Chapter 195

The overseas-Chinese wearing glasses is called Gu Zhanwang. He returned to his homeland with his father before the new year to join the Army of National Construction. Now, he was planning to invest in a shopping mall. Although the privatization of enterprises would take a few more years to achieve, with various industries waiting for development, there were always exceptions for attracting investment. Although this shopping mall was under the guise of state ownership, the proportion of state-owned capital was already very low, so low that it didn’t even have decision-making power.

“Kid, here’s the thing,” Gu Zhanwang pointed to the wall. “We want to invite the person who painted these paintings to help us with our shopping mall. The time and remuneration are negotiable. The mall won’t be built so quickly, so it’s okay to come during the summer and winter vacations. I guarantee you the best treatment.”

Fantuan shook his head without hesitation. “We don’t have time, and we only design for our own family’s shops, not for outsiders.”

Gu Zhanwang paused. “So, you painted these? You didn’t have to reject me so early. You could have discussed it with your parents first. Maybe they have different opinions?”

Fantuan shook his head again and said, “We can make our own decisions. Things are precious when they are scarce. Strictly speaking, we are competitors. If we help you paint for your mall, then our shop won’t be the only one in the world. Being less exclusive will affect our business.”

Gu Zhanwang: “Was this kid thinking too much?

Gu Zhanwang began to doubt life. Looking closely at this small shop of no more than fifty square meters, was it already excellent enough to compete with him?

“How old are you this year?” This kid was at most in his teens, right? His logic and reasoning were quite irrefutable.

Fantuan said, “I’m thirteen. Age doesn’t matter. When I was five, I could already make my own decisions.”

After finishing a bowl of rice, Xiao Roubao finally lifted his chubby face from the bowl and added, “Our family is very democratic. When I was three, I could decide whether to eat three bowls of rice or five bowls of rice. Uncle Yang, I want another bowl of rice!”

Gu Zhanwang: “This chubby kid who probably hasn’t been weaned yet knows about democracy? This family is extraordinary. He was even more curious about what kind of parents could raise such a child.

Gu Zhanwang adjusted his glasses and said, “Kid, forgive me for being frank. Your little shop currently can’t be considered as my competitor. These murals of yours are also not irreplaceable. I can easily find a few artists to take a look at and still get the same result. It’s not that difficult.”

Fantuan said, “One can draw the same material, but different people will produce vastly different results. You can try to see if you can achieve the effect of our shop.” Fantuan pointed to his head, “And don’t underestimate my mom. We will open many branches in the future, not just in the capital but also in other cities. We can design each store differently. How many stores can your mall open? We can open hundreds or thousands of stores, and we can design each one differently. No matter how you follow suit, we are the pioneers. Just on this point, you can’t compare.”

Gu Zhanwang, who considered himself successful, has lived in advanced countries for many years and has seen a lot of different things. Wherever he goes, some people respectfully shout “Mr. Gu.” Today, he was truly taught a lesson by a thirteen-year-old kid. No, even the chubby kid who eats a lot also taught him a lesson.

It is truly gratifying to see the strength of the youth of his motherland.

Gu Zhanwang said, “I want to meet your parents. Would it be convenient to meet them?”

Fantuan was holding rice in his mouth, and Zhuzi continued: “It’s not a matter of whether it’s convenient or not. They’re very busy and might not come back for lunch.”

Gu Zhanwang: “So, can you tell me who painted these murals?”

Fantuan said, “We all had a hand in it. It was spontaneous; we thought of something and painted it. If you want to copy it, we’ll change it into something else in a couple of days. You surely won’t copy us, will you?”

Gu Zhanwang couldn’t believe it. He really didn’t know what to say anymore. He had learned about the “Three Meals, Four Seasons” business model before coming here and asked, “Can I book a meal here?”

“You wait, let me check.” Fantuan, naturally welcoming business, went to the cash register to check the reservation book and said, “This week is fully booked. The earliest available slot is next Tuesday, but the menu for next week hasn’t been finalized yet. If you don’t mind, you can book.”

Gu Zhanwang took out a few big bills from his wallet and said, “Book two portions for me every day after next Tuesday. I’ll come over whenever I’m free.”

It was regrettable not to see their parents today. He still wanted to meet them.

