To the mother, this building was not just a material gift, but also a symbol of her 20 years of guilt and longing.
Lin Chuxia did not want her mother to carry those burdens anymore; accepting this building could actually provide her mother some relief.
Zhuang Jingshu was very happy, and even Zhuang Yang was affected by the atmosphere between the mother and daughter.
"Do you want to go inside and take a look?"
Lin Chuxia, "Can I?"
It seems like construction has stopped, and the gate appears to be locked.
Zhuang Yang parked the car to the side, "No problem, thereâs someone stationed here to guard the site, Iâll call them to open the gate."
Sure enough, it wasnât long before the construction site gate was opened from the inside.
Zhuang Yang carried two safety helmets, wearing one on his head as well.
Even though construction had stopped, itâs important to maintain safety awareness as this is an ongoing project.
Lin Chuxia worried that it would be difficult to navigate the site, and wanted Zhuang Jingshu to wait in the car, but she refused.
Lin Chuxia and Zhuang Yang supported her on either side as the three of them took a walk around the building.
From outside the construction site, they could only see the buildingâs height, but when they got to the base, Lin Chuxia realized how large the commercial buildingâs footprint was.
They were at a clothing market in Yan City. It had three floors, and each floor of the current building before them was going to be twice as large as the clothing market in Yan City.
No wonder Zhuang Jingshu reminded her that the bottom three floors would be too much for a supermarket and clothing market alone.
"Rushing the project, the overall construction should be completed by the end of the year, with plans to start both external and internal renovations in the spring. Since the chairman has already given you the building, you should decide on the design and layout for the interior and exterior. Iâll contact the project designers, and you can share any ideas with them. Youâre also welcome to come on site to guide them."
Zhuang Yang said with a laugh.
Lin Chuxia pouted and complained to Zhuang Jingshu, "Mom, do you see this? Brother is trying to be lazy."
Zhuang Yang shrugged helplessly, "You caught that so quickly."
It elicited laughter from several people.
On the way back, the three continued discussing the buildingâs design.
From the initial ideas that just popped into her head, Lin Chuxia already had a rough plan for the building in her mind.
Zhuang Jingshu suddenly changed the topic, "I heard from Qin Han that this building was designed with your help. Where did you get the inspiration? Or did you see this style somewhere else?"
"No, I just thought of what would be comfortable," Lin Chuxia replied easily.
She couldnât exactly say that this design would be common 30 years from now.
Zhuang Jingshu thought of the designs for both Qinâs Restaurant in Yan City and Qinâs Buns Shop in Ancheng County, both designed and decorated by Lin Chuxia. They all have a distinctive style and look comfortable.
It must truly be about comfort.
Thereâs no denying her daughterâs good eye and talent for design.
"Iâve mostly dealt with the shares overseas, and now I have some funds available. I want to develop a business domestically. I didnât have a concrete idea before, but seeing your brotherâs building sparked an interest."
She had been pondering this a lot lately. Whether looking at it from a domestic development perspective or her own viewpoint, she felt optimistic.
She was curious about her daughterâs thoughts.
Zhuang Jingshu took Lin Chuxiaâs hand seriously, "Xiaxia, what do you think about the real estate business in the country? My thinking is that now that land and buildings are no longer completely controlled by the state, even the housing provided for workers can be freely traded. As youâve mentioned, as peopleâs living standards improve, they tend to prioritize food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. When people trade their homes, isnât it because they want to live more comfortably? Iâve heard that in some big cities, commercial housing is already being bought and sold, and I want to explore that sector."
Fearing that Lin Chuxia might not understand, she added, "Iâm getting older, and even though Iâd love to be part of this industry, I donât want to exert myself anymore. If you think itâs feasible, Iâd like to invest capital. Then, we could split the shares among you, your brother, and meâyou taking 40%, while he and I each take 30%. However, you and your brother would need to handle the management."
Zhuang Jingshu leaned closer, her tone tempting, while casting a glance at Zhuang Yang in the distance, "But donât worry, your brother is quite capable, and can handle the management. You just need to oversee the design plans."
Lin Chuxia understood exactly what her mother meant.
Her mother wanted to give her the opportunity to earn money without any strings attached.
She didnât have to contribute money or effort, yet sheâd be the major shareholder.
And from her lived experience, the coming decades were indeed a flourishing period for real estate.
Even though real estate truly boomed after 2000, the 1990s also saw notable growth; itâs still the best time now to accumulate land.
She smiled, "I trust in momâs vision, and in brotherâs capability."
Driving in front, Zhuang Yang suddenly tensed up, casting a surreptitious glance at Lin Chuxia in the back seat through the rearview mirror.
This was quite the little fox.
......
This yearâs Chinese New Year was made even livelier with the addition of Zhuang Jingshu, Zhuang Yang, and the new member, Qi Qi.
On the second day of the new year, Qin Juanâs family also returned to their maternal home.
Mrs. Qin hadnât seen Qin Juan for some time, and saw her with her six-month-plus pregnant belly. She didnât look haggard at all, in fact, she had gained some weight.
Her complexion was healthy and glowing, and her eyes sparkled with vitality.
It was apparent she was living a comfortable and stable life.
That day, not only did Qin Juanâs family bring Ningning back, but even Old Mrs. Jia came along.
This was something Mrs. Qin had specifically called to remind beforehand.
Since Qin Juanâs family had come, leaving Old Mrs. Jia alone at home would be too lonely.
Towards Old Mrs. Jia, her sonâs mother-in-law, Mrs. Qin had no complaints. Judging by how affectionately little Ningning called her âgrannyâ, it was clear Old Mrs. Jia treated both their daughter and granddaughter well.
Though now her daughter was Jia familyâs daughter-in-law and carried their grandchild, the granddaughter held no ties to Jia family.
Old Mrs. Jia was so kind to Ningning; no matter the reason, the Qin Family was not one to be ungrateful.
The Qin Familyâs enthusiasm made Old Mrs. Jia feel slightly uneasy.
Upon arriving at Qinâs home and seeing Mrs. Qin, Old Mrs. Jia laughed, "You see, bringing the mother-in-law along while the daughter-in-law visits her family is really something, isnât it? Iâm afraid to trouble you, old sister, today."
Mrs. Qin went forward and grasped Old Mrs. Jiaâs hand, "Howâs this troubling? Weâre all family. Saying things like that sounds unfamiliar. New Yearâs all about being lively, letâs enjoy the bustle together today."
Old Mrs. Jia was also forthright, and although this situation might have been...awkward, she felt genuinely happy inside.