Chapter 542: Jaw-Dropping

Chapter 542: Jaw-Dropping

Afternoon.

Nanning Five-Ips Square Mansion.

Everyone was gathered to discuss Xiaodong'er's future, as he was already 28 years old. Even in the future, ninety percent of parents would start urging their children to get married at this age.

After discussing Xiaodong'er's marriage, Zhang Xiuping looked at her sister-in-law and asked, "Ajian, has Shiba called recently? Does he want to stay in the military, or does he want to return and find other work after his service?"

Deng Yunzhen replied, "He called last month. This rascal has always been a troublemaker, but he's like a fish in water in the military. He wants to stay in the military, but I don't want him to."

Deng Yunzhu said, "Sister, since Shiba wants to stay in the military, let him stay. His personality is best suited for the military. What suitable work is there for him if he comes back?"

Deng Yunzhen sighed, "I know the military is the best place for him, but if he stays, it's hard to see him even once a year. It would be better to let him come back and do any job, at least we can see him."

Zhang Xiuping smiled and said, "Ajian, you're thinking too far ahead. Shiba is still young. If he wants to strive in the military, let him do it for a few years. You can decide his future path later based on the situation."

Zhu Junjie added, "Big Sister, what you said makes sense. Ajian, don't always try to keep him by your side. When a child grows up, you should let him go and make his own way. If you keep him close, it's hard for him to achieve anything."

Deng Yunzhen looked at her father and asked, "Dad, what do you think?"

Deng Shirong said, "Since he wants to stay in the military, let him stay. Technology is advancing rapidly. Video calls on computers have been possible for a few years now, and I believe smartphones will soon have this function too. When that happens, even if he's not by your side, you can still video call him from time to time. So, you don't have to worry about not seeing him for a whole year."

Deng Yunzhen nodded, "Alright, when he calls next time, we'll let him make his own decision."

After discussing Shiba's situation, the conversation returned to the main topic of the day: Dongzi.

Everyone in the family was shocked by Dongzi's transformation over the years. They never expected that Dongzi, who had always been a poor student like his second aunt and fourth uncle, would become a leading figure in the online literature world, earning several million a year. If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they wouldn't have believed it.

Especially Deng Yunhua, who almost dropped his jaw when he first heard the news.

Although everyone now knows that Dongzi's success in writing is largely due to his grandfather, it still shows that Dongzi has a strong writing foundation. Otherwise, even with his grandfather's guidance, he wouldn't have achieved anything.

Dongzi's transformation brought the most joy to his parents, Deng Yuntao and Zhang Xiuping.

Since Dongzi's academic performance had never improved, they had given up on him by junior high school. At the time, they thought it best to get him married and have children early so they could focus on raising the next generation.

But to their surprise, the once-hopeless Dongzi suddenly became successful and even managed to win the heart of a top student from Peking University without relying on his family background.

According to Dongzi, his girlfriend is not only beautiful but also comes from a good family, which is simply unbelievable.

As everyone was discussing Dongzi, his phone rang.

Deng Shirong answered and asked, "Dongzi, are you off the plane?"

Dongzi replied, "Yes, Grandpa, we're already in the car. It should take about forty minutes to get home."

Deng Shirong said, "Alright, I got it."

Dongzi said, "That's it for now. We'll talk more when we get back."

Deng Shirong said, "Alright, hang up then."

...

On the road from Wuxu Airport to Five-Ips Square, two luxury cars were driving, one in front and one behind. The front car was a Mercedes-Benz with several security personnel inside, while the rear car was a Rolls-Royce Phantom, where Dongzi and Shen Xianglan were seated.

It was already 2008, and the security situation had improved significantly compared to the 1980s and 1990s.

Therefore, the Deng family no longer needed to be as low-key with their vehicles. Almost everyone owned one or two luxury cars, and this Rolls-Royce Phantom was now used by Deng Yuntao for business and travel.

Although Shen Xianglan came from a prominent family, this was her first time riding in a Rolls-Royce. The comfort made her exclaim, "This Rolls-Royce truly lives up to its reputation as the luxury of all luxuries. The riding experience is indeed a hundred times better than ordinary cars."

Dongzi smiled and said, "It's normal for it to be more comfortable than ordinary cars. After all, it's worth several million. If it felt the same as a car worth a few hundred thousand, no one would be willing to pay such a high price!"

"True," Shen Xianglan nodded, then looked out the window and said, "This is my first time in Nanning. I wonder how the city is developing?"

Dongzi sighed, "It's not great. It's far behind Shanghai. It's only in recent years that there has been some significant development."

Shen Xianglan comforted him, "Don't be discouraged. As the saying goes, things can change. Other places might be ahead now, but perhaps one day Guangxi will catch up."

"Talk is cheap," Dongzi shook his head and said, "Economic development works like this: if you fall behind, you stay behind. Compared to other provinces, our development speed in Guangxi is indeed slower. To catch up, we need a major opportunity. Otherwise, it's hard to catch up with other provinces if we just follow the usual path."

