9: Chapter 9 Relatives and Family

Second Aunt’s home was in the Development Zone. Both she and Second Uncle were employees of the Jinghu City State-owned Machinery Group in the Development Zone. Second Aunt was a financial accountant, and Second Uncle was the office director. Cao Xiao came to find Second Uncle because working in such a mechanical processing enterprise usually meant dealing with metallurgical companies. Some metallurgical companies used anthracite coal powder for blast furnace injection during smelting. The coal in Cao Xiao's space was all lump coal; to sell it to metallurgical companies, it needed to be processed into powder. This didn't stump him; it could be solved by using the processing space. It was just physical crushing and wouldn't consume much energy. Of course, anthracite coal had many other uses, such as in the cement and ceramic industries, but Cao Xiao had no connections. As an ordinary worker in a small-town coal mine, how much of a network could he have? He could only hope that Second Uncle might know some people in metallurgical enterprises.

On the way, he called Second Aunt to say he was in Jinghu City and would visit their home in a while. Fortunately, Second Aunt's family hadn't gone out today. Cao Xiao only now realized he hadn't called Second Aunt in advance to let her know.

When he arrived at the residential complex where Second Aunt lived, he parked the car by the roadside, took the gifts, and went upstairs. He rang the doorbell. After it rang twice, the door opened a crack, and a small head peeked out.

"Mom, it's Big Cousin! Big Cousin is here, and he bought so much fruit." After seeing Cao Xiao, the small head's big eyes instantly lit up. Then it retracted, and the door remained only a crack open as a childish voice shouted excitedly inside.

The person who just opened the door was Cao Xiao's cousin, the youngest one, only six or seven years old this year. Second Aunt had a son and a daughter. The eldest daughter, Liu Chang, was twenty years old this year and attended a key university in the Provincial Capital. She was a standard top student and was said to be starting her postgraduate studies in the second half of this year, even though she had only been in university for two years. The young son, Liu Yang, had shown a powerful talent for being rowdy since childhood, acting like a little demon who never stopped all day, yet he was very smart and well-loved by the whole family.

Cao Xiao smiled faintly. This little guy... He pushed the door open and walked in himself.

"Xiao Xiao, go in and sit down yourself. I'm stir-frying. Your Second Uncle went out to buy drinks. Honestly, you didn't even call ahead to say you were coming so I could prepare. If you do this next time, you can just go hungry." After Cao Xiao entered, he saw Second Aunt stir-frying. Before he could even say hello, he was met with a barrage of complaints from her.

"Hehe, I forgot. I'll definitely call ahead next time. By the way, I brought some cooked food; let's eat it together later. I was in a hurry this time; next time I'll bring some wild game over," Cao Xiao said sheepishly, placing the cooked food and fruit on the cabinet.

"Why did you buy things? What a waste of money! If you do this again, watch out, or I'll hit you!" Second Aunt saw the fruit and cooked food in Cao Xiao's hands and gave him a sharp glare.

"Hehe, little guy, where are you hiding?" Cao Xiao didn't dare argue with Second Aunt. He had known since he was a child that whatever she said was right; if it wasn't, it meant his skin was itching for a beating. He gave a couple of dry laughs and saw his little cousin peeking at him sneakily. Cao Xiao put on a fierce expression and walked over to catch him.

"Wow! The Great Demon King Big Cousin is coming to catch me! Fairy Sister, help!" The little guy wailed and fled into a room.

"You little troublemaker, let Cousin catch you and give your little bottom a good smacking. You never stop making a fuss all day," a light, ethereal female voice came from the room.

"Hi, Cousin! Did you bring me anything delicious?" A beautiful girl came out of the room and asked Cao Xiao.

This was his top-student cousin, Liu Chang. She had an eccentric personality and was a foodie who loved tropical fruits—though that was just her favorite among fruits. She couldn't look away from any other delicacies as long as they were delicious. It was said she would occasionally sneak off to buy alcohol to drink. Sometimes, when the family went shopping, she would disappear halfway and be found at some snack stalls. However, her figure never went out of shape; no matter how much she ate, she didn't get fat. She was a gifted foodie.

"I bought some. There's your favorite, mangosteen. Go get it in the kitchen yourself." Cao Xiao felt guilty toward Liu Chang; he wouldn't tease her when talking and doted on her immensely.

Liu Chang's dream was to travel the world freely and eat all the world's delicacies. Of course, the first part was just a prerequisite; eating all the world's delicacies was the main point. This was also her primary motivation for studying. Originally, with her academic talent, she could have easily secured a spot to study abroad. Second Aunt's family had planned for this as well, starting to save money when she was in high school. However, because of the changes in Cao Xiao's family, her wish to study abroad fell through. Studying abroad nowadays wasn't like before; even if one received a full scholarship with excellent grades, that little bit of money was completely insufficient, and it was impossible to let a delicate girl wash dishes. So, out of necessity, even though Liu Chang's college entrance examination scores could have gotten her into any university in the country, including the University of Hong Kong, she could only attend a university in her own province.

