Chapter 410: The Stir in Poxin Village

Chapter 410: The Stir in Poxin Village

Longtan Town

Poxin Village.

After breakfast, the women of Poxin Village, each carrying gifts they had prepared in advance, set off with their husbands and children to visit their parents.

Families with married daughters were especially happy today, as their daughters would be returning with their husbands and children to visit their parents.

Zhang Xiuping's three sisters-in-law, who were originally planning to visit their parents today, decided to wait until the fourth day of the New Year. The reason was simple: today was the day when their younger sisters-in-law would be visiting their parents with their husbands and children. These sisters-in-law and their sisters-in-law rarely had the chance to see their younger sisters-in-law, so they couldn't afford to miss this important day.

Similarly, the sisters-in-law of Ouguo Hua and Ouguo, also decided not to visit their parents today but to stay and entertain the younger sisters-in-law who were returning to visit their parents.

From this small detail, it was clear that if you had the means, everyone around you would revolve around you, and any rules could be changed for you.

By the morning, a few good things gathered at the village entrance, where they were burning incense and discussing the relatives visiting their parents today.

"Was that the Phoenix brand bicycle that Ajiu's sister and her husband were riding?"

"Yes, it's a Phoenix brand bicycle, and it looks quite new, so they must have bought it not long ago."

"It seems Ajiu's sister has married well. I see her carrying big and small bags, so she must have brought a lot of things to her parents."

"Yes, she has married well. Her husband works at the county forestry bureau, living off the government salary."

"..."

Now, although it's 1991, but the Phoenix brand bicycle still has a significant influence. Being able to ride such a branded bicycle back to visit their parents is still a matter of pride.

At this moment, the sound of a motorcycle was heard from a distance, and a Jialing motorcycle appeared before everyone.

Then it quickly passed by the crowd, heading toward the neighboring village.

When the motorcycle drove away, everyone exclaimed.

"Is that the daughter of Aunt Li's mother?"

"Yes, it's Aunt Li's daughter. I heard she married a wealthy husband, and now she's riding a motorcycle. That's really impressive!"

"What does her husband do?"

"Seems like he runs a brick factory, anyway, he's a big boss."

"Who knows how much that motorcycle costs?"

"That's a Jialing motorcycle, at least seven or eight thousand yuan!"

"How expensive is that?"

"Mom, spending seven or eight thousand yuan to buy a motorcycle, that's really rich!"

"..."

In the early 1990s, although motorcycles were not as common as in the 1980s, in the countryside, only a few people could afford to buy them. As of now, the number of motorcycles in the entire Longtan Town has not exceeded a handful, still extremely precious.

Just as everyone was amazed by that motorcycle, two small cars drove over from a distance.

At the sight of the small cars, all the villagers couldn't sit still, all standing up.

Indeed, in this era, small cars were so rare that villagers might occasionally see one passing by when they went to Longtan market. Now, seeing small cars in the village, how could they sit still, all stretching their necks to watch.

Soon, the small cars drove in and headed toward the village.

Seeing this scene, many villagers reacted.

"Aping's sister, it must be Aping's sister coming back!"

"Right, probably only Aping's sister's family could afford such a small car."

"My goodness, two small cars, I wonder if they are Aping's sister's cars, or if Afang and Ahua, these two sisters, also have one?"

"Let's go and check, I'm seeing such a beautiful small car for the first time!"

"Um, let's go and see!"

"..."

As they spoke, the villagers all flocked toward Zhang's house.

...

Ten minutes later

At Zhang's house.

Upon hearing that Aping's sister was driving a small car back to visit her parents, the entire Poxin Village was stirred, and almost all the villagers gathered to see the commotion.

In this era, buying a motorcycle could stir the entire village, but driving two small cars back to visit relatives was no different from driving two helicopters, both significant events that stirred the whole village.

Zhang Zhenfa was particularly generous today, his daughter and son-in-law brought many goods, at least twenty pounds of candies, cookies, and sunflower seeds. He instructed his daughters-in-law to take out these to entertain the villagers who came to see the commotion.

The villagers also provided Zhang Zhenfa with sufficient emotional value, all praising his son-in-law. Of course, they also praised his daughter for having such a capable son-in-law, and with such a capable son-in-law supporting them, the Zhang family would surely thrive even more.

In short, all kinds of good words were showered upon the Zhang family, making Zhang's father, mother, and others in the family incredibly happy.

The villagers stayed at the Zhang household for about ten minutes, wiping the dust off the two Santana cars before finally dispersing with good sense.

