Chapter 280: Earning Over a Hundred Thousand, My Son-in-Law Is Truly Impressive [Four Consecutive In

Chapter 280: Earning Over a Hundred Thousand, My Son-in-Law Is Truly Impressive [Four Consecutive Increases, VIP 587]



At his father's instruction, Dennis Yuntao instantly perked up and asked, "Dad, are you planning to let me handle that big business you mentioned?"

Zhang Xiuping's eyes also lit up. Her father-in-law had told them long ago that the Harvest Blessing Restaurant was just a practice ground for the couple, and there would be more lucrative projects for them to manage in the future. She had always trusted her father-in-law's words.

Now, hearing this, Zhang Xiuping couldn't help but ask, "Dad, is the time ripe now?"

Dennis Shirong nodded with a smile, "Yes, the situation with the reforms and opening up is getting better. The big business I mentioned earlier is almost ready to start. We can begin making preparations now."

Dennis Yuntao asked, "Dad, when you told me to keep an eye on these manufacturers, were you planning to turn the second and third floors of the restaurant into a large mall like the department store?"

Dennis Shirong replied, "Similar to a department store, but with a different business model. First, you need to do the preliminary preparations. This big business isn't as easy as opening a restaurant. I'll keep an eye on things for a while. Once I'm sure it's feasible, we'll have the second and third floors of the restaurant renovated."

Dennis Yunzhen praised, "Dad, you're amazing. You already had a plan when you were building this building. Your foresight is truly remarkable."

Dennis Shirong smiled, "Just like in chess, you have to think three steps ahead for every move. The more you can see ahead, the better you play. Our leader, Deng Xiaoping, is so brilliant in military strategy because he can see farther than anyone else."

Dennis Yuntao nodded, "Alright, I'll keep an eye on this. I know a few procurement officers from state-owned and collective enterprises. I can ask them for the contact information of these factories. It shouldn't take long to get it."

Dennis Shirong added, "Don't rush. I just wanted to give you a heads-up so you can mentally prepare. This business will likely take a couple of years to get off the ground."

"Got it!"

After a few more words and a light snack, Dennis Shirong put down his bowl and chopsticks and took out his pipe to smoke.

While smoking, Dennis Shirong pondered the idea of having his eldest son open a chain of supermarkets. This business model was entirely novel for the time, and the management challenges were much greater than in the future. Just preventing shoplifting alone was a massive problem.

After all, even with cameras and various security measures in the future, it was still impossible to completely eliminate theft. How could they achieve this in the current era?

If they couldn't solve this issue, the supermarket's profits would be significantly impacted.

Fortunately, there was plenty of time to figure it out. They didn't need to completely eliminate theft; they just needed to ensure that the majority of customers didn't steal, and that would be considered a success.

Additionally, they needed to start planning ahead. Since his eldest son would be running a chain of supermarkets, they would inevitably expand to other cities, especially the capital, Nanning, which they couldn't afford to miss. Nanning would be a key city for the chain's future operations.

If possible, he would need to buy land and build in Nanning in advance. Once the supermarket in Bobai was up and running, they could quickly expand to Nanning.

The same went for other cities in Guangxi. They needed to buy land and build in advance wherever possible.

This way, the chain of supermarkets could develop rapidly. Once they had enough stores, they wouldn't have to worry about competitors. With the scale, they could purchase goods in bulk, reducing costs and gaining a competitive edge. Even if others tried to follow, they wouldn't be able to shake their position.

Whether they could expand beyond Guangxi and go nationwide was a different matter, but at the very least, they needed to solidify their position as the leader in Guangxi.

All of this required substantial investment. Currently, he was still in debt, and achieving these goals would be a long and arduous journey.

However, Dennis Shirong wasn't in a rush. Ultimately, this was the path he had set for his eldest son and daughter-in-law. He would start them off, then let them take the lead. How far they went would depend on their capabilities. He would only offer guidance at critical moments and wouldn't overly interfere.

...

New Year's Day

On New Year's Day, the Dennis family stayed at home, gathered around the fire, and chatted.

Little Dong'er was now over two years old and at her most energetic. She couldn't sit still, no matter how cold it was outside, she had to go out to play.

Her fourth uncle, Dennis Yunhua, was also full of energy and played hide-and-seek with her in the courtyard, making her giggles bring smiles to everyone's faces around the fire.

Indeed, children around two or three years old were the most delightful. Their innocent laughter was truly heartwarming.

