Rebirth of Bloody Romance

Zhong Yuemin leaned back in a wooden chair, the setting sun shining through the gaps in the leaves, casting patches of light on his face with a somewhat unruly smile.

Zhong Yuemin gently shook the teacup in his hand, his eyes flashing with fearlessness and longing for the future. "Anyway, the world keeps changing, and no matter what profession you choose, the government will assign you a job. We don't need to worry about it too much. The key is to choose what you like, otherwise you will live a miserable life."

Li Hongmei sat opposite, frowning, looking like she was worried. After hearing what Zhong Yuemin said, she sighed helplessly, with a hint of worry and helplessness in her voice. "Alas! My younger sister is stubborn and wants to study communications in the future. She said that the University of Posts and Telecommunications has this major and she must go. Because of this, the whole family is arguing. I really have no choice but to come to you to discuss it."

Zhong Yuemin raised his eyebrows when he heard this, and a hint of curiosity flashed in his eyes. "Oh, your little sister is really different. It's rare to see girls interested in communications these days. But then again, Qingmu University's communications major is top-notch, why do you have to go to Posts and Telecommunications?"

Li Hongmei smiled bitterly, folded her hands on her chest, and showed a trace of helplessness in her eyes. "Why else? I guess she was afraid that she would not be admitted to Qingmu, so she chose Posts and Telecommunications University as a second choice. After all, Posts and Telecommunications University is also a good choice. At least the academic pressure is not that great."

Hearing this, Zhong Yuemin raised a playful smile, his eyes full of encouragement. "Hey... your little sister is very thoughtful, she knows to leave a way out for herself. But I say, people still have to have dreams, what if they come true? Tell her not to be afraid of failure, try your best. Even if she doesn't make it to Qingmu in the end, at least she tried and has no regrets. Tell her to cheer up, young people should have the spirit of not admitting defeat!"

Li Hongmei listened to Zhong Yuemin's words, and the haze in her heart seemed to be swept away. A smile gradually appeared on her face. "Well, Brother Zhong is right! I will go back and tell her to pursue her dreams boldly. No matter what the result is, at least we have tried. Thank you, Brother Zhong, I feel more at ease with you around."

After Li Hongmei and Zhang Li finished talking about their personal matters, they changed the topic and began to discuss the company's affairs. Zhong Yuemin looked relaxed and said that they could make their own decisions and he just needed to listen.

Suddenly, Li Hongmei mentioned the export issue, and her tone revealed a bit of helplessness. "Brother Zhong, a Japanese businessman came to our factory and said he wanted to order 100,000 pairs of shoes from us. Zhang Li and I did not agree. But the leaders of the municipal party committee insisted that we agree, so we came to ask for your opinion."

Zhong Yuemin was stunned when he heard this. He didn't expect that in this era, when others were racking their brains for export products, Li Hongmei and Zhang Li refused such a large order.

Zhong Yuemin asked curiously, "Why not agree? This is a rare opportunity."

Li Hongmei and Zhang Li answered confidently, "Those are the Japanese! Doing business with the Japanese is treason!" Their tone was full of determination, as if this was an unshakable issue of principle.

Zhong Yuemin couldn't help scratching his head after hearing what they said. He understood their feelings, but in business, this concept was obviously a bit outdated. So, he replied leisurely, "The equipment in your factory is all made in Japan."

As soon as this sentence came out, Li Hongmei and Zhang Li were speechless. They were stunned for a while, and it was obvious that Zhong Yuemin's words hit the nail on the head. In their inherent concept, they don't like Japan, and they don't even want to have any business dealings with the Japanese. However, the reality is that the equipment used in their factory is from Japan.

Zhong Yuemin looked at their embarrassed expressions, smiled and said, "When doing business, we still have to focus on interests. As long as the conditions given by the other party are suitable, why shouldn't we do it? As for historical issues, that is a matter at the national level. We ordinary people should just live our own lives."

Li Hongmei and Zhang Li looked at each other, a hint of embarrassment flashed across their faces, and then they became firm again.

Li Hongmei said, "Brother Zhong, although that's what we said, we still can't get over it. We use their equipment because there is no better alternative in China at present, and there is nothing we can do about it. But when it comes to cooperation, especially with the Japanese, we are really reluctant."

