Chapter 46 After being busy for more than half a year, everyone can finally relax...

Actually, Xu Cuilan came to Nie Qingqing not to complain, but to complain about her family. She had a very good relationship with her family, and her younger siblings all followed her lead.

She came to try a different approach to achieve her goal.

Old Min couldn't help but say that as long as Song Zhao agreed, things would be much easier for Old Min.

Song Zhao was cold and unapproachable, but Nie Qingqing was easy to talk to. She had helped her child enroll in school last time, and she felt that Nie Qingqing was a kind-hearted person. Rather than being rejected by Song Zhao, she decided to come to her instead.

Xu Cuilan spoke at length about the hardships of being the eldest sister and the deep affection between siblings, but Nie Qingqing did not express her opinion and only talked about her own family's situation.

She said, "Sister Xu, you are the eldest sister with many younger brothers and sisters. You have a good relationship with your maternal family, and I also have a good relationship with my maternal family. I can understand that."

"I know you understand, that's good. I knew you were reasonable."

Nie Qingqing said, "But that's your family's business after all. As for my own relatives, if they have the ability, I'm willing to lend them some money. If they don't have the ability, I have to think about it even if I'm lending them money. You're asking for my opinion? How can I give you any opinion?"

Xu Cuilan felt very depressed. Her sorrowful expression went unappreciated, so she calmed down and said, "Old Min and I suffered a lot in the early years. Now that the factory is doing better and better, it's time for our family to benefit as well."

That's not logical. Why should relatives who didn't suffer with us back then benefit from this now?

Nie Qingqing said, "Who hasn't suffered in the past? Why should those who didn't help us benefit from our success? Those who did help us should repay them, right?"

Xu Cuilan held back her tears, unable to refute them, and spoke in a strange tone.

"I never expected you to think that way. You're right, it is cold-blooded and ruthless."

Nie Qingqing remained unmoved: "Being cold-blooded and ruthless depends on who you're dealing with. I've been very good to my husband, my children, and those who have helped me. They've never said I'm heartless. As for those who talk about me, they've never helped me, so why should I care what they say?"

Xu Cuilan realized that Nie Qingqing was not as easy to talk to as she seemed. After chatting for a few minutes, she went back.

...

Xu Cuilan didn't get the result she wanted from Nie Qingqing. When she returned home, Director Min also came back.

With anger stemming from both incidents, Xu Cuilan began to speak in a sarcastic tone.

"Director Song is spouting nonsense again, saying my family members aren't allowed into the factory? How can you be so stubborn? If my family members are allowed in, then your family can too."

Factory Director Min was indeed somewhat swayed by his wife's pillow talk, but Factory Director Song's words today made him reaffirm his principles. Little Min is only seventeen years old. If he puts his relatives in the factory at this age, he will not be able to compete with these fierce elders in the future.

Factory Director Min said, "Don't talk to me about family ties. My closest relative is Weijun. What your relatives are trying to take now is what will be given to Weijun in the future."

Xu Cuilan knew this, but she could accept taking a little bit.

"I know, when relatives get jobs in the factory, they'll definitely want the good positions and try to make some extra money. So what? Why can't we give the good positions to our relatives instead of others?"

Factory Director Min was furious. So she knew all along, and was still willing to give up some of her son's interests to a relative? How could she do this?

"Those important positions were filled by talents that Director Song found based on their abilities. Otherwise, do you think the factory could have developed so quickly? Do your relatives understand technology? Sales? Management? What can they do besides trying to make money?"

Unable to argue with her husband, Xu Cuilan ran to the room and called to her son, "Those are your uncles and aunts, aren't you going to say anything?"

Min Weijun honestly asked, "Why am I being dragged into your argument again?"

Seeing her son's indecisive attitude, Xu Cuilan became even angrier and complained to Director Min: "You are much older than Director Song. Once you retire, with Wei Jun's personality, you won't have any relatives to help you in the factory. Director Song will take everything away from you in the future."

I was worried about that, but I was overthinking it. Director Song is skilled and principled. He appoints people based on merit, not favoritism. All the key personnel in the factory were recruited and promoted by Director Song. If he wants to break up the partnership, who can stop him?

Therefore, what he needs to do is offer support and trust, and refrain from causing trouble.

