Chapter 293: Deng Yunzhen Watching the Parade

Chapter 293: Deng Yunzhen Watching the Parade

"Reading more books really makes a difference!"

"Yeah, to be able to participate in such a grand National Day parade, Yunheng truly brings honor to the family!"

"Uncle Yunheng is even in charge of holding the banner, which is a greeting to Grandpa Deng. It must be very important, showing that Uncle Yunheng is highly respected among the Peking University students!"

"Originally, this is the National Day parade, it's truly spectacular!"

"Our country's military is so powerful."

"..."

As the grand National Day parade officially concluded, the clan members excitedly discussed the event. This was the first time most of them, except for Deng Shirong, had witnessed such a celebration. It was far more interesting than watching movies or plays.

Moreover, everyone has a patriotic heart. The stronger the country, the prouder one feels. Seeing these well-trained and fierce soldiers, a sense of security naturally arose.

Deng YunGui asked, "Ninth Uncle, is the National Day parade held every year?"

The others also looked at the clan head, hoping to see this passionate parade every year.

Deng Shirong replied, "On October 1, 1949, our People's Republic of China was established, and the Founding Ceremony was held, which was also the first parade. Then, from 1949 to 1959, the National Day parade was held annually.

However, in 1960, those who are a bit older know that our country faced severe natural disasters, so the National Day parade was suspended. After all, such a grand celebration consumes a lot of manpower and resources each time.

This suspension lasted for 25 years until this year when the National Day parade was resumed. As for when the next parade will be, I don't know, but it's definitely not going to be held every year. That would be too labor-intensive and costly."

Deng YunGui sighed, "I hope I live long enough to see the next National Day parade."

Deng ShiAn also agreed, "Indeed, we are all getting older. If the parade is held every few years, we might still have a chance to see it, but if it's suspended for another 25 years, we probably won't be around to see it!"

The other elderly clan members also sighed, feeling that at their age, they needed to start thinking about their future. Living another ten or twenty years wasn't impossible, but who could guarantee another 25 years?

After watching the National Day parade, the clan members stayed to discuss the impact it had on them, then they dispersed.

In this era, students didn't have as many holidays as they do in later times. In the future, there is a concept of a National Day Golden Week, which can last at least a week, sometimes even up to eight days. However, in this era, where even weekends haven't been fully implemented, a week-long holiday for National Day is impossible.

Therefore, in the afternoon, Deng Yunzhu, Deng Yunhua, and Deng Yunheng, the three siblings, had to return to school.

Deng Shirong naturally prepared a sumptuous meal for them.

After they finished eating, Deng Shirong took out the prepared gifts and tied them to his youngest daughter's bicycle, instructing, "Ride slowly and be careful on the way."

Deng Yunzhu replied, "I know, Father."

...

In the afternoon.

Songshan High School.

Deng Yunzhu carried a sack of gifts to the second floor of the teachers' dormitory, found Teacher Li Mei's room, and knocked on the door.

The door quickly opened.

"Teacher Li!"

"Deng Yunzhu!"

After exchanging greetings, Deng Yunzhu entered and took out a net bag of fruit from the sack, handing it to Li Mei, "Teacher Li, this is the fruit I brought for you."

Seeing the net bag of fresh fruit, Li Mei was surprised and declined, "Deng Yunzhu, I can't accept this fruit. You keep it for yourself!"

Deng Yunzhu placed it on the desk, smiling, "Teacher Li, I'll be staying with you for two to three years. Besides, these are fruits from our own garden. If you don't accept them, I'll feel awkward living with you."

The fruits were indeed from their own garden.

When planting lychees, Deng Shirong had reserved a lot of space for other fruits. He planted almost every type of fruit available in Bobai, though not in large quantities, enough for the family to enjoy.

Since the fruits were from their own garden, Li Mei nodded, "Alright, we'll share the fruit."

Deng Yunzhu then took out a package of longan meat from the sack and placed it on the desk, "Teacher Li, here's the longan meat. My father asked me to bring it to you."

Li Mei said helplessly, "You, you're being sly."

Longan meat is a nourishing delicacy. It can be used with Chinese angelica and yam to make a stew, an ideal side dish. Cooking eggs with red sugar and longan meat is the best nourishing food for postpartum women or those who are weak after illness. Longan meat can also be soaked in medicinal herbs to make longan medicinal wine, which is effective for neurasthenia and blood and qi deficiency. Longan meat can be used to make longan cola, a popular health drink today.

