The morning sunlight streamed through the carved wooden windows, illuminating the dust motes in the air. Outside, faint sounds of firecrackers still popped in the distance festive remnants of the New Year celebrations. But inside, a different kind of conversation was about to unfold.
The meal ended with laughter, clinking bowls, and the fragrance of fried dough still hanging in the warm air of the dining hall. The family dispersed slowly, some carrying dishes back into the kitchen, others chatting idly about visits and errands.
Father Jia remained seated at the head of the table, tapping his fingers on the polished wood, clearly deep in thought. Eldest son Jia Zhe, dressed neatly as always in his cadre's uniform, poured himself another small cup of tea. Beside him sat Jia Wei, the second son, who leaned back with a thoughtful expression. Jia Lan, curious, stayed behind instead of running off like usual, sensing something interesting about to happen.
Jia Wei, the second son, broke the silence first. He rested his teacup down firmly and said in a thoughtful tone, "Dad, elder brother… I've been thinking these past months. The policies are changing, the newspapers are talking about new openings. I've been working in the factory, but… truthfully, I don't want to spend my whole life there. I want to try something more."
Father Jia arched his brows. "More? What exactly do you mean?"
Jia Wei's eyes gleamed with a mixture of excitement and nerves. "Business, Dad. I want to try doing business. With the country changing, the policies are loosening. Factories will not be the only future. We can't depend on wages forever. I want to try something more… something that could grow. We can't depend on wages forever. I want to try something more… something that could grow. Factories are stable, but the opportunities outside… they're too good to ignore. We could open something of our own, maybe in trade, maybe supply. The market is changing, and if we move early, we can establish ourselves."
Father Jia looked up, his brows knitting. "Business?"
Jia Wei nodded firmly. "Yes. People are already whispering about opportunities. If we wait too long, the best chances will be taken. I want to start early, while the tide is rising."
Eldest brother, Jia Zhe, sat with his usual calm composure, his posture reflecting the bearing of a government cadre. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table. "Second Brother, business is risky. You know my position I can't abandon my work in the government. I've already been promoted to a higher post. The Party trusts me, and this job gives our family a solid foundation."
"I know, Elder Brother," Jia Wei said quickly. "I'm not asking you to leave your job. But if I step into business, I'll need support. Not in daily work, but in " He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Connections. Protection. We all know the world isn't simple. Having you in government gives us stability."
Father Jia nodded slowly, his sharp gaze sweeping over both sons. "Your second brother isn't wrong. Doing business now, you'll need someone to cover your back. With your eldest brother's position, things will be smoother. But Zhe, are you willing to help him?"
The room went quiet for a beat. Even the ticking of the clock on the wall seemed louder.
Jia Wei exhaled deeply, then smiled. "That's all I wanted to hear Father's blessing. I'll do it. But… I'll need capital."
Jia Zhe gave a low chuckle. "Of course. I can't personally manage a shop or a factory line, but I can invest. I'll put in money and take shares. That way, Wei can focus on managing the business, and I'll remain in my post."
"How much do you plan to invest?" Father Jia asked.
"About ten thousand yuan," Jia Zhe said, his voice even, though it carried weight. "That's a significant amount, but I can manage. Half a month's salary and accumulated bonuses, plus savings from the last few years."
Jia Wei's eyes widened slightly at the number. Even though he had ambition, hearing his brother casually speak of investing ten thousand yuan made him both excited and nervous. "Elder Brother, that's… a lot. I was only thinking of starting smaller."
Father Jia stroked his beard, satisfied. "Good. With your elder brother's money and influence, and my own support, this venture can have a strong start. I'll invest some as well. A family business should have family backing. But Wei, remember: if you want the family's support, you must be honest and diligent. No reckless ventures."
Jia Wei clasped his hands together in mock solemnity. "Don't worry, Father. I'll treat every coin as if it were made of gold."
The air in the room seemed to solidify with determination. The foundation of a future Jia family enterprise was being laid.
All the while, Jia Lan had been quietly listening from her corner of the sofa. She hugged her warm teacup to her chest, her eyes flicking between her father and uncles. Finally, she set her cup down with a soft clink and leaned forward.
"Second Brother," she said sweetly, her voice calm but carrying weight, "if you're serious about this business, then I want to invest too."