Shen Xianglan nodded and said, "Indeed, there needs to be an opportunity."

Dongzi replied, "Let's not talk about these depressing things. Although Nanning isn't the best, there is one thing that ranks among the best in the country. Do you know what it is?"

Shen Xianglan asked, "What is it?"

Dongzi smiled and said, "It's the Snack Street. Tonight I'll take you for a stroll. There are all kinds of local specialties from all over the country. The taste at any stall is quite good. It's a must-visit place for tourists coming to Nanning. If you come to Nanning and don't visit the Snack Street, it's like you've wasted the trip."

Shen Xianglan's interest was piqued immediately, "Is it really that good? Every stall on the whole street has good food?"

Dongzi patted his chest and assured, "Of course, each snack stall has its own specialty. The taste will never disappoint you. Any stalls that are unhygienic or have bad taste are driven away. Only the best remain."

Shen Xianglan was surprised, "Dongzi, how do you know so much about this?"

Dongzi smiled and said, "Of course I know, because my grandfather bought the land and built the Snack Street. Later, my fourth uncle collected the rent and managed it."

Shen Xianglan gave a thumbs up and sincerely praised, "Impressive!"

The two chatted all the way as the car soon entered the city, and Shen Xianglan began to observe the buildings on both sides of the street.

Compared to the bustling Shanghai, Nanning's city construction was certainly lacking, giving a feeling of being a decade behind.

Dongzi started his schooling in Nanning from elementary school and continued until high school graduation, living in the city for over a decade. He was extremely familiar with the city and took the initiative to introduce it to his girlfriend.

Soon, the car stopped.

Five-Ips Square, they had arrived! After getting out of the car, Shen Xianglan looked at the Five-Ips Square with its high foot traffic and the Yongjia Supermarket on the first floor, and couldn't help but ask, "Dongzi, aren't we going home? Why are we at the supermarket?"

Dongzi walked and said with a smile, "This is where we live. Follow me and you'll see."

"Oh!"

Although Shen Xianglan was full of questions, she followed right away.

Behind them, security personnel were responsible for pulling the luggage and carrying the large and small gifts.

Once they reached the dedicated elevator, the security personnel guarding the elevator greeted respectfully, "Young Master, Young Lady."

"Hello!"

Although the title of "Young Lady" made her a bit shy, Shen Xianglan still greeted the security personnel with grace and poise.

Dongzi nodded at the security personnel with a smile and then entered the elevator with Shen Xianglan.

After the other security personnel placed the luggage and gifts in the elevator, they didn't follow.

As the elevator ascended, Shen Xianglan asked curiously, "Dongzi, is this the dedicated elevator to your house?"

Dongzi nodded, "Yes."

Shen Xianglan was naturally amazed, but she didn't have much time to think about it, as they reached the fifth floor.

The elevator went straight to the entrance of the fifth floor. As the elevator door opened, Dongzi shouted loudly, "Grandpa, we're back!"

However, no one paid attention to him. Everyone's eyes were on Shen Xianglan, greeting her warmly and introducing themselves. Shen Xianglan also greeted each one, finally putting her heart at ease.

After the family members had greeted and introduced themselves to his girlfriend, Dongzi complained, "I came back from so far, and no one cares about me!"

Deng Shirong said, "Dongzi, don't be naughty. First, take Lanlan to the room and put the luggage down. Then we can eat."

"Got it, Grandpa."

Dongzi chuckled, then took his girlfriend's hand and said, "Lanlan, let's put the luggage down first. Then I'll show you around our house."

Shen Xianglan nodded to the Deng family, then pulled the luggage and followed Dongzi to the room.

At this point, she finally had the chance to take in the house, which was even more luxurious than she had imagined.

Although the house had been built for over a decade or two, the antique Chinese style decoration never went out of fashion. No matter when you looked at it, it evoked heartfelt admiration for its opulence.

Shen Xianglan, coming from a prestigious family, had never seen such a luxurious house.

As a top student from Peking University, she had a deep understanding of traditional Chinese culture and could fully appreciate the essence of the Chinese-style decoration, growing more and more fond of it.

Soon, Dongzi led her into a spacious and bright room, saying, "Lanlan, this is my room. You'll stay here with me tonight."

Shen Xianglan widened her eyes, "Ah? I'll stay in the same room with you?"

Dongzi said matter-of-factly, "You're my girlfriend, staying in the same room is perfectly normal, isn't it?"

Shen Xianglan hurriedly said, "Dongzi, we're not married yet. This is my first time visiting your family, and you want me to stay with you?"

Dongzi chuckled, "What's the big deal? You'll marry me sooner or later. Besides, we've already done what we should do. What's there to be shy about?"

Shen Xianglan's face turned red, "No, it's my first time visiting your family, and you want me to stay with you... won't this leave a bad impression on your family?"

