Chapter 342: Firmly Grounded

Chapter 342: Firmly Grounded

Now, the Ye Deng Clan has two main businesses: Tenglong Passenger Transport Company, which has become increasingly profitable year by year, and Deng Real Estate, which has only developed the Ye Deng Clan residential area and is currently on hold.

Tenglong Passenger Transport Company is already a significant source of income for the Deng Clan.

As for Deng Real Estate, it is currently on hold mainly because Guangxi is not yet suitable for real estate development. The conditions are not yet ripe, but it will be more appropriate to develop in the mid-1990s.

Recently, Deng Shirong has been considering the future development direction of the Ye Deng Clan. Initially, he thought about laying the groundwork for future high-tech industries, but upon careful consideration, he realized that such a plan was too naive. High-tech industries were simply beyond his capabilities.

After all, in his previous life, Deng Shirong was just an ordinary villager. He only started using the internet and smartphones at a relatively advanced age, and he mostly spent his time watching short videos and reading novels, which gave him more knowledge than many of his peers.

However, knowing something and actually doing it are two different things. For example, he only knew the name of the top-of-the-line lithography machine and that its manufacturing difficulty was comparable to that of an atomic bomb. Beyond that, he knew nothing, making it impossible to lay any groundwork.

The same applied to high-end chips. He only knew that they were made using lithography machines, but he had no idea about the rest, making it extremely difficult to plan ahead.

Of course, he could seek out relevant experts to learn more, but he currently lacked the necessary connections. Even if he found such experts and learned about lithography machines and chips, numerous other challenges would still await him.

Funding and talent were not things that could be easily resolved.

Therefore, it was unrealistic for him, an outsider, to lay the groundwork for high-tech industries. It would be better to focus on other industries to earn more money. If there was an opportunity, he could try to connect with Ren Zhengfei and discuss these matters. By laying the groundwork ten or eight years in advance, even if he couldn't catch up with the United States, he wouldn't be as constrained as in his previous life.

After careful consideration, Deng Shirong decided to abandon the idea of laying the groundwork for high-tech industries and instead focus on a practical and feasible food company.

There are many opportunities in the food industry, such as instant noodles, which are about to become a nationwide sensation. The market for instant noodles is vast, and it is definitely worth pursuing.

There is also the Mid-Autumn Festival mooncake market, which is extensive in China, and it's time to establish a mooncake brand.

Other potential products include potato chips, spicy sticks, eight-treasure porridge, longan meat, chili sauce, noodles, vermicelli, cured meat, sausages, ham sausages, sweet potato chips, red bean cakes, peanut candies, sunflower seeds, pineapple pastries, bread, ice cream, and various fruit candies, fruit preserves, and meat preserves.

Additionally, there are seasonings like oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, chicken essence, and monosodium glutamate (MSG).

In the future, if the company grows, it could even venture into dairy products.

In summary, the food industry is a broad category. By focusing on one product at a time, if just one product becomes a hit, the entire food company could make substantial profits.

In terms of sales, there is currently the Bobai Yongjia Supermarket, and the Nanning Yongjia Supermarket, which is set to open at the end of this year or the beginning of next year. These two large supermarkets alone should bring significant sales to the food company.

In the future, the Yongjia supermarket chain will undoubtedly expand, ensuring a solid sales network. The company could even use this powerful sales network to compete with other companies, for example, by only stocking products from its own food company and excluding those from other companies or factories.

Don't underestimate this competitive strategy. Once the Yongjia supermarket chain expands and covers more areas and populations, its competitive power will be substantial.

Even if it can't completely crush competitors, it can help the food company stand out in the market and become a leader in the industry.

Of course, these are just Deng Shirong's thoughts. Whether they will develop smoothly can only be determined by putting them into practice.

After discussing this final matter, Deng Shirong announced the end of the meeting, asking the clan members to discuss it with their families and to formally raise funds after selling the lychees, watermelons, and other fruits this year. This would give everyone time to consider and raise the necessary funds.

To prevent the clan members from regretting their donations, Deng Shirong emphasized that the current and future donations could be counted toward the fundraising, and they could make up the difference when they had more money. This would not affect their shares in the company.

Hearing this, the clan members were very pleased, feeling that the clan leader was thoughtful.

After the clan members dispersed, Deng Shirong returned home. He had just lit two pipes of water tobacco when Deng YunGui arrived.

"Uncle Jiu!"

