Counting goods for shipment didn’t strictly require men; women could do it too, provided they were careful.
Zhu Yanyi saw that Zhu Shunyao already had a plan, so she dropped the topic. "I went to the practice chamber just now and saw Uncle Lei Yao and Uncle Chan Yao. Why did they come to find you together?"
Zhu Shunyao glanced at Zhu Yanyi. "What do you think they want from me?"
"I don't know, that's why I'm asking," Zhu Yanyi said, widening her eyes.
Zhu Shunyao smiled lightly. "When they came, I was counting inventory. I told them to wait in the practice chamber, so I didn't know what they wanted." He paused, then added, "But since both came together, it’s likely a family matter. Grandpa En Fu’s health is poor. He wants Uncle Chan Yao to succeed him as the head of the Zhu family in Ganshan Village."
In truth, Grandpa En Fu had also asked Zhu Shunyao to take the role. However, Zhu Shunyao was busy with many things, including merging the group, so he had declined. He had only promised not to shirk his duties if the family needed him. Grandpa En Fu had mentioned Chan Yao’s succession, and Zhu Shunyao hadn’t objected. To him, anyone could be the head as long as they were upright. Chan Yao was decent in that regard.
"They came to discuss just that? It seems your status in the family is rising, Dad," Zhu Yanyi said, making a funny face.
"Disrespectful! Trying to embarrass your father, are you?" Zhu Shunyao scolded playfully. Then he said, "I think there’s something else."
"Something else?" Zhu Yanyi raised an eyebrow slightly. It seemed her father’s guessing skills were improving.
"Yes." Zhu Shunyao’s eyes flickered slightly. "I heard the family has made contact with the main Zhu branch in Zhu City. I haven’t asked for details, but they’re likely here about that."
Hearing this, Zhu Yanyi remembered meeting Uncle Chan Yao on the train to Shanghai with Dou Miao. "Last time we went to summer camp, we met Uncle Chan Yao on the train. She said she was going to Zhu City. I didn’t expect it to be resolved so quickly. That’s fast." Zhu Yanyi raised an eyebrow again. "Actually, I don’t see why we need to connect with them. Isn’t it fine to be a separate branch? More relatives mean more trouble."
"Don’t let Grandpa En Fu hear you say that," Zhu Shunyao laughed. In his heart, he agreed. Their family hadn’t received any benefits from the main branch in Zhu City. Whether they connected or not didn’t matter much to them. They always considered themselves part of Sichen Town and wouldn’t move to Zhu City anyway. What difference would it make?
Father and daughter chatted and laughed as they returned to the practice chamber. When Zhu Lei Yao and Zhu Chan Yao saw Zhu Shunyao return, they stood up quickly.
"Sit down. I’ll be ready soon," Zhu Shunyao said with a smile.
She washed her hands and face at a basin of clean water beside the desk, then sat behind her desk. Zhu Yanyi took out cups and brewed tea for Uncle Lei Yao and Uncle Chan Yao. She also brewed a cup for her father using her special cup.
"Brother Lei Yao, Chan Yao, try this. The tea leaves were brought back by Ani’s uncle from Hangzhou," Zhu Shunyao invited.
Zhu Lei Yao and Zhu Chan Yao didn’t refuse. They blew on the leaves to cool the tea and took a sip.
"Dad, I almost forgot my big matter," Zhu Yanyi said.