In the blink of an eye, it was the next day. Li Mei watched Er Zhu's retreating back. Although her heart felt a pang of sadness, she also understood Wang Xiaomei's predicament.
Never mind, it was just helping a friend, not really meeting the parents.
Li Mei took a deep look at Er Zhu, then turned and entered the house, no longer dwelling on unnecessary thoughts.
Meanwhile, in less than half an hour, Er Zhu arrived at Wang Xiaomei's home, where the entire Wang family was already waiting by the door.
"Er Zhu, it's wonderful that you could come to our home!"
Father Wang walked over with a beaming smile, happily shaking Er Zhu's hand, his eyes crinkling with joy.
"Er Zhu, I knew you and our grandchild were destined to be together!"
Just as Father Wang was about to say more, Grandma Wang also approached, leaning on her cane. She grasped Er Zhu's other hand, her heart filled with excitement.
Xiao Mei had liked Er Zhu for so long. She had initially thought it was her granddaughter's unrequited love, but she never expected the two young people to be mutually in love!
Fate, how truly marvelous!
Seeing Grandma Wang's emotional state, Er Zhu smiled gently and patted her hand.
"Grandma, Uncle, I've brought you gifts. I hope you like them."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Er Zhu took two vacuum-sealed gift boxes of five-flavor chicken from his car and handed them to Grandma Wang.
"Er Zhu, you are too kind. Your presence is enough; you didn't need to bring gifts."
Grandma Wang said, waving her hands. She looked as if she were displeased.
"That's right, your visit alone has made our humble home feel grand. We certainly don't need any gifts."
Father Wang smiled at Er Zhu, his face a picture of flattery, and echoed his wife's sentiments.
What a joke! This was the richest man in the neighboring city!
It was Xiao Mei's good fortune, cultivated over many lifetimes, that Er Zhu would take an interest in her. How could they dare accept gifts!
"Just a small token of my appreciation."
Er Zhu was too lazy to dawdle over such a trivial matter. He assertively placed the gift boxes into Father Wang's hands.
"Alright, alright, then let's not stand out here. Let's go inside."
Father Wang felt a chill wind and, as if remembering something, pulled Er Zhu into the house.
Watching her father and grandmother greet Er Zhu with such enthusiasm, Wang Xiaomei's emotions were incredibly complex.
Because, just moments ago, she had received some very unfavorable news for Er Zhu:
Er Zhu's traditional Chinese medicine factory had purchased a batch of inferior medicinal herbs, and they had reportedly already entered production!
She remembered Er Zhu mentioning that this was the first product their factory would launch, and this very first product was destined for failure!
The failure of a product would bring about severe chain reactions. The TCM factory would collapse, the herbs planted in the village would go unsold because Shiliu Village would be notorious, and the livestock in the pasture...
The more Wang Xiaomei thought about it, the more worried she became for Er Zhu. She had intended to warn Er Zhu, but she simply hadn't had the chance to speak.
"Heh, richest man in the neighboring city? Once his village is brought back to ruin, he'll fall from his pedestal too!"
As Wang Xiaomei worried about Er Zhu, her mother, Wang Mu, glanced contemptuously at Er Zhu's retreating back and said sarcastically.
"Mom, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. You should understand that."
Although Wang Xiaomei knew Er Zhu might lose everything, she still defended him against her mother's mockery.
Because she believed that as long as Er Zhu knew the truth, he could definitely prevent the tragedy!
"Camel? He's a pug at best. I heard the products have already been packaged and are ready to ship. He'll be a pauper soon!"
Wang Mu curled her lips into a smile, leaned forward, and gloatingly watched the direction Er Zhu had gone.
"I'm not talking to you. I'm going to find Er Zhu."
Seeing her mother's smug expression, Wang Xiaomei became a little angry. She shot her mother a glare and ran into the house.
"Stupid fool, cherish your days as the richest man while they last."
Wang Mu sneered, and at that moment, her phone chimed.
The message was from Wang Xiao, who had sent a picture. A large truck filled with Chinese medicinal products was majestically driving out of Shiliu Village.
And these were, naturally, the products from Shiliu Village's TCM factory!
In other words, inferior products made from those inferior herbs!
A wicked smile spread across Wang Mu's face. She glanced disdainfully at Er Zhu inside the house, her heart filled with excitement.
For a country bumpkin like him to aspire to be the richest man was simply a pipe dream!
Wang Mu swayed her svelte waist and walked step by step towards the living room.
The show... was about to begin!
At this moment, seeing Er Zhu surrounded by his grandmother and father, Wang Xiaomei was extremely anxious. She wanted to tell Er Zhu the truth but couldn't find an opportunity.
"Dad, Grandma, Er Zhu is my boyfriend, and I haven't even spoken to him yet."
Finally, Wang Xiaomei couldn't bear it any longer. She pretended to be angry, wanting to get rid of Father Wang and Grandma Wang.
Seeing Wang Xiaomei clinging tightly to Er Zhu's arm, acting like she was claiming ownership, Father Wang and Grandma Wang instantly understood.
"Alright, alright. You two young lovebirds can chat. We won't disturb you."
Grandma Wang covered her mouth, a happy expression on her face as she pulled Father Wang towards the kitchen.
"Er Zhu, you need to go back quickly! The raw materials for that batch of products are problematic!"
"I don't know the specifics, but you absolutely cannot let the products go out!"
As soon as Grandma Wang and Father Wang left, Wang Xiaomei grabbed Er Zhu's hand, speaking as she pushed him towards the exit.
If she had known such a serious issue would arise at the TCM factory, she wouldn't have let Er Zhu come!
Wang Xiaomei felt both anxious and regretful. She had a hunch there was a connection between these events, but she didn't know what it was.
"Mm, I know about this."
However, Er Zhu was not in the least bit worried upon hearing the news. Instead, he was calmer than ever, as if everything were under his control.
And indeed, it was!
"Er Zhu, did your TCM factory receive ten trucks of medicinal herbs yesterday?"
"Your products are crude traditional Chinese medicines, and they can be finished in just one night. You know this, don't you!"
Seeing Er Zhu's composure, Wang Xiaomei thought he hadn't grasped the situation yet and anxiously analyzed it for him.
"Mm, sit down. It's fine."
Er Zhu nodded slightly, speaking as he guided Wang Xiaomei to the sofa.
As the manager of the TCM factory, he naturally knew everything about it. However, this matter was not as simple as Wang Xiaomei imagined.
He was the successor of the Dragon King's inheritance; how could he be fooled by some idiot!
A hint of surprise flashed in Wang Xiaomei's eyes. She wanted to continue persuading Er Zhu, but seeing his unfazed demeanor, she said no more.
Besides, she had already decided. No matter what happened to Er Zhu, she would stand firmly by his side!
"Great-Grandpa, I've come to see you."
Before five minutes of quiet had passed, Wang Xiao's voice echoed from the doorway. Wang Xiao entered carrying large bags, a smug expression on his face.