Chapter 69: A New Beginning at the Nursery

Xu Chen and Li Rui strolled through the factory grounds toward the inner courtyard.

Where the clang of metal and machines once dominated, the yard now smelled of greenery—peaceful and inviting.

At the far end stood six or seven connected bungalows: the old offices and workers’ dormitories.

Usually, Factory Director Xu Zhiquan worked here as well.

Walking around to the back, they spotted two figures crouched among a cluster of potted plants, busy at work.

It was Father, Xu Zhiquan, and my maternal uncle.

Both were in dirty work clothes, their hands and faces streaked with soil.

“Chen, you’re here!”

Uncle Zhang Yongqing saw Xu Chen first. He pushed up his glasses and smiled.

Xu Zhiquan laughed and rose from the ground.

“What are you doing out here? I told you to head home first.”

Xu Chen shrugged. “Can’t I come see around a bit?”

Li Rui trailed behind and greeted Xu Zhiquan with a respectful “Mr. Xu.”

He pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it for Xu Zhiquan.

Xu Zhiquan inhaled deeply, clearly pleased with Li Rui’s gesture.

Li Rui then knelt beside Uncle Zhang.

“Uncle Yongqing, want a smoke?”

Though Zhang Yongqing wasn’t much older, Li Rui still called him “Uncle.”

The uncle waved shyly. “I don’t smoke!”

“Let me help you instead!”

Li Rui crouched down and lifted a few pots, helping rearrange them.

Xu Zhiquan chuckled and leaned toward Xu Chen.

“Your friend here is quite handy.”

Xu Chen grinned. “I wouldn’t recommend anyone second-rate!”

Xu Zhiquan added, “Perfect timing, Chen.

Once your Fourth Uncle returns, we’ll hang the new company signs.”

He pointed to a spot not far away.

Beside a few shrub pots lay two gleaming new signboards reading “East Morning Star Co.” and “Chenxin Nurseries.”

Xu Zhiquan laughed again and turned to Li Rui.

“Rui, run to the restaurant next door. Book a table and tell the owner to put it on the Xu family account—he knows the drill.

Tonight we celebrate our opening ceremony—better late than never!”

Li Rui nodded, set down his work, and headed off.

Xu Chen unshouldered his backpack and pulled out a thick stack of books.

These business and marketing volumes were for his father.

Wiping his hands clean, Xu Zhiquan accepted the books.

“As they say, knowledge is power.

Books are cheaper than cigarettes or spirits, but they yield the greatest return!”

Xu Chen teased, “Dad, that sounds deep!”

Xu Zhiquan laughed warmly.

“In reading, I’m no match for my son.”

Xu Chen asked, “Where’s Fourth Uncle?”

“He went to Beishan to inspect a few plots of land,” Xu Zhiquan explained. “He should be back soon.”

…

East Morning Star Group’s first venture is Chenxin Nurseries.

The core team for Chenxin is already in place.

Uncle Zhang Yongqing serves as product and technical director, overseeing all specialty areas.

A graduate of the Agricultural and Forestry College, he’s introverted and prefers working among plants.

He also handles the bidding documents and does much of the financial and paperwork.

Fourth Uncle Xu Zhilin acts as operations director, managing day-to-day tasks.

He leases land, buys fertilizer and tools, and hires local farmers.

When relatives debated closing the factory, Fourth Uncle was the only one who stayed. That earned Father’s full trust.

Back when Xu Zhiquan first started the factory, he brought along his third and fourth brothers.

Fourth Uncle was only a teenager at the time.

Years passed, and Xu Zhilin has worked loyally at his older brother’s side.

Fourth Aunt pitched in alongside them.

Though she never had much schooling, her careful, down-to-earth nature lightens the workload.

As for Boss Xu Zhiquan, he focuses on clients and government relations.

In truth, these nursery projects don’t demand high technical skill.

They rely heavily on personal connections.

Though Father dislikes networking, he’s surprisingly good at it.

Unlike shrewd, silver-tongued bosses, he seems honest and steady—almost unsophisticated.

That authenticity makes others see him as reliable and trustworthy.

Xu Chen, of course, is also part of the core team.

But his role is unusual.

He’s the mastermind, the hidden hand, the secret boss…

…

Xu Zhiquan and Uncle Zhang returned to their chores.

With no way to help, Xu Chen slipped into his father’s office and dove into exam prep.

…

…

Shortly after 2 p.m., a yellow Jinbei van rolled into the yard—Father’s old work vehicle.

Once it stopped, Fourth Uncle and Aunt climbed out.

Xu Zhilin’s face was dark; he marched inside without a word.

Fourth Aunt followed silently behind.

At the back of the yard, Xu Zhilin spotted Xu Zhiquan crouched and smoking. He spoke up.

“Second Brother, we’ve got a problem…”

Xu Zhiquan stood and asked, “What is it?”

Uncle Zhang, hearing the commotion, also rose and approached.

Xu Zhilin took a drag on his cigarette before speaking.

“I went to buy fertilizer, but suppliers are blocking us…”

Zhang Yongqing gasped.

“We can’t delay fertilizer—or the seedlings will suffer, and our bid’s at risk!”

Xu Zhiquan said, “Yongqing, don’t jump the gun. Fourth Brother, explain.”

Xu Zhilin flicked ash and continued.

“In Beishan Town, the fertilizer sellers refuse to supply us.

They won’t say why, but someone’s behind this.”

Zhang Yongqing adjusted his glasses, anxious.

“Who’d do that? Why block our fertilizer supply?”

Xu Zhilin replied, “Maybe it’s a rival from the highway project, or locals from North Mountain Joint Village.

We underbid the land. Now they’ve learned about the highway nursery tender.

They’re jealous and want to sabotage us.”

Fourth Aunt added quietly, “We even offered extra money, but they still refused.

They’re deliberately making things difficult for our family…”

Zhang Yongqing, panic in his eyes, turned to Xu Zhiquan.

“Brother-in-law… we can’t afford a delay in fertilizer—or this batch really will be ruined!”

Xu Zhiquan nodded calmly.

“Yongqing, stay calm. We’ll sort this out.”