Road to Revival

Hearing that Tao Tang was returning to Binhai for the holiday, Tao Jin and Tao Meiling discussed having a family meal together. Tao Meiling bought some local specialties for her parents, intending to have Tao Tang take them over. Bai Shuxian bought a dress for Tao Xiaohe. Because of Tao Tang's return, the Tao siblings' relationship became much closer.

The dinner was originally scheduled for the evening of the 30th, and Tao Tang had agreed. However, the headquarters audit team was returning that night, and Tao Tang had to host a banquet. Therefore, the Tao family's dinner had to be canceled. Since Tao Tang had bought a train ticket for the morning of the 1st, Bai Shuxian asked Tao Youdao to send the clothes she bought for Tao Xiaohe over in advance.

Tao Youdao invited his fiancée, Wang Xiaojuan, to Xiaozhao.

That's how it went. Tao Tang returned to Hongxing and became the top leader, and Tao Youdao's marriage to Wang Xiaojuan proceeded smoothly, with the Wang family no longer making any demands. However, Bai Shuxian began to nitpick about the woman, finding fault with everything. In short, Bai Shuxian was dissatisfied with Wang Xiaojuan, believing the girl was no longer good enough for her son.

But Tao Youdao remained steadfast and simply proposed marriage to the woman. The Wang family readily agreed without hesitation. Tao Jin was more open-minded than Bai Shuxian, saying that the two children had been dating for so long, how could they break off the engagement? He thought Xiaojuan was also good, so let them get married, it was up to them. But Bai Shuxian objected, saying, "The Wang family can be so powerful, but I can't have my own ideas? We only have one son, we can't settle for this."

The situation reached a stalemate. Tao Youdao was anxious. He had already told the Wang family that they would get their marriage certificate after the holiday, but now his mother had caused this scene. His father couldn't make the decision for his mother either. What could he do?

He didn't hide this from his fiancée. Wang Xiaojuan gave him an idea: "Have your second uncle speak up, it'll definitely work." Because Tao Youdao had previously told Wang Xiaojuan that Tao Tang approved of his marriage, Wang Xiaojuan brought up Tao Tang. Actually, Tao Tang hadn't even met Wang Xiaojuan yet.

So Tao Youdao asked his fiancée to go to Xiaozhao with him, taking the opportunity to report the difficulties he was encountering and seek help.

Tao Tang wasn't there. Ye Mei recognized Tao Youdao and opened Tao Tang's door for them. "You two can wait here, but don't touch anything belonging to President Tao, or I'll get a scolding." Ye Mei made tea for the two of them and then left.

Wang Xiaojuan was a little nervous, yet also expectant. Seeing that Tao Tang wasn't there, she relaxed, looking around the outer and inner rooms, finding everything new and exciting. "Youdao," she said, "Building 96 has empty rooms, why doesn't your second uncle want them? Why does he always stay at the guesthouse?"

"I don't know about that... Oh right, didn't I tell you? My second uncle bought a house in Golden Olive and is planning to bring my grandparents back. Maybe that's why? Besides, isn't it nice here? I think it's pretty good."

"Is it alright?" Wang Xiaojuan looked Tao Tang's residence over inside and out. It was clean and tidy, spotless, but it always lacked the feel of home. "The Golden Olive's house can't compare to Building 96, right? It's over 200 square meters... and so close... so many people are eyeing that place. Your second uncle is really something..."

"Youdao, will your second uncle support you?"

"My second uncle will definitely support me. He's certainly more skilled than them... But please don't blame my mom..."

Wang Xiaojuan understood that Tao Youdao's mother was seeking revenge. Her own parents had indeed been somewhat difficult, but his mother was incredibly petty. In short, family matters were the most complicated. However, Tao Youdao's resolute attitude moved Wang Xiaojuan, making her think her boyfriend was quite good.

"I don't blame her... Youdao, where will we live after we get married? I don't want to live with your parents..."

Tao Youdao also didn't want to live with his parents. "Don't we have an empty apartment? My dad has already taken the time to clean it up and turn it into our new home."

Wang Xiaojuan knew this, but she was a little unwilling. Many of her friends had bought new houses after getting married. "Youdao, don't be angry with me, but I think your parents are too stingy. You're their only son, so they should at least buy us a new house, right? My family is even planning to buy you a new car."

"It's not that they're reluctant to leave. But they're all workers; they can't afford to buy houses outside, they can only afford a down payment. That's not the main issue though. Everyone's been saying our factory is going to relocate, right? Buying houses now would be foolish, wouldn't it?"

"Doesn't your second uncle know about the relocation? Why is he buying a house? My uncle said the relocation might not be reliable..." Wang Xiaojuan's uncle is a middle-level manager, so his information and insight are naturally better than those of ordinary workers.

"My second uncle bought the house for my grandfather, right... My family has mainly relied on my second uncle all these years..." With his mother's problem still unresolved, and the prospect of a new house looming in front of him, Tao Youdao couldn't help but worry. He couldn't change the prevailing trend, nor could he blame his girlfriend; indeed, it was true that many newlyweds in Hongxing were buying new houses these days.

