https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-27-A-Simple-and-Brutal-Money-Incentive/12849131/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-29-Uncle-Jiu-When-It-Comes-to-Cooking-You-re-the-Best-in-the-Village/12849133/
Chapter 28: Buying a Bicycle
Chapter 28: Buying a Bicycle
Ever since Deng Shirong implemented his straightforward and effective monetary reward system, his four sons had been glued to their books, showing an unprecedented enthusiasm for their studies. The only question was how long they could maintain this level of dedication.
To keep them focused, Deng Shirong kept his word and not only exempted them from chores but also spoiled them with a variety of delicious meals every day. He prepared dishes like braised carp, crucian carp soup, eel porridge, spicy snails, and hot and numbing frog legs. These dishes, which most people in the village considered mundane, were transformed into culinary delights by Deng Shirong, earning him the utmost respect from his children.
With the four sons free from chores and the eldest son working at the pottery factory, the household duties fell to the two daughters. The family also kept a pig and two hens. While the hens were relatively easy to manage, the pig required a lot of attention, and cooking still involved using firewood, which meant regular trips to the mountains to gather wood.
Despite the workload, the girls were used to it, as was common for young women of their time.
While Deng Shirong was busy cooking for his children at home, he also spent a significant amount of time "courting clients." His efforts to arrange the marriage between Zhang Kangmei and Deng Changmei were progressing smoothly. The groom's family readily agreed to the bride's family's terms without any haggling.
As a result, Deng Shirong only needed to make two trips to finalize the date for the engagement ceremony.
On this day, when Deng Shirong came to borrow a bicycle, Captain Deng Yunjun smiled and said, "Uncle Jiu, I've already spoken to everyone. They know you want to buy the bicycle, and they have no objections."
Deng Shirong's eyes lit up, and he asked, "Captain, how much does the bicycle cost?"
Deng Yunjun replied, "The bicycle is in good condition, about seven-tenths new. Uncle Jiu, you can have it for a hundred yuan."
This price was reasonable, considering it was a Forever brand bicycle, which, along with the Phoenix brand, was considered the Mercedes or BMW of bicycles. A brand new Forever would cost around 180 yuan with a ration ticket, and even more without one. At a hundred yuan, this was a great deal.
Even other members of the production team might not have been able to secure this bicycle at this price.
Without hesitation, Deng Shirong took out a hundred yuan from his pocket and handed it to Deng Yunjun, saying, "Alright, I'll take it!"
Deng Yunjun was taken aback by the amount of cash Uncle Jiu had on him but quickly recovered, saying, "Uncle Jiu, you're always so well-informed!"
Deng Shirong knew he had been misunderstood but didn't bother to explain. He smiled and said, "I need to head to Shenshui Field now, so I won't keep you. Come to my house for dinner this afternoon. I'll prepare some side dishes to go with the drinks, and we can have a few cups together."
Deng Yunjun nodded, "Sure, I'll be there."
...
Shenshui Field Village.
Upon arriving at Guan Dewei's house, Deng Shirong greeted him, smoked a couple of cigarettes, and then handed over the date sheet, saying, "Cousin, this is the auspicious date chosen by the date master. Take a look."
Guan Dewei took the sheet and saw that it was the first day of the seventh lunar month, which he recognized as the nearest auspicious date chosen by the groom's family.
In Shuangwang, no social gatherings or celebrations were held in the sixth lunar month, due to certain taboos. The exact reasons for these taboos were unknown, but they were strictly followed until later generations lifted them, referring to the third, sixth, and ninth lunar months as the "Festival of Blessings."
As for the taboo of getting married in June, there are several explanations. One of them is that the ancients believed June to be the midpoint of the year, and a bride married in June would be considered only half a bride, implying a lack of continuity and foreshadowing that the couple might end up separating.
Another belief that circulates in the Shuangwang region is a catchy saying: "On the sixth day of the sixth month, the butcherbird eats its mother's flesh."
This means that on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, the butcherbird cruelly devours its mother. Therefore, the ancients saw this as an omen of bad luck.
For any joyous occasion, we Chinese always seek a good omen and naturally avoid anything inauspicious.
Thus, in those times, no one would get married in the lunar month of June.
The date on the wedding day note was set for the first day of the seventh lunar month, which was indeed the earliest auspicious day available.
Since the bride price had been paid in full and the daughter had already registered her marriage, Guan Dewei had no reason to argue over the wedding date. He put away the note and said, "No problem, I'll keep the date note!"
Deng Shirong smiled and said, "The groom's family has already prepared the sewing machine. Once the production team distributes the rice, they'll have it delivered. You can also start preparing the dowry!"
Guan Dewei nodded. "I understand. I'll make sure everything is ready and won't delay the wedding."
Deng Shirong agreed. "Alright, then. You should discuss the number of people who will accompany the bride and let me know in advance so the groom's family can make the necessary arrangements."
"Got it. We'll finalize the list in the next couple of days."
"Good. I'll head back then. I'll come by in a couple of days to pick up the list."
"Uncle Jiu, don't leave so soon. Stay for lunch."
"No, thank you. I have some other matters to attend to."
After a few more pleasantries, Deng Shirong got on his newly purchased bicycle and rode back home.
Upon arriving, his children were thrilled to see that their father had already paid for the bicycle. In their current era, bicycles were quite common in big cities, but in the rural areas of Bobai County, they were still a rare sight. Many production teams only owned one or two bicycles, and very few individuals had one of their own.
Now that Deng Shirong had bought this nearly new bicycle from the production team, he was considered a very impressive figure in the village.
"Father, can you teach me to ride the bicycle?" Deng Yunheng asked with eager eyes.
Deng Yunsong immediately chimed in, "Father, I want to learn too."
While Deng Yunhua and Deng Yunheng were also interested, they were only ten and eight years old, respectively. The tall, two-wheeled bicycle still intimidated them, so they kept quiet.
As for the sisters, Deng Yunzhen and Deng Yunzhu, their eyes also sparkled with anticipation. In their time, knowing how to ride a bicycle was a matter of great pride among friends. They had never had the chance to learn before, but now that the family had a bicycle, they naturally wanted to learn as well.
"Of course, you older ones can all learn," Deng Shirong said. "We'll start with you, Yunzhen. Once you've learned, it will be Yunheng's turn, and then we'll go down the line from oldest to youngest."
Hearing this, Deng Yunzhen was overjoyed. "Thank you, Father!"
(End of Chapter)
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