Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Su Binâs fourth and fifth brothers, along with Qin Zhenzhenâs third brother, Qin Sanlong, arrived in Shanglin Prefecture three days before the new year.
The journey from Meijiang Prefecture City to Shanglin was relatively short, taking a day and a half by carriage. However, the winter weather was harsh, with bone-chilling cold winds. Each person had brought several large bags filled with thick clothes and cotton garments, highlighting the inconvenience of traveling, especially for those with children.
Su Qing and Su Cheng were ecstatic about the impending arrival of their nephew. They affectionately addressed Qin Zhenzhen as Third Sister-in-law.
Su Qing had blossomed into a young man, his androgynous features attracting countless admirers. Both he and Qin Sanlong had become valuable aides to Qin
Zhenzhen.
Qin Zhenzhenâs business operated as a joint venture between the Su and Qin families, adopting a modern business style.
Su Qing represented the Su familyâs leadership, while Qin Sanlong represented the Qin family.
Aside from family shares, each member of Su Qinzâs family held a few shares, with Su Bin and Qin Zhenzhen being the major shareholders.
Originally, Qin Zhenzhen intended to have an equal share of the business with Su Bin, but he insisted otherwise. Su Bin declared, âWife, Iâm not well-versed in business matters. I need you to make the decisions, and youâve put in more effort than I have.
âTherefore, I should allocate more shares to you. Itâs only fair. Youâre the big boss, and Iâm the second boss.â
Qin Zhenzhen chuckled at Su Binâs words. This man exhibited a remarkable ability to embrace new concepts and demonstrated a profound understanding.
He not only endorsed her management approach but also declared that she could handle all the finances at home without having to share with him. Initially, Qin Zhenzhen was certain she wouldnât agree. At first, she even contemplated divorce.
However, once the new business model took effect, Qin Zhenzhen realized there was no need for a change.
Among the four brothers, Qin Sanlong appeared the most refined and displayed the most business acumen, thanks to the tireless guidance of Su Qing.
Su Qing, having received an education and possessing literacy skills, handled accounts effortlessly. Moreover, having spent time in an opera troupe, he had prior experience dealing with businessmen, showcasing unique talents. Although accustomed to performing, Su Qing was not inherently cunning. In business, he insisted on operating with honesty and integrity.
Under Su Qingâs influence, Qin Sanlong not only learned accounting but also honed his people skills in the business world.
Their roles sometimes played in harmony, and at times, they played the opposite roles. When faced with a challenging business partner, one would adopt the role of the good cop, and the other the bad cop, and their collaboration proved effective.
Observing Qin Zhenzhenâs sizable belly, Qin Sanlong couldnât help but feel a mix of joy and concern. His little sister was still so young, yet she was on the brink of giving birthâan experience likened to traversing the gates of hell. He wondered about Su Binâs haste in having a child and questioned whether he couldnât have waited a year or two.
Recalling Su Binâs initial disinterest in his sister, leaving her to endure months of village ridicule, Qin Sanlong harbored unresolved grievances. The thought spurred a strange look directed at Su Bin, considering it an opportunity to teach him a lesson.
Despite these sentiments, Qin Sanlong refrained from criticizing Su Bin directly. His envisioned lesson did not involve physical confrontation.
The perfect opportunity had arrived. Throughout the New Yearâs Eve dinner, Qin Sanlong persistently urged Su Bin to drink, taking advantage of his role as the brother-in-law.
In the realm of drinking, how could a scholar like Su Bin possibly match Qin Sanlong?
Back when Qin Sanlong worked as a butcher, he had cultivated a robust tolerance for alcohol.
Despite Su Binâs reluctance, he found it awkward to decline in the face of Qin Sanlongâs insistence. Consequently, he could do nothing but sip from his cup repeatedly..