Chapter 282: Total Spring Festival Transport Profits and a Second-Class Merit Soldier [Please Subscr

Chapter 282: Total Spring Festival Transport Profits and a Second-Class Merit Soldier [Please Subscribe]



After the 15th day of the first lunar month, schools across the country began to prepare for the new semester.

Now, Deng Yunzhu, who had returned to school, was a third-year junior high student. She had just one more semester before completing her junior high education.

For this underachieving daughter, Deng Shirong had never had high expectations. He simply told her, "Xiaozhu, you have one more semester before you graduate from junior high. In a few months, you'll be eighteen. Dad doesn't have much to say about your grades, but I hope you can at least get into high school and finish it."

Deng Yunzhu, now a fully grown young woman, stood at 1.63 meters, one centimeter taller than her older sister. She blushed and said sheepishly, "Dad, I'll try my best. If I don't get into high school, please don't scold me!"

"Why would I scold you? You're not studying for me, but for yourself."

Deng Shirong looked at his youngest daughter with a serious expression and continued, "Xiaozhu, our family's conditions have improved. Even if you stop after junior high, I can easily find you a job, or even start a business for you. But I still hope you can get into high school and finish it.

"Going to high school isn't just about finding a job; it's about giving you more options when it comes to choosing a partner. For example, if you like a young man who is an excellent university student, would you, as a junior high graduate, be a match for him?

"If you're a high school graduate, while there's still a gap compared to a university student, having a high school education in this era is still something to be proud of. No matter what kind of family the person comes from, they won't criticize you for your educational background.

"So, in this last semester, I hope you can try your best. If you do encounter the situation I described, at least you won't lose a good match due to your education. Think about it, does Dad have a point?"

Deng Yunzhu fiddled with the hem of her clothes and nodded, "Dad, I understand. I'll do my best."

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. As long as you pass most of your subjects, you'll get into high school."

After addressing his youngest daughter, Deng Shirong turned to his youngest son, "Xiaoheng, you're about to take the entrance exam for junior high. As long as you perform normally, you should have no problem getting into the key class. Don't slack off in this last semester, got it?"

Deng Yunheng, now a fifth-grade elementary student, was confident. "Dad, don't worry. While I won't be the top of the class, I usually rank in the top five. Getting into the key class at Shuangwang Junior High should be no problem."

Deng Shirong nodded and then looked at his fourth son, "Xiaohua, I have the same expectations for you as for your older sister. I don't require you to get into vocational school, college, or university. I just hope you and your sister can get into high school and finish it. That's my greatest wish for you."

Deng Yunhua scratched his head and said, "Dad, I'll do my best."

Deng Shirong didn't say much more. He was encouraging his children with a "hit or miss" attitude. If they could achieve it, that would be best. After all, more education is always a good thing. Even if they couldn't, it didn't matter much because he, their father, could ensure they would have a good life.

If worst came to worst, he could always place his hopes on the next generation.

...

With students across the country returning to school, the chaotic Spring Festival transport season finally came to an end.

In the general manager's office of Tenglong Passenger Transport Company, General Manager Deng Changyu was reporting the Spring Festival transport profits to the company's founder, Deng Shirong.

After finishing the report, Deng Changyu summarized, "According to the statistics, our company made a total profit of 416,380 yuan during the Spring Festival. Even though the Spring Festival is over, there are still many passengers, especially those traveling from Bobai to Guangdong. We continue to make a profit every day."

"Great job!"

Deng Shirong praised him and said, "Passenger numbers will increase even more. When we can make a profit even during the off-season, our transport company will truly rise. For now, we need to focus on maintaining our operations and training our family members. Before next year's Spring Festival, we should add ten or even twenty more buses. Then we can make a substantial profit."

Deng Changyu nodded and smiled, "Ninth Uncle, I was thinking the same thing. Our company will definitely make a huge profit next Spring Festival."

Deng Shirong smiled, "Let's not distribute the profits from this Spring Festival to the family members yet. We'll save the money to buy more buses for next year. Once we make a profit next Spring Festival, we can distribute the earnings then."

Setting: Rural China, late 1970s/early 1980s (inferred from context)



Character Names:

Deng Changyu → remains the same (common Chinese name; no direct English equivalent)



Deng Shirong → remains the same (common Chinese name; no direct English equivalent)



Uncle Jiu → Uncle Nine (transliteration of "Jiu," meaning "nine")



Zhu Junjie → Zhu Johnnie (transliteration with a common English nickname)



Zhu Old Lady/Mrs. Zhu → Mrs. Zhu

Zhu Old Man/Mr. Zhu → Mr. Zhu

Zhu's Nephew (married) → Winston Zhu (transliteration with a common English name)



Pig Head Three ( neighbor ) → Mr. Zhuang (transliteration with a common Chinese surname and a respectful title)



Rewritten Text:

Deng Changyu nodded and said, "I've thought about this too. The company does need this money right now. If we want to buy twenty more buses next year, we might have to ask the clan for more funds again. We can only consider dividends once we make a profit during next year's Spring Festival travel rush."