In short, compared to the net bag of fresh fruit, the package of longan meat was more valuable.

"Reading more books really makes a difference!"

"Yeah, to be able to participate in such a grand National Day parade, Yunheng truly brings honor to the family!"

"Uncle Yunheng is even in charge of holding the banner, which is a greeting to Grandpa Deng. It must be very important, showing that Uncle Yunheng is highly respected among the Peking University students!"

"Originally, this is the National Day parade, it's truly spectacular!"

"Our country's military is so powerful."

"..."

As the grand National Day parade officially concluded, the clan members excitedly discussed the event. This was the first time most of them, except for Deng Shirong, had witnessed such a celebration. It was far more interesting than watching movies or plays.

Moreover, everyone has a patriotic heart. The stronger the country, the prouder one feels. Seeing these well-trained and fierce soldiers, a sense of security naturally arose.

Deng Yungui asked, "Ninth Uncle, is the National Day parade held every year?"

The others also looked at the clan head, hoping to see this passionate parade every year.

Deng Shirong replied, "On October 1, 1949, our People's Republic of China was established, and the Founding Ceremony was held, which was also the first parade. Then, from 1949 to 1959, the National Day parade was held annually.

However, in 1960, those who are a bit older know that our country faced severe natural disasters, so the National Day parade was suspended. After all, such a grand celebration consumes a lot of manpower and resources each time.

This suspension lasted for 25 years until this year when the National Day parade was resumed. As for when the next parade will be, I don't know, but it's definitely not going to be held every year. That would be too labor-intensive and costly."

Deng Yungui sighed, "I hope I live long enough to see the next National Day parade."

Deng Shian also agreed, "Indeed, we are all getting older. If the parade is held every few years, we might still have a chance to see it, but if it's suspended for another 25 years, we probably won't be around to see it!"

The other elderly clan members also sighed, feeling that at their age, they needed to start thinking about their future. Living another ten or twenty years wasn't impossible, but who could guarantee another 25 years?

After watching the National Day parade, the clan members stayed to discuss the impact it had on them, then they dispersed.

In this era, students didn't have as many holidays as they do in later times. In the future, there is a concept of a National Day Golden Week, which can last at least a week, sometimes even up to eight days. However, in this era, where even weekends haven't been fully implemented, a week-long holiday for National Day is impossible.

Therefore, in the afternoon, Deng Yunzhu, Deng Yunhua, and Deng Yunheng, the three siblings, had to return to school.

Deng Shirong naturally prepared a sumptuous meal for them.

After they finished eating, Deng Shirong took out the prepared gifts and tied them to his youngest daughter's bicycle, instructing, "Ride slowly and be careful on the way."

Deng Yunzhu replied, "I know, Father."

...

In the afternoon.

Songshan High School.

Deng Yunzhu carried a sack of gifts to the second floor of the teachers' dormitory, found Teacher Li Mei's room, and knocked on the door.

The door quickly opened.

"Teacher Li!"

"Deng Yunzhu!"

After exchanging greetings, Deng Yunzhu entered and took out a net bag of fruit from the sack, handing it to Li Mei, "Teacher Li, this is the fruit I brought for you."

Seeing the net bag of fresh fruit, Li Mei was surprised and declined, "Deng Yunzhu, I can't accept this fruit. You keep it for yourself!"

Deng Yunzhu placed it on the desk, smiling, "Teacher Li, I'll be staying with you for two to three years. Besides, these are fruits from our own garden. If you don't accept them, I'll feel awkward living with you."

The fruits were indeed from their own garden.

When planting lychees, Deng Shirong had reserved a lot of space for other fruits. He planted almost every type of fruit available in Bobai, though not in large quantities, enough for the family to enjoy.

Since the fruits were from their own garden, Li Mei nodded, "Alright, we'll share the fruit."

Deng Yunzhu then took out a package of longan meat from the sack and placed it on the desk, "Teacher Li, here's the longan meat. My father asked me to bring it to you."

Li Mei said helplessly, "You, you're being sly."

Longan meat is a nourishing delicacy. It can be used with Chinese angelica and yam to make a stew, an ideal side dish. Cooking eggs with red sugar and longan meat is the best nourishing food for postpartum women or those who are weak after illness. Longan meat can also be soaked in medicinal herbs to make longan medicinal wine, which is effective for neurasthenia and blood and qi deficiency. Longan meat can be used to make longan cola, a popular health drink today.

