DASFAM_29
As time ticked away, the curiosity of everyone in the room was piqued.
Old Master Shang glanced at the still-quiet banquet hall doors and feigned composure as he sipped his tea.
Old Madam Shang, noticing the hidden excitement beneath her husband's calm demeanor, spoke up on his behalf, "Bai Xu, what exactly has your third branch prepared? Why all this mystery?"
Bai Xu flashed his most endearing smile, the one that always pleased the elders, and poured her a cup of tea, "Old Madam, don't be impatient. It's just a matter of finishing this sip of tea, and it will be revealed soon."
Old Madam Shang, known for her steady temperament, simply replied, "Alright."
Fang Yuhua, observing the close interaction between the two, pursed her lips in displeasure. She took cover behind her husband and muttered, "Well, isn't the third branch just loving the spotlight?"
In such a short time, the attention of both the Shang elders and the entire room had shifted to him!
Shang Yun, sensing his wife's discontent and jealousy, quickly leaned in to whisper, "Keep it down! If the Old Master hears you again, do you think he’s done scolding you in public?"
"......"
Fang Yuhua immediately fell silent.
Meanwhile, the first branch of the family, including Shang Qishun, was also secretly observing Bai Xu. Although they had spent a few months overseas, they were not completely unaware of the domestic news—
This arranged marriage was a trap set by the second branch for Shang Yanxiao, with an obvious undertone of humiliation.
Moreover, with the third branch losing its core figure in the group, the faction within the company aligned with the third branch was already showing signs of division and instability!
There were rumors that at the end-of-month shareholders' meeting, Old Master Shang would reassign positions and project resources within the group.
The reason the first and second branches were fiercely competing in this banquet was their selfish desire to secure a larger share of the 'pie' within the group.
They had initially thought that the third branch would never take control of the banquet, but unexpectedly, Shang Yanxiao's 'arranged marriage partner' had stepped up? And he had even made a big show of the gift-giving!
Just as everyone's curiosity was about to peak, the banquet hall doors finally opened again—
Shang Queyan, who entered the room first, was in a wheelchair. He struggled to steer the chair with one hand while laboriously holding up a serving tray with the other.
In addition, Xie Qi was supporting an elderly man with unsteady steps, slowly making their way toward the main table.
Seeing that Shang Queyan was struggling, Bai Xu quickly stepped forward, "Let me take over."
Shang Queyan nodded, "Alright."
Bai Xu took the serving tray and then looked at Xie Qi and the elderly man, "Xie Qi, help Master Hai walk slowly. Fourth Young Master and I will go ahead first."
"Understood."
Seizing the moment before Old Master Shang's patience ran out, Bai Xu carried the tray back and announced, "Old Master, Old Madam, this is the congratulatory gift our third branch has prepared for you."
Old Master Shang's gaze remained fixed on the slow-moving elderly man, his indistinct expression revealing a hint of surprise.
A guest urged, "Young Master Bai, stop keeping us in suspense. What's on the tray?"
Bai Xu lifted the lid in front of everyone—
Contrary to expectations of something luxurious or extravagant, there was simply a steaming bowl of yellow croaker noodles placed at the center of the tray.
Shang Songming was the first to blurt out, scoffing, "Bai Xu, so all this fuss is just for a bowl of noodles? Aren't you overdoing it a bit?"
Fang Yuhua chimed in, "Old Master and Old Madam have lived to this age, what haven't they tasted? You—"
"Silence!"
Old Master Shang interjected, his expression revealing a rare hint of excitement, "What do you know?"
"......"
Fang Yuhua, feeling snubbed, flushed with embarrassment.
Shang Queyan maneuvered his wheelchair forward, subtly prompting, "Grandfather, Grandma, would you like to try this bowl of seafood noodles? See if it still tastes the same as it did back in the day?"
As he spoke, Xie Qi helped the elderly man approach.
From up close, Old Madam Shang recognized him immediately, "Master Hai?"
The elderly man, referred to as 'Master Hai', turned his gaze to Old Master Shang. Unlike the cautious demeanor of the others present, he carried a sense of familiarity and anticipation, as if greeting an old friend.
"Brother Hong, it's been so many years. Do you still recognize me?"
"......"
Old Master Shang quickly stood up and took the initiative to grasp Master Hai's hand, "You... you're Peng Hai?"
"That's me."
