Chapter 328: Father and Son Head to the Capital, Deng Yunheng's Two-Bedroom Apartment

Chapter 328: Father and Son Head to the Capital, Deng Yunheng's Two-Bedroom Apartment

  After celebrating the 14th of July at home, Deng Shirong set off for the capital with his third son.

  The Tenglong Passenger Transport Company had already launched a route from Bobai to Nanning, so the father and son naturally took one of the company's buses.

  As the bus left Bobai, Deng Shirong couldn't help but sigh.

  He still remembered six years ago when he first took his two daughters to Longtan Market. At the time, his younger daughter was completely amazed by the bustling market, her naive expression making Deng Shirong feel a bit heartbroken. He then promised his daughters that once his second son passed the university entrance exam, he would take all his children out to see the world.

  The sisters were overjoyed at the time!

  Unfortunately, plans often change. On that rare trip to Longtan Market, he unexpectedly met his eldest son's fiancee, and with a series of smooth moves, he managed to bring her home for the New Year.

  By the time his second son passed the university entrance exam, his eldest son's fiancee was already several months pregnant. The promise to take his children out to see the world naturally fell through.

  After taking a train once, he completely gave up the idea of taking his children out to see the world. The transportation of that era was truly terrible, and traveling long distances was nothing but a torment. He decided to wait until they could afford a private car or until the trains improved.

  In the afternoon, the father and son arrived in Nanning.

  Leaving the station, Deng Yunsong, with a slightly hungry stomach, said, "Dad, take me to try the laoyou fen (friendship noodles)! Both you and Second Brother said it's very delicious, and I've been craving it for a long time!"

  "Alright, today I'll take you to try the most authentic laoyou fen in Nanning," Deng Shirong replied, leading his third son to a well-known laoyou fen restaurant. The noodles here were very authentic, and he always came here for a bowl whenever he was in Nanning.

  Half an hour later.

  Deng Yunsong finally got to taste the laoyou fen he had been craving. The flavor was indeed as his father and second brother described—spicy and sour, making it impossible to stop eating.

  In just over ten minutes, he finished the entire bowl, noodles and soup, and then pulled out a towel from his bag, wiping the sweat off his forehead and praising, "Dad, this laoyou fen is really good! A bowl of noodles down, and my stomach feels so comfortable, it's really refreshing!"

  At this point, Deng Shirong had also finished his noodles. In the scorching heat, eating hot and spicy laoyou fen without air conditioning or a fan made him sweat all over, and the dining experience wasn't great. He also pulled out a towel to wipe the sweat and said, "It's more comfortable to eat this in cold weather."

  Deng Yunsong nodded, "That's true. Now, eating it makes me sweat all over, and it won't be comfortable sitting in the bus later."

  Deng Shirong said, "We're not taking the bus today. We'll stay at the Xiyuan Hotel for the night, take a good bath, and have a good sleep. We'll head to the capital tomorrow."

  The Xiyuan Hotel was built in 1958, covering 187,000 square meters. It featured a garden environment with courtyards, green grass, trees, blue lakes, artificial hills, pavilions, and a pleasant atmosphere, making it a high-end hotel with a distinctive southern garden style and ethnic character.

  Previously, this government-managed high-end hotel had strict security, only accommodating leaders and not allowing ordinary people to enter.

  It wasn't until the past few years, with the reform and opening up, that the Xiyuan Hotel also opened to the public, allowing ordinary citizens to stay.

  Deng Shirong, who didn't know this before, had always stayed in less comfortable guesthouses in Nanning. It wasn't until last year, after talking more with architects about accommodation issues, that he learned about this. This time, he naturally chose to stay at this high-end hotel.

  Deng Yunsong, who had never traveled far before, had no objections and nodded in agreement.

  ...

  Capital City.

  A restaurant.

  Zhou Shengli, Wang Daban, and Tian Chunzhi were gathered together for a meal.

  The food was quite delicious, but the three of them had little appetite, each looking worried, as if they had lost several hundred thousand yuan.

  Tian Chunzhi, after a few bites, put down her chopsticks and said, "Old Zhou, do you think something might have happened to Boss Deng?"

  Zhou Shengli frowned, "I don't think anything bad has happened."

  Wang Daban said, "In previous years, Boss Deng would have arrived by now. This year, he's been delayed, and we haven't heard from him. If it's just a delay, it would be fine, but if there's a problem with the transportation, we won't be able to do this business."

  Hearing this, Zhou Shengli and Tian Chunzhi both felt a tightness in their chests. Over the past few years, they had made a lot of money working with Boss Deng, and it was very easy money—several ten thousand yuan in just a few days, almost like picking up money.

