Chapter 331 Entrusting the Orphan of Qilu
The meal was resolved under the mutual glares of the grandfather and grandson, with Ye Shengge sitting by, enduring the awkwardness. It was a truly difficult task.
The three outside got along relatively harmoniously and discussed the situation inside.
“It’s getting colder and colder on the mountain, so staying here permanently isn’t feasible. Things like bathing are inconvenient, and I don’t have time to stay here every day. Monkey and the others will be here soon.”
It was precisely the busiest time for the black market before the Lunar New Year, and Ye Mu’en still had a large batch of grain to transport.
Ye’s father looked at Zi Yisheng beside him. He understood everything but couldn’t abandon the person now.
“Uncle Ye, you still need to clarify Mr. Qi’s true purpose for coming. Otherwise, it’s difficult for us to make a decision.”
“How many days will it take for you to get news from your side?”
“If things go smoothly, three days.”
“Alright, let’s hold on for three or four days first.”
Upon hearing that Zi Yisheng had contacts across the border in Mi Province, Ye Mu’en thought of what his sister had mentioned.
“Shengge wants to send someone to Mi Province to see if we can expand the black market.”
Zi Yisheng smiled helplessly. His little girl was someone who worried even while sitting at home. If you called her lazy, she worried about everything.
“I considered it before, but the risk of transporting goods back and forth is quite high, so I haven’t made a decision. You can send someone over, and I’ll find someone to assist them.”
“If it’s possible, shall we cooperate?”
Zi Yisheng felt even more helpless. He was already his little girl’s, so what was there to cooperate on? He sighed; he couldn't refuse.
“Just tell me what you need me to do. If it really works out, all the profits will go to Shengge. From now on, I won’t manage the money at home.”
Ye Mu’en and Ye’s father both felt pleased, realizing this was the right attitude.
“Are you talking about shipping?”
At this moment, Qi Luquan walked out, still in ragged clothes. Squatting in front of Ye’s father, he looked like a pitiful waif. Ye’s father moved aside with a look of disdain.
“I have a ship. If you need one, you can find me, and I can make it happen.”
“Didn’t you say your ship was gone?”
Ye’s father’s questioning made Qi Luquan shift to the side, feeling cowardly but unable to conceal his thick skin.
“I was afraid you’d kick me out. The ship is still here. If you need it, you can transport goods once a month. I’ve bribed the maritime management department, and they give me one chance to go out to sea each month. But once we get here, it’s up to you.”
Neither Ye Mu’en nor Zi Yisheng had expected such good fortune, and they began to look upon the “big trouble” more favorably.
Ye’s father, however, did not think so. He pulled Qi Luquan aside and only let go when no one else could hear them.
“There’s no one around now. Tell me the truth, why did you really come back to China this time? Don’t try to fool me; you’re not someone who would willingly suffer.”
Qi Luquan seemed to deflate instantly and sat on the ground, gazing into the depths of the mountains with a face full of vicissitudes.
“Old Ye, I don’t have much time left. The Qi family is in chaos now. If I really leave and leave Xuanxuan alone, I won’t be at ease. So, I came this time to entrust her to you.”
Ye’s father’s heart ached. They were more than twenty years apart in age, but they were considered friends of different generations. How could it come to a parting of life and death?
“Are you ill?”
“Yes, I’m old and can’t hold on much longer. Old Ye, I beg you, do this one last thing for me. I’ve left Xuanxuan with a lot of wealth; she just needs you to protect her.”
“Get lost! If I truly accepted Qi Xuan, would she lack money?”
Qi Luquan chuckled foolishly. That was true; his little brother was very loyal.
“You know that life in China is very difficult now. Even if she stays with us, it won’t be as good as the conditions in Mi Province. Why don’t you consider sending the child abroad? With your family fortune, she won’t suffer.”
“No, not abroad. It’s hard to get into China now, but it’s very easy to go abroad. The wealth I leave for Xuanxuan will also make the Qi family members covet it.”
After all, as the patriarch of the Qi family, he held seven-tenths of all the Qi family’s assets in his hands. Those people were all envious, and he didn’t want to harm his only granddaughter.
“What about you? Are you going back?”
“No, I’m not. I’ll spend my remaining time accompanying Xuanxuan.”
Ye’s father was deeply saddened. He blinked away the moisture in his eyes and nodded in agreement.
“Since that’s the case, you should stay on the mountain for a few more days. I will get your identity documents processed as soon as possible so you can live in my house. Don’t worry, I won’t say I’ll treat Qi Xuan as well as my own daughter, but I will definitely protect her for life.”
Qi Luquan’s face was covered in wrinkles as he smiled. He felt very reassured, only trusting Old Ye.
“Alright, we’ll rely on you from now on. When I’m gone, just find a quiet spot on this mountain to bury me. That way, it will be convenient for my granddaughter to visit me.”
Zi Yisheng saw the two, whose emotions had clearly shifted, walking back. He stepped aside and lit a cigarette, sensing that the situation was not good.
Ye Mu’en also walked over and took out a box of cigarettes Zi Yisheng had never seen before from his pocket.
“Try these. What are your thoughts on the Qi family’s merchant ships?”
Zi Yisheng threw away his cigarette and took one, smelling it. His eyebrows twitched slightly.
“It would be foolish not to use a ship that’s available to us. Mi Province has many good things. As long as they enter the black market, they will be sought-after goods. Plus, we can transport grain back.”
“Alright, let’s discuss it with Old Mr. Qi later and give him a share.”
“You two, come here for a moment. I have something to say.”
Ye Mu’en raised his eyebrows at Zi Yisheng, threw away his cigarette, and walked over.
Ye’s father was silent for a moment, then sighed and spoke.
“Mu’en, tomorrow you’ll find someone to help your Uncle Qi and Qi Xuan get their identity documents, registered under our family.”
“Old Ye, don’t try to take advantage of me. I’m clearly your uncle, so why am I in the same generation as you?”
Ye’s father didn’t even lift an eyelid, his expression disdainful.
“Do you have the right to be my uncle?”
Why wouldn’t he have the right? His age made him an elder. Hmph, when you’re under someone else’s roof, you have to be submissive. He didn’t dare to argue.
Ye Mu’en chuckled by the side. The generation gap was so confusing; he directly gained an elder niece.
“Alright, I’ll go down the mountain tomorrow.”
Ye’s father looked at the sky, then at Qi Luquan, who looked like a beggar.
“You should both go down the mountain together. I’ll stay on the mountain for these few days. Mu’en, go find Uncle Qi some clothes; he looks unbearable.”
Hearing this, Zi Yisheng wanted to call Ye Shengge. She must have been uncomfortable being with strangers, but he was stopped by Old Mr. Qi.
“Let’s discuss the merchant ship matter you were just talking about now. If you’re willing to take it, you can take over immediately.”
Zi Yisheng and Ye Mu’en heard this and didn’t rush to leave. They sat down to discuss.
“What are Mr. Qi’s thoughts?”
“What Mr. Qi? Just call me Uncle Qi along with them.”
Zi Yisheng nodded; whatever he was called was fine.
“My merchant ship is of little use to me anymore, so I’ll give it to you directly. I’ll also give you my connections, but I have one condition.”
“Uncle Qi, please state it.”