Chapter 295: Yang Nuo’s Plan

After Wang Zhenhe returned home, Wang Qian briefed him on Shan Shuzhen’s situation. Wang Zhenhe always supported his daughter’s charitable acts.

“Daughter, doing good deeds brings happiness. We should accumulate merits and cherish blessings. We should exert as much effort as we are capable of. Making others happy brings joy to yourself,” Wang Zhenhe encouraged.

Seeing the time, Wang Qian reminded her father, “Dad, shouldn’t we go to Uncle Yang’s house now?”

Wang Zhenhe nodded with a smile, “I almost forgot about that. Let’s go and enjoy a meal at Uncle Yang’s.”

Excited, the father and daughter happily arrived at Yang’s house. Along the way, Wang Zhenhe bought candies for the children from both families. Realizing his children were mature beyond their years, Wang Zhenhe felt a mix of pride and regret. While proud of their maturity, he regretted missing out on simple joys like sharing candies with them. He vowed not to miss any more moments with his children.

“Dad, what are you thinking about?” Wang Qian inquired.

The daughter’s words interrupted his thoughts, and Wang Zhenhe held her child’s tender hand tightly, a warm exchange of comfort between them.

“Daughter, do you have any wishes? Whatever I can do, I will try my best to make them come true,” Wang Zhenhe expressed.

After a moment of contemplation, Wang Qian responded, “Dad, I don’t have any other wishes. I simply hope our family’s happiness continues, allowing my siblings to live carefree lives and find their own happiness. That’s my greatest wish. I haven’t thought of anything else yet. I’ll let you know if I have new wishes in the future.”

Having experienced life and death, Wang Qian had developed a perspective of detachment towards her future. While meeting someone special would be wonderful, she didn’t feel regret if it didn’t happen. Earning enough to stay by her parents’ side, leading a simple life, was satisfactory. Her motto was to go with the flow.

Touched by his daughter’s words, Wang Zhenhe reassured her, “Qian Qian, we will all live happily together.”

During the meal at Yang’s house, Wang Zhenhe shared his plan to visit Xinjiang after the New Year. Yang Mingxuan expressed concern about the distant journey and its impact on the family business. Wang Zhenhe mentioned potentially investing with Gao Zhenhua, but both Yang  and cong brothers were uninterested in investing in stones, seeing it as an impractical venture.

“Brother, think this through carefully. Dealing with stones is no joke; it involves real money. If you can’t sell them, it could be a loss you can’t recover from. Be cautious,” cautioned Yang Mingxuan.

Understanding their concern, Wang Zhenhe appreciated their advice. However, since his daughter had spoken, he felt compelled to proceed. Even if it resulted in a loss, the stones could potentially fund medical treatment for many people.

“Brother, I’ve made up my mind. Let’s see how it goes this time. In the future, we won’t have as much time to travel there. I’ll go take a look first. Also, next year I plan to start selling fruit juice. Are you both interested? My nephew has already invested, would you like to join in as well? It could be a new business opportunity for the children in the city,” Wang Zhenhe proposed.

Both Yang and Cong brothers were more interested in the fruit juice business than investing in stones. Considering it was Wang Zhenhe’s first venture into this field, they decided to play it safe and only invest a small portion. While Yang Nuo wanted to invest more, his mother intervened, and Ge Yun was cautious, not wanting to risk losing what they had worked hard to earn. They believed in being prudent and not pushing their luck.

Yang Nuo ate his meal somewhat dejectedly, wishing to expand his business with his Uncle Wang. He had a dream—ensuring his future wife would never face any hardship and providing her with the best. However, he knew he needed to progress step by step for now.

“Uncle, could you bring back some stones for me? My mom mentioned giving me a small portion of the dividend money. Even if we can’t sell them in the future, I won’t regret it,” Yang Nuo requested.

Impressed by Yang Nuo’s determination, Wang Zhenhe smiled, “Good lad, that’s the spirit. I’ll make sure to bring some back for you this time. Trust me.”

Zhao Ru nudged her son, “Cong Tao, aren’t you buying any?”

Cong Tao glanced at his mom, feeling he was always meddling in affairs, and shook his head, “Mom, I plan to save some money to buy gifts for you and the family. I’ll sit this one out.”

Pleased with her son’s thoughtfulness, Zhao Ru agreed, “Alright, that’s fine. Let’s buy gifts for Grandpa and Grandma for the New Year. They’ve raised you both single-handedly, and it hasn’t been easy.”

After finalizing the partnership over dinner, the Cong and Yang families handed over their investment money to Wang Zhenhe. Yang Nuo’s contribution was separate.