Factory Director Min said, "If you hadn't been arguing all the time, Weijun might have been able to get into a good high school. It's all because of you!"

The couple was about to start arguing again. Director Min didn't want his son to hear his parents arguing, so he gave his son some money and said, "Go out and find some classmates to relax. You can eat dinner outside and come back later."

...

The day before the electronics factory closed for the holiday, Song Zhao carried a bag of money back home, while Nie Qingqing was cooking in the kitchen.

Tangyuan ran over like lightning and sidled up to her: "Mom, Dad brought back a bag of money. It's heavier than the bag you brought back from the Jinxiu Jiayuan project last time. Since there's so much to distribute this year, can I have some? It's not much, just five hundred is enough. I also want to give my little brothers a red envelope."

Nie Qingqing was overjoyed. She was generous with the money she earned. She wiped her hands and handed the spatula to Tangyuan: "Okay, you cook dinner, and I'll give some to you and Xiaoyuan."

The canvas bag that Song Zhao brought back was indeed more full than the one she brought back last time. Director Min is quite interesting; he gives out cash every year.

More than money, Song Zhao actually preferred seeing Nie Qingqing smile. She was happy when she saw money, otherwise just making money didn't bring him much joy.

Song Zhao said, "Take a look at how much you need for the New Year, and keep a little extra. We'll go store the rest together tomorrow."

Song Zhao's younger brother called today. He first asked about the train he was taking back, chatted for a bit about everyday things, and then asked if it would be convenient for him to lend him some money.

Nie Qingqing lifted the bag of money with force, quite satisfied with its weight, put it down, and smiled:

“Chengdong called. His small appliance business is doing well, and he wants to expand. He asked to borrow tens of thousands of yuan from us. I think he has the ability to pay it back, so I agreed. Let’s keep tens of thousands of yuan for him to lend.”

The person who borrowed the money was his younger brother. It is estimated that Cheng Dong had already borrowed from everyone he could, and only then did he ask his older brother and sister-in-law for help to cover the remaining shortfall.

Qingqing agreed, so how could he refuse? Song Zhao nodded: "Okay, if you think it's possible to lend it, then let's lend it."

Tangyuan counted the five hundred yuan she received and said enthusiastically, "Now I'll call my uncle so he won't have trouble sleeping tonight. I'll tell him that Dad still loves his little brother very much."

Song Zhao: "If you're going to lend it, then lend it. Why all the fuss? Don't say the last sentence."

Tangyuan pouted: "Then I'll say I love him, my uncle, okay?"

...

That evening, the family packed their luggage, and the next morning they first deposited money and then made some paste to paste on the door couplets.

Tangyuan and Xiaoyuan also put up a couplet at Dalin and Xiaolin's house, so that the doors facing each other would look more festive and like it was Chinese New Year.

After finishing their work, they checked the house one last time, and the whole family, carrying bags and packages, went to the station to meet up with Shumei's family.

Shumei's brother's business did well this year, and she received 20,000 to 30,000 yuan in dividends. In addition, with the profits from Yu Zhengmin's factory, her wallet is bulging, and she has enough money for renovations next year.

The two families happily returned home for the Chinese New Year.

Song Zhao is the kind of person who is willing to spend money even more after earning it. This year, he bought a soft sleeper compartment with four berths, which is just right for his whole family.

He Shumei tried out the soft sleeper bed. The bunk beds were at a good height, and the compartment was spacious. She nodded repeatedly, saying, "This extra money was really well spent!"

After putting away her luggage, Song Zhao saw that she still hadn't left and said, "Aren't you going back to your private room? We need to rest."

He Shumei pointed to the sun outside the car window: "It's still early. I want to talk to Qingqing. After a busy year, this is the time I have to relax in the car."

Yu Zhengmin rushed over to defuse the situation, pulling Song Zhao to the next room and saying, "My brother-in-law is playing cards with Zhigao, and they're missing one player, you're the only one they need."

Song Zhao frowned: "I don't play cards."

Yu Zhengmin chuckled: "Then let's watch us fight, chat, and let those women have a proper conversation."

...

