Chapter 283: Uncle, I Want to Set Up a Match for Your Daughter [Please Follow and Subscribe]

Chapter 283: Uncle, I Want to Set Up a Match for Your Daughter [Please Follow and Subscribe]



Suzhou Restaurant.

After finishing their meal, Old Lady Zhu put down her chopsticks and said, "Xiaojie, you're already 24 years old, and your job is stable. It's time to find a wife. When I was back home, I often asked matchmakers to help find suitable girls for you, but none of them met my standards, so I didn't mention it to you.

Now that we two old folks have moved to the county town, I plan to find a wife for you here. What do you think?"

Zhu Junjie nodded, "Sure, Mom, you decide. If you find someone suitable, let me know, and if she's a good match, we'll get married."

His parents were getting older, and their greatest wish was for him to marry and have children soon. He certainly didn't want to disappoint them.

Seeing that her youngest son didn't object, Old Lady Zhu said enthusiastically, "I've already become familiar with the county town. I'll go to the government residential area and chat with the aunts there to see if they or their relatives have any suitable girls around your age."

Zhu Junjie couldn't help but smile, "Mom, you have high standards, even looking in the government residential area for me."

Old Lady Zhu said proudly, "You're now the deputy director of the Public Security Bureau, and you're handsome. A girl from an average family wouldn't be a match for you!"

Zhu Junjie agreed, "Mom, you're right. I'll wait for you to find someone suitable."

Old Lady Zhu was full of confidence. Since this kind of thing was usually handled by women, Old Man Zhu remained silent, letting his wife take the lead.

After a while, the family settled the bill and left.

...

At the entrance of the courthouse.

Zhang Guoan sat on a low stool, his water pipe resting on his shoulder. He took a small pinch of tobacco from his pouch, rolled it into a small ball, and stuffed it into the pipe. Then he took a match, put his mouth to the large smoking hole, struck the match, and lit the tobacco, puffing away with a series of gurgling sounds.

His water pipe was crafted by a skilled artisan, and the gurgling sound it made was incredibly pleasant. Even after he stopped smoking, the sound continued for a while, providing a unique and rare enjoyment.

This was one of the reasons Deng Shirong often came to Zhang Guoan's place to smoke whenever he was in Bobai.

Uncle Zhang certainly had no shortage of pipes, but not all of them could produce such a high-quality sound.

Just as Zhang Guoan closed his eyes and swayed his head to the gurgling sound, a voice from an old lady reached his ears, "Ah Biao, your water pipe is really well-made. The sound is so soothing."

Zhang Guoan opened his eyes and saw an old lady standing in front of him. He smiled, "My pipe is indeed good. Ah Biao, do you smoke?"

This old lady was none other than Old Lady Zhu.

The courthouse and the Public Security Bureau were right across from each other. After leaving the bureau, Old Lady Zhu was about to head to the government residential area when she saw someone smoking on the other side. With her nicotine craving, she decided to borrow the pipe for a quick smoke.

Unexpectedly, as she walked over, she heard a melodic gurgling sound coming from the water pipe, which prompted her to compliment it.

Hearing her question, Old Lady Zhu smiled, "Of course, I came to borrow your pipe, Ah Biao."

Zhang Guoan handed her the pipe and asked, "Ah Biao, from your accent, you seem to be from Songshan Commune?"

In our country, dialects are the most interesting. Even though they all speak Hakka, the Hakka in Bobai is quite different from that in Meizhou, Guangdong. Even within Bobai, each commune has its own unique dialect.

Zhang Guoan used this dialect difference to determine that she was from Songshan Commune.

Her accent was almost identical to Uncle's.

Old Lady Zhu took the pipe, a bit surprised, "Ah Biao, you're quite observant. You can tell I'm from Songshan Commune just from my accent."

She had lived in the Songshan Commune area for decades and had only recently moved to the county town with her youngest son. Since she didn't interact much with people from other communes, she hadn't paid much attention to the differences in dialects.

Zhang Guoan pointed to the opposite direction and smiled, "There are people from your commune living right across from here. I often deal with them, so I'm familiar with the accent of people from Songshan Commune."

"Is that so?"

Old Lady Zhu looked enlightened and then asked, "Which brigade are they from?"

