either. While dealing with his elders' questions, he also had to figure out how to get his parents back to sign a confidentiality agreement later.

While we were eating, the door to the private room was suddenly knocked open.

Old Zhang leaned half his body in, his face somewhat grave: "President Zhou, there's a phone call."

This was the name they came up with in the car on their way here. They couldn't very well address Zhou Feng by his military rank in front of his family, could they?

After getting up to apologize, Zhou Feng left the private room and took the phone from Lao Zhang.

Before entering the private room, he handed his phone to Lao Zhang, and the contact person on the screen was Zhou Ming.

"Comrade Zhou Feng, how did the blind date go?"

A strange question came from the other end of the phone, leaving Zhou Feng speechless.

Brother, you called me just to ask me gossip, right?

"Ming-ge, wait, can we talk about serious matters?"

"I'm talking about serious business!"

Zhou Ming's tone suddenly turned serious on the other end of the phone.

"Comrade Zhou Feng, let me tell you, your current position is special, and everyone you come into contact with will definitely be screened. It's not that the organization doesn't trust you, it's just for safety's sake."

"Although the Tao family's background check was successful, you must be careful about what you say when you're chatting with them. Don't say anything you shouldn't, understand?"

After all, Zhou Feng is still relatively young, and Zhou Ming is worried that he might blurt out something confidential during the blind date.

After all, given his status, even if he did leak secrets, the organization wouldn't punish him.

But Zhou Ming, who was in charge of communicating with him, was definitely going to take the blame, which is why this guy specifically called to remind him.

"Okay, I understand. Don't worry, I definitely won't say a word about anything I shouldn't!"

"Then I won't bother you any longer. It's not that I'm making a mountain out of a molehill, but this is a very important matter, and we can't afford to make any mistakes. Remember to pick up your aunt and uncle after dinner and sign the agreement."

"Okay, I understand."

After hanging up the phone, Zhou Feng stood in the corridor for a while, lost in thought.

These days are getting more and more exciting.

Previously, we worked 996 hours a day, worrying only about whether we could meet the monthly KPIs.

Later, I became the owner of the small shop, and my only concern was whether my monthly revenue was enough to make ends meet.

Now, all we're worried about are these confidentiality agreements; there are enemy agents waiting for us in the next world!

Back in the private room, Zhou Feng showed no sign of anything amiss, continuing to eat and drink as usual.

The meal was a pleasant one for both host and guests. After leaving the restaurant, Zhou Feng checked the time; it was only a little past two in the afternoon.

"Dad, Mom, why don't we go back to my place for a bit? Let us get familiar with the place, and I'll have someone arrange dinner for us tonight."

Ms. Li had no objections; she came here to see how her son was doing in Beiping.

Turning to Tao's mother, he said, "Why don't we go together? Let the children get to know each other better."

Just as Tao's mother was about to agree, Tao's father spoke up first: "No, no, we have some things to do this afternoon, let's make it another day."

As she spoke, she glanced at Tao Muyao and said, "Yaoyao, why don't you go and familiarize yourself with the place for your parents? You don't have anything else to do anyway."

The meaning of this statement shouldn't be too obvious.

Tao Muyao's face flushed red instantly, and she lowered her head and whispered "Mmm".

Zhou Feng chuckled to himself; this Uncle Tao was quite a character.

The two groups separated, and Zhou Feng got into the car with his parents and Tao Muyao.

Fortunately, they had brought two cars this time, and Old Li consciously went to the back car.

With Mr. Zhang driving, Mr. Zhou's father, under Ms. Li's watchful gaze, readily took the passenger seat.

Zhou Feng sat in the back row with Ms. Li and Tao Muyao.

Ms. Li intentionally sat in the middle, since the two children hadn't met many times, and it wouldn't be appropriate to squeeze them together right away.

But throughout the journey, Ms. Li kept talking, asking about Zhou Feng's work and Tao Muyao's situation. She was so enthusiastic that she seemed to have already treated Tao Muyao as her daughter-in-law.

It's almost as if they're grabbing one person in each hand and tying them together.

Tao Muyao was a little reserved at first, but Ms. Li was so good at chatting that she gradually opened up. She would occasionally exchange glances with Zhou Feng and then quickly look away.

The car quickly drove into the compound.

The armed police officer on guard at the gate saluted, Old Zhang honked the horn, and the car drove straight in.

Even Ms. Li shut her mouth, and she, Lao Zhou, and Tao Muyao stared blankly outside, their eyes wide open.

This place... looks unusual!

On Fuxing Road, not only is it a standalone house, but there are also armed guards at the gate. How could this be a private company?

Once the car came to a stop, Zhou Feng led everyone out of the car.

Ms. Li stood in the yard, looking at her surroundings, and remained silent for a long time.

Old Zhou looked even more incredulous, swallowed hard, and then turned his gaze to Zhou Feng: "You're saying this is where you live?"

Tao Muyao immediately shut her mouth. She had guessed that Zhou Feng was somewhat extraordinary, but she hadn't expected him to be this extraordinary!

Although this was the address where Lin Su and others held their meeting, and there was a laboratory below, Zhou Feng was not wrong.

The east room in this courtyard is indeed the two-story building where he lives every time he returns to the modern world; it is also the dormitory that Lin Su specially approved for him.

"Of course it's where I live, but it was arranged by the company. It's just one room, why are you making that face?"

Hearing Zhou Feng's words, Tao Muyao unconsciously twitched the corner of her mouth.

This guy's parents probably never came to Beiping and have no idea what Fuxing Road is.

The compound on this road, with guards stationed there, is definitely not a place where private individuals can live!

Or is it company-provided dormitory?

Which company has the capability to arrange dormitories in this place?

