Chapter 338: The House's Temptation

Hearing that Chen Yang really was willing to arrange a house, Aunt Gui smiled so broadly she could hardly close her mouth. She immediately promised to persuade Zhao Songtao to work at Common People Meat Industry Co., Ltd.

Chen Yang and Zhong Feiyan sat at the Zhao residence for half an hour, finally waiting for Zhao Songtao.

He was about sixty years old, 1.7 meters tall, wearing black glasses, his hair slightly turning white, but his spirits were very good.

Seeing Zhong Feiyan at his home, Zhao Songtao was surprised and then laughed happily. "Yanzi, did you and your father plan this? Your dad just called me this morning, and you came tonight. Are you trying to show off how well you're living now? Let me tell you, I'm about to have a good life too."

Zhong Feiyan said with a smile, "Uncle Zhao, I'm here to ask you to work at Common People Meat Industry Co., Ltd. together with my dad. The terms have been settled with Aunt Gui; we're just waiting for your nod."

Hearing this, Zhao Songtao looked at his wife with a hint of surprise. "Old woman, what did you and Yanzi discuss?"

Aunt Gui said, "Yanzi wants you to go to Qingshui City to accompany Old Zhong; I think that's quite good."

Zhao Songtao immediately became displeased. "I'm living well in Xingcheng; why should I go to that rundown place Qingshui? Besides, I've already promised Little Wu to work at Xingcheng Food Co., Ltd. doing food R&D—how could I go back on my word?"

Aunt Gui let out a cold snort and said, "Does Xingcheng Food Co., Ltd. pay you five thousand a month?"

Zhao Songtao didn't understand Aunt Gui's meaning and slightly shook his head.

Aunt Gui asked again, "Do they provide you with a new house?"

Zhao Songtao still shook his head.

Aunt Gui said unhappily, "Old Zhong's salary in Qingshui City is five thousand a month. Moreover, his company has arranged an elevator apartment for him in Sunshine Garden Community."

Hearing this, Zhao Songtao couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "Old woman, what nonsense are you spouting? I just spoke with Old Zhong on the phone today—his salary is only three thousand. Don't let Yanzi fool you."

Aunt Gui looked doubtfully at Zhong Feiyan and asked, "Yanzi, is your dad's salary only three thousand?"

Zhong Feiyan immediately said, "Aunt Gui, my dad's salary is five thousand. He's definitely understating it to save face for Uncle Zhao."

Aunt Gui, who has been a longtime neighbor of the Zhong family for several decades and understands Zhong Hanshan's low-key nature, felt that Zhong Feiyan made sense.

"Old Zhao, if Common People Meat Industry Co., Ltd. offers you a monthly salary of five thousand and also allocates a house, will you go?"

"No, I've already promised to work at Xingcheng Food Co., Ltd.; how could I back out?" Zhao Songtao shook his head decisively. Although Common People Meat Industry Co., Ltd. offers better terms, going there would mean having to defer to Zhong Hanshan again in the future—an outcome he could not accept.

Seeing Zhao Songtao unwilling to go to Common People Meat Industry Co., Ltd., Aunt Gui's face turned cold, she let out a heavy hum, and began to reproach him: "Old Zhao, you've taught for so many years yet the family has saved no money; your son has been married ten years, his kids are in elementary school, and they're still living with his in-laws. Over the years everyone has laughed that our Zhao family has a son-in-law who lives with his wife's family. Now I can't even go out to buy vegetables without avoiding acquaintances, for fear they'll gossip. Have you considered how stifled I feel inside?"

Zhao Songtao sighed. Actually his salary at the agricultural university wasn't low either; he just hadn't saved because he'd put most of it toward supporting poor students. His wife used to support that, but in recent years she's suddenly started opposing it, picking fights with him over anything.

"Old woman, once I finish the product R&D at Xingcheng Food Co., Ltd. and get the bonus, I'll definitely buy a new place for my son—wouldn't that work?"

Aunt Gui gave Zhao Songtao a look and said unhappily, "Old man, are you really stupid or just pretending? Boss Chen personally came to invite you, arranged housing and a raise—can Xingcheng Food Co., Ltd. even compare?"

Zhao Songtao said with a troubled expression, "But I've already agreed to their terms……"

Aunt Gui immediately said, "Then call Wu Junhui now and ask if he'll provide housing. If not, your agreement doesn't count."

Zhao Songtao said hesitantly, "I've already agreed, but if I suddenly make extra demands halfway, how will they view me?"

Aunt Gui let out a cold snort and said, "Is your face more important, or the happiness of me, my son, and my grandson? If you don't call Wu Junhui, our days are over."

Hearing this, Zhao Songtao's face changed slightly. Zhong Feiyan, worried things would blow up, quickly urged, "Aunt Gui, please don't act rashly! Even if Uncle Zhao doesn't want to go, we can't force him. If we ruin your family happiness over this trifle, my dad will beat me."

Aunt Gui waved her hand at Zhong Feiyan and said, "Yanzi, this doesn't concern you. I've endured who knows how much anger from him over the years—I truly can't put up with it anymore."

Zhong Feiyan thought for a moment, handed Aunt Gui her own business card, then gave Chen Yang a meaningful look and said, "Boss, why don't we head back first and let Uncle Zhao and Aunt Gui discuss? If the terms at Xingcheng Food Co., Ltd. are truly better, we won't press the matter."

Chen Yang immediately understood Zhong Feiyan's intent. With him and Zhong Feiyan present, Zhao Songtao might not be able to set aside his pride. Only by letting him talk privately with Aunt Gui could a resolution be reached. So he promptly rose and left the Zhao residence together with Zhong Feiyan.

However, they didn't go far; instead they waited in Zhong Hanshan's old house.

After about half an hour, Zhong Feiyan's phone rang. She answered it quickly.

"Aunt Gui, has Uncle Zhao changed his mind?"

"All right, we'll be right back."

After hanging up, Chen Yang and Zhong Feiyan hurried back to the Zhao residence.

This time, Aunt Gui's attitude was more affectionate, while Zhao Songtao drooped his head, listless.

"Boss Chen, Yanzi, I've discussed it with Old Zhao and we've agreed to go to your company. However, you'd better not renege on the promised house!"

Seeing Zhao Songtao's compromise, Chen Yang was in high spirits. "Aunt Gui, if you're not assured, I'll take you to see the house right now."

Aunt Gui said a little embarrassed, "Isn't it rather late to disturb people selling houses?"

Chen Yang laughed and said, "I bought a standalone unit in Sunshine Garden Community; there are still many vacant rooms. You can pick whichever you like!"

Hearing she could freely choose a house, Aunt Gui smiled even more happily.

"Boss Chen, could you let my son and daughter-in-law take a look as well? I intend that unit for them to live in."

Chen Yang nodded and said, "Aunt Gui, since it's a gift for Professor Zhao, what you do with it is entirely up to you."

Upon hearing that, Aunt Gui immediately called her son.