Chapter 330: Visiting the Wu Family

Upon seeing the expressions of the youngsters behind him, Zuo Zhanshan knew they had come prepared to negotiate.

“You little rascals, come in, let’s have a proper discussion. But you must tell me where you obtained this drawing,” Zuo Zhanshan stated.

Zuo He raised his eyebrows, his gaze softening, and gestured upstairs. “Grandpa, you probably already have an idea of the artist. We just acquired it recently. What do you think? We were all amazed when we saw it. If this kind of clothing could be used for our field uniforms, it would be a significant advancement.”

As military personnel, they all understood the importance of reliable equipment—it meant life, plain and simple.

Zuo Zhanshan’s hands trembled slightly as he tightly held the thin piece of paper, feeling its weight as if it were a ton.

Once again, it was that young lass. He hadn’t misjudged—this child seemed unassuming but had a hand in everything.

Zuo Zhanshan pondered for a while, “Zuo Hao, you all sit down first. Let’s discuss this matter thoroughly.”

Initially, Zuo Zhanshan set aside the monetary aspect, focusing instead on the potential widespread benefits such clothing could bring to the soldiers. Therefore, submitting the design was a must. The key was figuring out how to present it to maximize their gains, requiring careful consideration.

Upon hearing Zuo Zhanshan’s thoughts on the idea of the three families collaborating, he also shared his perspective with them. The three realized they had oversimplified certain aspects.

Seeing his three younger relatives seeming a bit disheartened, Zuo Zhanshan chuckled, “Kids, perk up. The future outcome depends on our actions. Tomorrow, I’ll discuss this matter with Old Wu and let him take the lead, with me handling things on the side. There should be room for negotiation.”

Understanding their subdued demeanor, Zuo Zhanshan continued, realizing military supplies were typically produced by state-owned military factories. Their private endeavor had not yet reached the stage of supplying the military with goods from private factories, a dilemma for Zuo Zhanshan.

However, Zuo Zhanshan wouldn’t let go of such a good opportunity. Something advantageous for both parties was worth striving for.

After discussing their thoughts with Zuo Zhanshan in the study, Zuo He and the others returned to their rooms to rest.

The next day, Wu Changyong sent someone to pick them up. Unlike Zuo Zhanshan’s cautious approach, Wu Changyong boldly sent a car to pick them up, gathering the whole family. The Zuo family members rode in Zuo Zhanshan’s car together to the Wu residence.

Early in the morning, Wu Changyong’s wife, Zheng Furong, began preparing. Her husband spent a long time at the Wang family’s residence, their family had yet to formally meet the Wang couple. This visit from the Wang family was significant, and Wu Changyong had instructed their household to treat them well.

Today, all the descendants of the Wu family were present, following the instructions of the elder. Besides carrying out the elder’s orders, they were also curious to see what kind of people would dare to shelter their family at that time.

Over the years, the Wang family had not taken advantage of their hospitality or asked for repayment. Apart from regularly sending items to their family, they had made almost no demands. With a sense of curiosity, everyone wanted to see what kind of people the Wang family truly were and whether they were as shrewd as some whispered, possibly fishing for larger gains with a patient approach.

Yesterday, Wu Lei met the Wang family members. Though he didn’t know them well, the four university students from the Wang family all exuded remarkable grace. Contrary to their previous speculations, especially regarding business matters, Wang Zhenhe was willing to involve the Zuo family’s descendants. When discussing the business venture, Wang Zhenhe didn’t hesitate to invite Wu Lei to invest. In Wu Lei’s view, his involvement wouldn’t hinder Wang Zhenhe’s business. With the eldest of the Zuo family present in the South, their influence could certainly provide support for the Wang family.

Seeing the elder patriarch leave, Wu Yufen pulled aside her older brother and sister-in-law to discuss the guests arriving that day. “Brother, do you think they are here today to ask for a favor in return?”

The eldest son of the Wu family, Wu Jun, glanced thoughtfully at his elder sister. He also harbored suspicions. Back in those days, they didn’t dare have any contact with their father. Taking the risk to shelter their father and a few elderly gentlemen at that time must have a hidden agenda. However, what that agenda might be was unclear to him.

Money? Over the years, they never mentioned it. Instead, they frequently sent them quality items, items even he couldn’t easily acquire. Power? That period was the most unfortunate for their father, and no one could have foreseen the day of his exoneration. He had pondered over this matter for a long time but had no answers yet.

“You’ll know what kind of people they are once you meet them, Sister. Don’t rush. However, I remind you all, he is our family’s benefactor after all. Be cautious with your words. The Wang family is not to be underestimated. They’ve raised four university-educated children, who are all remarkable individuals. So, be careful with your words. Although they come from a rural background, there might be things we don’t fully understand,” Wu Jun advised.

Wu Jun was indeed the eldest and had more experience and foresight than his younger siblings, given his age.

