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Zuo He carried the package back to the room. “Hey, this is the uniform for you to wear tomorrow morning. Don’t even think about escaping; join us for morning exercises.”
Mingyuan opened the package to find a military uniform inside, looking pleasantly surprised. “Hey, not bad! Without the shoulder patches, I’m still wearing a military uniform. It’s just for training; back home, I never skipped it. I’m not afraid of this. I might even be better off than you all since I’m a free spirit,” he chuckled.
Mingyuan’s pride was wearing the smart military uniform while maintaining his independent lifestyle. He was genuinely content with this.
Wang Qian was busy writing and drawing in the room. Fortunately, Hao Lianchun enjoyed painting, so there was no shortage of oil colors at home. Taking advantage of the free time, she sketched a camouflage outfit, planning on seeking everyone’s opinion.
Zuo He noticed Wang Qian engrossed in her work, assuming she had started writing in her journal. However, upon closer inspection, he discovered she was drawing something.
However, he didn’t disturb her, simply sitting quietly beside Wang Qian, observing attentively, admiring both the art and the artist.
Mingyuan, delighted in his chosen military attire, turned to see Zuo He sitting serenely beside his sister, fully engrossed in his own drawing. One focused on creating art, the other gazing affectionately—like a painting, they formed a serene tableau that he couldn’t bear to disrupt.
“Sister, you’ve been painting since I changed. What are you working on?” Mingyuan was genuinely curious. His sister had been silently using colored pens, and he was eager to uncover the subject of her artistry.
At that moment, Wang Qian had just finished her piece. Setting down her brush, she took a deep breath. “Brother, come take a look. Do you think this suits a military person?”
Mingyuan and Zuo He approached, and even Zuo He, who had grown up in the military compound, was struck by the drawing on the paper. Even more impressed than Mingyuan.
Zuo He squinted at the paper, envisioning himself in the military uniform depicted on it.
Mingyuan glanced around excitedly, patting Zuo He’s shoulder. “Bro, this is a brilliant idea. Look at how this color, compared to the current military green, is more suitable for outdoor operations. The current green uniforms practically scream ‘enemy target’ in winter when everything’s barren. They blend in with the dry landscape, not making them live targets. Sister, this is incredible; I’m in awe.”
Zuo He mentally visualized every detail and agreed with Mingyuan’s assessment. The color of the outfit indeed addressed their shortcomings in outdoor combat.
Suddenly, Zuo He jumped up, taking Wang Qian’s hand in visible excitement. “Qianqian, how did you come up with this? It’s fantastic! Why didn’t we think of this? I need to talk to my grandfather about it.”
Eager to report to Zuo Zhanshan, Zuo He was stopped by Wang Qian.
Before reporting to Grandpa Zuo, they needed to consider how their families would make money. “Zuo He, wait and listen to me first. The reason for creating this design is not only to address your battlefield needs but also for a crucial point. Our families are planning to join forces in business. This design serves as our capital to engage with the military. Remember, we are businessmen; we can’t afford to run at a loss. During dinner, you must have overheard the discussions between Uncle Wu Lei and my father. I propose that with Uncle Wu Lei and your family, the three families collaborate and directly supply the military. Our factory could exclusively produce the field uniforms for the troops. Think about it. This is a huge opportunity. We might earn less individually, but considering the military’s scale, the profits could be substantial. What do you think?”
Wang Qian couldn’t precisely estimate the potential earnings, but she could envision the hefty profits. It was not a small sum by any means. While she didn’t dare hope for a monopoly lasting many years, as long as they could make enough profit in a few years, they could venture into other businesses.
Zuo He and Mingyuan were visibly stunned by the grand opportunity illustrated by her design, unable to fathom the magnitude of potential profits.
Mingyuan’s excitement was palpable at the thought of money flowing into their pockets. His grin seemed to stretch from ear to ear.
“Sis, you’re a genius! Why didn’t I think of this? Zuo He, what do you think? This is a substantial sum,” Mingyuan exclaimed.
Zuo He pondered internally. Since childhood, he had earned money by collecting scrap with the siblings from the Wang family. Making money was something he didn’t shy away from; in fact, he enjoyed it. Who wouldn’t like having more money? With wealth, many unattainable dreams could become a reality.
“You two wait here; I’ll go fetch the elder brothers. Let’s discuss this together,” Zuo He decided.
Instead of immediately seeking Zuo Zhanshan, he brought Mingcheng, who was proudly showing off his military merit badge, and managed to convince the resting Zuo Hao to join them in the room.
Seeing so many people in the room, Zuo Hao was a bit puzzled about what was going on.
