A Little Fulfillment in Life is Better Than Perfection

It was still chilly in early spring, and the whole family was enjoying the sunshine and eating fruits in the yard, quite carefree and relaxed.

Seeing this harmonious scene, Grandma's expression relaxed for once, and she felt a sense of relief.

She finally felt that, in a way, this meant... harmony in the family brings prosperity in all things.

Zhang Yang's uncle didn't mention how he would repay the money, and he was too lazy to go over and ask. The younger generation simply went to the side and chatted and joked to pass the time.

"Brother, that photo of you and Sister Chu Xi last time made all my friends so envious!" Even after all this time, Song Yumeng's voice was still full of excitement as she pulled Zhang Yang aside and kept talking, "They all kept asking me how I did it!"

"What did you say?" Zhang Yang asked with a smile.

"Just tell the truth," Song Yumeng said with a smile, her eyes crinkling. "I'll tell you I have an incredibly capable older brother, and it was my brother who took me there."

"So..." Zhang Yang blinked.

"So, a lot of little girls want to get to know you, big brother. How about it? If you're interested, let's go sing karaoke together during the New Year and get to know each other?" Song Yumeng said half-jokingly. "They're all pretty good-looking, and there are even a few truly natural beauties."

"I'm too busy," Zhang Yang could only apologize.

"That's true, after all, even big stars are yours, brother..." Song Yumeng stopped mid-sentence.

Because Li Kaiguang, who was standing to the side, had already curiously come closer.

"What are you guys talking about... what celebrities? Zhang Yang, I didn't realize you were a fan of celebrities too?"

"Do I look like a fangirl?" Zhang Yang laughed it off.

He doesn't idolize celebrities, but celebrities idolize him.

"Haha, I'm quite a fan. I heard that Ouyang Feifei just had a concert in Tongzhou, but unfortunately I had to work overtime and couldn't go," Li Kaiguang said with a look of regret. "My goddess!"

He sighed.

Zhang Yang blinked and glanced at his phone.

Song Yumeng seemed to have thought of something as well, but she smiled and remained silent.

Li Kaiguang was baffled, wondering what his younger brother and sister were up to.

"By the way," Zhang Yang said, pulling Li Kaiguang aside, "Next year, my mom is planning to open another shop in the south. I'll arrange for you to go to the first shop to familiarize yourself with it. You know about this, right?"

"I know, my aunt told me." Li Kaiguang smiled sheepishly. "I'll work as a substitute for now; my aunt plans to train me to be the store manager."

Zhang Yang nodded.

The first branch is naturally the most established branch of Haiqin Restaurant, with stable staff inside and out, so there's nothing to worry about.

It would be perfect to let Li Kaiguang go and familiarize himself with the area.

It's not too late to make arrangements based on needs after he's become more familiar with the job.

After exchanging New Year's greetings, Zhang Zhaohai and his wife wanted to stay a while longer. After all, relatives and friends were all there, and it was a rare occasion to get together all year round. So, they decided to take this opportunity to get together for a game of cards, mahjong, and a meal.

"Shall I come back to pick you up?" Zhang Yang greeted the others and prepared to leave first.

Even though he was in Yinghai, he still had some things to take care of.

"Go ahead and do your work. Your dad and I will figure something out ourselves." Song Wenqin smiled and waved, indicating that Zhang Yang should do as he pleased.

Zhang Yang didn't stand on ceremony and left his grandmother's house directly.

On the first day of the new year, he, as the boss, still had to give out the red envelopes that were due.

Leaving aside the fact that the staff at the farm and shopping street are not working for the time being, the Four Seasons Hotel is a service industry business that operates year-round, with staff on duty every day.

Therefore, he planned to go and offer his regards.

A moment later, Zhang Yang drove straight to the Four Seasons Hotel.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, there were still quite a few people working at the hotel, especially in the catering department, which was busy throughout the entire first month of the lunar calendar.

Happy New Year, Mr. Zhang.

Happy New Year, boss!

Along the way, every smiling face was filled with joy.

Zhang Yang smiled and nodded all the way, then walked directly into the elevator and headed straight for the general manager's office.

"Happy New Year, Mr. Zhang! I wish you a prosperous New Year and business all over the world." In the office, Anderson quickly put down his work and greeted him with a smile.

"You too, wishing you and your family happiness." Zhang Yang smiled and nodded. "By the way, did you prepare the red envelope I asked you to prepare?"

"Mr. Zhang, they're all here," Anderson said quickly.

"Alright, then arrange for the hotel staff from each department to come over in batches to collect their New Year's bonuses," Zhang Yang instructed.

A moment later, in the hotel lobby.

Anderson stood with Zhang Yang.

Ahead, all the hotel staff were lining up to receive their New Year's red envelopes.

"Thank you, Mr. Zhang."

"Thank you, Mr. Zhang."

There were some very proper and respectful employees, but the young girls who had only been working at the hotel for a short time were a bit bolder.

