After Becoming Financially Free, They Offered Their Loyalty - Chapter 129

Chapter 129: Dad, the Stage is Set for You, You Can Start Showing Off Now (Bonus Chapter)

TL: YYang

“A-Yong, I see you’ve switched to a BMW X7. Business at the factory must be good lately, right?”

Shen Yaode sidled up to Shen Yong and asked, handing him a He Tianxia cigarette.

Shen Yong took the cigarette and said with a smile, “Just making a little money. I need a good car to keep up appearances for business. Otherwise, I really wouldn’t have wanted to part with my old Volvo.”

“A new car needs good maintenance too. Come to my place and get a membership card. Car wash, ceramic coating, polishing, waxing, and film application—I’ll give you a 30% discount on everything,” Shen Yaode said with a grin.

The corner of Shen Yong’s mouth twitched. He knew this Shen Yaode was up to no good. He always came to push cards and memberships at every family gathering.

If it were close to home, it would be fine, but it was over ten kilometers away. Who the hell would drive that far for a car wash?

“We’ll see. I haven’t even used up the free car washes and ceramic coating from the 4S dealership yet,” Shen Yong replied perfunctorily.

Shen Yaode’s car wash business had not been doing well recently, and he wanted to continue his sales pitch.

But Shen Yong couldn’t be bothered to listen to him anymore. He looked at Shen Jianwei and said, “Big brother, why don’t you give second brother a call and ask when he’ll be here? I see the kids are getting hungry.”

“Let them eat some fruit first,” Shen Jianwei replied, then took out his phone from his shirt pocket, squinted to open his contacts, and dialed Shen Heping.

Half a minute later, he put down his phone and said, “He’ll be here in about ten minutes.”

“What were they busy with this morning, making us wait so long?” Shen Yaode complained, in a bad mood after his failed sales pitch.

Shen Jianwei shook his head without saying a word. He didn’t have a good impression of this cousin, Shen Yaode, either.

If it weren’t for the second brother lending him 300,000 yuan to open the car wash back then, he would still be working in a factory now, not acting all high and mighty.

But as soon as the second brother’s family went bankrupt, he came to collect the debt time and time again.

Although it was natural to repay debts, his second brother, Shen Heping, had a good reputation. How could he not repay you?

Although his family was not as wealthy as Shen Yong’s and Shen Yaode’s, he had also sent over 50,000 yuan. He was not worried at all that Heping would not repay the money.

And in less than a year, he had repaid it with interest last month.

He didn’t want the interest, but Heping insisted on giving it.

“Let’s just wait a bit longer. It’s second brother’s birthday today, so he’s the most important,” Shen Yong replied nonchalantly.

In fact, he was also a little dissatisfied, but he didn’t say much in front of so many relatives, otherwise it would make him seem ungracious.

His family’s relationship with the second brother’s family was average, mainly because his wife and Li Hongjuan had a rather strained relationship due to some past events. In addition, the second brother’s daughter, Shen Xuan, had excellent grades and always outshone their daughter.

In the past, when the second brother’s family was rich and his daughter was successful, they could only keep their thoughts to themselves.

But the situation was different now. Your family is bankrupt, yet you’re still putting on such airs. That’s a bit much.

On the sofa on the other side, He Juying, seeing Shen Yaode being snubbed, looked at Shen Yong’s wife, Zheng Feng, and fanned the flames. “How did your Tiantian do on the college entrance exam? It should be pretty good, right?”

Zheng Feng’s face darkened. She thought, ‘Why is this person bringing up a sore subject?’
She replied casually, “It was okay, just so-so.”

He Juying said with a smile, “I heard Xuanxuan did quite well, with a chance to get into Nanzhong. I was even thinking of asking her to tutor my Dongdong.”

Zheng Feng pouted and didn’t respond.

He Juying was also one to stir up trouble. Since Shen Yaode’s membership pitch had failed, there was no need to be polite anymore. “Xuanxuan has a good personality and is likable. She’ll do well wherever she goes. And she’s a top student, so she’ll definitely have a bright future.”

People are always afraid of comparison, especially since her own Tiantian had always been overshadowed by Xuanxuan. Zheng Feng snorted with disdain. “There are plenty of bookworms with good grades. It’s just rote learning. Tutoring? You’re thinking too much.”

“Besides, their family has a prodigal son. What’s the use of having a daughter with good grades?”

Shen Jianwei had been listening quietly to the conversation over there, smiling without saying a word.

He was a retired government official. Although he wasn’t a high-ranking official, he was a good judge of character. That girl Shen Xuan was no bookworm.