  Later, their cooperation expanded beyond longan to include pineapples and jackfruits, and the money kept rolling in.

  Now, the fast money they made with Boss Deng had surpassed their original businesses.

  Such huge profits, if lost, would be a huge blow.

  Zhou Shengli said, "I don't think so. He's only delayed by less than ten days. He might already be on his way. Let's be patient and wait a few more days."

  Tian Chunzhi said, "Yes, we can't panic. Let's wait a few more days and see."

...

While Zhou Shengli and the others were anxiously worried, Deng Shirong and his third son had already boarded the train to the capital.

This was Deng Yunsong's first time on a train, and he was quite excited. Although he had heard his second brother complain about the discomfort of train travel many times, it didn't dampen his enthusiasm.

However, this excitement quickly faded after they squeezed onto the train and sat for a few minutes. Deng Yunsong finally understood why his second brother complained. Was this train even meant for human beings? The weather was extremely hot, and even standing still, everyone was sweating profusely. The passengers had been carrying their luggage, pushing and shoving to get on the train, and the sweat, coupled with the smell of feet, salted radishes, salted fish, and other odors, filled the entire carriage.

Even with the windows open and a breeze blowing in, it was impossible to quickly dispel these smells.

Deng Shirong, who traveled to the capital every year, had become accustomed to the trains of this era. Seeing his third son look lethargic and dispirited, he said, "If you find it unbearable, you can lean against the window and sleep. Even if you can't fall asleep, being half-asleep will make the time pass faster."

Deng Yunsong shook his head. "No, I brought some books. I'll just read."

"Hey, are you sending your child to study elsewhere?"

The question came from a middle-aged man sitting opposite Deng Shirong. He looked a few years younger than Deng Shirong, and the young man sitting next to him was about the same age as Deng Yunsong, also seemingly heading to study elsewhere.

Deng Shirong nodded. "Yes, and from the looks of it, you're also sending your child to study elsewhere?"

The middle-aged man smiled. "Yes, my son got accepted into the Medical University in the capital. I'm taking him there."

The joy in the middle-aged man's heart was evident, and his smile was radiant. It was clear that his son's acceptance into the Medical University in the capital made him incredibly proud as a father.

Deng Shirong, as a father, understood this feeling. The Medical University in the capital was one of the top-ranked key universities. In this era, if a child from any family got accepted into such a prestigious university, it was a matter of great pride for the parents.

"Being a doctor is great. In this world, many professions can change, but the profession of a doctor is always crucial, both now and in the future. Illness is inevitable, and when people fall sick, they need doctors. Your son has a bright future ahead!"

The middle-aged man laughed heartily, and his son also looked proud.

"You're too kind. A capable doctor has a bright future, but whether he can achieve that depends on his own efforts."

The middle-aged man then asked, "Where did your son get accepted?"

Deng Shirong smiled. "Also in the capital. We're both from Guangxi, so we can look out for each other while studying there."

Hearing this, the middle-aged man's son looked curiously at Deng Yunsong and asked, "Classmate, which school are you attending?"

Deng Yunsong had just taken out his book and replied, "Tsinghua."

The two words seemed to shock the father and son across from them. They stared with their mouths agape, unable to close them for a long time.

When they finally reacted, the middle-aged man's son, who had been quite proud earlier, was no longer so proud. He raised his thumb. "Impressive!"

Although Tsinghua University and the Medical University were both among the top key universities, the gap between them was significant.

The middle-aged man's attitude changed, and he exclaimed, "Tsinghua University! Your son is truly remarkable, old friend!"

Deng Shirong smiled. "He's doing alright. Your son is also remarkable."

From then on, they struck up a conversation.

Knowing that Deng Yunsong was a Tsinghua scholar, the middle-aged man and his son adjusted their attitudes, and the conversation flowed smoothly.

Through their chat, Deng Shirong learned some basic information about the father and son.

The middle-aged man's name was Li Guofeng, and he was from Nanning, working as a deputy factory manager, with a fairly good family background. His son, Li Zhifu, was the same age as Deng Yunsong but a few months older.

With both sides intentionally wanting to form a connection, they quickly became like old friends during the few days on the train.

...

In the afternoon.

At a certain department of a certain ministry in the capital.

It was already after work hours, and the leaders and colleagues had left. Deng Yunheng tidied up the documents on his desk, locked the office door, and walked out of the office building, planning to return to the residential compound and cook a simple meal.

As he walked out of the office building, he heard his third brother's voice. "Second Brother!"

