The words of Old Master Cao left both of them utterly perplexed.
Cao Xuerong, being younger, could accept being criticized by Old Master Cao for her short-sightedness.
However, Cao Jian felt deeply unconvinced and retorted, "Dad, look at how you've belittled the two of us. But after all, I've managed the Cao family for many years. While it's true I'm not as experienced as you, to call us short-sighted based on this matter alone seems a bit unreasonable, doesn't it?"
Old Master Cao shot Cao Jian an exasperated glance. "I'm talking about you, and you're still unhappy about it?"
"You didn't dare to offend Wang Shan because you knew Wang Shan had the backing of the Wang family's prestigious status. The Han family may not be there yet, but with Brother Han around, their rise is only a matter of time. If we don't seize this opportunity to offer help when they're in need, no amount of future embellishment will guarantee their gratitude!"
"Tell me, if this isn't short-sightedness, what is?"
Cao Jian still seemed somewhat confused and replied with disbelief, "It can't be that serious, Dad! No matter how the Han family rises, the gap between them and the Four Great Families is a tangible reality. How could they possibly reach a point where our Cao family would be embellishing their success?"
Before Old Master Cao could reprimand him, Cao Xuerong, as if realizing something, spoke up first. "You can't say that, Dad! Since Han Lang could develop two highly competitive products in such a short period, it's possible he'll develop more in the future. With such capability, even if he doesn't rely on our Cao family, he'll eventually be noticed by other prestigious families. By then, it might be us begging for cooperation, and he might not even consider us. I think Grandpa's words have merit!"
Hearing Cao Xuerong's words, Old Master Cao's face finally showed a hint of pleased relief. "Listen! You hear that? Rong'er is more insightful than you are now!"
Cao Jian even began to doubt if he had truly reached the point of being pushed onto the beach by the relentless waves of the younger generation. However, he quickly reconsidered. "That's not right. Dad, Rong'er. Even if Han Lang is a piece of gold, forming ties with prestigious families isn't that simple. If it weren't for your illness, Dad, who knows where Han Lang would be hiding in some corner of Le City? How would he have had the chance to interact with prestigious families!"
Seeing Cao Jian still appearing clueless, Old Master Cao's temper flared up instantly. "Oh, my foolish son."
"Can you please open your eyes!"
"We so-called prestigious families, no matter how immense our wealth, are not immune to illness!"
"Since Brother Han has the ability to cure your father's illness, he has the ability to cure the illnesses of others in prestigious families."
"With his medical skills, don't talk about just this small Le City; even in the provincial capital or the capital itself, top prestigious families would be clamoring for such a physician!"
"Furthermore, I want you to do some more investigating. Find out the origin of the Shennong Eighteen Needles that Brother Han used to cure your father!"
"Have you ever heard the title Shennong Heavenly Doctor!"
"Do you think it's us who should be trying to get close to him, or him who should be racking his brains to get close to us?"
After hearing this, Cao Jian finally understood, and he became anxious. "Then what do we do now? Rong'er, quickly contact the Han family and tell them our Cao family has changed its mind!"
Cao Xuerong, hearing this, was overjoyed and hastily took out her phone from her pocket. Just as she was about to dial Han Kang's number, Old Master Cao stopped her. "Forget it! It's too late to realize this now. I already asked Old Deng. After Brother Han left our Cao family, he drove towards the east of the city!"
East of the city? Wasn't that the direction of the Tang family?
"Dad, you mean... he went to the Tang family?"
Old Master Cao glanced at Cao Jian. "Didn't you say he couldn't connect with prestigious families? As the head of the Cao family, you haven't done any homework at all!"
"The head of the Tang family, Tang Haoran, has suffered from a hidden ailment for years with no cure. Brother Han already visited the Tang family over a month ago."
"And from what I know, not only did Brother Han cure Tang Haoran's hidden ailment, but Tang Haoran also doted on him immensely."
"Just like me, they also became sworn brothers!"
Cao Jian and Cao Xuerong's eyes widened in astonishment upon hearing this. "So, does that mean Tang Haoran has already reached a cooperation agreement with the Han family?"
"Tang Haoran isn't as foolish as you are. From my estimation, whether they cooperate or not, Tang Haoran wouldn't care. A few billion is nothing; doing him a favor is quite worthwhile!"
Cao Jian finally realized what a wrong decision he had made. If, as Old Master Cao said, the Tang family, the foremost of Le City's Four Great Families, also valued Han Lang so highly, then perhaps he had truly misjudged this matter.
"This was indeed my short-sightedness. Dad, what should I do now? I'll do whatever you say."
Seeing Cao Jian's complete change of heart, Old Master Cao finally felt a bit more at ease. After a moment of thought, he turned to Cao Xuerong and said, "Rong'er, go and pack those few bottles of good wine that I've been treasuring. Tomorrow, we will personally visit the Han family to offer an apology."
Hearing Old Master Cao say this, Cao Jian felt a bit displeased again. "That won't do, Dad! You've treasured those bottles of wine for nearly thirty years. We agreed they were to be saved for Rong'er's wedding to entertain your old friends. Besides, with your age and status, the Han family wouldn't be able to bear the weight of you personally coming to apologize!"
Cao Xuerong also agreed. "Yes, Grandpa. Those few bottles of wine are a small matter, but for you to personally visit at your age, it seems a bit inappropriate, doesn't it? How about I go alone? Even if the Han family truly surpasses our Cao family in the future, given the current situation, my personal visit should carry enough weight, shouldn't it!"
Old Master Cao shook his head and replied earnestly, "Rong'er, what Grandpa said earlier was mainly to wake up your father, that blockhead. We can't just consider utilitarian matters when dealing with the Han family!"
"We also need to consider feelings!"
"My old life, in any case, was saved thanks to Brother Han. We must be grateful!"
"Moreover, I was the one who wanted to become sworn brothers with him. Now that my brother is in trouble, and I, as the elder brother, have the ability but didn't help, I feel a sense of guilt."
"At this point, how could I possibly be concerned about the difference in our ages?"
"Listen to me, this matter is settled. Go and prepare!"
Upon hearing these words, Cao Jian was so ashamed he wished he could disappear into a crack in the ground. He remained silent.
Seeing this, Cao Xuerong turned and went to the underground wine cellar, retrieving the few bottles of fine wine stored in a hidden corner. Looking at the bottles before her, she too fell into deep contemplation.