Chapter 501: A Gathering of Bigwigs

Lu Gang had many comrades who faced similar hardships. The number of jobs arranged by the state was limited. Some returned home to farm, but their families were already poor. Farming brought little income, making it very hard to improve their lives. If the family was healthy, it was manageable. But if someone fell ill, they could barely afford hospital fees.

Lu Gang shared these stories with Zhu Shun Yao. Zhu Shun Yao’s heart grew heavy. He wanted to help more veterans but didn’t know how. Lu Gang saw his concern and smiled. “I’m not saying this to make things difficult for you, Uncle Shun Yao. You’ve already helped over ten of us, which is great. Helping one person is better than none. As time passes and more people join, life will surely get better.”

Zhu Shun Yao nodded firmly. “As long as I keep developing, I will always need people. I will continue to hire veterans.” Though he said this confidently, he felt unsatisfied. Without realizing it, he went up to the third floor to find Zhu Yanyi.

“Dad, what’s wrong?” Zhu Yanyi saw her serious face and worried something bad had happened.

Zhu Shun Yao entered Zhu Yanyi’s laboratory. She was studying a new medicine but stopped when he came in.

Zhu Shun Yao sat down nearby. “I feel a bit down.”

“Didn’t you go talk to Brother Luo about the security team? Why are you sad? Did Brother Luo bully you?” Zhu Yanyi tilted her head. “That’s impossible. If anyone bullied anyone, it would be you bullying her. Brother Luo is very honest.”

“Cough, cough.” Zhu Shun Yao’s gloom vanished instantly. “Daughter, is your father really that bad?”

“Not bad, not bad. Just average.” Zhu Yanyi made a funny face. She walked over, linked her arm with her, and pulled her to the sofa. “Dad, what’s bothering you? Did Brother Luo refuse you?”

“No.” Zhu Shun Yao shook his head. “Brother Luo was happy with my suggestion. But he told me about his comrades. Mostly about veterans’ struggles. Hearing it made me sad.”

“Why are you sad? Because the veterans live poorly?” Zhu Yanyi guessed.

Zhu Shun Yao sighed and nodded. “I wish I had the ability to help them. Lu Gang told me many veterans come from remote mountain areas. After retiring, they must return home because jobs are hard to arrange. Even if jobs are offered, they often can’t take them due to various reasons. Their only option is farming or doing odd jobs. They learned to protect the country, not how to start businesses. So, their families remain poor.”

Zhu Shun Yao felt a faint sigh in his heart. “I only wish I were more capable. I could expand the security team and hire more people.” Zhu Shun Yao was being naive. There were so many veterans in the world; he could only help a few. But this silly thought touched Zhu Yanyi. Her father truly had a compassionate heart.