Chapter 52: Springtime Profits — Brother Xiao's Bountiful Earnings

On the first day of winter vacation, Zhou Linghua gave Chen Xiao a call.

"Xiaozi, I'm sending you early New Year's wishes."

Zhou Linghua, skilled in managing matters, spoke, "As per our agreement, I've transferred the dividends to your account. Linghua's growth owes much to you! I've even thought about hiring you as our technical director with a handsome salary."

It was a tradition for the people of Xia to settle all their affairs before the Spring Festival.

Zhou Linghua might make adjustments with others' money during the Spring Festival, but never with Chen Xiao's money. Chen Xiao was the key pillar behind Linghua Company's success.

"Don't mention it, President Zhou!"

Zhou Linghua chuckled heartily, saying, "Let's not delve into that. About your cell phone, it's still functional. You can make calls, and the company will reimburse the expenses."

Zhou Linghua's intention was to build a favorable relationship with Chen Xiao, acknowledging his potential that knew no bounds.

Chen Xiao reciprocated, "You're very kind, President Zhou." After exchanging pleasantries, they hung up.

By 10 in the morning, Chen Xiao headed to the bank to check his account.

His current bank card was named the Zodiac Card. His parents opened it for him when he was a sophomore in high school to save New Year's money. His balance was 53,200 yuan.

Impressive!

Excluding the meager balance he had accumulated over the years, this amount mostly consisted of dividends from Zhou Linghua during this period.

He didn't need to scrutinize the account; he could discuss it with Wang Xiang after the New Year to confirm the details.

Over 50,000 yuan was quite substantial in this era.

Jiangcheng was a third-tier city. In 2000, the first batch of commercial housing was priced just above 1,000 yuan per square meter.

This amount could easily buy a small apartment in Jiangcheng. It equated to two or three years' worth of income for Chen Qiang and Lin Hui combined.

Chen Xiao took out 2,000 yuan to purchase New Year's gifts for Chen Qiang and Lin Hui.

He got two bottles of Maotai and a pack of cigarettes for Chen Qiang. For Lin Hui, he chose a gold necklace and premium skincare products.

In 2000, a bottle of Maotai cost only 290 yuan, a real bargain!

Chen Xiao amusingly speculated if he could find a way to capitalize on this. Perhaps he should buy a few bottles of Maotai, store them away, and unearth them twenty years later.

After all, young people now weren't acquainted with liquor's quality, so by accident, he might fill his storeroom with future technology.

On New Year's Eve, Lin Hui and Chen Qiang were up early, busy preparing lunch for noon and dinner for the evening.

This year, the Chen family's three siblings would be celebrating the New Year at Chen Qiang's home.

The Chen family had three siblings.

The eldest, Chen Mei, was a full-time homemaker. Her husband, Zhou Hongbing, started as a carpenter and eventually became a small subcontractor in Jiangzhou, the provincial capital. Their family was relatively well-off. Their son, Zhou Tao, was in high school. He often accompanied his father to construction sites and planned to marry his girlfriend, who worked at a bank in the city, on National Day this year.

The third sibling, Chen Jian, was an example of success achieved through family support. With the combined efforts of his siblings, he was able to pursue higher education. He landed a position at the Jiangzhou Construction Bureau after college and now held the role of a section chief. His wife, Sun Yan, was a language teacher at Jiangzhou No. 1 Middle School. Their daughter, Chen Ping, was Chen Xiao's contemporary, also a high school senior.

Though the bond among the Chen siblings was nurtured by their shared upbringing, they had their differences after establishing their own families. With the older generation passing away, friction sometimes arose.

The root of this conflict lay in the family quarters of Jiangcheng Machinery Factory.

The family quarters weren't spacious, consisting of two units with a combined area of just over 70 square meters. Its value wasn't substantial.

The critical point was Chen Jian's occupation at the Jiangzhou Construction Bureau. News had surfaced that Jiangcheng Machinery Factory's premises were to be demolished, and the compensation ratio was one to three. Consequently, the three families had differing stances.