Song Zhao was taken away, and He Shumei felt better. She shared the tea eggs she had brought with Tangyuan and told him to take them to the people in the next private room. Xiao Yuan held Douding and played with him in the aisle. She and Nie Qingqing could finally talk comfortably.

Of all the days in the year, this journey is truly the most leisurely time.

She poured Nie Qingqing a cup of brewed longan tea and said with a smile, "Song Zhao's clingy nature hasn't changed at all. Aren't you annoyed by him?"

Nie Qingqing laughed: "It's not annoying at all. I'm happy about it. I also like it when he's clinging to me."

Song Zhao was genuinely pleased to hear this from next door, and when it got dark, he came over to chase the person away.

He agreed with one of He Shumei's statements: the journey home and back was the most relaxing time for him.

In such a beautiful moment, all he wanted was to be with Qingqing. Playing cards had attracted several tourists who were watching and making him uncomfortable. This quiet time, talking to Qingqing, was the most comfortable thing for him.

...

The sleeper berth was comfortable, I slept very well, and everyone was energetic when we got home.

Tang Guizhi was already waiting at home. The house was cleaned, the quilts were washed and dried, and dumplings were cooking in a pot.

Tang Gao opened the door, and the three children chattered excitedly as they met, reminiscing about the fun they had had during the half-year separation. Dou Ding was more willing to play with his older brothers and sisters than to go home. Nie Qingqing gave him a small bowl, filled it with a few dumplings, and told him to eat them by himself.

He Shumei had only been inside the house for a short while when she came over to eat dumplings. Nie Qingqing noticed that the smile on her face had faded, so she pulled her into the room to talk.

"You've been having a great time the whole way, what's wrong?"

He Shumei held her breath and complained to Nie Qingqing about her sister-in-law, Yu Wenhui.

"I was going to have my dad do the house cleaning and laundry, but my sister-in-law offered to do it. I just smelled the blankets, and they weren't aired out. They smelled musty. They were just taken out of the closet and put on the sheets directly. The sheets smelled like mothballs. I was so angry that I punched Yu Zhengmin a few times."

Nie Qingqing opened the cabinet and let her choose: "Look, my mom prepared so many. This new set has been washed and is intended for Xiaoyin. You can use it first."

When you get home for the New Year, everyone wants to be comfortable. He Shumei looked at the sky and said that she could air out the quilts today, but the sheets would take a day to dry after washing. So she decided not to be polite.

“Okay, I’ll take this set with me. I’ll buy Xiaoyin two new sets. There are still a few days until the New Year. I’ll wash and dry them so she can take them with her.”

"It wouldn't have caused any delay anyway; she won't be back until the day after tomorrow."

...

After eating dumplings at home and resting for a while, she and Song Zhao went to deliver money to Cheng Dong.

Passing by the fourth floor, I heard He Tonggui arguing with Yu Wenhui. He Tonggui accused her of not cleaning Shumei's house properly and said that if she didn't want to do it, she shouldn't have agreed to it, and if she agreed, she should do it properly.

Nie Qingqing guessed that this small matter wouldn't be enough for Yu Wenhui to deliberately upset her younger brother and sister-in-law; there must be something else she was angry about.

She said to Song Zhao, "I guess Yu Wenhui was unhappy because she had asked to go to Pengcheng many times but had not been able to. That's why she was just being perfunctory. You two played cards on the train all afternoon, He Tonggui and Zhigao. Do you see anything wrong with that?"

Song Zhao is a man, how could he not see it? Some aspects of men's nature are the same. He knew Qingqing would be angry if he told her, but since she asked, he was willing to tell her.

He asked, "Do you want to hear the truth?"

Nie Qingqing had a pretty good idea of ​​what was going on, and pressed further, "Which of them is seeing someone else? If I find out, I'll inevitably tell Shumei. But please, don't tell me."

Song Zhao didn't say anything.

Halfway there, Nie Qingqing couldn't help but want to know. She laughed at herself and said, "Okay, just tell me how you know. I won't ask anything else."

Song Zhao explained, "They wouldn't say such things on their own initiative. I deduced it by observation. Zhigao changed his wallet, and the style of his clothes and shoes was also different from last time. He probably changed his ambiguous relationship, and she bought him new clothes. Think about it, he's so young, only goes home once every six months, and he's capable and rich. How many people can resist that?"

