Even if the cloth shop closes its doors, the Zhang family’s wealth would last them for several generations! Zhang Si Shao could not understand why Zhang Lao Ye and Zhang Fang were so determined, even going to great lengths to build their empire overseas.
“You don’t understand; this isn’t about money—it’s about face and dignity.” Zhang Da Shao understood it this way. He had not taken over the family business and was unaware of how many families depended on the cloth shop for their livelihood and what would happen if it closed.
Zhang Si Shao muttered, “Those foreign merchants are indeed excessive! They’re leaving us with no way to make a living! They deserve a good lesson! But is it really necessary to go that far?”
Now that Zhang Fang had gone to the West for business, Zhang Da Shao couldn’t help but recall the nightmare he had before. His face turned pale, and his hand clenching the letter began to tremble.
“Brother? Are you okay? Since Lao Wu has news, it means he is safe now. Don’t overthink it.” Zhang Si Shao guessed Zhang Da Shao was recalling the nightmare again and quickly patted his back to calm him down.
Zhang Er Shao heard the voices outside, opened his eyes, rubbed his face, and lifted his foot to kick Zhang San Shao.
“What are you doing? You’re so annoying; I want to sleep.” Zhang San Shao complained, preparing to turn over.
Zhang Er Shao kicked him a few more times and said, “It seems like something has happened. Hurry up!”
With a face full of displeasure, Zhang San Shao climbed up, glaring with resentment as he followed Zhang Er Shao out of the room.
When Zhang Si Shao saw them come out, he immediately told them, “Lao Wu has news! You won’t believe what he has been doing! He went abroad! He’s taken our business all the way to the West! It’s truly incredible! His ambition is off the charts! Even when father was young, he never had such lofty aspirations!”
Hearing this, Zhang San Shao’s morning grumpiness vanished instantly, and he immediately fought with Zhang Er Shao to see the photos and the letter.
Zhang Er Shao looked at the photos while Zhang San Shao read the letter. After they finished, they quickly exchanged what they had to continue looking.
“Lao Wu is so amazing! We won’t have to worry about food and drink anymore! Hahaha! I always knew he would be the most successful among us!” Zhang Er Shao tried to lighten the mood, having noticed Zhang Da Shao’s poor emotional state.
But as soon as those words were spoken, Zhang Da Shao shot him a glare and coldly retorted, “We four are also part of the Zhang family! Father is getting old, and if Lao Wu, a fresh newcomer, can support the family business, shouldn’t we brothers also share the burden? I want to go home! I want to learn how to manage the business! What about you three?”
“Elder brother, we are useless. In the past, all we did was eat, drink, and play, not handling serious matters, nor studying properly. What can we do when we return to help Father? We might not only be useless but also become a burden…” Zhang Si Shao said, feeling uneasy, and lowered his head.
Zhang Da Shao stood up, sternly glaring at Zhang Er Shao and Zhang San Shao, asking them, “Do you really want to be useless forever?”
Zhang Er Shao and Zhang San Shao understood Zhang Da Shao’s meaning and replied, “Elder brother, we will return to help. We will learn from Father and can be of some help!”
Zhang Si Shao looked uncertain.
“Lao Si, if you’re not going back, then stay here by yourself! If you’re unwilling to work hard, you’ll be a useless person for life!” Zhang Da Shao was also unsure of what he could achieve, but he had made up his mind—since he decided to assist at the cloth shop, they should at least do something! Whether it’s learning to keep records or even sweeping floors, they would contribute in any way possible!
Zhang Er Shao and Zhang San Shao echoed Zhang Da Shao’s words: “Elder brother is right! We will return to help!”
Seeing this, Zhang Si Shao quickly stood up and declared, “I will go back with you! I want to strive for a better future!”
In short, he couldn’t be left behind alone!
After the four brothers reached an agreement, they planned once more to sneak away. But Qiu Dao Zhang had already set up a maze to prevent them from slipping out.
After struggling for a long time, Zhang San Shao said, “I think we should just speak directly with Old Dao Zhang! We’re not sneaking out to engage in debauchery! This is about a wayward son returning to take up responsibility!”
Given their abilities, they indeed couldn’t find a way out and ultimately had to approach Qiu Dao Zhang and straightforwardly request to leave.
This time, Qiu Dao Zhang did not stop them, only wishing them, “As a humble practitioner, I wish you all great success!”
The group was astonished by Qiu Dao Zhang’s refreshing attitude and happily ventured out.
Zhang Fang’s return was brief, just two days at home before he left again.
The Zhang family had long prepared goods for shipment to the port warehouse. When Zhang Fang returned to Haicheng, he personally checked and counted the goods before contacting the special royal military ship of the Sun Never Sets with permission from the queen to arrange for the goods to be loaded.
“You’re going back so soon? I haven’t had enough of the delicious food here!” John’s brother was quite displeased, thinking they’d stay here for a month or two before leaving. Little did he know that Zhang Fang had already prepared the goods, and once they were packed, they could set sail!
“This time, I’ve brought a group of chefs to the Sun Never Sets! Once we arrive, we can open a Chinese restaurant.” These were chefs Zhang Fang had arranged beforehand. He had considered that if the fabric business failed, they could pivot to a restaurant. Ultimately, he needed to establish a foothold in the Sun Never Sets for opportunities to turn the situation around in the future! Fortunately, everything was developing smoothly!
Only then was John’s brother satisfied, praising Zhang Fang, “You’re great! Can we leave two days later? The food here is too delicious! I want to eat more!”
Some ingredients could only be found locally, and dishes made from local ingredients were something they couldn’t taste in the Sun Never Sets! Suddenly, John’s brother suggested, “Maybe we can also trade ingredients?”
“Let’s talk about that later! We need to return quickly; what if something happens in the Sun Never Sets? Although the prime minister has fallen, there may still be those seeking revenge against your brother!” After the clothing extravaganza, Zhang Fang received a flood of orders. This was just the beginning of establishing their foundation; they needed to ensure that the initial orders were completed! Otherwise, the George family would undoubtedly take the opportunity to attack!
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