Chapter 316: The Entire City in a Frenzy

Chapter 316: The Entire City in a Frenzy

  "Aunt Chen, do you know that the houses in the Ye Deng residential area have already been allocated today?"

  "So soon? They've already been allocated?"

  "Yes, the Ye Deng residential area has been completed. Aunt Chen, haven't you gone to take a look?"

  "I only went inside the area once three months ago. Although I often pass by the area, I've only glanced inside from outside and haven't gone in again. I really didn't know that the entire area had been completed!"

  "I went in to take a look at noon. The entire residential area is built so beautifully, it's like entering a park. Now, the flowers, grass, and trees have just been planted and haven't truly grown yet. In a few years, when they grow, I can't even imagine how beautiful the area will be."

  "Wow, hearing you say that, I'll go and see how beautiful it is later."

  "Indeed, it's too beautiful. Compared to the Ye Deng residential area, the houses we live in now are really too poor!"

  "You can say that to me, but don't spread it around. We've been allocated such houses, and many employees are already envious!"

  "I understand, I was just casually lamenting to you. Mainly, the houses in the Ye Deng residential area are really too beautiful, and the space is so large. According to the Ye Deng clan members, each house has 160 square meters. I'm really envious."

  "The Ye Deng clan is indeed amazing. They are just a clan from Bangjie Village in Songwang Township, yet they managed to build such a grand project by pooling their resources. It's truly incredible."

  "Yes, it's incredible. The Ye Deng clan is both united and wealthy!"

  ...

  As the news of the completion and allocation of houses in the Ye Deng residential area spread, the entire county was once again in a frenzy.

  Since the construction of the Ye Deng residential area began, it has attracted the attention of hundreds of thousands of residents in the county.

  One could say that the residents of the county have watched the area being built bit by bit.

  When the foundation was being laid, the residents didn't feel much. Even when the buildings were halfway constructed, no one found it particularly surprising. After all, this is a county, and buildings with five or six floors are quite common.

  What surprised the residents was when the first building in the residential area was topped off at eight stories (seven stories for living, with the ground floor being shops and public areas). It's important to note that in this era, the highest building in Bobai County is only six stories, and buildings with seven or more stories haven't even appeared yet!

  The Ye Deng residential area, including the ground-floor shops, has directly raised the building height to eight stories, making it the tallest building in the entire county. No wonder the residents were amazed.

  From amazement to shock, it came with the completion of the four gates of the Ye Deng residential area, especially the main gate to the south. The gate design is very grand and impressive, using modern terms, it's high-end and luxurious, making people feel that this residential area is something special.

  And from shock to awe, it came with the completion of the entire Ye Deng residential area. The extremely exquisite overall layout and park-like greenery left all the residents who saw it in awe.

  They never dreamed that a clan from the countryside could build such a beautiful residential area.

  Whether in this era or in the future, there are always some city dwellers who look down on people from the countryside, and Bobai County is no exception. Many city dwellers feel a sense of superiority when facing people from the countryside.

  However, with the completion of the Ye Deng residential area, those city dwellers who felt superior no longer had that sense of superiority when facing people from the countryside. Compared to the houses in the Ye Deng residential area, their current houses are no better than dog houses, the difference is really too great.

  ...

  Afternoon.

  Sui Feng Restaurant.

  At this moment, Deng Yunzhen was sitting behind the cash register.

  Zhu Junjie, leaning on the cash register, said to her, "Yunzhen, your Ye Deng residential area has become famous in the police station!"

  Deng Yunzhen curiously asked, "Famous for what in your police station?"

  Zhu Junjie said, "Everyone was discussing how beautiful your residential area is, surpassing all the buildings in the county."

  Deng Yunzhen smiled, "It's normal for new buildings to be more beautiful than old ones. In the future, if someone builds such a residential area, it won't be worse than our Ye Deng residential area. That's the advantage of being a latecomer."

  "True."

  Zhu Junjie nodded and then tentatively asked, "Yunzhen, we've been together for a while. When do you think we should get married?"

  Deng Yunzhen glanced at him and asked, "Did your parents ask you to ask me this?"

  Zhu Junjie laughed, "You know, my parents are not young anymore. They both hope I can get married soon, mainly because they want to help us take care of the children while they are still in good health!"

  Deng Yunzhen also knew that her future in-laws were getting older, and it wasn't good to delay the wedding for too long. She slightly hinted, "Let's do it next year. After the New Year, we can find a time to register. As for when to hold the wedding, I'll ask my father first."

