Farewell to the Old, Welcome the New

In the days leading up to Lunar New Year's Eve, Zhang Yang treated it as a holiday.

He lives a monotonous life, sometimes staying at Purple Garden No. 1, sometimes in the presidential suite of the Four Seasons Hotel under his own name, and occasionally taking girls to farms in the suburbs for camping and picnics.

Life was peaceful and serene, with a rare tranquility and comfort.

On New Year's Eve, Zhang Yang drove to the countryside early to pick up his two elderly relatives to celebrate the New Year together.

In the newly decorated rural villa with Chinese style, Grandpa Zhang Yang, with a ruddy complexion and a loud voice, was practicing Tai Chi in the yard, dressed in Tai Chi clothes.

Grandma Zhang Yang is sunbathing on a Hainan rosewood reclining chair.

At my feet, a tabby cat, adopted from who-knows-who, lay lazily on the ground, occasionally dozing off.

"Oh, Zhang Yang is here." As soon as Grandma Zhang Yang saw the visitor, she quickly sat up with a smile.

The tabby cat was also taken aback. It got up from the ground and circled around Zhang Yang, as if it had sensed that the person in front of it was different from others.

"What a fat cat." Zhang Yang glanced at it. "Go take it for a walk and let it lose some weight."

The tabby cat trembled and obediently went for a walk.

"Huh?" The old man walked over in surprise. "This cat doesn't listen to anyone, but it listens to you? It seems it really does recognize people, especially family."

Zhang Yang smiled.

Let alone a cat, even a lion would be obediently allowed to ride it if it were right here. Animals, after all, have a natural sense of perception that far surpasses that of humans.

"Grandpa, come on, let's take you home for the New Year."

"Alright, let's go now." The old man nodded and beckoned Grandma Zhang Yang to prepare to leave.

A moment later, on the way to Yinghai City, Zhang Yang was driving the two elderly people. He listened to them chatter about everyday things, and far from finding it annoying, he actually enjoyed it.

"The girl who renovated our house... she often came to supervise the work herself, inside and out, she really went to great lengths," the old man mentioned. "Think about it, it wasn't easy for her to come all that way, she came at least two or three times a week during that period."

"Oh, by the way, people even came to give us gifts during the New Year, which made us feel a little embarrassed," Grandma Zhang Yang added.

Zhang Yang listened attentively and kept the words in mind.

The little girl that the grandparents were talking about was none other than designer Kobayashi.

Lin Jingmin always cared about Zhang Yang's affairs.

"A red envelope will definitely be given upon return," Zhang Yang muttered to himself.

Later that evening, the car arrived in Yinghai City and then headed straight for Purple Garden No. 1.

Inside the garage, a row of Bentleys and two Maybachs were parked, one of which was a Maybach Pullman worth tens of millions.

Including Zhang Yang's Cullinan.

Luxury cars worth tens of millions.

Honestly, this kind of spectacle is unique, not only in the Purple Garden No. 1 Villa Complex, but also throughout the entire Yinghai.

Anyone who saw this would surely praise their immense wealth.

A moment later, inside the villa.

The two elderly people strolled around the house, looking at the flowers and plants, and chatted with their son and daughter-in-law about everyday matters.

Zhang Yang glanced at the mountain of gifts piled up at the foot of the wall and couldn't help but chuckle.

The saying "When you're poor, no one cares even in the bustling city; when you're rich, even distant relatives come calling" is no joke. Since our family became successful, our home has become increasingly lively during festivals.

Various relatives, friends, business partners, even neighbors... to put it somewhat inappropriately, what's the purpose? Isn't it all about climbing the social ladder and getting rich?

Zhang Yang's immense wealth was far beyond the reach of these people; they couldn't access it, nor did they understand it. But what they saw before them... houses worth tens of millions, cars worth tens of millions, and seven or eight shops that made a fortune every day...

These are all real and tangible facts right in front of us.

"The gift-giving has finally quieted down a bit today," Zhang Zhaohai said, shaking his head. "These days, my doorstep is practically worn down... I should be more discreet."

"Dad, you must have been driving that Pullman quite a bit lately, right?" Zhang Yang said with a smile.

Zhang Zhaohai immediately smiled sheepishly and admitted it, somewhat embarrassed.

Because that's Pullman! The car of a true big shot!

As a restaurant owner, he couldn't resist such temptation, so as soon as he got the car, he couldn't help but start driving it.

So much so that the whole city was filled with the legend of Boss Zhang and that Pullman.

"It's okay, just go for it if you want to," Zhang Yang said with a smile. "There's no need to make yourself suffer."

While it's true that keeping a low profile is the best policy, being high-profile is the root of all evil and the source of trouble.

