Chapter 334: Eldest Sister Like a Mother

Chapter 334: Eldest Sister Like a Mother

Beijing.

A certain department of a certain bureau.

Deng Yunheng was wearing a thick cotton jacket and pants, with a cotton hat on his head, bundling himself up tightly.

As a southerner, adapting to life in Beijing, a northern region, was manageable in terms of diet and daily habits, but the hardest part was enduring the winter. Every year, when the temperature dropped below zero, the harsh cold became a significant challenge for southerners.

Deng Yunheng had been living in Beijing for four or five years since his college days, but he still couldn't get used to such cold weather.

After all, Baise, his hometown, was in the southernmost part of the south, and its temperature had never dropped below zero in recorded history. Suddenly moving to a place where the lowest temperature could reach minus ten or even twenty degrees was truly difficult to adapt to.

Fortunately, his department was quite prestigious, and he was allocated a two-bedroom apartment with heating. This alone was better than many other units.

It was now the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, and the day of his sister's wedding was drawing near.

At noon, after work, Deng Yunheng approached his boss with a smile and asked, "Boss, do you know when our unit will take a holiday this year?"

Zhao Jing glanced at him and said, "You're asking about the holiday so early. Planning to go home for the New Year this year?"

Deng Yunheng nodded and smiled, "Boss, you know everything. I really want to go home for the New Year this year, mainly because my sister is getting married. If I can make it, I really want to attend her wedding."

Zhao Jing understood and asked, "Oh, I see. When is your sister getting married?"

Deng Yunheng replied, "On the 24th of the twelfth month."

Zhao Jing nodded and said, "Alright, I got it. I'll give you the time off in advance to ensure you can attend your sister's wedding."

Deng Yunheng was delighted, "Thank you, Boss!"

Zhao Jing smiled, "No need to thank me. Just remember to bring a few candies for me to taste."

Deng Yunheng said with a full smile, "Candies are no big deal. When I return, I'll bring some local specialties from my hometown. Even locals only get to eat them during the New Year. I'll bring some for you to taste and see if you like them."

Zhao Jing waved her hand, "A few candies will do. No need for the specialties. I don't want to make any mistakes, and neither should you."

If it were real local specialties, it wouldn't be a problem, as it would be a normal gesture of courtesy. She refused mainly because she was concerned that this subordinate might not understand the boundaries, and if the "local specialties" he brought were too valuable, it would be inappropriate.

So, she gave him a gentle reminder.

Deng Yunheng smiled, "Don't worry, Boss. Before I started working, my father repeatedly emphasized financial issues to me. I wouldn't make such a mistake. The local specialties are just that—local specialties. They are a type of food called huishuizhe, made from glutinous rice. Some places call it zongzi. It's not expensive at all."

Zhao Jing breathed a sigh of relief and said, "As long as you understand."

...

Songshan Township.

Shanxin Village.

The Zhu family was having dinner.

The meal was simple, consisting of stir-fried huotong vegetable, stir-fried scallions with pork fat, and stewed pickled vegetables.

There were three hearty dishes, and the only one with a bit of meat was the stir-fried scallions with pork fat. Although the dishes looked plain, for people in the countryside during this era, this was a normal standard of living.

Even being able to eat pork fat was considered quite good.

Zhu Dage had four children—two sons and two daughters. His eldest son, Zhu Wang, had married three years ago and was now a father of two children. His second son had reached marriageable age but hadn't found a suitable match yet.

After swallowing a mouthful of food, Zhu wang said, "dad, mom, mahu is getting married soon. what should we send?"

zhu dacai said, "mahu's family is very wealthy. they don't lack anything. we can just send a piece of cloth to show our good intentions!"

zhu dage frowned and said, "even if they don't lack anything, as the eldest brother and sister-in-law, we can't be so stingy!"

zhu dacai glared and said, "how is it stingy? you know our family's situation, don't you? besides, many people in the village follow this standard. i believe your second son will also follow this standard. if you think it's stingy, then buy a better piece of cloth."

after living together for over twenty years, zhu dage knew his wife's nature all too well—she was as tight-fisted as a miser.

now that his younger brother was getting married, he, as the eldest brother, didn't need to give a heavy gift, but at least he needed to maintain a good appearance. sending just a piece of cloth would be too stingy, and zhu dage didn't want to do anything embarrassing.

