Chapter 256: The Cards Are on the Table (6000 Words)

Chapter 256: The Cards Are on the Table (6000 Words)



Baoshan Village.

Seeing the entire village gathered around the large truck their second son had bought, asking all sorts of questions with envy in their eyes, Bu Erzhu and Deng Shilan couldn't help but smile.

While they were still a bit worried about their second son and didn't quite want him to take this dangerous path, they knew he was determined to make a name for himself and insisted on walking this road. So, they had no choice but to support him.

After all, his uncle had said that the primary goal in case of any unexpected situations was to stay alive, which greatly reduced the danger.

The main objective of those highway bandits was to rob, not to kill. They weren't ruthless killers who didn't value human life, so they wouldn't just kill someone on a whim. As long as one cooperated during a robbery and didn't resist, they could naturally save their life.

As Bu Erzhu and Deng Shilan stood smiling nearby, the older villagers, after admiring the large truck, came up to them and started heaping compliments.

The younger villagers, on the other hand, surrounded Bu Zhongshi, looking up to him as a leader.

This wasn't surprising. Bu Zhongshi and his childhood friend Bu Dajun were already the leaders among their peers, respected by the younger generation. Now, with such a grand achievement, it was natural for him to gain the admiration of the village's young people.

Bu Dajun was also in the crowd, and seeing his childhood friend really bring back the large truck, he was incredibly excited.

From now on, he would be a driver, a profession that would make it a hundred times easier for his parents to find him a wife.

After dealing with the young villagers, Bu Zhongshi turned to his childhood friend Bu Dajun and said, "Dajun, I'll go to my uncle's place tomorrow to tell him about the truck and ask him to keep the brick factory's cargo for me to transport. You should get ready at home. We'll set out as soon as we have a job."

Bu Dajun replied excitedly, "I'm already prepared and ready to go at any time."

The other young villagers in the village knew that Bu Zhongshi and Bu Dajun were as close as brothers. When they heard Bu Zhongshi say he would take Bu Dajun along, they weren't surprised. They all started cheering, asking Bu Zhongshi to take them along when he went out to transport goods, so they could see the world.

Bu Zhongshi readily agreed.

On the road, more people meant more safety. He was more than happy to have more people join him. However, his truck only had three seats. Besides him and Bu Dajun, he could only take one more person each time. He would definitely choose those who were brave and had a history of standing up to trouble. He wouldn't take anyone who was timid.

Of course, before setting out, he would warn them about the dangers on the road. They were all brothers from the same village, and he wouldn't want to put them in harm's way.

...

The next day.

Bu Zhongshi drove his large truck proudly to his uncle's house. As soon as he arrived, he noticed the changes at his uncle's place. A beautiful wooden shelter had been built under the longan tree, and beneath it was a rather peculiar cabinet with a black-and-white television on top.

Seeing the television, Bu Zhongshi was slightly surprised but not at all surprised. Given his uncle's wealth, buying a television was a small matter. In fact, he thought his uncle was quite modest for only buying one now.

"Uncle!"

Bu Zhongshi glanced at the television and then greeted his uncle.

Deng Shirong, seeing the brand-new truck parked in front of his house, smiled and asked, "When did you buy the truck?"

"Yesterday. I came to report to you today."

Bu Zhongshi walked over and sat on a stool, asking, "Uncle, when did you buy the television? And the electric lights are installed. Has your village been electrified?"

Deng Shirong pointed to the battery under the television and said, "Our village probably won't be electrified for a few more years. I'm using a battery now."

Bu Zhongshi understood. After chatting about the battery for a bit, he couldn't help but say, "Uncle, I've already bought the truck. You must leave the cargo from your brick factory for me to transport. I need to make a good start."

Deng Shirong smiled, "There's no problem with leaving the brick factory's cargo for you. The brick factory has already started firing the kiln, and in a few days, there will be a batch of cargo to be transported to Lianjiang. You can take this batch."

Bu Zhongshi's face lit up with excitement, "Thank you, Uncle!"

Deng Shirong took out his pipe, pulled out some tobacco and a match from his pocket, and asked, "When you were learning to drive, you must have also learned some car repair skills, right?"

