Chapter 10 It feels different
Looking at the fish in his bowl, Chen Zhi was a little dazed.

He had encountered a situation like today before in his previous life, but either he would quickly withdraw his hand, or turn around to pick up other dishes to resolve the embarrassment, or Feng would say something similar to what she said just now, making him feel embarrassed to eat and give the dish to his brother.

Occasionally, his father Chen Huaiqian would say, "You are the older brother, and the fourth child has worked hard in school. You should be more considerate of him and eat something else."

But Chen Zhi himself also likes to eat fish, not like what Feng said.

It’s just that because the fourth brother Chen Xun also likes to eat fish, every time they eat together, if there is fish on the table, it is put in front of Chen Xun, who is not convenient to pick it up, which makes it seem as if he doesn’t like to eat it.

Because he had experienced several embarrassing moments in his previous life, he never picked up his chopsticks when the whole family ate together. So now that he was reborn, he didn't intend to let himself down again, so he started to eat.

Originally, even if Xu Shuhe had not come out to protect him, he would not have given in to his stepmother Feng this time. But Xu Shuhe stood up for him, and the feeling of being protected is always different.

After hearing what Xu Shuhe said, although Feng felt embarrassed and angry, she immediately opened her mouth to defend herself.

"Look at what you said, kid. The second, third, fourth, and married daughters are all my children. As a mother, how can I be partial to any of them? I see that Sanlang has indeed lost some weight recently. Here, let me serve you a bowl of this nourishing chicken soup!"

As she spoke, she stood up and took the empty bowl to give soup to Chen Zhisheng. Xu Shuhe saw this and immediately stood up as well.

"It would have been fine if my daughter-in-law hadn't come before, but now that she's here, how can I trouble my mother-in-law again with this matter?"

As he spoke, he reached out and took the bowl from Feng's hand and quickly filled it with soup.

However, the soup was not served to Chen Zhi, but to Chen Huaiqian who was sitting in the main seat.

"Speaking of nourishing the body, it is my father-in-law who works hard every day for the family and manages this huge family business. He is the hardest worker and needs nourishment the most. I just came home and saw that Sanlang was very tired after working in the shop for most of the day. I can imagine how tired my father-in-law must be after all these years of hard work. Without my father's efforts, there would be no Chen family today. Dad, have some soup!"

After she said this, Chen Huaiqian, who was originally a little unhappy about what happened just now, suddenly felt relieved and smiled.

Xu Shuhe knew very well in his heart that people like Chen Huaiqian were hypocritical and actually loved to hear compliments from others.

And now, the only person in the Chen family who can give Feng the cold shoulder and oppress Feng is the good father-in-law Chen Huaiqian. Xu Shuhe naturally has to make him happy so that people will stand on her side.

Sure enough, Chen Huaiqian took the chicken soup and said, "The third son's wife is indeed sensible, and the third son is also a good child. He just got married yesterday, and he went to help in the shop today. You don't have to worry too much about the shop. Now that you have just got married, you should spend more time with your wife. You have to go back to your parents' home tomorrow, so stay with your wife at her parents' home for one night before coming back."

The latter words were addressed to Chen Zhi, who nodded in agreement.

"I understand, son. But I'll go to my mother-in-law's house tomorrow and rest for a day. When I come back, I'll go to the shop to help out. Otherwise, it will be too hard for Dad to be alone."

When he said this, Chen Jin and Li Mingzhu, a couple sitting opposite him, looked unhappy.

Li Mingzhu reacted quickly and immediately said with a smile, "Third brother, that's not the case. Your second brother is also helping out in the shop. It won't be a big deal if you take a few more days off."

"Yes, second brother, go help dad." Chen Jin also said hurriedly.

However, Chen Huaiqian glanced at Chen Jin and snorted coldly, "I'm counting on you. Just don't cause trouble for me when you go."

After being scolded, Chen Jin felt a little embarrassed. He laughed dryly twice and picked up some food for Chen Huaiqian.

"I'll learn slowly, don't be angry, Dad."

"Okay, okay, let's eat. Today is a family dinner, so let's not talk about anything else." Feng immediately tried to smooth things over.

Everyone stopped talking about the previous topic and started eating.

After the family dinner, everyone went their separate ways. Xu Shu and Chen Zhi were about to go back home, but when they left the hall, they were caught up by the fourth brother, Chen Xun.

"Third brother and third sister-in-law, please stay!"

The two turned around and saw Chen Xun walking towards them with a brocade box in his hand. After stopping, he smiled gently and said.

"Third brother and his wife are getting married. As your younger brother, I don't have anything good to send to celebrate. This is a pair of heart-shaped jade pendants. It is a small token of my gratitude. I wish you and your wife will be together forever and live together till old age."

Chen Zhi's eyes fell on the brocade box in his hand, and then he signaled Zhang Ping to take the thing.

"Thank you, fourth brother. You have worked hard in studying. It is getting late. Go back and have a rest."

After saying this, he turned around and was about to leave.

At this time, Chen Xun hurriedly said, "Third brother, don't take what happened today to heart. Mother didn't mean anything else. She just felt sorry for me. In the past, mother also missed you very much."

"I know." Chen Zhi interrupted him, his face expressionless, "I don't think too much about it, you can also be at ease, study hard, and go back."

After he said that, Chen Xun didn't say anything more. He just nodded and turned to leave.

Xu Shuhe watched the interaction between the two brothers, and after walking side by side with Chen Zhi for a while, he asked in a low voice.

"Is your fourth brother the only one studying in the family? Have you and your second brother been learning business from your father-in-law since you were young?"

In today's social context, the imperial court allows businessmen to take the imperial examinations and become officials, so those who have some money at home will send their children to study and take the imperial examinations. Although the Chen family is not wealthy, they still have enough money to support their three sons' education.

So Xu Shuhe was a little curious, why was Chen Xun the only one studying?

Facing her question, Chen Zhi remained calm, "Studying also requires talent. My second brother and I are not as good as the fourth brother. Anyway, someone has to take over the family business. There is nothing wrong with doing business."

"The young master has also achieved honors. He passed the imperial examination two years ago, which is rare among businessmen!" Zhang Ping said from the side.

"Then why don't you continue studying?" Xu Shuhe couldn't help but be curious.

Zhang Ping sighed, "After passing the exam, the young master has always been ill. He was sick every other day and couldn't concentrate on his studies. He stayed at home to recuperate for a year or two. Later, the lady said, why not learn to do business? Since last year, the young master has been busy in the shop with the master. His health has improved, and he has not mentioned studying anymore."

"Okay, why bring up these things?" Chen Zhi said in a light voice, ending the topic.

Xu Shuhe finally understood why among Chen Zhi's four basic values ​​of scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans, the scholar's was the highest except for the merchant. It turned out that he did have a good foundation.

Especially if you calculate this way, Chen Zhizheng has only been studying business for a few years, but his business attributes have reached 35%. If he works for a few more years, wouldn't it be easy to reach 80?

Xu Shuhe felt very happy when he thought of this.

However, after returning to my residence, this joy no longer seemed to be there.

How will I sleep tonight?

Chen Zhi was not drunk today.

(End of this chapter)