"they say a long hair means short sight. this saying is indeed true. it's fine to be frugal normally, but now that xiaojie is getting married, you're being too stingy. you don't see the bigger picture."

zhu dage put down his chopsticks and said, "think about xiaojie's status and his wife's status. if you don't try to build a good relationship now, and even send such a stingy gift, it will be hard for us to ask for help from xiaojie in the future if we need anything."

the eldest son, zhu wang, chimed in, "mom, dad is right. mahu and his wife are not ordinary people. we can't send such a stingy gift. even if mahu doesn't mind, if his wife remembers this, it will be difficult to ask for help in the future."

the second son, zhu sheng, also nodded, "that's true. we mustn't be stingy this time."

zhu wang's wife and her two younger sisters-in-law listened quietly. they didn't dare to participate in such "important matters."

seeing that her husband and two sons had reached a consensus, and their arguments made sense, zhu dacai reluctantly said, "then... let's add a thermos."

zhu dage said, "let's add a quilt and a 100-yuan red envelope."

As soon as these words were spoken, Zhu Dacai's face changed dramatically. She slapped the table and said, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sealing a 100-yuan red envelope, are you trying to ruin us?"

Sealing such a large red envelope, Zhu Dage had known his wife wouldn't agree from the start. He had only suggested a large amount to set the stage for "bargaining." Therefore, seeing his wife slap the table, he remained calm and said, "Even if not 100, at least 80, right?"

Zhu Dacai huffed, "No way, anything over 10 yuan is out of the question."

Zhu Dage shook his head, "10 yuan is too little. How about 68 then? We are the eldest brother and sister-in-law; we can't let the second couple outdo us."

Zhu Dacai, with a dark face, said, "The second couple is even more miserly than I am. How much could they possibly give? Don't even mention the red envelope. I won't agree to anything over 10 yuan."

Zhu Wang and Zhu Sheng exchanged glances, both showing helpless expressions. They couldn't say much about their mother's stingy nature.

Zhu Dage gritted his teeth and said, "The red envelope will be 68 yuan, not a cent less. I originally planned to ask Xiaojie to help arrange for Ahwang and Ahsheng to work in the county town after his wedding. If you ruin this, I won't take responsibility for this family anymore. You can just live on that bit of money you have!"

These words stunned Zhu Dacai.

Zhu Wang and Zhu Sheng's eyes lit up upon hearing their father. They had always lived in the village, and it was impossible not to envy the life of city dwellers. The opportunity to work in the city was something all rural people dreamed of in this era.

Now, hearing their father's intention to discuss this with their Uncle Man, if it succeeded, they could work in the city. Settling down in the city wouldn't be impossible, and this was a chance to change their fate. They had to seize it.

Thus, the brothers looked at their mother and called out in unison, "Mom!!!"

Though Zhu Dacai was pained, she had to consider her sons' futures. She finally relented, "Fine, 68 yuan it is. But I want you to know, Old Zhu, if you can't get this done and make me spend so much money, I won't let it go."

Hearing this, Zhu Dage was genuinely amused. He snorted, picked up his chopsticks, and continued eating, ignoring his stingy and unreasonable wife.

The family resumed their meal, but their thoughts were different from before.

...

Meanwhile.

The Zhu Ergao family was also having dinner and discussing the gift for their younger brother's wedding.

Zhu Ergao had two sons and one daughter: the eldest son, Zhu Maoqiang; the second son, Zhu Maoxin; and the daughter, Zhu Maolan.

The topic of the gift was first raised by Zhu Ercao, who said, "Xiaojie is getting married soon. I plan to send two pieces of cloth, a quilt, a set of teaware, a washbasin, two enamel cups, and a 28-yuan red envelope. What do you think?"

Zhu Ergao shook his head repeatedly, "That's too much. Xiaojie is a deputy director, and his wife has good conditions. They don't lack anything. Buying so many things is completely unnecessary. Just buy something to show our goodwill, and a 6-yuan red envelope is enough."

The Zhu Dage family and the Zhu Ergao family were completely opposite.