Bu Zhongshi replied, "I did learn a bit, but only some basic repair skills, like changing tires and spark plugs, and fixing some simple issues. I can't handle more complex repairs."

Deng Shirong opened the tobacco bag, took out a small pinch of tobacco, and stuffed it into the pipe, saying, "Knowing just a bit of car repair won't be enough for long-distance driving. If the car breaks down halfway, and you can't fix it, and you're in the middle of nowhere, you'll be in a real bind."

Bu Zhongshi thought about it and realized it would indeed be a headache. He asked, "Uncle, what should we do now? I've already bought the truck. If I can't do long-distance driving, how will I make money?"

Deng Shirong smiled, "Don't worry. People can't be held back by a little pee. The most effective way to learn car repair is to combine theory with practice. I'll find a skilled mechanic for you and pay him a high salary to work with you for half a year.

During this time, you can learn the theoretical knowledge of car repair when you have free time. If the car breaks down on the road, you can have a live lesson. Since you're still a beginner in driving, having an experienced mechanic with you will give me peace of mind.

After half a year, I believe you'll become a qualified driver!"

Bu Zhongshi sighed in relief, "You always think of everything, Uncle. Please find a good mechanic for me. I'll cover his salary. After taking out a loan to buy the truck, I still have some money left. Hiring a good mechanic to teach me for half a year won't be a problem."

Deng Shirong lit his pipe and, after a few puffs, warned, "Zhongshi, you must take car repair seriously. Cars are machines and can break down at any time, anywhere. If you break down in a deserted place and can't fix the car, you'll be in real trouble."

Buzhongshi also realized the importance of learning how to repair cars and nodded repeatedly, saying, "I understand, Uncle. I'll definitely take it seriously. This is my bread and butter, and I need to understand it inside and out. Otherwise, my dream of making a name for myself will be shattered."

"Good to know!"

After smoking a few pipes, Deng Shirong set the pipe aside and said, "You bought this car at just the right time. Your brother is getting married on the 21st of this month. You can drive this car to pick up the bride and escort the wedding guests. It will definitely make your brother proud."

Buzhongshi thought about his brother's upcoming grand wedding and couldn't help but smile. "I guess my brother is the lucky one!"

As the uncle and nephew chatted under the wooden shed, Buzhongshi's sister, Budafang, returned from her work at Litchi Mountain. Her uncle, using the old sayings passed down by their ancestors, predicted that this winter would be colder and longer than usual. Therefore, she and her husband had been working on frost protection for the litchi trees.

The frost protection techniques were, of course, taught by her uncle.

When she saw the shiny new truck parked in front of her uncle's house, Budafang was initially puzzled. But upon seeing her brother chatting with her uncle, she immediately understood and asked, "Zhongshi, is this car yours?"

"Sis!"

Buzhongshi greeted her and then smiled, "Yes, it's mine. What do you think? Isn't it beautiful?"

"It's very beautiful."

Budafang spoke honestly, walking around the truck and praising it. "This car is really beautiful. If you drive it back to Baoshan, the whole village will probably gather to see it."

Buzhongshi grinned proudly. "You're right, sis. When I drove it home yesterday, the whole village, young and old, came to take a look. The scene was incredible, and even our parents couldn't stop smiling."

Deng Shirong could imagine how proud his sister and brother-in-law must have felt. In an era where even a bicycle would attract a crowd, his nephew buying a truck and driving it home must have caused quite a stir in Baoshan Village.

Being envied by the whole village, his sister and brother-in-law must have been very happy.

Of course, happiness aside, there were still concerns. Deng Shirong could only remind his nephew to remain cautious. If he could carefully navigate through the 1980s and 1990s, things would naturally improve in the new century.

Since his nephew rarely visited, Deng Shirong prepared a few good dishes for lunch.

Before they started eating, Deng Shirong poured himself a bowl of wine and another for his nephew and brother-in-law. He then said to his nephew, "If you're not going back today, we can have a good drink. If you plan to go back, you can't drink. Remember, never drink and drive. This is a principle you must always follow."

Buzhongshi chuckled. "I knew there would be good food at Uncle's place, so I came prepared to stay overnight. I even brought clothes, which are in the car!"