In short, compared to the net bag of fresh fruit, the package of longan meat was more valuable.

Deng Yunzhu's gift of longan meat was indeed substantial. Generally, it takes three to four kilograms of fresh longan to produce one kilogram of longan dry. However, longan meat, which has the peel and seed removed, requires about ten kilograms of fresh longan to produce one kilogram.

Currently, the market price for fresh longan is about 0.6 yuan per kilogram, so ten kilograms would cost 6 yuan. Adding labor and other production costs, the cost of one kilogram of longan meat is around 7 to 8 yuan. When sold, it would be priced to make a profit, so the current selling price of one kilogram of longan meat is around 12 yuan.

The package of longan meat Deng Yunzhu brought was close to two kilograms, worth at least 20 yuan. Although it might not equal her monthly salary, it certainly covered more than half of it.

If Deng Yunzhu had initially brought the fruit and longan meat together, Li Mei might not have accepted it. Now that she had already accepted the fruit, she couldn't just accept half of the gift.

This was why Li Mei called Deng Yunzhu sly.

However, despite her words, Li Mei was genuinely touched by Deng Yunzhu's gesture. A student who knew how to be grateful was something every teacher would appreciate.

Thus, Li Mei made a silent decision to give Deng Yunzhu extra attention over the next three years, striving to improve her English grades.

The poor student, Deng Yunzhu, probably never dreamed that her gift would bring her such "trouble"!

After taking out the gifts for Teacher Li, Deng Yunzhu smiled and said, "Teacher Li, I also have a net bag of fruit and a pack of tea for Director Dai. Do you know which floor he lives on? I'll bring it to him."

This student was indeed thoughtful. Li Mei directed her, "Director Dai lives on the third floor. Go up the stairs, turn right, and it's the second room."

Deng Yunzhu thanked her and then went up to deliver the gifts to Director Dai, naturally earning his favor.

...

Shanxin Village.

Zhu Junjie's hometown.

The old man and the old lady Zhu had returned!

After their return, they immediately called their eldest son's family and second son's family over.

Once everyone was gathered, the old lady Zhu didn't rush to talk about the matter but first asked her pregnant granddaughter-in-law, "A Li Mei, how are you feeling recently?"

A Li Mei smiled and replied, "Grandma, I'm feeling good."

The old lady Zhu advised, "You are due in a little over a month, so you need to be extra careful during this time, understand?"

A Li Mei nodded, "Yes, Grandma."

The second son, Zhu, asked, "Mom, did you call us over for something?"

The old lady Zhu smiled and said, "I called you over because of Xiao Jie's marriage. His girlfriend will be visiting this Saturday, and you all need to help make sure she is well taken care of!"

The eldest daughter-in-law was surprised, "Mom, when did Xiao Jie start dating?"

The old lady Zhu laughed, "They've been dating for about half a year!"

"Uncle Man is really quick. He's only been back for a little over half a year, and he's already been dating for half a year!" This was said by the old lady Zhu's eldest grandson, Zhu Wang, who was only two years younger than Uncle Man, Zhu Junjie. He had already married last year and would become a father in a little over a month.

The second daughter-in-law laughed, "Mom, you guys did a great job keeping it a secret. We didn't know Xiao Jie had been dating for so long."

The second son followed up, "Mom, where is Xiao Jie's girlfriend from? Does she have a job?"

The old lady Zhu replied, "Xiao Jie's girlfriend is from Bangjie. Her father is an individual businessman, and she mainly helps her older brother and sister-in-law take care of their children."

The eldest daughter-in-law couldn't help but frown and said, "Mom, our Xiao Jie is now the deputy director of the Public Security Bureau. He should find a girlfriend with a formal job in an organization. An individual businessman's daughter isn't a match for our Xiao Jie."

The second son agreed, "Mom, the eldest daughter-in-law is right. With our Xiao Jie's good conditions, he should find a girlfriend with a formal job in an organization. That way, both of them will have good jobs, and their life will be much better!"

The old lady Zhu's smile didn't waver as she asked, "Do you think an individual businessman is not as good as someone with a formal job in an organization?"

The second son said, "Of course not. How can an individual businessman compare to someone who gets a stable salary?"

This was true. In this era, individual businessmen were generally seen as having a lower status than those with formal jobs in organizations.

However, they were referring to small street vendors. Those who ran factories or companies were a different story.

