Previously on I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping...
Jiang Chen returns home, finding Fang Qing and her parents have tidied his place. Her father, Fang Weiguo, initially seems upset by a comment about Jiang Chen's potential wedding, but it's revealed he was just playfully protesting being the only one to host a wedding banquet for his own son, Tie Jun.
"How does it taste?"
After nearly two hours of busy work, Fang Weiguo brought out a bottle of wine.
It was Maotai.
Without any hesitation, Jiang Chen gave two thumbs up. "Uncle Fang, your braised preserved meat with old cucumber is absolutely authentic! Do you have a secret recipe? No wonder you didn't let Aunt Pan and Fang Qing into the kitchen earlier. Were you afraid they'd steal your techniques?"
Fang Weiguo chuckled.
"You have a discerning palate, kid. This is something I researched myself; you won't find this flavor anywhere else. And this dish of sticky rice fish, I've skillfully integrated and improved upon online recipes..."
"Alright. Jiang compliments you, and you're taking it seriously. Look at Qing Qing, she doesn't even want to taste your preserved meat."
"That's because this girl doesn't like preserved goods or greasy food. I think eating in moderation is fine; will a few pieces of meat really make you fat?"
"Uncle, why bring out such good wine? It's too extravagant."
Jiang Chen looked at the bottle of Feitian Maotai, changing the subject.
"What's this about extravagance? Wine is meant for drinking. Who's more important than you in our house?" Fang Weiguo joked.
Jiang Chen felt a bit embarrassed. "If you say that, Uncle, I don't dare drink it."
Regardless, Fang Weiguo opened the bottle. "What are you afraid of? Don't worry, Uncle Fang didn't buy such expensive wine; it was given to me."
"Tong Dan gave it to us."
Pan Hui added.
"We should call her General Manager Tong now."
Fang Weiguo laughed while pouring the wine.
"Tong Dan truly treats Uncle Fang and Aunt Pan like her elders," Jiang Chen sighed, not forgetting to tease the other side, "But in my memory, she wasn't a generous person."
"Still holding a grudge against her?"
Fang Weiguo glanced at him.
"Why does Jiang hold a grudge against Tong Dan?" Pan Hui was puzzled.
"You forgot," Fang Weiguo said to his wife, "Back in school days, those two were always at odds."
Pan Hui laughed and glared at her husband. "You think everyone is as petty as you? If these two still minded past issues, would they be working together now?"
"Aunt Pan is right."
Jiang Chen nodded vigorously. "Tong Dan and I have long since made peace."
Fang Weiguo handed over a glass of white wine, a disposable cup filled to the brim. "That’s a real man. Don’t argue with the ladies. Uncle really appreciates your approach."
"Why pour so much? A moderate amount is enough. You insist on getting him drunk now that he’s back?"
"Qing Qing hasn’t said anything; you’re the one worrying unnecessarily. Does he drink any less while socializing outside? His drinking tolerance must be higher than mine by now; you should be concerned about this old fellow."
Fang Weiguo put down the bottle, saying to Jiang Chen, "Eat and drink slowly, enjoy but don’t overdo it."
Jiang Chen nodded with a smile.
"Qing Qing, there’s beer in the fridge, if you want some, help yourself."
Fang Weiguo was indeed very open-minded, not like some parents who keep numerous rules even after their children grow up, treating them like kids.
"Why not keep Jiang company for a couple of drinks?"
Pan Hui suggested as well.
Before Fang Qing could speak, Jiang Chen quickly waved his hand. "No, I’m not worthy. I’ll just drink with Uncle."
"What do you mean by 'not worthy'?"
Fang Weiguo said, "On the personal side, you and Qing Qing are childhood friends, decades of friendship; on the professional side, you’re Qing Qing’s boss, giving her such a good job and often allowing her to be with us. Jiang Chen, your Aunt Pan and I are aware, we need to thank you."
Jiang Chen hurriedly raised his cup. "Uncle, you’re overpraising. Fang Qing working at Tianci wasn’t me helping her; it was purely due to her abilities and talent. Business competition is talent competition. Since she joined Tianci, she’s been running around, putting her heart and soul into handling countless legal troubles, easing the company’s concerns, and safeguarding Tianci’s development. Precisely speaking, she’s the one helping me."
Though all knew these were polite words, for the older generation, a boss is a boss; a subordinate is a subordinate. There’s no logic for a subordinate to be kind to a boss.
But hearing it warmed the heart.
Fang Weiguo and his wife looked at Jiang Chen more and more kindly. No wonder they treated someone like their own child.
"Speaking of which, the two of you should toast together."
Fang Weiguo signaled to his wife. "Go get the wine."
"I'll go myself."
Fang Qing stood up and went to the fridge to get two cans of beer.
Fang Weiguo and Jiang Chen clinked their glasses, laughing, "Feels like New Year’s."
The essence of holidays isn't tied to a calendar date, but rather to the company one keeps.
"Qing Gege, please, go ahead and enjoy your beer."
Jiang Chen's words to Fang Qing, delivered with such a youthful inflection, drew chuckles from Fang Weiguo and his wife.
Their visit had brought them to Kyoto.
And included a tour of the awe-inspiring Great Wall Building.
Witnessing this firsthand made it difficult to fathom that the young man they were seeing had risen to such an impressive standing.
"Jiang Chen, personal matters should remain separate from business. While you and Qing Qing share a history as childhood friends, professional conduct requires you not to show her any favoritism at work. Your Uncle Fang and I are not so elderly that we require her presence in Sha City."
"Indeed, Aunt Pan speaks the truth. We must uphold rules and boundaries. You are managing a significant enterprise with numerous employees; ensure they do not perceive any unfairness."
Jiang Chen responded with a smile, "Uncle, Aunt, Fang Qing frequently stays in Sha City due to ongoing legal matters requiring her expertise in both this city and River City. She is undeniably the most capable individual for these tasks; I assure you, no special treatment has been extended."
"That is reassuring."
Fang Weiguo nodded, encouraging the group, "Please, partake in more of the dishes."
