A gritty everyday story set in the 1980s about family relationships and rebirth. Old Mrs. Zhao worked hard her whole life, raising four sons and three daughters. She supported her sons' educati...
Chapter 83 Deceiving the Zhao Family
Zhang Cheng nodded and quickly sat down. He glanced around and, finding the crowd large, felt a little awkward as he straightened his clothes.
Zhao Pinji could tell, so he waved for his wife to take the children away, leaving one or two of the older, more sensible ones behind.
As soon as Zhao's mother got up, she said, "You two chat, I'll go with my grandson and the others to the fields."
Zhao Fengxiu stopped her, "Mom, you don't have to go. It's rare for me to come back, so stay and keep me company. You can also listen to Brother Zhang's plans for the older brothers."
After hearing this, Zhang Cheng felt embarrassed to send the old lady away, so he could only agree, "Auntie, you can stay. It's nothing serious, haha."
Little did he know that leaving this hidden danger would become a stumbling block for him later.
My sister-in-law brought out water and peanuts for them to enjoy.
Zhang Cheng straightened himself up arrogantly. "Brother Zhao, Zhao San, I told you last time. This reform and opening up is something we're determined to achieve."
Shenzhen is taking the lead; the policies have all been released! Next year will surely bring great achievements! My factory has already contacted several companies; we're just waiting for you to make your move!
You've all read the county newspaper, haven't you? I'm not lying, the country really wants Guangdong to take the lead, and Dazhu Bay is a prime example!
Next up is Shenzhen! It's okay if you stay at home all year round. As long as you're willing to cooperate with me and invest, you'll definitely get your share when things get big in the future!
If you don't believe me, two or three of you can come and work with me! I happen to be short-handed!
Zhao Pinji hesitated, glancing at his third brother Zhao Pinqi and then at Zhao Fengxiu.
“Ah Cheng, it’s like this, our whole family is involved, so it’s impossible for two or three of us to go at once. We need someone to take care of the elderly, children, and wives at home.”
Besides, we have heard about what you said, but we can't afford such a large investment. If we really invested it all at once, the whole family would be left without food.
Besides, there's not much news about Shenzhen right now, so who can be sure that it will achieve great things next year?
Zhao Pinqi said, "Yes, Acheng, isn't that just a fishing village? I went there a couple of years ago, and nothing has changed! It's just a little better."
Who knows what the future holds? It's better to stay at home; at least my wife and children won't go hungry. A few years ago, there was a famine, and many people starved to death in the village and town!
We're scared; we dare not take any risks easily.
As he spoke, Zhao Pinqi glanced at his eldest son standing beside him and smiled with satisfaction.
"Furthermore, my eldest daughter-in-law is pregnant and needs to take care of the baby, so it's inconvenient for her to travel far."
Zhao Pinji chimed in, "My youngest son is getting married soon, and things are tight at home, so it's not easy for me to leave."
Zhang Cheng was dumbfounded by their expressions and words.
"Short-sighted! Brother Zhao, Zhao San, can't you broaden your horizons a bit? You haven't denied these rumors either."
Why hesitate? If you ask me, you should do what I did: invest all your savings and pull off a big heist!
As the saying goes, fortune favors the bold, and life and death are predestined; wealth and status are determined by fate! If I hesitate any longer, I might just look elsewhere!
As he spoke, Zhang Cheng didn't get up, but turned to look at Zhao Fengxiu.
"Second Sister Zhao, what do you think? I believe your judgment is just as good as theirs, otherwise your Liu family wouldn't have been in business for so long. Tell me, what do you think we should do?"
After saying that, Zhao Fengxiu smiled.
"Well, what can an old woman like me say? Let my brothers think what they want. Shenzhen isn't bad."
I heard that a lot of people are going to Shenzhen! They're all thinking of getting a chance to move early. I don't know if it's true or not, but these days everyone is struggling and it's not easy. Who can just move away like that?
Actually, Brother Zhang, you're right. I'm also planning to pull off a big heist!
I'm really upset about my children lately. They're always making a fuss about this or that. I have some money, but I don't know where to start.
I happened to be visiting my mother when I met you; it feels like I've found a kindred spirit!
First came hesitation, then embarrassment, and finally, affirmation.
Zhao Fengxiu's words were full of twists and turns, causing Zhang Cheng's heart to rise and fall.
Zhang Cheng immediately clapped his hands, "Oh, Second Sister! You really are my good Second Sister! You understand me so well! If you don't become rich and powerful in the future, who will?"
Big brother, Ah San, listen to this! Our second sister speaks so boldly! She dares to speak her mind and think boldly. What about you? Look at you, are you even men?
Those who achieve great things must have boldness and ambition! Our second sister is just like that!
Zhao Fengxiu smiled and then asked, "You're too kind. We're just guests here and there. As we get to know each other better, we'll become family. Zhang Cheng, like you said, how many factories have you invested in? How many partners? Where are they located?"
What is the project? How large are you planning to make it? When will you break even and start making a profit?
When asked, Zhang Cheng was stunned. He slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Hey, Sister Zhao, what's the rush? I've already ordered four or five for the factory!"
The project involves importing foreign products, isn't that open? Foreign goods will definitely sell in huge quantities! In the future, everyone who joins will become a major entrepreneur!
Also, I've heard there are documents from higher-ups about large-scale development, lots of opportunities! You can do anything!
We rented them first; other people rent a dozen or more at a time! We put all our stuff and equipment inside.
It's just that I don't have enough strength, and I'm still scraping together money from all sides, thinking that there's something good that will benefit my friends and brothers from my hometown. Who knew that I would run into Brother Zhao and Brother Zhao San who are so slow and indecisive.
I wouldn't even bother looking for the other people in the village!
Because I know your family is capable. Before Uncle Zhao left, your family was very wealthy and you were a legitimate fortune teller.
My aunt has also worked as a village doctor in recent years, and her life is quite fulfilling.
I thought people from families like yours would have excellent taste, but alas, I was wrong.
Zhao Pinji shook his head helplessly, "I was just being too timid. Brother Zhang, you're right, but we have too many family members, and it's impossible for us to go all at once."
Besides, it wouldn't be good if two or three people went; there would be no one to take care of the wives and children!
Zhao Pinqi nodded in agreement, "Yes, it's not easy for anyone. Second sister, why don't you do it? If you're willing to do it, we can do it too."
Zhang Cheng's gaze immediately fell on Zhao Fengxiu.
If Zhao Fengxiu hadn't come, he probably would have talked himself hoarse for days!
With Zhao Fengxiu around, Zhang Cheng felt that the matter was settled!
Zhao Fengxiu stammered and hesitated.
Zhang Cheng said anxiously, "If you really can't get away, just leave it to me! If you trust me, I guarantee it! My family and children are all at home, we'll sign and put our fingerprints on it!"
If I didn't bring it back for you, then it's up to you from now on!
Upon hearing this, Zhao Fengxiu's eyes lit up.
I found out about this in my past life!
Zhang Cheng assured his elder and younger brothers that his family and children were all in their hometown and he would not run away.
And what was the result?
After taking the money, the family and children disappeared two months later!
I only found out later that I had contacted all my relatives and neighbors in the area, and they were all trying to get me to invest, and quite a few people actually believed it!
The Zhao family was one of the victims.
Zhao Fengxiu looked delighted. "Really? That's wonderful! I knew you were the kind of person who could accomplish great things! Did you bring the receipt? And the contract?"