And their son, Shen Yuan, had a personality that was very easy to get along with. Although his grades were a bit poor, he spoke and acted with a sense of maturity and open-mindedness. His future achievements should not be too bad.

Just then, Shen Heping led his family in, arriving late. He walked into the private room and said with a grin, “Sorry everyone for making you wait. I had some important business to attend to this morning, so I was delayed. I’ll drink three cups first as an apology.”

“Also, I’ve already arranged for the food to be served. Everyone, please take your seats.”

Shen Heping’s words were very pleasant to hear. Shen Jianwei stood up and waved his hand. “It’s fine, we didn’t wait long. Besides, it’s not even mealtime yet.”

Zheng Feng was already in a bad mood and said sarcastically, “It’s fine. A little hunger won’t kill us.”

“What are you talking about?”

Shen Yong stood up and retorted, then looked at Shen Heping. “Second brother, you should have let us pick you up if you were busy.”

Shen Yong’s words seemed kind, but they were actually implying that the second brother’s family no longer had a car, which would also set the stage for him to show off his own car later.

After being suppressed by the second brother’s family for so many years, he could finally hold his head high.

Shen Heping knew what this subtle hint meant, but he couldn’t be bothered to argue. He beckoned, “Come, come, everyone, take your seats first.”

However, while Old Shen could tolerate it, Shen Yuan was not one to swallow his anger. He said with a smile, “Third uncle, then I’ll have to trouble you. I hope you’ll be available whenever I call.”

Shen Yong’s eyelid twitched. He didn’t respond. He was just trying to show off, but he hadn’t expected his nephew to be so blunt.

Shen Heping gave the seat of honor to his eldest brother, Shen Jianwei. After the food was served, he decisively drank three cups as a penalty. Shen Jianwei even advised him to eat something first before drinking.

“That’s right, second brother, drink slowly. No one here is blaming you,” Shen Yong also pretended to be kind and advised, then placed his He Tianxia cigarettes and BMW car key on the table.

But after waiting for a while, he found that no one reacted. Shouldn’t Shen Yaode be here to praise him, so he could show off a bit?

‘Shen Yaode, are you mute?’

‘You were so talkative just now, but now you’re not saying a word. Do you still want me to get a membership at your place?’

How could Shen Yaode not know what Shen Yong was thinking? ‘You didn’t even agree to get a card from me just now, and now you want me to be your hype man?’

‘Dream on!’

Seeing this scene, Shen Yuan couldn’t help but want to laugh. He decided to play along. “Yo, third uncle, got a new car?”

Shen Yong was stunned for a moment. He hadn’t expected his nephew to play along. Had he gotten the wrong script?

But since someone had started the conversation, he had to show off. Shen Yong said with a smile, “That Volvo was too old. I’ve been wanting to replace it for a long time.”

“Which BMW model is it?” Shen Yuan continued to ask, feigning curiosity.

Shen Yong found that this nephew was a great wingman. He quickly replied, “The X7. It’s not that expensive, actually.”

“Yo, it must be at least a million on the road, right? And that’s not expensive? Third uncle, you’re so modest.”

Shen Yuan decided to let him show off to his heart’s content.

Li Hongjuan covered her mouth, almost bursting out laughing. Hearing her son’s tone, she knew what he was planning to do next.

‘Showing off in front of our Shen Yuan. You’d better be able to take the slap in the face later.’

Shen Yong’s family had never gotten along with them, especially Zheng Feng, who was a gossipmonger.

When their family went bankrupt, Li Hongjuan and Shen Heping had never asked them for help, because even if they had, they wouldn’t have lent them any money.

Ten years ago, when his factory had just started and was not doing well, Shen Heping had even lent them money.

It was one thing for their family not to be grateful, but after the travel agency went bankrupt, they even came out to make sarcastic remarks, saying things like “I told second brother to get into manufacturing long ago. The tourism industry is definitely not a good idea.”

If it weren’t for Shen Heping cherishing the bond between the brothers and considering their deceased parents watching from above, he would have cut ties with them long ago, let alone invite them to his birthday dinner.

“I bought the mid-range model. It was about 1.1 million on the road,” Shen Yong said with an air of arrogance.

Shen Yuan said with a smile, “Not bad, third uncle. The factory’s business seems to be doing well recently.”

Shen Yong felt a little guilty hearing this. This nephew was acting a bit strange. Could it be that he was going to ask for a loan later? That would be really awkward. So he reined it in. “I haven’t made much money. I mainly bought it to keep up appearances for business.”