Those two horses combined wouldn't be enough!

Old Li and Old Zhang stood at the door and did not go in.

Zhou Feng led everyone into the main room and busied himself making tea and getting fruit.

Ms. Li sat on the mahogany chair, looking left and right, feeling as if she were dreaming.

Mr. Zhou quickly accepted reality, sitting on the sofa and crossing his legs: "Son, not bad! This place is much better than our old apartment!"

"If you like it, feel free to come and stay often." Zhou Feng poured everyone a cup of tea. "But you should let me know in advance so I can make arrangements."

Tao Muyao took the teacup, thanked her softly, but couldn't help taking in the furnishings of the room.

Antique-style furniture, calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls, and a blue and white porcelain vase in the corner...

This style is far superior to the decor of those nouveau riche.

After chatting for a while, Zhou Feng checked the time and decided it was about time.

"Mom, there's something I need to tell you and Dad."

Seeing his serious expression, Ms. Li also stopped smiling and said, "Go on."

"My job is a bit unusual right now. Although it's not a classified unit, I deal with some sensitive stuff." Zhou Feng carefully chose his words. "According to the requirements from above, you and my dad need to sign a confidentiality agreement. Uh... since Mu Yao is here, she probably needs to sign one too."

"A confidentiality agreement?" Zhou's father was taken aback. "What does that mean?"

"That means I can't tell outsiders about the work I do, the people I come into contact with, or even this house and this car," Zhou Feng explained. "Even if relatives and friends ask, I can only say that I'm in international trade, and I can't mention anything else."

Ms. Li and Mr. Zhou exchanged a glance.

"Is...it that serious?"

"It's not serious, just going through the motions." Zhou Feng smiled. "Don't worry, it's nothing bad, it's just that the higher-ups are keeping a close eye on things."

Tao Muyao looked at Zhou Feng with a strange expression.

This guy not only lives in a place that's unbelievably extravagant, but now he's even signed a confidentiality agreement?

Could he be helping the country sell weapons abroad?

Just then, footsteps sounded outside.

Not long after, Old Li knocked on the door: "President Zhou, Director Zhou is here."

Zhou Feng got up and went out to greet him; it was indeed Zhou Ming.

He was dressed casually, carrying a file folder, and smiled when he saw Zhou Feng: "What's up? Your aunt and uncle have arrived?"

"We've arrived. They're having tea inside."

Zhou Ming nodded and followed Zhou Feng into the house.

"Hello, uncles and aunts, I'm Zhou Ming, Zhou Feng's... well, we're colleagues."

He introduced himself, and his attitude was very polite.

Zhou Feng added afterward, "He's also my boss."

Ms. Li and Mr. Zhou quickly stood up, somewhat at a loss.

Leader? What leader?

Zhou Ming sat down naturally and placed the file bag on the table: "Uncles and aunts, and this lady, please don't be nervous. I'm just here to go through the motions. Zhou Feng is now a key member of our company, and he's involved in some core business. According to regulations, his immediate family members need to sign a confidentiality agreement. It's just a formality, mainly for everyone's safety."

"Safety?" Ms. Li keenly caught the word. "Sir, my son... he won't be in any danger, will he?"

Zhou Ming glanced at Zhou Feng and smiled, "Auntie, don't worry. Zhou Feng is in the trade business, not on the front lines. What danger could he possibly face? It's just that we need to keep relevant information confidential to prevent people from spying on us."

These words were so well-said that Ms. Li, though still having doubts, didn't press the matter further.

Tao Muyao, who was standing to the side, was not focused on this at all; the words "immediate family members" were flashing through her mind.

She definitely has no blood relation with Zhou Feng, so she is... his spouse?

Pshaw, that's overthinking it!

Zhou Ming took out three agreements from the file bag and spread them on the table: "Take a look, everyone. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

The agreement was not complicated; in essence, it stipulated that Zhou Feng's job duties, work location, and contacts could not be disclosed, or he would be held legally responsible.

Mr. Zhou looked at the agreement for a long time. Although he didn't understand some of the words, he understood the general meaning.

"If we sign this, does that mean we can't tell outsiders what Zhou Feng is doing?"

"Yes." Zhou Ming nodded. "If anyone asks, just say he's in international trade."

Ms. Li thought for a moment: "What if relatives ask? Like his maternal grandparents?"

"You can say that, but don't go into too much detail," Zhou Ming said with a smile. "Just say you work in Beiping and do some business. You don't need to say anything else."

The elderly couple exchanged a glance, and finally picked up the pen and signed the document.

Tao Muyao, needless to say, didn't even have the thought of questioning it and directly signed her name.

As for whether there might be a scam...

The address of this courtyard says it all.

Zhou Ming put away the agreement, chatted for a few more minutes, and then got up to take his leave.

After seeing Zhou Ming off, Zhou Feng returned to the house.

Ms. Li was chatting with Tao Muyao when she saw Zhou Feng come in. She waved and said, "Son, come and sit down."

Zhou Feng sat down, and Ms. Li suddenly asked, "Tell me the truth, what exactly does your company do? Anyway, we've already signed that agreement, so we can't tell anyone."

This question came out of nowhere.

Zhou Feng paused for a moment, then laughed and said, "Mom, didn't I tell you? International trade."

"Come on," Ms. Li rolled her eyes at him. "Your mother may be uneducated, but she's not stupid. What international trade requires a confidentiality agreement? What international trade allows people to live in a place like this? What international trade provides two bodyguards?"

Mr. Zhou nodded, "Son, although our family is poor, we don't expect you to be rich and powerful. If you do anything illegal..."

"dad!"

Zhou Feng interrupted him directly.

"Why don't you search our current location? Is it possible that we're doing anything illegal?"