"Wishing Mr. Zhang eternal youth and a life forever young!"

"Wishing Mr. Zhang ten concubines, and many children and much happiness..."

The young girls happily accepted the red envelopes, and took the opportunity to show off to their boss, Zhang Yang, and leave a lasting impression.

The vibrant young girls completely captivated Zhang Yang.

He suddenly realized that, in terms of age, he wasn't much older than them. Being a boss for so long really does make your mental age increase year by year; you're using one year as if it were ten.

After the red envelopes were distributed, everyone was beaming with joy and full of energy.

Especially when they secretly opened the red envelope and took a look, they were pleasantly surprised and exclaimed that the boss was very generous.

After distributing the New Year's red envelopes, Zhang Yang left the Four Seasons Hotel early and drove around Star City World Commercial Street.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, all the shops on the commercial street were naturally closed.

However, businesses cannot close for too long. White-collar workers, students, and various people returning home for the New Year are relaxing, but they cannot, as the first month of the lunar calendar is a good time to make money.

I reckon we'll be opening for business tomorrow.

"Huh?" Passing by Li Xiaoxuan's barbecue restaurant, Zhang Yang saw that the roller shutter door was half open and there were figures busy inside.

He watched for a long time.

The slender figure stepped out of the store, accompanied by a small figure.

Zhang Yang smiled and honked the car horn.

The young mom turned around and looked at her, her eyes instantly lighting up with surprise.

A moment later, two figures, one tall and one short, came running over.

"Happy New Year, Uncle." Tongtong greeted Zhang Yang obediently, then looked at Li Xiaoxuan.

Li Xiaoxuan mouthed the words, gently reminding her.

"Wishing Uncle a prosperous New Year, with red envelopes rolling in!"

"You misspoke, it should be 'May wealth roll in'." Li Xiaoxuan blushed deeply and went over to rub Tongtong's head.

"That's right, that's right, you've said it very well." Zhang Yang smiled, "Come on, let the red envelopes roll in, Uncle will give you some New Year's money."

He took out a thick red envelope from beside him and handed it to Tongtong.

Tongtong looked on longingly, but didn't take it. She then looked at Li Xiaoxuan, as if seeking her permission.

"Tongtong ..." Li Xiaoxuan shook her head.

"This is for the child." Zhang Yang stuffed the red envelope directly into Tongtong's hand. "Keep it safe, go out and buy some snacks later... Xiaoxuan, why are you at the store again today?"

He looked at Li Xiaoxuan.

"Come and have a look around the store," Li Xiaoxuan said with a smile. "And you, what brings you here?"

"Same as you," Zhang Yang said.

"Look at my brain." Li Xiaoxuan couldn't help but rub her forehead, shaking her head and laughing.

She came here to check on her shop.

Isn't Zhang Yang the same? After all, this huge commercial street is all Zhang Yang's property.

On the afternoon of the first day of the Lunar New Year, Zhang Yang and Li Xiaoxuan stood facing each other on the street, with Tongtong looking up at them. The three of them looked like a family of three.

I don't know how much time passed.

"Would you like to come to my house for dinner?" Li Xiaoxuan asked hopefully.

Zhang Yang thought for a moment, glanced at Li Xiaoxuan was standing beside him with an expectant look on her face, and nodded.

"Really?" Li Xiaoxuan opened her arms and gave Zhang Yang a big hug. "I'm so happy!"

"It's the Lunar New Year, why say such unlucky things?" Zhang Yang took Li Xiaoxuan's hand. "Want to go buy some groceries?"

"No need," Li Xiaoxuan smiled, pursing her lips. "My parents are here to celebrate the New Year with me."

"We can't just go empty-handed to freeload." Zhang Yang laughed, putting his arm around Li Xiaoxuan's waist. "Come on, come with me."

In the afternoon, Zhang Yang and Li Xiaoxuan went to buy gifts together.

He asked Li Xiaoxuan beforehand and learned that her father smoked and drank, so he went to a tobacco and liquor store first to stock up on Moutai and Wuliangye, and also bought some health products such as bird's nest and donkey-hide gelatin.

With that, the gifts are all prepared.

After loading the items into the trunk, Zhang Yang drove straight to Li Xiaoxuan's house.

Around four or five o'clock, downstairs in the residential area.

The two chatted and laughed as they carried their things upstairs.

"Grandma and Grandpa!" Tongtong stood at the door, knocking happily.

"Coming, coming!" A burst of laughter came from inside the door.

Then, the door opened.

Inside the door, a middle-aged couple opened it with smiles, and then, upon seeing Zhang Yang, they both froze in surprise.

"Happy New Year, Uncle and Auntie," Zhang Yang greeted them politely.

"Mom and Dad, this is Mr. Zhang," Li Xiaoxuan introduced, "I've mentioned him to you before."

Both of them immediately realized what was happening and greeted them warmly.

"Mr. Zhang, please come in!"

Zhang Yang carried the gifts into the house and watched the couple bustling about.

