Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1728 - 945: Connections, Huh? (2)

With palpable excitement, Xue Yuantong voiced a simple wish: "Could I possibly have a French fruit tart?"

Aunt Gu’s tone took a sharp turn instantly: "You look like a cake yourself!"

Xue Yuantong’s temper flared: "You’ve tricked me again!"

Her clarity returned in a flash, and she reclassified the world’s best mom down to a status just below Jiang Ning’s mother!

After playfully teasing her daughter, Aunt Gu shifted to more serious matters: "Your mother is currently in the city with colleagues, and today we are scheduled to inspect a project at the factory your uncle has invested in."

Xue Yuantong appeared momentarily perplexed: "Mom, there was an aunt a while back, and now there’s an uncle – how come I’ve never heard of them before?"

Aunt Gu responded: "Naturally, you haven’t heard of them; how old were you then?"

Aunt Gu paused in thought before adding: "It’s the one who invited us to try that bean juice!"

Xue Yuantong’s memory clicked into place.

She recalled a childhood visit to her grandmother’s house, where a rather presentable adult claimed to have returned from the Capital and offered her and her mother a special drink called bean juice to sample. Upon tasting it, she immediately spat it out, declaring it utterly undrinkable! Young Tongtong was simply that straightforward.

"Mom, I remember; his stuff tastes particularly awful!" Xue Yuantong stated, the memory still vivid.

Aunt Gu’s heart was filled with a complex mix of emotions. Her recollection went beyond Tongtong’s. When Tongtong had so unceremoniously rejected the bean juice, that particular cousin had remarked with noticeable displeasure, "It’s a rare trip to the Capital, and I specifically brought this for you, yet you find it unpalatable! You won’t be able to visit the Capital even in ten years!"

Aunt Gu had felt a sting of defiance then; predictably, ten years had elapsed, and she still hadn't managed to set foot in the Capital.

In truth, Aunt Gu understood that the other relatives had no desire to drink that peculiar bean juice. The cousin, likely fearing waste, had feigned generosity in inviting her family to partake.

Aunt Gu was genuinely puzzled. It wasn't as if she had lost her husband early in life or committed any wrongdoing. So why did certain relatives persistently look down upon her family?

Tongtong then offered a suggestion: "Mom, when you’re inspecting his factory project, make sure to find some faults; whatever you do, don’t approve it!"

Aunt Gu inquired, "Is Mom that kind of person?"

Tongtong inwardly scoffed, a sound of dismissal.

Aunt Gu continued, "Your aunt mentioned a few days ago that she’s planning to invite your uncle over for dinner this weekend. She’s brought it up several times; what are your thoughts on that?"

Despite being the parent, Aunt Gu consistently discussed numerous matters with her daughter, valuing her input in decision-making.

Tongtong replied, "Then I absolutely must invite Granny Qian to help us with the cooking!"

Aunt Gu nearly burst into laughter. Granny Qian from the river dam had once used moldy flour to steam buns, inadvertently sending everyone in the neighborhood, except for her own family, to the hospital.

"Alright, let’s not commit for now," Aunt Gu declared, concluding the WeChat call.

Although her company allotted a monthly phone bill reimbursement, her ingrained habits persisted; she predominantly opted for WeChat calls.

Next, she located Jiang Ning’s contact information. This time, she initiated a standard phone call, not a WeChat one.

Jiang Ning answered promptly: "Aunt, are you currently at work?"

Aunt Gu replied, "Yes, I’m out handling some business. I’ve placed an order for a 6-inch cake at TangRen’r Bakery on Nanhong Road. It will be ready for pickup at 10:30; just provide your phone number then."

Jiang Ning inquired, "It’s not Tongtong’s or your birthday today, is it?"

Aunt Gu chuckled: "It’s the weekend, so I ordered a cake for the two of you to enjoy. Our home isn’t quite the same as it used to be."

Jiang Ning expressed gratitude: "Thank you, Aunt."

Aunt Gu feigned mild annoyance: "So formal, why are you thanking me?"

Jiang Ning mused, ’It wouldn’t be right to thank Mom; I’m still a student.’

Therefore, Jiang Ning said, "Aunt, you are truly wonderful; Tongtong will undoubtedly be very happy."

Aunt Gu happily ended the call and proceeded to join the inspection team entering the Xinye Clothing Factory.

