They have already begun their plans. If they stop now, wouldn’t it be for naught?
Master Zhang’s heart was in turmoil. Should he consider the bigger picture or protect his son? As a father, he did not want his son to suffer or face harm. However, as the owner of the fabric shop, he had many people relying on the shop for their livelihood, and if the Zhang family did not fight this battle, the consequences of a market collapse could threaten the very existence of the nation! The common people would suffer!
The involved party, Zhang Fang, was able to comfort the elder brother, Zhang Shao, with ease, saying, “Brother, this is just a nightmare. Don’t take it to heart. When I was young, I often dreamed of man-eating monsters, but I’ve never encountered any to this day.”
“Alright, as long as you’re safe! Let’s eat while the food is still hot! Let’s have the kitchen prepare a few more dishes that you like!” Zhang Shao released Zhang Fang, tears still at the corners of his eyes, as a smile returned to his face.
Master Zhang looked expressionlessly at his sons as they left him to go to the dining hall.
Old Zhao rushed over, seeing only Master Zhang, and asked in confusion, “Didn’t you say that both you and the fifth young master have returned? Where is the fifth young master?”
“He went to eat!” Master Zhang coldly snorted.
Noticing Master Zhang’s displeasure, Old Zhao awkwardly said, “Master, the eldest young master and the others have all changed their ways, just like the fifth young master. Since their return, they have not gone out to indulge themselves. Even in the manor, they are able to control themselves. They are no longer as reckless as before. The young masters have grown up, so you can just wait to enjoy your blessings!”
Master Zhang retorted sarcastically, “Enjoy my blessings? They didn’t even call me to dinner. How can I expect them to serve me in the future? Haha!”
Wait! After their return, none of these sons paid him any attention! All their focus was on Zhang Fang!
Thinking of this, Master Zhang’s face grew longer. This father had less clout than the youngest son!
Old Zhao awkwardly explained on behalf of the eldest young master and his brothers, “Master, the fifth young master lost his mother when he was still in swaddling clothes. Before she passed, the madam asked the eldest young master to take care of the fifth young master. All these years, you’ve been busy with business and haven’t had time to attend to them. The eldest young master has taken care of his brothers with great concern. The brothers have been harmonious, and that is a blessing!”
Master Zhang did not continue to respond sarcastically this time. After all, he was in the wrong; he hadn’t accompanied the children well during their growth.
With Zhang Fang safe and sound, Zhang Shao finally felt the burden lift from his heart.
Seeing that nothing much was happening at home, Zhang Er Shao thought about going to the casino to have some fun tomorrow. Zhang San Shao and Zhang Si Shao had the same idea; after being cooped up for so long, all the brothers wanted to have some good fun!
“Brother, let’s go out and have a good time tomorrow!” Zhang Er Shao asked Zhang Shao with a grin.
Zhang Shao had some thoughts of his own and cleared his throat seriously, saying, “Let’s wait a couple of days to talk about it.”
“Two more days to wait before we can go play?” Zhang Si Shao felt a strong itch in his chest; it was uncomfortable.
“The fifth brother just got back, we should pay more attention to him!” Although he did not understand the state of the fabric business, from Old Zhao’s hints, the business was not doing well. Zhang Fang had left because of this situation. Even though he could offer no help in business matters, Zhang Shao felt as the eldest brother, he should at least show concern for Zhang Fang.
His words were not opposed by Zhang Er Shao and the others. After all, they had been separated from Zhang Fang for some time, and as older brothers, they had to care for their younger brother!
In the morning, Zhang Fang worked out with his brothers.
A foreigner arrived at the Zhang family gate, asking to see Zhang Fang.
“A foreigner?” Zhang Shao found it strange and turned to Zhang Fang, “Fifth brother, is he someone you know?”
“Hmm. Brothers, continue; I’ll go attend to him.” Zhang Fang did not elaborate further, casually grabbing a towel to wipe his sweat as he walked.
Zhang Er Shao and the others stared at Zhang Fang’s back and began to mutter.
Zhang Er Shao commented, “Brother, the fifth brother has become much more mature and composed.”
Zhang San Shao added, “He met a foreigner after going to Haicheng? How does he communicate with him?”
Zhang Si Shao bluntly suggested, “Shall we go take a look?”
So, Zhang Shao led them to the front yard.
“Child, why did you abandon me?” Father Hebert looked at Zhang Fang with exasperation, as if feeling very wronged.
Zhang Fang explained, “I’m sorry; it’s my father’s wish. He doesn’t want me to continue associating with you.”
Father Hebert put down his teacup, suddenly losing his desire to taste it. He stood up and made a gesture, saying earnestly, “Child, you are the chosen one by the Lord. You will become the hero who saves all souls!”
Zhang Shao and the others, hidden outside, were astonished to hear these words.
They were surprised that this foreigner spoke their language! The content of his words made them feel that he was deceiving Zhang Fang, like some kind of scam artist.
Zhang Fang helplessly waved his hand, telling Father Hebert, “Please don’t say such things in the future. If my father hears them, he’ll certainly think you’re a fraud.”
Father Hebert was left speechless, unsure how to persuade this young man to follow him to the West.
“Since you’re here, just stay at my house for now!” Zhang Fang asked Old Zhao to arrange a guest room for Father Hebert.
As Old Zhao led Father Hebert away, he spotted Zhang Shao and the others hiding at the door, his eyes twitching slightly, as he introduced, “These are the fifth young master’s elder brothers!”
Zhang Shao and the others stood up straight, curiously observing Father Hebert.
Father Hebert politely smiled at them.
Once Old Zhao took Father Hebert away, Zhang Shao couldn’t help but rush in to ask Zhang Fang, “Fifth brother, when did you meet this foreigner?”
“He talks like a fraud! Don’t be fooled by him!” Zhang Er Shao cautioned Zhang Fang.
Zhang San Shao added, “This foreigner is quite odd, not like a good person!”
“Fifth brother, why did you keep him at home?” Zhang Si Shao was puzzled.
Not wanting to mention Father Hebert any further, Zhang Fang raised an eyebrow and asked his brothers, “Brother, did you inform Daoist Qiu when you returned?”