Chapter 24: Family Decisions

Xu Zhiquan spoke:

“Yesterday we collected 50,000 yuan. I still have 10,000 in cash. I’ve brought it all out.

Each withdrawing party takes 20,000.

Then sign this paper. If the factory goes under and defaults on debts, the bank can’t come after you!

Twenty thousand each is all there is. There isn’t any extra.

If you don’t want to take it, then stay and work with me at the nursery!”

Gazing at the money on the table, the family members wore different expressions.

Xu Zhiquan sat there, lifted his teacup, and drank in silence.

Across from him, the relatives whispered, discussing in low voices.

In the end, Aunt spoke first.

“Second brother, our family will withdraw. Thanks for taking care of us all these years.”

As she spoke, Aunt reached out and took two stacks of bills from the table.

Xu Zhiquan said nothing but lowered his head to look at the papers.

Aunt realized and picked up a pen, signing her name.

Eldest Uncle, crossing one leg over the other, fetched his reading glasses from his coat pocket, put them on, then took a paper and examined it carefully.

These documents had been printed by Aunt Lan that morning at Xu Zhiquan’s request.

One was a cash receipt; the other explained the withdrawal of factory shares.

They were simple lines, but in black and white, perfectly clear.

Eldest Uncle read each word, then handed it to his son for a glance before taking a pen and writing his name.

His son stood up and took two stacks of bills from the table.

Eldest Uncle muttered:

“Twenty thousand is a bit light, but in these times, I can understand…”

Xu Zhiquan heard every word but pretended not to.

Of the three branches, Eldest Uncle’s and Aunt’s families both withdrew.

Fourth Uncle glanced at Fourth Aunt before speaking:

“Second brother, we discussed it and decided to stick with you.

If you’re farming, we’ll farm with you!”

Saying so, he pushed the remaining two stacks of bills toward Xu Zhiquan.

Xu Zhiquan looked at his fourth younger brother and couldn’t help feeling moved.

This outcome matched Xu Chen’s expectation exactly.

In fact, in his previous life, it was almost the same.

After Father’s bankruptcy, Eldest Uncle’s and Aunt’s families not only refused to help, they seized the moment to demand a split.

At Father’s lowest point, they delivered another blow.

Only Fourth Uncle worked with him to earn wages and pay off debts.

Their choices today corresponded perfectly with those back then.

Indeed, one’s nature is hard to change.

The matter was settled.

Eldest Uncle’s and Aunt’s families, sensing the awkwardness, took the initiative to leave.

Although the factory would close and the monthly income of several thousand would end, each left happily with twenty thousand.

More importantly, if the factory later ran into trouble—like being unable to repay the bank—they wouldn’t be dragged into it.

After stepping outside, Eldest Uncle and his son walked home on foot.

“Dad, we won’t have a stable income anymore. I’ll have to find work.”

“You’re almost thirty; it’s time for you to make your own way.”

“If nothing works out, I can join Second Uncle and farm with him.”

“Farm? We took that twenty thousand. Why would we go back to work for him?

Besides, what future is there in farming? I’ve farmed all my life and never made a penny!

Just you wait—you’ll see, that nursery of Second Brother’s will never take off!”

“Dad, what job can I find then?”

“If all else fails, go to Third Uncle. His factory is growing bigger all the time.

I’m his older brother; he’ll listen to a word or two from me.”

…

…

After seeing them off, Xu Zhiquan returned inside and looked at Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt, who wore solemn expressions.

Xu Zhiquan chuckled twice and patted Fourth Uncle’s shoulder:

“Don’t worry, Fourth, I won’t let you suffer any losses!”

With that, he stuffed twenty thousand yuan into Fourth Uncle’s hand.

“Second Brother, I’m not withdrawing. I can’t take this money.”

Xu Zhiquan smiled: “Consider this last month’s wages.”

Fourth Uncle paused: “This is too much… Besides, the factory’s in trouble now.”

Xu Zhiquan: “With me around, any trouble isn’t trouble.”

He paused, then added:

“Fourth, come by again tomorrow. We need to discuss the nursery business in detail.

Xu Chen’s maternal uncle graduated top of his class from the Agronomy and Forestry College and will join us—I’ve arranged it.

He’ll be here tomorrow.

I also want you to come to North Mountain Joint Village to inspect some land I’ve picked out. There are saplings ready to go.

Next month there’s a bid for a sapling project—we need to prepare…”

Fourth Uncle stared, surprised:

“Second Brother… you’ve already lined up the nursery business?”

Xu Zhiquan laughed twice: “Not fully set, but it’s shaping up.

Your Second Brother doesn’t enter a fight without confidence!”

Xu Chen looked at his father and couldn’t help admiring him.

This whole play was truly both kind and stern, flawless—playing the poor man, then generous magnanimity.

In a few sentences, he’d resolved everything.

Beneath Xu Zhiquan’s simple and honest exterior lay a meticulous mind.

Xu Chen’s plan to groom a wealthy father was unfolding far more smoothly than expected.

Most importantly, Father was even more reliable, decisive, flexible, and strong in leadership and execution than Xu Chen imagined.

That made him the perfect business partner.

…

While Xu Zhiquan spoke to Fourth Uncle, Aunt Lan’s expression shifted several times.

After Xu Zhiquan announced the factory’s closure, Aunt Lan had been silent, even refusing to pour tea.

Now she suddenly broke into a bright smile, stepped forward, and said:

“This proves what I’ve been saying—General Manager Xu is capable. Even if the mechanical factory closes, you’ll still thrive!”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled twice:

“This time, the main credit goes to Xu Chen!”

Fourth Uncle and Aunt Lan turned to Xu Chen in disbelief.

Xu Chen imitated his father’s two chuckles but said nothing.

Xu Zhiquan looked proudly at his son but didn’t explain further.

Xu Chen glanced at Aunt Lan, a flicker of complexity in his eyes…

Xu Zhiquan turned to Aunt Lan:

“Starting next month, we will gradually wind down the factory and consider selling some assets.

Aunt Lan, please stay on to finalize the accounts today, focusing on incoming and outgoing funds!”

Aunt Lan paused briefly, then smiled:

“As you command, General Manager Xu. I’ll do it right away!”

Saying that, she turned and headed to the inner room.

That room served as Xu Zhiquan’s home study—basically his office.

The company’s financial records were all stored there.

Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt didn’t stay; after saying goodbye, they left.

“Dad, I’m going upstairs to read,” Xu Chen said.

Xu Zhiquan thought for a moment: “Remember to go out this afternoon—don’t forget your important errand!”

“Go out for what?”

“That daughter of the official I mentioned yesterday—here’s her number!”

Xu Chen said “Oh,” and turned to head upstairs.

Aunt Lan… still on the to-do list.