Chapter 353: Dad, I'm Already a Rich Woman

Chapter 353: Dad, I'm Already a Rich Woman

"Grandpa!"

At the Shuifeng Restaurant.

Seeing Deng Shirong's figure, Xiaodong'er and Dongzi both ran over with happy faces.

Deng Shirong laughed heartily, hugging one with each arm, and asked, "Xiaodong'er, Dongzi, were you good at kindergarten today?"

Xiaodong'er said proudly, "Grandpa, the teacher praised me again today."

"Really? What did the teacher praise you for?"

"I took a good nap, so the teacher praised me."

Dongzi said unhappily, "I also took a good nap, but the teacher didn't praise me."

"Even if the teacher doesn't praise you, Grandpa will praise you."

After a few more words with his grandchildren, Deng Shirong greeted Zhang's mother, "Mother-in-law."

Zhang's mother smiled and asked, "When did you return, father-in-law?"

Deng Shirong said, "I just got back. Thank you for your hard work during this time, mother-in-law."

"Father-in-law, you're too kind. It's just taking care of the children, nothing to it."

At this point, Zhang's mother couldn't help but ask, "Father-in-law, do you know the mother of Dongzi's classmate, Chen Guosheng?"

Deng Shirong shook his head and said, "I've only heard Dongzi's classmate's name for the first time. I really don't know who his mother is. Why do you suddenly ask about this, mother-in-law? Did Dongzi get bullied by his classmate?"

Zhang's mother waved her hand and said, "It has nothing to do with Dongzi. I just saw the aunt of Dongzi's classmate at the kindergarten just now. The girl is quite pretty, and I thought I might ask his mother about her. If it works out, I'd like to help our Xiaojun get to know her."

"Oh, I see!"

Deng Shirong suddenly understood and nodded, "Xiaojun is indeed getting older. I've been keeping an eye out for a suitable match for him, but haven't found anyone yet. Since you have someone in mind, mother-in-law, I'll take care of it. Tomorrow, I'll take Dongzi and the others to the kindergarten and talk to the classmate's parents about it."

Zhang's mother was delighted, "With you handling it, father-in-law, I'm at ease."

...

That evening.

At the Naye Deng Family Community.

Deng Yunzhen, sitting sideways on a soft leather sofa with her belly, asked her father, "Dad, how is Ahzhu's hotpot restaurant doing since it opened?"

Deng Shirong said, "It's going well. The first day's revenue was over 2,200 yuan, the second day was even better, with nearly 2,500 yuan, and the third day, although it dropped, was still over 2,000 yuan."

Deng Yunzhen asked, "Dad, what's the gross profit margin for the hotpot restaurant?"

Deng Shirong said, "About 70%."

Deng Yunzhen did a quick mental calculation and said, "That's pretty good. If it can maintain this revenue, it will earn over 1,000 yuan a day, which is several hundred thousand yuan a year. This is much better than when the Shuifeng Restaurant first opened.

If it gains a solid reputation after some time, earning a million yuan a year is not out of the question."

Deng Shirong smiled, "You can't compare it like that. When the Shuifeng Restaurant first opened, the reform and opening up had only been going on for a few years. At that time, only a small group of people had money. Now, with the reform and opening up in its tenth year, more and more people are getting rich. Plus, the hotpot restaurant started in the capital of Guangxi, which is naturally much better than a county restaurant."

Deng Yunzhen nodded and then smiled, "The hotpot restaurant is so profitable; Ahzhu, that little money lover, must be over the moon."

Deng Shirong smiled, "I've already provided her with the best platform and taught her step by step how to run the hotpot restaurant. How far it develops in the future depends on her own abilities. As her father, I can only help her this much."

Deng Yunzhen said, "Dad, you've done more than enough. Now, many people in the countryside have to think twice about having a bowl of white rice, while my brother and I earn several hundred thousand yuan a year. Who in Bobai wouldn't envy us?"

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "The shops in Nanning are better than those in the county. I treat all my children equally. Once your older brother and sister-in-law open a few more supermarkets, I'll let you take over the Yongjia Supermarket in the county. Owning this building will make you comparable to owning a shop in Nanning."

Deng Yunzhen quickly shook her head, "Dad, no need. I'm already completely satisfied with the Shuifeng Restaurant."

Deng Shirong said, "You've done so much for the family in the past. Since Ahjie can't go into business with you, your income will naturally be less than your other siblings. I can only prepare more for you to ensure you live a wealthy and carefree life."

Deng Yunzhen smiled, "Dad, I'm already a rich woman. The Shuifeng Restaurant earns several hundred thousand yuan a year!"