Peng Hai patted the back of Old Master Shang's hand and then turned his gaze to Old Madam Shang, "Sister Nan, it's been decades since we last met. How have you been keeping?"
Old Madam Shang, equally delighted to see an old friend, replied, "Ah, I've been well."
Bai Xu, quick to seize the moment, brought over an empty chair, "Master Hai, please have a seat. Old Master, why don't you sit down and chat slowly?"
Old Master Shang glanced at Bai Xu with a smile, openly pleased with him, "Alright."
Shang Keyi, witnessing this scene, immediately felt a sense of caution—
Old Master Shang's mood hadn't been particularly high today. Even upon learning about Shang Qishun's new girlfriend and seeing the gift from Shang Songming, he hadn't shown much joy.
Yet, just now, Bai Xu had merely brought out a bowl of noodles and introduced a person, and it had significantly lifted Old Master Shang's spirits.
What exactly was going on?
Shang Keyi exchanged a glance with her son and took the initiative to ask, "Dad, Mom, who is this old master?"
This question was also on the minds of the other guests present.
Old Madam Shang explained, "Master Peng Hai is a friend your father and I met when we were young. Back when we first ventured into business, we were in the seafood harvesting and transportation industry."
"At that time, we knew nothing and were swindled out of all our savings by someone we trusted as a mentor, leaving us penniless."
During the toughest times, Old Master Shang was so worried that he couldn't sleep and would sneak out to the seaside port in the early hours to vent his frustrations.
"Back then, Master Hai had a small noodle stall by the port, specializing in seafood noodles. The first winter was particularly cold, but fortunately, we met Master Hai."
Peng Hai was four or five years younger than Shang Hong but had started earning a living early to support his family.
That early morning, seeing Shang Hong in low spirits, Peng Hai took the initiative to comfort him and even treated him to a bowl of noodles. Upon learning of Shang Hong's predicament, Peng Hai personally helped bridge connections, introducing him to another seasoned master in the seafood harvesting business.
Over time, the two became good friends.
"Later, every time we finished work and came ashore, we would go to Master Hai's stall for a bowl of yellow croaker noodles."
Old Madam Shang pointed to the seafood noodles on the tray, "Just like this bowl, even the portion size hasn't changed."
"......"
Bai Xu quietly played the role of the well-behaved one, carefully dividing the seafood noodles into clean small bowls.
A single yellow croaker was split into three parts.
The fish head and tail were served to Old Master Shang, while the bowl containing the fish body was handed to Old Madam Shang.
Shang Queyan, standing nearby, invited, "Grandfather, Grandma, would you like to try it?"
The elderly couple, seeing Bai Xu's thoughtful gesture, exchanged a knowing smile.
Master Hai, observing this, chimed in with a playful tone, "Ah, just like old times. You two always ordered just one bowl, and Brother Hong, you always left the best part of the fish, the body, for Sister Nan."
Old Master Shang picked up the small bowl, in high spirits, "We were saving money back then, and besides, sharing one bowl made it taste even better."
Old Madam Shang smiled and also took a couple of bites with her chopsticks, "Hmm, it still tastes just like I remember."
The couple's first pot of gold was earned in Ningcheng, and this bowl of yellow croaker seafood noodles became the flavor of their initial struggles.
Three years later, they took their accumulated savings westward and ventured into other businesses. Eventually, their enterprises grew, and they returned to settle in the capital.
In those days when transportation and communication were not as developed, they naturally lost touch with Peng Hai.
Shang Keyi and Shang Yun were completely unaware of this chapter of their parents' past and were not about to let the third branch gain an unexpected advantage.
The siblings, in a rare moment of agreement, exchanged glances and pressed on, "Mom, how come you've never mentioned this before?"
"Right, how did Bai Xu find out about this? And how did he manage to invite the old master here?"
"......"
Indeed, the couple had rarely spoken about this part of their past.
Old Master Shang, snapping out of his initial excitement from reuniting with an old friend, turned his gaze to Bai Xu, "How did you come to know about this?"
Hearing Old Master Shang's inquiry, Bai Xu confessed honestly, "Since Old Master never spoke of this experience, naturally, I had no way of finding out. I simply knew that Old Master and Old Madam had been longing for this taste of seafood noodles for many years."
Old Master Shang didn't respond, but Shang Songming, whose limelight had been stolen, couldn't hold back, "Bai Xu, why are you still speaking in riddles and nonsense here?"