Zhu Dage was honest and kind, and he was naturally good to his parents and siblings. However, his wife was extremely stingy, valuing money and possessions dearly. It was always a one-way street with her; no one could easily get anything from her.

Zhu Ergao was also a miser, though not as severe as Zhu Dacai. He was always nitpicky with his parents and siblings and never wanted to be at a disadvantage. Interestingly, his wife was more generous.

Zhu Ercao said, "What they have is their business. As his elder brother and sister-in-law, we can't just not send anything because they have it. It's like borrowing money. They might not need the money, but you have to return it when you said you would, not because they don't need it."

Zhu Ergao said, "That's different. Xiaojie doesn't need these things, so sending them would be a waste."

Zhu Ercao frowned, "He is your own brother. Can you not be so stingy? Sending this much stuff isn't embarrassing, but you think I'm sending too much?"

Zhu Ergao glared, "What do you mean 'this much'? Who sends so many things for a brother's wedding? You're just being overly generous. Do we need to live like this?"

Zhu Maoqiang couldn't help but interject, "Dad, we all know what Aunt Man's situation is. We can't be stingy. We need to leave a good impression on Aunt Man. If she can help us get jobs at her restaurant for Uncle Man's sake, it would be worth it!"

Zhu Ercao glanced at her husband and said, "Look at you, you're older than your son, but you can't see as clearly as he does."

Zhu Ergao thought about it and found it reasonable, though he was still pained. He said, "Alright, you decide then!"

...

Deng Shirong was marrying off his daughter, not taking a daughter-in-law, so he didn't intend to invite the entire Naye Deng clan for a grand celebration. He only invited the clan members from Naye Village who were closely related, as well as some prominent members from other villages.

Since the wedding banquet was at the Huifeng Restaurant and not at Zhu Junjie's hometown, Deng Shirong also went to the county government to send invitations to familiar leaders.

During this period, the house in the Naye Deng community was being decorated. It was now in the final stages, looking extremely festive.

Zhu Junjie was also busy, sending invitations to his colleagues and superiors at work one by one.

Deng Yunsheng also wrote letters and sent invitations to his comrades-in-arms who had shared the trials of war with him. These were true life-and-death friendships, and failing to notify them of such a significant event as his marriage would inevitably lead to their resentment in the future.

As for the relatives and friends at home, his parents would naturally take care of that, so Zhu Junjie didn't need to worry about it.

While both sides were making preparations for the upcoming wedding, colleges and universities across the country also began their winter break.

...

Midday.

Beijing.

In a canteen at Tsinghua University, a group of over a dozen students from Guangxi had gathered.

No matter in the past, present, or future, the alumni associations in schools would never cease to exist. In fact, schools often encouraged students from various regions to form such associations because they helped new students quickly integrate into the larger school community.

The president of the Tsinghua University Guangxi Alumni Association was a senior student in his third year, named Feng Jianhua, from Guilin.

At that moment, Feng Jianhua said, "Fellow alumni, the school is about to go on break. As per tradition, those who plan to go home for the New Year, please raise your hands."

Upon hearing this, Deng Yunsheng and a few other alumni raised their hands.

Feng Jianhua then said, "Those who raised their hands, please come over here. We'll discuss traveling together. As for those who will stay at the school for the New Year, you can also gather and plan some activities together for the holiday."

Deng Yunsheng interjected, "President, I'm afraid I won't be able to travel with the other alumni!"

Feng Jianhua asked, "Why not?"

Deng Yunsheng explained, "I have to wait for my second brother to finish his work before we can go home together, so our schedules might not align with the others."

Feng Jianhua had a good impression of this new junior who joined the alumni association this year. His first impression was that the junior was quite talkative, and his second impression was that he was quite generous. These were the impressions he had formed from a few alumni gatherings.

The reason he paid attention to this junior was mainly because there weren't many students from Guangxi at Tsinghua University. Even when combining all five classes (some majors were five years), there were fewer than twenty students. As the president of the alumni association, Feng Jianhua naturally put in more effort to know each alumnus.

Deng Yunsheng, as a new junior, naturally received special attention from Feng Jianhua.