Yes, Zhigao is frivolous by nature. With some success in his career and money in his hands, and his wife not around, it's hard to say he's clean.

Shumei certainly didn't know that if she did, she wouldn't be able to complain about her sister-in-law with a straight face.

Nie Qingqing should pretend she doesn't know about He Zhigao and Xiao Qi's affair.

Xiao Qi isn't stupid; she probably has a pretty good idea of ​​what's going on. Even if they don't get a divorce, Zhi Gao won't change. They're willing to drag things out, so why should outsiders meddle?

...

Nie Qingqing and Song Zhao filled the funding gap that Cheng Dong needed. They gave him tens of thousands of yuan in cash. Song Zhao told him to save it before the end of the year if he didn't need it, and not to keep so much cash at home for a long time.

Cheng Dong said he would take it away in a moment. He was overjoyed that his immediate problem was solved, so he wrote an IOU and agreed to return it a year later.

The two brothers now have their own careers, and their relationship is even better than before. He Suwen's temper is also much softer than before.

She only sees her eldest son once a year, and she keeps asking him, "I heard that you and Qingqing are doing things that offend people over there. Why are you asked to do things that offend people? Can't you refuse?"

Song Zhao retorted, "Who said that? Can something that's been sent all this way be true? If you have any doubts, just call me."

"This is just casual conversation during the New Year, why make such a big deal out of it?" Nie Qingqing quickly tried to smooth things over.

“Mom is just concerned. We’re doing fine over there. Song Zhao’s business partner, Factory Manager Min, kept his promise and didn’t let his relatives into the factory. Naturally, people outside are spreading bad rumors about him. Attorney He trusts me and treats me like family. I’ve blocked a lot of people’s path to wealth, so people are spreading bad rumors about me too. In reality, we’re both doing well.”

He Suwen was relieved, but she still had a worry in her mind, so she asked Cheng Dong, "Are we going to a restaurant again for Chinese New Year this year? Is your dad coming?"

Cheng Dong said, "Dad is living a carefree life now. He said he's going to a sanatorium to spend the New Year with his old friends, instead of spending it with us."

Song Zhao's father was at ease knowing that Song Zhao and his brother were safe, so he could peacefully spend his later years in peace.

...

He Suwen didn't think so. Feeling uncomfortable, she complained, "I don't know which old lady they invited, leaving both of their sons aside."

What Cheng Dong is trying to say is, even if there were old ladies, wouldn't that be normal?

Song Zhao gave him a look: "You've got the money, what are you wasting time for? Don't you need to do anything?"

Cheng Dong quickly shut up.

Nie Qingqing advised, "Mom, you don't have to worry about us. Go on a trip with your old friends. You can spend the New Year wherever you want."

He Suwen, following up on the conversation, said in a huff, "Then I'll go spend the New Year in another city next year and I won't care about you guys anymore."

...

After giving the money and exchanging a few words, Nie Qingqing asked Song Zhao for it back, while Cheng Dong, carrying the money, went to run errands, and they happened to go together.

Cheng Dong said, "Mom is upset, but she didn't share those ten years of hardship with Dad, and now Dad isn't helping her enjoy her retirement, so we can't really say anything."

Song Zhao said, "She needs money to go out and clear her head. I'll split the cost with you. If you encourage her to go out and see more of the world, she won't keep thinking about the past."

Cheng Dong nodded: "I know, she hadn't thought it through before, but she'll be fine when she does."

...

On the third day after she returned, Xiaoyin came back. She was different after going to university. Her demeanor, temperament, knowledge and speech were very different from before. She was generous and confident.

Nie Qingqing liked it more and more as she looked at it, and couldn't help but feel proud in front of Song Zhao: "Xiaoyin is not my biological daughter, but she has called me Mom. Raising a good daughter is much more pride-inducing than having two naughty sons."

Song Zhao replied irrelevantly: "The time I spend with you always feels too fast. In the blink of an eye, you've grown up. Once Tangyuan and Xiaoyuan go to university, you'll be mine alone."

Nie Qingqing was afraid that the children would hear and laugh at them.

Fortunately, they were chatting loudly outside, so I couldn't hear their whispers inside the room.

...