Some of the onlooking guests couldn't help but jest, "Does Young Master Bai have mind-reading abilities?"
"This matter doesn't require mind-reading, and indeed, it didn't cost much—" Bai Xu glanced at Shang Songming's resentful expression and retorted softly yet firmly, "It just takes a bit of heart to accomplish."
Shang Songming felt that Bai Xu was being sarcastic, "You!"
"Enough."
Old Master Shang was still in a good mood and unusually indulged Bai Xu to continue, "Bai Xu, explain it properly."
Bai Xu had his own way with words, "Actually, it's nothing much. Yanxiao's bedside cabinet always had a copy of Old Master's autobiography from a few years ago. I heard from Xie Qi that he would read this book whenever he had time."
"......"
Huh? When did he say that?
Xie Qi, who was suddenly mentioned, was taken aback, not expecting to be part of the scene.
Zhang Changxu, witnessing all this, had a glint of understanding in his eyes, "He knew Yanxiao couldn't attend this banquet, so he made sure to increase his presence in front of the Shang elders."
Hadn't he been to Shang Yanxiao's bedroom? There was no such book on the bedside table!
Zhang Changning, prompted by his brother, also caught on and subtly gave a thumbs up, "Wow, Bai Xu is really something."
Sure enough, upon hearing this, Old Master Shang's brow softened, "My autobiography?"
Bai Xu showed an extremely sincere expression, "Yes, I read it once when I was bored accompanying Yanxiao. Old Master, in the postscript of 『Along the Coast』, you mentioned—"
"You said that once when you and Old Madam revisited Ningcheng, you were craving that bowl of seafood noodle soup all the way. But when you got to the dock, the small noodle stall was gone."
Bai Xu paused, "So, when I knew we were hosting your sixty-fifth anniversary banquet, I came up with this idea."
Gifts are given every year, but the key is thoughtfulness.
Anyone can make a bowl of yellow croaker noodles, but the essence lies in the flavor and the memories.
"......"
Old Master Shang remained silent, but a touch of emotion stirred within him.
This autobiography was something everyone in the family had, yet very few had actually read it through.
What was originally just a passing mention at the end of a chapter, not only had Bai Xu taken it to heart, but he could also recount it verbatim now.
Old Madam Shang was equally moved and took Bai Xu's hand to praise him, "You're such a thoughtful child."
"Old Madam, it's not just me who's thoughtful."
Bai Xu didn't forget to credit Shang Queyan, "I only made the suggestion, it was Queyan who went to the trouble of finding Master Hai. Last week, upon hearing news of Master Hai, he went early in the morning to verify it himself."
"Recently, you and Old Master have been very concerned about our third branch. Queyan may not say much, but in his heart, he also hopes to see you happy."
"......"
Shang Queyan, hearing Bai Xu's almost syrupy flattery, coughed in embarrassment.
Master Hai responded naturally, "Brother Hong, your two children are truly remarkable. They've taken great care of me along the way. At our age, isn't it just the thoughtfulness of the younger generation that we look forward to?"
What major projects hasn't Old Master Shang undertaken in his lifetime? What treasures hasn't he seen?
Although this bowl of seafood noodles wasn't worth much in monetary terms, it genuinely touched the hearts of the couple.
Thinking of this, Old Master Shang laughed heartily and, for once, lavished praise on Bai Xu, "Yes, the children of the third branch are all good, very good indeed!"
"......"
So, all their efforts were in vain?
Upon hearing this rare and straightforward praise, both the first and second branches felt a pang of jealousy, yet they couldn't find any fault to pick.
Didn't they have Old Master Shang's autobiography? Yes, they did! But who remembered its contents?
Bai Xu's success was purely a stroke of luck! A fortunate coincidence!
Seeing Old Master Shang's beaming smile, the guests present didn't care about the opinions of the first and second branches. A crowd adept at following the trend joined in the praise—
"The gift from the third branch is precious in its thoughtfulness, truly a wonderful offering!"
"Yes, indeed, it's the good fortune of Old Master and Old Madam to receive such a gift!"
"......"
With Shang Yanxiao out of the picture, now there's a savvy Bai Xu stepping up? And it seems even Shang Queyan's physical and mental state is improving. It looks like the third branch is not 'doomed' after all!
The future of the Shang family is bound to be full of drama!
The banquet lasted nearly four hours before it concluded, with guests gradually departing.