However, it had only been a short semester, and they hadn't gathered many times, so Feng Jianhua didn't know that Deng Yunsheng had a second brother in Beijing.

"Yunsheng, is your second brother also studying in Beijing?" Feng Jianhua asked.

Deng Yunsheng shook his head with a smile, "No, my second brother has already started working, so his schedule is different from ours."

Feng Jianhua understood. To be able to stay and work in Beijing, it seemed that Deng Yunsheng's second brother wasn't an ordinary person. However, now wasn't the time to ask about it. He nodded and said, "Alright, if you have to wait for your second brother, we'll go ahead and travel together without you. Don't worry about it!"

Deng Yunsheng replied, "Okay, you go ahead. Don't wait for me."

Feng Jianhua nodded, said no more, and gathered the other alumni who were planning to go home to discuss their travel plans.

...

Afternoon.

Deng Yunsheng, feeling quite excited, arrived at his second brother's workplace. The last time he came, his second brother had given him a big surprise, saying he could get a letter of introduction from the unit to take him on a plane back home.

Even in the future, when money could buy a plane ticket, few villagers had ever flown. In the current era, when even money couldn't buy a ticket, it was even rarer.

To say it without exaggeration, if a villager managed to fly once in this era, they could boast about it for a whole year.

Deng Yunsheng had once heard his father say that during the Republic of China era, due to the villagers' ignorance, they didn't know that such a thing as an airplane existed. The first time an airplane flew over their village, the villagers were so frightened that they knelt down and kowtowed, thinking it was a deity passing by.

After the plane flew away, every household made offerings and worshiped.

This kind of thing would be laughable today, but in an era when the concept of airplanes didn't exist, it was normal for people to associate a large object flying in the sky with supernatural beings.

Since he was on schedule, Deng Yunsheng only had to wait for about ten minutes before seeing his second brother, who was bundled up tightly.

Deng Yunsheng was also dressed similarly. The temperature was only a few degrees below zero, which was much colder than in Baise, but it wasn't unbearably so. What made it particularly difficult was the cold northwestern wind that kept blowing, making the cold even more unbearable.

"Second Brother!"

"School is on break?"

"Yes, it's on break!"

"Let's go eat first."

Soon, the brothers were having a meal at a nearby restaurant.

Deng Yunsheng asked, "Second Brother, when do you finish work?"

Deng Yunheng swallowed his food and said, "I still have some things to wrap up. I should be able to go home in two to three days."

Deng Yunsheng nodded and sighed, "Sigh, Eldest Sister is getting married soon. I really can't bear to see her go!"

Deng Yunheng also sighed when he heard this. Because their mother had passed away early, Eldest Sister had truly taken on the role of a mother. She had taken care of everything for them, from food to clothing. Now that she was getting married and would become part of another family, it was natural for them to feel some reluctance as younger brothers.

"There's no way around it. When a man grows up, he must marry, and when a woman grows up, she must marry. Compared to other women in the village, Eldest Sister is getting married quite late. If we delay any longer, it won't look good."

"You're right. Eldest Sister is already 25 years old, and she'll be 26 after the New Year. We can't delay it any longer; it's time for her to get married!"

After saying this, Deng Yunsheng changed the subject and asked, "Second Brother, you're also 23 and will be 24 soon. It's about time for you to start thinking about finding a partner. Is there anyone you like at your unit?"

Deng Yunheng shook his head and said, "There are no girls of the right age at my unit. Stop worrying about me. You're an adult now. If you have the ability, find a girlfriend at your school. It's fine even if you get married before me."

"Only a freshman, why would I be in such a hurry? Besides, Eldest Sister is just getting ready to get married, and you, as the second brother, haven't found a girlfriend yet. We still have Second Sister in between. I'll wait for you both to get married before I start looking slowly."

"Alright, let's not get sidetracked. Hurry up and eat, or the food will get cold!"

...

Three days later.

After going through various boarding procedures, Deng Yunheng and Deng Yunsheng finally boarded the plane.

As the plane took off, the continuous ascent made both brothers slightly uncomfortable. Fortunately, neither of them was prone to airsickness. If they were, just the weightlessness from the continuous ascent would have made them vomit.

A few hours later.