The old lady Zhu shook her head, "You underestimate individual businessmen. If they just run a small stall, they might not be as good as those with formal jobs. But those who do big business earn more in a year than someone with a formal job would in a lifetime.

Zhu Daxi was shocked and said, "Mom, you mean Xiao Jie's girlfriend's family is in big business?"

Zhu Laotai nodded and said, "The largest restaurant in the county is owned by her father. He also co-owns a brick factory in their hometown and a passenger transport company in the county, where he is a major shareholder. The money their family earns in a year is more than what Xiao Jie would earn in a hundred years. Now, do you still think that individual businessmen are not as good as those with formal jobs in organizations?"

This statement stunned everyone present.

Zhu Daxi immediately changed her attitude and said, "So, the girl's family is in such big business. That makes her a good match for Xiao Jie."

Zhu Ergu also nodded repeatedly and said, "I knew Xiao Jie wouldn't look at an ordinary individual businessman's daughter. She's the daughter of a big boss, so there's no problem."

This change in attitude was exactly what Zhu Laotai had anticipated. She said proudly, "Not only that, her second brother is a Peking University student. Do you know how impressive Peking University students are?"

"So, the girl's family has both money and connections. On Saturday, when they come to visit, you all must treat them well, understand?"

This statement silenced everyone in the room.

Zhu Laolao, meanwhile, had been quietly smoking his water pipe, watching his wife take the lead.

Soon, the Zhu family members regained their composure and all expressed their willingness to welcome the girl's family with the utmost enthusiasm.

Zhu Laotai then assigned tasks to each of them.

The family immediately sprang into action.

...

Before they knew it, it was Friday.

At two in the afternoon, Bu Zhongshi drove his large truck to his uncle's house. His cousin Yunzhen was going to visit the girl's family, and he was there to drive them.

Interestingly, the two were born in the same year, but Bu Zhongshi was three months older, making him the older cousin.

Seeing his nephew arrive, Deng Shirong said, "Zhongshi, we have melon peel and pickled vegetables. Have a bowl of congee first."

Bu Zhongshi shook his head and said, "Uncle, I've already eaten."

Deng Shirong nodded and said, "It's not early anymore. Let's go. We can eat when we get to the county."

He then got into the passenger seat with his niece Bu Dafang.

Bu Zhongshi started the truck and drove toward the county.

"Zhongshi, your sugarcane will be ready to harvest soon. With at least 1,800 tons of sugarcane, it will keep you busy for a while. Plus, there's Zhou Wang's white clay. I think buying two more large trucks is quite conservative. You could easily buy two more. After all, it's not just your family growing sugarcane; many others are as well. You can contact other sugarcane farmers and help them transport their sugarcane to the sugar mill while you're at it."

Since his nephew had chosen the freight business, Deng Shirong naturally hoped he would grow quickly. Only by forming a larger fleet could he take on more jobs.

Bu Zhongshi said while driving, "Uncle, I've thought about this, but I don't have enough drivers."

Deng Shirong replied, "You shouldn't limit your drivers to your village. You can hire drivers from outside and replace them with your village friends when they're ready. Just build your fleet as soon as possible. That way, you'll have the capacity to take on more jobs."

Bu Zhongshi nodded and said, "Alright, I'll take care of that. Missing the sugarcane harvest season would indeed be a pity."

Deng Shirong said, "Once your fleet is established, you shouldn't drive yourself anymore. Spend more time finding jobs and delegate the driving to your team. This will be more efficient and safer for you. It's a win-win situation."

Bu Zhongshi, who greatly admired his uncle, immediately agreed, "Alright, Uncle. I'll do as you say."

After discussing his nephew's development, they moved on to talk about his eldest daughter's visit to the girl's family.

Deng Shirong said, "Your cousin's boyfriend seems to be a good person. He's young and already a deputy director at the Public Security Bureau, which shows he has a bright future. However, their family's economic conditions are average. I heard their house in the hometown is an old mud-brick house. When you go, don't be discriminatory. Just go through the motions."

Bu Dafang said, "What's there to be discriminatory about? A few years ago, everyone was living in mud-brick houses!"

Bu Zhongshi chuckled and said, "Uncle, my cousin's boyfriend is a leader in the Public Security Bureau. As a transport driver, I might encounter difficult situations that require his help. I wouldn't dare be discriminatory!"

Deng Shirong laughed.

...

The next day.

After breakfast, Deng Yunzhen and her party prepared to set off.

