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Zhang Weiguo was feeling quite pleased now but a bit breathless from all the excitement. Even heroes found it tough when it came to money matters. However, seeing his understanding niece happily preparing the funds, he smiled and watched her figure disappear into the distance before heading indoors with Bai Jianing.
“Brother-in-law, we’ve finalized the house. We’ll go make the payment this afternoon. Qianqian is preparing the money,” he informed Wang Zhenhe as soon as they entered the house.
“Great news! We can leave with peace of mind now. We’ll have the youngsters handle the house arrangements. If I weren’t busy, I’d personally oversee everything. Don’t worry about the money; Xuan’er has funds available. Take what you need from her as if it were a dividend. Don’t be shy,” Wang Zhenhe reassured him.
Zhang Weiguo understood his brother-in-law’s thoughts well. He knew Wang Zhenhe had been wholeheartedly supporting their family. He deeply appreciated this kindness.
“Brother-in-law, I won’t hold back when the time comes. Thank you, and let’s continue to work together in the future,” Zhang Weiguo expressed his gratitude.
Wang Zhenhe affectionately patted Zhang Weiguo’s shoulder. He had watched this young man grow up and had always supported him. Even if he couldn’t provide financial assistance, he was determined to do his best to help. Given their current circumstances, they could lend a hand to their young nephew. In Wang Zhenhe’s eyes, despite being only slightly older than Mingcheng, Zhang Weiguo was still a young man who had made a significant difference in their lives. Therefore, he felt it was his duty to support him in any way possible.
In the afternoon, Wang Zhenhe, Zhang Lan, and Hao Lianchun accompanied Zhang Weiguo to sign the contract. Wang Qian and her sister went along to inspect the house and familiarize themselves with the route to their Little Uncle’s home.
Under Zhang Weiguo’s guidance, they soon arrived at the house. True to Zhang Weiguo’s description, the house was indeed impressive. Wang Qian inspected each room and found the furniture intriguing. The furnishings had an antique charm, giving off a practical and timeless vibe. As she walked around with Wang Xuan, they both agreed that the courtyard’s outbuildings could be used for setting up a business.
Both sisters noticed the meaning in each other’s eyes and couldn’t help but smile. “Sis, if Grandma comes over in the future, we could open a store here. Selling vegetables or something would be great, it could also supplement the household income. But I think opening a pharmacy would be the best, especially since our little uncle’s wife knows about this stuff.”
However, considering there are currently no private pharmacies around, we’ll have to wait for now. In the future, having Bai Jianing run this kind of business should work out well. The income would be much higher than what she earns
The homeowner and Zhang Weiguo completed the contract signing and accompanied them to handle the property transfer procedures. The process went smoothly, and by the evening, Zhang Weiguo was officially a homeowner in the capital.
Having a house naturally brought a different air to him. Zhang Weiguo would eat with a silly grin, knowing he was soon to have a family. Zhang Lan jokingly tapped Zhang Weiguo’s bowl, “Silly boy, eat quickly. We’re leaving tomorrow, and you’ll be busy in the future. Once school starts, you’ll be pressed for time. Use this period to prepare. I won’t have time to help you get ready. You and Jianing can figure out what you need and go get it. If things aren’t ready on your end, you can stay here temporarily. It’ll also help in looking after your nephews.”
Zhang Weiguo nodded and promptly finished his meal.
The next day, everyone saw Zhang Lan and her family off at the train station. With them gone, the household’s children were in charge. However, no one relaxed as Grandpa Chen’s issue remained unresolved. Zhang Weiguo informed Bai Jianing, following his niece’s instructions.
After receiving the news, Wang Qian informed Chen Minghai, leaving the rest to him and Chen Xu. Since the family matters were currently beyond Old Chen’s assistance, he directly headed to the hospital. Bai Jianing spoke with the doctor, explaining the situation and ensuring everything was coordinated. Thus, the Chen family’s drama was officially beginning.
Upon entering the hospital, Chen Xu promptly informed the elders at home. Initially, the three sons found it hard to believe the news.
“Chen Xu, what’s going on? How did your Grandpa end up in the hospital all of a sudden?” Chen Guochao inquired with skepticism.
Anticipating Chen Guochao’s questions, Chen Xu was well-prepared. “Uncle, Grandpa hasn’t been feeling well for a while. He’s been unable to eat properly and has been vomiting frequently. He didn’t want me to tell you all. Recently, his condition worsened, and we planned to visit the hospital to check on him. Upon arrival, the doctor recommended hospitalization. We’ll have to wait for the test results to know the exact illness. I asked, but the doctor refused to disclose more until you all are present.”