Wang Xiaojuan stopped pursuing this topic that upset Tao Youdao. Her gaze fell on the table above the bed in the bedroom. "Is that your cousin?"

"Yes, I haven't seen her in a long time either. I heard she's quite tall. I wonder if this dress is the right size."

"Your aunt has been gone for many years, why doesn't your second uncle find someone else?" Girls can't help but love gossip.

"I don't know about that..."

As they were talking, Tao Tang returned. "Youdao's here... Is this your girlfriend? Please sit down, don't be shy." Tao Tang smiled and nodded to Wang Xiaojuan.

Tao Youdao smelled the strong aroma of alcohol. "Second Uncle, have you been drinking?" He hurriedly made tea for Tao Tang.

"Sent to headquarters audit team... Youdao, aren't you going to introduce me to them?"

"Wang Xiaojuan is my colleague."

"Hello, Mr. Tao..." Wang Xiaojuan said nervously.

"Just call me Uncle at home," Tao Tang said, sizing up the girl. "Youdao has good taste, haha. Sit down, don't be shy. Youdao told me about you. Are you also at the Sixth Factory?" The petite Wang Xiaojuan looked like she'd just graduated from middle school. "How old are you, Xiao Wang?"

"Yes, I work in the technical department of the sixth factory. I'm 24 this year..."

"You studied engineering? Which school did you graduate from?" Tao Tang asked with a smile.

"Second Uncle, she graduated from a vocational college..."

"Academic qualifications aren't important; the key is the ability to solve practical problems. But Xiao Wang, you should seize the opportunity to learn while you're young, including Youdao. I'm not just saying this as a platitude; it's life experience. Haha, what made you two decide to come here? Is something wrong?"

"Second Uncle, aren't you going back to Binjiang? My mom bought Xiaohe some clothes, could you give them to her?"

"Yes, my train is tomorrow morning. Hey, what clothes should I buy for her?" Tao Tang glanced at his pocket. "Xiao He might not like them... Okay, I'll bring them to her. Go back and thank your mom for her trouble. Youdao, when are you planning to get married?"

"Second Uncle, we were planning to get our marriage certificate after May Day, but we've run into some trouble..." Tao Youdao took the opportunity to explain his predicament.

"I see," Tao Tang said with a smile. "Your mother's thinking is wrong. Marriage is a matter between the two of you. As long as you truly love each other, I will support you. I can try to talk to your mother, but I can't guarantee she'll listen to me. However, marriage isn't just about the two of you. Nobody comes out of nowhere, so you must convince your mother. Therefore, don't rush into getting the marriage certificate, and don't act first and ask questions later. When I get back, I'll go to your parents' house to talk to them. You must understand their concerns and let them know that your decision is well thought out. Xiao Wang, please don't hold a grudge against your future mother-in-law because of this. To be honest, having parents is a blessing. Once you're married and have children, you'll understand that what I said is true."

"I've remembered what my second uncle told me. Thank you, second uncle," Tao Youdao said.

Wang Xiaojuan felt that Tao Tang was indeed quite understanding and expressed her gratitude.

"I have a few more words to say, as a kind of advice. I'm an old-fashioned person, and my thinking is a bit outdated. Getting a marriage certificate is definitely a big deal. After you get the certificate, you will be a legally married couple. What does that mean? It means that in the long years to come, you two will face all the joys and sorrows together, and share all the responsibilities of life. Some young people nowadays don't take marriage seriously, and I don't approve of that attitude... I hope you understand the meaning of that certificate; it's not just a piece of paper... I wish you both happiness, love, and a long and healthy life together."

The two young men exchanged a glance and said in unison, "Thank you for your teachings, Uncle. We will remember them."

"This is your first time visiting, I should have given you a gift," Tao Tang said to Wang Xiaojuan. "Youdao surprised me, I'll make it up to you next time. Xiao Wang, are your parents both at the factory?"

"Yes, they all work in the factory. My dad works as a warehouse keeper in the purchasing department, and my mom works as a nurse in the workers' hospital."

"Oh...you're an only child?"

"Yes." Because of Tao Tang's gentle attitude, Wang Xiaojuan's tension gradually subsided.

"Second Uncle, you might know Xiaojuan's uncle, his name is Wang Zhao..."

"Wang Zhao, I've heard of that name before..." Tao Tang really couldn't remember who this Wang Zhao was.

"He is the deputy director of the mobile department," Wang Xiaojuan said with a sweet smile.

"Oh, I think he went to the site meeting at the 13th Factory a few days ago. He's not tall and he's chubby, right?" Tao Tang remembered Wang Zhao, whom Jiang Shangyun had introduced to him back then.

"Yes. My uncle said you're really skilled..."

"Haha, that's not necessarily true. It's easy for me to make demands, but it's not easy for my colleagues to implement them. The middle-level managers working on the front lines are working very hard. I know that."

"They probably didn't take a break during the holiday, saying that some project was delayed... I heard it from my dad."

