Chapter 498 - 485: Approval

Gu’er mulled over Zheng Changsheng’s words. She wouldn’t give up on the Guang City connection; the city was always at the forefront of development.

Even though the market in Russia would open up soon, Russian products couldn’t possibly remain bestsellers forever. Profits would eventually dwindle. And while they could pivot to other products in the future, many domestic goods were excellent as well.

If Guang City could consistently provide the latest styles with no quality issues, then their department store could become the market leader in this city.

Besides, Guang City was close to both Tai City and Hong Kong, which would make exports convenient in the future. So, having a trustworthy person and a foothold there would be an absolute boon for them.

Although they had trained two people to run the Guang City side of the business, their judgment was limited, and they had to defer to the locals on everything. But Zheng Changsheng was different. If he and Lin Shuying got together, he would be family. He would surely put his heart and soul into it. With his help, they would have a firm grasp on their Guang City operations.

Gu’er thought this was a great opportunity. She looked at Sun Jiaming, Li Zhi, and Dingzi. The three of them conferred for a moment and came to the same conclusion as Gu’er: it was a viable plan.

"Gu’er, you be the one to tell him."

Sun Jiaming and the others yielded the floor to Gu’er, as they had just agreed. Besides, Sun Jiaming knew about that dream of hers—she knew a little more about the future than they did.

"Then we’ll have to trouble you, Uncle Zheng. In a few days, could you send us the clothing styles and designs to look over? We’ll order an initial batch, and if it sells well, we can increase the volume for a long-term partnership. Also, since you produce your own designs, could we perhaps provide you with designs in the future?"

Gu’er knew her three partners trusted her, and so she gave Zheng Changsheng a firm nod.

"Of course, it’s no problem for you to provide designs. I’ll be responsible for finding a factory to produce them. If the final product turns out well and a lot of people like it, then I’ll split the profits with you."

Zheng Changsheng explained this to Gu’er. ’Business dealings must be clear-cut. Even if I become family in the future, I will always give you what you’re owed. Otherwise, who would want to do business with you? Integrity is crucial.’

"Great, then it’s a deal. As for the details, let’s wait until the shipment arrives and we’ve had a chance to look at it. We can discuss it further then."

Gu’er felt that was all that needed to be said for the moment. ’Any partnership will ultimately depend on the style and quality of Zheng Changsheng’s clothes. Otherwise, any further discussion is just empty talk.’

As for clothing designs, Gu’er had never really thought about them before. ’In my past life, I lived such a difficult existence that I rarely wore any decent clothes myself. But I saw what other people wore. While I can’t remember every single trend, I still have a few designs in my memory. I can’t just transplant styles from the future to the present—even if I did, they wouldn’t become popular. Every era has its own concepts and aesthetic tastes. But as long as I can come up with one or two good designs, that’ll be enough.’

"Then it’s settled. I’ll call them in a little while. Should I have someone ship them here, or will you send people to pick them up?"

Zheng Changsheng was a man of action.

"We’ll send someone to get them. As it happens, we have a vehicle heading that way in three days. I’ll have our people find yours then."

’It’s better to have someone pick them up in person,’ Gu’er thought.

"Alright."

Zheng Changsheng nodded.

"Now that the business talk is over, Uncle Zheng, may I ask a blunt question? What are your true intentions for this visit?"

Gu’er felt she had to ask and find out what Zheng Changsheng’s intentions toward her aunt truly were.

"I was going to bring this up even if you didn’t ask. You already know how I feel about your aunt. I’ve made a little money these past two years, and there have been women who wanted to marry me. I’m not afraid of you all laughing at me, but my heart has room only for your aunt. Maybe it’s the bond we formed over all those years in the village, but I just feel that for the rest of my life, it has to be her. At first, I was afraid of coming here and causing her trouble, but now I think the time is right. Before I came, I thought to myself that if your aunt wasn’t doing well, I would take her, Zhongshan, and Xinghua back with me. But from what I can see, she’s living a good life. Zhongshan is about to get married, and Xinghua has grown accustomed to living here. If I tried to take your aunt away, I’m afraid she wouldn’t be willing to go."

At this point, Zheng Changsheng glanced at Gu’er, who was watching him intently. His eyes were filled with sincerity as he continued, "I don’t want to force your aunt. She suffered so much in that village, and she’s finally managed to build a peaceful life here. If I were to drag her away to an unfamiliar city, she certainly wouldn’t be able to adjust. So I was thinking, if your aunt is willing, once we’re together, I can spend a lot of time here with her. I’ll still have to go to Guang City, of course, but if she’s up for it, she can come visit me there when she has time. That would be nice, too."

As he said this, a hint of hope appeared in Zheng Changsheng’s eyes. "As for Zhongshan and Xinghua," he added, "I won’t say I’ll treat them like my own children—that would be disingenuous. But I will do my absolute best to be good to them. Anything I can do for them, I will."

Gu’er nodded to herself. ’Zheng Changsheng is speaking from the heart. He’s clearly thought all of this through.’

"My aunt isn’t young anymore," Gu’er pointed out. "She might not be able to have any more children."

Gu’er didn’t know if Lin Shuying could still conceive, but considering her age, the chances were slim.

"I’ve thought about that," he replied. "It’s not a big deal. I’ve managed all these years without children of my own, haven’t I? If your aunt can’t have more children, then we won’t have a little one tying us down, and we’ll be free to go wherever we please. It’ll be even less of a burden. Besides, we’ll still have Zhongshan and Xinghua, right? They’re good, filial children. When we get old, we won’t have to worry about being alone. I get a wonderful son and daughter without even having to raise them myself. In the future, there will be grandsons and granddaughters. What could be better?"

He had clearly given this a lot of thought. ’If he only wanted children, he could have married someone back in the village long ago. If he only wanted children, he could marry a young, unmarried woman right now. But he wanted to marry Lin Shuying because of his feelings for her, feelings he’d had since they were young. He wasn’t asking for much—just to build a family with Lin Shuying and have a companion in his old age. Zhongshan and Xinghua would have their own children someday, and he would just treat them as his very own grandchildren.’

Hearing his words, not only was Gu’er deeply moved, but Sun Jiaming, Li Zhi, and Dingzi also found their respect for Zheng Changsheng growing. Not many men could do what he was doing. Someone like Zheng Daniu would still be desperate for a son to carry on the family line. Zheng Changsheng had the means to do the same, yet he valued emotional connection more.

"You’re right, Uncle Zheng. Brother Zhongshan and Xinghua are both wonderful people; they’ll definitely be filial to you and my aunt. By the way, would you like me to go have a word with my aunt for you?"

Gu’er was very pleased with Zheng Changsheng. His feelings for Lin Shuying were clearly genuine.

"No need, I’ll speak to her myself," he said. "By the way, Gu’er, your aunt works at your place, doesn’t she? Do you think you could give her a few days off? I’m not familiar with the area, so she can show me around. Also, I should probably pay your father a visit, shouldn’t I? If I don’t, I’m afraid he’ll chew me out for not paying respect to my future brother-in-law. I’d worry about him making my life difficult later on!"

Zheng Changsheng ended with a joke, and everyone burst out laughing.

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Thank you to the angel, Sleepless Night, for the peace charm, and thank you all for your support.