Chapter 428: Dreams Changed Again

Three dark-faced men were scolded by the company commander like quails cowering in fear.

They exchanged a glance, stood up, and saluted Gu Chenghuai and Lin Zhao.

Their appearance was disheveled, yet their expressions were resolute, revealing the lingering grit of their former soldier days.

“Thank you, Company Commander and Sister Gu—we’ll work hard!”

Gu Chenghuai looked at them. “If you don’t work hard, remember—you’re my men. No matter what you do later, you must always remember the Party’s teachings and stay true to your conscience.”

Three strong, clear voices answered at once.

“Yes!”

Lin Zhao looked at them with admiration.

She had heard from Gu Chenghuai that all three had fought on the battlefield—brave, fearless soldiers who could have risen far in the military if not for their injuries.

Whenever he spoke of his old comrades being forced to retire, he felt deep regret.

Learning they were struggling in life made him even more heartbroken.

Lin Zhao told him her second brother needed workers—he could send them to Haicheng, with meals and lodging provided and decent pay. Gu Chenghuai was thrilled, overjoyed for his comrades who had bled for the country.

He immediately lifted his wife high into the air, his deep eyes gleaming.

“Zhaozhao, you’re my good wife! Thank you!!”

Lin Zhao gasped in surprise at his sudden move, pounding his shoulders hard.

“You scared me to death!”

“You’re ungrateful!”

Gu Chenghuai took the blows patiently, the tenderness in his eyes undimmed, his smile lingering.

This factory was worth every penny invested!

Whether it made big money didn’t matter to him—what mattered were those jobs.

Solving his old comrades’ livelihood problems was worth more than any sum of money.

By the way.

After resolving the employment issues of the three veterans, Lin Zhao and Gu Chenghuai took Zhihang home.

On the way.

Gu Zhihang walked beside Lin Zhao, watching his mother’s relaxed, content expression, then suddenly spoke: “Mom, when I start my own factory, I’ll hire veterans too.”

Lin Zhao turned her head. “You’re starting a factory too?”

“Wasn’t your dream to drive big trucks?” she teased. “Did your dream change again?!”

Gu Zhihang sensed his mother was teasing him, remembered the big talk he’d made as a child, and felt his ears burn.

“I want to build a fleet and become a boss—I don’t want to drive big trucks anymore.”

Worried his parents thought he was impulsive, he added quickly: “When I make big money, I’ll buy us a car and be your driver—I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”

“So filial,” Lin Zhao said softly, her gaze gentle. “But you’re too late—your second uncle said he’s going to buy me one.”

Gu Zhihang hadn’t expected to be too late—he began mentally listing what his mother might need.

He barely remembered Lin Zhao had once said she wanted a refrigerator at home.

“Then I’ll buy us a refrigerator and a color TV.”

During university, Gu Zhihang and Li Bao often traveled to Shenzhen to resell goods—both boys had full wallets.

When they first wanted to go out, Gu Chenghuai and Lin Zhao were deeply uneasy, but only relented after their younger uncle agreed to go with them.

“Don’t spend it yet,” Lin Zhao said. “Keep the money for when you’re ready.”

She knew Zhihang already had plans—he was consulting his second uncle.

Gu Chenghuai volunteered: “If you need money, tell us.”

Gu Zhihang beamed and leaned closer. “Dad, how much are you investing?”

“...How much do you want?” Gu Chenghuai countered.

Gu Zhihang held up one finger, his grin widening.

“A thousand?” his father teased.

Lin Zhao bit back a laugh.

Gu Zhihang froze.

“A thousand won’t do anything—we need at least ten thousand. Li Bao and I calculated it—the fleet requires heavy upfront investment.”

Gu Chenghuai gave him a cool glance. “I don’t have just you as a son—you have an older brother and twin younger siblings. If I give you ten thousand, I must give them each ten thousand too. That’s forty thousand gone before you’ve even started. Do you think money grows on trees?”

Gu Zhihang realized his father had a point. “I won’t take it for free—I’ll write an IOU! I’ll give Mom half the profits.”

Building a fleet meant buying vehicles—huge upfront costs. Luckily, his earlier reselling had netted him twenty thousand. Li Bao had ten thousand and said he’d invest.

“Fine,” Gu Chenghuai said.

“Don’t take too big a step at first.”

His second son was nearly twenty—he wanted to start a business, and Gu Chenghuai fully supported him.

“When the company launches, hire more veterans struggling to make ends meet.”

Gu Zhihang stood straight, face solemn. “That’s a given.”

Gu Chenghuai clapped his shoulder. “Stay safe. If you hit a problem you can’t solve, call me.”

Both father and son were tall, their postures upright as pines—beautiful from behind, even more so from the front.

Identical high cheekbones, deep-set eyes, dark and coldly sharp, superior facial structure—they were a strikingly handsome father-son pair, drawing stares wherever they walked.