Upon hearing the eldest brother’s words, everyone nodded in agreement.

Wu Ping, the second eldest, was indifferent to these matters. “Brother, Sister, do you know that the popular song ‘Bloody Elegance’ was written by the eldest son of the Wang family? I heard he even received a military merit for it. That young man is truly remarkable. He seems quiet, but turns out to be quite talented.”

Mingcheng and the others had met before, but usually only when Mingcheng came to deliver items. Since Mingcheng didn’t visit often, they weren’t very familiar with his situation. Their father didn’t speak much about him upon his return, so they had limited knowledge. It was through Wu Ping’s war buddies that they learned about the song penned by this young man from their household.

“He wrote it? I had no idea,” Wu Yufen and her sister, Wu Yujiao, exclaimed in surprise.

Zheng Furong and her daughter-in-law had been busy in the kitchen for a while and had yet to see their daughters. The elderly lady personally came to call them for assistance.

“Yufen, Yujiao, both of you, stop sitting around. We’re swamped in the kitchen and could use your help. Don’t consider yourselves guests; get up and lend a hand,” the elderly lady urged.

Upon hearing the elderly lady’s instructions, the two sisters quickly went to help, leaving only some men in the room. Wu Ping noticed his younger brother sitting on the sofa in silence and couldn’t resist teasing him.

“Youngest brother, Dad took you to meet them yesterday. How about sharing what happened with us?” Wu Lei glanced at his younger brother, lounging with crossed legs, and leisurely replied, “Brother, when did you become so nosy, eager for gossip? What I say may not be accurate. Once you meet them, you’ll understand who they are. Don’t judge them prematurely. I bet their circumstances might even surpass ours. Don’t underestimate them just because they come from the countryside; I suspect they might even be wealthier than us.”

Upon hearing his revelation, everyone in the room exchanged glances, sharing a common thought: Could it be true? Raising four children and sending them to school while relying on farming for a living seemed improbable for a couple like them.

Wu Ping chuckled, “Little brother, you sure know how to joke. Don’t act like we know nothing about rural conditions. Our family also spent time in the countryside. How many years have passed? Have rural folks all become wealthy now? If that’s the case, I’ll immediately shed this military uniform and start farming too.”

Wu Lei grinned and glanced at Wu Ping, “Brother, don’t be so quick to judge. You’ll see the truth once you meet them. By the way, I plan to do business with the Wang family in the future.”

With that, he stood up and headed out to welcome the Wang family.

Wu Ping was taken aback by his brother’s words and blinked, looking at his elder brother. “Brother, is what our younger brother said true? Am I hearing correctly? The Wang family is venturing into business themselves? Hmm, quite intriguing.”

Outside, as Wu Lei arrived at the door, the cars of both Wu’s and Zuo’s patriarchs had already arrived. If they hadn’t stopped to pick up Old Chen along the way, they might have arrived earlier.

“Brother Wang, sister-in-law, you’ve finally arrived. Please come in and have a seat,” welcomed Wu Lei.

Wu Lei warmly welcomed everyone inside. Wang Qian observed the residence of Wu’s patriarch, a standalone courtyard within a larger compound where military families resided. She noticed the military attire of those coming and going from the neighboring houses. However, the Wu family’s house was larger, likely reflecting Wu’s seniority.

Seeing Zhang Lan and the others carrying items, Wu Lei quickly took them. “Sister-in-law, it’s great that you all could come. Why bring gifts? Mom, our guests have arrived.”

Taking the items, he promptly called out towards the kitchen.

Upon hearing her son’s voice, Zheng Furong quickly wiped her hands and hurried out.

Zhang Lan’s eyes lit up upon seeing Wu’s patriarch’s wife. This elderly lady exuded a pleasant aura, looking prosperous and somewhat resembling Maitreya Buddha—a person with a generous heart.

“Auntie, we’re here to visit you today,” Zhang Lan greeted warmly.

Zheng Furong’s first impression of Zhang Lan was quite favorable. This woman was pleasant-looking and exuded a gentle aura with a constant smile, making others feel comfortable at first glance.

“Niece, it’s finally nice to see you. Is this nephew Wang Zhenhe?” Zheng Furong inquired.

The elderly lady could immediately sense the couple’s marital harmony upon seeing Wang Zhenhe beside Zhang Lan. Wang Zhenhe nodded with a smile, “Auntie, yes, it’s me. It’s great to finally meet you. Uncle Wu used to mention you quite often.”

Old Wu’s came over and introduced his wife to everyone. Seeing the four children from the Wang family, even the elderly lady couldn’t resist praising them.

“Nephew, Uncle would often advise our grandchildren to learn from your children. Now, I truly understand the saying ‘seeing is believing.’ Each one of them is outstanding. You two have done a remarkable job, raising four university students. It’s truly commendable,” she expressed.