"You see, now I, your own uncle, am being treated like an outsider."
"I'll ask about it later. Yangzi, what kind of business are you in? The product quality can't be shoddy, or not only will my old comrades not give me face, but if you dare to cheat the common people, I'll be the first one to not let you off."
At his core, Chen Liqi loved this country and its people. From his youth until now, his unwavering faith absolutely did not permit anyone in his family to engage in deception or fraud.
"Isn't that what I mean? It's not asking you to do anything against your principles. If Yangzi's products are of poor quality, then that's another matter. We can't be deceiving the people."
Luo Yinglan was straightforward and decisive. Chen Yang looked at this brisk, no-nonsense aunt who always had the final say, and felt a sense of amusement mixed with helplessness.
When he arrived, he had prepared himself for cold sarcasm and disdainful glances. Instead, they were wholeheartedly trying to help him, which disarmed him completely.
"Auntie, it's alright, it's alright. I've already arranged to meet with a leader from the Municipal Administration for Industry and Commerce to discuss matters. You and Uncle don't need to trouble yourselves with our affairs."
The person Chen Yang had found was naturally Li Yong, who had taken up his post in Beijing last year. Someone that even Zhang Yingying's father, Zhang Qun, treated with caution, would certainly not be doing poorly after arriving in Beijing.
Moreover, Chen Yang was here with investment in mind. Even if he and Li Yong weren't close confidantes, Li Yong wouldn't refuse to help.
He belonged to the reformist faction, and this was precisely the time when they needed to prove themselves with results. Any opportunity was one they had to seize and showcase to the world.
Whether the cat was black or white, it was a good cat if it could catch mice. They were now determined to bring out this good cat and show everyone, so they could reform with confidence.
"Yangzi, you've been keeping a low profile. You can even connect with leaders in Beijing while in Shanghai?"
Luo Yinglan subtly glanced at Chen Yang. No wonder, after so many years, the first time she saw her husband's nephew, she sensed something different about him.
Even her husband only knew a few managers from supply and marketing cooperatives and department stores. But Chen Yang knew someone from the Municipal Administration for Industry and Commerce, which was entirely different.
And it seemed he was introduced by someone, and this introducer was likely of considerable status, otherwise, why would the Administration for Industry and Commerce give him face?
Luo Yinglan was secretly delighted. Fortunately, she hadn't been snobbish about her husband's country relatives. She even felt that this year, she might have to accompany her husband back home for the New Year.
In just a few short years, their family had undergone such significant changes. Perhaps the ancestral graves back home were emitting auspicious fumes. This was a good omen. What if their son and daughter could also benefit from the Chen family's good fortune?
"Auntie, I met him at school. He gave a speech at our school last year, and we had the chance to chat a few times. Later, he was transferred to Beijing."
"This time, it's just right. I want to expand my business into Beijing. He himself advocates for reforming the current economic system, vigorously developing the economy, and liberating productivity. So, hearing I was coming, he directly helped me connect with leaders from relevant units."
Chen Yang didn't exaggerate. He simply explained his relationship with Li Yong. Of course, he omitted the role Zhang Yingying played in their acquaintance.
"What's his name? Tell us, perhaps your aunt knows him. She works in the municipal government."
Chen Liqi nodded in his heart as he listened to his nephew. After more than a year apart, his nephew had achieved great things, even getting to know such leaders.
"Uncle, Auntie, that leader's name is Li Yong, but he's not in the Beijing system; he's higher up."
Chen Yang pointed upwards with his finger. Some things were difficult to explain, but those who understood would understand.
"Is he from the State...?"
"I heard them say before that a talented individual knowledgeable in economics was transferred from Shanghai to serve as a think tank. Now it seems, it's likely the person Yangzi is talking about."
Luo Yinglan seemed to have a realization. Her sources were still quite well-informed. Although her position wasn't high, she was in the Beijing municipal government, and naturally, she couldn't be compared to others.
"Just know this, and don't go around talking about it carelessly. It will have a bad influence outside."
"Alright, alright. Yangzi has his own plans for his business, so we won't interfere blindly. Hurry up and cook a couple of dishes, I'll chat with Yangzi, and we'll have a good drink later."
Although Chen Liqi's position was slightly higher than Luo Yinglan's, he wasn't very clear about these matters. However, one thing was certain: his nephew was now successful, and he was happy about it.
"Okay, I'll go get the Erguotou you've been saving."
"You two be careful with your drinking. This is nearly twenty-year-old aged liquor, it's definitely got a kick."
Upon hearing Luo Yinglan's words, Chen Liqi's eyes lit up. Had the sun risen from the west today? He felt that his wife was being unusually enthusiastic towards him and his nephew today.
"Auntie, no need, no need. My tolerance for alcohol, I can't handle Erguotou."
Hearing Erguotou, Chen Yang immediately felt a headache. In Beijing, this stuff often went up to 53% ABV, or even higher. A single half-jin would surely knock him out the next day.
"What are you afraid of, son? Twenty-year-old aged liquor. If you miss this chance, there won't be another."
Chen Liqi waved his hand. He had been craving this liquor for a long time. It was stored in the cellar under the courtyard by his father-in-law when he was still alive, but his wife had always forbidden him from drinking it.
Now that his wife was finally being generous, he was determined to drink until he was completely soused.
"Alright, alright. Then I'll reluctantly accompany you, Uncle. You'll have to take a day off tomorrow."
Chen Yang gritted his teeth. He still had Lei Baoguo with him. If the two of them drank together, he could still hold his own.
Hearing their conversation, Luo Yinglan didn't stand idle. She nimbly put on an apron and went into the kitchen, which had been converted from an adjoining room.
Although the wife usually called the shots in the household, she was still the one managing the laundry, cooking, and taking care of the children. While her husband wasn't completely inept, he wasn't far from it either.
He was mostly busy with training in the military and only occasionally came home to see his wife and children. It was only after he was demobilized that he spent more time at home, but by then the children were grown, and his wife was too lazy to let him do anything.
Seeing him work, he was clumsy and fumbled, making it better for her to do it herself.
"Braised pork belly is here."
"Roast duck, bought from Bian Yi Fang. This is very fragrant."
As dish after dish was served, Chen Yang's appetite was whetted.
Chen Liqi could no longer wait. He tore open the seal on the wine jar and then lifted the lid. A rich aroma of liquor immediately filled the entire room.
"If we don't drink this liquor today, it would be a terrible waste of nature's bounty."
Chen Liqi took a sniff of the fragrant liquor and immediately grabbed four large bowls, filling them. Chen Yang's aunt was also a capable drinker.