Fantuan said, “If it’s past mealtime and you don’t show up, we won’t refund the money.”

Gu Zhanwang nodded. “I understand.”

Having money without making a profit is a fool. Fantuan registers the money and schedules a time for him to sign.

Gu Zhanwang was even more surprised when he saw Fantuan’s handwriting: “You even write so well?”

Fantuan waved his hand and said, “Don’t mock me. My handwriting is the ugliest in my family.”

Fantuan was telling the truth. His handwriting was undoubtedly much better than an average person’s, but he didn’t have the patience of Zhuzi and Xiao Doubao to practice hard. In terms of handwriting, he admitted that he wasn’t as good as them.

Gu Zhanwang said, “He didn’t really want to talk to this smart kid anymore. It was easy to get discouraged.

……………..

After Gu Zhanwang left, Zhuzi asked, “What if he really sets his sights on our store and learns all our murals?”

Fantuan said, “There’s nothing we can do. Mom said decoration is just the icing on the cake. Our products are the key to retaining customers. It’s inevitable for others to follow suit, and we can’t control it. Haven’t you noticed that the new shops nearby have imitated our shop? Some even painted murals on the exterior walls, but it doesn’t affect our business.”

Zhuzi nodded. “That’s true.”

Su Xiaoxiao came back late today due to some business. Upon entering the door, she heard the conversation between the cubs and asked, “What’s going on today?”

Fantuan recounted the events, and Su Xiaoxiao thought for a moment before saying, “Actually, if it doesn’t affect your studies, it’s okay for you to take on this job to earn some pocket money. It can both exercise you and help you build a reputation. But you can only do it during the winter and summer vacations, not during regular school days.”

Fantuan replied, “Even if our reputation grows bigger, what difference does it make? We don’t lack fame, and we don’t lack pocket money either. Anyway, he’s just our imaginary enemy now. I’ve already boasted about it. Mom, you have to expand the restaurant nationwide in the future; otherwise, I’ll lose face.”

Su Xiaoxiao: “………”

“Alright, for the sake of our eldest son’s face, Mom will work hard,” she finally said.

Su Xiaoxiao accidentally overheard her classmates talking about the recent increase in gold prices. Nowadays, any family with some wealth or a history of being landlords tends to store gold, silver, and jewelry. In later years, during house rebuilding and foundation laying, numerous treasures have been unearthed. Students with family connections advise that if one wants to monetize gold, it is best to do so within the next two years. The principle that extremes will reverse or decline remains constant. Currently, international gold prices have risen unusually high.

Su Xiaoxiao actually wants to turn gold into real estate as soon as possible and reserve some money to wait for two years of reform and open up to maximize assets. However, Han Songbai currently lives in an old house and has recently married his aunt, making it inconvenient to dig for gold.

When Han Cheng returned in the evening, Su Xiaoxiao told him about this matter.

Han Cheng said, “There’s nothing inconvenient about it. The old house is registered under my name, and we don’t plan to keep the gold to ourselves. We’ll just discuss it openly with Uncle.”

Su Xiaoxiao shook her head and said, “It’s not appropriate. I think it’s better to first investigate the sudden appearance of the uncle’s new wife. What if she married uncle for ulterior motives? I don’t know if it’s because I’m sensitive, but when I hear the surname Jiang, I always feel a little uneasy.”

Han Cheng glanced at his wife, hugged her, and finally kissed her. “Jiang Xue and I are not what you think. Perhaps she has that idea, but I don’t. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be Fantuan and Doubao.”

Su Xiaoxiao sighed and lightly hit him. “You’re overthinking it. That’s not what I meant.”

Han Cheng stroked her arm and said, “As long as it’s not, it’s good.”

Han Cheng thought that Su Xiaoxiao’s persistence in buying a yard was due to the consideration that in the future, Dabao and Xiaobao would also come to the capital to attend university, and by then, Su Weimin and Li Yufeng might come to live with them. They didn’t plan to return to the old house; that yard wouldn’t be enough.

Han Cheng thought it was time to put the matter of digging up the gold on the agenda.

Speaking of the old Han family house, Jiang Huai has been visiting it quite frequently lately. Today they played chess, tomorrow they had a drink, and the day after they shared a roast duck, all under the guise of fostering family relationships. After all, nowadays, Jiang Huai would always call Han Songbai “brother-in-law” in every sentence he spoke. Those who didn’t know would think they had a deep relationship.