Deng Yunheng followed the voice and saw his father and third brother standing about twenty meters away, waiting for him. He was pleasantly surprised and quickly walked over. "Dad, Xiao Song, when did you arrive in the capital?"

"We arrived this morning. Dad took me to the school to register and settle in before coming to find you."

While speaking, Deng Yunsong was constantly observing his second brother's workplace. Seeing the solemn and majestic building of the National Planning Commission, he said enviously, "Second Brother, your workplace is really impressive!"

Deng Yunheng replied, "It looks impressive because you know what it is. But if you really talk about architecture, it's not even as good as our family's restaurant!"

As he spoke, Deng Yunheng led the way, saying, "Dad, Xiao Song, follow me. I'll show you where I live."

Deng Shirong nodded and followed his second son with his third son to the residential compound of the National Planning Commission. The compound, like the office building, had been built a few years after the founding of the country and was now over thirty years old, making it quite old and worn.

As they walked, Deng Yunheng explained, "Dad, Xiao Song, don't look down on our residential compound just because it's old. All the buildings here have independent kitchens, toilets, and balconies, as well as central heating and water supply. These facilities are already considered very good among many units."

Deng Yunsong asked, "Second Brother, which floor do you live on?"

Deng Yunheng replied, "I live on the third floor. Our unit allocates housing based on rank. Those at the section or department level can get a two-bedroom apartment, which is what I have now. Those at the deputy bureau level or above can get a three- or four-bedroom apartment and a sofa set. Those at the bureau level or above can even have a landline phone installed at home. In short, different ranks enjoy different benefits."

Deng Shirong said, "That's normal. If everyone had the same benefits, what would be the point of having leaders!"

Deng Yunsong added with a smile, "It's pretty impressive that you got a two-bedroom apartment, Second Brother!"

As they talked, the three of them reached the third floor, and Deng Yunheng took out his keys to open the door.

Inside the house, Deng Shirong glanced at the kitchen and asked, "Do you usually cook for yourself?"

Deng Yunheng shook his head, "Not really. I only cook when I'm not busy and want a change in taste. Otherwise, I eat out."

Deng Shirong said, "Why don't you two chat while I go out to buy some vegetables and cook a meal?"

Deng Yunheng quickly said, "Dad, you must be tired from the journey. Why don't we just rest and eat out?"

Deng Yunsong also added, "That's right, Dad. If we go out to buy vegetables now, it will be very late by the time we finish cooking!"

Deng Shirong, who had plenty of food in his system space but couldn't take it out, said, "Alright, let's go out to eat then!"

...

Forty minutes later.

At a restaurant not far from the residential compound of the National Planning Commission, the three of them ordered a few dishes and chatted while they ate.

"Dad, has a date been set for Sister's wedding?"

"It's set for the 24th day of the 12th lunar month. When the time comes, see your situation. If you have a holiday or can take leave, come back. If not, don't trouble yourself!"

"Understood, I'll see how it goes. There's still plenty of time, so it's hard to determine now."

"How's your work going? Smoothly?"

"Very smoothly. My boss values me a lot."

After chatting for a while, Deng Shirong said, "Now that Xiao Song is in university, there are many things he needs to pay attention to, such as how to join the Youth League or the Student Union and how to become a leader. You should share your experience with him. You're the only one in our family with such experience."

Deng Yunheng nodded and shared all his insights with his younger brother. These were all things he had figured out on his own, as no one had taught him when he entered university. His father had only given him some general advice.

Deng Yunsong listened to his second brother's advice and felt greatly benefited. He was now full of enthusiasm for his upcoming university life.

After the meal, the three of them returned to Deng Yunheng's two-bedroom apartment to shower and rest.

The next morning.

After a simple breakfast, Deng Shirong took out two thousand yuan and handed it to his second son, saying, "Take this money. Although you're working now, your salary isn't high. You need to eat out and buy daily necessities, so it's important to have some money on hand."

The family was not short of money, so Deng Yunheng did not refuse. He took the money and said, "Thank you, Dad!"

Deng Shirong then took out five hundred yuan and gave it to his third son, saying, "Xiao Song, this is for you. To make friends, you need some financial support. With enough money, you'll have a smoother time."

Deng Yunsong took the money and said, "I understand, Dad!"

Deng Shirong then looked at his second son and said, "Go to work now. We'll be leaving."

Deng Yunheng nodded and said to his younger brother, "Xiao Song, come over to visit when you have a break."

Deng Yunsong replied, "Sure, Second Brother."

...

Ruyi Fresh Fruit Shop.