Deng Shirong couldn't help but smile and poured a bowl of wine for him as well.

They were drinking locally made rice wine, and it must be said that good wine and bad wine really do make a difference. In the future, with fake wines rampant, drinking such wine would give you a headache and make you feel terrible. But if you drank truly good wine, you would only get drunk, not suffer from a headache, and feel fine the next day.

The local rice wine of this era was of the kind that wouldn't give you a headache, even if you drank a lot, and you wouldn't feel bad the next day. Therefore, everyone had a good tolerance and felt comfortable drinking freely, pouring bowl after bowl without any issues.

The drinking session lasted until around two in the afternoon.

As his niece was clearing the dishes, Deng Shirong suddenly thought of someone. He quickly said to his nephew, "I just thought of a master mechanic who can teach you how to repair cars. He might also work with you for six months, and it shouldn't cost too much. I'll go ask him right now."

Without waiting for his nephew's response, Deng Shirong got up, mounted his bicycle, and left.

Buzhongshi: "..."

...

Jimaoling Village.

Deng Changrui was sitting at his doorstep, slowly smoking a water pipe.

He was only 43 years old, in the prime of his life, but his face was already lined with wrinkles, and his hairline had receded significantly. Most importantly, he no longer had the vigor and confidence he had a few years ago. He looked dejected and listless.

Actually, anyone who knew Deng Changrui's story would understand why he had become this way.

In the 1960s, Deng Changrui became one of the eight key personnel, a driver, and was one of the prominent figures in Jimaoling Village.

His job was envied by many. At a time when villagers could hardly afford meat once a month, his family could enjoy it every few days. His life was comfortable, and he was respected wherever he went, truly a man of great influence.

However, as the saying goes, "Misfortune can strike at any moment." On a day in May 1973, while driving a car, he accidentally ran over and killed two people on bicycles. He was held criminally responsible and sentenced to eight years in prison.

This accident sent Deng Changrui from the heights of heaven to the depths of hell. From a highly admired driver, he became a criminal, a fall from grace that was truly dramatic.

He spent eight difficult years in prison.

When Deng Changrui was released last year, he found that society had no place for him.

His job as a driver was obviously gone, and his driving license had been revoked. Most importantly, the villagers no longer looked at him with admiration and respect but with a discriminatory and strange gaze.

Although no one said anything to his face, Deng Changrui knew that the villagers must have been gossiping about him behind his back, and many were probably glad to see him in his current state.

Despite the fact that everyone in the village was related to some degree, once the blood ties extended beyond the fifth generation, they no longer felt close. There were still many who envied Deng Changrui's former glory, and now that he had fallen, it was only natural for them to mock him.

The only consolation was that his wife remained as supportive as ever, not looking down on him because of his current situation.

After his release, Deng Changrui tried to make a comeback, but with the path of being a driver blocked, he had no other choice but to farm at home.

Of course, he had thought about going into business, but that required capital. In the past, it wouldn't have been a problem, but times had changed. After spending eight years in prison, his family had lost its main breadwinner. Over the years, his wife and children had struggled just to have enough to eat, and there was no money left for him to start a business.

Deng Changrui puffed on his pipe, deep in thought about his future path.

Just then, he heard the sound of a bicycle approaching and looked up. Despite not having seen each other for eight years, Deng Changrui immediately recognized the person and called out, "Uncle Jiu!"

Deng Shirong stopped his bicycle and greeted, "Eighteen, have you eaten?"

"Already eaten!"

Deng Changrui nodded and handed over his pipe. "Uncle Jiu, where are you headed? Have a smoke first."

Deng Shirong took the pipe and said, "I came here specifically to see you."

Deng Changrui was surprised. "Uncle Jiu, is there something you need from me?"

Deng Shirong casually sat down on a bench, holding the pipe but not lighting it immediately. Instead, he got straight to the point. "Here’s the thing. My nephew just bought a truck and plans to start a transportation business. However, he’s still a new driver and only knows the basics of car repairs. It’s too risky for him to hit the road like this. If the truck breaks down in the middle of nowhere, it could be a real problem.