After the villagers left, Zhang Zhenfa, looking radiant, instructed, "Old lady, quickly fry some rice cakes. I want to have tea and chat with Yun Tai."

Zhang's mother responded with a smile, "Sure, I'll do it right away."

Zhang Xiuping laughed, "Mom, I'll help you."

Zhang Dage hurriedly said, "Ping Mei, just sit here by the fire. Leave it to us."

Zhang Erge added, "That's right. You rarely come back, so there's no need for you to do anything!"

Zhang Sange smiled and asked, "Sister, brother-in-law, I'll go make you some tea. Do you prefer it strong or light?"

Zhang Xiuping, seeing the sisters-in-law's eagerness to show their care, sat down and smiled at her sister-in-law, "Light would be great!"

Once the sisters-in-law and her sister-in-law were busy, Zhang Xiuping turned to her father and said, "Dad, I noticed we're still using bicycles. It's time for a change, don't you think?"

Zhang Zhenfa asked, "Change to what?"

Zhang Xiuping laughed, "Of course, to motorcycles. With our family's financial situation, buying a couple of motorcycles shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Hearing this, the four Zhang brothers' eyes lit up. Motorcycles were incredibly cool in this era, and they had long wanted to buy one. However, the family's finances were still controlled by their father. While they weren't short of money, they only had small amounts, and spending several thousand yuan would require their father's approval.

Given their father's personality, getting him to spend so much on motorcycles would be difficult. Therefore, none of them had mentioned it, to avoid disappointment.

But if the suggestion came from their sister (or older sister), it was a different story.

The four brothers knew that their sister's (or older sister's) words carried significant weight with their father. As long as she spoke up, their father would generally agree.

Sure enough, Zhang Zhenfa did not oppose it but asked, "Xiuping, you really think we should buy motorcycles?"

Zhang Xiuping replied, "Absolutely. Compared to bicycles, motorcycles are ten to a hundred times more useful for any purpose."

Zhang Zhenfa nodded, "Alright, if you think we should buy motorcycles, then we will. But two might be too many. One should be enough, considering how expensive they are. I heard a Jialing motorcycle costs at least seven or eight thousand yuan!"

Deng Yuntao smiled and added, "Dad, with so many family members, one motorcycle won't be very useful. We don't need one for each person, but at least two or three would be convenient. That way, anyone who needs it can use it."

"Brother Yuntao is right. We should buy at least two or three."

As he spoke, Zhang Xiuping took out her handbag and pulled out two bundles of RMB, handing them to her father, "Dad, this is a gift from me and Yuntao. Use it to buy the motorcycles."

Zhang Zhenfa took the money with a smile and decided, "Alright, after the New Year, we'll sign up for driving lessons. Once we get our motorcycle licenses, we'll buy the motorcycles. We'll follow your advice and buy three."

Zhang Shoujun, hearing this, was excited, "Great! Finally, we can ride motorcycles. Thank you, Sister, thank you, Brother-in-law."

Deng Yuntao smiled, "We're family, no need to be so formal."

Soon, Zhang Dage, Zhang Erge, and Zhang Sange all learned about the plan to buy motorcycles and were delighted, their faces Glowing with Joy. The better the conditions of their husband's family, the more face they would save when visiting their own families.

Therefore, they were all grateful to the younger sister who had suggested and contributed 20,000 yuan to make this happen.

Zhang Dage and Zhang Erge were deeply moved. They had been married into the Zhang family for the longest time, and back then, the Zhang family was in very poor conditions, barely making ends meet. Life had been very hard, and even their parents-in-law had raised the dowry to an outrageous level to help marry off their younger brothers.

Fortunately, their younger sister had good luck, marrying into a good family like the Dengs. She had risen to great heights in just a few years and even lifted her own family up.

Now, the Zhang family was the undisputed richest in Poxin Village, living a life that the villagers envied.

In short, without their younger sister, there would be no Zhang family today.

...

While enjoying the rice cakes and tea, Zhang Zhenfa asked with a smile, "Xiaodong, how did you do on your final exams?"

Xiaodong lifted his head proudly, "Grandpa, I got first place in the entire grade, and the clan gave me a reward of 1,000 yuan!"

Upon hearing this, the Zhang family was first surprised, then showered Xiaodong with praise.

"Xiaodong, you're amazing!"

"First in the entire grade, that's fantastic."

"Xiaodong, Uncle will give you a reward too."

"..."

