Chapter 425: Grand Vision, Magnificent Layout, and the Presence of a Soaring Dragon

Chapter 425: Grand Vision, Magnificent Layout, and the Presence of a Soaring Dragon

Fujian.

F qing.

A certain family residence.

Gu Caiwei was in the kitchen preparing lunch, while Deng Damei was in the living room playing with her uncle Changmao.

In this household, Deng Damei was mainly responsible for taking care of Uncle Changmao, cleaning, washing clothes, picking and washing vegetables, and washing dishes. These tasks seemed numerous, but for Deng Damei, who had been used to doing chores since childhood, they were very easy to manage.

Gu Caiwei, as the female head of the household, was responsible for buying and cooking, and in her free time, she would also take care of her son.

In short, with Deng Damei as a capable helper, Gu Caiwei could even indulge in embroidery, and life was quite leisurely.

For today's lunch, Gu Caiwei was preparing three dishes and one soup. At the moment, she was making tomato and egg soup.

Gu Caiwei had not been skilled in cooking before, but after deciding the set wedding date, she had learned a bit from her mother, considering the post-wedding life. Her cooking skills were decent, and before getting married, she could already make some common dishes well.

After sauteing the tomatoes and adding a large spoon of water, Gu Caiwei walked out to the living room to play with her son.

During this playful time, a knock came from outside the door.

Deng Damei thought it was Yungeng who had forgotten to bring the key, so she hurriedly went to open the door.

Upon opening the door and seeing the person outside, Deng Damei couldn't help but greet with a surprised face: "Grandfather!"

Gu Caiwei followed suit, also greeting with surprise: "Dad!"

Deng Shihong smiled and responded to the children by his side, also greeting: "Second Aunt, Damei."

"Xiaodong, Dongzi, you're here too."

Seeing the incoming niece and nephew, Gu Caiwei smiled and asked: "Did you come to play because you passed the final exams?"

"Yes, Second Aunt."

Xiaodong nodded and then looked at Ergou: "Ergou, do you still recognize me?"

Dongzi also jumped out and shouted: "Ergou, I'm the brother."

Ergou opened his eyes wide, looking at one and then the other, unsure of what to say, and finally blurt out a word: "Sis~ter~"

Xiaodong excitedly responded: "Second Aunt, can I hold Ergou for a bit?"

Gu Caiwei smiled: "Of course, you sit on the sofa, and I'll hold him for you."

Dongzi hurriedly said: "Ergou hasn't called me brother yet!"

Gu Caiwei couldn't help but laugh and said: "Dongzi, you need to teach him first, Ergou still can't speak too well."

Deng Shihong handed the large bag to Deng Damei and said: "Damei, these are beef brisket, beef brisket, spicy crab, tea, glutinous rice wine, longan, and ash water cake. You take them and put them away."

Deng Damei responded: "Alright, Grandfather."

At that moment, Gu Caiwei had already placed Ergou in Xiaodong's arms and said: "Dad, such a long journey with two children, how did you bring so many things? That's too much work!"

Deng Shihong waved his hand and said: "Not too much work, it's almost the New Year. Bringing a bit of these local specialties makes it easier to send gifts."

He wanted his son to be frugal, but sending such local specialties was a normal way to maintain relationships, and Deng Shihong supported it, as China has always been a society of human relationships, as long as it's not illegal.

Being family, Gu Caiwei didn't make much ado and said: "Dad, you rest a bit, I'm still cooking the soup in the kitchen!"

Deng Shihong smiled: "Let me do it. Do you have noodles here?"

Gu Caiwei said: "Yes, but Dad, you don't need to cook noodles. I've already cooked rice, and I usually cook all day for lunch, so there's enough rice. After lunch, I'll cook more."

Deng Shihong nodded: "Alright, then I'll cook the dishes, and I'll heat the canned goods."

Gu Caiwei responded: "Alright!"

...

Half an hour later.

Deng Yungeng had also returned from work, seeing his father and niece and nephew suddenly arrive, he was also very happy.

At that moment, Deng Shihong had already prepared the dishes, and the canned beef brisket was heated, the rich aroma making one's mouth water.

During the meal, Deng Shihong asked: "Yungeng, do you have time to go back for the New Year this year?"

Deng Yunheng nodded and said, "I really don't have the time. Before the New Year, I have to lead a team to visit and comfort retired cadres, frontline workers, moral role models, and families of martyrs. If not, let Weiwei take Ergou back for the New Year!"

