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“Third brother? When did you get back? How’s your nephew?” Wang Juan, busy cooking in the kitchen, looked up to see her three younger brothers entering the courtyard.
Excitedly, Wang Zhenhe greeted his sister-in-law then asked, “Is my eldest brother home?”
Upon hearing his younger brother’s voice, Wang Zhenhai quickly stepped out of the house. “Little brother, why so cheerful? Is your nephew alright?”
Wang Zhenhe smiled brightly, “Well, nothing major, but it was a close call. Thankfully, he’s recovering. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have returned so soon. Brother, sister-in-law, let me share something with you. See if you can help with it.”
Seeing Wang Zhenhe’s enthusiasm, the couple hurriedly invited him inside to explain further.
“Ah, I see.”
After listening to his younger brother’s story, Wang Zhenhai nodded thoughtfully. Meanwhile, Wang Juan looked at her younger brother with delight. “If what you’re proposing works out, could you help with selling the products? My husband and I aren’t well-connected outside, so we’re concerned about future sales. If you could assist with selling, rest assured, we won’t overlook your efforts.”
Pleased with the business opportunity, Wang Juan was content with the idea of earning money without leaving home. Wang Zhenhe nodded with a smile, “Sister-in-law, you can count on me for sales. You won’t have to worry about the market, and I’ll also handle the grain purchasing.”
Upon hearing that Wang Zhenhe would handle the sales, Wang Juan felt relieved, knowing they could focus on caring for the animals without worries, which made her quite happy.
Wang Zhenhai hesitated, “Third brother, what if the policies change? We might become targets for criticism if we proceed. It might not be worth it.”
Glancing at her husband, Wang Juan understood his concerns about potential backlash. However, she wasn’t afraid. With Wang Zhenhe’s family by their side, she felt they could handle anything.
“Honey, your perspective isn’t quite right. We should move forward and not dwell on the past. Even if policies change, it won’t be a big deal. We’ll just raise a few extra pigs and chickens, like many others do. We’ll simply have a bit more than others. What are you afraid of? We’ll manage,” Wang Juan reassured her husband.
Initially hesitant, Wang Zhenhai’s spirits lifted after his wife’s encouraging words. “Third brother, let’s go with this plan. I’ll raise more, and you can buy directly from me. We’ll follow the purchasing prices set by the collection station.”
Considering the situation, Wang Zhenhai decided it was better to sell directly to his brother, ensuring a predictable income. Otherwise, excess livestock might go to waste, especially in an area where every household raised chickens, making it challenging to sell them elsewhere.
Finding her husband’s decision reasonable, Wang Juan agreed, “Third brother, let’s go with your brother’s plan. Your earnings will depend on your efforts. We earn through labor here, so it’s up to you.”
Wang Zhenhe wasn’t entirely confident about the meat business, but to ensure his elder brother felt secure in raising livestock, he agreed, “Big brother, should we involve Second brother’s family in this chicken and pig farming venture? We’re all siblings, and it doesn’t sit right with me to leave out his family.”
Wang Juan had no objections to this arrangement. As long as Wang Zhenhe managed everything smoothly without affecting their own business, Second brother’s involvement was inconsequential to them.
After silently taking a drag of his cigarette, Wang Zhenhai pondered for a moment. “Third brother, you can discuss it with them. But let me give you a heads-up: Second brother can raise the poultry and pigs on his own, but if he asks you for investment, don’t agree. While I won’t speak ill of Second brother and his family, the capital for raising chickens and pigs can be managed by them. You have four children studying, and their education costs are substantial. The expenses in the city are different from those in the countryside. Be cautious not to be misled.”
Wang Zhenhai was concerned about his younger brother’s financial decisions, considering the significant costs involved in education and city living. He warned Wang Zhenhe to be careful, fearing that his brother might face losses due to potential misunderstandings.
Wang Zhenhe chuckled, “Brother, I’m not that foolish. Despite being siblings, we all have our own families to support. I don’t have the money to invest for him. Even if I did, I’d only lend it to you. I dare not engage in financial dealings with Second brother and his wife. They are quite shrewd. By the way, brother, we’re slaughtering a pig at our place tomorrow. You all should come. It’s rare for us brothers to gather for a meal. I’ll go inform Second brother about it.”
As Wang Zhenhe left, Mingyuan followed behind, “Uncle, this is what my mom sent for you all. My dad had to rush and couldn’t bring it. By the way, where’s my dad?”
Wang Juan took the items brought by her sister-in-law and cheerfully said, “Your dad went to your Second Uncle’s house. Mingyuan, have you eaten? Why not have dinner at our place before heading back?”
Mingyuan shook his head with a smile, “Auntie, we’ve prepared dinner at home, all thanks to my eldest brother’s cooking skills. I must go back to taste what he has made. I’ll head home now.”
