YA Ch105: Son-in-Law

As a considerate son-in-law who hasn’t yet had his wedding, Lu Yu felt he needed to act quickly to stop Ming Yan. He hurriedly pulled Ming Yan aside and said, “I don’t know much about jewelry, but using such a rare gem would be a waste.”

Just a moment ago, his father-in-law had emphasized the rarity of the Kashmir sapphire, saying it was a rare gem that was only mined for 20 years before the mine was sealed. It was extremely rare on the market, and the Ming family only had this one piece.

Ming Yan held the cornflower-blue gem, thought for a moment, and said, “If you don’t like this one, there’s a piece of glass-like imperial green jade in the bank vault…”

Lu Yu quickly waved his hands and said, “No, no, no.”

Ming Yan lowered his head and chuckled.

Lu Yu then realized Ming Yan was just teasing him. The Seven Seas uses blue gemstones; what would they do with a green jade? He muttered quietly, “You’ve learned bad habits.”

Father Ming cleared his throat and beckoned Lu Yu over, “Don’t mind him; come and sit.”

Lu Yu glanced at Ming Yan and saw him nod, so he followed his father-in-law to the sofa area and sat down, feeling a bit awkward. This was the first time his father-in-law had actively invited him to chat, and he quickly reviewed various “chatting tips with the father-in-law” in his mind.

“Our Ming family had considered entering the jewelry business,” Father Ming said, looking around at the room filled with dazzling gems, “but fortunately, we didn’t. If we had sold jewelry, we would have lost everything during the times of war.”

Lu Yu agreed, “Indeed. During wartime, even a regime can’t protect treasures.” He noticed tea on the table and promptly leaned forward to pour a cup for his father-in-law, offering it with both hands.

Father Ming took a sip of tea and said, “I heard you’re acquiring the AI brain manufacturing plant?”

Lu Yu’s face went pale. He wasn’t sure how to explain it to his father-in-law. This was supposed to be a surprise for the Ming family, but now it seemed he had messed it up.

Before he could explain, Father Ming continued, “Do you know why the Ming family’s business has lasted for a hundred years? It’s because we chose the right industry during the right time and specialized in it.”

At this point, Ming Yan came over with the tray of gemstones and sat next to Lu Yu. He took out a rectangular velvet box and started placing the seven selected gems into it.

Father Ming gave his son a disapproving look and then turned to Lu Yu with a calm expression, “You’re currently in the forefront of the AI brain assistant field. The industry is right, but the direction is off.”

Lu Yu perked up his ears, refilled Father Ming’s tea, and adopted a posture of humble attentiveness.

His father-in-law was pleased with his demeanor and nodded slightly, saying, “A-Yan hoped I’d talk to you, so I’ll take this opportunity to give you some advice.”

Lu Yu was taken aback and looked at Ming Yan.

Ming Yan relaxed on the sofa, his back straight, and held Lu Yu’s hand discreetly from his father’s view.

Lu Yu subtly squeezed Ming Yan’s soft palm, feeling much more at ease, and looked up at Father Ming with curiosity, wondering what advice Ming Yan wanted his father to give.

“Doing things well isn’t about quantity but quality,” Father Ming said slowly. “What you should focus on now is not acquiring unrelated businesses but strengthening and excelling in what you are already good at.”

The AI brain manufacturing industry was clearly one of those unrelated businesses.

Lu Yu’s eyes widened slightly. He hadn’t expected his father-in-law to disapprove of the acquisition of the AI brain manufacturing plant.

Father Ming sighed, “You’re still young; don’t be too hasty. Look at Zhang Chenfei from Shifei Technology. He only focused on AI brain games, and as he grew and strengthened that, related applications and gaming equipment naturally followed.”

Lu Yu knew Zhang Chenfei from Shifei Technology, the husband of the boss of the Bajiao Video company they were collaborating with. Zhang Chenfei had focused on AI brain games after graduating from university and quickly rose to prominence, becoming the undisputed leader in the gaming industry and ranking among the top on the rich list in his twenties.

“I’m not comparing you to someone else,” Father Ming said, as if giving a moral lesson to his underperforming child. He added a comforting note to avoid hurting Lu Yu’s pride, “Though you’re doing well in the AI brain assistant field, can you guarantee you’re at the top of this industry? If you make this one field top-notch and irreplaceable, once you have enough money, you can acquire related businesses and expand. Other things will naturally follow.”

Lu Yu pursed his lips, eased the itch in his throat, and said in a hoarse voice, “Thank you, Uncle. No one has ever given me such advice.”

This was the Ming family’s business philosophy, and Father Ming was willing to share it with him, even advising him against something that might benefit the Ming family. Lu Yu felt a warmth in his heart, as if all his limbs were filled with heat.

Without the AI brain manufacturing plant, the Ming family’s business couldn’t be restored to its former state in the short term. Was this what it meant to be a family—thinking not just of oneself but of others?

Father Ming seemed to sense his thoughts and smiled slightly. This smile was very similar to Ming Yan’s, transforming the originally tense and serious business discussion into a friendly family chat with warm and witty words.

“The Ming family’s business isn’t urgent. Over the past century, there have been ups and downs, and even worse situations. Don’t use a short-term gain to sacrifice yourself to save the Ming family. You should first develop your own field. The Ming family’s watch business must find its own way to survive. Otherwise, what will we do if the next generation doesn’t have a good son-in-law like you?”

Lu Yu, who had been excitedly listening, was stunned by the last sentence. “You, you just…”

“Cough cough,” his father-in-law cleared his throat and waved his hand, “Alright, take the gemstones and go. I have other matters to attend to.”

Before Lu Yu could say anything more, they were ushered out of the collection room.

Lu Yu stared blankly and asked Ming Yan, “Did Dad… just call me ‘son-in-law’?”

Ming Yan rubbed his soft hair and smiled, “Yes, I heard it too.”

“Son-in-law, such a good son-in-law,” Lu Yu grinned foolishly and rolled up the sleeves of his beige sweater. “Is there anything else at home that needs doing? I’m ready to help.”

He felt full of energy, ready to chop wood all day and carry ten barrels of water.

“…” Ming Yan was speechless. He rolled down Lu Yu’s sleeves and adjusted his hairstyle, saying, “You’re a son-in-law, not a laborer. There’s no work for you to do. Let’s go, we’ll cut the gemstones and make the jewelry for you.”