Deng YunGui greeted him and sat down in front of Deng Shirong.

Deng Shirong passed the smoking pipe to him and asked, "Yun Gui, are you in such a hurry to ask about the food company?"

"Nothing can be hidden from Uncle Jiu."

Deng Yun Gui took the smoking pipe and sighed, "Since the second half of last year, the business at our brick and tile factory has started to be affected. Although we can still sell all the bricks and tiles every month, it's not as easy as before to sell them in any city. Sometimes we have to visit two or three places to sell all our goods."

"The sales are likely to get even harder in the future. I don't know how long the brick and tile factory can continue."

"I must say, Uncle Jiu, your foresight is truly remarkable."

"When we first contracted the brick and tile kiln, I suggested a twenty-year contract, but you insisted on a ten-year contract, saying that with the rapid development, a new product might replace bricks and tiles. At the time, I didn't believe it at all."

"After all, bricks and tiles have been used in our country for thousands of years. How could they be replaced by a new product?"

"Who would have thought that in just over six years, the business has become increasingly difficult!"

Deng Shirong, recalling the days when he had just reincarnated and contracted the brick and tile kiln with Yun Gui, said, "The pace of development in this era is indeed very fast. From the distribution of land to households in the production teams to now, it has only been a few years, yet people's lives have changed dramatically. In the next few years, I estimate that almost every household will have a telephone. Who would have dared to imagine that before?"

Deng Yun Gui, stuffing tobacco into the pipe, nodded repeatedly, "Indeed, it's hard to imagine. The changes are so rapid. In the past, having a meal with pork would make both adults and children incredibly happy. Now, eating meat every day is no longer a problem."

"Of course, this is all thanks to Uncle Jiu. Without your leadership, everyone wouldn't be living such good lives."

Deng Shirong smiled, "Since everyone recognizes me as the clan head, it's my duty to lead everyone to a better life."

Deng Yun Gui struck a match, lit the tobacco, and took a few puffs before saying, "The old clan head's greatest achievement in his life was to recommend you as the new clan head of the Ye Deng Clan."

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "Alright, stop flattering me. What do you want to ask? Go ahead!"

Deng Yun Gui grinned, "Uncle Jiu, I want to ask about the chances of the food company making a profit and the possibility of it losing money. I'm thinking of putting all my savings into it."

Deng Shirong didn't try to deceive him and said, "The chances of making a profit are about ninety percent, and the possibility of losing money is about ten percent. Anyway, you have a significant share in the passenger transport company. Even if it does lose money, it won't hurt you too much. You can invest with peace of mind."

With these words from Uncle Jiu, Deng Yun Gui felt reassured and said happily, "Thank you, Uncle Jiu. I understand!"

They chatted a bit more, and then Deng Yun Gui put down the smoking pipe and left.

Not long after, Deng Yun Qiang and Deng Chang Fu, a father-son duo, also came, with the same purpose of asking about the food company.

Since they were on good terms, Deng Shirong didn't hide anything from them and repeated what he had told Deng Yun Gui, leaving them satisfied.

Subsequently, many more clan members came to inquire, all wanting to know how confident Deng Shirong was in the food company.

Deng Shirong didn't hide anything. Those who came to ask were mostly close relations and economically strong. Even if the food company didn't succeed as expected, it wouldn't hurt them too much, and they could recover in a few years.

...

The next day.

Deng Shirong went to the Shuang Wang Township government and discussed the fundraising for the school with Secretary Lin and other township leaders.

This was a good thing being offered, and Secretary Lin and the other township leaders were naturally very pleased.

The state's emphasis on education had risen to the level of a national strategy, with the slogan "Education is the foundation of a century-long plan."

Perhaps this was the main reason for the county-wide enthusiasm for fundraising to build schools. With the state and local leaders giving importance to it, it was understandable for the masses to follow suit.

When Deng Shirong mentioned that they had already raised several hundred thousand yuan and planned to make the Ye Elementary School in Bang Jie Village one of the best-equipped schools in the county, Secretary Lin immediately responded, "Uncle Jiu, you can go ahead with your plans. Our township government will give you strong support. Once the school is built, we will apply to the higher authorities to allocate some excellent teachers to strengthen the school's faculty, striving to make the Ye Elementary School one of the best in the county in terms of both facilities and faculty."

"I represent the Ye Deng Clan in thanking Secretary Lin for your support."

