Siheyuan: I just want to live

Chen Feng stared closely at Li Guotao, who was lost in thought, and a trace of doubt arose in his heart. He really couldn't understand why Li Guotao cared so much about whether Lou Xiao'e would start investing in opening a store at this moment.

At this moment, Chen Feng raised his lips slightly, revealing a kind smile, and asked Li Guotao softly: "Uncle Li, what's the matter with you? Why are you so concerned about whether Xiao'e will invest or not?"

"Could it be that you are also eager to take advantage of this boom to start a business, and are planning to get involved in Xiao'e's investment?"

As soon as Chen Feng said this, it was like a stone that caused a thousand ripples, and the originally quiet room suddenly became lively and extraordinary.

Everyone's curiosity was completely ignited at once, and they all cast their curious eyes towards Li Guotao, waiting impatiently to see how he would respond.

Facing the heated gazes of the crowd, Li Guotao seemed unconcerned. He just waved his hand casually and said carelessly: "Hey, Chen Feng, look at what you said!"

"I'm an old man who will retire after the New Year. How can I have the energy and desire to venture out into the world and do business? That's pure nonsense!"

After hearing what Li Guotao said, Chen Feng not only did not dispel his doubts, but became even more confused. He frowned and asked again.

"In that case, Uncle Li, why do you keep asking about Xiao'e's situation? It can't be just a casual question, right?"

Hearing Chen Feng's repeated question, everyone present looked at Li Guotao, listening to his explanation with their ears pricked up.

When Li Guotao saw Chen Feng asking again, he sighed and said, "Hey! I will retire in March after the New Year!"

Chen Feng was not surprised about Li Guotao's retirement. After all, Li Guotao is already very old and it is time for him to retire.

Li Guotao paused for a moment and then said, "And I received news..."

His voice was slightly low and he seemed hesitant.

After a short pause, Li Guotao took a deep breath and continued, "When I went to the headquarters to report a few years ago, I accidentally heard people in the office talking about this matter. They just said it casually, but I took it to heart."

He spoke slowly and carefully, as if every word was carefully considered. After saying this, Li Guotao glanced at Chen Feng and Lou Xiaoe again, then lowered his voice and said mysteriously: "It is said that within the next two years, the entire scrap company will be eliminated. First, the scrap stations will be eliminated, and then the head office will be eliminated."

While saying this, Li Guotao's eyes never left Chen Feng's family. He stared at them closely, as if observing their reaction after hearing the news.

After hearing Li Guotao's words, Chen Feng had already understood in his heart that this was an inevitable trend after the reform and opening up. His expression did not fluctuate at all, he just looked at Li Guotao indifferently, as if waiting for him to continue.

Lou Xiao'e, who was standing by, was slightly stunned after hearing what Li Guotao said, but she quickly regained her composure. After all, she came back from Hong Kong Island, where the system was different from that in the mainland, so she didn't have too many feelings about this matter.

However, Jin Ling was completely different. She was deeply shocked by Li Guotao's words, and her heart was like a storm. But when she saw that Chen Feng and Lou Xiao'e did not say anything, she suppressed her inner waves, sat quietly, and waited for the next development.

Without letting Jin Ling wait too long, Chen Feng spoke slowly. With a faint smile on his lips, he looked at Li Guotao and asked in a relaxed tone.

"Uncle Li! I don't think this matter has much to do with you, right? After all, you are about to retire. Even if there are any fluctuations in the scrap company, it will definitely not affect you!"

As soon as Chen Feng finished speaking, a helpless expression appeared on Li Guotao's face. He sighed slightly, and then spoke slowly.

"Chen Feng! You are right. I am indeed about to retire. No matter what changes happen in the company, it doesn't matter to me anymore."

He paused, then continued, “But have you ever thought about those who still work at the scrap yard?”

"Since you left, there haven't been any new people coming into the scrapyard in these years. It's always been the same old people who were there when you were here."

At this point, Li Guotao's voice lowered a little: "If the scrap yard is really closed, won't these people lose their jobs?"

"They don't have a pension like I do, they still have to rely on this job to support their families!"

Li Guotao paused for a moment, as if he was organizing his thoughts, and then continued.

"I'm thinking, if Xiao'e can invest in opening a restaurant, and let these people help wash dishes and sweep the floor, at least they can have a job, so that their income won't be cut off all of a sudden and put the family in trouble!"

Listening to Li Guotao's words, Chen Feng nodded slightly with an expressionless face, indicating that he heard what he said.

Although he knew that the state would certainly provide a certain degree of compensation to the employees of the scrap yard, without the guarantee of a stable job, these people would certainly still feel a little uneasy and fearful deep down.

Chen Feng could understand Li Guotao's thoughts and concerns, but he did not make a decision immediately. Instead, he exchanged glances with Lou Xiao'e who was sitting next to him. The two people's eyes met, as if they had reached some kind of tacit understanding in an instant.

Then, Chen Feng took a deep breath and slowly said, "Uncle Li, investment is not a simple matter. We cannot make hasty decisions based on impulse. Xiao'e and I need to go back and discuss it seriously to weigh the pros and cons."

His tone seemed very cautious, making people feel how seriously he took the matter.

Then, Chen Feng continued: "After we have discussed it, no matter whether the final result is success or failure, I will give you a definite answer as soon as possible. Do you think this is okay?"

Seeing Chen Feng being so cautious, Li Guotao didn't want to force anything, so he nodded readily and responded, "Yes, this is not a trivial matter, we need to discuss it carefully."

At this moment, the nanny, Sister Wang, came over with a smile on her face. She said softly, "Everyone, lunch is ready. You can go to the restaurant to eat."

Hearing what the nanny, Sister Wang, said, Mr. Li immediately stood up, greeted everyone warmly and said.

"Come on, come on, don't sit here anymore, let's go to the restaurant to eat together."

Everyone responded and followed Mr. Li to the restaurant.