Old Master Shang, in high spirits, stood up and scanned the family members around the main table, "Don't rush off, all of you. It's rare for us to be together like this tonight. I'll hold a brief family meeting."
"Alright."
"Understood, Dad."
Shang Keyi, Shang Yun, and the others could only agree.
Old Master Shang also glanced at Bai Hui, who was accompanying Shang Qishun, and said quite politely, "Qishun, make sure Miss Bai is settled before you join us."
For this family internal meeting, it was naturally inconvenient for Bai Hui to participate given her current status.
Bai Xu subtly observed the situation, always maintaining a sense of propriety, "Then, Old Master, should I leave first?"
Old Master Shang stopped him, "I said it's a family internal meeting, why would you leave?"
"......"
Bai Xu was momentarily stunned.
Fang Yuhua couldn't bear to see Bai Xu being favored by Old Master Shang. Overwhelmed with jealousy, she pinched her husband's lower back.
Shang Yun winced in pain and reluctantly spoke up, "Dad, this family meeting..."
Old Master Shang, aware of what the second branch was fussing about, interrupted, "What, wasn't it your second branch that facilitated the marriage alliance between Bai Xu and Yanxiao?"
Shang Yun was at a loss for words.
Old Master Shang proceeded according to his own thoughts, "Since he is nominally Yanxiao's partner, he is part of the third branch. I say he has the right to attend this family meeting, so he does."
"......"
Shang Keyi wisely chose not to engage in this topic, merely giving her husband a subtle look.
Wu Wei, having been with her for many years, immediately understood her hint, "Dad is right, the family meeting should naturally include all family members."
"......"
Shang Yun could only swallow his frustration, "Yes."
When he initially 'persuaded' Old Madam Shang to agree to the marriage for auspiciousness, Old Master Shang had consistently shown opposition, even treating Bai Xu as invisible at first.
How come Old Master Shang now regards Bai Xu differently? After all this, the pit he dug for the third branch didn't work, and instead, he found a stumbling block for his own second branch!
Bai Xu was amused to see the second branch in a tight spot and was happy to join in the excitement, "Thank you, Old Master. I'll stay and listen, and later I can go back with Queyan."
"En."
...
As soon as the door of the small meeting room closed, the atmosphere immediately became serious.
Sitting in the main seat, Old Master Shang got straight to the point, "Taking advantage of everyone being here today, I'll inform you in advance that our group is going to hold a new round of shareholders' meeting at the end of the month. There are several key projects in the second half of the year that require unanimous voting from the top management to decide on the project leaders."
"Personally, I think it's more reassuring to hand them over to our own people."
Hearing this, the first and second branches of the family couldn't help but start calculating in their hearts.
Old Master Shang looked towards Bai Xu and Shang Queyan, who had been sitting at the back since entering, and didn't mince his words, "Since the incident with the third branch, the positions in the group that originally belonged to Shang Qi and his son have been vacant. It's not a solution to keep it this way, I was thinking..."
"Grandfather."
Shang Queyan spoke slowly, his hand beneath the table lifting the small blanket that covered his lap, revealing that his once-disabled legs had long been fitted with suitable prosthetics.
Bai Xu was startled and instantly guessed his intentions.
Shang Queyan placed both hands on the table, quietly gathering strength to stand up.
The long-healed wounds had recently been aggravated during rehabilitation, and prolonged sitting had altered his center of gravity, making the simplest act of 'standing up' exceptionally difficult.
Bai Xu saw through Shang Queyan's struggle but 'heartlessly' did not offer help.
He knew this was a necessary self-validation for the other.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Shang Queyan finally gritted his teeth and stood up. He took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly, "Grandfather, I can take over my brother's position."
Whether in the subsidiary or within the group, he would not let go of the position that belonged to the third branch!
Seeing his grandson, who had lost both legs, striving to stand, Old Master Shang's stern gaze softened slightly, "Queyan, are you sure about this?"
Shang Queyan replied firmly, "Yes, Grandfather, I am willing to start learning from the beginning."
He cautiously let go of the hands supporting him on the table, speaking with a double meaning, "Actually, it's not that hard, right?"
Old Master Shang affirmed, "Not hard at all. Nothing is difficult for the Shang family. Alright, you can sit down now. I will arrange for someone to teach you the ropes of the group's affairs step by step."
