Tang Mao Cai was Tang Zhi Chu's eldest uncle, and Tang Mao De's older brother. You could tell just from their names: virtue and wealth—both in abundance.
As for why Tang Mao Cai was the eldest brother? Maybe he'd had enough of being poor.
Tang Mao Cai really was the most successful one in the Old Tang family. He was now a senior manager at a publicly listed company, and supposedly the kind who handled the dirty, tedious jobs.
For example, when the company acquired a factory, Tang Mao Cai would be sent over. And what would he do? Restructure it and lay people off—nothing but jobs that made enemies.
Tang Zhi Chu glanced at his aunt and understood. She had probably told his eldest uncle about his "situation," which explained his reaction upon seeing him.
"Come on, sit down. Your dad really doesn't know any better. He's too selfish. With things like this, he's still trying to force you to go on a blind date. Is he expecting you to conjure up a grandson for him right away?"
Before Tang Mao Cai could finish, a middle-aged woman behind him kicked him.
That was Tang Zhi Chu's eldest aunt by marriage. Tang Zhi Chu smiled. "It's all right, Auntie. Uncle's right."
Hearing him say that, his aunt came over, took Tang Zhi Chu's hand, and had him sit beside her.
"I know you blame your dad out loud, but you still worry about him deep down. Otherwise, you wouldn't have gone. You should've told us about this sooner. We could've helped you figure something out. You're a sensible child, but you're just too honest." His aunt spoke gently.
Tang Zhi Chu said nothing, looking aggrieved.
Seeing his aunt and Tang Zhi Chu acting like a loving mother and son, Tang Xiuju pursed her lips. "Don't worry, Sister-in-law. I've been staying here for days. I'm here to help."
His aunt's expression stiffened slightly. "That's true. You've worked hard, Xiuju."
Tang Xiuju smiled. "What's there to work hard at? My second brother's the one lying in there. I treat Zhi Chu like my own child."
His aunt smiled too, then took a bank card from her pocket and placed it in Tang Zhi Chu's hand. "That's right. We all feel the same way. We treat Zhi Chu like our own child, too. There's a hundred thousand yuan in this card. Get your dad whatever treatment he needs, and tell us if you need more money."
This time, it was Tang Xiuju's expression that stiffened.
So that was how they wanted to play it? Just hand over money?
But this really was Tang Xiuju's weak spot. Her family's finances were only average.
"Zhi Chu, your aunt gave it to you. Take it. Don't upset her." Seeing Tang Zhi Chu about to refuse, Tang Xiuju hurriedly spoke up.
So they were giving him money? Then they shouldn't expect him to give it back.
Tang Zhi Chu still didn't feel right about it, so he put the bank card into his aunt's hand. "It's all right, Auntie. We have enough money."
"Take it. Better to have it and not need it," Tang Mao Cai said.
His aunt put the bank card back into Tang Zhi Chu's hand. "If I tell you to take it, then take it. Why are you being so formal with your aunt and uncle?"
Tang Zhi Chu had no choice but to accept the card.
"Where's my dad?" Tang Zhi Chu asked.
His aunt looked toward the bedroom.
Tang Zhi Chu got up and turned the corner to the master bedroom. Just as he was about to push the door open, he heard voices inside.
He stopped. There was someone else in there?
Tang Zhi Chu pressed his ear to the door.
Inside the bedroom, a crew-cut man who looked to be in his late twenties struggled to twist open a bottle. "Second Uncle, just a tiny sip, then have some chocolate. Otherwise, my dad will smell it, and I'll have a hard time explaining."
Tang Mao De was propped up in bed and nodded repeatedly. "Honor among brothers. One capful—but fill it to the brim!"
The crew-cut man nodded, then filled a bottle cap to the brim and handed it over.
Tang Mao De downed it in one go, then let out a long breath. "That hits the spot. My eldest nephew really gets me. If your cousin were even half as straightforward and sensible as you, I wouldn't have to worry so much."
The crew-cut man took the cap, screwed it back onto the bottle, and shoved the whole bottle under the bed.
"Second Uncle, there are some things only you and I can say in private. If my dad were even half as reasonable and decisive as you, my life would be so much easier," the crew-cut man grumbled.
"Second Uncle, sometimes I think I should've been your son. We'd be of one heart, father and son. Just imagine the kind of empire we could build! As for Zhi Chu, he was born into the wrong family. My parents only like kids like him—obedient and honest."
Tang Mao De nodded in complete agreement. "You're right. Great minds think alike. Get your uncle another one."
The crew-cut man shook his head. "Uncle, wait until tonight. If you drink any more, something really will happen. But don't worry, Uncle. I looked into your illness. It's definitely serious, but we can't make you suffer for nothing. Otherwise, you won't be happy when it's time to go."
Tang Mao De smacked his lips, savoring the taste in his mouth. He didn't take the crew-cut man's nonsense to heart.
"I came to terms with it a long time ago. I'm only worried about your younger cousin. Otherwise, I'd drink myself into oblivion and get it over with."
The crew-cut man patted his chest. "Don't worry, Uncle. I still remember how you stood up for me in high school. An elder brother is like a father. If you're gone, your cousin will still have me!"
Tang Mao De patted the crew-cut man on the shoulder. "Good nephew!"
Outside, Tang Zhi Chu couldn't listen any longer and pushed the door open.
The crew-cut man jumped in fright. He turned around, saw Tang Zhi Chu, and relaxed.
"Hey, Zhi Chu! Come on, give your big brother a hug. I told your dad I'd look out for you from now on."
The crew-cut man didn't wait for Tang Zhi Chu to react before wrapping him in a bear hug.
"Good grief, you're half a head taller than your big brother!"
Tang Zhi Chu had an unusually vivid memory of this man.
His dad had always tried to raise him to have the same personality as his cousin. This was that cousin, Tang Chao, Tang Mao Cai's eldest son.
Tang Zhi Chu pushed Tang Chao away, then looked around. His gaze finally settled beneath the bed.
Tang Zhi Chu got down on the floor and felt around for a long time before pulling out the small bottle of liquor.
Tang Zhi Chu looked at Tang Mao De.
Tang Mao De froze, then cursed, "Don't look at me! Damn it, which little brat put this under my bed? I've only been back for a few days!"
Tang Chao's eyes widened. Then he gritted his teeth and cursed, too. "Damn it, what kind of animal put such good stuff under here? What a waste!"
Tang Mao De glanced at Tang Chao, nearly clasping his hands together in gratitude.
Tang Chao returned his look as if to say, Don't worry. Your boy knows how things are done.
Tang Zhi Chu ignored them both. He went into the master bedroom's bathroom and unscrewed the bottle cap.
Tang Mao De watched with a pained expression, while Tang Chao looked heartbroken. It wasn't cheap liquor, after all.
Tang Zhi Chu poured the liquor down the toilet.
"If you do that again, you're staying in the hospital. Don't come back," Tang Zhi Chu said to Tang Mao De, who was lying in bed.
Tang Mao De glared. "I'm your father! You've barely come home and you're already giving your old man a hard time?"
Tang Chao smiled. "Bro, you can't do that. People have to put themselves in each other's shoes—"
Tang Zhi Chu cut Tang Chao off. "You, too. Do it again, and I'll tell your dad you have three girlfriends."
Tang Chao's eyes widened. "I'm your big brother! An elder brother is like a father!"
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