I came back early this time. Before the Lunar New Year, I visited some relatives. From the first to the third day of the Lunar New Year, I stayed at home with both sets of parents and had a meal with my second aunt and uncle.

I set off for Shenzhen on the afternoon of the fourth day of the Lunar New Year and arrived home on the morning of the fifth day, so I could rest at home for two more days.

Xiao Yuan waited all day but didn't receive a call from Da Lin or Xiao Lin. Disappointed, she said, "Da Lin and Xiao Lin know when we're coming back, why didn't they call us?"

Tangyuan said, "They might say the same thing about us. You can call them first."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan called Da Lin and Xiao Lin, and after asking around, he learned that they had gone to Haishi to see their mother. That night, the children talked on the phone, and Nie Qingqing got sleepy and went to bed first.

...

The next morning, Director Min's son came over to wish him a Happy New Year, bringing cigarettes, alcohol, and tea. After greeting him, he fell silent. Fearing that he would feel awkward, Nie Qingqing quickly called Song Zhao out from the kitchen.

"Song Zhao, Xiao Min is here." She said politely, "Please stay for lunch."

Min Weijun hurriedly said, "Uncle and Aunt, my mother is waiting for me to go back to visit relatives. You two are busy, I'll go first."

"Okay, please give our regards to your parents." Song Zhao didn't stand on ceremony, knowing he couldn't stay still.

Nie Qingqing took out two kinds of pastries she brought from her hometown and said, "These were made by my sister-in-law, not from the factory. She said the glutinous rice balls are better than the ones you buy. You can take them back and eat them yourself, or give them to your classmates."

"Thank you, Auntie. I'll be going now."

Tangyuan took some change and chased after him, saying, "Brother Weijun, I'm going downstairs to buy salt. Wait for me."

Nie Qingqing peeked out and saw Tang Yuan and Wei Jun chatting and laughing. It was really strange, since Wei Jun was such a quiet person, yet he had something to say to Tang Yuan.

She ran to the kitchen, took out a bag of salt that was still unopened, and showed it to Song Zhao: "Tangyuan, under the guise of buying salt, wants to ask Weijun about his family gossip."

Song Zhao nodded: "Xiao Min is a good person. Factory Director Min wants him to join the factory in March and intern with me. I agreed."

There's a bond between master and apprentice; Director Min's intentions were truly commendable.

Xiao Min's personality isn't suited for management or sales. Let's see how far he can go in the technical field. If that doesn't work, he can manage the production line.

Nie Qingqing said, "He only has one sister in his family, and his little sister is only in elementary school. How can he manage if he doesn't go to the factory for an internship? You should take care of him more."

Song Zhao said, "You have a kind heart. Logically speaking, I should take precautions in case the family is destroyed, so I have more bargaining chips."

Nie Qingqing understood this principle. Before that day comes, she should treat others with sincerity. Even if she destroys their homes, she would have a clear conscience.

...

A little while later, Tangyuan returned with a bag of salt, and, with great enthusiasm, imitated:

“Mom, I’ve found out. During the Spring Festival, Director Min was beaten up by Wei Jun’s uncle and aunt’s husband after they got drunk. Wei Jun protected Uncle Min and beat up his uncle and aunt’s husband. His mom made him kneel down as punishment. There’s no need to visit relatives today.”

It's likely that they got into a fight after drinking and started talking about getting a job at the factory. They argued over a few words and then started fighting because of the alcohol.

Min Weijun protecting his biological father is perfectly fine, but Xu Cuilan's reason for punishing her son to kneel is truly baffling.

Nie Qingqing sighed and said, "Then when you have time, go see him more often."

Tangyuan nodded and said, "Brother Jun said he doesn't want to do an internship at the factory because he's afraid his uncle and aunt will pressure him later. But Uncle Min disagrees and insists that he take over the factory. I told him that next time he encounters something he can't decide, he shouldn't act impulsively. He should call me and I'll give him some advice."

Song Zhao instructed, "Take it easy, don't give me any bad advice. Have you finished your winter break homework? Hurry up."

Tangyuan: "School doesn't start until the 16th, it's still early. Let's go to Sister Lehan's place today, I want to see Brother Zhou."

