Chapter 1277 - 1279
"How could this happen?" Cai Ming and Zhao Gang put down their phones, and in their respective studies, they each uttered these words.
"Wasn’t everything going well?"
"Sigh."
Cai Ming and the others couldn’t understand, but this was Gong Ruwen’s decision, and what else could the elders do but support him?
Even Gong Ruwen’s father, Gong Tao, had agreed. So these elders decided to just stay calm.
Gong Ruini felt all sorts of heartache, especially since the current atmosphere was indeed very tense. She wanted to lighten the mood but truly didn’t know what to say.
She thought of saying something cheerful, but the problem was everyone was wrapped up in their own thoughts and had no mind to listen to her.
"Dad, Mom."
"Sister, Brother-in-law." Gong Ruzhi stayed silent for a while and felt he should voice his suggestion.
Gong Tao slightly straightened his back, "What’s up, Xiao Zhi?"
Gong Tao realized that if Gong Ruwen returned, the biggest impact would be on whom?
The largest impact on interests would undoubtedly be on Gong Ruzhi.
The original plan was for Xiao Zhi to inherit the family business.
That was the initial idea. Xiao Zhi was also making efforts in that direction and was doing well, but now, with just a simple statement from Gong Ruwen, many things had to be reconsidered.
"I want to major in computer science at university." Gong Ruzhi loudly expressed his thoughts.
Gong Ruzhi understood his father’s concerns and knew they were worried about his own wishes.
Gong Ruzhi wanted to say that he truly welcomed his elder brother’s return, "Compared to taking over the family business, I want to venture out on my own."
"I want to be like Brother Liren; I want to study computers and start my own computer company in the future."
"Xiao Zhi." Listening to Gong Ruzhi, Gong Tao really wanted to cry. No matter how many sons they have, they’d always have their worries.
When the son isn’t accomplished, they worry, and when he is, they still worry about various things.
Concerns about no one to inherit the family business, fears of internal strife, and the good foundation being ruined by them.
That’s what Gong Tao was so conflicted about previously, fearing such a scenario.
And now, with Gong Ruzhi’s words, did he feel better? No, not at all.
Instead, he felt even more guilty, "Xiao Zhi, I like that you enjoy computers, but don’t say things like that."
"Xiao Zhi." Cai Meina couldn’t help but imagine how pitiful their younger son was, always developing wherever he was needed.
Seeing the guilty-looking Gong Tao and the tearful Cai Meina, Gong Ruzhi really wanted to roll his eyes.
He ultimately held back because if he dared to do so, his parents might not notice, but they definitely wouldn’t let him go without consequence.
They wouldn’t let it slide, definitely not, and would punish him even more severely.
"I can swear, with money, I swear."
"Dad, I already told Xiao Hui that I genuinely like computers."
"Every time I went to the United States, I honestly just wanted to follow Brother Liren to learn about computers."
"Dad, this market is big, and I want to get in early, or else I’d regret it."
Really? If it were just Gong Ruzhi casually saying this, he definitely wouldn’t believe it and might just be saying so for Gong Ruwen.
But now, he’s swearing with money and even bringing Wan Yihui as evidence, so it doesn’t look fake at all.
Gong Tao absolutely believed it and didn’t consider calling Wan Yihui for confirmation.
Cai Meina was different; she pounced to the phone and called Wan Yihui immediately.
From one perspective, she was being cautious, fearing that Gong Ruzhi would pursue a career he didn’t like; from another, Cai Meina, as a mother, was undoubtedly showing favoritism.
Luckily, Gong Ruwen wasn’t around, or he would have been very hurt seeing this scene.
Gong Ruini just watched as Cai Meina called Wan Yihui.
Zhao Xuran was also quite taken aback, having not expected Cai Meina to act so quickly.
He didn’t look at Gong Tao and his son’s expressions, but turned to Gong Ruini and found her expression unkind.
Zhao Xuran knew she must have remembered the things Cai Meina did for Gong Ruzhi back in the day.
Reaching out to hold Gong Ruini’s hand, he felt its coldness, "It’s okay."
"Aunt Cai is just cautious."
Cautious? Gong Ruini tried to muster a smile, "The younger son and the eldest grandson both embody half of my mom’s traits."
"Luckily, my dad is a steady person."
"Fortunately, Xiao Zhi is also sensible and obedient, has his own ideas." Otherwise, with Cai Meina’s partial behavior, Gong Ruini really worried that something big would happen.
"Sis." Gong Ruzhi was genuinely stunned by his mom’s actions.
Understanding that this matter needed immediate discussion with his sister, knowing that while she’s close with him, her bond with their older brother is even stronger.
Gong Ruzhi didn’t want this to become a thorn among the three of them, especially since he had no such intention himself.
"Sis, let’s go for a walk."
Gong Ruini nodded, and the three slowly walked out of the study, stopping in the garden outside.
Of course, from Cai Meina’s angle, she could see the three of them; otherwise, she might think Gong Ruzhi went out to collude with Wan Yihui.
"Sis, brother-in-law, I really don’t have any ulterior motives."
"I want to start a business with Dai Liren."
"I’ve heard his ideas, and I truly think his suggestions were great."
"Sis, I don’t want to just inherit Dad’s business like that, as it would make people say I’m just a kid who never grows up—all of it being handed to me by you all."
"Sis, I’ve really heard too much of this, and I want to give it my best shot."
The more Gong Ruzhi thought about it, the more he felt wronged. Clearly, he had his own ideas and the career he wanted to pursue, but due to the lack of others in the family, what else could he do but take over the family business.
Listening to Gong Ruzhi’s slightly choked voice, Gong Ruini and Zhao Xuran panicked.
The two exchanged glances; being a student, Gong Ruini wasn’t as keenly aware of outside rumors as Zhao Xuran.
Wherever Zhao Xuran went, he didn’t hang around with second-generation rich kids much.
Even though Zhao Xuran was critiqued for taking over his father’s business, he had been carving out his own career since a young age, nearly working alongside some businessmen.
How could those people evaluate Zhao Xuran as just a guy who rose to prominence thanks to his family?
Exactly, those spreading such gossip would be the idle rich kids and the nouveau riche second generations who did nothing substantial.
Gong Ruini was truly curious about how Gong Ruzhi ended up associating with such a bunch.
Gong Ruini really didn’t like Gong Ruzhi mingling with them, "Why hang around with those wastrels."
Yes, exactly; outside, Gong Ruini might hold back a little but at home, she would not stop at her critiques.
"If it weren’t for their good parents, they’d be no better than beggars outside."
Even beggars make an honest living; at least, they endure rain or shine to earn their money daily.
As for these wastrels, they simply reach out to their parents for money.
Gobsmacked, Gong Ruzhi knew his sister disapproved of those people, but he never imagined her assessment would be like this.
Comparing the rich second generation to beggars, no, actually saying they’re worse than beggars; his sister’s skill in complaining had once again improved.
Strong, that’s his sister—always making sure to vent her feelings.