Xie Zhong spoke from the side, "I have a plan. After the tenth day of the first lunar month, I will take her to visit some old friends. Their skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting are profound. They are true professionals. I want Ani to start learning from them now."
Qi Jizong was slightly stunned, then seemed to realize something. "You don't mean those few, do you?"
"Exactly them." Xie Zhong did not deny it. "Since they live here, they should at least repay me with some kindness."
Qi Jizong chuckled. "I can't outsmart you. But if they meet Ani, they will surely thank you. They might even owe you another favor."
Xie Zhong waved his hand slightly. "I don't care about these things anymore. Living here is quite good for me. These favors are best used on the children. As long as the children become successful, these favors have value."
Xie Jingyu, standing nearby, asked curiously, "Father, who are they? Do I know them?"
Xie Zhong glanced at Xie Jingyu. "You don't know them." He then added, "Jingyu, your ability to scheme is good, but scheming too much shows greed for profit." Xie Zhong stopped there. This eldest son had achieved his current status through his own hard work. Even if he schemed, it was for his own future. To some extent, Xie Zhong did not criticize him. However, now this mindset seemed to be directed at him, which made him uncomfortable. That was why he said these things to Xie Jingyu, hoping he would understand.
Xie Jingyu had learned to scheme because life forced him to. Hearing Xie Zhong say this, he felt a bit embarrassed. "I remember, Father."
Xie Zhong nodded. "Among your three brothers, you are the eldest. I only hope you can have your own clear-headed wisdom. Do not let cleverness confuse you." After all, he was his own son. Even with strict requirements, he would not say harsh things. Besides, today was the second day of the first lunar month. Xie Zhong would not say any severe words. As long as Xie Jingyu understood it himself, it was enough.
Xie Jingyu nodded, half-understanding. He also knew that Xie Zhong was his father. If he could help, he would naturally help. Thinking about this, he said no more.
Basically, as long as Xie Zhong was there, the children of the Xie family listened to their father. In his previous life, Xie Chengyu had gone down the wrong path because Xie Zhong was gone. No one taught him, so he made the wrong choices in life.
"Uncle, time for snacks." Xie Chengyu came out, carrying a tray. On the tray were egg rice cakes.
"Good." Qi Jizong agreed, inviting everyone to eat together. After finishing the snacks, Qi Jizong said, "Cheng, you are taking the college entrance exam this year, right?"
"Yes." Xie Zhong nodded. "Although he lacks patience, he still has some study instinct. I think he can pass."
"That is good." Qi Jizong nodded. "If he passes, his future is secured. The country needs talents in various fields now. Cheng and his generation were born in a good era."
Xie Zhong smiled slightly. "Yes." He paused and then added, "I plan to accept the position of director of our town's cultural center after the New Year."
When Xie Zhong said this, everyone present was stunned. Qi Jizong said, "Brother, you actually agreed? I remember the Culture Bureau mentioned this no less than ten times."
"They came eleven times in total. They visited me repeatedly like Liu Bei seeking Zhuge Liang. They are sincere. Moreover, the children have grown up, and this house needs renovation. I plan to build a new house in the second half of the year. I will need your help then."