The conversation with Old Master Kang lasted over an hour, and he still seemed reluctant to end it. Chen Dongyang didn't want to interrupt him, so the three of them continued to sit together.
It wasn't until the butler came to call the Old Master for lunch that the conversation paused.
The Old Master invited Chen Dongyang and Tiantian to stay for lunch. Thinking he had to make another trip in the afternoon, Chen Dongyang readily accepted, deciding it was more convenient to stay.
During lunch, Old Master Kang continued to reminisce, talking about how difficult life was in his youth, how they couldn't afford such good food, and how leaves and roots were common fare. He chatted until past four in the afternoon.
His entire story, from his teenage years to his successful entrepreneurship, was finally told. From his words, Chen Dongyang was able to analyze the Old Master's personality traits.
He was confident, even a bit arrogant, and self-centered. He subconsciously adhered to traditional ways while also seeking innovation within those constraints.
Chen Dongyang almost immediately had an inspiration and shared his design concept with the Old Master.
Instead of developing a new plot of land, he proposed selecting a location within the Kang Group's production facilities to build the memorial hall. The exterior didn't need to be particularly outstanding or luxurious; the focus should be on the content inside.
He suggested combining the Old Master's life story with the corporate culture, displaying it in several sections. This way, employees and visiting clients could learn about his past and appreciate his hardships while gaining a deeper understanding of the corporate culture.
The Old Master was very pleased with his idea.
"Yes, yes, that's exactly what I want to express. Your mind is so agile; you understand me. Unlike my own family members, when I mentioned building a memorial hall, their first reaction was that I was wasting money and trying to show off. They didn't consider that I'm that superficial. Ultimately, isn't all this done for the company?"
Chen Dongyang agreed, "Indeed. As a successful entrepreneur like yourself, your thoughts are profound; how could they be superficial? In that case, I'll go back and write the proposal first. Please have someone send me the company brochure, product models, and the evolution of products over the years. I'll prepare a satisfactory content for your review as soon as possible. Once you approve it, we can go to the site together to discuss the specific arrangements."
The Old Master agreed with great satisfaction.
Chen Dongyang and Tiantian left together. Tiantian asked him, "How did you come up with this idea? There's no profit margin in this, and now you're focusing only on content and not design. Aren't you afraid your income will be even lower?"
Chen Dongyang knew Tiantian was testing him and pinched her cheek. "As long as the final work is mine, and people associate this hall with me, Chen Dongyang, and the client is satisfied, that's enough. Do you think I'm the kind of person who would do anything to make money? The Old Master is doing this simply because he's old, has no one to accompany him, and wants to feel relevant. By elevating his actions to promoting corporate culture, requiring his full participation, and planning an unveiling ceremony and speech, his psychological needs are met, my work is completed, and I can even see you under the guise of business. Isn't that a win-win-win? What's there to be dissatisfied about?"
Tiantian pinched him back, "Look at you, so capable. Well said, I, Jiang Jing Tian, do have a good eye for people."
They both burst into laughter.
Since the work was almost finished, Tiantian, being considerate, asked him to leave. Chen Dongyang felt a pang of discomfort at the impending separation and held her hand to his face.
"I'm sorry..."
Tiantian smiled, "Don't say that. There's nothing to be sorry about. You'll be back here in a couple of days anyway. It's just a small separation, let's not be sad. Let's go, we need to buy a gift for Doubao at the supermarket."
Little boys all like Ultraman. Tiantian personally chose a rather expensive box for him, and Chen Dongyang didn't object.
Thinking that was all, Chen Dongyang went to pay, but Tiantian pulled him upstairs. They went to the women's clothing section. Chen Dongyang thought she was going to buy clothes and accompanied her.
The weather was starting to get warmer. After browsing, Tiantian selected two simple and elegant dresses and a pair of flat Mary Janes. She paid for them herself and handed the bag to Chen Dongyang.
Chen Dongyang carried the bag for her, paid for the toys, and then they left.
They drove straight to the highway entrance. Tiantian got out and waved goodbye.
"Go on, be careful on the road. Send me a message when you arrive if it's convenient."
Chen Dongyang took the bag of clothes out to her. "Okay, you be careful on your way too. Don't you want these clothes?"
Tiantian smiled and took a couple of steps back. "No, these are for Zeng Hui. Consider it a surprise for her. Bye."
With that, she ran to her car, opened the door, and got in.
Chen Dongyang drove back to Tongcheng with mixed feelings. Before he even reached his doorstep, he heard Hui Hui scolding Doubao from inside. He pushed the door open and saw Doubao sitting on the floor, who burst into tears upon seeing him.
He closed the door, walked over with the gift, and asked, "What's wrong?"
Zeng Hui looked displeased and pointed at Doubao, saying, "Tell him yourself what you did wrong."
What could a two-year-old child explain clearly? Chen Dongyang picked Doubao up. "Did you do something naughty? Did you make Mommy unhappy? I know you didn't mean to. Doubao is a good boy. Tell Daddy Chen, you won't do it again, okay?"
Doubao's attention was completely captured by the toy, and he didn't hear what Chen Dongyang was saying, struggling to reach for the gift box. Chen Dongyang hid the box behind his back and held his hands.
"I'm talking to you. You're not allowed to make Mommy angry anymore. Be a good boy, okay?"
"No~ Toy~ Ultraman~ I want Ultraman~"
"Doubao, we need to settle this first before you can play with the toy. Be good, promise Daddy Chen first, okay?"
Doubao ignored him, still struggling to grab the toy. Chen Dongyang's expression darkened, and he put the child down by his armpits.
"I'm talking to you very seriously. If you don't realize your mistake, I'll throw the toy away and won't give it to you. Can you answer my question seriously?"
Seeing Chen Dongyang angry, Doubao dared not fuss anymore. He looked at his mother, then at Chen Dongyang, and nodded obediently.
"Then, you're a little man, and you have to keep your word. Come on, let's pinky swear."
After they pinky swore, Chen Dongyang finally gave him the toy.
As Doubao went off to play, Chen Dongyang stood up and handed the bag to Zeng Hui. "I bought these for you. See if you like them."
The thing Zeng Hui liked to see most every day was Chen Dongyang spending time with Doubao. He was a very suitable father, gentle yet firm, with a good sense of balance, which was why she couldn't bear to part with him. Besides him, no other man in the world would treat Doubao with such seriousness. Doubao already considered him his biological father, and they absolutely could not be separated.