None of the Zhang siblings were good at studies, and due to the family's poverty, none had completed junior high school.

By the third generation, the academic performance was average, ranking in the middle of the class.

Now that Xiaodong's grades were so impressive, receiving praise from his grandparents and aunts and uncles was a normal occurrence.

Seeing everyone praising her sister, Dongzi, who was used to being overlooked, turned his frustration into appetite, eating rice cakes and drinking tea, his mouth dripping with oil.

After a while, Grandfather Zhang finally remembered this grandson and asked, "Dongzi, how did you do on your exams?"

Dongzi sighed like a little adult, "Grandpa, this is my sad story, don't ask about it!"

Zhang Xiuping, seeing her mischievous son about to put on a show, couldn't help but laugh, "Dad, Dongzi only got 28th place in the class."

The Zhang family all smiled, knowing this score undoubtedly inherited their family's academic genes.

Grandfather Zhang chuckled, "Dongzi, you need to work hard next semester and try to be the top of the grade like your sister."

Dongzi replied sullenly, "I know, Grandpa."

Though he said so, he knew deep down that even getting into the top 20 in the class was difficult, let alone being the top of the grade like his sister.

After discussing the children's studies, Zhang Xiuping turned to her brothers and asked, "Elder Brother, Second Brother, Xiaojun, Xiaoshan, I want to ask you, are you interested in developing in Nanning?"

Zhang Shoushan's eyes lit up, "Sister, I want to go. What can I do in Nanning?"

Zhang Xiaojun looked at his wife and followed, "Sister, what can we do in Nanning?"

Zhang Xiuguo and Zhang Xiaomin also looked at their sister, knowing her character. If she suggested they develop in Nanning, there must be something suitable for them.

Zhang Xiuping said, "If you are willing to develop in Nanning, I do have a way for you, but it will be a bit tough."

Zhang Xiaojun said, "Sister, what is it? As long as it makes money, we are not afraid of the hard work."

Zhang Xiuping said, "Specializing in night snacks."

Elder Sister-in-law was surprised, "Night snacks?"

Second Sister-in-law said with some hesitation, "Pingsister, our cooking skills are not that good. What kind of night snacks can we make?"

Everyone, including Grandfather and Grandmother Zhang, exchanged glances, clearly not expecting Zhang Xiuping to suggest making night snacks.

Zhang Xiuping said, "Second Sister-in-law, don't worry. If you are willing, I can find someone to teach you and specialize in some unique delicacies."

Deng Yuntao added with a smile, "The reason Pingsister suggested you go to Nanning to make night snacks is that my father plans to create a night market street in Nanning. This street will feature cuisine from all over the country, creating a scale effect that will drastically increase foot traffic.

With the foot traffic, as long as the food you make is attractive enough, you won't have to worry about business."

This news left the Zhang family shocked.

Grandmother Zhang couldn't help but ask, "Yuntao, what does your father mean by this night market street? Is he going to run a night snack business in Nanning?"

Deng Yuntao smiled, "My father isn't going to run a night snack business. Instead, he plans to build some shops and rent them out to others to run night snacks. If you are not afraid of hard work and willing to go to Nanning to run a night snack business, I will provide you with a few shops for free. This way, your business will definitely be profitable."

According to the information his father shared, the night market street will have hundreds of shops. Providing a few shops for his in-laws to use for free is a way of taking care of them.

Moreover, this kind of support encourages them to be self-reliant rather than directly providing them with money, which is like teaching them to fish.

His wife has been his trusted companion for over ten years. It's only right to take care of her brothers a bit.

Zhang Xiaojun, excited, said, "Brother-in-law, are you serious?"

The others were also very excited. According to Deng Yuntao, they would be provided with free shops in Nanning to run their businesses, which was a surefire way to make money. And Nanning is the capital of Guangxi. Who would want to stay in the town to do business when they have the chance to develop in Nanning?

Zhang Xiuping laughed, "Of course, it's true. Do you think your brother-in-law would lie to you?"

Zhang Xiaojun immediately said, "Sister, I'm willing to go to Nanning to develop. When can we go?"

Zhang Xiuping said, "It's not that soon. The shops are still under construction and won't be ready until the end of the year at the earliest. If you want to do business, it will be at least next year. I'm telling you now so you can prepare mentally.

Additionally, you need to spend time learning to make delicious food. Elder Brother, Second Brother, Xiaojun, Xiaoshan, each of you should choose a type of food, and it must be unique and suitable for night snacks. Once you've decided, I'll find a master to teach you how to make it."