Nie Qingqing couldn't help but say, "What are you doing getting involved with adults when you're just a kid? Zhou Chengzhong is a man who does great things. Don't you think he'll get annoyed if you keep bothering him?"

Xiao Yuan didn't understand what Nie Qingqing meant, so he naively explained, "Brother Zhou likes us a lot. He said Tangyuan is a promising talent and even taught us some martial arts."

Nie Qingqing was helpless; she was afraid that Tangyuan would learn Zhou Chengzhong's ruthlessness and be led astray.

Song Zhao told her not to interfere: "Tangyuan and Xiaoyin are both very principled, let them be."

...

I've rested at home for two days, and now it's time to go back to work.

Nie Qingqing followed Lawyer He's schedule, starting work on the eighth day of the Lunar New Year. She arrived ten minutes early to prepare coffee for Lawyer He.

Unexpectedly, Attorney He arrived even earlier than her, and Mr. Zhong was also there so early, with his arm around the shoulder of a young man who looked a lot like Gao Zhuoyue, in the office with the door closed.

A short while later, Attorney He went inside, and the three of them chatted for an hour without coming out.

People in the break room were talking about it, so she went over to get some hot water and joined the conversation, learning some of the details.

The person who came today is Gao Zhuofan, Zhong Xiujun's youngest son. Aunt Zhong's own family is the same way; she raises her older brother and doesn't let her younger brother get involved in the family business, only giving the second son money to spend.

Gao Zhuofan came to Yuanda and talked for so long, with Attorney He also involved, so it must be to seek cooperation.

What could he offer? Money or land? Nie Qingqing had already considered several cooperation models in her mind.

...

Gao Zhuofan left looking happy. Nie Qingqing was called into Attorney He's office, and the situation was exactly as she had guessed.

Attorney He said, "Qingqing, Xianzong's cousin, used all his money, and borrowed a lot, to bid for a piece of land, intending to use it to cooperate with Yuanda for development. Xianzong has already agreed."

Since the boss has decided to do it, then let's do it. Nie Qingqing asked, "Where is the land?"

Mr. Zhong pointed to the circled area on the survey map and said, "It's right next to the plot that Excellence is preparing to develop, within three kilometers. At this distance, and with development happening at the same time, there's competition."

There's competition in everything. Even when selling pancakes, you have to watch out for others selling the same thing next to you.

Nie Qingqing said, "Looking at the map, our land is closer to the park, which gives us a greater advantage."

Attorney He asked, "So you mean you agree to cooperate with Xianzhong's cousin?"

Nie Qingqing said, "At the meeting at the end of last year, Mr. Zhong's cousin said he wouldn't include you guys. The family ties are long gone. He was heartless first, so we don't need to consider him no matter what we do."

Attorney He was considering not getting involved in the conflict between Gao Zhuoyue and Gao Zhuofan.

But Qingqing is right. Business is business. As long as the profit is right and it's legal and compliant, there's nothing you can't do.

She laughed and said, "I'll take charge of this project. Qingqing, you'll be my assistant. You can invest whatever amount of money you have and wait for the dividends."

...

Nie Qingqing knew exactly how much profit the previous Jinxiu Jiayuan project made. She told Shumei about this good deal, saying that if Shumei had spare money, she could get involved with her, and Attorney He wouldn't interfere.

He Shumei wanted to save money for renovations, but she was extremely regretful, constantly lamenting that the opportunity was too rare and it was such a pity.

He Tonggui doted on his younger sister and didn't want her to nag about this for a year or two, so he said, "If I don't let you invest, you'll act like you've lost money. How about this, you invest the money, and I'll lend you the money for the renovations. You can pay me back when you get your principal and dividends back."

He Shumei was overjoyed and pooled together tens of thousands of yuan from her family's savings.

Nie Qingqing gave her a break: "Based on last year's project revenue, you should be able to get 9,000 yuan in profit from your 60,000 yuan. It might be a little more or a little less, but in any case, you will definitely get your principal back."

He Shumei said with relief, "You've already placed your bet, which means you're 90% sure. If you still lose money, it just means you're unlucky, and I won't blame you."

...

If Song Zhao hadn't lent the money to his brother last year, he would have received even more.

Song Zhao said, "Indeed, when you borrow money or a road, you're borrowing your own fortune."