Zhou Shengli looked out with lifeless eyes. It had been more than ten days, and there was still no news from Boss Deng. His anxiety grew with each passing day, much like a woman who doesn't want to get pregnant and becomes increasingly anxious with each delayed period.

Of course, he was not alone. Wang Daban and Tian Chunzhi had also been suffering greatly these past few days.

After experiencing the taste of quick money, losing it would be extremely painful.

Just as Zhou Shengli was lost in thought, a familiar figure suddenly appeared in his line of sight. Afraid that he might have seen wrong, he quickly rubbed his eyes, only to find that it was indeed real. His heart instantly filled with joy, and he excitedly greeted, "Boss Deng, you're finally here!"

Deng Shirong couldn't help but smile, "Boss Zhou, I'm sorry. I had some matters this year that delayed me."

Zhou Shengli, with a delighted expression, said, "Not late at all, Boss Deng, please come in and have a seat."

Soon, the two of them headed to the warehouse behind the fruit shop.

After a brief exchange, Deng Shirong said, "Boss Zhou, the goods this year are still the same three items as last year. The prices for pineapples and longans remain unchanged, but the price for jackfruits will be 1.5 yuan per pound. How much of each do you need?"

Zhou Shengli pondered for a moment, "For pineapples, I need 400 tons this year. For jackfruits, 200 tons. How much longan do you have?"

Deng Shirong replied, "The longans are the same as last year. I can provide up to 100 tons."

"Then I'll take 100 tons."

Zhou Shengli nodded and then asked, "Boss Deng, can we still pay in the same way as last year—part of the payment upfront, and the rest a few days later?"

Deng Shirong smiled, "Of course, no problem. We've been cooperating for so many years."

Zhou Shengli said, "Thank you for your trust, Boss Deng. When will the goods arrive?"

Deng Shirong took out a piece of paper and handed it to him, "As usual, send your trucks to this address early tomorrow morning."

"Alright, I'll go notify Old Wang and Little Tian right away and arrange the manpower."

"Alright!"

...

The next morning.

Zhou Shengli, Wang Daban, and Tian Chunzhi arrived at a warehouse with a large convoy of trucks.

Upon seeing Deng Shirong, Wang Daban and Tian Chunzhi greeted him with the enthusiasm of long-lost relatives.

The delay of over ten days had not only made them anxious but also made them realize how important Boss Deng was to their business. They were all thinking about how to strengthen their relationship with Boss Deng to ensure the continuity of this business.

After weighing the goods, Zhou Shengli and the others paid half of the total cost.

Then, Tian Chunzhi asked, "Boss Deng, do you have time tonight? I'd like to treat you to dinner."

Deng Shirong smiled, "Boss Tian, I'm sorry, I have some matters to attend to. I'll come over and treat you all to dinner in a few days!"

Tian Chunzhi quickly said, "Boss Deng, since you're in the capital, it's our turn to treat you. How can you treat us?"

Zhou Shengli also chimed in, "Yes, please give us the chance to treat you."

Deng Shirong smiled, "It's just a meal, who treats who doesn't matter. You guys go ahead with your business, and I'll come over in a few days."

Zhou Shengli and the others politely said, "Alright, take care, Boss Deng!"

...

"Aunt Wang, they're selling longans, pineapples, and jackfruits at the street corner again. If you want to buy, go quickly!"

"Oh, finally! My grandson has been craving longans for days!"

"Wow, I can finally eat those fragrant jackfruits again. I really love this fruit, it's so sweet and fragrant, but it's only available for a few days each year."

"Finally, I can eat pineapples again. These sweet and sour pineapples are my favorite."

"Every time I eat these fruits, I wish I could be a southerner. Why don't we have so many delicious fruits in the north?"

"Ah, these fruits are delicious, but they are quite expensive. I can barely afford them!"

"There's no help for it. They are transported from the south, so the high price is understandable. If you buy them in the south, I believe they wouldn't be as expensive."

"The longans are so delicious, I really want to try the lychees that made Empress Yang Guifei long for them. I wonder how delicious they are."

"Yes, I'm curious too, but I've heard that lychees are very difficult to preserve. It would be very hard to get lychees in the capital."

"Ah, what a pity. I hope to have the chance to visit the south someday and taste the variety of fruits there."

"..."

As Zhou Shengli and the others expanded the sales channels for longans, pineapples, and jackfruits, the residents of the capital, who had been eagerly awaiting them, flocked to buy them. These three fruits were sold at an astonishing speed.

Every day, a large amount of cash flowed back, bringing huge profits to Zhou Shengli and the others.

The speed of earning money made them excited, but they were also very worried, fearing that one day Boss Deng might cut off this business, which would be a disaster!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end