  Zhu Junjie's eyes lit up, "Yunzhen, are you serious? Register after the New Year?"

  Deng Yunzhen glared at him, "Would you joke about something like this?"

Zhu Junjie's face lit up with excitement as he said, "That's great!"

Although it was just about registering, not holding a wedding banquet, he was still very happy because after the registration, they would be legally recognized as a married couple.

Seeing his excited expression, Deng Yunzhen's mood was also lifted. She said, "I want to hold the wedding banquet at our family's restaurant. You can discuss this with your parents."

"Of course, that's no problem. Holding it at my hometown would be a bit simple, but your family's restaurant is the best place. My parents will understand."

At this, Zhu Junjie scratched his head, a bit embarrassed, and said, "But if we hold the wedding at your family's restaurant, how do we settle the costs?"

Deng Yunzhen gave him another glare. "How else? Do you think my family would charge you?"

Zhu Junjie said awkwardly, "I know Uncle wouldn't charge me, but that's why I feel a bit embarrassed. It makes it seem like I'm becoming a live-in son-in-law."

Deng Yunzhen teased, "What are you thinking? I have five brothers. Who would want you to be a live-in son-in-law?"

The customs in Bobai County were a bit different from other places. While men generally didn't want to be live-in son-in-laws, which was a nationwide sentiment, in Bobai County, even if a man wanted to be a live-in son-in-law, the bride's parents might not agree.

Especially if they already had sons, they would be even less willing.

Zhu Junjie smiled sheepishly. "I was just saying that."

Deng Yunzhen said, "Don't worry about the money. Do you know what my father told my second brother before he started working last year?"

Zhu Junjie asked curiously, "What did he say?"

Deng Yunzhen replied, "My father said that our family is not short of money now, and we won't be short of money in the future. He told my second brother that once he starts working, he must never touch money that doesn't belong to him. I'll pass this advice to you too, hoping you will never touch money that doesn't belong to you."

Zhu Junjie's expression turned serious. "Don't worry, I am an excellent Communist Party member. I will definitely not break the law."

"That's good!"

Deng Yunzhen nodded and waved him off. "Alright, don't stay here and bother me while I work. Go drink with Grandpa Zhang!"

"Okay."

...

Naye Village.

Deng Changping got off the bus and greeted the other clan members before hurrying home.

When he arrived, he saw his wife, Chen Xiaohua, feeding the chickens. He couldn't help but call out excitedly, "Wife!"

Chen Xiaohua, seeing her husband return, quickly scattered a handful of rice to the chickens and eagerly asked, "Husband, is the Naye Deng residential area beautiful?"

Deng Changping sat down on a stool, holding a water pipe, and exclaimed, "Beautiful, the Naye Deng residential area is so beautiful that I can't even describe it. Living in such a place is something we could only dream of."

Chen Xiaohua, filled with longing, asked again, "Which floor did we get for our house?"

Deng Changping took out some tobacco and a match, saying, "Elder Gong said that if we choose the top floor, we don't need to draw lots. To make sure our three apartments are together, I chose the top floor."

Chen Xiaohua, who had never left the Shuangwang area and had little education, didn't know whether the top floor was good or bad. She asked, "Husband, is the top floor good or bad?"

"According to Elder Gong, the top floor has its advantages and disadvantages," Deng Changping said as he stuffed the tobacco into the pipe and struck a match. "The advantage is that you can see far from a high place. You can see the entire county from our apartment, as Elder Gong puts it, the view is very broad, and in terms of scenery, it's better than any other floor.

"Also, the top floor is right on the roof, so it's very convenient for drying clothes and bedding.

"The disadvantage is that the floor is very high, so climbing the stairs can be tiring. Also, during the summer, the heat can be intense."

Chen Xiaohua said, "We are still young, so climbing the stairs isn't a problem. But the heat might be uncomfortable. However, to have our three apartments together, we can endure a bit of heat."

Deng Changping lit the match and took a few puffs of the pipe before continuing, "I thought the same. Besides, if it gets hot, we can buy electric fans. With electric fans, it shouldn't be a problem."

Chen Xiaohua nodded in agreement.

Deng Changping smoked a few more pipes before continuing, "Wife, this time I went to the county, and I went to Elder Gong's restaurant with Uncle Yunqiang and Uncle YunGui. Elder Gong took the time to talk to me and asked if I wanted to develop in the county."

Chen Xiaohua was surprised. "Develop in the county?"

