Chapter 205 Yaozu in the Mountain Village (Twenty) *Beep!* Strive to be a good person...
"Second brother! Is second brother home? Eldest sister has come to see you!" Before Song Xiaogu even entered the courtyard, her loud voice rang out.
Mr. Song, who was sweeping the yard, paused and looked at the familiar figures getting out of the car one after another. They were his eldest sister's family and his youngest sister and her husband.
A look of surprise crossed his face. He put down the broom and greeted them with delight, "Oh! What brings you here? You didn't even tell me beforehand, so I could have prepared something to welcome you!"
"Second brother, we're all family, why are you being so polite?" Aunt Song said with a smile, directing Zhou Jianjun to move things. She added affectionately, "It's because Xiaoyu missed you. He said that among all the relatives in this family, his uncle is the kindest to him!"
As soon as Aunt Song finished speaking, Zhou Chengyu approached Song's father with a grin and said sweetly, "Uncle, hello! I missed you so much!"
Seeing the gratified expression on Song's father's face, Song's aunt secretly pursed her lips, but then smiled and chimed in, "Xiaoyu is such a sensible and good child. Eldest sister, brother-in-law, you two are so lucky from now on!"
"Yes, that's right!" Father Song put down the broom, and the wrinkles on his face smoothed out. "Don't stand at the door, come in and sit down!"
Aunt Song followed behind Father Song carrying the things, and inadvertently glanced at Aunt Song.
Aunt Song nodded, her eyes sweeping around the courtyard. Seeing that the courtyard wall was still the same old blue brick wall, her heart sank. She grabbed her father's arm, feigning intimacy, and said, "Second brother, why are you all alone at home? Where are Xiaoxi and Xiaoce?"
Upon hearing this, Song's father's face darkened abruptly. He took a deep breath and snorted coldly, "Don't mention those two unfilial children! Little sister, what would you like to eat for lunch? I'll go to Lao Feng's house and buy it for you."
"Don't bother, second brother." Aunt Song stepped forward and said with a light smile, "We ate on the way, so we're not hungry." As she spoke, she gave Zhou Jianjun a wink, and the couple exchanged a knowing look.
Zhou Jianjun put the milk and biscuits he had brought on the table, rubbed his hands together and said with a smile, "Second brother, have you been watching the news lately?"
"News? What news?"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Chengyu spoke up first: "Uncle, don't you know? I saw a news report online saying that a young man named Song Ce in Beijing got married. It was a very extravagant affair, and the bride price alone is estimated to be tens of millions!"
Mr. Song was taken aback, then his eyelids drooped slightly: "Oh? What does this have to do with us?"
"How can it be unrelated?" Zhou Chengyu leaned closer, took out his phone and showed a news photo he had saved earlier, chuckling, "Uncle, look, isn't this my brother? Not only do they look alike, but they even have the same name!"
Mr. Song's gaze unconsciously fell on the photo. Song Ce was wearing a sharp suit, with his smiling bride standing beside him, and the background was a high-end, luxurious hotel. He remained silent for a long time before whispering, "I...I don't know either."
"Second Brother, that's not right. How could you not know?" Aunt Song pressed closer, arguing, "That's clearly Xiao Ce! And look here, isn't the girl in the main seat Xiao Xi? It's impossible for the siblings to share the same name as someone else, right? Second Brother! Just tell us the truth, has Xiao Ce really made it big?"
Mr. Song choked up and remained silent for a full half minute before slowly speaking: "I don't know if he's made it big or not. Since he went to university, he hasn't contacted the family much."
Upon hearing this, everyone present was stunned, and the room instantly fell silent.
After a while, Zhou Jianjun coughed twice to smooth things over: "Second brother, if Xiao Ce really does turn out well, it's because you've raised him well! You're his biological father, so no matter what, he should take good care of you!"
“That’s right, Second Brother! It’s not just you, but also us. We’re all his aunt and uncle! If he forgets his roots, that’s unfilial!” Aunt Song said firmly.
"Yes, Xiaoqin is right. In my opinion, Second Brother, you should call Xiaoce and ask him. If that doesn't work, we'll go to Beijing to find him! I refuse to believe that just because he's successful, he'll abandon his own father!"
Seeing his family members eagerly offering advice, Mr. Song felt a long-lost surge of emotion. He took a sip of water, then finally spoke the truth: "Actually... I contacted the siblings a few days ago, but those two ingrates have grown too big for their britches. They hung up before I could even finish speaking... Sigh! I won't say anymore!"
Everyone was stunned for a moment. Aunt Song was the first to react. She quickly refilled her husband's cup with water and gently advised, "Second brother, don't be angry. The children are young and don't know any better. You are their father. How can you let them control you? Besides, we, their family, are here to support you now!"
Feng Chaogui quickly nodded and chimed in, "That's right! Second brother, don't worry, we absolutely can't let this go like this. Xiao Ce is doing well now, how could he forget his roots? If it weren't for your hard work supporting his studies, would he have the good life he has today?"