Deng Shihong shook his head and said, "Since you don't have time to go back, why don't your wife and child stay here to keep you company during the New Year? Otherwise, you'll be too lonely here on your own."

Gu Caiwei looked at Deng Damei and smiled, "Damei, you'll have to stay here with us to celebrate the New Year this year."

Deng Damei quickly replied, "Second Aunt, it's no trouble at all. Celebrating the New Year here is fine. Besides, I have many siblings at home, so one less person won't make a difference."

Deng Shihong smiled and added, "Damei, once you bring Ergou to primary school, Ninth Ancestor will help you find a good match."

Deng Damei blushed and said, "Thank you, Ninth Ancestor."

At that moment, Deng Yunheng tasted the fragrant beef brisket in the can and said, "Dad, the beef brisket you made tastes really good. If you mass-produced it for sale, it might be a good business."

Deng Shihong shook his head and said, "I've thought about having the clan's food company produce it, but the production process is quite demanding, and the cost is high. If we mass-produced it for sale, the price would be out of reach for most people. After much consideration, I decided not to go through the trouble. It's better to just make some for ourselves to enjoy."

Deng Yunheng said, "If the cost is high, it is indeed a problem."

Deng Shihong said, "I brought quite a few cans this time, all homemade. There are also lychee nuts, broken black tea, and glutinous rice sweets from Bobai. Find a suitable opportunity to give some to your leaders to build a closer relationship."

Deng Yunheng pondered and said, "Alright, I understand."

Deng Shihong thought for a moment and added, "How about inviting your leaders over for a home-cooked meal while I'm here? That way, I can naturally give them some local specialties."

Deng Yunheng nodded and said, "That works. I'll mention it to my leaders and see if they're willing to come."

"Anyway, you decide. We'll be here for about a week."

Having said that, Deng Shihong changed the topic, "By the way, there's something I need to tell you. Xiaosong has found a girlfriend."

Deng Yunheng was surprised and said, "When did that happen?"

Deng Shihong said, "It's been a few months. I've already met her parents."

Deng Yunheng widened his eyes and said, "Good boy, he didn't even hint at it when Azhu got married. He kept it so secret. Where is the girl from, and what does she do?"

Deng Shihong smiled and explained, "Xiaosong is a steady person. Since the wedding date isn't set, he naturally didn't want to publicize it."

Then he continued, "The girl is from the capital, and she works with Xiaosong. She's a top graduate from Renmin University, with an excellent figure and appearance. She also has a strong background. Xiaosong is fortunate to be dating such a girl."

Gu Caiwei suddenly understood, "No wonder Xiaosong kept it a secret; it turns out her family has a strong background!"

Deng Yunheng asked, "What kind of background does her family have, Dad? Do you know?"

Deng Shihong nodded and said, "Of course, her father is one level higher than Weiwei's father."

Upon hearing this, Deng Yunheng and Gu Caiwei exchanged glances, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes.

One level higher than her father's rank, reaching such a high level, for Xiaosong to be dating the daughter of such a prominent figure and for their families to have met, it was truly impressive.

Deng Yunheng sighed, "Good boy, he's been keeping it under wraps until he makes a big splash!"

Deng Shihong smiled, "Let's keep this quiet for now. After the Spring Festival, I'll find a master to choose an auspicious day, and then we'll finalize the engagement in the capital."

Deng Yunheng and Gu Caiwei nodded in agreement. It was indeed better not to publicize the engagement until it was finalized to avoid any unnecessary complications.

...

Deng Shihong bringing his grandchildren to Fuzhou was not just to visit his second son's family. He also planned to take the two kids to see the local famous scenic spots, making it a proper trip rather than just visiting relatives.

Fuzhou has quite a few famous attractions.

In the future, the most famous attraction in Fuzhou would be Shaolin Temple. This Fuzhou Shaolin Temple, located in the Shaolin village of Dongzhang Town in Fuzhou, was founded by one of the thirteen monks of the Tang Dynasty who came to Fujian. It is a genuine ancient temple that has stood for a thousand years. Unfortunately, it did not escape the destruction by war and now only remains as a ruin.

It is 1992, and it won't be until 1993 that the site of this Fuzhou Shaolin Temple will be discovered by archaeologists.

The Shaolin Temple gained fame after the "Kung Fu Emperor" starred in the movie "Shaolin Temple," and he later starred in "North and South Shaolin," which made the national audience realize that there were northern and southern Shaolin Temples.

The Northern Shaolin, of course, refers to the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song.

As for the Southern Shaolin, it is known to be located in Fujian, but the specific temple is still a matter of debate.