However, Zhang Zhaohai, having suddenly become wealthy, is at the height of his success and why should he force himself to be low-key?

Go ahead and show off if you want.

"I'm afraid of arousing jealousy," Song Wenqin said as she walked over. "You know the example of everyone kicking someone when they're down. Some people are very respectful to you when they're successful, but once they lose power, they're the first to jump out."

"Losing power?" Zhang Yang chuckled.

Do they really think they're rootless drifters who suddenly become rich?

In terms of wealth, he is as deep as the ocean; in terms of methods, he has connections that reach the heavens and can turn the tide in an instant; in terms of connections, he is famous throughout Beijing and Shanghai and has long been a figure of his own.

At this moment, he is more than just a big tree; he is clearly an unsinkable aircraft carrier.

"What... people should still have a sense of awe." Song Wenqin noticed the unintentional hint of indifference in her son's expression. "Don't learn from your father."

"I know, Mom." Zhang Yang nodded without arguing.

That was the end of the conversation. Zhang Zhaohai voluntarily handed over Pullman's car keys and promised to keep a low profile for a while after the New Year.

"I'll drive my Cayenne for a while after the New Year."

That Cayenne was parked at the old house; it hadn't been driven for a long time.

Yes, for Zhang Zhaohai now, driving a Cayenne is already considered extremely low-key.

That's what he thought.

Song Wenqin thought so too.

Whether his parents are low-key or high-profile, Zhang Yang naturally won't interfere.

He simply walked away, took out his phone, opened Lin Jingmin's chat window, and sent her a New Year's red envelope.

"Wow!" The chat box popped up excitedly. "Thanks for the red envelope, boss."

"Thank you for taking care of the house at my grandfather's place. I heard from my grandfather that you even went to deliver a gift?" Zhang Yang sent a message.

"Of course, I've spent some time with my grandparents and they seem very kind to me. As a junior, it's only natural to show my appreciation during the New Year," Lin Jingmin explained. "It's nothing expensive."

"You're so thoughtful... By the way, I heard you mention that you've always wanted to start your own studio?"

"Yes, I have thought about it."

"Tell me if you have any difficulties or are short of money, don't keep it to yourself," Zhang Yang said. "I'll lend you a hand then."

He remembered that during the Mid-Autumn Festival that year, the system gave him a task to deliver gift boxes to women of the opposite sex with a favorability rating of 90 or higher.

Lin Jingmin is one of them.

Lin Jingmin played a part in creating the welcoming atmosphere at Haiqin Restaurant. Therefore, if she needs help, Zhang Yang will naturally lend a hand without hesitation.

"With you saying that, Mr. Zhang, I can rest assured."

Zhang Yang held his phone and chatted with Lin Jingmin via text, voice, and then video for a while.

If it weren't for New Year's Eve, when everyone is so busy, designer Kobayashi would probably have come directly over.

After an unknown amount of time, Zhang Yang put down his phone, the familiar aroma of food filling the air.

Looking back, Song Wenqin was waving to him to come eat.

The festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year immediately kicked in.

··

It's Lunar New Year's Eve again.

Inside the villa area, every household was brightly lit, and in the pitch-black night, the sounds of children playing and the twinkling lights of fireworks could be heard from time to time.

The flavor of the New Year is roughly equivalent to the lingering gunpowder smell after fireworks and firecrackers have burned.

Inside the Zhang family villa,

The large round table was laden with all sorts of delicacies from land and sea, as well as home-style dishes. A special Spring Festival program was playing continuously on the large television screen.

The family of five sat together at the table, their glasses filled with fine wine, and began their New Year's Eve dinner.

"Another busy year has passed." Zhang Zhaohai raised his glass. "Come on, let's toast our whole family. I wish us all a harmonious, happy, and reunited new year."

Since my family became wealthy, we've been saying auspicious phrases like "get rich quick" less and less.

A heartfelt blessing is a blessing for things that haven't happened yet. It's an aspiration and hope for a better life. What we already have, and what we will have even more of in the future, naturally doesn't need further explanation.

And blessings, naturally, return to the most simple and sincere wishes.

My only wish is for a happy family and for all my family members to be healthy and blessed.

Outside the villa, the faint sound of firecrackers could be heard from near and far.

The television in the living room was filled with various New Year's celebrations from all over the country, accompanied by a lively atmosphere.

Zhang Yang raised his glass and toasted his family.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, the lamplight shone on the still youthful faces of the parents, and on the smiling faces of the two elderly people beside them, who looked incredibly energetic.

Zhang Yang drank his wine and listened to the laughter around him, he suddenly wished that time could stand still at this moment.

