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Wang Zhenhe looked at his daughter’s playful expression and affectionately put his arm around her shoulder. “That’s why I always say, we keep learning throughout our lives. When you’re out and about, listen and observe more, speak less. Because too many words often lead to mistakes. You’re still young now, but as you grow older, you’ll understand what I mean.”
Returning home with a pile of money, Wang Zhenhe took out the envelopes, carefully placed each family’s share of the profits inside, grabbed the account book, and with the fruits in hand, he led his daughter to visit the Cong and Yang families.
Both families were at home that day. Wang Zhenhe gathered everyone together. Despite the children being the ones involved in the business, the support of the adults was crucial. Therefore, involving the adults in the distribution of the money was necessary to avoid any misunderstandings.
“Brother Yang, Brother Cong, take a look at this year’s accounts. Yesterday, Xuan and I went through them together. Please review these three account books. Yang Nuo, Cong Tao, take a look as well. Money matters need to be clearly understood by all. Only then can I feel reassured,” Wang Zhenhe explained.
As they delved into the accounts, Yang Mingxuan had seen Wang Zhenhe’s meticulous record-keeping before, but the accounts from the capital were new to him. Seeing how well Wang Xuan maintained the records left even him impressed. The numbers on the pages surprised him.
“Zhenhe, these kids really made this much money? Damn, they’ve outearned me by quite a bit,” the adults exclaimed.
Cong Tao proudly chimed in, “Dad, don’t underestimate us. Your son is also doing well. Xuan’s record-keeping is flawless. We review the accounts every weekend. We could already estimate how much we’d make this year. Dad, how about some encouragement and a reward for us?”
Zhao Ru playfully patted her son on the back, “Can’t you be a bit more modest? Look at Yang Nuo, he’s much more composed than you.”
Cong Tao grinned and glanced at his good friend, “Well, I can’t imitate him. I’m fine just the way I am.”
Feeling a bit nervous when Cong Tao dragged his words, Yang Nuo was relieved when his friend didn’t say anything, giving him a satisfied look.
“Well done, Brother Zhenhe. Your accounts are flawless. Are you feeling reassured now?” Cong and Yang praised.
After reviewing the account books and profit distribution, the Cong and Yang brothers found everything in order. They were impressed by Wang Zhenhe’s approach, knowing that money could reveal a person’s character. Despite not investing any money themselves, they trusted and appreciated Wang Zhenhe for his integrity.
Wang Qian cheerfully placed the money bags from both families on the table, “Uncles, here is the money for both of your families. Let’s all count it together. We’ll make sure everything is clear. Once the money is counted, my dad will be even more at ease. I bet he’ll sleep better tonight than ever before.”
Her words elicited laughter from the group. “Alright, let’s do it. Let’s all pitch in and count our shares. If we count correctly, Dad will give you lucky money for the New Year.”
Cong Wei brought in some young helpers without hesitation. With a whoosh, the bags were emptied, revealing a large sum of money. Seeing the actual cash made everyone present astonished and delighted, realizing that the numbers were more tangible and impressive in physical form.
“Wow, so much money! That can buy a lot of candy, right?” Cong Yu, the little girl, couldn’t help but feel excited at the sight of so much money. The two families began counting their shares and found that every penny was accounted for.
After sorting out their own money, Ge Yun and Zhao Ru, Yang Mingxuan patted Wang Zhenhe on the shoulder. “Brother, come over to our place tonight for some drinks. You’ve been working hard all year to earn money for us. This meal is a big brother’s way of thanking you. You’ve done well, even bringing our two children along to prosper. Don’t bother cooking tonight; it’s all planned.”
Wang Zhenhe readily agreed, feeling relieved after distributing the money. “Sure, we’ll come over for dinner. And Yang Nuo, after the New Year, I reckon there will be more fruits and goods coming your way once the school year starts. I’ve sent some over this time. Keep an eye out for them.”
Dividing the fruits brought over, Wang Qian distributed them to both families. Cong Yu happily followed Wang Qian, asking for a piece to eat. Her chubby cheeks made her especially adorable. Wang Qian gently patted her cheek, handing her a big mango. “Sure, take this big mango. Enjoy it slowly. Don’t eat too much, or you won’t have room for dinner later.”
