Chapter 595 Beautiful Atmosphere
Fortunately, Bai Hua announced that she had prepared a gift and took out a big red packet. While others gave either bank cards or presents, she was the only one giving cash.
In the end, Dabao and Erbao received six thousand each which was an acceptable amount. “Thank you, Grandma. Thank you, Grandpa.” When Erbao finally saw real money, she was so happy that her entire face reddened.
The moment she became excited, she began to cough again. “Erbao has a weak constitution. Hence, she needs more supplements,” Nan Zhengde commented.
“The doctor said that her organs suffered different levels of damage and needed to be treated gradually with traditional medicine. Therefore, the process will take some time,” Nan Xing explained.
Talking about Erbao’s condition caused silence to descend upon the initially jovial atmosphere.
Sensing the change in mood, Ning Ran quickly reassured everyone, “Don’t worry, she will definitely recover.”
“Speaking of traditional medicine, a friend of mine recommended this doctor in the Xinan region who is well known among the populace. The medicine he gave me to treat my ailment worked like a charm. If Erbao requires treatment with traditional medicine, I feel we should give him a try,” Bai Hua suggested.
“We can’t just go and see a random doctor who is well known to the locals. Doctors like that might suggest strange treatments instead of curing, end up harming their patients,” Feng Wan objected at once.
“That’s right. We have to be careful when choosing doctors. Only those with proper accreditation are acceptable, instead of some witch doctor that lives in a secluded place. The risks are just too great,” Nan Zhengde agreed.
“He isn’t just some random doctor. He was formerly the head of the famous traditional medicine hospital in the capital. He simply moved back to his hometown for retirement. Despite receiving many lucrative offers from other hospitals, he turned them all down. Anyway, my point is we can give him a try. He is a specialist too. In fact, I heard many government leaders depend on his prescriptions for their treatment,” Bai Hua added.
“Mom, do you really feel better after taking his prescription?” Nan Chen asked.
“A lot better. When I went to the hospital last week for my check-up, the doctor told me that my condition has improved significantly because of the effects of the medicine he gave me,” Bai Hua related.
“In that case, let’s invite him to Flower City and get him to treat Erbao together with the other specialists,” Nan Zhengde suggested.
“We could do that. However, I’m afraid that he is unwilling to leave home, and we might have to visit him instead. The last time he prescribed the medicine for me was after he saw the medical report I sent him,” Bai Hua added.
“That won’t do. Just looking at the medical reports isn’t enough. Traditional medicine requires in-person diagnosis. If we really want him to treat Erbao, we have to think of a way to invite him over,” Feng Wan asserted.
“That’s right, as long as he can cure her, I’m willing to pay him whatever he wants,” Nan Zhengde declared.
“After the new year, Ning Ran will be heading to the Xinan region for filming. Perhaps, we can visit the doctor then and see what he says. If it’s possible, we’ll invite him to come over. If not, we’ll bring Erbao to see him,” Nan Chen proposed.
“Sounds like a good idea. It’s decided then,” Nan Zhengde agreed.
“All right then, my great-granddaughter will soon be fully recovered. Come, let’s raise our glasses to welcome the new year!” Feng Wan toasted.
After clinking glasses, Chai Hua reminded Nan Zhengde to rest early. The next morning, he was supposed to go to Yunfeng Temple to usher in the new year by ringing its bell.
It was an annual tradition of Nan Zhengde’s that he had never failed to complete.
All this while, the highlight of Yunfeng Temple was the ringing of its bell during the first day of the Lunar New Year. The beginning bid for the honor of doing so was a hundred thousand.
They would use the money collected from the auction for temple repairs and charity.
As a sign of good luck and to also demonstrate one’s influence, the bids would run up to millions.
However, no matter how high the price was, the Nan family would always win the auction.
The only year the Nan family didn’t get to ring the bell was when Bai Hua and Nan Zhiyuan made a big mistake that resulted in the Nan family falling into a crisis.
Back then, it wasn’t because they couldn’t afford it. It was just that Nan Zhengde wasn’t in the mood to participate.
When the Nan family recovered from the crisis, they stopped taking part in the auction. Instead, they chose to ring the bell just as a formality to usher in the new year.
As they grew more powerful throughout the years, joining the auction would make them look like bullies.
Nan Zhengde preferred to keep a low profile by staying out of the auction. It also allowed other tycoons an opportunity to compete for the honor amongst themselves. Whatever happened after that had nothing to do with the Nan family anymore.
Ever since Nan Zhengde backed out of the auction and rang the bell separately, no one competed with him to do so. In the end, he became the only one to do it, which inadvertently accentuated the Nan family’s authority.
Naturally, Nan Zhengde didn’t forget about the trip. He was just reluctant to go to bed due to how much he was enjoying himself.
“Look, Chai Hua is pestering me again. We haven’t even set off the fireworks, and yet, he wants me to go to bed. Look at how energetic I feel! I refuse to go to sleep!” The old man felt invigorated.
“Mr. Chai is just doing it for your own good. Since you have to wake up early to ring the bell, it’s better if you go to bed early,” Nan Chen advised.
“At the very least, let me wait till midnight to welcome the new year, all right?” Nan Zhengde remained defiant.
“Darling, what’s with this talk about staying up till midnight? Do you think you’re still eighteen? Let the young ones do it instead,” Feng Wan admonished her husband with a smile.
“In that case, I’ll go to bed once I have seen the fireworks,” he compromised.
“Fine. Let’s get them to start preparing so that we can officially launch the fireworks at nine sharp.”
For many years, fireworks were banned in Flower City. However, an exception was made for the Nan family, which was one of the special privileges they enjoyed in the city.
As the biggest taxpayer, the Nan family received a ten million reward based on the city’s guidelines. It served as motivation for other industries within the city to further develop themselves.
Nonetheless, the Nan family would always donate the reward toward initiatives that improve public health.
On Lunar New Year’s Eve, only two places within the second outer ring road of the city were allowed to set off massive fireworks. One was Nanshi Corporation’s office building while the other was Commoner Residence.
The fireworks from the top floor of Nanshi Corporation were a sight to behold. The sky would be emblazoned with the words “Happy Lunar New Year, Flower City!”
Given how tall the building was, everyone in the city could watch the spectacle through their window. Gradually, the event evolved into one of the city’s traditions.
Once the fireworks display was over, the staff from Nanshi Corporation would quickly organize themselves and clear up the debris that was left behind.
As for those who owed Nanshi Corporation a debt of gratitude, they would send their blessings to the latter amidst the exploding fireworks.
On the other hand, the Nan family’s detractors would wish that the fireworks be extinguished forever, never to be seen again.
In spite of that, Nanshi Corporation continued to march forward under Nan Chen’s leadership in the face of deteriorating economic conditions.
At nine sharp at night, the fireworks display began upon Nan Zhengde’s signal.
As fireworks were launched into the air, an explosion of vibrant colors greeted the skyline of Flower City.
The glistening light that illuminated the darkness symbolized a blessing bestowed upon the city.
Moreover, every employee and shareholder of Nanshi Corporation would announce in their respective chat groups: Our annual fireworks display has begun! What a beautiful sight it is!