Once all their city affairs were settled, Wang Qian suddenly remembered the upcoming release of the Monkey Stamp at the year’s end—a significant event not to be missed.

Heading over to the Cong and Yang households, Wang Qian summoned Yang Nuo and Cong Tao together. “Brothers, I need you to keep an eye on the post office these next few days. If the Monkey Stamp is released, buy all of them for me. Purchase as many as there are available. I’ll be heading home soon, and I’m afraid I might not make it in time for the new stamps. Remember, handle the money properly. We’ll settle the accounts when I return. Also, if you find the city dull during the New Year, why not come to our place in the countryside for some fun? It might be livelier there.”

Although puzzled by how the young girl knew about the upcoming stamp release, Yang Nuo and Cong Tao recalled Wang Qian’s three major hobbies: collecting old items, money, and stamps. Today, they witnessed the extent of her love for stamps.

“If you know anyone, you can also ask them to purchase stamps from elsewhere. It’s not expensive, and it could be a nice family heirloom,” Wang Qian advised before leaving, leaving it up to them whether they followed her instructions.

Both brothers nodded in understanding, and Wang Qian departed feeling reassured.

Wang Zhenhe sorted out matters at the store and warehouse, then returned with Wang Minglin and Qu Kai, who had persevered until the end.

After buying gifts for both of them to take home, Wang Zhenhe rode back on a motorcycle with Wang Minglin, while Qu Kai took the bus. Before parting ways, they discussed the opening date for the business.

Wang Minglin rode the motorcycle with Wang Zhenhe at the back, braving the biting northern wind that almost froze their ears. Thankfully, they wore neck warmers to shield themselves from the chilly breeze. Concerned about the cold, Wang Zhenhe even gave Wang Minglin an old cotton coat to wear, but it was still a chilly journey.

Shivering, they finally made it home. Wang Minglin parked the motorcycle in their yard, as Wang Zhenhe wouldn’t need it for the next few days and thought it might be more convenient for his elder brother’s family.

The village was already buzzing with the festive atmosphere of the upcoming New Year. Firecrackers occasionally popped, seemingly more abundant than in previous years, which had been rather sparse.

“Everyone, we’re back! Help us with the luggage,” Wang Zhenhe called out as they arrived.

Mingyuan rushed out upon hearing their voices, delighted to see the cakes Wang Zhenhe brought home. “Dad, you’re the best! You remembered I love these.”

This time, Wang Zhenhe had bought a whole box of cakes, a treat the children adored. With the good earnings this year, he didn’t mind indulging them.

Mingcheng emerged and carried in the firecrackers left on the ground. This year, Wang Zhenhe had purchased more and a wider variety of firecrackers than before.

Seeing them return with numerous packages, Zhang Lan knew they must have made good money again, as her husband wouldn’t spend that much on firecrackers otherwise.

Feeling the chill, Wang Qian hurried to the heated kang (a heated brick bed), fearing she might freeze otherwise. Zhang Lan pulled her husband to the kang to warm up, mentioning something, “Zhenhe, your second brother came by yesterday. Mingjun’s wife will visit on the second day of the New Year, inviting you and your elder brother for a meal.”

Wang Zhenhe frowned upon hearing the news. “How did my sister-in-law put it?” he inquired.

Amused, Zhang Lan replied, “What can she say? She’s just full of complaints. Have you ever heard of inviting uncles over for a meal when a daughter-in-law visits during the New Year? It’s clearly a way to make you open your wallet.”

His frown deepening, Wang Zhenhe stated firmly, “I’m not going. It’s the New Year, why would I go to their house for a meal? If they truly consider me an uncle, they should come to visit us instead. I won’t bother with their games.”

With plans to head to Xinjiang after the New Year, Wang Zhenhe prioritized spending time with his family before leaving. He had no interest in getting involved in such schemes.

Later that evening, Wang Juan and her husband came for a visit. Given the recent financial support for their son, it made sense for them to check in and discuss matters concerning their second brother’s family.

“Brother, are you really planning to go for the meal?” Wang Zhenhe asked.

Shaking his head in response to his brother’s query, Wang Zhenhai stated firmly, “Why would I go? My daughter-in-law will also visit on the second day of the New Year. It’s absurd for me, as the eldest, to visit their home. If there’s any respect, they should come to us. When did it become my duty to visit the younger generation?”

Deep down, everyone understood that Wang Mingjun’s partner was known to all, having grown up in the same village. It seemed odd for the tradition to suddenly shift, requiring the elders to visit personally. Even if they were not impressed by the choice, everyone had their reasons and preferences.