After working together for over a month, Liu Yuan had come to understand Jiang Chan’s temperament quite well. She was not someone who went in circles or played tricks. It was not that she lacked intelligence, but rather that she was open and upright, disdaining schemes and manipulation.
She preferred to handle everything openly. As long as she agreed to something, she would see it through. She was strong yet gentle, upright yet kind. Her manner toward others was always courteous, making people feel comfortable in her presence.
To be honest, Liu Yuan felt completely at ease letting Jiang Chan go to the capital to start a company. The only reason he was reluctant to part with her was the worry that once she left, the workshop would fall into chaos.
Now that he had Jiang Chan’s assurance, Liu Yuan knew she was someone who always kept her word. Even if he was reluctant, he had to let go.
Jiang Chan acted decisively and efficiently. Once she decided to go to the capital, in less than three days her preparations were complete. Unfortunately, Xiao Hua had only attended kindergarten for two days before she followed Jiang Chan, bags packed, onto the train bound for the capital.
Traveling with them were none other than Chen Xiaopei and her son Hu Xiao Guang. Usually, Xiao Guang stayed with Chen Xiaopei’s mother, but this time she planned to bring him to the capital as well, since education there was better.
Xiao Guang sat across from Xiao Hua, occasionally making faces at her. Xiao Hua remained calm, holding a book in her hands. Whenever she encountered a character she did not recognize, she asked Jiang Chan. She completely ignored Xiao Guang.
Xiao Hua did not like being around Xiao Guang. After all, his first impression on her had been poor. The train ride from the province to the capital was long, and Jiang Chan chatted intermittently with Chen Xiaopei.
Through their conversation, Jiang Chan discovered that Chen Xiaopei was fairly straightforward. Although she had her own small calculations, overall she conducted herself decently. All in all, she was someone worth associating with.
Chen Xiaopei also assured Jiang Chan that if she encountered any trouble in the capital, she could come to her for help.
After settling down in the capital, Jiang Chan immediately began running around handling formalities. After more than a month of busy work, the framework of the company was finally in place. Now it was a matter of promotion and securing orders for Xinxin Food Factory. Jiang Chan was not anxious at all. As long as the products were good, there was no worry about finding buyers.
Within less than two months of the company’s establishment, Jiang Chan had already signed contracts totaling over one hundred thousand yuan. This made Liu Yuan back in the province grin from ear to ear.
Who would have thought that after stepping away from a purely technical role, Jiang Chan would run a company so competently? Master Jiang truly was versatile.
After settling down, Jiang Chan also took Xiao Hua to the best hospital in the capital for examinations. After thorough evaluations, the hospital still recommended skin graft surgery for Xiao Hua. It could not be completed in a single procedure and would need to be carried out in stages.
“Grandma, I’m back. What delicious food are you making? I could smell it from far away!”
As the door opened, a delicate, jade like little girl stood at the entrance, calling loudly into the courtyard.
This was Xiao Hua, who had already completed her skin graft procedures. Her face had fully recovered. Xiao Hua was now ten years old, and she and Jiang Chan had been living in the capital for five years.
“Today I made your favorite braised pork. Go wash your hands and get ready to eat. Do you have a lot of homework?”
Jiang Chan wiped her hands and walked out of the kitchen with a dish in hand. Xiao Hua dropped her backpack, cheered, and went to wash her hands.
Jiang Chan was approaching sixty, yet she did not look her age at all. Over the past few years, she had sought out a renowned traditional Chinese doctor to regulate her health. She drank herbal medicine daily and exercised regularly. Now she looked no older than her early forties.
“Grandma, your cooking is so good. I love it. My classmates all envy me for having such a capable and talented grandma!” Xiao Hua said with her mouth full as she picked up a piece of meat.
Jiang Chan tapped the edge of the bowl. “Do not talk while eating. Finish chewing before you speak.”
When Xiao Hua said Jiang Chan was talented, it was not without reason. Her school placed importance on well rounded development in morals, intelligence, physical fitness, arts, and labor. Parent meetings were held every semester.
During these meetings, parents could perform talents, though it was not mandatory. Xiao Hua had originally thought Jiang Chan would not participate. Unexpectedly, Jiang Chan brought a pipa and performed “Ambush from Ten Sides.”
Among the parents, there were those who knew music. As soon as Jiang Chan finished, everyone else’s performances paled in comparison. At that parent talent showcase, Xiao Hua and Jiang Chan stole the spotlight.
Of course, Jiang Chan never performed again at later meetings. Performing again would have felt like showing off, and Jiang Chan was generally a low key person.
“Grandma, when are you going to Uncle Liu Yuan’s factory? It is almost time. When are you leaving?”
After dinner, Xiao Hua efficiently cleared the table, washed dishes, and wiped surfaces with practiced ease. Jiang Chan rested her head on one hand. “Next Monday. This time I will send you to Auntie Chen Xiaopei’s place again. You need to behave and not cause her any trouble.”
Jiang Chan maintained a routine of returning to the province once every two months. Xiao Hua had already grown used to it. At first she struggled and cried a few times, but gradually she adapted.
“Grandma, can I not go to Auntie Chen’s place? I can stay home by myself. Xiao Guang is really annoying. He likes pulling my braids. Those are the braids you carefully braided for me in the morning.”
Life in the capital was smooth in every way except for Hu Xiao Guang. Just mentioning him made Xiao Hua’s expression darken.
Things had not always been like this. In the past, it had been mutual dislike. But after her face fully healed last year, Hu Xiao Guang seemed to change, becoming especially fond of bothering her.
Of course, Xiao Hua was not one to be bullied. She ignored it at first, but when it happened repeatedly, she grew angry. Knowing that Hu Xiao Guang was most afraid of his father, she deliberately complained to him. Only then did Hu Xiao Guang behave for a while.
Recently, however, he seemed to be reverting to his old ways. Just thinking about it gave Xiao Hua a headache.
“No, that will not do. You are only ten years old. Grandma would not feel at ease leaving you alone at home. If you were alone, how would you eat? Be good and go to Auntie Chen’s. Grandma will be back very soon this time.”
Jiang Chan understood Xiao Hua’s knot of feelings. In her view, this was childlike interaction. Adolescent admiration often centered on appearances. When Xiao Hua’s face had not yet healed, Xiao Guang had been mischievous and often teased her, though he never gained the upper hand.
After Xiao Hua’s face healed, Xiao Guang seemed to turn into a different person altogether. This, too, was something Jiang Chan could understand.
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