The plane landed at Nanning Airport. As the brothers walked out of the airport, they both exclaimed in unison, "This is the way to travel!"

Compared to the several days and nights it took to travel by train, the plane only took a few hours, making the difference quite significant.

To put it in perspective, the few Guangxi alumni from Tsinghua University who had traveled home together left two days earlier than Deng Yunsheng, but now he was already in Nanning, while they were at most in Hunan and wouldn't reach Guangxi until the next day.

Taking a bus back to the city, Deng Yunheng led his younger brother straight to the government compound in the new district (which would later become Qingxiu District).

Upon arriving, Deng Yunsheng asked with a puzzled look, "Second Brother, who are we looking for here?"

Deng Yunheng replied, "We're looking for Sister Song. She works here."

Deng Yunsheng understood. His second brother's Peking University classmate had often eaten at their family restaurant, so he naturally recognized her: "So, Sister Song was assigned to work here. She has been working for three and a half years now. What position does she hold?"

"She was promoted to deputy district chief this year."

"Really impressive!"

As they spoke, the brothers arrived at the government compound.

The gatekeeper asked, "Comrades, who are you looking for?"

Deng Yunheng answered, "Hello, Grandpa, we're looking for District Chief Song."

The gatekeeper asked, "And you are?"

Deng Yunheng smiled and said, "I'm a classmate of District Chief Song. I just returned from Beijing. Is District Chief Song here now?"

The gatekeeper, having seen all kinds of people over the years, had a keen eye. Seeing the unique aura of the two young men and hearing that they were classmates of District Chief Song who had just returned from Beijing, he treated them with more respect and said politely, "District Chief Song is here. Do you need me to guide you?"

"That would be very kind of you, Grandpa!"

"Not at all, comrades, please follow me!"

Soon, the gatekeeper led Deng Yunheng and his brother to the second floor of a building. He then knocked on the door.

A few seconds later, Song Yu opened the door and immediately saw the brothers standing there. She thanked the gatekeeper and then said in surprise, "Yunheng, Yunsheng, when did you get back to Nanning?"

Deng Yunheng smiled and said, "Sister Song, we came straight to you after getting off the plane. We didn't even have time to eat!"

"Come, let me take you to eat."

Song Yu took the keys, locked the door, and said as they descended the stairs, "Yunsheng, you're truly remarkable. You scored the top in the science stream in Guangxi, even better than your second brother!"

Deng Yunsheng smiled and said, "Sister Song, you're too kind. My second brother went to Songshan High School, which ranks at the bottom of the county, while I went to Bogao High School, which is the top school in the county. The starting points are completely different."

Song Yu laughed and said, "Don't be modest. You and your brothers attended the same primary and middle schools. Your second brother could only get into Songshan High School, while you got into Bogao High School. That's the result of your own hard work.

However, speaking of which, both of you, one at Tsinghua and one at Peking University, have created history for our Bobai County. The new county annals are being compiled, and you two will definitely have a significant section. It's truly enviable!"

Deng Yunheng said, "Sister Song, if we're talking about being in the county annals, you will definitely have a significant section too. After all, you are now the formidable District Chief Song, overseeing many people, unlike me, who is just a small cog in the unit."

Song Yu glanced at him and said, "I've been working for three and a half years. Do you think I don't understand anything? Your future as a 'small cog' is much brighter than mine. I believe your rank will quickly catch up to mine, and then surpass it. When that happens, I'll be counting on you, Director Deng, to help me!"

Deng Yunsheng followed behind, listening to their "mutual flattery" and learning quietly.

About ten minutes later, Song Yu led them to a nearby restaurant.

After ordering a few dishes, Song Yu said, "Not long ago, I received a call from my father, saying that your brother-in-law got promoted. He is now the head of the county public security bureau. With this good news, it's truly a double celebration!"

Deng Yunheng replied, "I didn't know about that. But my brother-in-law was a deputy regimental officer in the military. When he was transferred to a civilian position, he was demoted, so it's normal for him to be promoted after serving as a deputy for some time."

Song Yu nodded and said, "That's true."

Next, they talked about the development of other Peking University alumni. The group of alumni they used to hang out with had all started working and kept in touch through letters, so they were naturally aware of each other's progress.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end