Deng Shirong shook his head. "There's no need to ask the clan for more funds. Last year's fundraising left everyone's pockets empty. Even if we make some money from selling watermelons this year, we should save it for the clan to build houses or get married. If the company lacks funds, we can take out a bank loan."

Deng Changyu nodded repeatedly. "Alright, I understand. Let's see how this year's operations go. It would be best if we can earn enough to buy the buses by the Spring Festival. If not, we'll take out a bank loan."

"Sounds good. Work hard, and let me know if you run into any problems. Our clan of over three thousand people will always be your strongest support."

"Understood, Uncle Nine!"

...

Guangzhou.

Yuexiu South Bus Station.

A large bus slowly pulled out of the station, heading towards Bobai County.

On the bus, Zhu Johnnie, dressed in a green military uniform with a resolute expression, silently gazed in a certain direction. From now on, he would be saying a final goodbye to his military career. While he felt a sense of relief, he was also filled with nostalgia for his comrades and the military camp.

Zhu Johnnie was from Changpo Village, Shanxin Brigade, Songshan Commune, Bobai County. In 1978, at the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the military. The following year, when a war broke out, he was still a new recruit but was led to the front lines by veteran soldiers. His bravery and fearlessness in battle earned him a Second-Class Merit.

Thanks to this military achievement, despite his young age, he had risen to the rank of Deputy Regiment Commander, a position that, though still with a "deputy" prefix, was considered a significant achievement for someone his age.

Initially, with six years of service and being a key figure in the military, he had a bright future ahead of him if he chose to stay and develop his career.

However, he ultimately decided to leave the military.

The main reason was his aging parents. As the youngest son, he was born when his parents were in their forties, and they were now in their sixties, nearing seventy, with various health issues. If he stayed in the military, there was no guarantee his parents would still be around when he returned.

After much consideration, Zhu Johnnie chose to give up his promising military career to return home and accompany his parents through the final stages of their lives.

Another reason was his nephew, Winston Zhu, who had gotten married the previous year. As an uncle, Zhu Johnnie felt it was time to settle down, especially since his parents had been urging him to do so.

Zhu Johnnie had five siblings, with two older brothers and two older sisters. His eldest brother was twenty years his senior, and Winston Zhu was only two years his junior.

...

The next day, at noon.

Changpo Village, in a somewhat old earthen-brick house, Mr. and Mrs. Zhu sat eating boiled sweet potatoes while chatting about local news.

Topics included whose son had gotten married, whose daughter had been wed, and whose family had welcomed a new grandchild.

As they chatted, Mrs. Zhu couldn't help but sigh, saying, "We should never have agreed to let Johnnie join the military. The second year, he was already on the battlefield; I was so scared I thought I'd die. Luckily, Johnnie was fortunate and survived. Originally, it was supposed to be a three-year service, but now it's been six years, and he still hasn't returned. It's worrying me to death."

Mr. Zhu swallowed his sweet potato and replied, "It's because you spoiled him too much; you couldn't refuse any of his requests."

Mrs. Zhu bit into her sweet potato, muttering, "How was I supposed to know being a soldier was so dangerous? Our country had been at peace for so many years; who would have thought Johnnie would go to war in his second year? And that they'd send a new recruit like Johnnie to the front lines? Could you have anticipated that?"

Mr. Zhu paused before responding, "Indeed, I didn't expect it."

Mrs. Zhu huffed, "Exactly! I thought he'd serve his three years and return, but instead, he not only went to war but also stayed for six years."

Mr. Zhu spoke with some pride, "Although unexpected, Johnnie is truly my son. In his first battle, he earned a Second-Class Merit, and now he's a Deputy Regiment Commander. He's brought honor to our family, the Zhus!"

Mrs. Zhu's expression changed to one of delight, saying, "Our Johnnie is indeed remarkable. Look at Pig Head Three's son; after over ten years of service, he only became a Company Commander when he retired, far inferior to our Johnnie's rank."

Mr. Zhu waved his hand, "Rank isn't determined by years of service. If Johnnie hadn't distinguished himself in battle, do you think he'd have his current rank? Becoming a Platoon Leader would be impressive enough, but his current position was earned with his life on the line."