Zhang Li also took over the conversation, with a bit of excitement in his voice. "Yes, Brother Zhong, do you know? In that war, so many ancestors shed blood and sacrificed their lives just to prevent foreign bullying. Although it is a peaceful era now, we can't forget that history. Doing business with the Japanese always makes us feel sorry for those sacrificed heroes."

Zhong Yuemin was silent for a while after hearing this. His eyes became deep, as if he was thinking about something. Then he spoke slowly, his voice calm but powerful. "I understand your feelings. History cannot be forgotten, but development cannot stop. When we do business, we focus on integrity, quality and mutual benefit. It has nothing to do with people from any country. If we refuse all opportunities for cooperation because of past grievances, then our vision will be too narrow and our development will be limited."

Zhong Yuemin paused and continued, "Besides, our products can be exported to other countries, allowing the world to see the quality of our Made in China products. This is also a kind of pride, isn't it? Of course, I respect your decision, but I hope you can consider the long-term and not miss the opportunity to take the factory to a higher level because of momentary emotions."

After a while, Zhang Li finally couldn't help but ask, "Brother Zhong, do you think this can really be done?" Her eyes were full of expectation and confusion.

Zhong Yuemin smiled slightly and said firmly, "Why not do something that is beneficial? The foreign exchange you earn is also beneficial to the country and the people. Don't think too narrowly."

Zhong Yuemin paused and continued, "Besides, now that the two countries have established diplomatic relations, if there is something worth learning from them, we should learn from them. What's there to be ashamed of? Business is all about learning from each other and making progress together."

Li Hongmei still couldn't wrap her mind around it, so she asked doubtfully, "Brother Zhong, then, then this really doesn't count as treason?"

Zhong Yuemin couldn't help but laugh when he heard this. He shook his head and said, "You two! You really think too much. How can you, a small self-employed person, sell out the country? You can't just sell the country if you want to. Don't think of yourselves as so important, and don't think the problem is so complicated."

"Why don't you just say that we are not qualified to sell out our country!" Li Hongmei muttered this sentence after a long time, with a look of helplessness and self-mockery on her face.

Zhong Yuemin laughed and patted her on the shoulder. "Yes, you are not qualified to sell out your country. So, don't worry so much. Just do your business well and make money. That's the serious thing."

Zhang Li's eyes gradually brightened after hearing Zhong Yuemin's words, as if she had found a direction. "Brother Zhong, I feel much better after hearing you say that. In fact, we also know that we can't refuse to cooperate because of past grievances, but we just can't get over the hurdle in our hearts. Now that you say that, I feel much more enlightened."

Zhong Yuemin smiled, his eyes revealing some wisdom. "Yes, Zhang Li, we have to learn to look forward. Now that the two countries have established diplomatic relations, this is a new beginning. If they have something worth learning, we should learn with an open mind; if we have good products, we should boldly promote them. This is not only for ourselves, but also for the development of the country. Think about it, if your products can go global, wouldn't it bring glory to our country?"

Although Li Hongmei was still a little confused, she felt that Zhong Yuemin's words made some sense. "Brother Zhong, I think I can understand a little bit after you put it that way. But I'm still worried that if I cooperate with the Japanese, will someone gossip about me behind my back?"

Zhang Li burst out laughing when she heard this, and the tense atmosphere was instantly broken. She gently patted Li Hongmei on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Sister Hongmei, look at you, you still think so much! Brother Zhong is right, we are just doing a small business, how can we say it is as serious as selling out the country. We have to look at the long-term, for the development of the company, for everyone's jobs, sometimes we have to put aside some unnecessary concerns."

Li Hongmei was also amused by what she said just now and smiled bitterly. "I just can't get over the hurdle in my heart! After hearing what you said, I feel that I think too much. Brother Zhong, what should we do next?"

Seeing this, Zhong Yuemin nodded secretly in his heart. Although these two girls occasionally had some small emotions, they were still able to distinguish the priorities at critical moments.

Zhong Yuemin pondered for a moment and said slowly, "First, you have to learn about the background of the Japanese businessman in detail to ensure that they are trustworthy. Then, find someone who knows the business to help you check whether there are any traps in the contract. Finally, communicate well with the leaders of the municipal party committee, let them know your bottom line and principles, and strive for the greatest support."

"Also," Zhong Yuemin added, "don't forget, we are Chinese. No matter who we do business with, we must remember to safeguard our own interests and dignity. Learn from their strengths, but never blindly worship them, and never lose yourself."

