Returning To 1980 To Enjoy Prosperity Chapter 174: The Best Era in History - Novel Cool

Chapter 174: The Best Era in History

Chapter 174: The Best Era in History

In the scorching summer, the happiest moment for rural kids is undoubtedly swimming in the river.

In the future, due to severe river pollution and the inherent dangers of swimming in rivers or reservoirs, parents and teachers strictly forbid children from doing so. As a result, many rural kids in the future don't know how to swim, unlike the kids of today, where almost every boy can swim.

Deng Shirong's sons are all excellent swimmers. Every summer, they go to the river with their village friends every day.

In his past life, Deng Shirong never interfered with this, and he doesn't plan to in this life either.

This is a strange phenomenon. In the future, despite the strict regulations, many students still drown every year, even in Bangjie Village. But in this era, with no one supervising, countless people swim in the river every summer, yet the number of drownings is surprisingly low.

One noon, under the blazing sun, Deng Shirong saw his sons Yungong, Yunhua, and Yunheng preparing to go to the river to cool off. He instructed them, "Since you're going anyway, why not take a bucket and collect some clams from the shallow parts of the river to make a soup?"

Yunhua responded enthusiastically, "Dad, no problem, we'll bring back at least half a bucket."

Deng Shirong didn't doubt their ability to do so. With his sons' influence in the village, they could easily get other kids to help them collect clams.

As the three boys excitedly headed to the river with their bucket, Deng Shirong turned to his eldest daughter-in-law and said, "Aiping, now that Yuan has learned how to make large jars, I plan to let Yuntai finish his current batch and then hand over the next to Yuan. What do you think?"

Zhang Xiuping's eyes lit up, and she asked, "Father, do you have new plans for Brother Tai?"

"Indeed, I do."

Deng Shirong nodded and explained, "Originally, I planned for Yuntai to work at the pottery factory for the rest of this year. But you're due to give birth in three months, so I think it's best for him to come back early to be with you and prepare for what he'll be doing next year."

Zhang Xiuping asked curiously, "Father, what do you plan for Brother Tai? Can you tell me?"

Deng Shirong smiled, "Of course, I can. Let's set aside the long-term plans for now. For the immediate future, I want him to open a restaurant in the county town."

Zhang Xiuping was surprised, "Open a restaurant in the county town?"

Deng Shirong nodded, "The income of a large jar maker is good, but it's too hard on the body. Besides, working for someone else will never be as profitable as being a boss."

Zhang Xiuping nodded in agreement. She knew how exhausting her husband's work was. Sometimes, after finishing his shift, he would eat dinner, take a shower, and go straight to bed, which made her feel quite heartbroken.

"Father, do you want Brother Tai to open a restaurant like the Shuangwang State-Owned Restaurant?"

"Yes, something like that, but on a larger scale."

Zhang Xiuping asked, somewhat worried, "Father, opening such a large restaurant in the county town must require a lot of money, right?"

"Exactly how much is still unclear. If we can find a suitable storefront to rent, it will save a lot of money. If not, we'll have to build our own, which will be more expensive."

Deng Shirong smiled and reassured her, "But don't worry, I'll handle the money. You won't have to contribute anything."

Zhang Xiuping quickly explained, "Dad, that’s not what I meant. It’s just that Brother Tai is good at making pottery, but I’m not sure if he’ll be able to run a restaurant as a boss. If we invest so much money and it fails, what will we do?"

"Business always has its ups and downs. Our country is at the beginning of the reform and opening-up period, a golden age full of opportunities. It’s the best time in history," Deng Shirong said, his voice filled with encouragement. "So, young people, don’t be afraid of failure. Be bold and venture out. If you fall, get back up and keep trying. Success will come eventually."

Zhang Xiuping had always admired her father-in-law’s foresight. With just a little guidance, her brother had turned his business into a thriving enterprise, bringing in a steady stream of income. Now that her father-in-law was guiding his own son, she had nothing to worry about. Thinking this, she nodded eagerly. "Dad, you’re right. When Brother Tai comes back, I’ll talk to him and make sure he’s ready to be a boss."

Deng Shirong smiled. "Once Yun Tai sets up the restaurant next year, the baby should be weaned by then. You can leave the child at home with Ahzhen’s help, and you can go to the county to work with Yun Tai."

Zhang Xiuping shook her head. "That would be too much trouble for Ahzhen. I’ll take the baby myself or ask my mother to help."

Deng Shirong replied, "We’re family; there’s no such thing as too much trouble. But let’s not worry about that now. We’ll see what happens next year."

...

A couple of hours later.

The three sons returned from the river, carrying a half-bucket of clams.

Deng Yunhua asked excitedly, "Dad, is this enough? If it’s not, we can go and get more."

Deng Shirong glanced at the bucket and said, "That’s plenty. It’s enough to make a big pot of clam chowder."

He paused and added, "I’ll cook a bit more and invite the kids who helped you catch the clams to come over for a meal."

Deng Yunhua and Deng Yunheng nodded eagerly. In those days, rural children always had a few close friends they grew up with. The chance to invite their good friends over for a treat was something they looked forward to.

As the two brothers ran off to inform their friends about the afternoon meal, Deng Shirong took the half-bucket of clams to the kitchen to start cooking.

Deng Yunzhen, who had just finished washing the scallions and ginger, offered, "Dad, let me wash them."

Deng Shirong replied, "I’ll wash them. You go and start the water boiling."

"Okay, got it!"

Deng Yunzhen responded and went to the stove. She lit the fire and used a ladle to scoop water from the barrel into the pot, making sure there was enough to cover the clams.

At that moment, Deng Yunzhu walked in and plopped down in front of the stove to help with the fire.

Deng Yunzhen asked, "Yunzhu, why aren’t you studying with your sister-in-law? Why are you here causing a commotion?"

Deng Yunzhu, poking at the burning branches with a poker, replied, "Sis, you know I get a headache from reading. It’s much more relaxing to help with the fire."

Deng Yunzhen, who was also a bit of a poor student, couldn’t really criticize her sister. She said, "Alright, but pay attention. You’re not getting any younger, and you should start learning how to cook. You don’t want to embarrass Dad when you get married and can’t even cook a decent meal, do you?"

Deng Yunzhu nodded. "Sis, you’re right. Dad’s cooking is so good, and you’re getting pretty good at it too. I can’t fall too far behind. I need to learn a few tricks from both of you."

(End of Chapter)

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