Mrs. Zhu's heart still racing from the mention of war, said, "Let's not talk about the battlefield; just mentioning it makes my heart skip a beat. Thankfully, our ancestors protected him."

Mr. Zhu, also feeling a bit apprehensive, changed the subject, "Now that Winston Zhu is married and expecting a child this year, and Johnnie is twenty-four and still single, regardless of whether he leaves the military or not, we must arrange his marriage."

Xiaowang was their eldest grandson, Zhu Maowang.

Grandma Zhu nodded in agreement, "We really need to get this arranged. We can't keep putting it off year after year. I won't be able to rest easy if I don't see Xiaojie get married and have a child."

Grandpa Zhu said, "Then we should find a matchmaker to find him a suitable partner. Once everything is arranged, we'll make him take a leave if necessary, so he can come back and meet her, and get married."

Grandma Zhu glanced at him and said, "I've already asked the matchmaker to help, but unfortunately, we haven't found anyone who matches up to our Xiaojie. Looks like we need to find a few more matchmakers."

Grandpa Zhu, surprised that his wife had been working on this secretly, pouted and said, "Don't be too picky. We just need a hardworking and thrifty wife for him."

Grandma Zhu glared at him, "What do you mean 'not too picky'? Our Xiaojie is a regiment commander, do you understand how big a deal that is?"

Grandpa Zhu tossed the sweet potato peels aside and said, "I know our Xiaojie is a regiment commander, but finding a wife isn't about comparing ranks. The most important thing is to find someone who can manage the household well."

Grandma Zhu shook her head, "That won't do. Whoever marries our Xiaojie will be a regiment commander's wife, and we need to find an excellent girl. Otherwise, how can she match up to that title?"

Grandpa Zhu didn't argue further and said, "Then take your time choosing."

"Of course, I'll take my time..."

Just as Grandma Zhu said this, a familiar voice called out from outside, "Dad, Mom, I'm back!"

At the sound of this voice, the 67-year-old Grandma Zhu, who had been sitting in the kitchen, suddenly became incredibly agile. She stood up and quickly walked out.

Grandpa Zhu, equally excited, dropped the peeled sweet potato into the basket and hurriedly followed her out of the kitchen.

In the living room, Zhu Junjie watched as his parents, both with white hair and deep wrinkles, hurried out of the kitchen. They looked much older than when he left six years ago.

At that moment, Zhu Junjie was incredibly grateful that he had chosen to retire.

With a thud, he knelt before his parents, his eyes red with tears, "Dad, Mom, your unfilial son is back!"

Grandma Zhu quickly helped him up, her eyes brimming with tears, "Good, good, you're back! That's all that matters!"

Grandpa Zhu, seeing his youngest son in his green military uniform, looking strong and vibrant, said with equal emotion, "Xiaojie, are you here on leave, or..."

Zhu Junjie replied, "Dad, Mom, I've retired. I'm back to stay and take care of you both. I won't be leaving again!"

Hearing this, the elderly couple was overwhelmed with joy. They were both in their twilight years, with various health issues, and they had always hoped to see their youngest son get married and have a child. They had no other wishes.

Before, when their son was in the military, they rarely saw him, making it nearly impossible to arrange his marriage and have grandchildren.

Now that he was back, they could finally start planning his marriage, and their long-held wish might come true. The elderly couple was genuinely happy.

Grandma Zhu, holding her son's hand, said with renewed spirit, "Xiaojie, are you hungry? Eat a few sweet potatoes to tide you over. I'll go kill a couple of chickens for dinner and invite your older brother's family and your second brother's family to join us."

"Sure!" Zhu Junjie smiled and agreed.

...

As the lunar calendar entered the second month, it was time to start planting watermelons again.

Due to the increasing scale of watermelon planting in the entire Bangjie Brigade, and the influence they had on other brigades, many people were likely to follow their lead this year. Before the villagers started planting, Deng Shirong made a special trip to the supply cooperative to discuss the watermelon procurement with the director.

Director Zhou waved his hand confidently, "Plant as much as you want. No matter how much you grow, our supply cooperative will buy it all."

It was no wonder Director Zhou was so confident. With the rise of individual economies and the competition from other state-owned and collective enterprises, the supply cooperative was feeling the pressure nationwide. The large-scale watermelon planting in Bangjie Brigade would help compensate for the shortage in other regions.

So, Director Zhou was confident that even if the entire Shuangwang area planted watermelons, the supply cooperative, with its extensive sales network across the country, could easily handle the harvest.