“Third uncle, you’re amazing!”

Shen Yuan gave him a thumbs-up. “I wish I could be as successful as you someday.”

The more Shen Yong listened, the more it sounded like he was going to ask for money. He quickly waved his hand. “Not at all, not at all. Just making a living.”

Shen Jianwei also felt that something was off. This was not his nephew’s style. Why was he letting the third brother show off so freely?

In the past, at times like this, Shen Yuan would either not say anything or would tear him down. Why was he acting like a different person today?

Zheng Feng was also a little surprised. She hadn’t expected Shen Yuan to be so cooperative today.

‘What, did he just give up after his family went bankrupt?’

But Zheng Feng didn’t feel satisfied at all. Her husband had shown off enough, but where was the face-slapping?

Shen Heping’s family was all happy and harmonious, and that silly nephew Shen Yuan was even acting as a hype man. How did that look like they were being slapped in the face?

Without the face-slapping part, pure showing off was just boring.

Shen Yong had the same thought as Zheng Feng, but he was worried that Shen Yuan would ask for a loan, so he didn’t dare to continue showing off.

But now it was their turn. Shen Yuan looked at Old Shen. “Old Shen, your third brother has already bought a BMW X7. How long are you going to keep that Maybach of yours under wraps?”

‘Old Shen, the stage is set for you. You can start showing off now.’

Shen Heping’s face was flushed. He was having a good time drinking with Shen Jianwei. He waved his hand. “It’s just a car, nothing to mention.”

Shen Yuan couldn’t help but laugh. He hadn’t expected Old Shen to be so cute when he was showing off.

But his words stunned everyone present.

‘Maybach?’

‘The second brother’s family bought a Maybach?’

‘The lowest-end Maybach costs almost 1.7 million on the road. Didn’t the second brother’s family go bankrupt? How could they afford it?’

After a long silence, it was Shen Jianwei who reacted first. “Heping, you bought a Maybach?”

Although not many people had seen a Maybach, its fame was extremely high. This top-tier luxury car had already formed a deep-rooted brand image in people’s minds.

Shen Heping had no choice but to nod. “Thanks to my son, I got a nice car.”

‘His son bought it?’

Shen Yong found it even more unbelievable. “Second brother, are you kidding? Shen Yuan bought you a Maybach?”

Buying a Maybach was already outrageous enough, and he even said Shen Yuan had bought it for him. Was that possible?

Everyone present knew that Shen Yuan was a prodigal son, and he was still in college.

Zheng Feng and He Juying also didn’t believe it. This was even less believable than winning a 5-million-yuan lottery.

Shen Heping had always been very steady. Was he drunk today or something?

Shen Yuan was getting anxious watching him. Old Shen was really holding back. Why wasn’t he rubbing it in their faces?

‘Third uncle was showing off so much just now. Aren’t you going to slap him hard in the face?’

In the end, Shen Heping couldn’t hold back any longer. He took out the Maybach car key from his pocket and placed it on the table.

“Sigh, I actually advised Shen Yuan not to buy me such a good car. He insisted on wasting the money.”

“What couldn’t he do with 3 million? Why buy such an expensive car?”

“Nice!”

Shen Yuan couldn’t help but give Old Shen a thumbs-up in his heart.

He hadn’t expected Old Shen, who usually didn’t show off much, to be so good at it now.

Shen Yong looked at the Maybach key and couldn’t help but swallow. ‘Is it really a Maybach?’

‘And a 3-million-yuan Maybach?’

Zheng Feng and He Juying also couldn’t help but crane their necks for a closer look, but they were women and didn’t know much about cars.

‘The key thing is, this car costs 3 million?’

‘Is it really that expensive?’

Shen Yaode sucked in a sharp breath. He ran a car wash, and although he didn’t often deal with luxury cars, he had applied film and ceramic coating to a Maybach before, so he recognized the key at a glance.

‘But where did he get the money?’

‘No, where did Shen Yuan get the money?’

‘To buy a 3-million-yuan car just like that, his net worth must be at least in the tens of millions, right?’

‘An ordinary person with a net worth of ten million might not dare to buy it. It would have to be at least thirty or forty million, right?’

But before they could recover from their shock, a waiter suddenly walked in, knocked on the door, and asked politely, “Excuse me, is the silver G-Wagen yours? I’m sorry, it’s blocking another car. Could you please move it?”

Shen Yuan said, “Oh,” and then stood up from his seat. “I’ll go move it then.”

“???”