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At this moment, having a colored TV at home was a matter of great pride, something worth boasting about to relatives and friends.
While Zhang Lan and her family awaited the delivery of the TVs, they didn’t rush. They allowed the Cong and Yang families to handle the external arrangements. None of them had thought about keeping one for themselves. The high price of the TVs made it impractical. Wang Qian was aware that in a couple of years, Colored TVs would become more readily available, just like mushrooms after the rain. Therefore, they weren’t in a hurry. She even considered buying a black and white TV as a decoration for their rural home in the future.
However, at present, they had no plans to purchase one. Since no household in their village had bought a TV yet, they were even less inclined to do so. Their family, supporting four children’s education, faced financial constraints. Wang Qian didn’t want to give her grandmother the wrong impression that they were wealthy and could be taken advantage of. She disliked feeling manipulated and preferred to avoid unnecessary attention. Being discreet about certain matters was always prudent. After all, accumulating wealth required caution and secrecy.
In the past few days, Yang Mingxuan and his companions had been busy with this venture. Surprisingly, they managed to gather funds for a total of thirty-five TVs. Some eager buyers had the intention to purchase, but ultimately, the financial aspect posed a hurdle. When Ge Yun and Zhao Ru reported the figure of thirty-five TVs to Zhang Lan, even she was taken aback. It was surprising to see a small county town capable of accommodating so many Colored TVs, revealing that there were indeed affluent individuals discreetly residing there.
Furthermore, these buyers came prepared with cash in advance, as if anticipating urgent need. Seeing the large sum of money Ge Yun and Zhao Ru brought, Zhang Lan couldn’t help but feel a bit apprehensive. The amount of money involved raised concerns – if Lin Xi’s side didn’t proceed as expected, there was a risk of losing it all.
“Sister, there’s no need to rush with the money. The TVs haven’t arrived yet, and holding onto so much cash makes me uneasy,” Zhang Lan voiced her concerns.
Ge Yun and Zhao Ru, however, were resolute. With the money delivered, the purchase of the Colored TVs was considered a done deal.
“Sister, hold onto the money for now. We’ll need it for various factory operations and such. When the TVs arrive, we’ll pick them up directly to avoid any complications. This money wasn’t something we demanded; it was forcefully delivered by friends and family. They eagerly handed it over, so we can’t refuse. Quickly deposit the funds in the bank for safekeeping. It’s not easy for you, Sister, managing this large operation alone in Zhenhe’s absence. Your courage and capabilities are truly admirable. Despite your gentle appearance, when it comes to getting things done, you outshine us all. Your courage is something we lack,” Ge Yun expressed, acknowledging Zhang Lan’s remarkable strength and determination.
Zhang Lan couldn’t help but smile wryly. While others only saw the surface, the journey for her and her husband had been supported by their daughter behind the scenes. However, she couldn’t disclose this. She felt that her children were their family’s lucky stars and deserved to be well protected.
“Sister, you’re being too kind. We were also pushed to the brink. Initially, we were truly poor. When our children started pursuing education – with our son entering university first – as parents, we had no choice but to support them. Each of our four children required a significant amount for their education. It was a necessity for us to progress to where we are now.”
Ge Yun and Zhao Ru assisted Zhang Lan in recounting the money and accompanied her to deposit it in the bank. Given the substantial sum involved, their presence brought some reassurance. Zhang Lan’s petite stature wouldn’t be a match in case of a robbery.
“Sister, take some fruit juice home with you. It will help cool down a bit. After all, it’s produced in our home. Prioritize our family members first.”
Ge Yun and Zhao Ru hesitantly declined, “Sister, that wouldn’t be right. Those are meant for sale.”
Zhang Lan tightly linked arms with Ge Yun and Zhao Ru, saying, “Sisters, you won’t be drinking the fruit juice for nothing. You’re helping us taste the flavors. If there’s anything off, please let us know so we can make improvements. I also care about the children at home. Let’s keep them away from sodas and have them enjoy our nutritious fruit juice instead.”
Upon returning to the factory, they each carried a box of fruit juice, with an agreement in place to return the empty bottles since their family had no use for them.
With the TV orders settled for the Cong and Yang families, Zhang Lan, following her children’s suggestions, set aside a TV as a reward. This particular TV would serve as an incentive for the market in Capital. The family with the highest year-end orders would receive this TV as a reward for their exceptional sales performance.
Upon hearing about this incentive, Wang Xuan and the others quickly spread the news about the TV reward, leading to a significant surge in sales in Capital. Consequently, the supply from Zhang Lan’s side began to feel insufficient. Wang Qian proposed purchasing another property nearby to expand and accommodate the increasing demand, also providing storage space for additional deliveries from Xinjiang.
Thus, after some discussion, Zhang Lan took the lead in buying another property following the suggestion. With the new factory set to be established, additional manpower was required. Yang Mingxuan and Cong Wei recommended a few young individuals who were idle at home, helping to bridge the gap. Since Zhang Lan also needed more hands, they were included in the arrangements.
Zhang Lan found herself missing Wang Zhenhe. While he didn’t seem exceptional at home, his absence amplified the pressure she felt. Balancing the responsibilities of managing the factory, overseeing her children’s lives and studies, and coping with the day-to-day challenges weighed heavily on her. Despite her two responsible and obedient children, she still had a lot to worry about. Being a business-savvy woman was undoubtedly a challenging role. At this moment, she couldn’t help but admire Lin Xi’s capabilities.
Wang Qian could sense the recent pressures her mother was under. She lay with a smile on her mother’s lap, comforting her, “Mom, don’t burden yourself too much. As long as our products sell well and we make a profit, that’s the best outcome. Even if things don’t go as planned, we can always come up with new ideas. Grandma’s store business is doing great, right? With that as a backup, we shouldn’t worry about anything. Just go ahead boldly; we’re here to support you, Mom.”
Although Mingyuan was grown up, seeing his sister nestled on their mother’s lap, he also leaned in beside Zhang Lan. It felt like old times as he held Zhang Lan’s hand, tenderly caressing it, offering comfort and reassurance.
“Mom, you don’t need to worry about me and my sister. We know what we need to do. Besides, regarding our academic achievements and university entrance, while I can’t guarantee a perfect score, it’s pretty much a sure thing. You need to take care of yourself, Mom. You’ve been eating less lately. Making money is important, but we also need to live well. After my exams, I can come to the factory to help you out.” Mingyuan said.
The heartfelt words from her children truly touched Zhang Lan. Knowing her children were responsible and capable, she couldn’t afford to hold them back. She aimed to be a strong support for all four of her children.
Caressing their heads, Zhang Lan responded, “Qianqian, Mingyuan, I feel that your father and I are working a bit harder now so that when you start your careers, you won’t have to struggle as much. I just want you to have a better life in the future, not to endure the hardships we faced in the past. I’ve experienced those tough times already, and I hope my children can live happily every day without having to go through the same struggles.”
After hearing their mother’s words, the siblings remained silent, their eyes shimmering with emotion.
It took Wang Qian a moment of silence before she spoke up, “Mom, we will strive for a better future. Each of us will find happiness as long as we work towards it. Happiness will surely be ours.”
Not long after, the Colored TVs brought by Lin Xi’s friend arrived safely. Upon receiving the news, Yang Mingxuan and Cong Wei immediately informed those who had prepaid. Just when everyone was getting anxious, the arrival of the TVs cooled their nerves, bringing a sense of relief.