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The Bai brothers weren’t foolish; running errands and talking were just simple tasks, plus they earned money from it. According to Zuo He, they could make a good amount of money in the future, so not doing it would be foolish.
The brothers exchanged glances and saw agreement in each other’s eyes. As the eldest of the Bai family, Bai Kevin spoke up, “Alright, Zuo He, since you think highly of us, we’ll work with you from now on. We’ll follow your lead and make money together.”
After settling matters with the Bai brothers, Zuo He analyzed the surrounding situation for them. Bai Kai and cousin Bai Kaifeng were in charge of the seafood products, Bai Kaipeng handled sales, Bai Kaiwen and Bai Kaiwu managed coordination, while Zuo He and his brother handled the dried fruit supply.
After discussing the details and setting a time for the next meeting, they hurriedly parted ways.
Zuo He and his group didn’t have much money themselves, but they still informed Hao Lianchun when they returned, hoping for Grandma’s support.
Hao Lianchun smiled at her two grandsons, “Hehe, you’ve done well. You want to make money without investing your own, and you’ve chosen the right people. Old Bai is usually low-key and doesn’t attract attention. Those boys from the Bai family seem good to Grandma. I’ll lend you the capital for your business, but you must work hard. Don’t be like those flaunting their wealth without any manners. Stay humble, even if you get rich; do it discreetly. Don’t give your rivals any leverage.”
The old lady had experience in the political scene and had faced opposition from their family before. She knew the ins and outs well, so with the old man stepping back into the scene, there was a chance someone might target them.
Hao Lianchun agreed to help with the money, and the brothers were ecstatic. “Grandma, this money is a loan. When we earn, we’ll definitely pay you back. Should we draft a loan agreement?”
Hao Lianchun chuckled and patted her grandson, “You little rascal, with me, even without repayment, there’s nothing to worry about. Why bother with a loan agreement? Just keep it in your hearts. Behave well outside, take care of your business, and if you need help, inform your uncle. Your older siblings will surely support you.”
Upon hearing this, Zuo Hao laughed, “Grandma, we’ve already planned it out. Our older cousins won’t be idle. We’ll definitely seek their help, and who knows, we might even contribute to the local economy. Uncle might even thank us for adding to his achievements.”
Hao Lianchun patted her eldest grandson, “You little rascal, I’ll get the money for you later. Will you wait at home or go find Qianqian and the others?”
Zuo He suggested, “Grandma, since you’re also going to help, why don’t we accompany you to get the money? We can go together, have a meal there, enjoy the company. Otherwise, you’ll have to cook alone. The food in our canteen isn’t great, not much flavor. Qianqian’s food is much better. Let’s grab a meal there.”
With her grandson’s mischievous nature, the old lady understood without it being explicitly mentioned. She actually preferred things that way.
“Alright, you both accompany Grandma. It’s like having two bodyguards with me. Let’s take the public bus. Let’s avoid using official vehicles if we can,” Hao Lianchun suggested.
Hao Lianchun still had her principles. Being cautious could prevent gossip. Although their family now had official cars, she preferred a more ordinary life. It wasn’t about being frugal but finding joy in the simple life of commoners. Eating, drinking, chatting, and laughing together without too much fuss or formality, living freely and naturally. She had spent the first half of her life in a tense environment and now thoroughly enjoyed the lifestyle akin to the Wang family. Reflecting on their past precarious existence, where even dreaming at night was a fear, she appreciated the simplicity of a regular life, free from the constant tension of her earlier years.
The grandmother and grandsons walked out of the gate and coincidentally encountered Wei Hong. She was dressed in a tasteful dress, high heels, and styled curly hair, exuding a fashionable and charming air.
Hao Lianchun didn’t particularly favor this girl. By her standards, Wei Hong seemed overly flirtatious, always mingling with the young people in the courtyard without a proper demeanor. Such behavior was quite unlikable to her.
Wei Hong had been fretting over not seeing Zuo He these past days, so it was a stroke of luck to meet him as soon as she stepped outside.
With a bright smile on her fair face, Wei Hong said, “Grandma Zuo, you’re going out. How about I accompany you for a walk?”
The young girl warmly linked arms with Hao Lianchun.
Hao Lianchun smiled wryly. The girl was a bit too enthusiastic, not even bothering to ask if it was appropriate. “Wei Hong, Grandma isn’t going for a walk today. We’re going out with Zuo He for some business, so our paths don’t align. Perhaps another day. If I go for a stroll, I’ll ask you to join.”