Dennis Shirong was especially happy. In his previous life, his eldest son had died young, and he never had grandchildren at this age. Now, he had both grandchildren and a better life, making his days truly enjoyable.

As Little Dong'er played until she was tired and returned, Deng Shirong picked her up and sat her on his lap, smiling warmly. "Little Dong'er, you've been running around for so long. Are you hungry yet?"

Little Dong'er reached out and tugged at her grandfather's beard, grinning. "Grandpa, I want to eat baked rice cakes."

Deng Shirong chuckled. "Alright, sit here by the fire and be a good girl. I'll get the rice cakes and bake them for you."

Little Dong'er nodded. "I'll be good and won't play with the fire."

Deng Shirong placed her on a nearby stool and praised her. "Our Little Dong'er is such a good girl."

At that moment, Zhang Xiuping had already skewered a rice cake with chopsticks and brought it over. Deng Shirong took it and began to slowly roast it by the fire.

Little Dong'er wasn't a stranger to baked rice cakes. She sat there, watching her grandfather's every move, occasionally asking, "Grandpa, can I eat it yet?"

Her eager little face made her look incredibly adorable.

Deng Shirong roasted the outer layer of the rice cake until it was slightly charred, then tore it off and waited for it to cool before handing it to her. "Now you can eat it!"

Little Dong'er was already drooling. She took it and bit into it, her 20 teeth now fully grown and capable of chewing on their own.

Deng Shirong continued roasting the rice cakes, layer by layer, each one roasted until slightly charred. The taste was excellent, and it was both delicious and fun, something that few could resist.

Seeing Little Dong'er enjoy her rice cake, Deng Yunzhu couldn't sit still anymore. She ran back and skewered another rice cake to roast.

Soon, others followed suit, each skewering a rice cake to roast.

Those who had roasted rice cakes before knew that the outer layer was the best part. Seeing Little Dong'er's enjoyment, they all tore off the charred outer layers and gave them to her.

However, Little Dong'er's appetite wasn't large. After eating a few pieces, her stomach was full.

Just then, a woman's heart-wrenching screams and curses filled the air, filled with phrases like "cut him into pieces," "cut him a thousand times," and "deadbeat." She was crying and cursing at the same time.

Deng Shirong and his family immediately recognized the voice as their neighbor, Zhu Ba, who was Deng Changqi's wife. On the first day of the New Year, they wondered what could have happened to make her so angry. Curious, they all rushed out to see what was going on.

Other nearby residents also heard the commotion and hurried over.

Deng Shirong stepped out and saw Zhu Ba, her tears and snot mingling. He couldn't help but ask, "Zhu Ba, what happened?"

"Old Ninth!"

Zhu Ba wiped her tears and said, "Deng Changqi, that deadbeat, went gambling and lost. He even stole the little money I had saved and gambled it away. He won't stop until he ruins our entire family. I can't live like this anymore."

Hearing this, Deng Shirong understood.

In his previous life, his second son had fallen into the trap of gambling and, using his sharp mind, became a professional gambler. Even when Deng Shirong was reborn, his second son still lived off gambling.

In the village, there were many who worked during the day and gambled at night. Some managed to live off gambling, while others had to work to make ends meet after losing everything. They would save up, return to gambling, lose again, and the cycle would repeat.

Others worked during the day and gambled at night.

In total, more than half of the village was involved in gambling, the only difference being the scale of their bets.

Deng Changqi, their neighbor, was one of these gamblers, with a severe addiction that he couldn't shake.

Deng Shirong clearly remembered that in the 21st century, Deng Changqi had once lost a significant amount of money and, in a fit of regret, vowed never to gamble again. He even cut off part of his left pinky finger as a warning to himself.

But before the wound had even healed, he was back at the gambling table.

So, if there were a ranking of the worst gamblers in the village, Deng Changqi would definitely be in the top three.

Initially, after being reborn, Deng Shirong only planned to keep his own children away from gambling. He didn't intend to meddle in the affairs of others in the village.

He knew that throughout history, the four vices of prostitution, gambling, drinking, and idleness were extremely difficult to overcome. Even if he intervened, it might not make a difference.

However, seeing Zhu Ba's tears and cries on the first day of the New Year, Deng Shirong's resolve wavered. Perhaps he should take action. Otherwise, even if he helped his clansmen earn more money, they would just end up giving it away.

Fortunately, his prestige in the clan was at its peak. His words carried more weight than ever before. Whether or not it would succeed, he had to try. If it worked, it would truly benefit future generations.