Of course, this only applied to watermelons, which have a long shelf life. If it were other fruits with a shorter shelf life, it wouldn't be so straightforward.

Deng Shirong smiled, "That's great to hear, Director Zhou! We can rest easy knowing that."

After the discussion, both parties signed the procurement agreement, with the price remaining at 8 cents per pound.

After signing the contract, Deng Shirong went back and reassured everyone in the clan that they could plant as much as they wanted without worrying about sales.

As a result, in the following days, not only the Ye Deng clan but also the Zhou and Guan clans in the Bangjie Brigade started planting watermelons.

Although they weren’t all from the same clan, they were all villagers in the same brigade, and intermarriage was common. Everyone, whether from the Zhou or Guan clans, knew about the Ye Deng clan’s massive watermelon harvest last year and the substantial profits they had made.

They had missed the train to prosperity last year, but they couldn’t afford to miss it again this year. They would climb through the window if they had to, just to get on board.

Even in the neighboring brigades, many families followed suit, though not as enthusiastically as those in the Bangjie Brigade.

It’s worth noting that the lychee trees planted in Naye Village last year were now in bloom. However, because they were planted a bit late, the villagers decided to cut off the flowers to ensure the saplings’ healthy growth, planning to let them bear fruit after another year.

...

In the county town.

At the entrance of the Shufeng Restaurant.

Seeing the grand and imposing restaurant, Old Lady Zhu hesitated and said to her youngest son, "Xiaojie, why don’t we eat somewhere else? It’s obvious that the food here will be very expensive."

Zhu Junjie laughed and said, "Mom, I have money, and besides, this is to celebrate the government assigning me a good job. We don’t come here every day, so it’s fine to treat ourselves once in a while."

Old Man Zhu added, "Old lady, Xiaojie is now the deputy director of the county police department. We can afford to eat here, so don’t be so petty."

"Who’s being petty?"

Old Lady Zhu retorted, "I just think it’s a waste to spend so much on a meal."

Zhu Junjie smiled and said, "Mom, you’ve worked hard all your life. It’s time for you to enjoy some comfort. Come on, let’s go in. I’m starving."

Old Lady Zhu didn’t argue further, and with a mix of trepidation and anticipation, she and her youngest son walked into the impressive restaurant.

"Hello, welcome to our restaurant!"

As soon as they entered, a polite waitress greeted them, and the service attitude left Old Man and Old Lady Zhu in awe.

They had lived for so long and were used to the indifferent service of the supply and marketing cooperative clerks. Every time they bought something, they had to endure the clerks’ bad attitudes, afraid to ask too many questions for fear of annoying them.

But now, as soon as they walked in, a young lady greeted them with a warm smile, and the service was truly exceptional.

No wonder this was a high-end restaurant in the county town!

Once they were seated, and Zhu Junjie asked what they wanted to eat, the two elders finally regained their composure.

Old Man Zhu said, "Xiaojie, just choose whatever you like. Your mother and I can’t read, so we don’t understand these menus."

Zhu Junjie nodded and turned to the waitress with a smile. "Comrade, may I ask what your chef’s specialties are?"

The waitress smiled and said, "Our chef’s specialties are white-boiled dishes and red-braised dishes. You can choose based on your taste."

Zhu Junjie looked at the menu and said, "Let’s have the white-boiled pig’s trotters, a bowl of red-braised pork, and a stir-fried bamboo shoot dish."

The waitress nodded and said, "Certainly, please wait a moment, and your dishes will be ready soon."

After the waitress left, Old Lady Zhu remarked with a sigh, "This high-end restaurant is really different. Even the waitresses are so polite."

Old Man Zhu echoed her sentiments, and even Zhu Junjie couldn’t help but admire the service.

Everything was better by comparison. The service at the supply and marketing cooperative was truly a far cry from what they experienced here.

Soon, the waitress brought out the white-boiled pig’s trotters.

The aroma of the dish made Old Man and Old Lady Zhu widen their eyes. They had lived for decades and had tried white-boiled chicken and duck, but the more time-consuming white-boiled pig’s trotters were something they had never tasted.

When the rice was brought, the family of three started eating.

Being from the same region, their taste preferences were similar, and the Bozhou-style white-boiled pig’s trotters instantly won over their taste buds.

When the tender and not greasy red-braised pork was served, the family’s praise was endless.

Even the stir-fried bamboo shoots had a sweet flavor that made it impossible to stop eating.

This meal was not only a first for Old Man and Old Lady Zhu but also for Zhu Junjie, who had never tasted such delicious food before.

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(End of Chapter)

Chapter end