Deng Shirong said, "Alright, don't refuse. It's not like I'm giving you the Yongjia Supermarket right now. We'll wait until your older brother and sister-in-law have built a strong chain of supermarkets. By then, one supermarket in the county won't mean much to them."

Deng Yunzhen was deeply moved by her father's care. In a family with many children, he still thought of her, the married daughter, and made sure she was well-provided for. In all of Bobai, besides her father, there was probably no other father who would do the same.

"Father, you're so nice!"

...

The next day.

To avoid missing the parents of Chen Guosheng, Deng Shirong arrived early to drop off his grandchildren at the kindergarten.

After the children went inside, Deng Shirong smiled and said to Dongzi's teacher, "Teacher Mo, I need to speak with the parents of Chen Guosheng. I'll wait nearby. When Chen Guosheng's parents come, could you please introduce me to them? Thank you!"

Teacher Mo, though curious, didn't ask further. She nodded and smiled, "Sure, Grandpa Deng Changdong. I'll introduce you when they arrive."

Deng Shirong thanked her again and waited at the kindergarten entrance.

Soon, parents started arriving with their children, and many recognized Deng Shirong. They greeted him and chatted briefly.

About ten minutes later, Teacher Mo called out, "Grandpa Deng Changdong."

Deng Shirong immediately walked over and said, "Teacher Mo."

"Grandpa Deng Changdong, let me introduce you to Chen Guosheng's mother."

After the introduction, Teacher Mo turned to Chen Guosheng's mother and said, "Chen Guosheng's mother, Grandpa Deng Changdong said he needs to speak with you."

Chen Guosheng's mother is a graceful young woman. She looked surprised and asked, "Grandpa Deng, what do you need to speak with me about?"

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "Chen Mom, I need to ask you something, but this isn't the place to talk. Could I invite you for breakfast? We can chat while we eat, if that's okay?"

Chen Guosheng's mother was planning to have breakfast anyway, so she nodded, "Sure, that's fine."

Of course, she agreed so readily because Deng Shirong was a grandfather. If the person had been closer to her age, she wouldn't have gone with him to avoid any misunderstandings.

They soon walked to a nearby noodle stall.

After ordering their noodles, Chen Guosheng's mother asked curiously, "Grandpa Deng, what do you want to ask me?"

Deng Shirong explained, "Here's the thing. Yesterday afternoon, when school was out, wasn't your sister the one who picked up your child? An aunt saw your sister and thought she would be a good match for her son. She asked me to help inquire if your sister has a boyfriend."

Chen Mom suddenly understood, realizing someone had their eye on her sister and had asked a matchmaker.

Chen Mom perked up and smiled, "Grandpa Deng, my sister doesn't have a boyfriend yet. Could you tell me which aunt is interested in my sister?"

Deng Shirong also perked up. If the girl didn't have a boyfriend, things would be easier. He said, "Chen Mom, let's exchange some information and see if your sister is a good match for the aunt's son."

Chen Mom, now very interested, said, "Sure, who should go first?"

Deng Shirong smiled, "Just some basic information, it doesn't matter who goes first."

Chen Mom nodded, "That's true. Let me introduce my sister first. She's from Yulin, 21 years old, and works at a paper box factory. She has a middle school education."

Deng Shirong said, "The young man is from Bobai Longtan Town, 24 years old. His family runs a wooden clothespin factory, and he helps out at the factory. He has a primary school education. Apart from his low education, he is quite good-looking and of average height, and should be a good match for your sister."

Chen Mom, hearing that the young man's family runs a factory, became more interested. She asked, "Grandpa Deng, how many siblings does the young man have?"

Deng Shirong said, "He has five siblings. His older brother and second brother are already married, and his sister is also married. Only he and his younger brother are not yet married."

Chen Mom asked, "Grandpa Deng, is the young man still in Longtan?"

Deng Shirong nodded, "Yes, he's in Longtan, but if needed, he can come over at a moment's notice. Since the factory is his family's, his work schedule is flexible."

Chen Mom smiled, "That's true, if you own the factory, your work hours are flexible."

At this point, their noodles arrived.

Deng Shirong picked up his chopsticks and asked, "Chen Mom, have you ever met my daughter-in-law?"

The topic seemed a bit abrupt, but Chen Mom, though puzzled, nodded as she picked up her chopsticks, "A few times."

Deng Shirong smiled, "Chen Mom, don't you think my daughter-in-law is quite pretty?"

This made Chen Mom even more curious, but she was honest. Deng Changdong's mother is indeed very beautiful and has a great demeanor, clearly not an ordinary person. She praised, "Grandpa Deng, your daughter-in-law is indeed very beautiful. Even my son says that Deng Changdong's mother is the prettiest mother."