Hao Lianchun’s demeanor was gentle, leaving Wei Hong unsure of how to respond. She truly wished to chat with Zuo He, but it was evident that the elderly lady was rejecting her. Nonetheless, she understood there would be more opportunities in the future and didn’t want to offend the elderly lady in front of her.
Wei Hong smiled and said, “Grandma, since you’re busy, I won’t delay you. It’s time for me to go to work as well. Another day, I’ll come by to chat with you.”
After speaking, she glanced at Zuo He, but he was engrossed in conversation with his brother at that moment. The two brothers just nodded at her and walked past. Wei Hong felt frustrated and wanted to stomp her foot, unsure of when she would see Zuo He next.
She then called out to Zuo He, “Brother Zuo He, Liuzi is treating next week. If you and Zuo Hao have time, why not join us? It’s been a while since we gathered for a meal. We all miss our childhood memories.”
Zuo He shook his head with a smile, “Wei Hong, I’m afraid we won’t have time. My grandfather wants me to train. When I have time, I’ll treat you all to a meal. That’s settled.”
Without looking back, Zuo He walked away with Hao Lianchun, leaving Wei Hong standing there. She was mesmerized by Zuo He’s captivating smile earlier, almost breathless. Such a charming smile was unique to Zuo He.
Zuo Hao glanced back at Wei Hong who was still standing in place, “Zuo He, be careful. Since you like that girl, you can’t get involved in unclear relationships. I don’t have a good feeling about Wei Hong. She’s too flirtatious, not the type for our family. Even if she were given to me for free, I wouldn’t want her.”
Zuo He chuckled and shook his head, “Bro, you should know me better. I’m not that kind of person by nature. As for her… even if she were given to me for free, I wouldn’t want her. Do you think your younger brother is a garbage collector? Before we came back, she had many boyfriends. With her behavior, not a single one of us brothers would be interested.”
Hao Lianchun playfully tapped both of them, “You two, if you don’t like her, don’t speak so harshly. But I must say, I’m not fond of Wei Hong. Always dressing up so alluringly, she doesn’t look like she’s going to work. In the future, don’t marry wives like that. A virtuous wife leads to fewer troubles. We’re always under scrutiny, many are waiting to catch us making mistakes. Remember that.”
After collecting the money, the brothers walked excitedly, finding their Uncle’s house much more welcoming than the their family’s grand estate.
“Zuo He, let’s start contacting suppliers tonight. Let Lu Ping handle it from the northeast; he’s skilled at this. His father holds a high position, and no one dares to cross them. Since the military vehicles frequently pass by, we can save on transportation costs. Next time I visit, I’ll treat Lu Ping and his team to dinner. He might not need to personally handle it; he has plenty of capable people under him.”
When they mentioned their buddies from the northeast compound, Zuo He and Zuo Hao couldn’t help but smile happily.
During the days they left the Wang family, having these companions with them was a blessing. Zuo He would have struggled to adapt to life there without them.
Lu Ping, once the bully in their courtyard, became their closest friend after a beating from the three brothers. They had become the best of friends.
“Bro, I bet Lu Ping looks down on us for making this little money, right?”
Zuo Hao nodded with a smile, knowing Lu Ping’s personality well. When they told him about their plans, he would likely tease them. However, his younger brother was right. Making money discreetly was key—quietly accumulating wealth without drawing attention. While they weren’t against high-earning ventures, it wasn’t the right time now, especially with their stake tied up in Zuo Yu’s potential factory.
Upon arriving at the Wang family’s grand estate, Mingyuan, Mingcheng, and Wang Xuan had gone out to tend to business, leaving Wang Qian and Zheng Furong to wrap up some tasks inside. They were cutting out decorative characters and making bed covers, a request from Wang Qian to avoid the hassle of washing the quilts directly.
Zheng Furong initially thought it was a waste of fabric but changed his mind after Wang Qian’s explanation, eventually making three sets for them. Zuo He and the others arrived just in time to see them trying out the bed covers. Zuo He didn’t quite understand what they were holding, but once they were in place, he realized it was indeed a good idea.
“Bro, what do you think of Qianqian’s idea? It’s quite innovative, don’t you think? I feel like we could brainstorm some ideas in this area,” Zuo Hao suggested.
Zuo He also had thoughts on the matter. He had never seen quilts being put inside a cover like that. The brothers, intrigued, inquired further. Wang Qian smiled and glanced at them, “Zuo Hao, do you have some ideas? Let’s head to the study to discuss. We’ll let Grandma Zuo stay here with Grandma Zheng. I’ll be back shortly. I’ll take you fishing for lunch later.”