Zhang Laoye shook his head, remained silent, and walked straight out of the room. Old Zhao, puzzled by Zhang Laoye’s thoughts, helplessly chased after him.
“Father, you’re up! Let’s have breakfast together.” Hearing the footsteps, Zhang Fang put down his book and stood up with a smile.
With an expressionless face, Zhang Laoye approached Zhang Fang, picked up the book he had just read, and said in a cold tone tinged with mockery, “Even if you were given ten years, you still wouldn’t understand the account books!”
The young man had a strong sense of pride. Had the original character been subjected to such ridicule, he would have likely lost his temper. However, Zhang Fang managed to reply with a smile, “Father, you underestimate me. I’ve finished reading these account books. The fabric shop has been operating at a loss year after year, especially in the last two years, where the losses have been substantial. If this continues for another six months, the shop will surely go under.”
Zhang Laoye was stunned, his expression one of disbelief, his eyes wide as he stared at Zhang Fang.
Old Zhao was equally surprised. He spoke up before Zhang Laoye could, excitedly saying, “Master, look how clever the Fifth Young Master is! I only taught him for a moment, and he learned to read the account books on his own. He even analyzed the situation of the fabric shop from them!”
Zhang Laoye quickly regained his impassive demeanor, snorting coldly, “What are you pretending for?”
Zhang Fang looked confused, not quite understanding Zhang Laoye’s meaning.
Old Zhao hurried to explain, “Master, the Fifth Young Master had only inquired about how many people depended on the fabric shop for their livelihood and didn’t ask about the profitability. It was the Young Master who took the initiative to learn to read the account books, and that’s why I brought them to him.”
Even after Old Zhao’s words, Zhang Laoye still didn’t believe in Zhang Fang’s capabilities. He continued to use a mocking tone to belittle Zhang Fang: “Since you understand the situation of the fabric shop, and since it will close soon, why learn anything now? You might as well just continue your life as a spoiled young master, indulging in food and gambling as you always have.”
Seeing Zhang Laoye being sharp-tongued, Zhang Fang lamented, “Father, I am your son. I have a responsibility to share your burdens. I will do my best to find a way for the fabric shop to survive!”
In the past, his beautiful eyes had been hazy and dim, lacking vitality. However, now it was as if a layer of fog had been lifted, and his gaze became so clear and bright, infused with a convincing sense of determination.
At this moment, Zhang Laoye felt a surge of emotions—his fifth son had truly grown up!
He turned and sat down at the dining table without responding to Zhang Fang, instead stating, “Let’s eat.”
Old Zhao quickly waved his hand, signaling the servant to bring the food over.
As he discreetly observed Zhang Laoye’s expression, Old Zhao couldn’t ascertain his attitude. He worried Zhang Fang might be disheartened by Zhang Laoye’s words and revert to his previous lackadaisical demeanor. Therefore, he chose to speak on Zhang Fang’s behalf, smilingly saying to Zhang Laoye, “Master, the Fifth Young Master has become sensible. He now wishes to alleviate your worries; you should give him a chance. Allow him to show his filial piety!”
Zhang Laoye remained stoic, not bothering to glance at Zhang Fang, while his right hand absently caressed the large jade ring on his left hand.
Having followed Zhang Laoye for so many years, Old Zhao understood that this demeanor signified a reluctance to discuss the matter further. He could only awkwardly fall silent, casting a helpless glance at Zhang Fang, saying, “Fifth Young Master, let’s sit down and eat!”
When the food arrived, Zhang Fang picked up a piece of meat and placed it into Zhang Laoye’s bowl.
Zhang Laoye’s chopsticks paused slightly as he glanced at Zhang Fang. Maintaining a serious expression, he continued to eat calmly.
Old Zhao tried to lighten the mood, praising, “Master, look at how considerate the Fifth Young Master has become! He’s serving you food now! He is truly filial!”
Although Zhang Laoye felt a sense of joy inside, he coldly retorted, “Heh, at fourteen, this is the first time he serves food to his father.”
“Father, from now on, I will always serve you food at every meal! When you grow old and can’t move, I will personally feed you!” Zhang Fang already detected the hidden mirth in Zhang Laoye’s eyes.
“Cough cough cough.” Zhang Laoye could no longer suppress the smile creeping at the corners of his mouth and covered it with his hand as he coughed.
After a while, Zhang Laoye managed to control his facial expression. He wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and picked up that piece of meat, eating it with a neutral expression.
Old Zhao stood beside Zhang Laoye, able to clearly see him smiling a moment ago! Oh dear, the master is truly something! If he’s happy, just smile! Why maintain such a façade? What’s the point!
Zhang Fang looked at Zhang Laoye with a cheerful expression, continuing to serve him food.
After finishing their meal, Zhang Laoye was about to head out when Zhang Fang proposed to accompany him.
“You go do your thing! Don’t get in my way!” Zhang Laoye declined. The fabric shop was in a mess, filled with troubles; there was no need to pull his son into it, as that would only add to his worries. It was better to let the child enjoy his carefree life.
Rejected by Zhang Laoye, Zhang Fang said nothing.
Once Zhang Laoye had boarded the carriage, the coachman began to drive away. Zhang Fang jogged along behind.
“Oh? Isn’t that Zhang Family’s Fifth Young Master? Why is he chasing after the carriage?”
Passersby were intrigued by the scene and began to discuss.
Upon hearing this, the coachman turned to look at the back of the carriage and indeed spotted Zhang Fang running behind! He immediately halted the horse and informed those inside the carriage, “Master, the Young Master is following behind!”
Zhang Laoye: ???
As Zhang Laoye had been resting his eyes, pondering the messy accounts, he suddenly opened them wide, lifted the curtain, and leaned out to look.
“Fifth! What are you doing, you unfilial son?”
The morning sun was bright, and the young man seemed to be running in from the light. His handsome face was covered in sweat, and upon hearing Zhang Laoye’s voice, he looked up and beamed a smile, radiating warmth like a spring breeze.
Zhang Laoye felt a bit annoyed; this foolish child came running directly after him! And Old Zhao couldn’t even arrange for a carriage for him!
Zhang Fang reached the side of the carriage and cheerfully spoke to Zhang Laoye, “Father, you carry on! I’m just wandering around and have nothing to worry about!”
With a glare at Zhang Fang, Zhang Laoye scolded, “Shameful! Get in the carriage!”
“Alright!” Zhang Fang wiped the sweat from his face, not waiting for the coachman to lower the footstep, he jumped onto the carriage.
Seeing his nimble movements, Zhang Laoye was even more speechless. With a stern face, he chastised, “You’re not allowed to follow! How could a young master of the Zhang family chase after a Zhang family carriage down the street? Truly shameful!”