Returning To 1980 To Enjoy Prosperity Chapter 23: Heaven's Favor - Novel Cool

Chapter 23: Heaven's Favor

Chapter 23: Heaven’s Favor

The next morning.

Deepwater Village.

Deng Shirong pulled out a thick stack of Renminbi from his pocket and handed it to Guan Dewei, saying, "This is the bride price from the groom’s family for Yongying. It’s 688 yuan in total. Could you check to make sure it’s all there?"

Guan Dewei was a bit surprised. Normally, the groom’s family would give a portion of the bride price before the registration and the rest before the wedding. It was very rare for the entire bride price to be paid in full before the registration.

Money, of course, had to be counted in person. So, Guan Dewei took the stack and began to count each bill. In this era, the largest denomination of Renminbi was 10 yuan, featuring a scene of "People's Representatives Leaving the Great Hall," symbolizing the socialist country where the people were in charge. Since the representatives came from various provinces and ethnic groups, these notes were known as "Great Unity."

The 688 yuan Deng Shirong brought consisted of 60 Great Unity notes, with the rest in 5 yuan, 2 yuan, and 1 yuan denominations. Clearly, the Deng Changfu family had gone to great lengths to exchange for these larger bills to make it look impressive.

Once Guan Dewei had counted the money, Deng Shirong got up to leave. He had come specifically to deliver the bride price on behalf of the groom’s family. Deng Changfu and Guan Yongying were scheduled to register their marriage at the commune the next day, and according to local customs, it was essential to deliver the bride price first.

After returning from Deepwater Village, Deng Shirong headed to the pottery factory. The day before, while Deng Changfu and Guan Yongying were in Longtan getting their wedding clothes made, Deng Shirong and Deng YunGui had quietly started the kiln they had contracted.

"Uncle Jiu!"

"Uncle!"

As he entered the pottery factory, the workers greeted him warmly.

Deng Shirong returned their greetings and then made his way to the area where the master potters worked. This was where he had spent many years in his previous life.

"Father!"

"Master, you’re here!"

This time, the greetings came from his eldest son, Deng YunTai, and his apprentice, Deng Changbiao, both master potters.

Deng Shirong nodded and then walked into the workshop where Deng Changbiao was working, observing the large pot he was crafting. Large pots were always made indoors because they were made of clay, and if they were exposed to the rain, all the work would be for nothing.

Deng Changbiao was in his thirties and, as a master potter, he was a formidable figure in his own right. However, in front of his own master, he dared not show any pride. His master’s skills in making large pots were widely recognized as the best, and even though he had been apprenticed for nearly a decade and had learned everything his master knew, he still couldn’t match his master’s level.

This craft was highly dependent on natural talent. Deng Changbiao’s talent was decent; he had learned to make large pots after just over a year of training. However, the large pots he made were all over 130 kilograms.

In contrast, when his master made large pots, they typically weighed between 100 and 110 kilograms, with the quality being nearly identical. The difference in weight—over 20 kilograms—was a testament to the master’s superior skills.

So, when he saw his master standing with his hands behind his back, examining his "creation," Deng Changbiao felt a bit uneasy.

...

Although Deng Shirong hadn’t made pottery for decades, his skills and discernment were still sharp. He immediately spotted the flaws in the large pot before him.

Thinking back to how his apprentice had always shown him great respect in his previous life, Deng Shirong knew that with his current talent, it would be difficult for him to improve much further. Nevertheless, he couldn’t resist offering some guidance.

Especially those crucial tips, which you've emphasized time and time again.

Deng Changbiao waited until his master finished speaking before he said with a bitter smile, "Master, you've told me these tips many times, and I've memorized them all. But when it comes to actually doing it, I just can't get it right!"

Deng Shirong understood the limits of his disciple and sighed, "I know. Making large vases is like cooking. Some people can learn almost perfectly just by watching someone else do it once, while others, even with step-by-step guidance, can still produce vastly different results. Talent is something you can't force."

Deng Changbiao nodded repeatedly, "I'm glad you understand, Master. It's not that I'm not trying hard; I just can't seem to do it no matter how hard I try. I can't help it."

Deng Shirong thought about how the glory days of the large vase crafters would only last another ten years or so. Even if the skill was excellent, it would have no place in the future. He said with a hint of resignation, "It's fine. Times are changing too quickly. Making vases might not be a lifelong career, so it's not worth spending too much effort on it."

Deng Changbiao, seeing his master's mood dampen, thought he had disappointed him. He said, blushing with shame and guilt, "Master, I'm not up to the task. I've let you down!"

Deng Shirong, seeing his disciple's misunderstanding, waved his hand, "It's not your fault. Just do your best. Times have changed. You need to work more to earn more money to support your family. Don't be afraid of hard work."

Deng Changbiao nodded vigorously, "I understand, Master. I'll work hard."

Deng Shirong grunted in acknowledgment, "Go ahead and get busy, then. I'll go check on Yuntai."

Deng Changbiao responded, and once his master left, he let out a sigh of relief. He then focused his energy on the large vase in front of him.

Deng Shirong walked into the room where his eldest son was working. He habitually crossed his arms behind his back and circled the half-finished large vase, noticing that his son was facing the same issues as his disciple.

At that moment, he couldn't help but think of his second son, Deng Yunheng.

In his previous life, after his second son graduated from high school and failed to get into university, he came back and learned to make large vases from him. It only took him a month to master all the techniques, and after another two or three months of practice, he could produce vases that were on par with his master.

That kind of talent was simply terrifying.

Some people have to work hard just to get by, while others are practically spoon-fed by fate. His second son clearly fell into the latter category.

"Father, do you think I'm doing okay?" Deng Yuntai asked with a smile.

Having his eldest son take on the role of the large vase maker was only temporary. He had other plans for him, as the vase-making industry had no future. He couldn't let his eldest son develop in this field.

So, Deng Shirong was much more lenient with his standards, responding with a smile, "Yes, you're doing well." He then added, "Just take it easy when you work. Don't push yourself too hard. We don't need that extra bit of money. If you overwork yourself and end up damaging your health, it won't be worth it."

Feeling his father's concern, Deng Yuntai smiled brightly, "I understand, Father."

"Go ahead and get busy. I'll go talk to your brother, YunGui."

"Alright!"

Thank you to the great supporter, God's Sigh, who has supported several of my books. Next time I'm in Jingzhou, we'll have a drink together! ^_^

(End of Chapter)

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