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Old Zheng observed Hao Lianchun’s expression and teasingly remarked, “Old Hao, stop staring. The girl has left. Your gaze almost devoured her. Got some ideas brewing, huh? Honestly, I feel like taking that girl back with me.”
Hao Lianchun gave her a playful look, “Old Zheng, stay out of this. Among my three grandsons, I’m waiting for one of them to bring that girl back as a granddaughter-in-law. Your bunch won’t stand a chance, even if they lined up.”
Worried about someone snatching her treasure, Hao Lianchun’s protective demeanor even amused Zheng Furong with her rare display.
“Old Hao, today I see you have a protective side. I always thought you were generous, didn’t expect this… didn’t expect you to be like this,” Zheng Furong chuckled, teasing her.
Hao Lianchun joined in the laughter, “You old rascal, teasing me, huh? Didn’t expect you to have this hobby. Next time, I’ll ask Old Wu to find you some entertainment, so you won’t cause chaos here. Speaking of business, have all of Weiguo’s bedding been arranged? According to Lan, he’s her only younger brother. She insisted on having a complete set, even if it’s a bit extra. In case they have guests at home, they’ll have enough. Weiguo has truly found a caring sister. She’s willing to go the extra mile for her little brother.”
Zheng Furong had also heard from her husband about their past and understood why Zhang Weiguo had a deep bond with his sister. “Indeed, our niece is a good person. She’s been there to support our old man during tough times. When her own brother is getting married, she’ll definitely go all out. But looking at Weiguo, he’s a good kid. Over the years, despite his significant achievements, he hasn’t changed much. Even with all his success, he remains the same. He’s a fine young man. Old Wu feels fortunate to have met this family.”
Hao Lianchun nodded with a smile, “Yes, we are truly blessed. I wonder when Weiguo’s parents will come. I’m looking forward to meeting elder sister and her husband again. They are also wonderful people.”
Zuo He and Zuo Hao accompanied Wang Qian to the next room. Zuo Hao eagerly inquired about the bed covers, “Qianqian, do you have other designs for these bed covers? I think they could sell well.”
Wang Qian smiled at the brothers, “Zuo Hao, you two are missing out by not being in business. If you were to establish a factory for these items, I believe there’s potential. However, there’s one thing you should know. The fabric is sourced and distributed individually. Without a stable fabric supply, it would be challenging. It’s hard to make something out of nothing.”
When the topic turned to fabric, Zuo He narrowed his eyes in thought.
“Bro, do you remember when we used to play in that abandoned house in the military compound when we were kids…”
As Zuo He brought this up, Zuo Hao suddenly realized his intention. “Ah, you mean the machines there…”
Zuo He nodded with a smile, “Don’t forget, our second uncle’s nephew works as a supervisor in a spinning mill. We could utilize that resource fully. The place is secluded. Once we talk to Lu Ping and involve him in this, in the future…”
With his younger brother’s words, Zuo Hao could also envision the substantial profits involved. Wang Qian listened with a smile as the brothers discussed, recognizing the value of earning money compared to frivolous spending.
“Zuo He, get started on this. I’ll provide you with the designs later. There’s a good market for this, and once you’re done, you can specialize in bedding,” Wang Qian suggested.
Zuo He was intrigued by the idea of bedding products and Wang Qian patiently explained the details to them, painting a grand vision in the brothers’ minds.
Impressed by his sister’s creativity, Zuo Hao couldn’t help but admire her, “Qianqian, you’re amazing. You have such great ideas. I wonder what else is in that clever mind of yours. If we continue in business, we’ll definitely consult with you. And when we make money, you’ll definitely have a share.”
To Zuo Hao’s words, Wang Qian simply smiled, “Brother Zuo Hao, just focus on doing well in business. As for the money, I don’t need it. Just make sure no one bullies us in the future.”
“Of course, once we’re strong, we won’t let anyone bully you. After all, where would I put my face if they did? Don’t worry, dear,” Zuo He reassured her.
That evening, the brothers finalized their collaboration plans with their friends from the northeast. Zuo Zhanshan, regarding his grandson’s ventures, chose to turn a blind eye, knowing that young people needed room to explore.