Therefore, Cao Xiao felt he owed Liu Chang a dream. Liu Chang had never complained to him, and he did his best to spoil her.

Liu Chang cheered and ran to the kitchen, only to be kicked out by Second Aunt. Dinner was about to be served, and once she started eating, she wouldn't be able to stop.

"Come, Yang Yang, come and play with Cousin. How about Cousin plays a game with you?" Cao Xiao sat on the sofa, coaxing Liu Yang to come over.

"Really? You have to promise not to pinch my face." At the mention of playing a game, the little guy was a bit tempted. Usually, at home, everyone rarely had time to play with him endlessly.

"Of course, I promise, I swear! How could I lie to my cutest little cousin?" Cao Xiao pointed his index finger to the sky and swore.

"Cousin is a liar! You even swore, and you're still pinching my face." As soon as Liu Yang came over, he was pulled into Cao Xiao's arms, with a hand gently pinching his little face. It was chubby and quite fun to play with.

"Cousin sees your little fat face and can't help but want to help you lose weight. I only held up one finger to swear just now, so it doesn't count. I'll play with you after one pinch." Cao Xiao shamelessly bullied the child.

"Mom, help! Big Cousin pinched my face fat again! Xiao Xin said I'm so fat she won't play with me anymore." The little guy struggled in Cao Xiao's arms, trying to escape the demon's grasp, but the Great Demon King was too powerful. He could only shout for help with a sob in his voice.

"Serves you right! Who told you to eat so much and get so fat? You're always competing with me for food," Liu Chang said gloatingly from the side.

"Mom is busy. If you eat one less bowl of rice today, Mom will come over to help you." Second Aunt didn't care about his plea for help; she just said a word and continued cooking.

Now the little guy stopped struggling and looked at Cao Xiao with teary, pitiful eyes. Cao Xiao didn't fall for it; this little guy was very good at playing tricks, and Cao Xiao had been tricked by him many times. Now that he had fallen into his hands, he wouldn't escape easily.

"Chang Chang, I'm going to the Provincial Capital next week. Don't come home then; wait for me there. Cousin will treat you to a big meal—specialty private kitchen cuisine," Cao Xiao said to Liu Chang while pinching Liu Yang's little face.

"Really? That's great! I haven't eaten at those authentic private kitchens yet. But I heard it costs a lot of money to eat in those places, and you need to be someone of status to book a table. Cousin, when did you get so rich?" Liu Chang said excitedly; this was her favorite.

"I want to go too! I want to go too! Cousin is so biased, not even inviting me. And you said I'm your cutest cousin—it's all a lie, big liar Cousin!" The little guy's aggrieved expression vanished, and he protested indignantly.

"Xiao Xiao, don't waste money if you have some. Your family has many places that need money; you have to save up." Hearing them talk about private kitchens, Second Aunt spoke up. She knew the spending standards of those places—thousands or tens of thousands were small amounts. Thinking about spending tens of thousands, she immediately turned off the gas, stopped stir-frying, came out of the kitchen, and cautioned him with concern.

"Second Aunt, it's my friend's mother's treat this time. I don't have to pay. Don't worry, I won't waste money," Cao Xiao quickly explained.

"That's good then. But Liu Chang shouldn't go; it's not good for her to go when someone else is treating. Better not go and embarrass yourself." Second Aunt breathed a sigh of relief and turned to speak bluntly to Liu Chang.

"Hmph! Fine, I won't go!" Seeing her big meal go up in smoke and not daring to defy her mother's authority, Liu Chang could only give up.

Second Aunt went back to the kitchen to work. Cao Xiao didn't say anything but secretly winked at Liu Chang a few times. Seeing his expression, Liu Chang immediately understood. Her eyes began to shine, and she nodded vigorously at Cao Xiao.

At this time, Second Uncle also returned, carrying a bag filled with wine and drinks. Cao Xiao greeted him. Second Uncle, Liu Zhigao, was just like his name—highly intelligent, a trait he had passed on to his descendants.

Second Aunt began serving the dishes, and Cao Xiao also went to help. Before long, a table full of food was served. Cao Xiao was very touched; even though he had come suddenly, Second Aunt had prepared so many dishes in a short time.

"Come, Cao Xiao, let's the two of us have a drink." Second Uncle took out a bottle of Honghualang and said to Cao Xiao.

"I drove here today and have to go back in a while, so I won't drink. Next time I come, I'll definitely drink with you to our hearts' content." Seeing Second Uncle about to open the wine, Cao Xiao quickly stopped him.

"Alright, I'll let you off today. Let's eat, we can chat while we eat." Second Uncle didn't force him either; he handed the chopsticks to Cao Xiao and said.