Recently, Evergreen Liquid had inaugurated a new division, formulating plans for an overseas aid initiative that involved acquiring several textile factories.

Aunt Gu remained unsure why she had been selected. Despite her extensive experience in clothing factories, she possessed absolutely no knowledge regarding acquisitions.

’Still, it feels quite exhilarating!’

Standing before the Xinye Clothing Factory, where she had once toiled as a mere humble employee, feeling as insignificant as a minion, Aunt Gu observed her transformation. Now, she was one of the acquisition representatives.

Several gentlemen in sharp suits and ties positioned themselves at the factory entrance. Upon spotting the Evergreen Liquid delegation, they immediately executed deferential bows, extending their hands for greetings, their demeanor remarkably subdued. Even the factory director, previously bald, now boasted a full head of black hair, clearly having benefited from Evergreen Liquid’s influence, no doubt through secret means.

Among the group was a middle-aged man of presentable appearance, identified as one of the shareholders of Xinye Clothing Factory and Aunt Gu’s cousin.

Aunt Gu’s initial reaction was composed; she only learned later that this relative held a stake in the clothing factory.

She remained uncertain whether he had recognized her when she first joined the factory many years prior. Perhaps he hadn't, or maybe he had but chose to ignore it.

However, this time, her cousin undoubtedly recognized her.

He swiftly approached, calling out, "Xiao Gu, Xiao Gu!"

Aunt Gu responded with a smile, "Brother Dou."

After exchanging pleasantries, Brother Dou engaged in reminiscence. "Wow, it’s been over ten years! I never expected you, Xiao Gu, to be working for Evergreen Liquid. I truly wish you all the best!"

A slightly younger woman standing nearby inquired with curiosity, "Sister Gu, didn’t you used to work at this factory? How come you haven’t seen each other?"

Brother Dou’s expression faltered for a moment, a look of surprise crossing his face. "Xiao Gu, you really worked at this factory? How could I not have known? Look at you now!"

Aunt Gu replied politely, "I just came to gain some experience back then. Isn't that experience being put to use now?"

Other factory management personnel, including directors and shareholders, cast appreciative glances, followed by a round of greetings and warm exchanges.

Aunt Gu observed the formerly imposing leaders now engaging in conversation as equals, a feeling of strangeness mingled with an inexplicable sense of comfort washing over her.

Brother Dou had already familiarized himself with the key figures leading the negotiation and acquisition. Aware that Xiao Gu was merely present to make up the numbers and not a critical player, he didn't give her undue attention.

Instead of discussing the acquisition, he shifted the conversation to their respective children.

The discussion eventually led to Brother Dou’s daughter. "My little girl is in eighth grade this year. Your President Shao’s alma mater, Fourth Middle School, is quite good. Since you're working at Evergreen Liquid, if she can get into Fourth Middle School, it would be even more convenient for our families!"

He added, "Speaking of relatives, she calls you Aunt!"

Aunt Gu chuckled, responding, "Then she’ll have to work hard. The admission scores for Fourth Middle School have risen. This year, it's estimated they'll be close to First Middle School's standards, not much lower than Second Middle School."

Brother Dou’s brow furrowed with concern. He knew his daughter’s academic capabilities all too well; even meeting the minimum score for Fourth Middle School seemed like a long shot.

While he was a factory investor, his wealth was modest, insufficient to simply arrange for his daughter’s admission into the highly competitive Yu Zhou Fourth Middle School.

Noticing other investors leading the delegation into the factory premises, Brother Dou lagged behind slightly. "Xiao Gu," he began, "your Evergreen Liquid seems to have close ties with Fourth Middle School. Do you happen to know anyone there?"

Aunt Gu replied, "Yes."

A flicker of hope ignited in Brother Dou’s eyes. "Is your relationship with them strong enough to make a difference?"

Aunt Gu affirmed, "It's definitely strong."

Feeling reassured, Brother Dou pressed on, "For this year's freshman enrollment, could you possibly ask them to help arrange a student placement? Is that something that can be done?"

Aunt Gu paused before answering, "It’s unlikely; she’s just a student."

Brother Dou looked momentarily bewildered, a question mark hanging in the air.

Aunt Gu offered a slight smile. "She’s my daughter, and she’s studying at Fourth Middle School."