Everyone turned to look at her. Jia Wei blinked in surprise before letting out a laugh. "You? Invest? Little Sister, how much money could you possibly have? Don't tell me you're planning to use your pocket money to buy shares in a company?"
Jia Lan, who had been listening with her chin propped on her hand, suddenly straightened up, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "If you're all investing, then I want to join too."
The men looked at her in surprise. Jia Wei chuckled. "You? Little sister, how much money can you have? Ten yuan? Twenty? Enough for sweets at the market?"
His tone was half-joking, but he didn't expect her response. Jia Lan's lips curved faintly. "Second Brother, wait here." She rose gracefully, the hem of her light winter coat brushing the polished floor as she walked to her room.
Her slippers pattered against the wooden floor, and soon the sound of drawers opening and boxes shifting echoed faintly.
Moments later, she returned holding a thick, cloth-wrapped bundle. She set it down on the low table between them with a solid thump. Then, with careful hands, she untied the fabric. Neatly stacked bundles of crisp banknotes appeared, their faint ink smell mingling with the lingering scent of tea in the air.
"Here," she said simply.,"Count it."
The room went silent.
The bundle opened to reveal stacks of carefully tied bills. Neat, crisp, and unmistakably large in amount. Jia Wei's eyes widened, and even the usually composed Jia Zhe leaned forward in disbelief.
Jia Wei's jaw nearly dropped. "T-Twenty thousand?!" His voice cracked, his hand instinctively reaching out to touch the money as if to confirm it was real. "Where on earth did you get this much?"
Even composed Jia Zhe couldn't hide his surprise. He leaned forward, eyes narrowing as he studied her. "Lan, explain. This isn't a small amount. Twenty thousand yuan could buy several houses right now."
Father Jia's brows furrowed. "Lan, where did this come from?"
MC met all of their gazes calmly, her expression unbothered, almost amused at their shock. "It's nothing mysterious. Over the years, I've saved every red envelope given to me during New Year, birthdays, and festivals. Mom and Dad have always been generous, and so have Grandpa and Grandma. I never spent it recklessly. I saved it, every coin. This," she gestured lightly to the stacks of money, "is the result."
Jia Wei gaped at her, then let out a low whistle. "My good sister… You've been hiding a treasure chest all these years! And here I thought you only knew how to act spoiled."
MC smiled, her tone playful yet confident. "Spoiled girls can be smart too, Second Brother."
Jia Wei let out a dramatic gasp, slapping his forehead. "Our little sister has been secretly richer than all of us combined! Heaven above, I mocked her for having only ten yuan—turns out she's a hidden tycoon."
Even Father Jia couldn't hold back a laugh. "You sly girl. While others spent theirs on sweets and toys, you guarded every fen like a banker."
Jia Zhe's expression softened into something between admiration and helplessness. "You really saved all of this? Without anyone knowing?"
"Of course," MC replied. "Why would I spend when the whole family already provides me with everything I could need? I've been waiting for something worthwhile to use it on. And what could be more worthwhile than helping my brothers and father start a business?"
Father Jia chuckled, shaking his head with pride. "This girl… sharper than she looks. Very well. If you want to invest, then invest. Your twenty thousand will be part of the family's business capital."
Jia Lan crossed her arms, feigning grandeur. "So, do I get a share in second brother's business or not?"
Jia Wei reached across, patting the pile of bills as though making sure it was real. "With this much, how could I refuse? Little sister, you're officially my biggest investor. But remember, once you're a shareholder, you can't run away when I drag you to carry rice sacks or bargain with suppliers!"
Jia Lan laughed, eyes gleaming. "Fine! As long as you don't try to trick me out of dividends."
Jia Wei picked up one bundle of notes, still in awe. "Twenty thousand yuan from a little girl… Now I really have no excuse. With Elder Brother's ten thousand, Dad's investment, and Lan's twenty thousand, we'll have a strong starting fund. I'll make sure not to waste it!"
The family exchanged glances, the atmosphere filled with both warmth and ambition. The Jia household, which once thrived purely on government positions and stability, was now about to step boldly into the world of business with even the youngest generation contributing her hidden fortune.
The room filled with warmth and laughter again, the earlier tension dissolved. Outside, the winter sunlight slanted through the frosty glass, illuminating the neat stacks of money and the hopeful expressions of the family. A new year, a new beginning.
And for the Jia family, it seemed, a new venture as well.