This time, Deng Shirong, as the father, would not go. The group included Deng YunTai, Zhang Xiuping, Bu Dafang, Bu Zhongshi, Chen Bangli, Chen Bangfeng, and Deng Yunzhu, who was studying at Songshan High School.

Of course, the matchmaker, Zhang Guoan, would also go with them.

Everything was ready, and Zhang Xiuping said, "Dad, let's go!"

Deng Shirong nodded and said, "Go!"

The others also greeted Deng Shirong one by one.

Zhang Guoan, the matchmaker, sat in the driver's cabin and pointed the way, while the others climbed into the truck bed.

Then, the car started and drove toward Shanxin Village.

...

Shanxin Village.

Zhu Junjie's home.

This time, the Zhu family was extremely prepared. Yesterday afternoon, they had slaughtered a large fat pig and spent the night preparing time-consuming dishes like meat rolls, egg rolls, and steamed pork. This morning, the invited relatives and friends all helped out.

By around ten o'clock in the morning, everything was ready, waiting for the arrival of the girl's family.

Today was the most glorious day of Zhu Laotai's life.

All the relatives and friends present knew that Zhu Junjie's girlfriend was coming, and when the family's situation was revealed, everyone was awed.

Zhu Junjie himself was already impressive as the deputy director of the Public Security Bureau, a significant figure in the countryside. With such an outstanding son, and a future daughter-in-law from a prominent family, Zhu Laotai was truly honored in front of her relatives and friends.

As the clock approached eleven, a brand-new car slowly pulled up to Zhu Junjie's house, sending a shock through the Zhu family and their guests.

In this era, even bicycles were not common, and most people walked everywhere. Cars were extremely rare; even in the entire town, one could hardly find three privately owned vehicles.

The fact that the girl's family arrived in a car was a clear sign of their status.

Everyone was shocked but reacted quickly. As the car stopped, they all went to greet the newcomers.

"Uncle Zhang!"

Zhu Junjie immediately greeted Zhang, his matchmaker, who was sitting in the driver's cabin. Without Zhang's help, Zhu Junjie might not have had the chance to date Deng Yunzhen, so he was very grateful to Zhang.

Zhang Guoan smiled, nodded, and introduced, "This is Ah Zhen's second cousin."

Zhu Junjie greeted, "Second cousin!"

Bu Zhongshi also greeted, "Director Zhu!"

After ZHU Junjie greeted everyone, he left the others to receive the second cousin and quickly walked to the back of the truck to greet the people getting off.

He knew his elder brother, elder sister-in-law, and two cousins, but not Bu Dafang or Deng Yunzhu.

Deng Yunzhen introduced, "This is my elder sister, and this is my younger sister."

Zhu Junjie greeted everyone, and his parents, elder brother, elder sister-in-law, second brother, second sister-in-law, and all the relatives and friends warmly welcomed the newcomers.

Soon, Deng Yunzhen and her party were seated at the table. Nuts, cookies, melons, peanuts, and dried fruits were served, and tea was also brought out.

Zhang Xiuping, as the guest, understood how tense Ah Zhen must be feeling and whispered in her ear, "Ah Zhen, don't be nervous, just relax. They want to see you at your best, and we’re here to support you!"

Deng Yunzhen whispered back, "Sister-in-law, I know, I just need to get used to it, I'll be fine in a bit!"

After the girl's family arrived, the pre-prepared master chef started cooking.

Zhu's elder sister-in-law, second sister-in-law, third sister, and fourth sister chatted with the girl's party for about ten minutes while Zhang Guoan, the matchmaker, suggested they take a tour of the house, a necessary step in the visit.

Though the mud-brick houses were not impressive, the formalities had to be observed. Thus, DENG Yunzhen and her party were led by the Zhu family to tour the mud-brick houses.

After knowing that the girl was the daughter of a big boss, the Zhu family knew these houses were not their best offering, so they did not elaborate much. They took a brief look around, completing the necessary step.

Returning to the table, they chatted for a few more minutes before the host started serving the meal. Today, the Zhu family had prepared six tables.

The food was prepared by the village's master chef, not as good as the food at Sui Feng Hotel but still quite decent.

After the meal, they rested for about ten minutes before it was time to leave.

Then, the Zhu family gave each person a bag of five-flavored candy and a red envelope. The visit was now complete.

Both sides exchanged pleasantries, and DENG Yunzhen's party got into the car, leaving under the watchful eyes of the Zhu family.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end