Mr. Song felt a surge of warmth in his heart as the two sisters chatted back and forth, as if their previous grievances and anger had finally found an outlet. He slapped his thigh heavily, his tone tinged with an indescribable resentment: "That's right! All my life I've hoped these two siblings would amount to something, but who would have thought they'd raise such heartless children! Xiao Xi is one thing, she'll eventually be someone else's wife, but Xiao Ce, he's a son of the Song family!"
Zhou Jianjun, observing the situation, saw that the time was right and said with a smile, "Second brother, in my opinion, you shouldn't get upset about this. Now that Xiao Ce has the ability, we elders are happy for him. However, we can't sever the bonds between relatives. Do you think we should find out Xiao Ce's specific address in Beijing? We can go there sometime and have a talk with him."
Mr. Song's eyes flickered, clearly somewhat tempted. He remained silent for a moment, then hesitated, "I'd like to, but... but I don't know where they live now!"
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately fell silent. Without knowing the address, what's the point of searching?
At this moment, Zhou Chengyu, who was listening nearby, couldn't help but interject, "Dad, Uncle, why don't we go directly to Beijing to find him? I checked, the hotel in the photo is called Ferrari, we can go to the hotel and ask about my brother! If our whole family goes, my brother will definitely feel embarrassed to disown his uncle."
After hearing this, Zhou Jianjun glared at his son and said, "How dare you talk like that?"
"Brother-in-law, don't blame Xiaoyu. I think this is a good idea. We're not going to Beijing to curry favor with Xiaoce. We just can't stand seeing him become successful and then ignore his own father who's suffering back home!"
Mr. Song was in a state of turmoil. On one hand, he felt his son was ungrateful, but on the other hand, he was afraid that if he really went to see him, it would make their relationship even worse. He stammered, "This... will this work?"
“Why not?” Aunt Song patted her chest. “Big brother, you’re his father, and we’re his aunts. If Xiao Ce doesn’t even show this much consideration, then he’s really a scoundrel!”
Aunt Song nodded in agreement, "Xiaoqin is right. Let's talk to him nicely. He can't just kick us out, can he?"
After being persuaded by the group of people, Mr. Song was somewhat swayed. He thought about it for a while and finally relented: "Then...when shall we go?"
Aunt Song and Aunt Song exchanged a glance, and she said with a smile, "How about next week? Your brother-in-law and I are both free, and Xiaoyu can come with us! I just don't know about Xiaoqin and Chaogui..."
How could Song Xiaogu let such a good opportunity pass by? She quickly chimed in, "We're free! Chaogui and I are both free! Let's all go! It'll be more fun with more people!"
"Okay, it's settled then!"
Soon, Song's father, along with Song's eldest aunt's family and Song's youngest aunt and her husband, arrived in the capital. Looking at the pedestrians coming and going on the streets and the dense, imposing high-rise buildings, his eyes were filled with unease and anxiety.
"Second brother, don't be nervous, we're here for you!" Aunt Song patted his arm, but then subconsciously looked at Zhou Jianjun and asked hesitantly, "Jianjun, which way should we go?"
Zhou Jianjun hesitated for a moment, then picked up the map and began to study it seriously. Zhou Chengyu, however, was bolder and took the initiative to ask passersby for directions.
The passerby glanced at the address, pointed to the bus stop across the street, and smiled, "It's the Ferrari Hotel! You can just take the bus there; it only takes half an hour. There's a direct bus from there."
"Thank you!"
Seeing her son so outgoing, Aunt Song felt proud and immediately took the lead, calling for everyone to follow: "Come on, let's hurry over to get the car. There are too many people and too many eyes in the capital, let's not get separated!"
After a long and tiring journey, the group finally found the St. Regis Hotel.
Upon seeing guests arrive, a waitress dressed in a cheongsam greeted them with a smile: "Hello, how many people are in your party and do you have a reservation?"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Jianjun quickly pulled out a photo from his phone and said cautiously, "Miss, we're not staying at a hotel. We came here today to ask if you have Mr. Song Ce's home address, since he had his wedding here a few days ago."
The waiter politely shook his head. "I'm sorry, sir, we cannot disclose the guest's information."
“What’s inconvenient about it? We’re all his relatives!” Aunt Song immediately became anxious and shouted, “I’m his aunt, and this is his father! We came all the way from our hometown; we have something urgent to discuss with him!”
The surrounding guests cast curious glances. Soon, a supervisor dressed in a professional skirt came over, waved for the waiter to leave, and smiled, saying, "I'm so sorry, ma'am, we cannot disclose his information without his permission."
"Then please help us contact him and tell him that someone from his hometown has come! Is that not enough?" Feng Chaogui said with a forced smile.
"I'm sorry, sir, but our hotel has regulations. I'm really sorry."
Seeing that the hotel manager was unresponsive, Song's father suddenly remembered that he seemed to have Song Xi's phone number. He quickly pulled out a crumpled note from his pocket and handed it to Zhou Jianjun, "Brother-in-law, this is Xiao Ce's sister's contact information, why don't we give her a call?"