With this in mind, Deng Shirong said to Zhu Ba, "I understand what happened. Don't cry or make a scene. Enjoy the New Year for now. In a few days, I'll convene a clan meeting to address this issue. I can't control what happens in other villages, but in our village, there will be no gambling dens."

"Thank you, Elder Nine! Thank you, Elder Nine!"

Azhu Ba thanked him repeatedly. She had been married to Deng Changqi for over a decade and knew his character all too well. Trying to control him and stop him from gambling was a futile effort; he would never listen to her, which was why she had been in such despair earlier.

However, if Elder Nine were to intervene, things would be different.

The other neighbors who had gathered around were not gamblers themselves. After all, those who gambled wouldn't be at home; they would have already gone out to their gambling spots.

Hearing Deng Shirong's words, they all cheered in agreement.

"Indeed, it's time to take action. Gambling is truly destructive. My cousin’s husband has destroyed his family and lost his children because of it."

"My uncle's nephew isn't much better. He gambled away everything of value in the house, nearly driving my uncle to his grave."

"My own son is a repeat offender. He's lost at least a couple hundred yuan in the past two years, and I'm so angry I could break his legs."

"Elder Nine, it seems only you can clean up this mess."

"..."

Seeing the neighbors' approval, Deng Shirong said, "Everyone is busy with the New Year festivities and visiting relatives, so it's not the right time to hold a clan meeting. I will convene one on the sixth day of the New Year, at two in the afternoon. Please spread the word."

The neighbors all agreed.

With Elder Nine's intervention, Azhu Ba saw a glimmer of hope and stopped her crying. She went back to tidy herself up.

The gathered neighbors dispersed, and the family returned to their house to warm themselves by the fire. Deng Yuntao said, "Dad, the government has always been strict about gambling and has launched many crackdowns, but gambling only pauses during these crackdowns. Once the heat dies down, it picks up again. Dealing with this issue through a clan meeting might be a thankless task."

Deng Shirong had already made up his mind. "Whether or not we can completely stop gambling, I can't just sit idly by. I will give these gamblers a choice. If they are willing to stop, that's best. If they refuse to listen, I will kick them out of the bus company."

Deng Yuntao was taken aback by his father's harshness, but he had to admit that the threat was serious. Everyone knew how profitable the bus company was, and being kicked out would mean a significant loss.

"If that's the case, it might actually work."

"Let's do what we can and leave the rest to fate. If they listen, they will have a better future than most. If they don't, it's their choice, and the consequences will be on them."

With that, Deng Shirong changed the subject and looked at Zhang Xiuping. "Xiaomei, you should go back to your parents' house tomorrow with Dongzi. Leave Xiaodong at home; it's not convenient to bring two children."

Zhang Xiuping nodded. "Okay, I'll leave Xiaodong at home."

...

The next day.

After breakfast, Deng Yuntao, Deng Changyuan, and Deng Changdong each rode their bicycles with their wives and children, carrying gifts, to Poxin Village.

Since Zhang Xiuping, Ou Guohua, and Ou Guofang had married into the Deng family, they always went back to their parents' house together on the second day of the New Year. This year marked their third year doing so.

Now, Zhang Xiuping had a son and a daughter, while Ou Guofang and Ou Guohua were both pregnant with their second children!

Because the Ou sisters were pregnant, they rode very slowly and arrived in Poxin Village around noon.

Deng Yuntao and his family arrived at his in-laws' house and saw a row of new blue-brick houses with large tiles. The architecture was very similar to their own house.

"Mom, Dad, Elder Brother and Sister-in-law, Second Brother and Sister-in-law, Xiaojun, Xiaoshan!"

"Yuntao, Xiuping!"

"Sister, Brother-in-law!"

Greetings and pleasantries were exchanged before they all went inside to warm themselves by the fire.

After chatting about the new houses, the conversation naturally turned to the bus company in Naye Deng.

Zhang Zhenfa couldn't help but ask, "Xiuping, I heard from your mother that the bus company in Naye Deng has been packed with passengers during the Spring Festival, making a lot of money?"

There was no need to keep this a secret from her parents, so Zhang Xiuping answered directly, "Yes, we've made a lot of money. According to my father-in-law's estimates, the company will earn at least 400,000 yuan from this Spring Festival."

"Wow..."

Hearing this, the Zhang family, including Zhang's mother, couldn't help but gasp.

