Previously at the supply and marketing cooperative, he hadn’t handled things well, and Xu Zhihao could only feel a sense of frustration as his ambition had no way to unfold. Now with the cannery, he thought, he would definitely make a lot of money and make his parents proud of him.
He heard that Ji Ying was making some sort of chili sauce at the food factory, but she just worked there and already acted so high and mighty. Wait until he got into the cannery, then he would be the one in charge!
By then, wouldn’t the people in the village flock to ingratiate themselves with him?
"Really?" Zhao Juxiang’s interest was piqued at these words.
"Mom, think about it, once I’m in charge at the cannery, would we need to worry about uncle’s family running a furniture factory or getting into a food factory? Your son will be the manager, and whoever wants to get into the cannery will need my approval and nod to proceed."
Xu Zhihao said with a proud expression on his face.
As Zhao Juxiang became more and more tempted, she cast a sidelong glance at Xu Zhihao and pressed, "Did you already have this all figured out?"
"Uh..." Xu Zhihao looked guilty and couldn’t bear to meet Zhao Juxiang’s eyes, pleading softly, "Mom, do you want to be left behind by uncle’s family?"
A mother knows her child best, but conversely, Xu Zhihao also clearly understood what his mother cared about. Xu Zhihao said, "This child will carry the Shen surname, but he is also my son. And if we have another son, won’t he bear the Xu surname? When all’s said and done, our family still has the advantage."
Zhao Juxiang snorted softly, her eyes wheeling as she began to consider how to convince the Xu family.
The Xu family was in upheaval over the matter of the child’s surname.
Unaware of the things Xu Zhihao had stirred up, Xu Nianhua was happily bringing afternoon tea to the workers building the house.
Watching the once barren land bustle with the construction of houses and walls, Xu Nianhua was exceptionally moved. This furniture factory, established by her father, would surely flourish even more in the future.
"Dad, I made some dumplings. Have them while they’re hot." Xu Nianhua offered the dumplings she held and took out a towel to wipe her father’s sweat.
"Don’t worry about it, Nianhua. School starts the day after tomorrow. Focus more on your studies, and your hands are freezing, so don’t do these things anymore."
Despite the hard work, Xu Qinghe felt happiness in his heart, blessed with such a dutiful and understanding daughter. He felt his life was truly worthwhile.
"Dad, that’s nothing for your daughter."
Xu Nianhua playfully said, "My hands are fine. I applied clam oil, and they’ll heal in a few days. It doesn’t hurt at all."
"Good." Xu Qinghe enjoyed the dumplings one after another. The pork and cabbage filling was especially tasty, and after eating one, he belatedly asked, "Have you eaten?"
The affectionate scene between Xu Nianhua and her father Xu Qinghe was observed by many, who looked on with envy. Each of Xu Qinghe’s children was successful in their own right.
"Xiaofeng, do you like Nianhua?" Zhang Meixiang called Cai Feng over specifically to ask.
Cai Feng’s face flushed at once, and he stammered for a long time without managing to articulate a clear explanation.
Zhang Meixiang’s heart sank, and she immediately said, "Xiaofeng, put that thought to rest. You and she are not suitable for each other."
"Why?" Cai Feng’s expression changed instantly.
Zhang Meixiang sighed and said, "Nianhua’s grades are good. Last year was an accident that she didn’t get into university. This year, I’ve heard she scored first in the entire grade."
Cai Feng hung his head, immediately understanding his mother’s meaning. She had a future with limitless opportunities as a university student, but what about him?