Zhang Guoan replied, "Bangjie Brigade."

Old Lady Zhu said, "That's quite a distance away. I'm from Shanxin Brigade."

Zhang Guoan said, "We're in the same commune, so it's not that far."

”

Mrs. Zhu laughed, "That's true. Since we're both from the same village and are neighbors, I should really go over and say hello. I wonder if they're home?"

This time, it was Zhang Guoan's turn to be surprised. "Neighbors? Ah Biao, you live around here too?"

Mrs. Zhu pointed towards the police station entrance and said with a smile, "I live inside there!"

Zhang Guoan asked, "Ah Biao, I'm almost familiar with everyone who lives inside. How come I've never seen you before?"

Mrs. Zhu explained, "My son just returned from the military a while ago and was assigned to work here. Of course, you wouldn't have seen me before."

Zhang Guoan nodded in understanding. "I see. Your son is a soldier. I used to be in the military too."

Ever since her younger son joined the army, Mrs. Zhu felt a special connection to soldiers. She had initially come over to borrow a pipe for a smoke, but upon learning that the gatekeeper was also a veteran, she stayed to chat with him.

"Speaking of my son, he's quite a handful. He joined the military in 1978, and the next year, he was sent to the front lines. We only found out about it when he returned victorious. I almost fainted from shock."

Zhang Guoan immediately knew which war she was talking about. Realizing that her son, like him, had been a combat veteran, he became even more enthusiastic. "Ah Biao, serving the country in battle, your son is truly a hero. I fought the Japanese in my time too."

Mrs. Zhu's respect grew. In their generation, those who had fought the Japanese were considered national heroes.

With this shared experience, the two of them chatted quite animatedly.

After a while, Zhang Guoan asked, "By the way, Ah Biao, how old is your son?"

Mrs. Zhu replied, "He joined the military at 18 and is now 24."

Zhang Guoan praised, "Truly, heroes emerge young!"

Mrs. Zhu sighed, "I thought he would return after his three-year service, but he stayed for six years. Now he's 24 and doesn't even have a wife. His nephew got married last year, and it's really worrying me."

Zhang Guoan, being a veteran himself, understood that ordinary soldiers usually retire after three years. Those who stayed longer were generally officers. He asked, "Ah Biao, what rank did your son hold in the military?"

At this, Mrs. Zhu beamed with pride. "That boy worked hard and became a deputy regimental commander. If he wasn’t so concerned about us two old folks, he could have had a bright future in the military."

Zhang Guoan was taken aback. "Ah Biao, your son must have achieved great feats in battle, right?"

Mrs. Zhu smiled widely. "He told me he received a second-class merit."

"Amazing!"

Zhang Guoan gave a thumbs up. Promotion during wartime was different from peacetime, especially with such a commendation.

However, it was no small feat for a new recruit to rise to the rank of deputy regimental commander in just six years, even during wartime. It must have been a combination of factors that led to this miracle.

Thinking about this, Zhang Guoan asked, "Ah Biao, your son must have a good education, right?"

Mrs. Zhu smiled. "He graduated from high school but didn't get into college, so he joined the military."

Zhang Guoan nodded, unsurprised. In those days, having an education made a world of difference in any field. The same military achievements that might have capped a less-educated soldier at the rank of company commander or platoon leader could propel a high school graduate to the deputy regimental commander level.

The power of knowledge was evident.

Of course, another crucial factor was the changing domestic and international environment. The military was undergoing a transformation, with a focus on a command structure that combined the old, middle-aged, and young generations, aiming to make the higher ranks of the military younger and more educated.

Given this context, Mrs. Zhu's son's rapid rise to deputy regimental commander in just six years made perfect sense.

"He was young, educated, and a brave fighter who earned a second-class merit. It's no wonder he was noticed by the higher-ups and quickly promoted."

"Your son's decision to leave the military (to clarify, transfer to civilian life is a form of retirement, but it's specific to officers) is a bit of a pity. He had a bright future ahead. But it shows how considerate he is, staying close to you and his father."

Zhang Guoan added, "Given his rank in the military, he should be at least a political commissar or deputy director in the police force, right?"