Time flies relentlessly, and the new year has arrived as scheduled.

But let us bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new.

Happy New Year.

··

On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, business people, having been busy all year, usually choose to sleep until late morning and only start exchanging New Year's greetings on the second day.

However, Zhang Yang's family still maintains their original habits.

On New Year's Eve, people stay up late and get up early to set off firecrackers to welcome the morning of New Year's Day.

On the table early in the morning, breakfast consists of glutinous rice balls, symbolizing family reunion.

While eating glutinous rice balls, Zhang Yang watched the replay of the Spring Festival Gala. His phone kept receiving messages, with various messages appearing one after another without any interruption.

As for New Year's greeting phone calls, there are also certain rules to follow.

Those who lack the necessary status might dare to send a message, but they wouldn't dare to call and wish someone a Happy New Year. Only those who are truly qualified will make the call.

So Zhang Yang just glanced at the information.

He would only answer calls from his direct subordinates, close friends in the industry, and other important figures, exchanging New Year's greetings and celebrating the arrival of the new year.

The two elderly people, dressed in Tang suits, walked over looking very energetic.

Zhang Yang naturally put down his phone and immediately wished his parents a Happy New Year.

On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, the family happily ate breakfast together at the table.

After breakfast, it was time to set off to pay New Year's visits.

Neither Zhang Zhaohai nor his wife drove their own car; they got into Zhang Yang's Cullinan and headed straight to Zhang Zhaohai's maternal grandmother's house to pay their New Year's respects.

On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, the sun was shining brightly. The shops on the street were all closed, and the open space in front of the shops still had the smoke of fireworks and firecrackers lingering.

At the entrance to my grandmother's courtyard, the incense had burned halfway down, and faint sounds of laughter and chatter could be heard coming from inside.

Amidst the sound of car horns.

The Cullinan slowly came to a stop at the entrance.

The relatives in the courtyard looked up and stood up to greet him.

"They're here! They're here!"

"Boss Zhang is here..."

The group joked as they walked over to the car to greet him.

Zhang Zhaohai and Song Wenqin got out of the car together. The couple were dressed in haute couture and exuded an air of wealth.

Zhang Yang parked the car and got out.

Just as I was about to offer a cigarette, I saw a young man eagerly come up and offer cigarettes first.

"Come, come... let me introduce you..." Auntie said with a smile. "This is our family's newest member..."

"Hello everyone," the young man greeted with a big smile.

Zhang Yang suddenly realized.

It turns out this man is my second aunt's prospective son-in-law.

Zhang Zhaohai and his wife nodded in a very friendly manner and said a few nice things, nothing more than that the young man was handsome and talented, which made Auntie's heart flutter with joy and her face full of smiles.

"Come, Pengfei, this is my nephew Zhang Yang. You're all the same age, so get to know each other better." The second aunt solemnly led her prospective son-in-law to meet Zhang Yang.

"Hello, hello." The young man quickly extended his hand in greeting.

Zhang Yang nodded and smiled at him as a greeting.

"Zhang Yang, if you have any good opportunities in the future, please take good care of our Pengfei," Auntie said kindly from the side.

"Of course, Second Aunt," Zhang Yang said politely with a smile.

He looked around and walked towards his maternal grandmother to offer her a New Year's greeting, where he happened to see his maternal uncle and his wife hiding away.

Of course, there was also my little cousin Song Yumeng, who came up to greet me with great enthusiasm.

"Happy New Year, brother."

"Happy New Year." Zhang Yang patted his little cousin's head, then looked at his uncle and aunt, "Uncle, Aunt, happy New Year to you too."

"Ahem... Hello, hello." The uncle greeted him awkwardly. "Zhang Yang... My restaurant hasn't made much money this year. I owe you that money, but hold on a bit, I'll definitely find a way to pay it back."

My aunt-in-law suddenly couldn't hold back anymore.

"You know... it's really baffling. When your dad worked at our restaurant in previous years, business wasn't that great. How come every restaurant your family opens is a hit!"

"Auntie, our family is planning to open two more restaurants in the first half of the year, one of which seems to be near yours," Zhang Yang said with a smile. "Please be lenient then, Auntie, let's keep things peaceful."

Upon hearing this, the aunt's face immediately turned pale.

"What!" she almost exclaimed in shock, "How could you... why drive to that area of ours?"

With the booming business of Haiqin Restaurant, if it opened near my home, how could my family possibly survive?

For a moment, she was completely stunned.

"Mom... it's Aunt's family's freedom to open a restaurant wherever they want. Isn't fair competition a good thing?" Song Yumeng tugged at her mother's arm. "Our family doesn't need to be so stingy, does it?"