"...Big brother is a responsible person. Over the years, it’s been thanks to you all taking care of us. Brother Ah Zhi, if there’s anything at home in the future, feel free to talk to us." Speaking of which, Lin Yinghui isn’t that old, and Liang Zhi is even younger, but since he married their little sister, the hierarchy is set, and he has no choice but to address him as such.
It’s the first time he’s called Lin Yinghui ’brother’ in front of outsiders. It was quite a task for him.
"We’re all family. Ever since Auntie’s family got better off, they’ve helped us quite a bit too. Last year, the village started subcontracting, and we rented a few acres of land, all thanks to Auntie’s money. Now, we’ve opened a small eatery in the county town, and we make quite a bit monthly. I was thinking about renting the mountain behind the village. Our village secretary’s family rented one and is planning to cultivate tea. I also want to try some ventures. There are plenty of mountain goods on the hilltop that can be sold."
"Haven’t asked yet. Shouldn’t be a problem."
"If there’s a problem, just send a letter over there."
"If it really comes to that, we’ll definitely need your help."
In the evening, usually around this time, Li Fugui would still be out drinking. Today, he behaved much better.
The reason is none other than Liang Hongmei’s son-in-law. According to the village, he’s some kind of officer. Although it’s unknown what position, he seems to drive the team car, which suggests a not-so-low status.
Li Fugui sat alone in the room, smoking sullenly, uneasily wondering if Liang Jian Country would report him to Liang Hongmei’s son-in-law.
"Xiao Wan, I already asked, and Brother Wu said there’s a family over here installing a phone, and the line’s already been pulled over. It’s not a hassle to get it from there. I’ve reported to the telecom bureau. They’ll come to install it within a few days, so wait at home for them. They have your house number." Lin Yinghui has been busy these days preparing stock for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Today’s orders are quite a lot, especially from the factories. They’ve already taken orders from five factories, plus Brother Wu’s. Once this Mid-Autumn Festival is over, the stock will probably be gone.
Having sales without inventory is also stressful.
"Alright, I’ll stay at home these days and wait for them to come install."
"Take this money." Lin Yinghui asked Mom to withdraw three thousand yuan yesterday, specially for the phone installation.
"Brother, I don’t want it. I’ve already said I have money. The phone is being installed in my house; who’s sharing it with you? Take it back." Lin Wan acted as if she was angry.
Lin Yinghui smiled and ignored her, "Fine, it’s not shared. Consider this money as a gift from your brother."
"Why would you give me money for no reason? I have a salary, and I visit the store every now and then. Don’t you and Mom still pay me monthly? Besides, I earn quite a bit selling clothes, and Han Yi has money too. We, the young couple, have money to spend. You should keep this money. The distillery needs expansion and equipment, all of which require money. Brother, you’re not young anymore and will need to get married and have kids in the future. You can’t always support your married sister this way."
"Marriage is still far off for me, no rush. We have a steady income every month, so money isn’t a problem."
Lin Wan winked mischievously at him, "Hmph, Brother, tell me honestly, are you in love?"
"...No." Lin Yinghui’s momentary stunned reaction made Lin Wan even more suspicious.
With scrutinizing eyes, she grabbed his arm to stop him from escaping like last time, "Brother, you can hide it from Mom, but how can you hide it from me? If you’re in love, just say so. If it works out, you’ll have to introduce them to us anyway. Why not tell me about it? Maybe I can help you assess them."