CHAPTER 381: CHAPTER 381: FOUR YOUNG BOYS

During the New Year’s festivities, filled with visiting relatives and finalizing the marriage arrangement with the Mo Family, Tang Yue was always on the go.

On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Tang Yue had nearly finished visiting all her relatives.

The contrast between her third aunt, Tang Zhengyue, and her fourth aunt, Tang Zhenghong, had become quite stark.

Tang Zhengyue’s family, once faring much better than Tang Zhenghong’s, now found themselves at a disadvantage, even falling behind Tang Zhengyuan’s household.

Tang Zhengyue and Chen Jianguo’s Southern Goods Store had closed down. They were now engaged in small-scale businesses that hardly made any money, leading to petty squabbles every three days and major arguments every five.

Even their sons, who were supposed to be studying for college entrance exams during their senior year of high school, had no interest in hitting the books.

And their younger son, Chen Lie, quit school after junior high; as soon as the New Year was over, he followed some folks from the village to seek work elsewhere.

On the other hand, Tang Zhenghong’s family was thriving, with Zhao Youwei’s furniture business booming thanks to a reminder from Tang Yue. Now in Wangjiang County, people would think of Zhao Youwei’s store first when they wanted to buy furniture, and he even had collaborations with businesses in Jing City.

Zhao Youwei had just purchased an apartment in the county seat, and both his daughters were attending junior high there, reputedly performing very well in school.

Tang Zhengyue, who used to take pride in her superior circumstances when visiting her maternal home, now felt uncomfortable seeing her relatives faring better than she was. Her words became less pleasant as well.

Now that Granny Tang’s three sons had become successful, she didn’t indulge Tang Zhengyue’s whims.

After dining at her maternal home, Tang Zhengyue and her family left quickly.

In contrast, Tang Zhenghong’s family ate at the homes of Tang Zhengyuan, Tang Zhengde, and Tang Mingli, generously spending time and money, especially Tang Zhenghong’s attitude towards Tang Yue, which had undergone a dramatic change.

In the past, Tang Zhenghong, as Tang Zhengde’s stepmother, neither disliked nor was fond of her; she merely acted as though Tang Yue didn’t exist. But now, Tang Zhenghong thought of Tang Yue in every aspect, always speaking highly of her niece to others.

On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, Mo Xiaoyu planned to take her children back to Sea City, with Mo Weidong accompanying them.

Mo Xiaoyu warmly invited everyone, including her parents. Mo Xiaofeng and Zheng Chunhong had already agreed to go, while Mo Xiaoxian and his wife Deng Yuhua would bring their daughter Mo Xiaoyao as well.

Mo Xiaolin also intended to join them, but being unable to travel by car, she couldn’t even make it to Jing City, and besides, she had several students learning music from her. Therefore, Mo Xiaolin couldn’t go anywhere.

The group was all set for their trip to Sea City.

Tang Yue was also packing her bags, preparing for her trip to Jing City to surprise Mo Siyu.

Mo Xiaolin packed lots of food for Tang Yue to bring to Jing City, constantly reminding her to be cautious on the road.

"Mom, are you sure you won’t come with us?" Tang Yue invited her again.

Mo Siyu had a place in the fleet’s housing, so even if Mo Xiaolin went, she would have a place to stay. Moreover, since Mo Siyu hadn’t come back for the New Year, Mo Xiaolin must certainly be missing her son.

"Maybe next time," Mo Xiaolin said, declining the invitation. "Once I’m done teaching these students, I won’t take any during the summer vacation, and then I can go to Jing City with you." Her son often called home to check in, which reassured Mo Xiaolin.

Night.

When Tang Jun mentioned that he also wanted to go to Sea City, Tang Zhengde and Zhang Hualian were both shocked and asked, "What are you going to do in Sea City? You don’t know anyone there. How did you suddenly come up with the idea of going to Sea City?"

"Dad, Mom, the entire Mo Weidong’s family is going to Sea City, I’ll go with them. Oh, and so are Qiangzi and Jiajie," Tang Jun added.

Tang Zhengde and Zhang Hualian exchanged glances, feeling that the trip to Sea City was too far.

However, Tang Jun had prepared his reasons beforehand and was persuading Tang Zhengde and Zhang Hualian.

The same thing was happening with Zhang Qiang’s and Wei Jiajie’s families.

These days, the business of Zhang Huafeng and Liu Cuixong was booming, and under the care of Tang Yue, it was thriving. They even planned to tear down their old house and build a new one, improving their living conditions. Zhang Qiang was now doing well too, with his academic performance steadily improving.

Liu Cuixong especially liked Zhang Qiang to hang out with Tang Jun. When she heard they were going on a trip together, she didn’t hesitate, though she was a bit worried about their safety.

Puffing up his chest, Zhang Qiang said, "Mom and Dad, a few of us have trained with Uncle Zhu, ordinary men are no match for us. Besides, we’re going to have fun, not to fight."

Zhang Huafeng and Liu Cuixong looked at each other, pondered for a moment, and decided that if Tang Jun was going, Zhang Qiang could go too.

It was even easier to deal with Wei Jiajie - one phone call to Mr. Wei and Mrs. Wei and they agreed. Now that Wei Jiajie’s grades were improving, Mr. Wei and Mrs. Wei were more than happy to have them spend time together often.

"Xiao Jun, tell the truth, are you guys going to Sea City to cause trouble for Xie Quan?" Tang Yue specifically called Tang Jun into the room.

"No," Tang Jun protested weakly, clearly not confident in his response.

With an understanding look, Tang Yue said, "Xiao Jun, Sister Xiaoyu has been bullied by Xie Quan, and it’s understandable that Weidong wants to avenge his sister. But Xiao Jun, you must promise me one thing."

Tang Yue spoke earnestly.

Tang Jun nodded and said, "Sis, you say it."

"Killing is against the law. I hope you guys don’t do anything excessive because of impulsiveness," Tang Yue cautioned seriously. "You’re sixteen now, and you should be able to discern right from wrong. I trust you all know what you can and can’t do, right?"

Tang Jun felt a sense of agreement. His emotions stirred by Tang Yue’s gentle words, he said excitedly, "Sis, I knew you would understand me. Weidong’s sister was bullied, and if we do nothing, that would just let Xie Quan off too easily. If someone ever bullies you, I won’t let them off either."

"Sis, don’t worry. We all agreed just to teach Xie Quan a lesson, we won’t cause any fatalities, and we definitely won’t do anything illegal," Tang Jun promised.

Only then did Tang Yue nod in relief and handed over the US$ 1,000 she had prepared. "I know Dad and Mom must have prepared money for you, but when you’re out, it’s better to have more than less. In case of emergency, it can be used as backup. Take care of this money yourself."

"Sis," Tang Jun looked at Tang Yue, moved.

Tang Yue smiled warmly and said, "Do you remember your sister’s phone number? If anything happens, call me."

"Yes," Tang Jun effortlessly recited the number he had memorized.

Only then did Tang Yue feel at ease and said, "Good, here’s another number for you to remember. Before school starts, you might spend more time at Si Yu’s place."

"Are you going to visit your brother-in-law?" Tang Jun curiously asked. "Brother-in-law didn’t come back for the New Year, you must miss him, right?"