Su Xiaotian felt relieved upon hearing Dong Yuanzhong’s assurance.
The issue of money was easily resolved. Before the Lunar New Year, the factory had already earned a considerable amount from the sales of the New Year gift packages.
This money could be used to purchase land.
Su Xiaotian stayed at the Dong family’s residence for one night, enjoying meals and conversation with the elders, which made them very happy.
The next morning, Su Xiaotian departed from the Dong family’s home.
As Su Xiaotian was leaving, Fan Shufang presented a set of bright red bedding.
“Your third brother is getting married, and your second grandpa and I cannot attend. This is a wedding gift for the newlyweds.”
Fan Shufang handed the bedding to Su Xiaotian. As both of the Su family’s children were getting married in the village, the couple regretted not being able to attend the weddings.
Su Xiaotian accepted the gift without refusal, recognizing it as a token of the elders’ affection.
“I thank you, Second Grandpa and Second Grandma, on behalf of my third brother. After the New Year, I’ll have my third brother bring his wife to visit you!” Su Xiaotian said with a smile. Su Dan Novel Network
Fan Shufang happily agreed, “Alright, you can come with them then.”
“I must come for the New Year. I’m still waiting for my Second Grandpa and Second Grandma’s New Year’s money!” Su Xiaotian said playfully.
“Look at this girl, she’s not missing us, but the New Year’s money!”
Dong Yuanzhong chuckled, smiling at Fan Shufang, his tone filled with doting affection for Su Xiaotian.
“She’s our only precious granddaughter, of course there will be New Year’s money!”
Fan Shufang happily took another bag and handed it to Su Xiaotian.
“Xiaotian, this is the clothing Second Grandma bought for you to wear during the New Year.”
Over the years, Fan Shufang had doted on Su Xiaotian as if she were her own granddaughter, always ensuring she had clothes for all four seasons.
The New Year’s outfit was never an exception.
Su Xiaotian also genuinely respected and loved the elders.
Whenever the family had something good or went somewhere, she never forgot to bring gifts for the elders.
Su Xiaotian accepted the gift with a smile and a thank you, without any hesitation.
“Second Grandpa, Second Grandma, I’m going home now. I’ll visit you again after I return from Nanling Village.”
“Go on, go on. While you’re there, take a look at how the factory in your village is doing,” Dong Yuanzhong said. “Old Chang asked me to remind you. When you get back, go to your Grandpa Chang’s place and report to him!”
Dong Yuanzhong recalled hearing about the two factories built in Nanling Village and added this reminder.
Su Xiaotian agreed to all of it.
“Second Grandpa, I was also planning to go back and check on the Nanling Village breeding farm and the food processing plant. The livelihoods of the people in Nanling Village depend on these two factories.”
Su Xiaotian had great faith in Su Changjiu and believed he could handle these matters properly.
However, Su Xiaotian also knew that Su Changjiu intended to resign and come to Beijing.
If Su Changjiu resigned, she wondered if his successor would be able to manage the affairs as well.
This factory was a township enterprise, collectively owned by Nanling Village, but Su Xiaotian was also investing and held a certain number of shares.
“I trust you with your work, you girl!” Dong Yuanzhong was about to leave and walked out with Su Xiaotian.
After they went out, Dong Yuanzhong offered to give Su Xiaotian a ride home, but she declined.
Su Xiaotian felt that the car was provided by the government for Dong Yuanzhong’s official use, and it would be inappropriate for him to use it to drive her.
Dong Yuanzhong did not insist.
This was one aspect of the Su family’s integrity; they never took advantage of their relationship.
They always said that as relatives, they had to be even more disciplined.
This was to prevent their mistakes from implicating Dong Yuanzhong.
“Alright, be careful, get home early, and don’t delay on the road.”
Dong Yuanzhong still carefully reminded her.
After watching Dong Yuanzhong leave, Su Xiaotian, carrying two bags, headed towards the bus stop.
In this era, even taxis were rare, and most people traveled by bus. They were accustomed to it and didn’t find it inconvenient.
Although Su Xiaotian knew that having a car would be convenient, she also knew that given her family’s current financial situation, buying a car was impractical.
The price of a car in those years could be equivalent to that of a courtyard house.
A car was a depreciating asset, losing value over the years, while a courtyard house was the opposite.
Su Xiaotian, being a shrewd person, would not spend money unnecessarily.
Her money had to be used where it mattered most.
When Su Xiaotian returned home, Grandma Su and the others were all there.
She showed Grandma Su the bedding Fan Shufang had given her.
“Oh my, look at the pattern and the quality. It’s clear your Second Grandma put a lot of thought into it,” Grandma Su remarked with emotion.
“Grandma, let’s use this set of bedding in Third Brother’s new house!”
Su Xiaotian looked at the vibrant red color and found it very festive.
The Su brothers all had their own homes in Beijing. Grandpa and Grandma Su had said that whoever got married would do so in their own homes.
After all, the large house they were currently living in was Su Xiaotian’s private property, and Grandma Su did not intend for her grandsons to get married in this courtyard.
This was to prevent the future granddaughters-in-law from having any undue expectations. It was better to clarify things from the beginning for a smoother future.
It had to be said that although Grandma Su was an elderly woman who hadn’t received much education, she had her own way of handling matters, and her methods were very effective.
The Su family, to this day, remained a happy and harmonious unit, largely due to Grandma Su’s philosophy of life.
“Alright, then we’ll spread it in your third brother’s new house. I was thinking, before we go back, we should decorate the new house first. After returning from Nanling Village, the young couple can start their life together.”
Su Sangong: “…”
He felt as if he had been separated from the family.
But it seemed there was nothing wrong with separating and living independently. Weren’t Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law living very well now?
He and Xiaocao should also be able to live well.
“Let’s find a time tomorrow evening to decorate the new house!” Grandma Su, with her word being law, settled the matter.
The others all agreed that this was a good plan.
“Also, regarding the betrothal gifts for Xiaocao, Sangong, what are your plans?”
The Su family had some wealth, and these assets had already been divided among the families.
In the past, they dared not take them out, but in the last two years, they could.
Many families in Beijing also bought rings and necklaces for their new brides when they got married.
“Grandma, my mother has already given me my share. I saw that it included a delicate necklace and a pair of earrings, all made of plain gold.”
Grandma Su nodded.
Although policies had become much more relaxed, it was still better to remain low-key to avoid attracting unwanted attention, which could be detrimental.
It was good that her grandson was acting this way.
“As for other things, when you get married, you can take care of Xiaocao privately!”