Nie Qingqing was optimistic: "Your own brother only asked us for those last few tens of thousands. If we can help him, he might help us in the future."

Making a profit on this investment is just icing on the cake; a little more or less doesn't matter, she's happy as long as she makes some money.

...

After confirming the cooperation with Gao Zhuofan, obstacles immediately arose.

Gao Zhuoyue and Mr. Zhong had a fight. Gao Zhuoyue said that Zhong Xianzong was deliberately going against him: "You younger brothers can't stand to see us older brothers doing well."

Mr. Zhong sneered: "You older brothers still hope that we younger brothers are good-for-nothings who can't be helped. What, are you scared now that we've made something of ourselves?"

Gao Zhuoyue argued until he had nothing left to say, then stormed off.

Then Zhong Xiujun arrived and, as an elder, earnestly advised, "There are so many places that can be developed. You are cousins, there is no need to compete. I will let Zhuo Fan sell his land to his brother. That's settled."

She can just make the decision like that? If the cooperation is agreed upon, who will bear the losses if it's canceled?

Nie Qingqing invested money, and in addition to the interest, Attorney He promised her a considerable annual salary, which were her direct benefits.

She cursed inwardly. What kind of old-fashioned thinking was Aunt Zhong? They were all her own children. Whoever was more capable should run the business. What did it have to do with whether he was the eldest son or not?

Zhong Xiujun wanted to complain to Mr. Zhong to put pressure on him, but Mr. Zhong did not intervene. Mr. Zhong was very happy and immediately set up the project department.

...

Once the preliminary preparations and design work are nearly complete, the bidding process will begin.

Gao Zhuofan came to this project with a fierce determination, which naturally incurred favors. He said, "I have a good brother who is very supportive and lent me a lot of money. He wants to introduce a construction company to me."

Nie Qingqing guessed that Mr. Zhong might be too embarrassed to refuse directly and might tell him to ask Attorney He.

Sure enough, Mr. Zhong said, "My wife is in charge of the Lishui Jiayuan project. Let me ask her about it for you."

Nie Qingqing is a straightforward person. If she wants to refuse, why beat around the bush? She might as well make things clear now.

She is He's legal assistant, and she has the right to speak.

“Mr. Gao, you’ve invested your entire fortune in this project, so you can’t afford any mistakes. Tell your friend directly that one of the conditions for your cooperation with Mr. Zhong is that you don’t make any decisions. You can bid if you want, but everything will be done according to procedure. There’s no need to give gifts or kickbacks. If you win, great; if not, it’s because your overall strength is not as good. I don’t think your friend will blame you.”

Gao Zhuofan wasn't angry: "Manager Nie is right. I've already upset my mother and made enemies with my older brother. I can't afford to offend my cousin's wife as well. Besides, I can't afford to lose this project. I really can't use this project to repay favors."

Mr. Zhong breathed a sigh of relief: "It's good that you can think positively. Actually, that's what I was thinking too. Let's both stay out of it and let my wife handle it."

...

For this bidding, Yuanda's reputation is well-established; they pay quickly and don't take kickbacks. Several reputable construction companies came here because of their reputation.

Ji Chengtian and his partner, Boss Guan, also submitted their bids, but unfortunately, their overall strength and price were not as competitive as the others, and they were not selected.

Ji Chengtian felt it was a pity, but he was also convinced of the truth.

When they got home and the topic came up, Xu Lingzhi was disgruntled: "Something that was a sure thing, how come we didn't win the bid this time? Did we offend Tangyuan's mom?"

The first thing she thought of was Nie Qingqing's problem?

Ji Chengtian quickly explained, "Mom, what nonsense are you talking about? Yuanda has a good reputation. This time, several strong construction companies were willing to lower their profit margins to bid. Brother Guan's bid was not well prepared, and his total budget was much higher than others. It's normal that he didn't win the bid."

Xiao Yunli sighed, "Yuanda's projects are indeed easy to do. Can we leave Brother Guan behind and start our own business? If we were to do it ourselves, I could talk to Qingqing about it."

How so? This time, it was Boss Nie Qingqing in charge, and none of the friends of Gao Zhuofan, one of the shareholders, won. This shows that there was no shady dealing in the bidding process; it was all based on merit.

