Chapter 319: Family Matters

Upon hearing this, Bai Jianing couldn’t help but wryly smile. “My mom, she’s not easily swayed. She’s almost as stubborn as a veteran revolutionary, harder to convince than **.”

Wang Qian was curious about Bai Jianing’s mother’s personality. Understanding her character would be crucial when they arrived in the capital to address any concerns directly. It was important to be prepared rather than being caught off guard and faced with rejection due to lack of understanding.

For the sake of Weiguo’s future, Wang Qian felt it was necessary to learn more about the potential future opponent.

“Really what is she like?”

“My mom, well, when my dad was in the military during the war, she single-handedly took care of my grandmother and us kids at home. It wasn’t until after the liberation that she reunited with my dad. She’s quite outspoken and fiery but reasonable. You have to be tough to survive, especially in the countryside; otherwise, people will walk all over you. Despite her opposition, my mom is actually a good person. She treats my sister-in-law well, spoils me too much. Her resistance is just her way of looking out for me…”

As Bai Jianing described her mother, Wang Qian could imagine what kind of person the elderly lady in her family was. She likely had a deep love for children, probably having endured hardships herself and thus reluctant to see her daughter marry a soldier.

Understanding this, Wang Qian felt confident that addressing this specific concern was the right approach. She believed she could convince the somewhat stubborn yet deeply caring matriarch of the Bai family.

“Aunt Bai, don’t worry, we’ll figure things out. Let’s head back for lunch,” Wang Qian assured.

Weiguo closed the shop and returned home with Bai Jianing and his niece.

During lunch, Zhang Lan mentioned the need to go back home to make arrangements. They were heading to the south, and preparations at home needed to be sorted. Besides, they had promised to bring their nephew over to play, a commitment she hadn’t forgotten.

Weiguo and Bai Jianing went along to see their home. Wang Zhenhe informed his brother-in-law, suggesting her eldest sister to come over as well. It was a perfect opportunity for the siblings to reunite, given the uncertainty of their next meeting.

After lunch, Zhang Lan organized things and led the group back home, while Geng Lianhua and Zhang Wanyou awaited their return in the city.

Upon reaching the Wang family’s house, Bai Jianing was truly amazed by its size. She knew that the coastal mansion was a gift from Zhang Lan to the elderly couple. Seeing the five-room grand house, she couldn’t help but admire their living conditions, surpassing her expectations. She had initially thought it was a remote and harsh environment, but it turned out to be a picturesque location.

“Weiguo, it wouldn’t be bad to live here when we grow old. Look at the surroundings, convenient transportation, and the beautiful landscapes. I envy your sister’s family for living in such a place.”

Wang Juan was busy feeding the pigs, chickens, and ducks at Zhang Lan’s farm when she noticed the couple returning with a group of people. She quickly set down the scoop in her hand and went to greet them.

“Sister, do you have good news?” she inquired eagerly.

She was aware that their other two nephews and nieces were preparing for college. Zhang Lan smiled and replied, “The acceptance letters haven’t arrived yet. We just brought Weiguo and his girlfriend for a visit. I thought we’d show them around. Look, Zuo Yu is back too.”

Seeing the now grown-up Zuo Yu among the group, Wang Juan scrutinized him from head to toe, clicking her tongue in amazement. “Zuo Yu, if you walked down the street now, even the elderly ladies wouldn’t recognize you. You’ve grown into a fine young man. Remember when you were just a little boy? It’s been a few years, and you’ve truly become an adult.”

Zuo Yu was delighted to see Wang Juan again and affectionately grabbed her hand, calling out, “Auntie, I’ve missed you so much.”

Wang Juan was genuinely touched by Zuo Yu’s words. Despite being an older woman, being told he was missed by a handsome young man was heartwarming for her.

“You sweet talker. Sister, this must be Weiguo’s girlfriend, right?” Wang Juan asked with a warm smile.

Upon seeing the young and beautiful woman beside Weiguo, Wang Juan couldn’t help but inquire.

Bai Jianing confidently introduced herself, “I’m Bai Jianing. You can call me Sister-in-law.”

Wang Juan warmly praised Bai Jianing, holding her hand and admiring her. Before they even entered the house, a familiar voice called out from the street entrance, “Sister, Brother, you’re finally back!”

Wang Minggui ran into the courtyard with a small bag on his back, rushing towards Wang Qian and throwing himself into her arms. “Sis, you guys finally returned! I’ve been waiting for you at home these past few days.”

The little guy expressed his grievances, and Wang Juan chuckled, explaining, “While you were away, Minggui has been coming over every day, wandering around. It’s been tough on this child.”

Seeing her young cousin covered in sweat from the sun, Wang Qian couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. “Little brother, why don’t you stay in the shade? Look at all this sweat. Come, let me help you clean up.”

Everyone went inside to assist with the preparations. Wang Qian held Wang Minggui’s hand, gently cleaning him up. The young boy pursed his lips, tilting his face up as he allowed her to clean him without a word.