Earning 400,000 yuan from just one Spring Festival was faster than robbing a bank!

Moreover, they knew that their father-in-law had initiated the bus company and invested 360,000 yuan, making him the largest shareholder.

Out of the 400,000 yuan earned, how much would the in-laws actually receive?

With this thought, Zhang Zhenfa looked at his son-in-law and asked, "Yuntao, if we split the 400,000 yuan according to shares, how much would your father get?"

Yuntao answered honestly, "About 54,000 yuan, I’d say."

"Whoa..."

Hearing this, the Zhang family once again gasped in shock.

Although they had been somewhat prepared, the speed at which their in-laws were making money still left them in awe.

Zhang Dage and Zhang Ergo exchanged glances, equally stunned.

Their family operated a small shop on Longtan Street, making a few thousand yuan a year, which was already considered impressive in Poxin Village. There were only a handful of families in the village who could match their earnings, but compared to their sister-in-law's family, their income was negligible.

After all, their sister-in-law's family had more than just the passenger transport company. Even without considering the orchard's income, they also owned the Sui Feng Restaurant and the Pottery Factory!

At that moment, Zhang Zhenfa asked, "What about the restaurant? You and your wife have been managing it this year. How much did it earn?"

Xiaoping, filled with pride, answered, "The restaurant's earnings this year were much higher than last year. We made about 39,000 yuan in profit!"

The Zhang family was stunned speechless upon hearing this. 54,000 yuan from the transport company and 39,000 yuan from the restaurant added up to 93,000 yuan. They already knew that the in-laws made about 7,000 yuan a year from the Pottery Factory, bringing the total to a neat 100,000 yuan.

Earning over 100,000 yuan in a year—what did that even mean?

At their current rate, it would take them at least twenty years to earn that much.

At this moment, Zhang Zhenfa truly admired Deng Shirong, his in-law, with all his heart.

He had always known that his in-law was good at making money, but he never imagined he would be this good.

Initially, when he learned that his in-law had taken out a loan of several hundred thousand yuan from the credit union, he had been worried about whether he could repay it. Now, his heart finally felt at ease.

Seeing that her family was in shock, Xiaoping asked, "Mom, Dad, Big Brother, Big Sister, Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, your shop is doing well, but the earning speed is still a bit slow. Have any of you thought about starting another business?"

Zhang Zhenfa, being relatively conservative in business, would not have opened the current shop if his daughter hadn't insisted. Now that the shop made a few thousand yuan a year, he was already content and had no desire to expand or try other businesses.

Therefore, when his daughter asked, he shook his head, "No, I haven’t."

Zhang Dage’s eyes lit up, and she asked, "Xiaoping, do you have a more profitable business in mind for us to try?"

Zhang Ergo looked at her sister-in-law with anticipation. The shop was mostly run by the two of them, and they were already quite familiar with business. They were more adventurous than their conservative father-in-law.

Xiaoping, who had been honing her skills in the county for a long time, had a much broader perspective. She was confident she could help her family find a profitable business. She smiled and said, "If you two are willing to take the next step, we can discuss it. The economic situation is getting better every day, and there are plenty of ways to make money."

Zhang Dage said, "Xiaoping, of course, we want to take the next step, but we’re not sure what to do."

Zhang Ergo nodded, "Yeah, running the shop and selling things is fine, but we can’t think of any other business to start."

Xiaoping said, "Everyone is focused on economic development now. As more people become wealthy, the demand for new houses will increase. This means the demand for blue bricks and red bricks will surge. If we invest in a brick factory now, we could make a lot of money."

Zhang Zhenfa couldn’t help but remind her, "Xiaoping, our brigade already has a brick factory."

Xiaoping replied, "Most brigades have small brick factories with limited capacity, which can't meet the growing demand. If you have the courage, Dad, you could invest in a large brick factory. I believe it would definitely be profitable."

Zhang Zhenfa felt a bit uneasy and asked, "Building a large brick factory would require a significant initial investment, at least several tens of thousands of yuan, right?"

Xiaoping nodded, "Yes, I haven’t done a detailed survey, but an investment of several tens of thousands of yuan is definitely needed, maybe even more."

"That’s too much of an investment!" Zhang Zhenfa shook his head repeatedly. When he opened the shop, he had hesitated for a long time over an investment of just a few hundred yuan. Now, an investment of several tens of thousands was out of the question for him.

After all, not everyone had the courage of his in-law.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end