"Sis, I suggest you guys, since you have time and the factory is now either closed or operating at reduced capacity, take the money and go visit the southern cities with He Weng. Get a firsthand feel for the situation and seek advice. After all, no one’s words compare to seeing it for yourselves, especially since this investment is a large sum. It’s natural for you to have doubts," Bai Xiao encouraged them to step out and see more of the world. People need to broaden their horizons; what’s needed is experience.
He Weng thought for a moment, "How about this! Since there’s still a month until the New Year, I’ll buy the tickets now. We’ll go and come back in at most ten days, just in time to celebrate the New Year without disrupting anything. It’s also the busiest time for them right now, and it will give you an idea of how their factories operate." He Weng was rather anxious.
A businessman facing a business opportunity can’t help but want to investigate it, even if it’s not directly related to him! But since it was his own elder brother’s project, it was like their family was involved, and helping out was naturally expected. He too hoped his brother and sister-in-law would have a good life.
Bai Ju suddenly remembered, "Wait, Xiao, how long is your vacation? You’re in the military, so your holidays can’t be that long!"
"Sis, we are family, and you’ve seen me now, whole and unreserved. What else is there to worry about? I think my ideas have been shared with you, but how you execute them requires careful planning. After all, transforming a factory takes a process. I’ll write you a rough proposal in the next few days. However, it’s still up to you to do it yourselves, since this matter is important," Bai Xiao wanted to see his second sister supported as well.
Now his eldest sister’s life was flourishing and would only get better, but it wasn’t enough for one person to do well, the entire family had to do well; that was true capability. Among the four siblings, he and his elder brother were in the military, and unless they changed careers, they couldn’t get involved in business. But that didn’t prevent him from wanting his sisters to each have a successful career. This was the era for the rise of the common people; it’d be foolish to miss such an opportunity.
"Xiao, I understand now, every time it’s actually you helping your second sister, I feel somewhat guilty. I just want to spend more time with you, but opportunities are always so limited and I always feel regret. We sisters don’t get to gather together very often. This year you’re coming back for the New Year, but who knows if you’ll even have leave next year," Bai Ju was tender-hearted and valued relationships, not quite cut out to be a boss.
Bai Xiao smiled encouragingly at Bai Ju, "Sis, I’ll tell you something you must remember: ’no mercy, no soldiers; no righteousness, no wealth; a lenient leader will not have strong subordinates.’ If you remain soft-hearted like this, I really have to worry about whether you can manage such a factory."
Business isn’t for everyone.
Bai Ju smiled sheepishly, "You think your sister doesn’t know? My nature is a big problem. I smile at everyone, and once people see through that, they’ll start taking advantage. That’s why your brother-in-law is the backbone of our home. From now on, he’ll handle the tough decisions, and I’ll just take care of the production and finances, which I’m good at." She was aware of her limitations.
He Wang laughed, "Niece, in a few days, if you leave, your sister and I probably won’t be able to come back. This is the dowry we’ve prepared for you. It’s not much but consider it a token of our feelings." Smiling warmly, he took out a savings book.
Bai Xiao sighed; their family was indeed advancing in their progressive thoughts.
They’re even getting addicted to preparing savings books.