Xie Sui's face darkened. "That's what I should be asking you. What do you want? I genuinely wanted to be friends with you from the start. It's fine if you didn't take me seriously; I'm just a farmer.
But you shouldn't have colluded with the Zhao family against me. So, I'm sorry, but this little farmer has a temper. You're scared now? It's too late."
Yan Xiaoliang finally realized Xie Sui was not to be trifled with. Thinking about what had happened step by step, he lowered his head and conceded, "Alright, Xie Sui, I've made mistakes. I apologize. Give me a way out, don't push things too far. We can still interact."
Xie Sui burst into laughter. "Wouldn't it have been easier to say that earlier? I, Xie Sui, love making friends. Let's earn money together. The cake is so big; how can one person eat it all?"
Yan Xiaoliang smiled sincerely. "It was my fault, brother. I'll treat you to a meal to apologize."
Xie Sui shook his head. "No, the factory is busy with new products. I really don't have time. I'll treat you another day."
"New product?!"
Yan Xiaoliang's pupils constricted slightly. Xie Sui dared to lower his prices because of new products. But he couldn't; he had no fallback. His entire fortune was invested. If the factory lost money, he would go to jail.
That ten thousand yuan was a loan Yan Xuewen had obtained from the credit union through connections. The interest wasn't high, but the principal had to be repaid within three years. If they lost money, the Yan family would be ruined.
Yan Xiaoliang watched Xie Sui's ice cream sell so well. He had wider connections and higher production capacity, so he shouldn't have fared worse than Xie Sui. Yet, Xie Sui had come up with a cone ice cream, cheaper and better tasting, and then lowered the price of ice cream, leaving him stranded, unable to move forward or backward.
If Xie Sui had simply sold bowl ice cream for two cents, Yan Xiaoliang felt he could have hanged himself.
Xie Sui observed his expression, intending to lead him step by step into a trap. He nodded, "Yes, for a factory to survive long-term, innovation is most important. The profitable period for a product is only one or two years. Later, I will establish a research and development department specifically for new product research."
Yan Xiaoliang's heart grew colder. If Xie Sui kept introducing new products, would he ever have a chance to turn things around?
After striking him down, Xie Sui offered a glimmer of hope. "Xiaoliang, you're my friend. My factory's production capacity is limited, but we can share. As I said, let's earn money together."
Yan Xiaoliang's heart soared and plummeted with Xie Sui's words, almost shattering. He finally understood that to make money, he had to cooperate with Xie Sui. He clasped Xie Sui's hand and said, "Brother Xie, if you can share with me, you'll be my real brother from now on."
Xie Sui smiled. "It's easy to say, but as you know, the Zhao family has always been against me, and I don't like it very much..."
Yan Xiaoliang understood. "Don't worry, Brother Xie. If anyone dares to provoke you in the future, I'll be the first to deal with them."
Xie Sui waved his hand. "Don't be so violent. We live in the same village; we see each other all the time. It's not good for me to go too far, don't you think?"
Yan Xiaoliang's eyes flickered; he didn't understand Xie Sui's meaning. Xie Sui just smiled, letting him figure out the specifics himself.
Yan Xiaoliang, who had arrived with such arrogance, left as meek as a pug. Lin Wanwan's eyes sparkled. This guy was brave, resourceful, and a good manipulator. It was a waste for him not to go into business.
However, Xie Sui, so seriously manipulating people, exuding confidence with a hint of roguishness, was truly attractive to girls.
After seeing Yan Xiaoliang off, Xie Sui returned and saw his wife's bright eyes. He reached up and brushed his hair. "Wanwan, are you mesmerized by your husband's handsomeness?"
Lin Wanwan spat at him. "Don't be so shameless. Go find the children. They play all day and can't be found. They're running wild."
"Let them play. They'll have to go to preschool in the fall, and then they won't have as much time to play. But Wanwan, find two nannies to look after the children to avoid any accidents."
Lin Wanwan was dismissive. "Don't all children play outside? What accidents could happen? You've only earned a little money and you're getting carried away? Who told you to find nannies for the children?"
Xie Sui said earnestly, "Have you forgotten the incident where the child was almost abducted? Accidents are everywhere. We can't be too careful. We can afford it now. Spending a little money to take good care of the children is better than regretting it for a lifetime if something happens!"
Lin Wanwan's face turned pale. The incident of the child being abducted, although it was Xie Sui's plan, still left her with lingering fear. She finally compromised. "Okay, I'll listen to you. I'll find nannies tomorrow."
Xie Sui was very satisfied. Wanwan was sometimes stubborn and set in her ways, but she would also listen to advice. He liked her more and more.
Xie Min walked out and, upon hearing them discuss nannies, said, "Why not let Mom look after the children? Why find a nanny? It's a waste of money."
Xie Sui disagreed. "Mom is old and should be enjoying her retirement. These two children are like monkeys; how can an elderly person manage them?
It's better to find a young woman who is diligent and capable, who can look after the children, cook, and clean, and help Wanwan. Household chores are very tiring. I don't want Wanwan to work so hard."
Xie Min's heart felt a pang of sourness. "Oh, you care now? Why didn't I see you like this before?"
Xie Sui said, "Isn't this making up for the past care? Second sister, I care about you too. Work hard in the factory, and I guarantee you'll earn a lot of money in the future."
Xie Min didn't stand on ceremony. "It's a deal. Second sister is sticking with you."
In his past life, Xie Sui and his second sister had no contact. Later, he became successful and traveled back and forth between cities and countries. Apart from making phone calls and giving his sister some money, their sibling relationship hadn't improved.
In this life, not only did Wanwan and the children accompany him, but he could also get along harmoniously with his sisters. This was something money couldn't buy.
Xie Min took out a list. "This is what Dad asked us to buy. The housewarming banquet is the day after tomorrow, so we need to prepare early. Zhang Wenfeng and I will go buy them!"
"Let Wenfeng go by himself. Let him rest at home. It's hot outside, isn't it?"
Xie Min insisted, "Men don't bargain when buying things, and they need someone to exchange ration coupons and oil coupons. I have to go haggle myself. We can't be like you men; whatever they ask, you pay."
Xie Sui was speechless. Women loved to haggle. It wasn't about the money anymore, but the enjoyment of bargaining.
He instructed her, "Go find Zhang Weimin. He has all sorts of coupons and tickets. He specializes in this, and he's trustworthy. He won't cheat us. Don't run back and forth."
Zhang Weimin's "dengjiao pants" were selling very well. His existing stock had all been sold, and he was urging Xie Sui to get more. Xie Sui didn't have time and was anxious.
Going to the city was exhausting. Lin Wanwan, however, was very enthusiastic. She didn't mind being tired as long as she could make money. Unfortunately, Xie Sui wouldn't let her go either, as there was a lot to do at home. The matter of the "dengjiao pants" was temporarily shelved.