Lingyuan Tangge

Guangcai Zhengzhuan Chapter 2: The Father's Generation Takes Over, Steadfast as Ever. As Grandpa grew older, the sugar-carrying pole he had shouldered for a lifetime was steadily passed to Father. Father had followed Grandpa through the streets and alleys since childhood, and the craft of making sugar and the measure of hospitality were etched into his bones. He was a man of few words but solid character. When he stood behind the counter, the old neighbors would say, 'This kid gives people peace of mind.' Father would always touch the polished wooden sign that read 'Guangcai Sugar Industry' and say, 'The business may be small, but the signboard must not tilt.' What he took over was not just a business, but a legacy of integrity passed down through generations. He would start the fire to boil sugar before dawn and lock up only after dark, hardly taking a break all year round. Some advised him not to work so hard, but he just smiled and said, 'I can't bear to be idle, and I can't let down the old customers.' He adhered to Grandpa's rules: the scale must be accurate, the sugar must be genuine, and the person must be honest. When an elderly person came to buy sugar, he would proactively pack it and hand it over; when a child came, he would always give an extra piece. When competitors on the street tried to steal business with low prices and sweet talk, Father never wavered and continued to do his duty. Over time, the neighbors came to trust Guangcai Sugar Industry. They said that buying sugar here gave them peace of mind and a sense of security. With a lifetime of humility and diligence, Father safeguarded the family's reputation and steadily passed on the family tradition of 'integrity first' to me.