Deng Changping nodded. "Yes, Elder Gong said that if we want to develop in the county, we can rent a shop in the residential area to do business. If the business goes well, it will be much better than farming back home."

Chen Xiaohua said somewhat uncertainly, "Husband, how can we possibly know how to do business?"

Deng Changping put down his smoking pipe and replied, "I share the same concern. We only know how to farm and plant crops; we have no idea how to run a business. Although Gong Jiu has shown us the way, I still lack the confidence to do it well."

Chen Xiaohua asked, "What way did Gong Jiu show us?"

Deng Changping explained, "Gong Jiu suggested we open a restaurant to sell food and also sell cool tea. He didn’t give us many details, just told us to think it over and then come back to him."

"Gong Jiu’s judgment is impeccable. Since he has shown us the way, this business will definitely be profitable."

Chen Xiaohua then added, "But, different people doing the same business can have very different results. I have seen examples from my hometown where two people did the same business; one did very well and made a lot of money, while the other barely broke even, if that. We are not cut out for business. I think it’s better to stay home and farm. We can still make a few thousand yuan a year that way!"

"Besides, if we really go to the county to do business, what about the children?"

"Then, let’s wait until Gong Jiu comes back for the New Year, and I’ll talk to him again."

"Alright, let’s eat. The food is still in the pot; it shouldn’t be cold yet."

"Okay!"

...

Evening.

Sui Feng Restaurant.

At this time, there were few customers coming in for dinner, so the chef was naturally free.

Deng Shilong, holding the restaurant’s smoking pipe, said as he walked outside, "Dashi, come over here, I want to talk to you about something."

Bu Dashi responded and followed his uncle to the entrance of the restaurant, asking, "Uncle, what do you want to talk about?"

Deng Shilong squatted on the right side of the restaurant's steps, took out some tobacco and matches, and said, "Dashi, you have a wife and children now. Working in the restaurant, your income is decent, but you won’t get rich this way. Have you ever thought about doing your own business?"

He has three nephews and two nieces.

Currently, his eldest niece and her husband help him manage the orchard at home. He had previously considered guiding them to start their own ventures, but they lacked the ambition to venture out, content with helping their uncle manage the orchard.

Deng Shilong did not force them, believing that contentment is the key to happiness.

His eldest nephew, Bu Dashi, has been working diligently at Sui Feng Restaurant since it opened. Last year, he was promoted to head chef, earning more than most farmers, but a fixed salary, no matter how high, will not make one rich.

Therefore, Deng Shilong wanted to ask his eldest nephew if he had the ambition to venture out on his own, and if so, he would support him.

Bu Dashi was taken aback for a moment and then asked, "Uncle, do you have a good idea for making money?"

Deng Shilong stuffed some tobacco into his pipe and laughed, "I have many ideas for making money. If you’re serious about starting a business, I can show you a few profitable paths."

Bu Dashi originally had no great ambitions, finding satisfaction in being a head chef at his uncle's restaurant.

However, seeing his younger brother now running a successful transportation company with several large trucks, he felt he couldn’t fall too far behind. He had also considered starting his own business.

Moreover, with the addition of another head chef and three kitchen helpers, as well as several more waitstaff, the restaurant was well-staffed. His departure wouldn’t have much impact.

With this in mind, Bu Dashi asked, "Uncle, what kind of business can someone like me do?"

Hearing his nephew’s question, Deng Shilong knew what he was thinking. He lit his pipe and took a few puffs before saying, "Starting this year, bank loans are not as easy to get as before, so I won’t suggest big investment projects. You are a head chef, and your strength is in cooking. If you want to start a business, it’s best to focus on food."

Bu Dashi sighed in relief. He felt uncertain about other businesses, but he was confident in his culinary skills.

After years of training, he had become the head chef of the largest restaurant in the county, proving that his cooking was top-notch. Doing what he was best at was naturally better than venturing into unfamiliar territory.

"Uncle, do you mean I should open a small restaurant?"

Deng Shilong nodded and said, "You can think of it that way, but not a regular restaurant. I suggest you open a hot pot restaurant."

Bu Dashi was surprised, "A hot pot restaurant?"

He knew about hot pot, having eaten plenty of it when training under his uncle. However, he had never thought about opening a hot pot restaurant.

Deng Shilong stuffed more tobacco into his pipe and said, "You’ve tasted the hot pot, and the preparation isn’t complicated. There are no hot pot restaurants in the county yet. If you open one, you’ll have a monopoly on the market. Making money won’t be a problem."

