Initially, the state wanted to invigorate the warriors' spirit by allowing internal fights outside the bases. However, without restrictions, individuals tend to become unbridled, forming habits difficult to alter.

Additionally, the central finance department introduced a subsidy for warriors, including several high-value insurance packages. This was to ensure the warriors' posthumous matters were taken care of, allowing them to fight without worries.

During the recent conference, Shao Qi attended daily, always making a public appearance. Once communication was restored, every base broadcasted the event. Marshal Shao's young and handsome visage dominated screens, instantly making him a national icon. Daily trending topics revolved around him, and no one dared criticize him for monopolizing public attention.

As soon as the conference concluded, Shao Qi was the first to leave. Reporters awaited to interview him, so he had to make a quick exit.

The moment he stepped into his car, a microphone was thrust in front of him, "Hehe, Marshal Shao, would you grant us a short interview for CCTV News? It'll just take a few minutes."

Pushing the microphone away, Shao Qi settled in his car, motioning the driver to start. Only then did he address her, "Shao Zhen, is this your usual approach for interviews?"

"Of course not! Usually, I'm much more prestigious. With your reputation, whoever I want to interview is just a request away. Except you. You always declined my interview requests. Now that you've finally shown your face, our superiors insist that I secure exclusive interview content. If I succeed, I could get a promotion."

After graduation, Shao Zhen worked at a television station. Although her career was unremarkable, she never used the Shao family's influence to her advantage.

But with Shao Qi now in the spotlight, Shao Zhen hoped to seize the opportunity to interview him. A successful interview could be a turning point for her career.

Shao Qi, typically oblivious to his younger cousin's profession, nodded after hearing her out, "Alright, I'll grant you a ten-minute exclusive interview when we get home."

"Yes!" Shao Zhen exclaimed joyfully, then whispered a warning, "Bro, let me tell you something. You're in hot water. Grandpa is furious. You better think of a way to handle it."

Without pondering, Shao Qi knew the reason for his grandfather's anger. Rumors about his marriage were rampant. If not for Zhou You's absence from the Dawn City, he probably couldn't even step out of his home. Such significant news must've reached his family. Their restraint in not calling him was probably due to acknowledging his busy schedule.

"Understood." Shao Qi wasn't concerned. His marriage was his decision, including choosing his partner. The only valid criticism might be not informing his family beforehand. But he had been in Yang City then and didn't have the time, right?

The car pulled into a large compound housing senior military officers. But this wasn't Shao Qi's allocated residence; it was a house given to his grandfather during his military days, which had remained in the family ever since.

As they parked in front of a two-story building, an old man leaning on a cane stood at the entrance, glaring intently at the car's occupants.

Shao Qi approached and embraced him, "Grandfather, I'm back."

"Hmph, you finally remembered to return." The elder Mr. Shao pushed him away, peeking behind him and inquired with furrowed brows, "Why did you come back alone?"

Shao Zhen immediately lunged forward, hugging his arm and said playfully, "Grandpa, don't I count? Didn't you notice me?"

"Enough of your antics. You know whom I'm asking about. Hmph! What kind of person is too afraid to show their face? Could it be a spouse too embarrassed to meet the in-laws?" God knows how he felt when he heard rumors about having a grandson-in-law; he had thought it was mere gossip.

The Shao siblings each supported one of his arms and led him inside, explaining, "Zhou You had some matters in Yang City. We'll bring him to meet you once he's here."

"Zhou You, this man… I wouldn’t care if he's just an ordinary man, but I heard he's merely a commoner?"

"Who said that?" Shao Qi raised an eyebrow, knowing that anyone familiar with Zhou You wouldn't say such a thing.

The elder Mr. Shao showed him the photos he received, all of which were taken secretly, starting from the Jiangnan base. He wondered who was capable of this.

The man in the pictures was flawless in terms of height and appearance, but by a martial artist's standards, he clearly didn't qualify. Saying he was a commoner was expected; the only question was the sender's intent.

"Grandpa, isn't your grandson-in-law handsome?" Shao Qi asked proudly.

"Hmph, what's there to see in a man? Besides, I don’t just look at faces."

"Wait a while, and I'll call him. Let him speak to you; I guarantee you'll like him."

Upon hearing he could speak to his grandson-in-law, the elder Mr. Shao grew anxious, touching his chin and saying, "Now might not be a good time. Maybe in a few days? My throat's been bothering me."

Shao Qi chuckled softly, "A sore throat is fine, as long as you can speak. Perhaps you should think about what you want to say later. I'm hungry; let's eat."

"Eat what? We didn't prepare your meal at home!" The elder exclaimed impatiently, casting glances at his grandson, who seemed oblivious as he headed straight for the kitchen. The table was set with freshly cooked delicacies, clearly prepared for his return.

Taking a bite of meat, he shook his head and remarked, "Ah, it doesn't taste as good as the dishes Zhou You makes. Next time he's here, I'll have you taste his culinary skills."

Chapter 194: Interview

"Take a seat. Xiao Zhen is outside waiting to interview you. Let's keep it short." The elder tossed aside his walking stick, opened a hidden compartment in his study, revealing a laptop which he handed to Shao Qi, "Inside are some intel about Dawn City during your absence. The contact you provided has been very useful."