“Haha, what are you up to, Zuo He? After a tiring day, aren’t you all exhausted?” Zuo Hao inquired.
Looking at the handsome Zuo Hao, Wang Qian couldn’t help but chuckle. “Zuo Hao, we’re offering you money. Would you like it? It’s a significant amount, enough for you to marry and raise children, enough for a lifetime. What do you say, interested?”
Initially feeling drowsy, Zuo Hao was startled by Wang Qian’s sudden proposition, his eyes widening in surprise. Observing his reaction, Wang Qian nodded in satisfaction and handed him the paper.
Wide-eyed, Zuo Hao quickly scanned the paper in his hands. The shocked expression on his face pleased Mingyuan and Zuo He, who were quite content with his reaction. Not only were they amused, but even their eldest brother was taken aback, leading the two of them to exchange a satisfied smile.
Mingcheng, initially thinking it was just another drawing by his sister, quickly realized something was up as he saw Zuo Hao’s expression. He hastily took the paper, understanding immediately that his little sister had come up with another money-making idea.
Mingcheng carefully examined the paper, feeling a shock no less than Zuo Hao’s. His little sister was indeed a gem, creating something so significant in such a short time.
Seeing that both of them had similar reactions, Wang Qian finally spoke up. “Brothers, Zuo Hao, what do you think about this? How about teaming up with Wu Lei and his group to make this business happen?”
Zuo Hao glanced at the angelic-faced but incredibly savvy younger sister before him and reached out to ruffle her hair.
“Qianqian, I’m truly impressed by you. How does your brilliant mind work? I’m really curious to dive into it. I think this idea is excellent, but we need to discuss it with my grandfather and Uncle Wu. While our three families can collaborate, there might be some variables to consider. Let’s finalize our partnership first, and then we can discuss any further changes after my grandfather and the others deliberate. I’ll go talk to my grandfather about this. Mingcheng, Zuo He, come with me.”
As all three were soldiers, Wang Qian wasn’t worried about any issues arising. With her elder brother present, she was content to leave the follow-up matters to them.
Meanwhile, Mingyuan looked excitedly at his little sister. “Qianqian, let’s inform Dad and the others. Perhaps there will be more opportunities down south in the future. It’s good to have some early preparation.”
Watching the overly excited younger brother, Wang Qian patted his arm. Initially aiming for his shoulder, she found it challenging due to his taller height, her 5’5″ stature making it difficult to reach his shoulder.
“Bro, calm down. We need to stay composed. Our grandfather and the others haven’t given their response yet. While we can create this product, without their support, we won’t be able to sell it to the military. You know how strict the military procurement process is—it’s not as easy as we imagine. This matter will take time,” Wang Qian cautioned.
Wang Qian wasn’t under the illusion that simply designing the product would lead to immediate profits. In this realm, thorough research and consideration were essential. Matters at the higher levels were beyond the understanding of a few children; patience was key in such situations.
Her reminder brought Mingyuan back to reality. Indeed, some things weren’t as straightforward as they seemed. He had been too hasty.
Seeing Mingyuan’s understanding expression, Wang Qian couldn’t help but smile. Her younger brother was truly intelligent, quickly grasping the nuances of the situation with just a little guidance.
“Bro, don’t worry. Think about it—this product’s practicality is unquestionable. It’s just a matter of when they’ll adopt it. Let’s inform Dad tomorrow about the need for manpower to produce these uniforms down south. Early preparation should serve us well. We wouldn’t want to end up in a situation where we receive an order but lack the capacity to fulfill it,” Wang Qian reassured.
Mingyuan also considered the situation. “Tomorrow, I’ll reach out to Wu Lei and Zuo Yu. Zuo Yu can’t sit idle if he wants to make money. If we can get things started by the end of the year, we could go over and lend a hand.”
Wang Qian, however, was less optimistic. She wasn’t sure how the two grandfathers would react. If they weren’t willing to participate, things could get complicated.
In the study downstairs, Zuo Zhanshan was summoned by the serious faces of his three grandsons, thinking something significant had occurred. However, upon seeing the paper handed to him by Zuo Hao, his emotions stirred. Though it seemed like an inconspicuous drawing, to him, it was a precious amulet. Having fought for many years, he could immediately recognize the significance and value of the paper.
Raising his head, he asked solemnly, “Zuo Hao, where did you get this? I need to meet this person immediately.”
Seeing his grandfather’s reaction, Zuo Hao couldn’t help but grin. “Grandpa, take your time. What do you think of this drawing? If we were to pursue this business, do you think it’s feasible?”