Jiang Huai placed a black piece and casually said, “Brother-in-law, I think the yard in our alley belongs to your family and is the most impressive. But, indeed, it hasn’t been renovated for some years. You and my sister have been married for so long, don’t you plan to renovate it?”

Without much thought, Han Songbai intercepted with a white piece and shook his head. “We’re used to it. Old things have their own charm. The tiles on this roof are all in good condition. Qiulan is resourceful. After marrying me, she has managed the inside and outside of this house well. Even if you give me a new house, I won’t change it.”

Jiang Huai sighed. “That’s a pity. I think it’s comfortable to live in a new yard.”

Han Songbai disagreed: “You’re destined for wealth and status; I’m destined for simplicity. I wouldn’t feel comfortable living in a new house; I prefer this old one.”

Seeing that he wasn’t getting through, Jiang Huai lost interest in continuing the chess game, glanced at the time, and said, “It’s almost time; I’ll go pick up my grandson from school. Let’s continue another day.”

Jiang Qiulan was preparing dinner. “Big brother, aren’t you staying for dinner?”

Jiang Huai waved his hand and said, “Not today. Next time. You take good care of my sister.”

Jiang Qiulan nodded. “Don’t worry, big brother. Big Brother Han treats me well. Let me see you out.”

Han Songbai waved his hand and said, “Go on.”

After the two left, Han Songbai looked at their backs, his expression unreadable.

Passing through the drooping flower gate, Jiang Huai couldn’t wait to ask, “You couldn’t find out anything?”

Jiang Qiulan replied, “Brother, I found out everything. Han Songbai is just an empty shell; he doesn’t have any properties under his name. The registration of this yard is under Han Cheng’s name. As for the gold you mentioned, I’ve searched inside and out of the yard countless times recently. Not to mention gold, I haven’t even seen silver.”

Jiang Huai squinted. “What did you say? The yard is registered under Han Cheng’s name. When did this happen?” He had checked before, and it wasn’t under Han Cheng’s name.

Jiang Qiulan shook her head. “I’m not sure, but it was Brother Han who said it himself. He said he would settle things properly for me before he died, but this yard would be left to Han Cheng and his children.”

Jiang Huai said, “It’s alright; I’ll look into this.”

Jiang Qiulan said, “To be honest, Brother Han is a nice person and also treats me well. But now I feel like I’m a maid. He acts like a master, never doing anything himself, just saying nice things to me, treating me respectfully, and providing for my basic needs. He also gives me a decent amount of pocket money every month. But we sleep in separate rooms, and I never know what he’s really thinking.”

Jiang Huai was surprised. “You sleep in separate rooms?”

Jiang Qiulan nodded. “We’ve been sleeping separately since the day we got married. He says he’s used to sleeping alone in these years and having someone else beside him makes him uneasy. We’re not at an age to think about those things anyway, but I always feel uneasy.”

Jiang Huai sighed and patted Jiang Qiulan’s shoulder, saying, “Alright, I see. Anyway, you’re still alone. If you think he’s a good person and you get along well with him, then just focus on living a good life together. He’s always been a gentleman; he won’t mistreat you. There’s no need to inquire further; let’s leave it at that.”

Jiang Qiulan was puzzled and said, “But big brother, didn’t you say…”

Jiang Huai raised his hand and interrupted her. “Let’s call it a day. Anyway, he’s a good match, and you won’t lose out on marrying him. This is probably fate between you two.”

Jiang Qiulan took a deep breath and nodded. “I know. I will live a good life with him.”

Jiang Huai turned around and was about to leave, then turned around and said, “Has Xiaoxue contacted you recently?”

Jiang Qiulan shook her head. “No, I heard she went abroad for a performance last time; she’s been gone for several months. I don’t know if she’s back yet.”

Jiang Huai said, “If she contacts you, tell her to come home. I have something to say to her.”

Jiang Qiulan said, “I’ve told her every time, but she doesn’t listen to me.”

Jiang Huai said, “Then tell her mother she is seriously ill and wants to see her one last time.”

Jiang Qiulan paused. “…”

…

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Lucia: I unlocked chapter 195 -197.2 Enjoy reading~

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