Zhang Hongmei woke up groggily and smiled at Zhang Shouyi. Zhang Shouyi felt his heart melt and his whole body go numb. He stood up stiffly, not daring to move at all.
"Wife, get up. Zhenye and the others have gone to Zhou Shixiong's place. Do you want to eat at home or go over there?"
Zhang Hongmei sat up, smoothed her hair, and said, "I think I'll go over there. Brother Zhang, have you eaten yet?"
"Yes, I've already eaten. Get up, I'll be back for lunch."
"Can you schedule your time?"
"It has to be possible, even if it's not allowed. I hope he can hold on until after the New Year, at least for seven or six years."
"Okay, I understand. You go to work now, I'll wait for you to come back at noon."
Zhang Hongmei went out and saw Gu Chuanming and Zhang Xingguo in the living room.
"Grandpa, Dad, are you coming along too?"
"Well, let's go over there. We'll be waiting for you."
"Okay, I'll be right there."
When the three of them arrived at 7:15, the children were practicing martial arts with Zhou Shixiong in the yard. Looking at him smiling, Zhang Hongmei felt a little sad.
"Uncle, I haven't eaten yet."
"The kitchen is all ready, waiting for my four darlings to finish practicing."
“I’m outdated. With them around, I’ll have to step aside,” Zhang Hongmei said, feigning jealousy.
"Hehe, you little rascal, you're so clever."
"Alright, I'll go check the kitchen."
After Zhang Hongmei left, Gu Chuanming and Zhang Xingguo were also practicing Tai Chi on the side.
After the seven members of their family had finished breakfast with Zhou Shixiong, he said, "You all go back now, just let the four of them stay with me."
"Wait a moment, let's talk in the study." Gu Chuanming stopped Zhou Shixiong.
The two went to the study. "We're both this age now, and there are some things we need to clarify. I've asked Shouyi, and he says that cremation is fine, and you don't have to bury the bones together. But you need to have a plan for how your Zhou family will arrange things."
"Everything is arranged, don't worry. Do you think I'm such a hapless person? I know you're worried that they'll cause trouble and it won't be good for Zhenye and the others."
How could I leave the children with such trouble? Everything is arranged.
"Okay, you know what I'm doing. My grave will be located not far from yours."
"Hehe, that's great! I'll go downstairs and wait for you. Let's be buddies for life."
Gu Chuanming patted Zhou Shixiong on the shoulder and turned to leave.
Zhang Hongmei accompanied the two elderly people, who were in low spirits, as they left.
The four children pushed Zhou Shixiong around in the yard for a while longer.
"Ancestor, let's go inside. It's too cold outside. You can't catch a cold," Zhang Zhenye said softly, pushing the wheelchair.
"Okay, let's go back inside. I have a lot of things to share with you."
Zhang Ruifeng was a little upset. "Ancestor, you should keep your things for yourself. You'll have to wait until we're capable of making money to buy you gifts. We haven't given you any gifts yet; you've always given them to us."
"Xiao Er, it's alright. This is what our ancestor left behind, along with the Zhou family's things. You can have it all. As for the tribute you wanted to give me, our ancestor will be waiting."
“Grandpa, we will grow up soon. Please wait for us. When I make money in the future, the first thing I will do is invite you and my great-grandfather to dinner. We will eat the best food.”
“Alright, our fourth son is the most filial. Grandfather, just wait.” Zhou Shixiong still smiled.
They returned to the living room, and Zhou Shixiong anxiously called Li Chang'en over.
"Chang'en, have you finished distributing them?"
"Boss, they've all been distributed, and they all bear the marks of the four young masters."
“Okay, give them the form, and then you can personally deliver it back to them now.”
Li Chang'en smiled and went downstairs.
"Ancestor, why are you in such a hurry?"
"Third son, the old ancestor's time is really running out, so while I'm still lucid, I'll make sure to arrange everything for the four of you."
Look at the list I gave you. Each of you four has two five-courtyard houses, and three three-courtyard houses. There's also a large courtyard house for each of you in the suburbs.
The rest are gold, silver, and jade ornaments. They've all been distributed among you. The ancestor was biased; he gave Weiyu an extra four-courtyard house. This was your mother's maternal grandmother's courtyard, that is, my aunt's. This one is for Weiyu.”
The other three children had no objections. Zhang Weiyu, however, wiped away his tears.
"Alright, you don't need to be sad. This day was bound to come eventually. I used to be terrified of death, but I've come to terms with it now. You're not allowed to be sad either. My ancestor's life has been worthwhile; I've been through everything."
Now, looking at you all, I can finally close my eyes in peace. You will all be happy to see me off.
"Ancestor, please don't say that, it makes me uncomfortable."
"Alright, Ancestor, I won't say anymore. Go back and have someone take stock of the things I gave you. Chang'en knows the location of the house. We'll have them take you there to see it later."
All the houses have people who take care of them. You can replace them with your own people later.
"And all the people I had are with your mother. You should start training your own subordinates now. Little Four has your great-grandfather, and Little Two, isn't he going to take over from your grandfather? Zhenye and Weiyu, what about you two?"
Gu Yaozu and Zhang Ruifeng both nodded. Zhang Zhenye nodded, "Grandpa, San'er and I have taken over what Dad gave us."
"Yes, that's good. We must have our own people, but we can't completely trust them."
All four nodded. They understood this principle as well.
Zhou Shixiong had someone talk to them at length about the techniques of managing subordinates.
“We are all different. You should also listen to the opinions of your father, great-grandfather, and grandfather, and combine our ideas to come up with your own solution.”
All four nodded, knowing that this was Zhou Shixiong's good intention.
The four of them started teasing each other again, revealing each other's embarrassing moments to make Zhou Shixiong happy.
Li Chang'en didn't return until noon. "The leaders have made all the arrangements. The madam personally checked and received them."
"Okay, Chang'en, after I leave, if you're willing, stay with Weiyu for three years. After three years, if both of you are willing, you can decide for yourselves."
"Boss, it's my honor. As long as the Third Young Master doesn't mind." Li Chang'en couldn't be happier. Following Zhang Weiyu was so great. Judging from the looks of it, this position would belong to the Eldest Young Master in the future. The Third Young Master was the most favored, so following him was the right thing to do.
Zhang Weiyu nodded. He really had no objections; he wouldn't completely trust anyone around him, so it didn't matter who it was.
At this moment, Gu Chuanming and the other three came over again. They ate lunch together again. Zhang Hongmei looked at Zhou Shixiong, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping herself.
"Alright, I know what you're trying to say. I understand now, you don't need to teach me." Zhou Shixiong glared at Zhang Hongmei, who didn't want his things but he was forced to give them to her.
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