Font Size:
Following a familiar pattern, Grandpa Chen reminisced with each of his sons about their childhood. His approach using a touch of parental sentiment seemed to strike a chord. Three days later, all three brothers gathered, a rare and heartening sight.
“Dad, focus on your treatment without worrying about money. We’ve pooled some funds for you to use. Chen Xu will make sure you have it whenever needed. If it’s not enough, we’ll borrow more,” they assured.
As his sons handed over a stack of money, Grandpa Chen was overwhelmed with emotions. This moment, long awaited, brought tears to his eyes.
“Elder son, second son, youngest son, your lives haven’t been easy either. Besides, the eldest son’s son is getting married soon. I can’t accept this money. Your collective effort is more than enough for me. Even if I were to meet your mother now, I would feel content. You are all wonderful children. It’s a pity your mother isn’t here to witness this moment!”” Grandpa Chen expressed, tears finally rolling down his cheeks. Seeing their father in this state, the three sons approached with teary eyes.
“Dad, please don’t say that. Over these years, it’s been our shortcomings. You never blamed us; that’s already more than enough. Focus on your treatment. Having you, our elder, at home gives us a sense of family. Even though Mom has passed, we’ll continue to honor you and make up for her absence,” the eldest son shared, prompting tears from his brothers as well. The loss of their mother, a topic seldom discussed, haunted their restless nights.
Embracing his three sons, Chen Minghai let his tears flow freely, washing his smiling face.
“Great, with words like yours, Dad is content. Moving forward, you three must stand united. Brothers united are stronger than gold, as I used to tell you in childhood. In this world, you are each other’s closest kin, sharing the same bloodline. Seeing you, my sons, loving and supporting each other, would bring me joy even if I weren’t undergoing treatment,” concluded Grandpa Chen with a heart full of happiness.
Watching the heartwarming scene of the father and his three sons embracing in the hospital room, Chen Xu quietly slipped out and stood by the door, gazing at the passersby outside. Finally exhaling a sigh of relief, he feared disappointing his grandfather, worried that even in death, his grandfather wouldn’t witness his children getting along. In his eyes, material wealth meant little compared to the priceless value of familial love. Today’s scene allowed his late grandmother to rest peacefully, as Grandpa Chen had awaited this day.
Turning to find Bai Jianing, Chen Xu knew they needed to proceed according to the new circumstances and plans.
With the family matters resolved, Bai Jianing expressed her joy for Chen Xu, “Let’s wait a couple of days before discussing further. We need to proceed cautiously. I’ve arranged for the doctor to send the biopsy for further testing elsewhere. This way, we’ll have some time. Let them continue to believe that grandfather needs to rest these days. It’s rare to see them all showing filial piety. Let your grandfather experience it fully.”
Chen Xu nodded in agreement, surprised by Bai Jianing’s resourcefulness in critical moments.
Later in the afternoon, when Wang Qian and others inquired about the recent developments, Grandpa Chen beamed with joy, “Qianqian, I never expected to witness this unity among my sons in my lifetime. I am so happy, words fail me. Thank you, dear. Your idea allowed me to feel the care and warmth of my family.”
Approaching Grandpa Chen with a warm smile, Wang Qian said, “Grandpa Chen, what are you saying? We are all family. Please, no need for thanks. We are glad to assist you. As long as uncles return to your embrace, nothing else matters. Grandpa Chen, in these final days, stay strong. Don’t reveal any weaknesses, or our efforts will be in vain.”
Chen Minghai chuckled as he held Wang Qian’s hand, “Dear, I’m not that naive. It’s about time to deal with these rascals a bit. Whatever your Grandma Chen missed out on back then, I’ll make sure to make it right for her now.”
Despite his jovial demeanor, Chen Minghai carried a sense of melancholy in his heart. While his wife had passed away, he now faced the realities of life alone, sometimes feeling that she had chosen an easy way out, leaving him as a solitary old man to endure the tribulations of the world.
Seeing the sadness in Grandpa Chen’s eyes, Wang Qian quickly changed the subject, “Grandpa Chen, focus on handling family matters. My younger uncle is counting on you to oversee things. We may not understand it all, so your guidance is invaluable.”