"So, I was hoping you, with your expertise, could help him. I’d like you to accompany my nephew on his trips for the next six months and teach him how to repair the truck. I’ll pay you fifty yuan a month. Are you interested?"

Deng Changrui’s face lit up with excitement. "Uncle Jiu, if it’s a good opportunity like this, of course I’m willing to do it!"

Fifty yuan a month was a very high salary in those times. Even when he was a well-known driver, his salary never reached that level.

Of course, as a long-haul driver, he had many hidden benefits that made his overall income higher. But times had changed, and he was grateful to still earn such a good salary in his old line of work, even if it was only for six months.

With this money, he could start his own business, which was the real reason for his excitement.

"Then for the next six months, I’ll entrust my nephew to you. He’s new to the world and lacks experience, so please teach him well."

"Of course, thank you for your trust and for giving me this opportunity. I’ll teach him everything I know, no holding back."

"By the way, my nephew is at my place now. If you’re free, why don’t you come over and talk about it?"

"Sure, no problem!"

...

Five days later.

Bu Zhongshi, with a fully loaded truck of pottery, set off for Lianjiang, Guangdong, accompanied by his uncle’s chosen mentor, Deng Changrui, and one of the pottery factory’s owners, Deng YunGui. This was Bu Zhongshi’s first business trip, and he took it very seriously.

Originally, he planned to bring his childhood friend, Bu Dajun, along, but with Deng Changrui joining them and the need for Deng YunGui to accompany them for the sale, Bu Dajun had to wait for the next trip.

Deng Changrui, a driver from the sixties and seventies, was not only skilled in driving but also in car repairs. His social experience far surpassed that of the young and inexperienced Bu Zhongshi. With Deng Changrui by his side, Bu Zhongshi was sure to grow quickly.

...

After settling his second nephew’s issue, Deng Shirong began to focus on his eldest nephew’s wedding.

Although both parties were happy with the match and the wedding date was set, there were still many miscellaneous tasks for Deng Shirong, the matchmaker, to handle.

Fortunately, the bride’s family understood that Bu Dashishi was working in the county and couldn’t easily make the trip, so they didn’t make any unreasonable demands.

Before long, it was the day before the wedding.

In the afternoon, Deng Shirong rode his bicycle to the bride’s home. As the matchmaker, he would stay there overnight and accompany the bride to her new home the next day.

The bride’s relatives and friends had mostly gathered, along with the village’s aunts, uncles, and other relatives. The scene was lively, and the makeshift kitchen was already smoking as the hired chef prepared the food.

Although the next day was the wedding, the bride had to leave early in the morning according to local customs. The morning banquet would be rushed, so the afternoon meal was more relaxed and enjoyable.

"Uncle Jiu!"

"Uncle Jiu, please sit down."

"Uncle Jiu, have a smoke first."

"..."

Deng Shirong, the matchmaker, was warmly welcomed by the bride’s family. After a few puffs of his pipe, he began chatting with the relatives and friends.

Deng Shirong had introduced Liu Aihong to such a suitable match, and his matchmaking skills were now recognized by the bride’s family. Those with eligible children came to him, hoping to find good matches for their own children.

Deng Shirong was very cautious in his matchmaking. He wouldn’t randomly match people just to get the tenfold reward for his services. Without the ability to see the compatibility between the two, he relied on his decades of experience from his previous life.

He couldn’t guarantee that the matches he made were the best, so he was hesitant to help others. He only wanted to help his own children and relatives. Unless he found a truly suitable match, he wouldn’t take on more cases.

Seeing that the bride’s relatives and friends were asking for his help, Deng Shirong decided to be honest. "Everyone, I understand your desire to find good matches for your children, but I’m not a professional matchmaker. The person I introduced to Aihong is actually my own nephew."

Liu Aihong’s father, who was sitting beside Deng Shirong, was taken aback. "Uncle Jiu, you’re Bu Dashishi’s uncle?"

The bride’s relatives and friends were equally stunned, clearly not expecting this revelation.

Deng Shirong said sincerely, "I apologize for not disclosing this earlier. I was concerned that if you knew my relationship, you might feel uncomfortable discussing the wedding arrangements. I hope you can understand and not be upset."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end