Although he said that if he were ten years younger, he would definitely pursue Lin Yan, he also knew it was impossible.
Age was actually not a problem at all; some of his concubines were about Lin Yan's age. But Lin Yan was by no means the kind of woman who would be confined to a back courtyard.
Moreover, with her mastery of so many technologies, she would be a welcomed guest by any faction. Such a Lin Yan, he really couldn't imagine anyone being worthy of her.
“Boss Du is joking. Boss Du is also quite charming now. It’s just…” Before Lin Yan could finish, Mr. Du spoke.
“It’s just not Boss Lin’s dish.” Mr. Du said with great frankness.
“A new singer joined recently, and her voice is quite good. She’ll be on stage in a bit, Boss Lin can listen.”
Seeing that Boss Du had changed the subject, Lin Yan wisely stopped talking.
In no time, a woman in a fitted qipao walked onto the stage. After communicating with the band, she began to sing.
Her voice was indeed very good, a kind of gentle, narrative alto.
“Ever since the light bulb factory released new products, I had people replace the lights here. The stage effect has indeed improved quite a bit.”
“It will only get better in the future. This is, after all, the most luxurious ballroom in all of Shanghai, representing the best. Therefore, it should use the best products.”
Zhou Wenjie’s family finally arrived in Shanghai. The autobiography he had been writing during this period brought him a considerable income. He felt there was no room for development in this small town, so he decided to move to Shanghai with his family.
He thought it would be difficult to persuade his mother, as people generally didn’t want to leave their hometown. Especially since his mother was a grandmother from the old era.
But to his surprise, she agreed after he simply mentioned it. Zhou Wenjie’s astonished expression was noticed by Madam Zhou Li.
“I’m not the kind of elder who insists you stay in your hometown. It’s clear that you’ll develop better in Shanghai, whether you continue writing or find another job. Shanghai will definitely have more opportunities than here.
I can’t let you stay here as a bookkeeper your whole life. And I wouldn’t be at ease if you went alone. Since you’re reluctant to leave us, let’s just go together.
As long as you don’t find us a burden, our family will venture to Shanghai together. Things can’t possibly be worse than when your father died.”
“How could you possibly be a burden? You are my support. With you all, I can be at ease. So, Mother, please come with me. My editor has already found a place for me.
It might be a bit inconvenient for you for a few days at the beginning. Once I get paid for my next novel, we’ll move to a better place.” Zhou Wenjie was truly touched by his mother’s open-mindedness.
Now that they had arrived in Shanghai, they found it truly lived up to its reputation as a metropolis. Everything here felt new and exciting. The three children, Zhou Wencong and the others, felt their eyes weren’t enough.
Madam Zhou Li and Concubine Zhao also found the place very appealing, but they had to look after the children, so they only glanced around briefly before focusing their attention on them.
They had brought a lot of luggage and the children. They hadn’t dared to sleep along the way, for fear of losing things or the children.
Even upon arriving in Shanghai, they hadn’t dared to relax. After all, they were in an unfamiliar place. If any of them got separated, where would they find them!
Zhou Wenjie’s editor was already waiting for them at the station. He was also surprised upon seeing Zhou Wenjie.
Not for any other reason than Zhou Wenjie was too young. He had sensed from Zhou Wenjie’s writing style that the author might not be old, but he hadn’t expected to find him not yet a man upon meeting him.
However, he quickly composed himself, “Indeed, a hero emerges from youth! I truly didn’t expect you to be so young.”
“Mr. Lu is too kind. How can I be called a hero? I’m just a storyteller who writes a few stories. This is my mother, and these are my younger siblings.” Zhou Wenjie introduced them to the editor.
“Greetings, Mrs. Zhou! I’ve already found porters to take your luggage to the house first.” Mr. Lu said, preparing to lead the way.
“Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Lu.”
“You’re most welcome, most welcome.”
Madam Zhou Li did not interrupt her son during his conversation. Her son had grown up and could handle things independently. Therefore, she would not interject when he was speaking, especially since it was not proper for a woman to interrupt men.
Although women were no longer required to stay indoors and never leave their homes as they used to be, she still felt uncomfortable interacting with outsiders.
When they reached the house that Mr. Lu had helped rent, the Zhou family breathed a sigh of relief.
Seeing that the Zhou family needed time to settle in, Mr. Lu took his leave. Although Madam Zhou Li wanted to invite him for a meal, as he had helped them a lot, they were new to the place and didn’t even know where to buy groceries. So, they didn’t insist.
It was a small courtyard. Although there weren't many rooms, it was quiet and secluded. It seemed Mr. Lu wanted him to write here with peace, without being disturbed.
However, he was not in the mood to write today. After tidying up the house, Concubine Zhao went out to buy some food. The family ate, and after a simple wash, they went to bed.
In the evening, Lin Yan returned by car from the industrial zone. It had now developed into a rather large industrial zone. So, Lin Yan was considering whether to build employee dormitories, as the area was too far from the city center.
There was no tram service to get there, and no bicycles either. It was still too far for the workers to commute.
However, building dormitories would require discussion with other factory owners. If they were to build, they should build them uniformly, which could save money.
While Lin Yan was contemplating, the car suddenly stopped.
“What happened?” Lin Yan was almost thrown against the seat in front by the sudden brake.
“Boss, there’s a person lying on the road ahead.”
The driver was also worried, fearing that if his boss were injured, he might lose his job.
“Uncle Qian, you go down and take a look. If you can save him, please do.” Lin Yan didn’t pay attention to the person lying there, but she couldn't just leave him to die.
“Okay, Boss.” Hearing Lin Yan’s words, the driver got out of the car to check on the person lying on the ground.
“Boss, this person’s injuries are quite severe. He’s already unconscious.” After checking the person’s condition, the driver said to Lin Yan.
Lin Yan listened to the driver and glanced over. At that moment, the person’s face was turned towards her as the driver examined him. Lin Yan saw a somewhat familiar face.
“Uncle Qian. Help him into the car, and let’s go home quickly.”