Some went to pour tea, others went to cut fruit.

She seemed enthusiastic but also a little reserved and nervous, clearly caught off guard by his arrival.

"Uncle and Aunt, you don't need to bother, I can do it myself," Zhang Yang said with a smile.

"Of course, of course." Li Xiaoxuan's mother brought over a fruit platter. "Please have some fruit, Mr. Zhang."

Li Xiaoxuan's father also busied himself opening a pack of cigarettes. "Mr. Zhang, please have a cigarette. Xiaoxuan often mentions you, saying you've taken good care of her... We've been wanting to find an opportunity to thank you."

"No need to thank me, it was nothing," Zhang Yang said with a smile, politely declining the cigarette.

Li Xiaoxuan's parents seemed to be honest and unassuming people. They didn't talk much, but they kept urging him to eat fruit and refilling his tea.

After sitting with him for a while, Li Xiaoxuan's mother gently nudged Li Xiaoxuan's father with her elbow and gave him a meaningful look.

Mr. Li immediately understood.

"Xiaoxuan, you sit with Mr. Zhang. Your mother and I will go prepare dinner."

As they spoke, the couple stood up.

"My parents are a little nervous," Li Xiaoxuan said with a smile, leaning closer. "Did you notice?"

"Uncle and Auntie are just being hospitable," Zhang Yang said, eating fruit. "Mmm, the grapes are so sweet and juicy."

"Here, let me feed you one." Li Xiaoxuan smiled, picked up a grape, and fed it to Zhang Yang.

In the kitchen, the couple busied themselves while discreetly observing the activity in the living room.

"Oh dear, no wonder Xiaoxuan can't forget this Mr. Zhang. Seeing him today, his character and demeanor are like those of a celestial being. Did I embarrass my daughter by losing my composure just now?" Mrs. Li said softly while preparing the hairy crabs.

"No, no, it's normal to be a little nervous; it actually shows respect," Mr. Li said, then asked, "Hey, you know, this Mr. Zhang and our Xiaoxuan..."

"What do you think? Do you really want Xiaoxuan to be so blunt?" Mrs. Li rolled her eyes at him. "It's Xiaoxuan's good fortune that someone has taken a liking to her. Don't overthink it. Some things are best left unsaid."

"Yes, yes, that's right." Mr. Li chuckled. "Look at Mr. Zhang, the generosity of his gifts. He gave me a whole case of Moutai, a liquor I've never even tasted in my life."

The couple spoke in hushed tones, yet they were quite self-aware.

Their daughter's divorce had always been a source of deep sorrow for the couple. Now that they had someone to rely on, they felt incredibly fortunate, as if they had been blessed in their past lives. How could they possibly ask for more?

Outside the living room, Zhang Yang was with Li Xiaoxuan, chatting and gossiping, listening to her tell him about her recent interesting stories.

Li Xiaoxuan's shop is becoming increasingly popular.

With her business thriving and becoming more stable, she was no longer in a state of unstable income and uncertainty. She could truly be called a boss lady.

"How about opening a branch?" Zhang Yang's hand unconsciously wrapped around Li Xiaoxuan's waist.

Li Xiaoxuan nestled obediently in his arms.

Tongtong ran around inside and outside the house, occasionally taking out her toys to show off. She didn't seem to find it strange at all that her mother and uncle were behaving so affectionately towards her.

"No, I think it's better not to. My shop is only a small part of the way there." Li Xiaoxuan shook her head. "Besides, I'm quite content with my current situation. I have enough to eat and wear, and I have enough money to raise and educate my child. That's enough. I don't ask for anything more."

She understood the principle that Lesser Fullness (Xiaoman) brings complete success.

Contentment brings happiness.

"I was thinking we could open a shop together," Zhang Yang suddenly suggested. "We'd make the barbecue you're best at, something upscale. I'll provide the capital, and you can handle everything else. How about we split the business 50/50?"

"Good job, Mr. Zhang, are you trying to give me money in a roundabout way?" Li Xiaoxuan wrapped her arms around Zhang Yang's neck, her eyes sparkling. "Another nightclub in Tokyo?"

Recently, Li Xiaoxuan has become a huge fan of the popular drama "Blossoms Shanghai" and immediately recognized Zhang Yang's true intention in opening the store.

"If you say so, then so be it," Zhang Yang said with a smile.

"Not good." Li Xiaoxuan wrinkled her nose. "This couple is the one I feel most sorry for in the drama. Lingzi clearly knew what was going on, but she just took a chance and only realized it at the very end."

"You're overthinking it. I'm not Boss Bao, and you're not Lingzi," Zhang Yang said. "Just consider it as me giving your shop a gift."

"Of course you're not. If you were President Bao, you'd have to scrap the entire script and rewrite it." Li Xiaoxuan hugged Zhang Yang and whispered in his ear, "Then I'll accept it, but let's make it clear first, I'll come up with the name of the shop, okay?"

"Okay, whatever you say." Zhang Yang readily agreed.