Grandma Zhu nodded and said, "You're right, my son is indeed a deputy director."

Zhang Guoan chuckled, "With such an outstanding son, you shouldn't worry about finding him a satisfactory wife, right?"

Grandma Zhu sighed, "It's not that easy. I can't settle for an ordinary girl, but it's not easy to find a good one. I just moved to the county town and don't know many people. I don't even know who to ask for help."

Zhang Guoan's interest was piqued, and he asked, "Auntie, how tall is your son? What does he look like?"

Grandma Zhu said proudly, "Auntie, I'm not boasting, but my son is 1.74 meters tall and has a handsome appearance. In our village, there aren't many who can match him."

Zhang Guoan felt reassured and said, "Hearing that, I might have a girl who fits your requirements. She has excellent qualities."

Grandma Zhu's eyes lit up, and she urged, "Auntie, tell me more about her."

Zhang Guoan pointed to the opposite side and said, "I'm talking about the eldest daughter of your fellow villager from Songshan Commune. She is two years younger than your son, 1.62 meters tall, and has a gentle and virtuous demeanor. She's a good match for your son and can handle all household chores, from sewing and cooking to taking care of children. Her father runs the largest and most luxurious restaurant in the county, Shuifeng Restaurant."

Grandma Zhu, though illiterate, remembered the name of Shuifeng Restaurant from her visit the previous day. She nodded, "Of course, I know that place. My son took us there for dinner yesterday!"

Zhang Guoan smiled, "What a coincidence! That restaurant is owned by the girl's father. You might have already met her when you were there."

Grandma Zhu exclaimed, "Oh my, so that grand restaurant belongs to her family? That's impressive! It's the largest and most luxurious place I've ever seen!"

Zhang Guoan smiled, "What do you think, Auntie? If you're interested, I can talk to her father about it."

Grandma Zhu nodded eagerly, "Of course, I'm very interested. Please do, and say good things about my son!"

Zhang Guoan assured her, "Don't worry, I'll do my best. Your son and I are both veterans, and I hope he finds happiness."

They chatted for a bit more, and Grandma Zhu left with high hopes.

...

Shuifeng Restaurant.

Deng Shirong was drinking and chatting with Zhang Guangzong.

Since inviting Zhang Guangzong to oversee the restaurant, Deng Shirong would often join him for a drink whenever he was in town and had nothing to do.

While they were drinking and chatting, Deng Yunzhen's voice called out, "Uncle Zhang, come in and sit down. My dad and Grandpa Zhang are over there having a drink!"

Deng Shirong and Zhang Guangzong looked over and saw Zhang Guoan approaching.

Deng Shirong waved him over, "Brother Zhang, over here."

Zhang Guoan smiled as he sat down and joked with Zhang Guangzong, "Uncle, you sure know how to live the good life. If I had known, I would have resigned from my court job and come to rely on Uncle Nine. Then I could enjoy a leisurely life with daily drinks too."

Zhang Guangzong laughed and scolded, "You little rascal, you're teasing me now!"

Deng Shirong joined in, "Brother Zhang, if you're willing, you can always come here. I can't promise much, but I can ensure you have good food and drinks."

Zhang Guoan laughed, "Uncle Nine, it's a deal. If I get tired of my job, I'll come over and freeload with you."

As they joked, Zhang Wenjuan approached with her bowl and chopsticks, greeting them, "Uncle Six!"

The new village group was introduced to work here by Uncle Six. This year, the boss raised their wages, and she now earns 30 yuan a month, with all meals provided and a year-end bonus. This was considered a very good job in the county town.

She was genuinely grateful to Uncle Six.

Zhang Guoan smiled, "Wenjuan, your boss is a rare gem. Work hard and don't slack off, got it?"

Zhang Wenjuan nodded, "Yes, Uncle Six."

Deng Shirong added, "Wenjuan and Ying work very hard."

Just then, Deng Yunzhen brought over a plate of poached pig's stomach and said with a smile, "Chef Zhang said you like this and braised spareribs. He's making the spareribs for you now."

"Seventeen again!"

Zhang Guoan chuckled, not dwelling on the matter. He turned to Deng Yunzhen and said, "Yunzhen, why don't you sit down and listen? I came here mainly to talk about your marriage with your father. I'm here to set up a match for you."

