Traveling back to 1966, starting by living in a cowshed.

Chapter 109 The Current Situation of the Lou Family

After listening to their explanation, Lin Zhou could understand the Lou brothers' concerns. Although the relationship between Hong Kong and Beijing had gradually improved over the years, these families who had left years ago still harbored some unease.

They were used to life in Hong Kong and its business environment, and they were both curious and fearful about the changes in Beijing.

Lou Zhenhua was a prominent figure in Beijing back then, but unfortunately, he was caught up in a special period, his home was ransacked, and he suffered many hidden injuries.

The people of the Lou family will probably never forget those days of torment.

As for Lou Zhenhua's first wife, who was also the mother of Lou Jianjun and Lou Jianye, it was during the period when the Marriage Law was introduced after the founding of the People's Republic of China, which required monogamy. Lou Zhenhua chose to divorce his wife and marry Tan Yali. So, in a fit of anger, she took the young Lou Jianye to the United States. She stayed away for decades until Lou Zhenhua fell ill and was hospitalized before he passed away, when she returned with her son.

When Lou Jianye returned, the first thing he did was to join forces with his elder brother Lou Jianjun to kick Lou Xiao'e and her mother Tan Yali out of their home.

Speaking of which, Tan Yali was Lou Zhenhua's second wife. She was a very prestigious person back then, after all, she had risen from a concubine to the wife. However, she did not give birth to a son, so she lacked confidence and her status in the Lou family was neither high nor low.

After Lou Jianye and his mother returned, relying on the will Lou Zhenhua had made before his death, they managed to kick Tan Yali and Lou Xiao'e out of the house.

However, the Lou brothers didn't go too far. They gave the mother and daughter several million Hong Kong dollars and a not-so-small villa, enough for them to live comfortably for the rest of their lives.

Lin Zhou picked up his teacup, took another sip, and the image of Lou Xiao'e appeared in his mind.

My impression of Lou Xiao'e is that she was a lively and cheerful girl with big eyes and two shallow dimples when she smiled. When she worked at Zhonghua Group, she was also efficient and hardworking.

However, ever since she was kicked out of the Lou family, she resigned from Zhonghua and has never returned.

Later, Lin Zhou overheard someone say that Lou Xiao'e and her mother Tan Yali used that money to open a restaurant called "Yali Xuan" in Causeway Bay.

The restaurant was doing quite well. Tan Yali was originally from a well-to-do family and was an excellent cook of Tan family cuisine. Lou Xiao'e was also good at business, and it didn't take long for them to make a name for themselves.

What's even more heartening is that Lou Xiao'e later married a gentle and refined scholar who treated her very well.

Not long after they got married, they had a big, healthy baby boy. He was about the same age as Lin Zhou's child, a very cute and adorable age.

Thinking of this, Lin Zhou couldn't help but smile: "Speaking of which, I saw Sister Xiao'e in Causeway Bay a while ago. She looked great, her restaurant was doing well, and she even had a healthy baby boy. She's living a pretty good life."

Upon hearing this, Lou Jianjun looked somewhat embarrassed: "Yes, Xiao'e is a stubborn girl. When she took her mother out, she didn't say a single kind word. But thankfully, she's doing well now, so we, as her older brothers, are relieved."

Lou Jianye curled his lip and said casually, "She's capable, so naturally she'll live well. Our Lou family hasn't mistreated her either."

Lin Zhou didn't reply, but simply nodded slightly.

Ultimately, this is a family matter for the Lou family, and as an outsider, he shouldn't interfere.

The group chatted about some trivial topics, mainly the recent business situation in Hong Kong and some gossip from the industry.

When Lou Jianjun inquired about the current situation of Zhonghua Group, Lin Zhou only gave a few brief answers and did not elaborate further.

He could tell that the Lou brothers were currently focused on stabilizing their family business and had little interest in considering matters concerning Beijing.

Since they had already decided to wait a few more years, Lin Zhou didn't say anything more. After all, returning to one's roots is ultimately a matter of personal choice.

Before I knew it, the sky outside the window had completely darkened, and the streetlights in the courtyard lit up one after another, casting long shadows on the ground with their dim yellow light.

Lin Zhou glanced at his watch and stood up. "It's getting late, so I won't bother you any longer."

Lou Jianjun and Lou Jianye also stood up. Lou Jianjun said warmly, "Why don't you stay a little longer? Why don't you stay for a simple meal?"

"No, my family is waiting for me to come home for dinner," Lin Zhou said with a smile, waving his hand. "Let's get together again next time."

Lou Jianye stepped forward and offered to help Lin Zhou pick up his coat, which was placed to the side: "Mr. Lin, please take care. I'll see you out."

The two walked to the courtyard gate, where Lou Jianye suddenly stopped, looked at Lin Zhou, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Mr. Lin, actually... it's not that we don't want to go back, it's just..."

Lin Zhou patted him on the shoulder, interrupting him: "I understand. I understand your concerns."

"Whenever you figure things out, or if you need help, feel free to come to me anytime."

Lou Jianye's eyes flickered, and he nodded, his tone becoming more sincere: "Thank you, Mr. Lin."

Lin Zhou smiled, said nothing more, and turned to get into the car.

The car slowly drove away from the villa. Lin Zhou looked through the rearview mirror and watched the off-white building gradually disappear into the night.

He sighed softly, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Back in the day, the Lou family was one of the most prominent families in Hong Kong, enjoying immense prestige.

But now, people have left and things have changed, leaving only the Lou brothers to guard the family business and live cautiously.

In this life, rise and fall, honor and disgrace, are but a fleeting moment.

As the car drove onto the main road, the yellow streetlights on both sides gradually lit up, and the neon lights on the signs were even more dazzling, forming a continuous expanse that made the entire Hong Kong appear incredibly prosperous.

Lin Zhou opened the car window, and the evening breeze blew in, dispelling the melancholy in his heart.

He had the driver stop at a phone booth by the roadside, and then he made a call home. On the other end of the line, his wife Su Wanqing's gentle voice came through, along with the clear laughter of their child.

A warm smile involuntarily appeared on Lin Zhou's lips. No matter how the world changes, as long as his family is safe and sound, everything is fine.

"Wanqing, I'm going home for dinner today. Have you and your son eaten yet? If not, wait for me to come back so we can eat together."

"Not yet. If you come back for dinner, I'll ask the nanny to add two more dishes. Your son is also clamoring to wait for you to come back so we can eat together!" Su Wanqing said with a smile.

"Okay, I'll be right back now." After saying that, Lin Zhou hung up the phone, paid the money, got into the car, and drove away.

As for the Lou family's affairs, let nature take its course. Perhaps in a few years, when the situation has completely stabilized, Lou Jianjun and his brothers will change their minds and take Lou Zhenhua's ashes back to Beijing to fulfill his wish to return to his roots.

The car continued forward, merging into the heavy traffic, heading towards home.