Chapter 440 – Another Godfather
From now on, if Xu Jinning or the Xu family needed his help, he would definitely be duty-bound to assist.
Zhang Changzheng had a general understanding of why Xiao Changsheng wanted to thank Xu Jinning. Xiao Changsheng’s gratitude, whether now or in the long term, was very beneficial for Ningning and the Xu family.
Although Zhang Changzheng knew that Ningning had likely not expected any thanks when helping Old Xiao, he was aware that—
Old Xiao was the kind of person who would never forget such a favor.
As long as Old Xiao served in Anren County, he could protect the Xu family, allowing them to flourish and develop in the area.
At that moment, Xiao Changsheng suddenly looked at Zhang Changzheng and Xu Jinning, and with a pat on his thigh, said, “Ningning, how about you recognize me as your godfather too?”
“Huh?” Xu Jinning was stunned.
Why was he bringing up becoming a godparent?
Xu Jinning had almost lost count of how many godparents she had.
Xiao Changsheng had initially made the suggestion tentatively, but when he actually proposed it, he felt it was a great idea.
“Ningning, you see, you’ve already recognized Changzheng as your godfather. Since Changzheng and I are good brothers, it makes sense for you to recognize me too, doesn’t it?”
“What do you think, Changzheng?”
Xiao Changsheng was undoubtedly a shrewd person. At first, he might have thought Zhang Changzheng had recognized Ningning as his goddaughter because of his good relationship with Xu Aiguo, and Ningning was Xu Aiguo’s daughter.
But now, as he recalled Zhang Changzheng’s confident and trusting tone when he mentioned Ningning, as well as Zhang Changzheng’s rapid development over the years, he felt there might be some underlying reason he didn’t know about.
Perhaps Changzheng, like him, had heard Ningning’s inner voice or even seen some scenes, helping him avoid certain calamities and thus achieving smooth progress.
If he thought about it, the more he felt it was likely the case.
In fact, Xiao Changsheng’s guess was pretty accurate.
Becoming a godparent was a significant matter; it wasn’t something that could be decided just because Xu Jinning or Xiao Changsheng said so. At the very least, Xu Aiguo and Zhang Ailian’s consent was necessary.
When Xu Aiguo and Zhang Ailian heard about it, they were not particularly surprised:
Ningning had recognized so many godparents over the years that they were accustomed to it.
One more or one less didn’t make much difference.
Moreover, having more godparents made things easier and provided additional protection for Ningning.
So, Xu Aiguo and Zhang Ailian agreed without much hesitation.
Xu Jinning: …
Alright, since her parents had agreed, she would accept it as well.
Besides, Uncle Xiao was indeed a wonderful person.
Upon learning that Xu Jinning would be returning to Beijing University in a few days, Xiao Changsheng hurriedly arranged the recognition ceremony to take place within three days.
Thus, Uncle Xiao became Godfather Xiao.
Xu Jinning calculated that, aside from her biological parents, she now had three godfathers and three godmothers.
And, she also had a godbrother.
Xu Jinning had a feeling that the number of her godparents might increase further.
With the godparent ceremony completed, the start of the school year was drawing even closer.
Zhang Changzheng had already purchased sleeper tickets for her, her sister, Mother Song, Yueyue, and Xu Xiangbei.
Originally, Xu Xiangbei didn’t need to go.
Moreover, with the supermarket opening soon, he was extremely busy.
However, considering that all the travelers were women and there were no men among them, it wouldn’t be very safe or practical without a man to help with the luggage. Therefore, Xu Aiguo decided to send another man along.
Naturally, Xu Xiangbei was the first to step up.
He wanted to accompany his sister and younger sister, as well as Yueyue. Even though he was busy with the supermarket’s impending opening, he could arrange for his elder brother to help manage things while he took on this task. He planned to return as soon as he had delivered them to Beijing.
Xu Xiangdong also wanted to go, but considering his wife and children at home, he hesitated. Since his younger brother was going to accompany his future siblings-in-law, he let Xu Xiangbei take on the task.
So, Xu Xiangbei happily received the chance to accompany them and take on the role of helping with the luggage.
He was very pleased, as he could spend more time with his elder sister, younger sister, and Yueyue.
Even though Xu Xiangbei wanted to stay longer with them, once they arrived in Beijing, he had to be mindful of the supermarket, which was about to open.
He couldn’t stay too long and needed to return quickly.
Speaking of the supermarket, Xu Xiangbei remembered that it was a project he and his younger sister had started together.
He had originally hoped that his sister would be present for the grand opening to witness it firsthand.
Unexpectedly…
“Second Brother, it’s okay. As long as the supermarket opens smoothly and operates properly afterward, it’s no problem that I can’t be there to see it for now,” Xu Jinning reassured him.
“I’ll be able to return for the New Year, and then I’ll get to see it.”
Seeing her brother’s disappointment at not being able to witness the opening, Xu Jinning hurried to comfort him. She often felt that her family tended to be overly sentimental about matters concerning her.
But it was precisely this sensitivity that moved her, and she was deeply grateful for her family’s love and care.
“Mm.” In the end, Xu Xiangbei reluctantly said his goodbyes and boarded the train, leaving Beijing.
…
Back in Qinghe Village, Xu Xiangbei buried his longing and reluctance deep in his heart and threw himself into preparing for the supermarket’s imminent opening.
Within a few days of Xu Xiangbei’s return to Qinghe Village, the supermarket was fully constructed.
Xu Xiangbei then contacted each of the vendors individually, informing them that they could bring their goods and settle in.
Soon, the promotional flyers were also prepared.
Xu Xiangbei hired people to distribute flyers in the county town and the surrounding villages and towns.
Before that, Xu Xiangbei had purchased a camera to take pictures of the supermarket, which were then printed on the flyers.
The flyers included the supermarket’s name, location, the various products being sold, and the discounts and promotional offers for the first three days of opening.
Perhaps because it was the first supermarket in Anren County and even the surrounding areas, people were very curious about it.
Many wondered if the supermarket was similar to the supply and marketing cooperatives or department stores.
Even if it was similar to those, it was still a welcome addition—a new place to shop.
Moreover, the products seemed reasonably priced, and with discounts and promotions for the first three days, it was even more appealing.
For the locals who had never seen this type of shopping method before, it was a novelty, and they planned to check it out.
Those who had seen the large supermarket rise from the ground in Anren County were even more intrigued.
Half a month after Xu Xiangbei returned from Beijing, that morning, amid the sounds of firecrackers, Xiangning Supermarket finally opened its doors.
Before that, the area outside the supermarket was already packed with people.