With a content smile, Wang Juan watched her nephew run off, feeling a twinge of envy. She admired how fortunate her siblings were to have children like Mingcheng, who could cook for their mother. Reflecting on her own situation, she longed for the day when her son would cook a meal for her. However, she quickly dismissed these thoughts, realizing that each family has its unique blessings, and as long as their children lead peaceful lives, she felt content.
Wang Zhenhe went to his Second brother’s house and shared the news. Upon hearing this, Han Cui scoffed, “Third brother, do you think we need your advice? If we had the money, I would have already expanded. Pigs and chickens don’t come cheap. They need feed and care. If you’re willing to lend us money, perhaps I’ll consider it.”
Hearing this, Wang Zhenhe felt a surge of anger. He realized that his brother and sister-in-law were incorrigible. Feeling exasperated, he acknowledged that sometimes people take advantage of kindness. Resigned to the situation, he decided to leave, feeling like he had walked into the wrong place today.
With a hint of self-mockery, he said, “Second brother, you know our family’s situation. I don’t have the extra money with four children studying. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have to work elsewhere. Things would be much easier at home. Well, if you’re not interested in raising the animals, I’ll head home for dinner.”
Smiling, Wang Zhenjiang advised his younger brother, “Third brother, if you come across any good business opportunities, let me know. We’re like father and son on the battlefield. We’re brothers, so remember to inform me about any money-making ventures.”
Wang Zhenhe chuckled wryly as he left Wang Zhenjiang’s house. On his way back, he regretted his actions, realizing he should have heeded his elder brother’s advice and not bothered with his Second brother’s family. He felt he had unintentionally made it seem like he was asking them to do him a favor, which left him feeling remorseful. Resigned to the situation, he decided to head home for dinner.
During dinner, Wang Zhenhe brought up the matter, which drew incredulous looks from his four children. One of them remarked, “Dad, are you feeling alright? It’d be strange if Second Uncle and Aunt ever listened to you. If you asked them to pick money, they’d likely run faster than anyone, but if you asked them to work, they’d be as obedient as can be. You’ve got the wrong idea about them. It’s almost pitiful how little you understand them, really.”
Mingyuan’s exaggerated reactions sparked laughter among the others. “Zhenhe, you really didn’t need to make this trip. Second Sister probably thinks you’ve gained some significant advantage. In the future, be more alert when dealing with them. If you don’t get taken advantage of, consider yourself lucky.”
Zhang Lan also disagreed with involving Han cui and the others in the venture, knowing their tendency to complicate matters unnecessarily, lacking straightforwardness.
After dinner, Wang Qian reviewed Mingyuan’s class notes for a while before writing something and calling Mingcheng over. “Brother, take a look at this. I’ll teach you how to sing it. Show it to Grandpa Zuo when you return to school. If someone asks, say you came up with it yourself. Remember that.”
What Wang Qian had written was the song “Splendor Stained with Blood” from a previous life. This song was particularly fitting for the current wartime situation, making it the perfect gift for the soldiers.
Impressed by the lyrics, Mingcheng exclaimed, “Sister, how did you come up with this? These lyrics are really good.”
Wang Qian looked earnestly into Mingcheng’s eyes. “Brother, you actually wrote this. Remember, don’t tell anyone about this. Keep it to yourself. If someone inquires, say it was your creation. Remember that.”
Mingcheng looked puzzled, but Wang Qian understood that his understanding wasn’t as advanced as hers. People’s thoughts were relatively straightforward now, which had its pros and cons. When the economic tide shifted in the future, many might struggle to adapt or comprehend, so she decided to share some insights with Mingcheng.
“Brother, look at me and our younger brother still studying. Even after you graduate, we’ll be in university. We don’t know what the future holds for us siblings. If we encounter trouble in our business, we don’t have the influence to stand against others. Grandpa Zuo and Grandpa Wu are close to us, but we can’t always rely on them for help. It would be embarrassing if we constantly bother them.
So, for things to go smoothly, you need to become stronger first. When our younger brother and I graduate, you should have the ability to support us too.”
Mingcheng, being astute, understood Wang Qian’s implications. She wanted to help him progress further.
“Sister, Uncle’s situation is improving. With military achievements, he can support you. If you work hard here, Grandpa Zuo and the others will have a good reason to assist you too.”
With their conversation clear, Mingcheng knew what he needed to do. They couldn’t rely on their parents forever, and their grandfathers had their concerns too. To achieve long-term happiness for the family and to progress further, he needed to exert himself.
His younger sister had no ill intentions; she simply wished for their family to live harmoniously. Mingcheng wholeheartedly agreed with her sentiments.
“Qianqian, I know what I need to do now. I will work hard for myself and for our family. Please teach me the song quickly.”