Beside them walked a beautiful woman in a red dress, her long hair slightly curled.

Her curls fell down her back, her head slightly bowed; the wind stirred strands across her cheeks, giving her a carefree beauty that made her seem soft and fragrant from afar.

Feeling someone stare too long at his wife, Gu Chenghuai’s possessiveness surged.

He took Lin Zhao’s hand, fingers intertwining.

Lin Zhao looked over curiously. “What’s wrong?”

Gu Zhihang chimed in. “Dad’s petty jealousy is acting up again.”

He grinned, clearly provoking trouble.

Lin Zhao understood, smirking. “Gu Zhihang, you’re asking for it. If Dad wants to punish you, I won’t defend you.”

Gu Zhihang clapped a hand over his mouth. “...Dad, Mom, I’m going home to pack. Li Bao and I are going to see Second Uncle—I won’t be around to bother you two.”

Before his voice faded, he sprinted toward home.

Gu Chenghuai ignored him, turning to Lin Zhao. “Want to visit Qianbao?”

“Can we?” Lin Zhao’s eyes lit up.

Since their youngest son left the Young Talent Class, he had joined Nan Yi’s team—family rarely saw him; she had to schedule visits just to meet him.

“If I brought it up, it’s possible,” Gu Chenghuai smiled.

“Go. Bring your daughter. Otherwise, she’ll feel left out,” Lin Zhao said.

Knowing she could see her youngest son, she was overjoyed, forgot to walk slowly, and pulled Gu Chenghuai’s hand, hurrying forward.

At the front gate, they happened upon Gu Zhihang and Gu Zhiyu, each carrying a backpack, heading out.

“Leaving now? No dinner?” Lin Zhao asked.

Gu Zhihang replied, “No, Li Bao and I’ll grab something at the station.”

“In such a rush? If I’d known you two were leaving today, I’d have asked Third Zhu and Jianjun to take you—save us the worry,” Lin Zhao scolded.

It was too late now—no point arguing further.

She added, “Have you told Second Uncle?”

“Called him—he wasn’t there. Mom, can you tell him tonight?” Gu Zhihang said bluntly.

“Got it. I’ll have Qiao Auntie call later—we’re going to see Qianbao.”

“Now?” Gu Zhihang hesitated.

He wanted to see his brother too—but he had a task waiting.

This trip to Haicheng was critical: if successful, he’d secure two big trucks, and his fleet’s foundation would begin.

“Right. Go ahead—don’t let us delay you. Your dad and I will take Yaobao,” Lin Zhao waved him off.

Hearing her say that, Gu Zhihang no longer hesitated. “Alright. Mom, tell Qianbao: Second Brother’s working hard to earn money. When I have it, I’ll get him any materials he needs.”

“Understood.” Lin Zhao replied, told them to be careful, then turned and walked inside.

Gu Zhihang shrugged, slinging an arm around Li Bao’s shoulders, and the two brothers headed for the station.

Yaobao, learning they’d visit her little brother, bounced with joy.

“Go now? How long can we stay? Can I bring the snacks I saved for Brother?”

Her questions came one after another. Lin Zhao went to pack, giving Gu Chenghuai a look to answer.

Gu Zhihang and Gu Zhiyu arrived in Haicheng—someone held up a sign waiting for them.

The brothers walked over.

“I’m Gu Zhihang. You’re the person Second Uncle sent to pick us up?”

“Yes.” The dark-faced youth nodded, took their bags without being asked, and led them away from the station.

Wu Sanzhu and the others had taken the earlier train—they’d arrived sooner and were nearly at Changfeng Daily Chemical Factory.

Changfeng Daily Chemical Factory was named by Lin Shi.

Lin Shi had borrowed a car to pick up his nephew.

Gu Zhihang hadn’t expected his second uncle to get a car—he stared in surprise, touched the seat after getting in, and asked, “Where did this car come from? Not bought from the factory, right?”

The young driver said, “No, it’s borrowed from Factory Director Lin. Factory Director Lin said they’ll assign a car to the factory by year-end for easier business trips.”

Gu Zhihang: “!!”

Just hearing that, he knew his second uncle had made a lot of money.

Gu Zhihang was still young, full of energy; after two days on the train, he wasn’t tired at all, sitting in the back seat, lively and alert, chatting with the driver.

“Where did you learn to drive? I want to learn too.”

The driver replied, “There are many places in Haicheng where you can learn, but it costs money.”

Gu Zhihang nodded, indicating he understood.

He said to Gu Zhili, “Lǐbǎo, let’s learn to drive too—we’re going to build a fleet soon, and without licenses, we’re finished.”

Both boys knew how to drive—Gu Chenghai had taught them—but they hadn’t taken the license exam yet; Gu Chenghuai had told them to wait until after graduation.