Initially, Chen Xu had intended to mention a severe illness like cancer, but deep down, he didn’t want his grandfather to have such a serious condition. Therefore, he chose to be vague and left the rest for them to ponder upon.
Upon hearing his nephew’s words, Chen Guochao quickly packed up and headed to the hospital to check on his father, after all, he was his own father.
Chen Xu informed each of the three Chen brothers promptly. Even with his own parents, he had not leaked any information. It had not been easy for Grandpa to reach this point, especially considering how the family had been in disarray since his incident. Everyone was focused on their own interests, and Chen Xu hoped that this situation would bring them back to normalcy. His only wish was for them to show proper filial piety to Grandpa and not squabble over trivial matters.
Given Grandpa’s advanced age, Chen Xu realized that there might not be many years left. Having toiled hard to raise their children when they were young, and now enduring mistreatment from their sons in old age, he did not wish for this cycle to continue with the next generation. Life was already tough enough, and constant family conflicts only added to the burden, making it all seem meaningless.
All of Chen’s sons and daughters-in-law were present at the hospital today. Seeing Grandpa lying pale on the hospital bed, surprisingly, the brothers did not bicker as usual.
“Dad, how are you feeling? Where does it hurt?” Chen Xu’s father, Chen Guoqiang, was the first to speak.
Grandpa Chen smiled wryly and said, “I have a stomach ache. I don’t know what’s going on. It’s probably time for me to meet your mother.”
Upon hearing his words, the brothers felt uneasy. However, Chen’s eldest daughter-in-law, Shi Wenting, was upset. Why did this have to happen now? The house matter hadn’t been settled yet, and she was inwardly dissatisfied. Nevertheless, she spoke up, “Dad, what are you saying? We hope you live a long life. Once your eldest grandson gets married, you’ll even get to see your great-grandchildren.”
Shi Wenting consistently reminded the family about the impending marriage of their son. Chen Guochao, slightly annoyed, shot his wife a glance. “Why bring that up now? Dad’s illness isn’t even diagnosed yet. I’ll go ask the doctor. You all stay here.”
Chen Guochao went to inquire about his father’s condition. Bai Jianing had already spoken with the doctor, pleading for assistance in restoring family harmony. Initially hesitant, the doctor couldn’t bear to see an elderly man facing family issues at this age, so he agreed.
The news Chen Guochao received from the doctor was highly unfavorable, preparing them for the worst mentally.
Upon receiving the news, the eldest son of the Chen family stood alone in the corridor, lighting a cigarette. He gazed at the children supporting the ailing elderly in the garden outside the hospital. It had been a long time since he had seen such a scene, and even he couldn’t recall the last time. Chen Minghai’s illness had stirred something within him, seeing other families outside, warmly interacting, he exhaled a smoke ring heavily.
“Hey, what did you find out? Any updates?” his wife, Shi Wenting, feeling uncomfortable staying inside, ventured out of the room to check on him after seeing him standing in the corridor.
Sighing, he responded, “Yeah, I asked. The doctor warned us to prepare ourselves. What do you think?”
Shi Wenting felt a sense of panic. If something happened to the old man, it would pose a challenge in the future. “What about the house? We need to figure it out. If we don’t have a house, our son can’t get married,” she expressed her concerns.
Chen Guochao sighed, “Let’s discuss that later. For now, let’s go inside and check on father. See if he wants anything to eat. I don’t think he’ll have many more days left.”
Shi Wenting smirked behind him but followed inside without saying a word. Chen Guoqiang and Chen Guofu were engaged in conversation with the old man. Upon seeing their eldest brother enter, they all stood up promptly, but wisely refrained from asking about the illness in front of him.
“Dad, while you’re in the hospital, we’ll take turns cooking for you. The hospital food might not be suitable for you. Our homemade meals are more nutritious,” Chen Guochao suggested, with the other sons’ wives echoing his sentiment.
“Big brother, let’s take turns cooking for Dad. Each family can take a day to look after him. Brothers, you should also take turns,” they proposed collectively.
Although Zhang Jiuhong rarely spoke, her suggestion received unanimous approval from everyone.
Chen Minghai, lying on the hospital bed, persisted, “Eldest Son, second son, and third son, you all have jobs. I’m fine here, and hospital food is sufficient. I’ve managed like this for years. Don’t trouble yourselves rotating the responsibility among your families.”
However, the brothers were united today. “Dad, let’s follow our plan. Focus on recovering in the hospital. Just let us know what you want to eat. I’ll stay with you today, and the second and third brothers can take turns the following days. This way, everyone gets rest and can take care of you. The wives will handle your meals. Chen Xu, since you’re closest to your Grandpa, assist him whenever needed,” they agreed.