Deng Shirong took a bite of his noodles and smiled, "Chen Mom, the young man I mentioned earlier is actually my daughter-in-law's younger brother. I mentioned my daughter-in-law to give you a reference in terms of appearance."

Chen Mom became even more interested. While it's true that siblings can look very different, in most cases, they don't differ much.

This Deng Changdong's mother is so beautiful; her younger brother shouldn't be much different. I guess he really is as good-looking and of average height as Grandpa Deng Changdong said, making him a good match for my sister.

With this in mind, Chen Mom asked, "Grandpa Deng, how is Uncle Deng Changdong's personality?"

Deng Shirong replied, "His personality is quite good. Before their family started the factory, they operated a grocery store in Longtan Street. He has always helped with the family business and never got into trouble like some idle people do. He's a hardworking and reliable person."

Chen Mom nodded in satisfaction, "I understand the general situation, Grandpa Deng. I'll talk to my sister about this and see what she thinks. I'll let you know when I come to pick up my child this afternoon, okay?"

"Sure, if there's anything unclear, you can ask me this afternoon."

"Alright."

Thus, they agreed to meet again in the afternoon to pick up the children and then focused on eating their noodles.

...

At the Naye Deng Family Community.

As soon as Deng Shirong returned, Zhang's mother eagerly asked, "Father-in-law, how did it go?"

"I've already talked to Chen Guosheng's mother. Her sister doesn't have a boyfriend. She's from Yulin, 21 years old, and works at a paper box factory with a middle school education."

Deng Shirong cut to the chase, "I also told her about Xiaojun's situation, and she seemed quite interested. She should be discussing it with her sister now. I'll talk to her more this afternoon when I pick up the children to see if her sister is interested."

"It's good that she doesn't have a boyfriend. Xiaojun is fine in every other aspect, but his education is lower than the girl's."

At this, Zhang's mother sighed, "It's all my fault and his father's. If we had valued education like you, their education wouldn't be so low."

Deng Shirong said, "Mother-in-law, don't worry too much. Education doesn't necessarily equate to ability. For most people, there's not much difference between primary and high school education; it just sounds better. In reality, it doesn't significantly impact work."

Zhang's mother said, "I'm mainly afraid the girl will look down on his low education. She has a middle school education, while Xiaojun only finished primary school, which is a significant difference."

"There will be some impact, but it shouldn't be a big problem. We'll know more after talking to her sister this afternoon."

"Alright!"

...

At the County Supplies Company Residential Building.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

After buying groceries, Tan Yalan went to knock on her sister's door, calling out, "Ya Fei."

Inside the room, Tan Ya Fei opened her eyes, still drowsy, and replied, "I'm coming!"

A few seconds later, the door opened, and Chen Mom saw her sister, who was wearing a small dress and had a better figure than her, and asked, "Ya Fei, you usually get up to go to work at this time. Why do you look like you haven't slept enough?"

Tan Ya Fei opened the door and lay back on the bed, muttering, "Sis, I rarely get a couple of days off. I just wanted to sleep in. Why did you wake me up so early? Can't you wait until I'm awake to talk?"

Tan Yalan walked over and slapped her sister on a particularly fleshy part, saying, "Stop sleeping. Get up quickly. I have something important to tell you."

Tan Ya Fei reluctantly opened her eyes and said, "Sis, just tell me. I'm listening."

Tan Yalan, excited, said, "Ya Fei, when you picked up Ah Sheng from kindergarten yesterday, an aunt took a liking to you. She asked someone to inquire about you today and wants to set you up with her son. I heard the conditions of the boy's family and think they are quite good. Let me tell you about him. If you think it's okay, I can arrange a meeting for you to meet the boy. What do you think?"

Hearing this, Tan Ya Fei immediately recalled the scene from the afternoon when she picked up her nephew. An aunt had approached her and chatted, but she hadn't paid much attention at the time, never thinking that the aunt was interested in her.

She was already 21 years old and indeed at the age where she should consider marriage. Tan Ya Fei also knew that her sister had high standards, so if the boy met her approval, she was curious. Thus, she didn't reject the idea but nodded, "Okay, tell me more. I'm listening."

Tan Yalan sat on the bed and recounted the boy's situation, concluding, "The boy's sister is Chen Guosheng's classmate's mother. I've seen her a few times, and she is very beautiful. Her brother should also be good-looking."

Tan Ya Fei was a bit hesitant, "Sis, the boy's education is a bit low, even lower than mine."

