“It’s a career I built entirely on my own, without relying on our family’s connections. It’s very important to me. I can’t bring myself to give up Yangtai. Should I let Yangtai merge with the Lan Group, become a subsidiary?”
If not changing industries, merging with the Lan Group was the only option. Zhan Wei didn’t want Yangtai to be absorbed by the Lan Group, though the Lan Group was keen to acquire Yangtai.
Zhan Yin said, “Haven’t you considered transforming? Yangtai isn’t limited to one industry anymore. As long as you avoid competing with the Lan Group, it’s fine. There are countless industries, and you can excel in any. Transformation can still lead to success. Of course, this is your life decision, and I can’t decide for you. Think it over. If you can’t make a sacrifice, maintain the status quo and see if things change in a few years. But in a few years, you’ll be in your mid-thirties. Grandma’s getting old, living day by day. We don’t know if she’ll see you married. We all hope you three will marry within the next two years, so Grandma can pass without regrets, joining Grandpa.”
Zhan Yin was also urging Old Eight and Old Nine to consider their life plans. Old Eight was just over a year younger than Old Seven, nearly thirty, and Old Nine, though in his mid-twenties, was old enough to marry.
“Big brother, I know, but this is a lifelong decision. I need to think it through to avoid regrets. Grandma will live to a hundred. She’ll definitely see all of us settle down and become fathers.”
The brothers were deeply attached to their grandmother. Seeing her age and develop health issues made them anxious. They feared losing her. Zhan Wei couldn’t bear to think of a life without her. With Grandma around, home felt warm and lively. Without her, even with their parents, the house would feel empty without their beloved grandmother.
He still remembered over a decade ago when Grandpa passed. Everyone was heartbroken, and it took a long time to accept and adjust to life without him. Grandma had been with them even longer, and now, as adults, their bond with her was deeper. If she passed, they didn’t know how long it would take to adjust to her absence.
“Think it over carefully, don’t regret your choice. With your ability, leading Yangtai to transform won’t lead to failure. I think the best approach is to transform Yangtai, so it’s no longer a rival to the Lan Group. Then, there’ll be no barrier between you and the girl you like.”
Zhan Wei already had an answer in mind but wanted to confide in his brother and hear his opinion, to see if it aligned with his own thoughts.
“Big brother, I’ll think it through carefully. Our company is already transitioning, just not successfully yet. I’ll keep going with it. For now, Ruoruo and I won’t have results in the short term.”
He could lead Yangtai’s transformation while continuing to pursue his wife. Lan Ruoruo likely had some feelings for him too, or Lan Dongxiao wouldn’t have had that conversation with him. She was probably conflicted as well. Even if she left the Lan Group, she’d still be a Lan family daughter, a fact that couldn’t change. If they remained rivals, she’d think he was still wary of her, even if she left the Lan Group.
After much thought, transforming Yangtai was the best solution.
