Thanking Heaven for My Good Brother Edmund

Happiness is not a given, and brotherly relationships aren’t always good. I thank the heavens for giving us the opportunity to improve our bond.

I don’t think of myself as a good elder brother. As a child, I often bullied my younger brother since I am ten years older. I treated him like my little servant. I apologize again to my brother, even though I have sincerely apologized before, because important things should be said thrice: I’m sorry I didn’t know how to love you when we were kids. I know my kind-hearted brother won’t blame me, which puts me at ease.

I remember one incident when we were playing with a BB gun at home in Hong Kong. I accidentally fired it, hitting my brother’s head. He cried in pain, covering his eye with his hand. I was terrified, thinking I had blinded my own brother. Fortunately, it hit right next to his eye, narrowly avoiding a major incident. Fate often hinges on such small margins.

Later, I dated a very kind girlfriend (now my wife), from whom I learned to care for others. My mom also shared with me the importance of building a relationship with my younger brother while he was still young; otherwise, it might be too late when he grows up.

At that time, I had just started my company and made a bit of money. One day, I took my brother to buy a toy racetrack set, and he was thrilled for a long time. I’m grateful to the heavens for giving me the chance to make it up to my little servant in some way.

Later, our mom bought another house, and my brother and I moved into the new place together while our parents stayed in the old one. I forget how long we lived together, but my little servant took good care of me during that time. My dear brother, thank you for not giving up on me.

I remember once when he was sick, I picked him up from school and took him to the hospital. That was when I realized how much I cared about him. Luckily, everything turned out fine.

After that, my now-wife and I often took him out to eat and watch movies. One time, we went to Ocean Park in Hong Kong for a Halloween event and had a blast. I’m glad we have these happy memories to replace the ones of me treating him like a servant.

Having known him for nearly forty years, there are too many stories to share. Let me talk about our time in Taiwan.

When we moved to Taiwan, the pandemic in Hong Kong was severe, so we didn’t arrange to meet family to say goodbye. But fate had it that on the day before my flight, I ran into my brother and sister-in-law on the street. Without much said, we hugged—it was heaven’s arrangement, and I am grateful.

After arriving in Taiwan, managing two companies was overwhelming (thankfully, my wife handled other matters). One day, feeling the pressure peak, I immediately thought of asking my brother for help.

During his high school years, my brother had worked as a summer intern at my company for a few years, so he had some understanding of it. He had been working at a big company for over ten years, reaching a managerial position. Due to the pandemic, he had given up his high-paying job for over a year. The timing was just right for both of us.

My only concern was wasting his potential since my company needed to transform, and business wasn’t easy. I worried about hindering his career, which is why I hadn’t invited him to join my company when he first graduated.

I knew I needed a partner, not an employee. I told him it would be an adventure and asked if he was willing to take the risk. Thank heavens, my brother agreed immediately.

I specifically told him that our brotherly relationship comes first, and business is second. It’s not easy, especially when the business starts making profits, which can strain relationships. So, for every important decision, we consider each other’s feelings first. Luckily, my brother and I share very similar values and perspectives, making communication easy. He’s grown up and can take care of me now, haha.

After nearly two years, my brother is doing better and better, allowing me to focus more on the company’s systems. A good system can generate significant profits for us.

I also want to thank my sister-in-law for taking excellent care of my brother, enabling him to work hard for our company without worries. Time reveals true character, and my sister-in-law is truly meticulous—my brother is fortunate to have her.

Thank you, heavens, for giving us brothers the chance to start a business together. Fate is indeed wondrous. My name contains the character "創" (create), and my brother’s has "業" (business). Thank you, heavens, for the perfect arrangement.

To those who are reading this, I wish you happiness, health, and joy every day.

July 2024