Deng Yunzhen's eyes widened. Things had been a bit strange lately. Not long ago, a matchmaker had come to propose a marriage for her, but the man was rejected by her father. Now, even Uncle Zhang was trying to set her up.

However, she really had no intention of getting married anytime soon.

Deng Shirong was also surprised, "Brother Zhang, who is this young man?"

Zhang Guangzong interjected, "Sixth Brother, with Yunzhen's conditions, if you're going to set up a match, it should be with someone truly outstanding. Don't bring up someone average and embarrass yourself."

Zhang Guoan smiled, "Uncle Three, rest assured. I know what I'm doing. If the young man I suggest isn't excellent, I wouldn't have the nerve to bring it up to Yunzhen!"

Deng Shirong's interest was piqued, "Brother Zhang, tell us more about him!"

Zhang Guoan tasted a piece of poached pork stomach before giving a brief introduction, "Uncle Nine, this young man is also from your Songshan Commune. He's 24 years old, 1.74 meters tall, and has a high school education. He joined the army right after turning 18 in 1978. When the war broke out in 1979, he fought bravely and was awarded a Second-Class Merit. With his youth and education, he was a key candidate for promotion, and he quickly rose to the rank of deputy regimental officer.

However, because his parents are elderly, he decided to give up his promising military career and returned to take care of them. Now, he's serving as the deputy director of the Public Security Bureau, a true young talent."

Upon hearing this, Deng Shirong, Deng Yunzhen, and Zhang Guangzong were all amazed.

24 years old, deputy regimental rank.

After transferring, he became the deputy director of the Public Security Bureau.

Such a young man was indeed exceptionally outstanding.

Deng Shirong was now truly interested. The man was an excellent soldier, so his character was already beyond reproach. The main concerns were whether his parents were easy to get along with and whether he and his daughter would be compatible.

If these two points were fine, it would be a rare and valuable match.

With this in mind, Deng Shirong asked, "Brother Zhang, are his parents easy to get along with? And what's his personality like?"

"Uncle Nine, I'm not very familiar with him either, so I'm not entirely sure," Zhang Guoan replied. He then recounted his conversation with Grandma Zhu, concluding, "This young man brought his parents to your restaurant yesterday. I wonder if any of you remember them?"

The three exchanged glances and shook their heads. The restaurant served so many customers every day that unless someone was particularly memorable, no one would pay much attention.

Zhang Guoan smiled, "It's okay if you don't remember. I came here mainly to let you know. If you think this young man is indeed a good match, we can ask around and find out more about him, to see if what his mother said is true."

Deng Shirong nodded, "Alright, I'll stay home tomorrow and talk to the old lady in more detail. If everything checks out, we'll arrange for the two young people to meet."

Zhang Guoan agreed, "I'll also ask my contacts at the Public Security Bureau tomorrow to see if there's a new deputy director who fits the description."

Deng Shirong said, "That's settled, then. Let's continue drinking!"

Zhang Guangzong raised his glass and clinked it with Deng Shirong's. He then looked at Deng Yunzhen, who had been sitting quietly, and smiled, "Yunzhen, if this young man is as reliable as they say, you should seize the opportunity. It's not easy to find such an outstanding young man."

Deng Yunzhen blushed and said, "Grandpa Zhang, I'm just an ordinary person. Someone so excellent might not even look at me."

Zhang Guangzong took a sip of wine and said, "Yunzhen, don't be too modest. You have a good character, are gentle and virtuous, and have a dad who's a successful businessman and a brother with a bright future. Even if he were to rise a couple of ranks, you'd still be a perfect match for him."

Zhang Guoan nodded in agreement, "Yes, Yunzhen, don't underestimate your own strengths. Your dad, brother, and younger brother are your strongest supports."

Deng Yunzhen smiled, but she wasn't at all insecure. After all, her family's income last year exceeded 100,000 yuan. With a dad who was so good at making money and a brother who excelled in his studies, most people would be looking up to her. She didn't look down on others, so why would she fear being looked down upon?

After discussing the matter, the three men turned their attention back to their drinks. It was rare for them to gather and drink together, so they naturally wanted to enjoy themselves.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end