Chapter 1278 - 1280
"Brother."
"Sister-in-law."
After Gong Ruzhi spoke out, he had no plans to return to the house. He really didn’t want to see Cai Meina’s look of wanting to cry but being unable to.
He preferred to stay in the yard enjoying the scenery. Giving his sister and brother-in-law a lesson or two was better than going back.
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before the eldest brother returned, and of course, sister-in-law followed. But it’s unknown if she knows.
Gong Ruzhi didn’t dare to look at Chu Ling, nor did he dare to look at Gong Ruwen.
"Let’s go inside." Gong Ruwen too was surprised that Ni Zi and the others were outside. However, now wasn’t the time to discuss it.
Gong Ruini nodded, looking up at Gong Ruwen, hoping to glean something from his expression.
But no matter how she looked, she only saw the calm expressions of Gong Ruwen and Chu Ling, unable to discern if they were happy or unhappy.
What’s going on? Gong Ruini was puzzled.
"Let’s go inside." Gong Ruwen didn’t want to repeat himself, preferring to wait until they were inside to speak.
Sigh, he’d rather not speak. Today’s eldest brother was too assertive, leaving Gong Ruini a bit dissatisfied. But once he insisted, she had no choice.
Gong Tao was whispering continuously to Cai Meina, and upon seeing Gong Ruwen enter, they stopped talking.
"Uncle Gong."
"Aunt Cai." Chu Ling greeted them as gracefully as ever.
So calm? Gong Ruini didn’t get it; hadn’t anything been said? Otherwise, why so calm?
Gong Ruini clenched her lips tightly; she truly couldn’t understand.
Seeing Chu Ling, Cai Meina was so agitated she wanted to grab her to talk.
Even though Gong Ruwen gave up his career, he was still a good son-in-law choice. Her son was really excellent in every way.
Gong Tao watched Cai Meina closely, worried she would become overly emotional upon seeing Chu Ling. He immediately held her back as she got excited.
Chu Ling was a sensible child but had her own ideas. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have persisted with Gong Ruwen despite knowing many in the Chu Family didn’t approve.
Just because she didn’t say they’d break up, doesn’t mean they won’t?
Fearful that once home, facing family elders’ opposition, Chu Ling might agree to break up.
"Uncle, Aunt, I heard Gong Ruwen talk about it on the way." Chu Ling knew why they were agitated and didn’t want to beat around the bush.
Goodness, she’s already subtly referring to Gong Ruwen, making everyone’s expressions tense.
The way she addressed Gong Ruwen was genuinely unfamiliar, reminiscent of when they had just met, not yet together.
Once they were together, Gong Ruini heard her call Gong Ruwen that, but it was only when Chu Ling was mad at him, otherwise she’d never use it.
Cai Meina felt chilled; the thought of losing such a good daughter-in-law was devastating.
If not for the ointment issue, how would things have escalated?
Now the ointment was secure, but other businesses truly suffered.
Cai Meina had no idea how much future loss they might face—it would take a long time to tell—but, as of now, there was a major loss.
Losing such a good daughter-in-law, how to manage the future. Were it not for so many people present, she’d be crying out loudly with grievance.
Had things not escalated, life would be business as usual—a peaceful coexistence of business, work, study.
Cai Meina squarely blamed Zhao Xuran for this, casting a look of slight hatred at him.
Cai Meina’s reaction was anticipated by Zhao Xuran, who was genuinely apologetic, not knowing how things had turned out this way.
Gong Ruini tightened her lips; while it appeared Zhao Xuran was being blamed, how could she not also thow her daughter under the bus?
Gong Tao noticed his wife’s expression, knowing she was mistaken—while outwardly it seemed caused by the ointment, was the ointment truly the root?
For years, the factory’s speed of development was unexpectedly rapid, leaving many unsure how to block it, realizing there was simply no way.
The chance being so good wasn’t one they’d miss—a risky venture if they did.
"Uncle Gong, I support Gong Ruwen’s proposal."
Wait, what, his wife agreed with Gong Ruwen’s suggestion? Cai Meina couldn’t bring herself to resent their son-in-law.
But the answer was so formal—agreeing with someone’s proposal didn’t imply staying together.
Cai Meina was more concerned whether Chu Ling would agree to Gong Ruwen’s resignation and return to family business, and if she’d still want to be with him.
Gong Tao also awaited Chu Ling’s thoughts.
Gong Ruini was waiting.
Zhao Xuran was waiting.
Gong Ruzhi was waiting.
A closer look revealed Gong Tao was visibly nervous as well.
"I support Gong Ruwen’s proposal."
"I’ll also be heading to the United States for further study after graduation."
United States for further study? Did this mean they wouldn’t break up? Gong Ruini was stunned.
Cai Meina was equally shocked, mouthing silently without word.
Gong Ruzhi was the first to react, "Sister-in-law, you’re still my sister-in-law."
"Oh my, that’s wonderful." Gong Ruzhi seemed eager to cheer and praise his sister-in-law.
But considering it might scare her—she preferred calm—not wanting to make her overthink, "Brother, you should study in the United States together."
"We’ll start a business in the United States."
Gong Ruzhi understood why Gong Ruwen wanted to resign—it was all due to disrespect.
No matter how talented his brother, they’d dismiss him without a thought.
Humph, if those people had their little schemes, there’s no need to engage with them. His brother was right—strong enough, they had nothing to fear.
Gong Ruzhi had long felt aggrieved for Gong Ruwen, but when his elder brother said it was nothing, he said no more.
"Brother, let’s resign early. Since your transfer to this factory, you’ve been busy as hell."
"Constant overtime and meetings, thinking about pushing products or traveling for business, you’ve grown so thin."
"That’s my responsibility." Gong Ruwen had no objections, yet seeing his brother’s angry look, he couldn’t agree with him, lest he’d get more agitated,
Responsibility? "Responsibility should come with rights. Promised bonuses for tasks completed—have they paid?" Gong Ruzhi was not satisfied.
"Denial of bonus payments, Brother, there’s no need for you to pay your subordinates—I haven’t seen any leader like you, paying bonuses out of pocket." Initially not wanting to voice it, now he felt that not speaking would let his brother suffer.