To the mother, this building was not just a material gift, but also a symbol of her 20 years of guilt and longing.
Lin Chuxia did not want her mother to carry those burdens anymore; accepting this building could actually provide her mother some relief.
Zhuang Jingshu was very happy, and even Zhuang Yang was affected by the atmosphere between the mother and daughter.
"Do you want to go inside and take a look?"
Lin Chuxia, "Can I?"
It seems like construction has stopped, and the gate appears to be locked.
Zhuang Yang parked the car to the side, "No problem, there’s someone stationed here to guard the site, I’ll call them to open the gate."
Sure enough, it wasn’t long before the construction site gate was opened from the inside.
Zhuang Yang carried two safety helmets, wearing one on his head as well.
Even though construction had stopped, it’s important to maintain safety awareness as this is an ongoing project.
Lin Chuxia worried that it would be difficult to navigate the site, and wanted Zhuang Jingshu to wait in the car, but she refused.
Lin Chuxia and Zhuang Yang supported her on either side as the three of them took a walk around the building.
From outside the construction site, they could only see the building’s height, but when they got to the base, Lin Chuxia realized how large the commercial building’s footprint was.
They were at a clothing market in Yan City. It had three floors, and each floor of the current building before them was going to be twice as large as the clothing market in Yan City.
No wonder Zhuang Jingshu reminded her that the bottom three floors would be too much for a supermarket and clothing market alone.
"Rushing the project, the overall construction should be completed by the end of the year, with plans to start both external and internal renovations in the spring. Since the chairman has already given you the building, you should decide on the design and layout for the interior and exterior. I’ll contact the project designers, and you can share any ideas with them. You’re also welcome to come on site to guide them."
Zhuang Yang said with a laugh.
Lin Chuxia pouted and complained to Zhuang Jingshu, "Mom, do you see this? Brother is trying to be lazy."
Zhuang Yang shrugged helplessly, "You caught that so quickly."
It elicited laughter from several people.
On the way back, the three continued discussing the building’s design.
From the initial ideas that just popped into her head, Lin Chuxia already had a rough plan for the building in her mind.
Zhuang Jingshu suddenly changed the topic, "I heard from Qin Han that this building was designed with your help. Where did you get the inspiration? Or did you see this style somewhere else?"
"No, I just thought of what would be comfortable," Lin Chuxia replied easily.
She couldn’t exactly say that this design would be common 30 years from now.
Zhuang Jingshu thought of the designs for both Qin’s Restaurant in Yan City and Qin’s Buns Shop in Ancheng County, both designed and decorated by Lin Chuxia. They all have a distinctive style and look comfortable.
It must truly be about comfort.
There’s no denying her daughter’s good eye and talent for design.
"I’ve mostly dealt with the shares overseas, and now I have some funds available. I want to develop a business domestically. I didn’t have a concrete idea before, but seeing your brother’s building sparked an interest."
On the second day of the new year, Qin Juan’s family also returned to their maternal home.
Mrs. Qin hadn’t seen Qin Juan for some time, and saw her with her six-month-plus pregnant belly. She didn’t look haggard at all, in fact, she had gained some weight.
Her complexion was healthy and glowing, and her eyes sparkled with vitality.
It was apparent she was living a comfortable and stable life.
That day, not only did Qin Juan’s family bring Ningning back, but even Old Mrs. Jia came along.
This was something Mrs. Qin had specifically called to remind beforehand.
Since Qin Juan’s family had come, leaving Old Mrs. Jia alone at home would be too lonely.
Towards Old Mrs. Jia, her son’s mother-in-law, Mrs. Qin had no complaints. Judging by how affectionately little Ningning called her ’granny’, it was clear Old Mrs. Jia treated both their daughter and granddaughter well.
Though now her daughter was Jia family’s daughter-in-law and carried their grandchild, the granddaughter held no ties to Jia family.
Old Mrs. Jia was so kind to Ningning; no matter the reason, the Qin Family was not one to be ungrateful.
The Qin Family’s enthusiasm made Old Mrs. Jia feel slightly uneasy.
Upon arriving at Qin’s home and seeing Mrs. Qin, Old Mrs. Jia laughed, "You see, bringing the mother-in-law along while the daughter-in-law visits her family is really something, isn’t it? I’m afraid to trouble you, old sister, today."
Mrs. Qin went forward and grasped Old Mrs. Jia’s hand, "How’s this troubling? We’re all family. Saying things like that sounds unfamiliar. New Year’s all about being lively, let’s enjoy the bustle together today."
Old Mrs. Jia was also forthright, and although this situation might have been...awkward, she felt genuinely happy inside.
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