In 1998, the country initiated reforms in commercial housing and urban infrastructure. Jiangcheng City was no exception.

Jiangcheng Machinery Factory's location, adhering to the city's heart like an unwanted plaster, raised concerns.

To facilitate further development, Jiangcheng had to either relocate its administrative functions, educational, and medical resources, or clear Jiangcheng Machinery Factory's residential area.

The latter option was more cost-effective.

Therefore, the demolition of Jiangcheng Machinery Factory's quarters was on the horizon.

Eldest sister Chen Mei had married well, and Zhou Hongbing was financially resourceful. With the support of her siblings, Chen Jian managed to secure a decent job after completing his higher education.

Hence, to compensate Chen Qiang and help the weakest member, their father arranged for Chen Qiang to work at Jiangcheng Machinery Factory, passing on the family quarters to him.

While it was fine if the quarters weren't demolished, things became complicated when news of their potential demolition emerged.

The eldest sister and sister-in-law held differing opinions on this matter.

Discord began to fester among the three families.

At noon, Chen Mei, Zhou Hongbing, and Zhou Tao's family arrived in Zhou Hongbing's Santana.

Being one of the pioneer contractors, Zhou Hongbing was among the first to own a car in Jiangyang Province.

Driving a Santana was already quite impressive!

Chen Jian's family arrived by bus. Despite his position as a section chief in the Construction Bureau, Chen Jian's finances weren't sufficient to afford a car.

"Chen Xiao, it's been a while. You've grown even taller!" Chen Mei greeted, bringing a gift along.

"Absolutely, boys aged 17 or 18 tend to sprout up!" Sun Yan, clad in stylish attire, chimed in with a smile.

Their attire clearly showcased the urban lifestyle of these two families, while Lin Hui dressed more traditionally.

Chen Xiao welcomed them warmly, exchanging greetings with each individual.

Lin Hui, her hands smudged with flour, remarked, "I've brought something as well."

Sun Yan's voice was slightly shrill, "It's New Year's, why didn't you bring anything?"

Chen Xiao glanced at the gifts brought by his aunt and uncle's family. He couldn't identify the brand of wine, a knockoff version of "Wangwang Big Gift Bag," and tea leaves with yellowing shells. Was there anything else? He was unsure if any items were marketed as deadly health supplements.

Well, quite the thoughtful gifts.

One couldn't help but wonder how long these gifts had been languishing in their house, changing hands multiple times before reaching Chen Xiao's home.

Particularly the tea and health products, they might have already expired.

Reality often has its say.

Had Chen Qiang been the CEO of a company or held a leadership position in that bureau, the gifts would likely have included Wuliangye and the finest Mao Feng tea.

Regrettably, Chen Qiang was simply a factory worker, rendering him unworthy of such consideration.

Zhou Hongbing jestingly scolded, "We're all family here, so don't stand on ceremony! Zhou Tao, come help your aunt carry these."

Zhou Tao glanced at Chen Xiao and greeted him with a grin, "Sure thing, happy New Year, Auntie. You've gotten even taller!"

While there might be disputes among the elder generation, the bond among the Chen siblings remained strong.

Chen Xiao extended his warm greetings, "Hello, Brother Tao! Hello, Sister-in-law! Hello, Sister!"

Chen Ling, Zhou Tao's girlfriend and potential daughter-in-law, hesitated at the sight of the slightly unkempt surroundings and outdated family quarters. She seemed reluctant to step inside.

Zhou Tao called out, "What are you waiting for? Hurry up, it's chilly outside."

Chen Ling entered awkwardly.

While the adults chatted outside, Chen Xiao led Zhou Ping and Zhou Tao into his bedroom to play Pro Evolution Soccer 3.

Zhou Linghua had provided a pretty decent computer for this era!

Observing Chen Xiao's computer, Zhou Ping grew suspicious and somewhat envious. "Xiaozi, did your family just get a computer?"

Zhou Ping had contemplated this for a while, but his father was unwilling to make the purchase due to the cost, which exceeded 10,000 yuan.