Soon, Mingyuan and Wang Qian’s reporting date arrived. Without any military training scheduled yet, the siblings timed their arrival at the school accordingly. Wang Qian was accompanied by Mingcheng and the Zuo Brothers, while Mingyuan was escorted by Wang Xuan, Chen Xu, and Yang Nuo.
The siblings and their entourage split up, heading to register. Wang Qian wore the glasses gifted by Zuo He, providing a modest disguise. While not foolproof, they gave her a demure appearance, easing any concerns she might have had.
Zuo He also double-checked before Wang Qian’s departure, only realizing upon reaching the school that there was no shortage of beauties around. The renowned foreign language school lived up to its reputation. Although some girls seemed a bit outdated in their attire, by current standards, they were quite fashionable. Wang Qian preferred a moderate approach—neither seeking the limelight nor lingering in the shadows. She had come to focus on learning foreign languages, not to engage in competing for attention with other girls.
Zuo Hao and Mingcheng found themselves overwhelmed by the presence of so many girls, a rare sight in their military school. Zuo He nudged their arms, “Bro, any thoughts? There are so many girls here…”
Zuo Hao shook his head with a smile, “Forget it, these aren’t my cup of tea. But Mingcheng might find someone worth considering.”
In Zuo Hao’s heart, there was a girl’s shadow, a matter he kept to himself. She was the first girl in the northeast to willingly interact with them. Although younger, he would wait for her to grow up before broaching the subject. By the time they were about to enter university, she had promised to marry him—even if she hadn’t fully understood what she was agreeing to at the time. Thinking about this, he chuckled inwardly, planning to hold her to her promise in the future, even keeping a promise letter in his dormitory.
Mingcheng glanced at the bustling crowd arriving for registration. Despite the majority being girls, he had no desire to find a girlfriend here. These girls weren’t his type. He preferred the girls in the military camp, finding them more appealing than these delicate students. They seemed too fragile for his taste, and the thought of dealing with them in the future sent a shiver down his spine. He had no time to coddle these delicate girls.
“Well, they’re not as good as the girls in our military school. They’re not my type. Let’s just focus on studying,” Mingcheng remarked.
Zuo He squinted as he scanned the crowd for potential male acquaintances. However, most of them either had unimpressive looks or seemed underdeveloped. He noted a few decent ones for future reference, understanding that they might catch Wang Qian’s eye. Despite his doubts about her being swayed by such individuals, he remained cautious, always prepared for any surprises.
Upon seeing those self-proclaimed “princes” of the school eyeing attractive newcomers during the freshman registration, Zuo He and Mingcheng’s gazes felt as sharp as knives. The boys began feeling uneasy, realizing that even though Wang Qian looked lovely, they dared not approach her. Their lives were at stake, dealing with soldiers they couldn’t afford to provoke. Scholar versus soldier—logic might not prevail in such encounters. They decided it was wiser to avoid any confrontation for now.
Watching those pompous boys slink away, the three brothers exchanged a smile, knowing their presence was enough to deter troublemakers.
With the brothers’ assistance, Wang Qian relaxed and enjoyed the scenery. Despite the crowded registration area, when the trio of handsome soldiers in uniform followed behind her, the crowd instinctively made way for them. Zuo Hao’s charming smile captivated some of the girls, causing a slight embarrassment as they tried to compose themselves and assist with the paperwork.
Once all formalities were completed, the brothers accompanied Wang Qian to her dormitory. Since it was the first day of registration, the girls’ dormitory was open to visitors. Parents came to drop off their children, and it was only natural to allow them inside. Therefore, no one intervened as they entered today.
Carrying their luggage, the trio found Wang Qian’s room already occupied by two girls. Their parents were helping them unpack, and the girls were on the floor sorting through their belongings.
Upon seeing the four of them approaching, the two girls were visibly impressed, their faces showing a hint of admiration. However, they quickly composed themselves, nodding to Wang Qian and focusing on reorganizing their belongings. Yet, sneakily, they cast furtive glances at Mingcheng and his two companions.
Dressed in military uniforms, the three of them looked exceptionally handsome, naturally garnering admiration from the young girls. Wang Qian found nothing unusual about this, and when their parents saw the four of them, their admiration and astonishment became even more apparent.