"Yes! Yes! Make a phone call!"
The call was answered shortly after. After a few words on the other end, Zhou Jianjun happily replied, "Okay! Okay! Okay! We'll wait!"
Before anyone could ask, Zhou Jianjun said, "Don't worry, they said they'll come pick us up later!"
"Very good!"
"I knew he couldn't just abandon his own father!"
"that is!"
More than half an hour later, a tall and capable young man in a suit strode over and walked straight up to the group: "Excuse me, which of you is Mr. Song's father?"
Everyone's eyes lit up, and they quickly crowded around Song's father, pushing him forward. "That's him!"
The young man pushed up his glasses and nodded slightly. "Mr. Song asked me to pick you up."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Song's expression softened slightly, and he looked at the two sisters with a hint of smugness. Seeing this, Aunt Song immediately beamed and flattered, "I knew it! How could Xiao Ce really not acknowledge her second brother as her biological father!"
“Yes! Second brother, you must talk to Xiao Ce this time and ask him to buy you a big house in Beijing! Then our whole family can live together!” Aunt Song quickly chimed in.
Mr. Song was very generous, waving his hand and saying, "Xiao Ce is so rich now, how can we be crammed into one room? I'll tell him to buy each of your families a big house!"
"Oh! Thank you, Second Brother!"
"We've benefited from our second brother's success!"
"Uncle, when the time comes, please talk to my brother. I want to buy the latest Pepper phone! All my classmates have them!"
"Buy! Buy them all!"
The young man listened as the conversation grew increasingly absurd, inwardly sneering and feeling deeply sorry for his boss, Mr. Song.
What kind of relatives are they?!
Upon seeing the impressive black sedan in front of them, the Song family relatives immediately straightened their backs and got into the car with their heads held high.
Mr. Song secretly glanced at the genuine leather trim inside the car and couldn't resist touching it. He had never ridden in such a nice car since he was born. He couldn't help but look at the Song family members beside him, and seeing their amazed expressions, his anger subsided considerably.
Hmph... Father Song thought bitterly, if this unfilial son doesn't kneel down and beg him, he won't want to stay in the capital! Then we'll have to see his attitude!
The young man drove his car, winding his way into a quaint alley, and soon stopped in front of a courtyard house.
The group got off the bus one by one, staring blankly at the imposing black and gold gate in front of them, their eyes wide open.
When will his son/nephew/brother be able to afford such a grand house?
The young man smiled and led everyone to a reception room, leaving only the words, "Please wait a moment," before leisurely departing.
Meanwhile, in the study.
The young man, Guan Qianfan, gently knocked on the study door and reported to the chairman, who was reading a book inside, "Chairman Song, they have arrived."
Song Ce nodded. "Okay, I'll give you the afternoon off. You must be tired from your journey."
"Thank you, Chairman Song."
Five minutes later, Song Xi and Qin Chuxia hurried over, their steps a little rushed, a thin layer of sweat beading on their foreheads. Not far away, Zhang Muqing followed slowly behind them, a gentle smile on his face, appearing more composed than the two of them.
"Xiao Ce, did they come looking for you?" Song Xi asked anxiously as soon as she entered the room, her voice full of worry.
Song Ce closed the book and said gently, "Yes, Guan Qianfan has already led the person to the reception room."
"He brought his whole family of relatives with him. This doesn't look like he's here to see us; he's clearly here to confront us!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Muqing pulled her aside and slowly said, "Don't be in a hurry, let's hear what Xiao Ce has to say."
Song Ce smiled, noticing Qin Chuxia's slightly nervous expression, and gently squeezed her hand before looking at Song Xi, "Sister, what's meant to happen will happen, there's no escaping it. Their purpose in coming this time is obvious; they simply want to use family ties to gain some benefits."
Zhang Muqing nodded and calmly asked, "So, how do you plan to deal with this?"
Song Ce stood up and put the book back in its place, saying calmly, "I will not neglect my filial duties, but I will not let them take advantage of me. Let's go to the reception room."
In the reception room, Zhou Jianjun, with his hands behind his back, examined the calligraphy and paintings on the wall, and couldn't help but smile as he said, "Second brother, come and take a look! These calligraphy and paintings alone are worth a lot of money! It seems your son has really made it big!"
"Really? Let me see!" Aunt Song stepped forward upon hearing this, and Aunt Song's younger sister wasn't to be outdone, muttering, "Is this painting worth a hundred?"
"One hundred?" Zhou Jianjun chuckled, glancing at his rather ignorant sister-in-law. "Add ten thousand."
"Ten thousand?"
"Dad, you're not saying this painting is worth a million, are you?" Zhou Chengyu asked in shock.
“If this painting is real, it’s worth at least a million! Look here…” Before Zhou Jianjun could finish speaking, footsteps echoed down the corridor.
The group immediately exchanged glances, instinctively straightened their backs, and all looked toward the doorway.
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Author's Note: I miscalculated; there's still a long chapter left to wrap things up [covering face and peeking].
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