In Fujian, the Shaolin Temple is not limited to the Fuzhou Shaolin Temple; there are also the Putian Shaolin Temple and the Quanzhou Shaolin Temple. Each of these ancient temples has its own glorious history and a deep connection to the Northern Shaolin Temple.

In the future, these three Shaolin Temples will all vie for the title of Southern Shaolin, none of them willing to concede to the others.

However, in terms of influence, the Quanzhou Shaolin Temple stands out the most.

The Quanzhou Shaolin Temple is renowned for being the birthplace of the founder of the Hong Fist, Hong Xiguan, who trained a large number of disciples, including the famous Huang Feihong. This has made the Quanzhou Shaolin Temple highly influential both domestically and internationally.

In 2004, when the martial arts master Louis Cha (Jin Yong) visited Fujian, he specifically toured the Quanzhou Shaolin Temple and inscribed the 16 characters: "Shaolin martial arts, with a long history, have been passed down to the south, flourishing and developing."

This further enhanced the reputation of the Quanzhou Shaolin Temple.

Despite its fame, the Quanzhou Shaolin Temple could not persuade the other two Shaolin Temples to concede the title of Southern Shaolin. Even until Deng Shihong's rebirth, the three temples were still citing historical texts and debating the issue.

At this time, the Fuzhou Shaolin Temple had not yet been rebuilt, so Deng Shihong could only take his grandchildren to visit other scenic spots.

Fortunately, Fuzhou has many other attractions. Besides the Shaolin Temple, which had been destroyed by fire, there is the Ruiyun Pagoda, which has stood for nearly four hundred years.

(Ruiyun Pagoda at night)



Additionally, the Tianbao Sluice, with a history of over 1,200 years, is another noteworthy site.

Deng Shihong's intention in taking his grandchildren on this trip was also to guide them in learning. He particularly enjoyed taking them to historical sites with centuries of cultural heritage, allowing them to experience the richness of China's 5,000-year-old civilization.

The results were mixed. Xiaodong showed a strong interest in Chinese history and culture, always wanting to understand the cultural heritage behind these ancient buildings.

On the other hand, Dongzi had little interest in these matters. When he saw the Ruiyun Pagoda, he wasn't thinking about its cultural significance but rather how far he could pee from the top of the tower.

When he saw the Tianbao Sluice, one of the oldest and largest water conservancy projects, he didn't care much about its history. Instead, he just wanted to play in the water and catch some fish, which would make his visit even more perfect.

Deng Shihong could see the stark difference in their attitudes. He was confident that his eldest granddaughter would grow up to be a cultured person, while his eldest grandson was likely to be a spoiled rich third generation, hoping only that he would be a well-behaved one rather than a notorious one.

...

Four days later, in the afternoon.

Deng Shihong was carefully preparing a feast in the kitchen to entertain his second son's leader.

Initially, when Deng Shihong suggested that his second son invite his leader to their home for a meal, he didn't really expect the leader to accept. However, the leader, who valued his second son, agreed to have a simple dinner at their home.

Although the current rank of his second son's leader was only one level higher, Deng Shihong knew the leader's capabilities.

For the first time entertaining the leader, Deng Shihong put in his best effort. He not only prepared several signature dishes from his hometown but also specially made dishes from the leader's hometown. This was a truly heartfelt effort.

Soon, as Deng Shihong finished preparing the dishes, his second son returned home with the leader.

The details of the dinner are not important, but it was a pleasant and enjoyable meal. Deng Shihong's culinary skills were highly praised by the leader, and he experienced the leader's approachable and friendly nature, feeling as if he were basking in a warm spring breeze while chatting.

Deng Shihong remembered a saying from the future: when chatting with someone, if the entire conversation is very pleasant, making you feel a sense of regret for not meeting sooner and finding a kindred spirit, it may not necessarily mean you've found a true friend. It could also mean that the other person is accommodating you.

Since his rebirth, Deng Shihong, with his decades of online experience, could hold his own even when chatting with important figures like Secretary Gu and Sect Leader Pei. In front of others, he was the one accommodating them, not the other way around.

However, this time, when meeting his second son's leader, Deng Shihong finally experienced the feeling of being accommodated.

After the dinner, the leader did not refuse the local specialties that Deng Shihong offered.

Deng Shihong praised the leader, saying, "Yunheng, your leader is truly remarkable, with a grand vision and a magnificent layout, displaying the presence of a soaring dragon. You should closely follow the leader's steps and learn from him. If you can learn even half of his skills, you will benefit for life."