"Second Uncle, I came here this time to ask for your help," Cao Xiao said to Liu Zhigao while eating.

"Oh? What is it? Tell me, and I'll see if I can do it," Liu Zhigao asked curiously.

"I've gotten some anthracite coal powder from the coal mine. The quantity is quite large. Can you help me find a sales channel over here?" Cao Xiao put down his rice bowl and said.

"Oh? How much is there? What's the quality like?" Liu Zhigao asked.

"The quantity is over a thousand tons, and the quality is very high, meeting metallurgical industry standards," Cao Xiao said. He didn't know if it could be sold, so he didn't say too much.

"As long as the quality is fine, there's no need to worry about sales. By the way, how did you get involved in this? You didn't secretly get it out from the coal mine yourself, did you? You're too bold... Wait, you said anthracite coal powder, not lump coal?" Liu Zhigao spoke while eating, then felt something was wrong. He looked up, put down his chopsticks, and stared intently at Cao Xiao.

"How could I have such great ability to get so much coal out at once? It's coal powder processed by a coal washing plant owned by a friend. I'm helping him find sales channels, and I'll get some sales commission then." Cao Xiao knew Liu Zhigao had misunderstood and quickly explained.

"That's good. I was afraid you'd be foolish. With such a large quantity, if something goes wrong, it's no small matter. I'll make some calls to ask around for you after dinner," Liu Zhigao said with a sigh of relief.

"Great. If it can be sold this time, I'll get an eight percent commission. We'll split it then. But my friend requires immediate cash payment. Remember to make that clear later," Cao Xiao said, overjoyed.

"Keep the money for yourself. If it really works out, your family's situation can ease up a bit. Eat, we'll talk later," Liu Zhigao said, waving his hand.

Half an hour later, the sumptuous lunch was finished, and the table was already a mess. Cao Xiao once again witnessed the combat power of Second Aunt's family, especially Liu Chang and Liu Yang. With them as examples, Cao Xiao also ate two more bowls of rice. Second Aunt and Second Uncle were also veterans of many battles. Cao Xiao even suspected if Second Aunt's family was using the excuse of entertaining him to satisfy their own large appetites.

Cao Xiao sat on the sofa, clutching his stomach and slowly rubbing it to help digestion. He had really eaten too much today, and his stomach was stuffed. However, Second Aunt's family was perfectly fine. Cao Xiao looked at Liu Chang's stomach with a puzzled gaze, wondering how she fit so much food in there. Liu Chang sensed something and looked over. Seeing Cao Xiao staring at her stomach, she snorted coldly and gave him a fierce look. Cao Xiao quickly withdrew his gaze and looked straight ahead—spacing out.

Liu Zhigao made a cup of tea for Cao Xiao and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window to make a call. Cao Xiao called up the operation window of the Intelligent Industrial Mother Machine and began using the processing space to crush the anthracite into coal powder. The decomposition and synthesis furnace could only process one hundred tons of raw material at a time. The coal lumps automatically entered the furnace. The program was set to crushing, and the particle size was set according to the highest standards he had found online. In less than a minute, one hundred tons of coal lumps were processed. Seeing that the energy bar didn't decrease, Cao Xiao also breathed a sigh of relief. Taking advantage of the time, he simply processed all the coal. While watching the coal being processed, he listened to Liu Zhigao's phone call. Cao Xiao felt a bit uneasy. Liu Zhigao was only a middle-level manager of a large collective; he didn't have much power. The tone of his voice made Cao Xiao feel sad. It was hard to see a grown man speaking humbly to others, even if driven by profit or family affection. He knew Liu Zhigao truly treated him as family, not just a relative in name only.

"Xiao Xiao, it's done! It just so happens that a friend's factory needs high-quality anthracite coal powder. You brought samples, right?" Liu Zhigao stopped calling and said to Cao Xiao excitedly.

"I did. They're in the car downstairs," Cao Xiao said happily, also feeling a surge of joy in his heart.

"Then let's go quickly. We'll take the samples and visit that factory." Liu Zhigao grabbed Cao Xiao and was about to head out.

"Alright. Second Aunt, I'm leaving. I won't come back later; I'll go straight home. Yang Yang, Cousin will bring you a big truck next time." Cao Xiao said goodbye to Second Aunt and tempted Liu Yang at the same time. He made a phone gesture with one hand and shook it by his ear while looking at Liu Chang. Liu Chang also nodded in response.

He went out with Liu Zhigao and drove toward the factory Liu Zhigao mentioned. On the way, he got out of the car pretending to buy cigarettes. He bought two boxes of Soft Zhonghua at a convenience store and took a few plastic bags along the way, quietly putting them into the space. He filled a bag with coal powder and placed it behind the seat where Liu Zhigao couldn't see it, completely unnoticed.