Deng Shilong's plan for his youngest daughter's business was to establish a chain of hot pot restaurants. However, the hot pot market spans the entire country, and it would be great if his daughter could secure a place in the Guangxi hot pot market. It would be unrealistic to dominate the entire market.

Therefore, it was reasonable to let his eldest nephew enter the industry early, as it wouldn't affect his daughter's business.

After all, hot pot wasn't invented by Deng Shilong; it had been enjoyed in China for thousands of years. Hot pot restaurants were already popular in other cities, but they hadn't yet become a trend in Bobai County.

Bu Dashi was immediately intrigued by the idea. He knew how sharp his uncle's business acumen was. If his uncle said that a hot pot restaurant would be profitable, it was very likely to be true. He made up his mind and said, "Alright, once you hire a new head chef, I'll start my own hot pot restaurant."

Deng Shilong took a few more puffs of his pipe and said, "You don't need to worry about hiring a new head chef. Even without you, we still have two head chefs and three kitchen helpers. The restaurant will manage just fine.

If you want to open a hot pot restaurant, you should rent a large shop near the south gate of the Ye Deng residential area. Running a hot pot restaurant has its own set of rules. You could serve a variety of hot pot options like beef, mutton, pork, dog, chicken, goose, and duck, but that would create a significant inventory problem.

Therefore, I suggest you focus on one type of ingredient, like mutton hot pot, beef hot pot, or dog meat hot pot.

By specializing in one type of ingredient, you won't need to stock as much inventory, and you won't have much leftover if you can't sell everything. This way, you can always provide fresh ingredients to your customers, and your business will likely thrive."

Bu Dashi nodded in agreement and asked, "Uncle, which type of ingredient do you think would be the best to specialize in?"

"I think the best options are beef hot pot, mutton hot pot, and dog meat hot pot. Pigeon hot pot could also be good, but there are very few pigeon farmers, making it difficult to secure a supply."

Deng Shilong continued to analyze the options for his nephew: "While dog meat hot pot is delicious, it's uncertain whether people in the county will accept it. As for beef hot pot, although it's good, the importance of oxen is well known, and it's not practical to start a beef hot pot restaurant right now.

Therefore, the best option is to focus on mutton hot pot."

Bu Dashi fully agreed with his uncle's analysis and decided, "Alright, I'll focus on mutton hot pot!"

Deng Shilong nodded and said, "Starting tomorrow, you don't need to worry about the restaurant here. Focus on setting up your hot pot restaurant. If you encounter any difficulties, let me know, and I'll help you solve them."

Bu Dashi had no qualms about asking his uncle for help and smiled, feeling a surge of excitement. From tomorrow, he would be working on his own business. With his uncle's support, he had no worries and was confident he would succeed.

...

That night, before going to bed, Bu Dashi quietly told his wife what his uncle had said.

"That's great!" Liu Aihong was thrilled.

Although her life had drastically improved since marrying into the Bu family, who wouldn't want a better life?

Now that his uncle had given them a direction and encouraged them to start their own business, they had a rare opportunity that they must seize.

Bu Dashi chuckled, "It seems you've been wanting to be a boss lady for a while!"

Liu Aihong playfully pinched him and asked, "Husband, if we open a hot pot restaurant, we won't be able to manage it alone. Should we ask my sister to come and help?"

Liu Aihong had five siblings: three brothers and one sister. Her three brothers were already married, but her sister was still single. By bringing her sister to help, she primarily wanted to give her a chance to find a good husband in the county.

Having lived in the county for a long time, Liu Aihong knew the significant difference between urban and rural life. If her sister married a rural man with no skills, she would have a life of hard labor.

As an older sister, she wanted to provide a platform for her sister to seize the opportunity to marry a city dweller and live a better life.

Bu Dashi replied without hesitation, "Of course, as long as your sister doesn't mind working as a server, you can ask her to come and help."

"Thank you, husband!"

Liu Aihong, who was pregnant, leaned over and kissed her husband. Her hand then slid down ...

They had been married for a couple of years, and Liu Aihong knew exactly what her husband wanted. The best way to thank him was to take good care of his temperamental little brother.

First, she would try to reason with him, but if he refused to listen, she wouldn't be polite with him. No matter how much she tried to persuade him, he wouldn't budge. There was only one way to deal with such a person: firmly and decisively.

Would he still be so arrogant then?

Clearly, Liu Aihong had extensive experience in dealing with such people. Each time, she would pinch and bite until he was on the verge of vomiting before she would stop.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end