Chapter 30 - Prosper together as a whole

All the money was earned by Xiao Jiu, and as his mother, Zeng Wenxiu merely served as its custodian, recognizing his right to manage it. Since Xiao Jiu insisted, Zeng Wenxiu had no objections—after all, helping their closest family members live comfortably was a worthy cause. Xiao Jiu also reminded his mother not to overlook their uncle's family. The two elder sisters and aunt were stunned by this unexpected windfall, seeing it as a gift of prosperity. The second brother-in-law marveled, Is Mother-in-law truly this wealthy now? Lending each household 200,000 yuan—though framed as a "loan"—seemed like a business that would recoup costs in days. He realized how small-minded he had been compared to his in-laws' grand vision.The sisters asked why Xiao Jiu wanted to share their eldest brother's business with them. He replied, Prosperity for one family is not true prosperity; true wealth lies in lifting everyone together. We can support each other through challenges—after all, blood is thicker than water. Zeng Wenxiu was deeply moved by her son's words. His prioritization of family over money delighted her more than even the 200 million yuan he had given her. She felt their family had finally produced someone exceptional: capable of earning wealth, broad-hearted, and unwilling to forget relatives in need. He mirrored his father's virtues, though most of his father's siblings had been ungrateful—they hadn't even helped buy a coffin when he died.Yet Zeng Wenxiu did not resent fate, believing goodness existed in the world. During her darkest hours, her third aunt's family had stood by her, sparing them from humiliation. Her daughters and younger sister had also offered constant support, making those tough times bearable. One must remember kindness in hardship and repay it in prosperity, she thought, hence her quick agreement. The daughters assumed these were their mother's words spoken through Xiao Jiu, but only the aunt knew the truth—though she kept silent, as her sister had instructed, not even telling her husband.Zeng Wenxiu finalized the plans, and they cleaned up before returning home. Xiao Jiu had taken the large bills for inventory, while she prepared to carry the remaining cash home. With most items sold, tidying took little time. At home, they took turns bathing, and the spacious rooms accommodated everyone. The eldest brother and brother-in-law returned near midnight; luckily, they had called ahead, or the wholesalers would have closed. They transported the goods to the warehouse overnight, tipping the drivers 50 yuan each to unload them.The next morning, everyone pitched in to stock shelves from the warehouse, while the uncle left for work. After three days of relentless labor, they finally paused as customer flow dwindled with the return to original prices. Liu Heping earned over 200,000 yuan in three days, recouping his capital. Zeng Wenxiu visited the bank to open three savings accounts for her daughters and sister. Aware that Xiao Jiu had devised the store's location, opening dates, and strategies, the trio insisted he act as their consultant, recognizing his extraordinary acumen.While his mother managed the store, Liu Heping delivered goods door-to-door. Xiao Jiu reminded them of his "red envelope" fee, which the sisters and aunt readily agreed to. After selecting locations and auspicious opening dates, he washed his hands of further details, advising them to offer three days of discounts as before. With three red envelopes in hand, he departed for another town to assist his uncle and aunt in choosing a store location. Liu Heping and the eldest brother-in-law took charge of inventory, with a new delivery truck purchased specifically for the latter. A store was also opened for the third aunt's daughter-in-law in Zhuzhou City as a gesture of gratitude. Xiao Jiu dispatched his eldest brother to Guangdong for bulk purchases, where lower prices and negotiable terms awaited large orders. He called the Wang Dechang brothers in Guangdong to facilitate factory direct purchases and asked them to look after his brother, sparing him from scams or mistreatment as an outsider.Xiao Jiu also instructed his mother to provide 10 million yuan to his brother for expanding stores and inventory. Liu Heping hired dozens of employees, rented a large city warehouse, and became a bona fide tycoon—strutting around with a handheld phone and a Crown car, addressed as "Boss Liu" or "Brother Ping." As Liu Heping busied himself, Xiao Jiu's leisure ended: he was abruptly enrolled in school. Unable to resist as a minor, he grudgingly attended first grade—though he spent classes sleeping or playing truant, bribing female classmates with snacks to do his homework. Teachers turned a blind eye, as his brother had donated 1 million yuan for a new school building, and Xiao Jiu aced every exam. Disciplinary action risked provoking the principal's wrath.Leveraging his brother's influence, Xiao Jiu made substantial donations: 10 million yuan for township roads, 50 million yuan for renovating dilapidated city schools, particularly in rural areas. This catapulted Liu Heping to fame—government offices greeted him with warmth, and he was elected a municipal People's Congress delegate, dubbed the "richest man in the city." Matchmakers flocked to their door, but Zeng Wenxiu turned them away, falsely claim to be (falsely claiming) her son had a girlfriend.This drew envy from several paternal cousins, who spread rumors of ingratitude. Villagers, however, dismissed them, knowing the cousins' reputations. When the cousins slandered the family in town, Liu Heping's employees and relatives beat them, shouting, Our boss ignores you, but you dare tarnish his name? We'll thrash you every time we see you here! The police dismissed their complaints, leaving them unprotected. Villagers mocked their hubris, noting the family's estrangement was self-inflicted. From then on, Xiao Jiu's family severed ties with these uncles, no longer visiting for New Year's.Inspired by Xiao Jiu, Liu Heping began philanthropy: funding college tuition for village students and hiring local youth in his company. Xiao Jiu had advised establishing Liu's Liability Co., Ltd., stressing the importance of tax compliance: Don't evade taxes like others—you'll end up in prison.