The Zhang brothers were all excitedly discussing their options.

Elder Sister-in-law, recalling the night snacks she had in the county, asked, "Pingsister, I want to make the snail duck feet pot. Do you think it's okay?"

Zhang Xiuping nodded with a smile, "Elder Sister-in-law, of course, it's okay. The snail duck feet pot is perfect for night snacks. If you are really interested in this specialty, I'll find a master to teach you how to make it."

Deng Yuntao, with years of business experience, added, "Elder Sister-in-law, Second Sister-in-law, you should each choose a type of food to specialize in, ideally one that complements the others. For example, if Elder Brother and Elder Sister-in-law operate a snail duck feet pot, which is a great dish to go with drinks, then the guests who come to eat will definitely want to drink.

"So, Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law, as well as Xiaojun and Xiaoshan, can operate other dishes that go well with drinks. This way, you can meet the guests' needs and increase your competitiveness.

"Of course, if you don't want to specialize in just one type of food and prefer to operate a variety, that's also possible, but it means you'll have to learn more.

"The most important thing is that this night market street will have a wide variety of foods from all over the country. Specializing in one type will help you stand out among the many options. Additionally, focusing on one type of food will make things less complicated and easier to manage."

The Zhang family nodded in agreement.

Next, everyone brainstormed about what types of night snacks to operate. Deng Yuntao and Zhang Xiuping occasionally offered suggestions.

In the end, the four brothers tentatively decided: Zhang Shouguo and his wife would operate the snail duck feet pot, Zhang Xiaomin and his wife would operate grilled fish, Zhang Xiaojun and his wife would operate grilled squid, and Zhang Xiaoshan would operate grilled oysters. These would be their main dishes.

Additionally, they would also operate a few side dishes to go with drinks.

Once the four brothers had made their decisions, Zhang Xiuping said, "Alright, that's settled. I'll find a master chef to teach you, and you must learn well. There will be plenty of competition, and to win, your food must be better than the others."

Elder Sister-in-law nodded, "Don't worry, Ping, we will learn well."

Hearing this, Zhang Zhenfa looked at his four sons and said, "For many years, our family has not divided. I originally planned to divide the family once all of you were married, so you could each live your own lives.

"But now that Xiuping has provided such a good opportunity for you, I will divide the family before you go to Nanning to develop. When you start your night snack businesses, the money you earn will be yours. If you want to live a good life, you must work hard."

The Zhang brothers looked at each other in surprise.

Elder Sister-in-law, Second Sister-in-law, and Third Sister-in-law also exchanged glances.

In this era, no daughter-in-law wanted to be under the same roof as her mother-in-law, as it meant being under her control.

Although they would still have to respect their mother-in-law after the division, at least they would have more control over their own households.

"Father, are you really going to divide the family?"

"Father, should we wait until Xiaoshan gets married to divide the family?"

"Father, should you think about it a bit more?"

"..."

Zhang Zhenfa waved his hand and said, "They say a big tree branches out, and a big family divides. You all have your own families now, and the family will eventually be divided. Now, with you going to Nanning to develop and each running your own businesses, it's a good time to divide the family."

Zhang's mother did not seem surprised, indicating that she and Zhang Zhenfa had already discussed the matter and were just waiting for the right time to bring it up.

Zhang Xiuping thought for a moment and said, "Father is right. It will happen eventually, so it's better to do it now."

The Zhang brothers did not argue further, and the decision to divide the family was set.

Zhang Zhenfa then outlined his division plan, ensuring it was fair and unbiased.

After explaining, Zhang Zhenfa asked, "Do you all agree with this division?"

"No objections."

The Zhang brothers and their wives all agreed.

Zhang Zhenfa nodded, "Alright, since there are no objections, this is settled. I will invite some respected elders from the clan to witness the division. After the division, you must all work hard to live a prosperous life."

Seeing that their father was determined, Zhang Shouguo responded, "Father, Mother, don't worry. We will live well and not disappoint you."

Zhang Xiaomin and Zhang Xiaojun also expressed their commitment to living well.

As for Zhang Xiaoshan, since he was not yet married, he would not be part of the division until he got married.

...

After staying at her parents' house for two days, on the fourth day of the New Year, the sisters-in-law and younger sister-in-law were all going back to visit their parents. Zhang Xiuping did not stay any longer and returned to her own home with her husband and children on the fourth day.

Deng Changyuan's family and Deng Changdong's family also returned together, as they had come together.

...

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(End of Chapter)

Chapter end