Dongzi waved his hand and said, "You're overthinking it. My family is very open-minded; there's no problem with us staying together."

Shen Xianglan said, "But..."

Dongzi said, "Don't argue. I can't sleep without you by my side. It's settled."

Shen Xianglan: "…"

Dongzi asked, "Do you want to tour the house?"

Shen Xianglan's attention was successfully diverted, and she said enthusiastically, "Yes, of course I do. I've never seen such a luxurious house before!"

Dongzi smiled and said, "Let's go then. I'll show you around."

…

Living Room.

While Dongzi was showing his girlfriend around the house and leading her to the room, the family members were all praising Shen Xianglan.

Deng Yunzhen smiled and praised, "Lanlan is truly beautiful. Our Dongzi has excellent taste."

Deng Yunzhu nodded in agreement, "She is indeed beautiful, with a great figure and she’s a top student from Peking University. No wonder Dongzi pursued her for years."

Xiaodong'er also looked at his younger brother with newfound respect, "Back then, he wanted me to introduce him to someone at Peking University, but there was no suitable match, so I ignored him. I never thought that even after I graduated, he still didn't give up on finding a girlfriend at our school. I thought it was a pipe dream, but he actually succeeded. Without relying on family background, he managed to find such an excellent girlfriend all on his own. It’s really surprising."

Deng Shirong also said approvingly, "It looks like our family will soon have another top student from Peking University!"

Deng Yuntao and Zhang Xiuping exchanged glances and saw the joy in each other's eyes.

Originally, their educational backgrounds were the weakest among their siblings and in-laws, and it was impossible not to feel a bit inferior. But now, their daughter was a top student from Peking University, and their future daughter-in-law was also a top student from Peking University. This made them very proud.

Everyone else also praised Shen Xianglan, as her qualifications were indeed outstanding in every aspect.

…

Shen Xianglan stayed at her boyfriend's house for two days before returning to Shanghai with him.

During these two days, Shen Xianglan was treated warmly by everyone in the family, from her grandfather to her sister-in-law, who was the CEO. Everyone was very kind to her.

What Shen Xianglan liked most about her boyfriend's family was the harmonious atmosphere. From her observations, her boyfriend's parents and aunts and uncles got along very well, truly living up to the reputation of a close-knit family that had remained united for decades.

As the saying goes, a harmonious family leads to prosperity. For a large family to thrive, the siblings and in-laws must get along harmoniously, which is the foundation of a prosperous family. If they don't get along, or worse, engage in open or hidden conflicts, the family's prosperity will be short-lived, and decline is inevitable.

However, a harmonious family, where everyone works together, can achieve prosperity even if their current conditions are poor. Prosperity is just a matter of time.

Although Shen Xianglan had only recently graduated and lacked life experience, she instinctively liked the harmonious atmosphere of her boyfriend's family. She felt that living in such a harmonious large family would be very comfortable, with fewer complications.

Back in Shanghai, Shen Xianglan immediately processed her resignation.

During her visit to her boyfriend's family, her future in-laws had already discussed their plans with her, just as her boyfriend had mentioned. After they got married, she would be arranged to work at Yongjia Group. Once her management skills were polished, she would take over the entire Yongjia Group.

With such a bright future, Shen Xianglan no longer cared about her enviable job at her previous workplace!

Shen Xianglan's parents also had no objections to her decision and even supported it wholeheartedly.

They knew that their daughter wasn't particularly interested in politics. Now, things were different. By marrying into the Deng family, their daughter would have the opportunity to take over Yongjia Group, a massive corporation valued at billions. The status and position that came with such a role were far beyond what an ordinary person could achieve.

After Shen Xianglan resigned, the Deng family soon came to propose the marriage, bringing gifts.

This was a marriage that satisfied both parties, and the proposal process went very smoothly.

Ultimately, after discussions between the families, the wedding date for Dongzi and Shen Xianglan was set for the sixth day of the ninth lunar month, which fell during the National Day holiday period, making it convenient for guests to attend the wedding.

After settling the marriage of his eldest grandson, Deng Shirong's attention shifted to Sichuan.

He had done everything he could, and now he could only leave the rest to fate.

Days passed, and before he knew it, it was a certain day in May.

In his previous life, Deng Shirong had learned about the event through the news, and by the time he knew, it had already happened. This time, he knew the event would occur, but he could only watch it unfold silently, with a completely different mindset.

When the time approached the number from his previous life, Deng Shirong closed his eyes and silently prayed. After several seconds, he opened his eyes and stared at his phone on the table, waiting for a call from his second son.

One minute, two minutes, three minutes…

Five minutes later, Deng Shirong's phone rang. It was his second son calling.

Deng Shirong answered immediately. After listening to his second son's brief report, he let out a heavy sigh of relief.

The facts proved that his efforts had not been in vain.

…

PS: The month is coming to an end, and the book is entering its final countdown. There is only one month left. I hope all my dear readers will accompany me to the end. I sincerely thank you all!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end