Hearing this response, Shang Qishun's gaze behind his glasses turned cold. He pretended to adjust his glasses, "Queyan, if there's anything you don't understand after joining the group, feel free to ask me anytime."
"......"
Oh?
So kind-hearted?
Bai Xu turned his head and coincidentally met Shang Qishun's gaze across the room. The latter, facing his scrutiny, did not avoid it and even smiled politely.
Bai Xu lightly withdrew his gaze, then quickly and deftly supported the unsteady Shang Queyan, "Take it slow, sit down first."
Shang Queyan glanced at him, "Thank you."
Compared to the calm and composed demeanor of the first branch, the second branch appeared somewhat impatient.
Originally, they had their eyes on the ongoing group project of the third branch, hoping to take advantage and make a quick profit. However, to their surprise, the 'duck' they were eyeing had grown wings and flown away.
Shang Songming said, "Queyan, you need to slow down a bit. The group's affairs are numerous and complex. You can't become a big shot overnight."
Bai Xu responded on behalf of Shang Queyan, "The Fourth Young Master is still young, learns quickly, has a good appetite, and digests things fast."
Shang Songming couldn't hold back any longer, "Bai Xu, you're just a country bumpkin. You've never been part of our group, nor have you studied systematic business management. What do you know?"
"Enough! Stop speaking with such a sharp tongue!"
Old Master Shang slammed the table, his temper flaring up instantly, "Instead of worrying about Queyan, you should worry about yourself! I heard the AI medical project you invested in at the beginning of the year is losing money again?"
"You've been in the group and studied management systematically, but what achievements have you made over the years?"
"......"
Faced with Old Master Shang's sudden accusation, Shang Songming's face turned red in an instant, overwhelmed with embarrassment.
Shang Yun tried to ease the tension, "Dad, Songming is still young and needs more experience."
Shang Keyi smirked subtly but shifted the focus to the third branch, "Second Brother, you're being biased toward your own son. I remember Yanxiao was able to secure the island city aquatic products dock project when he was just in his early twenties, wasn't he?"
"By the way, wasn't that project originally under your second branch's responsibility?"
Due to a major data error in the project proposal by the second branch, the entire project team was on the verge of being forced to abandon it. It was only when Shang Yanxiao took over at the last minute that the situation was salvaged.
The second branch family members recalled this incident, their expressions turning sour.
Bai Xu could tell that Shang Keyi was deliberately stirring the pot and didn't hold back, "I heard that the overseas project of the first branch was also 'taken over' from Yanxiao's hands?"
The word 'taken over' was emphasized with particular clarity.
Shang Keyi's expression stiffened, "You..."
Bai Xu didn't give her a chance to retort and turned to Old Master Shang, saying, "Actually, these are all Shang Group's projects, and the profits go to the group, right? We're all one family, so why draw such clear lines?"
Fang Yuhua, already filled with anger today, decided to drop the pretense, "Qishun has a girlfriend now and is getting engaged in the second half of the year. Is Elder Sister hoping for the family to split?"
Old Master Shang picked up his cup of hot tea, hinting at something deeper, "If you two branches have the capability, you're welcome to go out on your own anytime. There's no need to gossip here."
"......"
Shang Keyi didn't expect to be counterattacked in such a united manner. Seeing Old Master Shang's increasingly displeased expression, she wisely chose to remain silent.
Bai Xu, victorious, lowered his gaze and twisted the black ring on his finger.
Old Master Shang took a sip of hot tea, barely suppressing the frustration rising in his chest.
Whether in the group or at home, he had been firmly in control for decades. Now, as he aged, he could see the ambitions of his children growing more active each year.
Splitting the family?
If he really let them divide the family assets as they wished, no one would pay any heed to an old man like him anymore.
A hint of indescribable loneliness crept into Old Master Shang's heart. Suddenly, he recalled the sincere yellow croaker noodles from tonight and couldn't help but glance at Bai Xu—
Compared to the others who were on edge, Bai Xu seemed like a random bystander who had been dragged in to observe.
In such a tense situation, he still had the leisure to fiddle with the black ring on his finger, his relaxed demeanor starkly contrasting with the overall atmosphere.
Seeing Bai Xu's ease, Old Master Shang couldn't resist calling out, "Bai Xu?"
Bai Xu looked up, "Hm?"
Old Master Shang, in front of everyone, as if testing or commanding, asked, "Would you like to join the group and give it a try? I can have someone arrange a project manager position for you?"
Comments
Post a Comment