"Yes, that Shuqin was able to invite Shuxue to join the radio business took me by surprise," Xu Nian’an said, pursing his lips, suddenly reminded of the Ji brothers, Shuyuan and Shuming, who clearly weren’t as close as Ji Shuqin and Cai Shuxue.
"Second brother, you and our eldest brother need to get along well. We’re only three siblings, so let’s not become estranged," Xu Nianhua reminded him.
After all, there aren’t many brothers and sisters to begin with, so it would be truly wrong not to be united and harmonious.
"Of course," Xu Nian’an replied without hesitation, "My relationship with my eldest brother is very good."
Ji Shuqin and Cai Shuxue, with two thousand five hundred yuan in their pockets, once again set out for Yangcheng to stock up on goods.
In South City, Ji Shuyuan also received the goods sent by Xu Nian’an through Pei Yicheng’s factory truck.
"Grandpa, it’s okay, I can manage on my own." Ji Shuyuan returned to the courtyard carrying a large bundle of goods. He rented this courtyard after he started to earn money. It was especially close to the school, and he had moved his grandfather Ji Xinghua there too.
When they first moved, both his father and second uncle disagreed, but Ji Xinghua was willing, saying that the place in Ji Shan was too small and uncomfortable.
Deng Juan also feared what others would say about their lack of filial piety, having their father-in-law live with his grandson, and claimed that it was unsafe for Ji Xinghua to live there alone.
Ji Xinghua shut Deng Juan up with a single sentence, saying, "How is it that, when I’m home, aren’t you also away during the day? Do you accompany me all day long?"
"But, but we need to work," Deng Juan sheepishly closed her mouth.
Ji Xinghua looked at Ji Feng and Ji Shan and said, "I know you both have filial hearts, but Shuyuan has to travel too far for school. It’s better for me to accompany Shuyuan, plus the rented rooms are quite big, more spacious than here."
"If you truly care, come visit me more often." Despite his age, Ji Xinghua was resolute, and the next day, he moved into the rented house with Ji Shuyuan.
The bungalow had three rooms, a separate kitchen and toilet, and a small courtyard; it was indeed more spacious than where Deng Juan and her family lived.
In cold weather, one could sit in the courtyard to soak up the sun.
But most importantly, Ji Shuyuan could store his goods in the rented house without worrying about Deng Juan’s disapproval.
"Shuyuan, come inside quickly, I’ve made some hot tea," Ji Xinghua said tenderly, looking at Ji Shuyuan. He had seen all the hard work Ji Shuyuan had done these days, despite the good money he had earned.
"Thank you, Grandpa."
Ji Shuyuan held the freshly steeped hot tea, which was pleasantly warm and took a big gulp before opening his packages. As he looked at the array of goods, he laid them out on the large table in the courtyard, sorting and remarking, "The goods Nian’an sent are really nice. Not just young girls would like them; even I’m tempted to buy one to give as a gift."
"Their siblings really do have a good eye," Ji Xinghua said, his age not preventing him from appreciating these pretty hairpins, perfectly suited for lovely young girls. "Shuyuan, don’t work too hard, your studies are the most important," he advised.
"I understand, Grandpa," Ji Shuyuan said, meticulously recording the cost price and types of the items in a notebook, knowing he needed to transfer the money for the goods to Nian’an later.
This business may be hard work, but Ji Shuyuan was very happy. With this business, not only could he avoid asking his parents for money, but he could also provide Grandpa with a more spacious and comfortable place.
Even though he’s renting now, Ji Shuyuan believed that in the near future, he would definitely own his own house, and then Grandpa wouldn’t have to squeeze into that cramped room anymore.