Pulled back to the conversation, Chen Minghai nodded with a smile, “Indeed, as your uncle’s elder, I am familiar with the affairs here. I’ll take charge of this responsibility.”
After a brief discussion among the generations in the hospital room, Grandpa Chen ushered them to leave, “Chen Xu, you shouldn’t stay here. I’m fine. Return to help with the business. Don’t just take money without working. They are all busy lately and might neglect things. Go back and keep an eye on things.”
Aware of their successful ventures in the capital, Grandpa Chen knew their business required attention and manpower. With the family matters settled, it was time to send his grandson back to take care of business.
Engaging in such business deals was a form of practical experience for Chen Xu. He feared his grandson becoming too bookish and unprepared for the real world, hence his encouragement for them to delve into business. Merely learning from books wasn’t enough; true mastery came from practical application.
“Grandpa, do you really not need me to provide cover for anything here?” Chen Xu inquired.
Grandpa Chen nodded with a smile, “Silly boy, if they truly revert to their old ways, even I won’t hold hope. Any future losses will be on them. A household with an elder is like having a treasure. Qianqian understands this principle. If these almost-grandfathers still don’t get it, they’ve wasted their lives. You all can leave. Bai Jianing is still here if needed.”
The group exited the hospital together. Chen Xu, noticing the absence of Zuo He and Zuo Hao, asked with confusion, “Mingcheng, why didn’t we see Zuo He and Zuo Hao today? They usually stick around with you guys. Where are they today?”
Mingcheng was unsure of their whereabouts. Not even Zuo He, who would usually stick close to his sister, was around. “I’m not sure. They probably have something to attend to. We’ll find out in a couple of days,” he replied.
At that moment, Zuo He and Zuo Hao were with the Bai brothers, a group they found trustworthy despite their rough exterior. They appreciated their straightforwardness and realized they were more reliable than some in their elite circle. Additionally, there was a distant familial connection, making them feel more comfortable in their company.
The two brothers had a plan of their own. They knew relying solely on the meager military stipend wouldn’t suffice. Ensuring their future partners lived comfortably was a concern. They were not foolish; relying solely on Zuo Yu’s efforts wouldn’t cut it. They couldn’t spend their lives in the shadow of the older generation. If their grandfather were gone, who would they depend on?
Meeting the Bai brothers today was to discuss business matters. Zuo He and Zuo Hao intentionally avoided the elite circles as news spread quickly there. It was better to keep things discreet. The Bai brothers were also idle at times, and by partnering to earn money together, everyone would benefit while they could remain in the background.
“Brother Kevin, my brother and I are here today to discuss some matters. We’re not well-off and often have to rely on family for extra expenses. Our proposal is to join forces in business. We invest, and you handle sales. Let’s capitalize on the opportunities in the capital. Imagine, the Capital, with its affluent residents and influential figures. We can focus on seafood and dried fruits – essential commodities that people will always need,” Zuo He proposed, hitting a nerve with the Bai brothers.
Their words struck a chord with the Bai brothers. Despite their status in the elite circle, they struggled financially. Their salaries were barely enough, and asking their families for more was embarrassing and would invite criticism. They knew it was time to secure their own future, especially with their grandfather’s retirement looming. Their parents faced similar financial constraints. While they were relatively comfortable in the military, they needed a plan for when they returned to civilian life.
Although not well acquainted with Zuo He, he had already made a deep impression on them. They sensed a hidden depth in him and understood their grandfather’s advice to foster good relations with the Zuo brothers. Recognizing the Zuo brothers’ status, they considered it fortunate to have crossed paths with them. Their grandfather’s words about the Zuo brothers being future leaders resonated with them. With such a strong support, it would be foolish not to align themselves with them.
With a serious expression, Bai Kevin looked at the two brothers, “Zuo He, what’s your plan exactly?”
Zuo He shared his thoughts with them, “Brothers, currently, we lack substantial capital. Therefore, we must start small. Don’t underestimate the potential of starting small. If we dominate this sector, the profits could be astronomical. So, don’t dismiss the smaller beginnings. Once we expand and earn more, I have further plans. Unfortunately, our current capital is limited. Understand my proposal. Are you in?”