Deng Shirong's face was full of smiles as he continued, "There's also the Shuang Wang Middle School. It was built on the site of a former bandit hideout led by Long San Ba. After so many years, both the teaching buildings and the student and teacher dormitories are very old and in need of reconstruction."

Now, people from all walks of life are raising funds to build schools in their hometowns, and our Shuangwang Township must not lag behind.

"I hope Secretary Lin and your colleagues can take the lead by announcing the reconstruction of Shuangwang Junior High School and calling on people from all sectors to donate generously. We aim to make Shuangwang Junior High School one of the best-equipped junior high schools in the county, and the Ye Deng Clan will also provide strong support."

Secretary Lin was also moved by this. Building Shuangwang Junior High School during his tenure would undoubtedly be a notable achievement. He nodded immediately and said, "This is a great cause, of course, there’s no problem. I will hold a meeting and ensure this matter is implemented."

"Alright, then I won’t disturb the leaders any longer. I will come back to participate in the fundraising event."

"Alright, Uncle Jiu, take care."

...

Secretary Lin and the township leaders were quite efficient. A week after speaking with Deng Shirong, a fundraising event for the reconstruction of Shuangwang Junior High School was held on the school’s playground. Under the township government’s call, over two hundred people attended the event.

Among them were representatives from state-owned enterprises like Bai Ping Farm, village collective enterprises like brick factories and bamboo weaving factories, individual business owners, and those with a stable income. In short, people from all sectors gathered here, all willing to contribute to the education of their hometown.

After everyone had arrived, Secretary Lin gave a speech. The content of the speech can be summarized into two points:

First, he talked about the history of Shuangwang Junior High School and emphasized the importance of education for the development of the hometown. Second, he thanked everyone for their strong support, praising the elites present to encourage their generosity.

After Secretary Lin’s speech, a leader from the education office also spoke a few words and then announced the start of the fundraising.

Deng Shirong was the first to stand up and said, "Fellow villagers, Secretary Lin has already made it very clear. For a place to develop, it must prioritize education. Only with more people receiving higher education can the hometown develop more smoothly.

To be honest, my youngest son is already in his third year of junior high and will soon graduate. Those who know me should also be aware that the Ye Deng Clan has already built a residential area in the county, and future generations will study in the county or the capital, unlikely to return to Shuangwang Junior High School.

Therefore, no matter how Shuangwang Junior High School is built, it doesn’t have much to do with me.

However, no matter where my descendants study in the future, Shuangwang will always be my hometown. I hope more talents will emerge from my hometown, and everyone can work together to build a better place.

So, I will set an example at this fundraising event! On behalf of Tenglong Passenger Transport Company, I will donate 100,000 yuan, which is a collective donation from the Ye Deng Clan in Bangjie Village.

Additionally, I will personally donate another 100,000 yuan, hoping to make Shuangwang Junior High School one of the best-equipped junior high schools in the county. I also hope the leaders will strive to improve the faculty, so that the future generations of Shuangwang Township can receive a good education and contribute to their hometown in the future."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire venue erupted with excitement.

"Amazing, the head of the Ye Deng Clan is truly impressive."

"Uncle Jiu of the Ye Clan, he lives up to his reputation!"

"His words have really stirred my passion. Uncle Jiu’s descendants will likely study elsewhere, yet he is still willing to donate so much money to build the school. We, whose children will study at Shuangwang Junior High School, must not fall behind."

"My capabilities are limited, but I can donate 100 yuan."

"..."

Deng Shirong’s actions ignited the enthusiasm of the attendees. The representative from Bai Ping Farm followed suit, donating 80,000 yuan.

Subsequently, other village collective enterprises and individual business owners also contributed, each donating according to their financial situation. The amounts ranged from several thousand to tens of thousands of yuan, with the smallest donations being a few hundred yuan. After all, those invited to attend the fundraising event were all economically well-off.

Then, the township government leaders and education office leaders also made donations.

Their donations were not large, with the secretary and township head each donating 100 yuan, and other leaders donating a few dozen yuan. This was already quite commendable.

After all, the leaders’ salaries were not high, and their economic conditions could not compare to those of the individual business owners present.

Soon, the total donation amount was tallied, totaling 830,000 yuan, which was more than enough to rebuild Shuangwang Junior High School.

Thus, the fundraising event was a complete success.

...

Songshan High School, Class 63.

With less than four months left until the college entrance exam, Deng Yunzhu was diligently studying. Whenever she encountered difficult problems, she would ask her deskmate, Li Shuqin.