Gu Zhili nodded. “Sure, I’ll follow your lead.”

He always did this—Gu Zhihang was used to it, and said nothing.

The moment he saw Lin Shi, he said, “Second Uncle, I want to get my driver’s license.”

Lin Shi rubbed his nephew’s head, smiled at Gu Zhili, and said, “Sure, I’ll have my secretary enroll you two. Go take the exam.”

He knew Héngbǎo always included Lǐbǎo in everything—he hadn’t overlooked Gu Zhili.

Even though Gu Zhili was honest and simple, he was still a college student—he knew learning to drive cost money, and a lot of it. He hurried to say, “Second Uncle Lin, I’ll pay my own enrollment fee—I have money.”

Lin Shi waved his hand. “No need. Your money’s meant for building the fleet with Zhihang. The enrollment fee isn’t much—I’ll cover it.”

Before Gu Zhili could say another word, he continued, “Are you hungry?”

“Not hungry—we want to see the factory,” Gu Zhihang said eagerly.

“Come on, the factory canteen serves good food—try it,” Lin Shi said.

He was busy with work and often ate at the factory canteen, hiring skilled cooks—he’d never let his own mouth go without good food.

“Great,” Gu Zhihang replied cheerfully.

Changfeng Daily Chemical Factory was formerly a state-owned enterprise, with a good location and complete facilities: a clinic, canteen, dormitories…

If not for its outdated production lines, Lin Shi would’ve found it hard to buy.

He had Song Uncle help upgrade the equipment, instantly saving the cost of buying new production lines.

“Second Uncle, this factory is amazing!” Gu Zhihang said as he looked around.

He too wanted a place like this.

Lin Shi laughed. “Right? It took money to build it. Work hard on your fleet—once it grows big, you’ll make more than I do.”

“Do you have faith in my business plan?” Gu Zhihang pressed urgently for his uncle’s approval.

“Of course!” Lin Shi said without hesitation.

“You’re smart, bold yet careful, and I’m helping you—how could you fail?”

Besides, this boy’s father was a high-ranking military officer with connections as tangled as a spiderweb. Opening back doors didn’t need thought—he knew his sister’s husband wouldn’t do it—but still, no one dared sabotage him. That was the best support of all.

Lin Shi had faced plenty of trouble since starting his factory.

“Second Uncle, I came here to learn from you!” Gu Zhihang said bluntly.

“Fine, then follow me,” Lin Shi said generously, indulging his nephew in everything.

After touring the factory, Lin Shi took the two nephews to the canteen.

Over lunch, Gu Zhihang asked, “Second Uncle, have you met my father’s three old comrades? Have they arrived?”

“They’ve arrived, all arranged,” Lin Shi said. “They’re in the dorms now, resting up. They’ll start work in a couple days.”

“We’ve settled their duties and wages—they’re very satisfied.”

Fifty yuan a month, not counting other benefits—how could Wu Sanzhu and the other two not be satisfied?

Before, they’d worked themselves to exhaustion for less than thirty yuan a month, with no meals or lodging, and often had their pay docked.

Here, meals and lodging were covered, base pay was fifty yuan, plus bonuses and holiday benefits—it was so good they had nothing to complain about.

At this moment, Wu Sanzhu and the others sat in their dorm, still dazed.

“Fifty yuan a month, meals and lodging included—it’s like a dream,” Shen Jianjun said in awe.

“Factory Director Lin is truly benevolent. We must give our all, never slack off or cheat—we can’t betray this salary.”

Wu Sanzhu agreed: “Absolutely. We represent the Company Commander’s face. He and his wife found us this livelihood—we can’t shame them!”

“Right!”

All three stared with determined eyes.

Zhao Yuan had a limp foot. Factory Director Lin told him it could be fixed—suffering through treatment at the military hospital could restore his former agility. As a veteran, he qualified for subsidies; medical costs were only three or five hundred yuan. If he wanted to go, he could ask—the factory would lend him the money upfront.

Hearing this, Zhao Yuan was thrilled. Who wanted to walk with a limp?

He planned to save up and go.

Wu Sanzhu had lost an arm—going wouldn’t help him. Zhao Yuan didn’t mention it to his face, fearing it would hurt his old comrade.

Shen Jianjun suddenly spoke up: “In two months, I plan to take leave and bring my wife here.”

“Factory Director Lin said the canteen still needs staff. My wife is neat, hardworking, and cooks well—she should pass the test.”

He wasn’t greedy for the canteen job—it was just… his mother favored others, disliked him as the eldest, and by extension disliked his wife and child. The heavy work always fell to the eldest son’s family; meat and eggs never reached them. Before he left, his parents even wanted his child to drop out of school… He feared something terrible would happen if he didn’t bring his wife and child with him.