Ji Chengtian waved his hand: "Don't think like that. Small contractors can only take on second-hand or third-hand subcontracted work. The profits are low and it's hard to get paid. After the demolition, their strength will be even weaker, and they will be even less able to get good projects. Don't even think about it."

...

Xu Lingzhi still felt regretful and secretly complained to her son: "Yunli just wants to get involved in your business because she sees that Tangyuan's mother is doing well. She can't do it well herself and is unwilling to learn seriously. She just makes things worse."

Ji Chengtian said helplessly, "Mom, aren't you making things worse too? Nobody is born knowing how to do business; making mistakes is normal."

Xu Lingzhi retorted, "Tangyuan's mother has never made a mistake! It's not that she's so amazing, but she's cautious and doesn't want to make mistakes. She always thinks things through and asks questions. Look at Yunli now, does she consult you before doing anything?"

Ji Chengtian said, "Okay, Mom, I'll talk to her."

...

Yuanda's Lishui Garden and Zhuoyue's Guanhai Garden started construction almost at the same time, competing with each other to see who could open for sale first and gain an advantage in sales.

Once the pre-sale date for Zhuoyue was set in July, Mr. Zhong and Gao Zhuofan were extremely anxious and came to ask several times.

Nie Qingqing discussed with Attorney He that they couldn't rush things; they had to do thorough preparation before they could start pre-selling. The case of Jinxiu Jiayuan was there; they couldn't rush it.

"If Excellence wants to get ahead, let them. Pre-sales have to meet certain conditions. They can only gain a month at most, which won't have much impact."

...

In July, Zhuoyue Guanhaiyuan took the lead in opening its first phase, but the day before the opening, news suddenly broke that the project was involved in fraud, shoddy workmanship, and the use of inferior materials.

Due to the negative impact of the news, the initial sales rate at their site was less than 30%.

This news is not about business competition and has nothing to do with Yuanda. It's their own fault for being so outstanding. Their internal management is chaotic, they demand excessively high kickbacks, and after signing the contract and receiving the first payment for the project, they kept delaying the settlement of subsequent payments and even changed contractors midway through the project.

The other party was pushed to the limit and filed a real-name report. Now, Gao Zhuoyue has no reason to cause trouble at Yuanda.

Mr. Zhong and Gao Zhuofan, the two second sons in their families, got thoroughly drunk.

Attorney He came to pick him up, saying helplessly, "We haven't even opened for business yet, it's too early to celebrate."

Mr. Zhong's mind was filled with sparks of joy. Feeling lightheaded, he lay in the back seat of the car. Under the influence of alcohol, he revealed his true feelings.

"Today we're celebrating the eldest son that my aunt and dad had their eye on. They were disappointed, and Zhuo Fan and I are really happy. Honey, you should be happy for me too, so please don't make fun of me."

Attorney He: "I wasn't making fun of you, I just felt it was unnecessary."

“It’s necessary!” Zhong Xianzong was indignant: “Zhuo Fan told me that he was clearly working harder, but Auntie just couldn’t see it. It’s so unfair! What makes us angry is that they’ve never been fair to everyone!”

Attorney He sighed and said no more about it.

...

In August, Yuanda's Lishui Garden opened for sale, and all the potential customers who had been disappointed with Excellence and had not bought a house before came.

This project was handled jointly by Attorney He and Nie Qingqing, so they naturally wouldn't disappoint potential buyers. The show flat was even a level above the show flat of Jinxiu Jiayuan.

The first three buildings sold out. At this rate, as long as there are no problems later, the second and third phases should be no problem.

After being busy for more than half a year, everyone can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Attorney He knew that what Nie Qingqing wanted most was a vacation, so he offered her her annual leave.

“Your daughter Xiaoying knows you’re all busy and didn’t even come back for summer vacation. From now until the start of the new semester, you should take a good annual leave.”

Nie Qingqing couldn't be happier: "Then I'll really divorce you."

Attorney He laughed and said, "Didn't you advise me to keep going no matter who's gone, and to take a break when I need to? If you won't take a break, then I will."

Nie Qingqing didn't hold back: "I'll take it."

She's on leave now, until school starts, which is more than ten days. Nie Qingqing quickly handed over her work and went home for her vacation.