Old Mr. Kang talked enthusiastically for over an hour, and Chen Dongyang didn't want to interrupt him, so the three of them sat there.
It wasn't until the butler came to call the old gentleman for lunch.
Old Mr. Kang invited Chen Dongyang and Tiantian to stay for the meal. Thinking he had to make another trip in the afternoon, Chen Dongyang readily agreed to save the trouble.
During the meal, Old Mr. Kang continued to reminisce, talking about how difficult life was in his youth, how they could barely afford such good food, and how leaves and roots were common fare. He chatted until past four in the afternoon.
His story, from his teenage years to his entrepreneurial success, was finally told. From his words, Chen Dongyang analyzed the old gentleman's character.
Confident, even a bit arrogant, and self-centered. He subconsciously adhered to rigid traditions yet sought novelty within them.
He almost had an epiphany on the spot and shared his design ideas with the old gentleman.
Instead of developing a new plot of land, they would select a location within the Kang Group's production facilities to establish the memorial hall. The exterior didn't need to be particularly outstanding or luxurious; the focus would be on the interior content.
The old gentleman's life story would be combined with the corporate culture, displayed in several sections.
This way, employees and visiting clients could learn about his past and appreciate his struggles while gaining a deeper understanding of the corporate culture.
The old gentleman was very satisfied with his idea.
"Yes, yes, that's exactly what I mean. Your mind is so nimble, you understand me. Unlike these few in my family. When I mentioned building a memorial hall, their first reaction was that I was wasting money and trying to show off. They don't realize, am I that superficial? Ultimately, aren't all these things done for the company?"
Chen Dongyang agreed, "Indeed. As a successful entrepreneur like yourself, your thoughts are profound; how could they be superficial?"
"Then how about this, I'll go back and write the proposal first. Please have someone send me a copy of the company brochure, product models, and the evolution of products over the years. I'll prepare a satisfactory content for your review as soon as possible. Once you approve it, we'll go to the site together to discuss the specific arrangements."
The old gentleman agreed with great satisfaction.
Chen Dongyang and Tiantian walked out together. Tiantian asked him,
"How did you come up with this idea? It wasn't profitable to begin with, and now by focusing only on content and not design, aren't you afraid of even lower earnings?"
Chen Dongyang knew Tiantian was testing him deliberately and pinched her cheek.
"As long as the final work is mine and the pavilion is associated with me, Chen Dongyang, and the client is satisfied, that's enough. Do you think I'm the kind of person who would resort to any means to make money?"
"The reason Old Mr. Kang is doing this is simply because he's getting old, has no one to accompany him, and wants to feel relevant."
"I've elevated his actions to promoting corporate culture, requiring his full participation, holding an unveiling ceremony and speech afterwards. This way, his psychological needs are met, my work is completed, and I can also use this opportunity to see you. Isn't that killing three birds with one stone? What else could I be unsatisfied with?"
Tiantian also pinched him, "Look at you, so capable. Well said, I, Jiang Jing Tian, have good judgment in people."
They both burst into laughter.
Since the work was almost completed, Tiantian sensibly told him to go back.
Chen Dongyang felt a pang of discomfort at the thought of parting so soon. He held her hand and pressed it to his face.
"I'm sorry..."
Tiantian smiled, "Don't say that. There's nothing to be sorry about. You'll be back here in a couple of days. It's just a small separation. Let's not dwell on sad things. Come on, let's go to the supermarket to buy a gift for Dou Bao."
Little boys all like Ultraman. Tiantian personally chose a set for him, which was quite expensive, and Chen Dongyang didn't object.
Thinking that was it after buying the toy, Chen Dongyang went to pay, but Tiantian pulled him upstairs.
They went to the women's wear section. Chen Dongyang thought she was going to buy clothes and accompanied her as she browsed.
The weather was starting to get warm. Tiantian looked around and chose two simple, elegant dresses, paired with a pair of flat Mary Jane shoes. She paid for them herself and handed the bag to Chen Dongyang.
Chen Dongyang carried the bag for her, paid for the toy, and then they left.
They drove straight to the highway entrance. Tiantian got out and waved at him.
"Go ahead, drive safely. Send me a message when you arrive, if it's convenient."
Chen Dongyang took out the bag with the clothes and gave it to her, "Okay, you be careful on your way too. You don't want the clothes?"
Tiantian smiled and took a couple of steps back.
"No, these are for Zeng Hui. Consider it a surprise for her. Bye-bye."
With that, she ran to her car, opened the door, and got in.
Chen Dongyang drove back to Tongcheng with mixed feelings. Before he even reached his doorstep, he heard Hui Hui scolding Dou Bao from inside.
He pushed the door open and saw him. Dou Bao, sitting on the floor, burst into tears.
He closed the door, walked over with the gift, and asked, "What's wrong?"
Zeng Hui looked unhappy and pointed at Dou Bao, saying,
"You tell him what wrong thing you did."
He was just a two-year-old child; what could he explain clearly?
Chen Dongyang picked Dou Bao up, "Did you do something bad? Did you make Mommy unhappy? I know you didn't mean to. Dou Bao is a good boy. Tell Daddy Chen, you won't do it again, okay?"
Dou Bao's attention was completely captivated by the toy, and he didn't hear what Chen Dongyang was saying, struggling to reach for the gift box.
Chen Dongyang hid the box behind his back and held his hands.
"I'm talking to you. You're not allowed to make Mommy angry anymore. Be a good boy, okay?"
"No~ Toy~ Ultraman~ I want Ultraman~"
"Dou Bao, we need to sort this out before we can play with toys. Be good, promise Daddy Chen first, okay?"
Dou Bao ignored him, still struggling to grab the toy. Chen Dongyang's expression turned stern. He held Dou Bao under his armpits and put him on the floor.
"I'm talking to you very seriously. If you don't realize your mistake, I won't give you the toy even if I throw it away. Can you answer my question seriously or not?"
Seeing that he was angry, Dou Bao dared not fuss anymore. He looked at his mother, then at Chen Dongyang, and nodded obediently.
"Then you are a little man, and you must keep your word. Come on, let's pinky swear."
After they pinky-swore, Chen Dongyang finally gave him the toy.
Dou Bao went to play. Chen Dongyang got up and handed the bag to Zeng Hui.
"This is for you. See if you like it."
The thing Zeng Hui loved to see most every day was Chen Dongyang spending time with Dou Bao.
He was a very suitable father, gentle yet firm, with a good grasp of discipline, which was why she couldn't bear to part with him.
Besides him, no other man in the world would be so serious about Dou Bao. Dou Bao already treated him like his own father, and they absolutely could not be separated.