Li Hongmei and Zhang Li listened carefully and nodded to indicate that they had taken note. They knew that this opportunity was not just a simple business cooperation, but also a test of their abilities and an important decision for the future development of the company.

"Brother Zhong, thank you! We understand and will handle it carefully." Li Hongmei looked at Zhong Yuemin gratefully, her heart full of confidence and determination.

Zhang Li looked at Zhong Yuemin, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Brother Zhong, as long as you agree to this, then we agree. The Municipal Party Committee also said that there will be a signing ceremony. Do you want to attend? You are a partner, you can't let the two of us take the spotlight, right?"

Li Hongmei also echoed. "Yes, Brother Zhong, you are our backbone. How can we miss you in this kind of occasion?"

However, Zhong Yuemin shook his head like a rattle and said firmly, "I don't want the limelight, I just want to make money." He was busy avoiding such occasions, so how could he attract the limelight?

Li Hongmei and Zhang Li looked at Zhong Yuemin's resolute attitude and smiled at each other. They had long formed the habit of obeying Zhong Yuemin. As long as Zhong Yuemin said it was right, the two of them would think it was right. Even if they had inherent prejudices in their minds and couldn't think it through for a while, they would still do it according to Zhong Yuemin's wishes.

Zhang Li burst out laughing after hearing what Zhong Yuemin said. She knew that Zhong Yuemin was a low-key person who didn't like to be in the limelight. So she joked, "Brother Zhong, you are a typical example of 'making a fortune in silence'! But, by the way, are you really not considering attending this signing ceremony? After all, you are also one of the major shareholders of our company, and your presence is a kind of silent support."

Li Hongmei also echoed, "Yes, Brother Zhong, just think of it as giving us courage. With you around, we feel more at ease."

"No, I believe in your abilities. Besides, what would I do there? I don't know anything and I'll just be laughing like a fool."

Zhang Li smiled and looked at Zhong Yuemin, with a sly look in her eyes. "Brother Zhong, don't be so modest. You are a great contributor to this cooperation. Without your approval, we dare not make a decision easily. The Municipal Party Committee also values ​​your influence, so they want to invite you to attend the signing ceremony. Just think of it as supporting us, how about it?"

Li Hongmei also agreed. "Yes, Brother Zhong, don't refuse. The three of us are partners. We share happiness and difficulties. Naturally, we should share this good thing together. Just think of it as a formality, so that we can also benefit from your glory."

Zhong Yuemin looked at the two of them singing the same tune and shook his head helplessly. "You two, there's really nothing I can do about you. Okay, I'll go there with reluctance. But let's make it clear that I'm just going to show my face, not to say anything, not to steal the limelight, and I'll leave after I'm done."

Zhang Li and Li Hongmei nodded happily after hearing what Zhong Yuemin said. They knew that although Zhong Yuemin said he was unwilling, he still cared about them in his heart. With him around, they felt more at ease.

"That's settled then, Brother Zhong. We'll let you know the specific time and place then." Zhang Li said, with anticipation gleaming in her eyes.

Zhong Yuemin nodded. "Okay, tell me in advance so I can arrange the time."

After saying that, Zhong Yuemin picked up the teacup and took a sip, his eyes revealing a bit of leisure. He knew that this cooperation was an important turning point for Li Hongmei and Zhang Li.

The sunlight shines gently into the yard through sparse clouds, adding a bit of warmth to this autumn morning.

After Chen Yijun took Xiao Shihua and Xiao Haichen out, the yard suddenly became much quieter.

Zhong Yuemin took out the thick quilt, shook it vigorously, and then spread it flat on the open space in the middle of the yard, allowing the sunlight to fully penetrate into every fiber and take away the remaining chill of the night.

Zhong Yuemin stood aside, watching the quilt gently rise and fall in the breeze, as if he could feel the warmth gradually accumulating.

Autumn is always like this. After November, the temperature gets lower and lower every day. You have to prepare in advance to live more comfortably.

Then, Zhong Yuemin turned and walked into the laundry room and started to wash clothes. He operated skillfully, and soon, the washed clothes were hung on the rope.

Looking at the clothes swaying gently in the wind, Zhong Yuemin felt a small sense of accomplishment. Although these things seem trivial, isn't life made up of these little things?

After washing the clothes, he looked at his watch. It was only nine o'clock. It was just the right time to go to Song Xiangjun's place. Thinking of this, he smiled and was full of anticipation.