"Hmm, the Mobile Department is in charge of equipment, right? Xiao Wang, are you usually busy with work?"

"I'm not very busy," Wang Xiaojuan replied truthfully.

"Oh, the factory is closed for five days. What are your plans?"

"Second Uncle, our branch factory starts work on the 4th, it only takes three days. My husband and I are planning to go to Beiyang to take our wedding photos," Tao Youdao replied.

"Okay. This season is quite nice."

"Second Uncle, Xiao He hasn't been back for a long time. When are you going to bring her back for a visit?"

"Let's wait until after the high school entrance exam; she's been quite busy lately. Please thank your mom for me when you get back."

"Second Uncle, shall I take you to the station tomorrow morning?"

"No need, it's nothing."

"Then we won't keep Uncle from resting any longer..." Tao Youdao pulled his girlfriend to stand up. "I really miss Grandpa and Grandma. It will be great when they come back, and our whole family will be reunited."

Tao Tang was delighted. "Yes, they always talk about you. If you have the chance, bring Xiao Wang over to meet them; they'll be very happy. Okay, then you two go back now. Xiao Wang, please give my regards to your parents." Tao Tang saw the young couple to the door and watched them go down the stairs. Standing at the top of the stairs, Wang Xiaojuan turned around and waved to Tao Tang.

"See, isn't my second uncle quite easygoing? You're just worrying unnecessarily." Tao Youdao was very happy to receive his second uncle's blessing.

"Yes, she's much more approachable than your mom."

"Don't talk nonsense... Get some rest. We're going to Beiyang tomorrow. I heard that taking wedding photos takes a lot of time." Tao Youdao booked online. A set of wedding photos costs 4500 yuan, not including post-production fees. This standard is considered average in Pingquan.

"Okay, I'll wait for you."

"Sigh, it would be so much more convenient if we had a car..."

"My family has already agreed to buy a car, and if I have time tomorrow, I can take the opportunity to visit the dealership... but I don't know anything about which cars are good..."

"My opinion doesn't count, hey. Speaking of buying a car, why don't we ask my parents to add some money and go all out with an imported or joint-venture SUV? Has your dad said what brand he wants?" Tao Youdao thought that if his parents didn't buy him a new house, it shouldn't be a problem for them to contribute some money to upgrade the car's class, right?

"My uncle's Lavida is pretty good, he said..."

"Langyi..." He seemed somewhat dissatisfied.

Tao Youdao dropped his girlfriend off at her apartment building and then went home. When Wang Xiaojuan returned home, she saw her uncle, Wang Zhaozai, talking with her father in the living room.

"Xiaojuan's back! Did you go out with Youdao just now?" Wang Zhaohan asked with a smile.

"Yeah, he just dragged me to the small shop..."

"Oh, you've seen President Tao?"

"Yes, we saw him. He's going home tomorrow. Youdao's mother bought a dress for Boss Tao's daughter, and we delivered it to her."

"Did President Tao say anything?" Upon hearing the news, Wang's mother came out of the bedroom and asked with concern.

"He didn't say much. When he heard we were planning to get our marriage certificate after the holiday, he said he's an old-fashioned person and doesn't approve of some of the current trends. He said the marriage certificate is very important and that we should have the right attitude. He gave us his blessings... His second uncle is a very nice and easy-going person..."

"What did I say again?" Wang Zhao said with a smile. "Zeng Guofan said that the superior people are capable but have no temper. Those snobbish people who throw tantrums are all incompetent inferior people."

"Uncle, Mr. Tao also mentioned you." Wang Xiaojuan didn't want her parents to know her mother-in-law's attitude, so she quickly changed the subject.

"What? President Tao mentioned me?" Wang Zhao was taken aback.

"General Manager Tao asked about my parents' work and asked me to give you his regards," Wang Xiaojuan said to her parents first. "You Dao mentioned you. At first, he didn't remember you, but after I mentioned your workplace, General Manager Tao immediately remembered you. He said you're not tall, a bit chubby, and you recently attended some meeting at the 13th branch factory..."

"Yes, it's a quality on-site meeting." Wang Zhao became happy.

"I said, you said Mr. Tao's level is quite high..."

"Why is this child talking nonsense?" Mr. Wang scolded, then asked Mr. Tao what he had said.

"General Manager Tao said it's not necessarily true. He said it's easy for him to give advice from above, but difficult to actually do the work below..."

"It's not easy for those above to speak up; without competence, they simply can't maintain order. Tao's speech at the central cadre meeting this afternoon was truly competent," Wang Zhao said solemnly.

"Xiaojuan, don't you think President Tao is quite fond of Youdao?"

"Right... I heard that his second uncle has always cared about him a lot..."

"Xiaojuan, what President Tao said is absolutely right, those are all wise words. Now that you and Youdao have confirmed your relationship and registered your marriage, you are legally married. You must treat each other with respect... Also, your status will be different from now on. As long as President Tao is around, no one will dare to look down on you, but be careful not to say anything carelessly, understand? Our factory is very complicated," Wang Zhao instructed.