Tan Yalan said, "Yes, his education is a bit low, but in other aspects, he is quite good, especially in terms of family background, which is much better than ours. Moreover, his sister seems to be quite accomplished, though I haven't looked into it in detail."

Tan Ya Fei asked, "Is the other party in the county now?"

Tan Ya Lan shook her head and said, "No, he's in Longtan Town, but since he works at his family's factory, his schedule is quite flexible. If you agree to meet him, he can come to the county or even directly to the city to meet you."

Tan Ya Fei thought for a moment and said, "As long as it doesn't affect my work, I don't mind meeting him."

Tan Ya Lan said happily, "As long as you agree to meet him, I'll take care of the rest."

...

Three days later.

Zhang Shoujun sat on the bus to the county with great anticipation.

Over the past few years, as his childhood friends in the village got married one after another, he was now the only one of his age who was still single. It was impossible to say he didn't feel lonely at all.

Unlike others who couldn't afford a wife and had to remain single, Zhang Shoujun was single purely because there were too many girls for him to choose from, but none of them had captured his heart, which was why he had remained single until now.

The day before yesterday, his mother called the factory and said she had found a very suitable match for him and asked him to meet the girl.

On the phone, his mother kept praising the girl, saying she was tall, beautiful, and even more educated than him. She was from Yulin, and his mother was very satisfied with her, wishing she could become her daughter-in-law as soon as possible.

Over the past few years, as their family's financial situation improved, not only did he raise his standards for finding a wife, but his parents did as well.

Now, hearing his mother be so satisfied with a girl, Zhang Shoujun was genuinely excited and eager to see what kind of girl could make his mother so happy.

...

In the afternoon.

At Shuifeng Restaurant.

Zhang Xiuping looked at her mother and said, "Mom, if Xiaojun's marriage works out, it will truly be a matter of destiny."

Zhang's mother smiled and said, "The girl was picked up by her nephew for the first time, and I happened to meet her and immediately liked her. This is indeed a matter of destiny."

Zhang Xiuping looked at her younger brother and said, "Xiaojun, tomorrow you'll meet the girl in Yulin. You need to be on your best behavior and try to make a good impression."

Zhang Shoujun nodded and said, "Don't worry, Sister. I'm not a teenager anymore; I know what to do."

Zhang Xiuping then looked at her father-in-law and asked, "Dad, what time did you arrange to meet Chen Guosheng's mother tomorrow?"

Deng Shirong said, "We will have lunch together tomorrow at Yulin Hotel."

Zhang's mother said, "Father-in-law, we'll rely on you to help with the meeting tomorrow."

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "Don't worry, Mother-in-law. With Xiaojun's conditions, I'm sure the girl won't refuse unless she's blind. Just wait for your new daughter-in-law to come through the door!"

...

The next morning.

Deng Shirong, Zhang Xiuping, and Zhang Shoujun took the bus to Yulin.

From Bobai to Yulin, it's only about 40 to 50 kilometers. Although the Yulin-Boai Road wasn't as good as the expressways and secondary roads of later times, it was still quite decent, having been widened two years ago. The roadbed was now 12 meters wide, and the road surface was 7 meters wide, making it much better to travel on.

At 10:00 AM, the three of them arrived at Yulin Hotel early.

They arrived so early to familiarize themselves with the place and try to turn the "away game" into a "home game." If they arrived just in time and knew nothing about the place, they wouldn't know what dishes to order and would have to rely on the girl's side to order, which wouldn't be ideal.

After entering Yulin Hotel, Deng Shirong spent about half an hour getting to know the place.

Yulin Hotel was originally the Yulin County Town Hotel, established in the early 1950s, making it a very historic establishment.

To their surprise, the signature dish of Yulin Hotel was stir-fried rice noodles.

The chef who made this dish was nicknamed "Nengji," so the locals often referred to the stir-fried rice noodles as "Nengji stir-fried rice noodles." Some even called the hotel "Nengji Hotel," which showed how good the dish was.

Besides the stir-fried rice noodles, there were a few other famous dishes: Fuzi stewed dog meat, Yulin beef jerky, Yulin clear dog meat, and steamed pork (powdered pork).

Among these, Fuzi stewed dog meat was created by the hotel's chef, Jiang Deying. The dish was known for its fragrance, and once it was served, the entire restaurant could smell it. Many people from other places came to Yulin specifically to try this dish at Yulin Hotel.

Naturally, the people of Yulin would always order this dish when dining at the hotel.

After getting a clear understanding, Deng Shirong and the others felt more confident and then left the hotel to walk around the area.

When the time was right, they returned to the entrance of Yulin Hotel to wait for the girl's arrival.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end