As they had more deliveries to make in the afternoon, they didn’t stay long and headed back. Near their doorstep, Wang Qian unexpectedly ran into Shan Shuzhen, an acquaintance she hadn’t seen in a long time. Wang Qian stayed back to chat with her while Wang Zhenhe went ahead to handle the deliveries. Since there was a deep connection between Shan Shuzhen and their family, Wang Zhenhe left his daughter behind for the conversation and went on ahead.
“Auntie Shan, it’s been so long since we last met. What have you been busy with lately? I haven’t seen you around,” Wang Qian inquired.
Shan Shuzhen sighed with a bitter smile, “Qian Qian, your uncle fell ill, so we traveled out of town to seek medical treatment. Despite spending a considerable amount, his condition didn’t improve. We’ve returned, and I’ve been trying various remedies to help him. It’s tough when there’s a sick person at home. Not only do they suffer, but we share their pain. The financial strain adds to the difficulty. It’s really challenging.”
With a heavy heart, Shan Shuzhen expressed her concerns, highlighting the anxiety the ill family member was causing her.
Curious about the mysterious illness affecting Shan Shuzhen’s husband, causing such distress even to the usually optimistic Shan Shuzhen, Wang Qian asked, “Auntie, what illness does Uncle have that’s so severe?”
Seeing the little girl’s earnest concern, Shan Shuzhen felt a warm sense of comfort. Despite her young age, Wang Qian’s genuine care and attention were unmistakable and deeply touching.
“We’re at a loss about his illness. After visiting several doctors and undergoing tests, we still don’t know what’s wrong. Your uncle has lost his appetite and weight. Our entire family relies on him to lead the way, but now our pillar of support is faltering. It’s a cause of great worry for me,” Shan Shuzhen explained with a heavy heart.
Unable to identify the illness, Wang Qian didn’t find it particularly surprising. After all, some conditions remain undetectable even in modern times. However, considering Shan Shuzhen had helped her family during difficult times, Wang Qian felt compelled to assist this kind-hearted woman in any way possible.
“Auntie Shan, we have a type of honey at home that is said to have effective healing properties. You can head back first, and I’ll bring it over later. Let your husband try it out. Hopefully, it can help him. Even if it doesn’t cure the illness, at least it’s beneficial for health,” Wang Qian suggested.
Shan Shuzhen, feeling hopeful amidst the uncertainty of her husband’s condition, expressed her gratitude to Wang Qian. “Dear, I truly appreciate your kind gesture. Once your uncle recovers, we’ll make sure to thank you properly.”
Wang Qian wasn’t seeking gratitude; she simply wanted to help. If saving a life meant bringing hope to another family, it was a worthwhile endeavor. Moreover, Shan Shuzhen and her husband, Liu Bingyi, were good people.
Returning home, Wang Qian retrieved honey and royal jelly from her space. Believing in the power of multiple remedies, she prepared both to potentially aid in Liu Bingyi’s recovery.
Arriving at Liu’s house with the items, a strong medicinal scent greeted her at the door. Liu Bingyi lay in bed, his once robust stature now reduced to a mere shadow of his former self. Wang Qian was taken aback by his appearance. His emaciated figure and pallid complexion were a stark contrast to the man he used to be. Witnessing his current state, she couldn’t help but feel immense sympathy, especially considering the distress his family must be experiencing.
“Uncle, do you still recognize me? It’s Qian Qian,” Wang Qian gently held Liu Bingyi’s hand, which was now mostly bones with very little flesh.
“Uncle, I understand you’re suffering. Listen to me. This is for you to drink. Treat it like water. Whenever you feel like drinking, mix it in and have it. If you finish it, ask Auntie to let me know,” Wang Qian explained, offering the honey and royal jelly to Liu Bingyi.
Liu Bingyi nodded, his eyes welling up with tears. After being ill for so long and with financial troubles looming, he felt abandoned by most relatives. The visit from Wang Qian injected a glimmer of hope into his despair. Shan Shuzhen held her husband’s hand, tears streaming down her face.
“HUsband, can you hear me? Qian Qian brought medicine for you. Don’t lose hope; everything will be fine. You’ve always said this girl is very capable. If she says this can help, then it will. Maybe what Qian Qian brought can cure you,” Shan Shuzhen reassured her husband.
Shan Shuzhen wasted no time, preparing a warm mixture of honey and royal jelly in water for her husband to drink. Initially, Liu Bingyi didn’t notice much, attributing the warm sensation to the water. However, he appreciated Wang Qian’s gesture. If this remedy could cure him, he was willing to do anything to show his gratitude for her lifesaving act.