Speaking of her deskmate, she was truly remarkable. From the first year of high school to the third, her grades consistently topped the class. Especially since the second year, she smoothly became the top student in the entire grade and has maintained that position ever since.

If nothing unexpected happens, her deskmate is sure to get into college, and there's even a chance she might get into a key university.

Because the teachers all knew that Deng Yunzhu's older brother, Deng Yunheng, was a source of pride for the school, they were quite considerate of her. They paired her with the top student in the grade, hoping that with her deskmate's help, she could improve her grades.

In the dormitory, the English teacher never gave up on giving her extra tutoring.

Unfortunately, studying does require a certain level of talent, and Deng Yunzhu was like a hopeless case in her studies. With the help of her English teacher and her deskmate, she could only maintain an average rank in the class. If she were at Baise High School, even if she couldn't get into college, she might still have a chance to get into a junior college.

But at Songshan High School, a school of much lower quality, an average rank in the class meant little hope for a good college entrance exam result. It would be better to start making other plans early.

The reason Deng Yunzhu hadn't given up and was still working hard wasn't because she had any hope of getting into college or a junior college. She just wanted to finish her studies with a serious attitude, to give her father and herself a sense of closure.

Time flies when you're studying diligently, and before she knew it, the bell signaling the end of class rang.

Deng Yunzhu stretched and then said to her deskmate, "Shuqin, let's go out for some rice noodles. I'll treat you."

Li Shuqin smiled and said, "Sure, I'll take this opportunity to satisfy my cravings."

If it were any other classmate offering to treat her, she might have hesitated. After all, everyone's living expenses were limited in this era, and she wouldn't want to take advantage of others.

But since it was Deng Yunzhu, there was no problem.

They had been classmates for two and a half years and deskmates for two years, and they got along very well. She knew that Deng Yunzhu's living expenses were more than enough, making her the wealthiest student in the class, if not the entire school.

Eating a bowl of rice noodles she treated was no burden at all.

So, the two of them walked out of the classroom arm in arm, and as they descended the teaching building, they saw Deng Yunhua waiting for them.

"Second sister, Sister Qin."

Deng Yunhua hurriedly greeted them. He naturally knew his sister's deskmate, who was a top student.

Li Shuqin also greeted him politely. She was familiar with her deskmate's younger brother, as the whole school knew about them because of their older brother, Deng Yunheng.

After meeting up with her brother, Deng Yunzhu waved and said, "Let's go, let's have some rice noodles."

For people from Baise, rice noodles were a staple that could be eaten for any meal of the day, and they never got tired of them.

If it were noodles or other wheat-based dishes, they might taste great occasionally, and some people could even eat them for breakfast every day. But if every meal was noodles or other wheat-based dishes, they would lose their appetite within three days.

Deng Yunzhu and Deng Yunhua, who studied at Songshan High School, generally had rice noodles for breakfast and lunch, and rice for dinner. Occasionally, they would have baozi or pork congee for breakfast, which made their meals enviable to their classmates.

After all, many students' weekly living expenses were only around one yuan, which included the cost of buying daily necessities. Those who could afford two or three yuan a week were considered relatively well-off.

But to have a diet like Deng Yunzhu and her brother, even five yuan a week wouldn't be enough.

Soon, the three of them arrived at the rice noodle stand operated by Deng Yunzhu and her brother.

Deng Yunzhu greeted the owner familiarly and said, "As usual, three bowls of rice noodles."

Seeing a regular customer, the owner smiled and responded, "Sure, just a moment, they'll be ready soon."

The three of them found a table and sat down, chatting casually. In less than three minutes, three steaming bowls of rice noodles were brought to them.

Although Li Shuqin's family wasn't well-off, she had eaten rice noodles a few times before. But when she saw the three large bowls of rice noodles, each topped with a generous layer of pork liver and lean meat, she couldn't help but be surprised.

After the owner left, she asked in amazement, "Sister Zhu, how much does one bowl of rice noodles cost? Why is there so much meat?"

Deng Yunzhu smiled and said, "Not expensive, just 50 cents a bowl."

Li Shuqin chuckled bitterly and said, "50 cents a bowl isn't expensive? I bet you and your brother are the only ones in the entire Songshan High School who would say that!"

Deng Yunzhu laughed and said, "Let's not talk about it, let's eat. The pickled chili here is really good, you should try it."

"Sure!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end