The Eldest Brother Is Like a Father

Tang Mao Cai, Tang Zhi Chu's paternal uncle, and the elder brother of Tang Mao De. Judging by their names, one possesses virtue and the other wealth (or talent).

As for why Tang Mao Cai is the elder brother, perhaps he was tired of being poor.

Tang Mao Cai is indeed the most promising one in Old Tang's family. He is now a senior executive at a listed company, reportedly handling the dirty and difficult jobs.

For example, when the company acquired a factory, Tang Mao Cai was sent there. What did he do? Rectify the situation and lay off staff – all thankless tasks.

Tang Zhi Chu glanced at his paternal aunt and roughly understood. His aunt had likely explained his "situation" to his uncle, which was why his uncle reacted this way upon seeing him?

"Sit down quickly. Your father really doesn't understand reason; he's too selfish. Even in this situation, he's forcing you to go on blind dates. Can you even produce a grandson for him immediately?"

Before Tang Mao Cai could finish speaking, he was kicked by a middle-aged woman behind him.

That was Tang Zhi Chu's paternal aunt, his uncle's wife. Tang Zhi Chu smiled, "It's okay, Aunt. Uncle is right."

Hearing Tang Zhi Chu say this, the paternal aunt stepped forward, took Tang Zhi Chu's hand, and had him sit beside her.

"I know you're blaming your father verbally, but you still care about him in your heart. Otherwise, you wouldn't have come. You should have told us about this situation earlier so someone could give you some advice. You're a sensible child, but too honest," the paternal aunt said in a gentle tone.

Tang Zhi Chu didn't speak, putting on a wronged expression.

Seeing the paternal aunt and Tang Zhi Chu acting like a loving mother and filial son, Tang Xiuju pouted, "Don't worry, sister-in-law. I've moved in for several days now. I'm here."

The paternal aunt's expression stiffened slightly. "That's true. You've worked hard, Xiuju."

Tang Xiuju smiled, "What's hard work? My second brother is lying in the room. I treat Zhi Chu like my own child."

A smile also appeared on the paternal aunt's face. She then took a bank card from her pocket and placed it in Tang Zhi Chu's hand. "Yes, we're all the same. We also treat Zhi Chu like our own child. This card has one hundred thousand yuan. Treat your father's illness as it should be treated. If the money isn't enough, tell us."

This time, it was Tang Xiuju's turn for her expression to freeze.

Can't play this game? Pulling out money?

However, this was indeed Tang Xiuju's weak spot. Their family's financial situation was average.

"Zhi Chu, sister-in-law is giving this to you, so take it. Don't make your aunt sad." Tang Xiuju quickly spoke up when she saw Tang Zhi Chu about to refuse.

Taking money, huh? Then don't expect to get it back.

Tang Zhi Chu still felt it wasn't quite right, so he put the bank card back into his paternal aunt's hand. "Aunt, it's okay. We have enough money."

"Take it. It's good to be prepared," Tang Mao Cai said.

The paternal aunt pushed the bank card back into Tang Zhi Chu's hand. "If I tell you to take it, then take it. Are you still being polite with your aunt and uncle?"

Tang Zhi Chu had no choice but to accept the bank card.

"Where's my dad?" Tang Zhi Chu asked.

Aunt looked towards the bedroom.

Tang Zhi Chu got up, took a turn, and arrived at the master bedroom door. Just as he was about to push it open, he heard voices inside.

Tang Zhi Chu stopped what he was doing. Someone else is here?

So, Tang Zhi Chu pressed his ear to the door.

Inside the bedroom, a man with a buzz cut, looking about twenty-seven or twenty-eight, forcefully twisted open a bottle. "Second Uncle, just a tiny sip, and then eat some chocolate. Otherwise, my dad will smell it, and it'll be hard to explain."

Tang Mao De leaned against the bed, nodding repeatedly. "Brotherhood code. One capful, but fill it up!"

The buzz-cut man nodded, then poured a full capful and handed it over.

Tang Mao De downed it in one gulp and let out a long sigh. "Ah, that's the stuff. My eldest nephew really understands me. If my other nephew were half as sensible and considerate as you, I wouldn't have to worry."

The buzz-cut man took the cap back, screwed it on, and stuffed the whole bottle under the bed.

"Second Uncle, some things are best said between just us uncle and nephew. If my dad were half as reasonable and decisive as you, my life would be a lot easier," the buzz-cut man grumbled.

"Second Uncle, sometimes I think I should have been your son. If we were father and son, with that father-son bond, wouldn't we have built a massive empire? As for Zhi Chu, he was born into the wrong family. My parents just like his type – obedient and honest."

Tang Mao De nodded in deep agreement. "You're right. Great minds think alike. Give your uncle another capful."

The buzz-cut man shook his head. "Uncle, wait until tonight. If you drink more now, it'll really cause trouble. But, Uncle, don't worry. I looked into your illness. It's indeed very troublesome, but we can't let ourselves suffer. Otherwise, we won't be happy even when we leave."

Tang Mao De smacked his lips, savoring the taste in his mouth, and didn't bother with the buzz-cut man's rambling.

"Your uncle has long since come to terms with it. I'm just worried about your brother. Otherwise, I'd drink myself into oblivion and just end it all."

The buzz-cut man patted his chest. "Uncle, don't worry. I still remember you standing up for me in high school. An elder brother is like a father. If something happens to you, who will look after my cousin then?"

Tang Mao De patted the buzz-cut man's shoulder. "Good nephew!"

Outside, Tang Zhi Chu couldn't listen anymore and pushed the door open.

The buzz-cut man jumped in fright. He turned around and, seeing it was Tang Zhi Chu, breathed a sigh of relief.

"Hey, it's Zhi Chu! Come here, give your brother a hug. I told your dad, I'll look out for you from now on."

Without waiting for Tang Zhi Chu's reaction, the buzz-cut man gave him a bear hug.

"Wow, you're half a head taller than me."

For this person, Tang Zhi Chu's memory held an unusually significant weight.

Because his father had always tried to mold him into the personality of his cousin, this person was his cousin, Tang Chao, Tang Mao Cai's eldest son.

Tang Zhi Chu pushed Tang Chao away and looked around, finally fixing his gaze under the bed.

Tang Zhi Chu fumbled around for a long time before finding the small bottle of white liquor.

Tang Zhi Chu looked at Tang Mao De.

Tang Mao De was stunned for a moment, then cursed, "Don't look at me. Damn it, which brat put this under my bed? I've only been back a few days?"

Tang Chao glared, then gritted his teeth and cursed, "Damn it, what kind of beast put such good stuff under here! What a waste!"

Tang Mao De glanced at Tang Chao, almost cupping his hands in thanks.

Tang Chao returned Tang Mao De's gaze, as if to say, "Don't worry, brother, I'm a man of honor!"

Tang Zhi Chu ignored the two of them. He walked to the master bedroom's toilet and twisted open the cap.

Under Tang Mao De's regretful gaze, and Tang Chao's pained eyes, it wasn't cheap stuff.

Tang Zhi Chu poured the liquor into the toilet.

"If there's a second time, you can just live in the hospital, don't come back," Tang Zhi Chu said to Tang Mao De, who was lying on the bed.

Tang Mao De glared, "I'm your father! You're causing trouble for your old man as soon as I get back?"

Tang Chao chuckled, "Brother, we can't do this. People should put themselves in others' shoes."

Tang Zhi Chu directly interrupted Tang Chao, "You too. If there's a next time, I'll tell your dad about your three girlfriends."

Tang Chao glared, "I'm your brother! The elder brother is like the father!"