Deng Yunheng had been in contact with his leader for quite some time and was deeply impressed by the leader's abilities. He didn't expect his father to have such a keen eye, giving such a high evaluation after just one meeting.

He nodded and said, "Understood, Dad. I've been learning from my leader all along."

...

After staying in Fuzhou for a week, Deng Shihong returned home with his grandchildren.

By the time they arrived back in Nanning, it was already the 25th day of the 12th lunar month.

The family rested for a night in Nanning before driving back to their hometown for the New Year.

On the 29th day of the 12th lunar month, the annual dividend distribution meeting was held again at the entrance of the Naye Deng Clan's ancestral hall.

Although the size of the Deng Clan Group was such that even distributing a few hundred million yuan would not affect the group, Deng Shihong felt it was unnecessary. After all, the clan members were already well-off, each one being the wealthiest in their respective villages. Distributing so much money would only result in it being deposited in banks, without any significant impact.

Therefore, this year's dividend, like previous years, remained at 2000 yuan per share.

Before the dividend distribution began, Deng Shihong, as the chairman of the group, summarized the group's development for the year: "Fellow clan members, this year our Deng Clan Group has achieved even greater success than last year. Particularly, Deng Clan Real Estate has several construction projects underway. The Nongfu Spring mineral water company has almost completed the water source base in Zhejiang's Thousand Island Lake, and we will be launching our mineral water products next year.

Additionally, our flagship product, Master Kong instant noodles, has seen a significant increase in sales and remains the most profitable product of our Deng Clan Group.

The passenger transport company has also expanded, further increasing its profitability.

Sales of Eight Treasure Porridge have doubled compared to last year, yielding excellent profits.

Sales of Master Kong Ice Red Tea have also surged, and our cooling tea and mooncakes have gained a certain audience, with great potential for future development..."

Over 3,000 clan members, seated or standing, listened quietly to the clan head's summary. Hearing about the group's continued success, they all wore happy smiles.

After Deng Shihong finished his summary, the most anticipated dividend distribution began. Clan members happily took the stage to receive their money, with stacks of hundred-yuan bills ensuring that even the poorest clan members crossed the 100,000 yuan savings mark. Wealthier members like Deng Changbao and Deng Changxiong had savings in the millions, truly living in opulence.

After all the clan members had received their money, Deng Shihong took the stage again and said, "Fellow clan members, by the second half of next year, our Naye Deng Clan's villa complex should be completed. I will provide several renovation options, and you can choose one to renovate your villa.

Once the villa complex is fully renovated, we will calculate the expenses and deduct them from next year's dividends.

Furthermore, when our hospital is completed, we will need to hire a large number of medical staff. If any clan members have relatives or friends in the medical field, you can introduce them to work at our hospital. The salary and benefits will definitely be better than those of hospitals of the same level.

However, I need to clarify that our hospital's primary goal is to ensure the health of all Naye Deng Clan members. Therefore, we will only recruit elite medical professionals. Those with insufficient skills should not be recommended to avoid the embarrassment of failing the interview.

However, if the medical professionals you recommend are highly skilled and renowned in their field, our hospital will provide them with the best possible treatment and benefits.

For example, the two- to three-story villas currently under construction are intended for our hospital's experts. Additionally, we will ensure that these experts are not disappointed in terms of salary and benefits. If any clan members know experts or highly skilled medical professionals, feel free to introduce them to us."

Upon hearing this, the clan members began to discuss among themselves.

The clan's influence extended far and wide, with connections reaching into diverse sectors, particularly the medical industry. Numerous clan members had personal ties to medical experts, and they were eager to secure the finest medical care for their loved ones.

A young woman with a confident demeanor rose from her seat, addressing the Clan Head. "Respected Clan Head, my uncle holds a prestigious position as the Deputy Director and Chief Physician at Wuzhou Hospital, excelling in the field of pediatrics. May I inquire about the potential benefits he could receive if I facilitate an introduction to our esteemed hospital?"

Deng Shihong glanced over and noticed Liu Mei, Deng Changping's wife from Machun. He paused for a moment, then said, "The exact terms of employment will be negotiated in person, but I can guarantee that his salary will surpass what he's currently earning at Wuzhou Hospital. Moreover, if your uncle possesses the skills to head a department, he might even be considered for the position of hospital director."

Liu Mei nodded and said, "Alright, I'll see if my uncle has time to come back for the New Year. If not, I'll visit him in Wuzhou after the New Year and discuss this with him to see if he is interested in working at our hospital."

...

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(End of Chapter)

Chapter end