“All right, our Minggui looks even cuter after washing up. Come on, Sis will take you to eat some delicious food. I’ve got fruit juice for you this time and bought some tasty treats. When we get back, I’ll take you to the city to play,” Wang Qian said, leading Wang Minggui along.

Excited at the prospect of going to the city to play, Wang Minggui’s eyes lit up with joy. “Sis, is it really true? I thought you were just teasing me.”

Wang Qian pinched her little brother’s chubby cheek, smiling, “Little one, has Sis ever lied to you?”

After bringing Wang Minggui inside and giving him some treats to eat, the well-behaved boy sat on the heated kang, enjoying his snacks. Mingyuan and Wang Xuan finished tidying up and quickly joined them.

Seeing the adorable little boy, Bai Jianing couldn’t resist coming over to play with him. Minggui was friendly and chatted with Bai Jianing like an adult, showing off his cute and clever nature.

“Weiguo, are all the kids in the Wang family this smart?” Bai Jianing asked, impressed.

Weiguo just smiled. He had heard about this child from his sister. Despite the boy’s dislike for his father, he couldn’t help but find him endearing. Minggui was indeed a sensible child.

“It’s probably good genetics from his mother’s side. If you were to see the child’s father, you probably wouldn’t have any positive thoughts. He’s quite an unpleasant person,” Weiguo remarked.

For Bai Jianing to hear Weiguo speak negatively about someone indicated how truly unpleasant that person must be, given Weiguo’s generally open-minded nature.

“Aunt Bai, have some fruit. I just picked these fresh from the trees at the back,” Mingyuan said, bringing a bowl of fruit to the heated kang. Wang Juan and Zhang Lan were busy cooking. Tonight, Zhang Lan had invited Wang Zhenhe’s family over for dinner to liven things up.

Wang Zhenhe went to check on the pigs and chickens at Wang Zhenhai’s place. The numbers looked good, and it seemed like they would be ready for sale by the end of the year.

“Brother, are you sure about your sales prospects by the end of the year?”

Zhenhai was still somewhat concerned about his brother’s sales issues, realizing that it could be disastrous if they couldn’t sell the produce. The livelihood of the whole family depended on it.

Understanding his older brother’s worries, Wang Zhenhe reassured him confidently, “Brother, don’t worry. Even if we face difficulties in sales, I won’t let you suffer any losses. You take care of things here with peace of mind. If I’m not back by the end of the year, I’ll have Qianqian come and discuss this with you. Trust me, everything will be taken care of.”

The brothers watched over the livestock by the river, chatting as they kept an eye on the animals. In the distance, they saw their youngest daughter leading their nephew towards them.

“Third Uncle, it’s time to go home for dinner. We’ve been waiting for you,” the little one called out from afar. Wang Zhenhai crossed the river with his brother and lifted the young nephew. He truly adored the child, who bore no resemblance to his own father.

“Minggui, tell Uncle what delicious dishes your Third Aunt has prepared tonight,” Wang Zhenhai prompted, holding the boy close.

Nestled in his uncle’s arms, Minggui counted on his fingers what dishes were awaiting them that evening. Wang Zhenhe then pointed across to the livestock on the other side and instructed his daughter, “Qianqian, if I can’t make it back for the New Year, make sure to sell all these off. Your uncle’s family is relying on this. If needed, sell them in the black market.”

Wang Qian glanced at the growing pig and chicken pens on the opposite side of the river and nodded confidently. “Dad, don’t worry. I have a plan to sell everything and ensure our family makes a profit. You focus on your work in the south, and leave this to me.”

Selling meat was no big deal. People were eager to buy, and if there was a meat sale without ration tickets, Wang Qian was sure there would be a frenzy. She had no intention of dealing in the black market; it was too much hassle. She had easier ways to make money.

Wang Zhenhe reminded his daughter about their initial agreement to sell at the procurement station’s prices. Business was business, even among family members, everything had to be accounted for.

“Dad, I know what to do. Family is family, money is money. I’ll keep it all straight. By the way, when you’re in the south, please pick a place for me. I’d like us to establish a fruit orchard for our juice factory. Even if things change in the future, we’ll be self-sufficient,” Wang Qian explained.

Although Wang Zhenhe didn’t fully grasp the concept of an orchard, he had no objections to his daughter wanting to plant fruit trees. Having control over their own resources was the most reassuring thing for him, and he understood that clearly.

However, he was still a bit skeptical, “Daughter, the land belongs to the collective. Will they allow us to plant there?”

Wang Qian, with a bright smile, replied, “Dad, maybe things will change by the time you get there. The future is unpredictable. Could you have imagined our family doing business before? It wasn’t allowed back then, but now it’s encouraged. So, trust me, there will definitely be policies in place by then.”

Wang Zhenhe reflected on how three years ago, he never imagined their business would thrive. Initially, it was just small-scale operations, but now with the factory established, nothing seemed impossible. Moreover, his daughter was usually reliable with her words, and listening to her was a sure bet.

With his arm around his daughter’s shoulder, he walked and said, “Alright, this time when I go over, I’ll carefully scout out a good location. We’ll wait for our Qianqian to come and plant those fruit trees.”