Wang Xinian looked at him and said with an unusually calm expression, "I will be careful and won't scare her. Besides, she promised to sponsor my university education, so I have a better chance than you."

After he finished demonstrating, he returned to his courtyard house.

Although Jiang Shaochen was angry, he thought Wang Xinian's actions were too childish.

The next morning, Shen Mingzhi was going to pick up her child, and Wang Xinian was already waiting for her.

"How are your studies going? I heard that the college entrance exam is in early July." Shen Mingzhi has made a sum of money and is not worried about his college tuition at all.

Wang Xinian was very obedient and docile. "I do practice problems every day, so you don't need to worry about me, sister. I remember the dates for the college entrance exam."

Shen Mingzhi was relieved to hear this.

The two had just arrived at the Jiang family home when they ran into Jiang Guofu, who had just returned.

"Zhizhi, you went out so early?" He didn't know that Shen Mingzhi had gone back to the courtyard house last night.

His face showed signs of fatigue and weariness, but he still smiled when he was with her.

Shen Mingzhi could not possibly misunderstand Jiang Guofu's true feelings for her. That was precisely why she was even more determined not to implicate the Jiang family.

"No, I went back to the courtyard house last night. Let's talk things out today," Shen Mingzhi said with a forced smile.

Jiang Guofu was taken aback for a moment, and subconsciously looked at Wang Xinian beside her, his tone as gentle as ever, "Who is this?"

“It’s Wang’s family, but because of their special circumstances, they’re temporarily staying in my courtyard house,” Shen Mingzhi explained.

As they spoke, the three entered the Jiang family compound.

When Wang Xinian first entered the interior of the small villa, the television, radio, and various pieces of furniture he had never seen before made his heart sink little by little.

The white walls... were as clean as a sheet of paper. Every part of the house was so exquisite, it was like a work of art.

"Sit down," Jiang Guofu said to Wang Xinian, who was standing there dumbfounded, his face full of kindness.

Wang Xinian walked stiffly to the sofa, and as soon as he sat down, he discovered that the long chair was actually soft and very comfortable.

The coffee table was set with seasonal fruits: apples, oranges, and grapes.

Jiang Guofu took out two bottles of soda from under the coffee table and said to Shen Mingzhi and Wang Xinian, "Have some. I heard this is pretty good now. I had Yinyin buy it for me a few days ago."

Where had Wang Xinian ever seen these things before?

He stared at it for a while, then clenched his hands and feet together, becoming increasingly restrained.

Shen Mingzhi opened a bottle for him and handed it to him: "I don't like drinks that are too sweet, you can try it."

What delicious food hasn't she tried? She really doesn't like soda.

Wang Xinian took a sip and found it sweet and refreshing; it was the first time he had ever tasted such delicious water.

Just then, Jiang Shaochen came downstairs.

"Dad, are you alright?" As soon as he came down, he went to Jiang Guofu's side and asked with a worried look.

“I went to take care of some business. I deliberately had someone spread false information that I was under investigation. Didn’t you say the other day that you wanted to quit your job and start your own business? I’ve been asking around for you.” Jiang Guofu said, glancing at Shen Mingzhi. “I need to talk to him about something. Have you had breakfast yet? If not, I’ll have my bodyguard go buy some steamed buns and porridge.”

“I’ve eaten. I just came to take the child away,” Shen Mingzhi said.

She felt that once she and Jiang Shaozhen had clarified their situation, it was over. From now on, her family could discuss things however they wanted.

"We'll talk about our business later. You two have a seat first," Jiang Shaozhen said, gesturing for Jiang Guofu to come upstairs with him.

Shen Mingzhi sighed helplessly.

The father and son went upstairs, and Jiang Guofu spoke first, "What's wrong with you? You can't even hold onto a wife?"

“She doesn’t like me, and she also feels that her arrival has led to the state of the Jiang family. Her guilt outweighs everything, so naturally she doesn’t want to be with me.” Jiang Shao Chen’s tone was calm, and he wasn’t in a hurry.

"Didn't you explain it clearly to her?" Jiang Guofu frowned.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate. Starting a business is very difficult in the early stages. Maybe we’ll lose all the money you’ve saved for me and we won’t be able to get back on track. I’ve thought about it. She’s made a lot of money, which is more than enough to support herself. As for me, I’ll move to that courtyard house with her and temporarily sever ties with the Jiang family,” Jiang Shaozhen said in a deep voice.

“I do support your desire to get into the housing business. After all, you’ve traveled all over the country and seen a lot, and you know how fast things are developing now… But I heard yesterday that it will be very difficult to implement, and you’ll have to sleep on the construction site.” Jiang Guofu really couldn’t bear to see his son suffer.

Construction sites are such tough places, carrying bricks and cement... getting up earlier than chickens and sleeping later than dogs, with terrible food.

“I’m responding to the country’s call to take the path of ‘housing commercialization’ first. I believe the country won’t lie to us.” Jiang Shaozhen said with a solemn and confident expression.

Jiang Guofu sighed, "Then go ahead. Maybe Song Wanyin will look down on you after seeing you end up hanging out with those workers."

"Dad, I'm sorry that I made you and Mom worry." Jiang Shao Chen's expression softened.

"Aren't parents just thinking about their children's happiness? Now that your mother has agreed, you should hurry up and go to the construction site I've arranged for you. Let me tell you, these are all quotas. Even if I find you a way, if you can't make it there, you'll just be a bricklayer and cement carrier for the rest of your life. Don't say that the Song family won't look down on you, I don't think Zhizhi will either!"

After Jiang Guofu finished speaking, he opened the window.

Shao Chen turned around, and the sunlight fell on his father. He felt the warmth of his father's love, as well as the hope brought to him by the morning sun.

If Shen Mingzhi, a woman, dares to do business and venture out, how can he, a grown man, not dare to?

He heard his superiors mention "housing commercialization" when he was stationed in Guangdong Province, and he kept it in mind.

Since he could no longer serve in the military, he was willing to change and progress with the reforms.

The father and son came downstairs, and Jiang Qing followed them.

“Zhizhi, I know you're thinking of our second son and don't want to accept him, and you want to divorce him, but a couple of days ago he discussed with me that he wants to quit his job and go to work elsewhere.” Jiang Guofu sat on the sofa and calmly said to Shen Mingzhi.

"You agreed?" Shen Mingzhi thought, Jiang Guofu is too indulgent towards Jiang Shaochen.

How difficult it must have been for the Chiang family to get to this point, and Chiang Shao-chen just gave up his military post like that?

“Yes. A man’s ambition lies in all directions. Since he can’t make it here, it’s good to let him go out and try his luck,” Jiang Guofu said with a smile.

Shen Mingzhi looked at Jiang Shaozhen, who was sitting upright to the side, and frowned as she asked, "What are you planning to do?"

“Go to construction sites and carry bricks and cement, and slowly build it up. Let me tell you, I went to Guangdong Province a while ago, and a high-ranking leader was leading everyone to develop the economy. He talked about ‘housing commercialization,’ and I think that’s very promising.” Jiang Shaozhen’s eyes were full of confidence and longing.