Chapter 448: A Shocking Year-End Dividend

Chapter 448: A Shocking Year-End Dividend

The Fan Family.

Seeing her daughter return, Qin Fengzhen couldn't wait to ask, "Yue Mei, how did Uncle Deng treat you? What was his attitude like?"

Fan Yue Sheng and Fan Yue Qiang, the brothers, also looked at their sister with eager anticipation.

They all knew that their sister had climbed the social ladder and become the girlfriend of the young master of the snack street. Today, she was meeting the family. If their sister could gain the approval of the powerful boss behind the snack street and become his daughter-in-law, their Fan family would rise to new heights.

Fan Yue Mei said, "Uncle Deng's attitude was very good. He has already recognized my status."

Qin Fengzhen exclaimed in pleasant surprise, "Tell me more quickly, dear."

Fan Yue Mei smiled and said, "Uncle Deng clearly told me that once I graduate next year, he will arrange our wedding for us."

"Great!"

"Sis, congratulations!"

Qin Fengzhen and her two sons were all overjoyed.

Fan Yue Mei said, "Mom, I also have something else to tell you. After I graduate next year, I won't be joining a government office."

Qin Fengzhen couldn't help but frown. She had always been proud that her daughter had gotten into university and would secure a stable job, a "golden rice bowl." Now, before she even graduated, her daughter was announcing that she would give up this secure job. She found it hard to accept.

"Yue Mei, this isn't a game. You need to think carefully."

Fan Yue Mei said, "Mom, I've already thought it through. During dinner, Uncle Deng told me that once I marry into the Deng family, he will let me manage Ahua Appliance Store. This is also a business of Brother Hua's. It would be foolish to manage such a large business and still go to work for a few hundred yuan a month."

Qin Fengzhen was surprised, "Ahua Appliance Store? Is it the Ahua Appliance City at Wuyue Square?"

Fan Yue Mei nodded, "Yes, the Ahua Appliance City at Wuyue Square. It is also Brother Hua's business."

Fan Yue Sheng's eyes widened, "Sis, your fiance is so amazing, even Ahua Appliance City belongs to him."

Fan Yue Qiang added, "Sis, I support you. If you can manage such a large appliance city, why would you go to work for a government office?"

Qin Fengzhen couldn't help but nod, "Managing Ahua Appliance City is indeed much better than joining a government office."

Fan Yue Qiang was excited, "Great! Once Sis becomes the boss of Ahua Appliance City, we will all benefit. Ha ha..."

Fan Yue Sheng couldn't hide his smile either. With such a large appliance city under her management, they would definitely benefit from it.

Qin Fengzhen was also very happy, but she remained calm and looked at her three children seriously, "Yue Mei, you are lucky to have found a good match in Xiao Hua. Once you marry into the Deng family, remember, only take what they offer you. Don't ask for more, understand?"

"And Yue Sheng, Yue Qiang, you two must remember this as well. Don't be a burden to your sister. If your brother-in-law is willing to help you, take it, but don't ask him for anything, and don't even ask your sister for help, understand?"

Fan Yue Qiang asked in confusion, "Mom, why is that? We are siblings. Isn't it normal for her to help us since she has such a good marriage?"

Qin Fengzhen shook her head, "Yue Qiang, you can't think like that. Let me give you an example. If we have a relative who comes to help us and immediately asks for payment, and refuses to work without it, would you feel comfortable?"

Fan Yue Qiang said, "Of course not!"

Qin Fengzhen continued, "If this relative comes and works enthusiastically without talking about money, and after finishing the work, we will definitely pay him and even treat him with good food and drinks.

Spending the same amount of money, one might make us uncomfortable, while the other makes us feel good. Do you understand?"

Fan Yue Mei, being a top university student, understood her mother's point immediately, despite the somewhat inappropriate analogy. She nodded, "Mom, I understand. I will focus on my efforts without expecting immediate returns."

Fan Yue Sheng and Fan Yue Qiang, though not as insightful as their sister, also understood the simple analogy and showed thoughtful expressions.

Qin Fengzhen said, "In short, listen to me, and you won't go wrong. Given the Deng family's background, as long as we don't do anything to offend them, they will help us immensely."

The three siblings nodded in unison, taking their mother's words to heart.

...

The twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, Monday.

At 1 PM, at the entrance of the Naye Deng Clan Ancestral Hall, clan members and the sisters gathered.

Every year before the Spring Festival, a clan meeting would be held to reward outstanding students and distribute dividends to clan members. This year, an additional event was added: distributing dividends to the sisters.

Compared to the calm of the clan members, the sisters, participating in the dividend distribution for the first time, were extremely excited.

In the crowd, Auntie Deng Yunzhen was chatting with other clan members and nephews, her face full of wrinkles but her spirits high.

Ever since last year when the clan gathered all the aunts for a meeting and the clan head announced the establishment of a brewery, with a portion of the profits to be distributed as dividends to the aunts, Deng Yunzhen's status at home had soared. The three daughters-in-law who had previously treated her indifferently were now more filial than ever.

This time, the clan's dividend distribution was eagerly awaited not only by her three daughters-in-law but also by Deng Yunzhen herself.

Not just Deng Yunzhen, but many other aunts in the crowd were also looking forward to the clan's dividend distribution.

As the saying goes, "Even among close relatives, business should be conducted clearly." While the Naye Deng Clan was indeed wealthy, the clan's prosperity did not automatically extend to the aunts.

After marriage, if an aunt had a good relationship with her brothers from her natal family, she could borrow money from them when needed, but borrowed money had to be repaid. Capable aunts could use the borrowed capital to start businesses, while less capable aunts remained poor.

Therefore, among the aunts present, there were still many with modest living conditions, and they were all eagerly awaiting this dividend from the clan.

Once everyone had gathered, the first part of the meeting began with the academic awards, a tradition that had been established.

Soon, Xiaodong'er, the top student in her grade, received a 1000 yuan scholarship amid the applause of the crowd. Even Dongzi, who had little concept of money, was envious. His sister always received the highest scholarship each semester, while he had never even received the lowest one.

The clan members were accustomed to this; the clan head's granddaughter was definitely a top candidate for Tsinghua or Peking University. After the clan head's second and third sons, she was currently the most likely to achieve this distinction.

This was the first time the aunts had attended the clan's scholarship ceremony, and they were surprised to hear about Xiaodong'er's achievements.

"Turns out Auntie Dong'er's academic performance is so good!"

"Being the top student in her grade in Nanning is really impressive!"

"This isn't the first time; Auntie Dong'er has been the top student for several years now."

"True to Grandfather's granddaughter, if she can maintain this performance, she will likely become another top graduate from Tsinghua or Peking University."

"..."

The academic awards were quickly distributed, and the students who received them smiled, while their parents felt a great sense of pride.

In the Naye Deng Clan, the focus was no longer on wealth but on the academic achievements of their children. The parents of high-achieving students were highly respected.

After the top students received their awards, Deng Shirong returned to the stage and said, "Ladies and aunts, we have gathered you here today for one purpose: to give you money so that you can have a happy and prosperous New Year."

As soon as he finished speaking, an aunt shouted, "Long live the clan head!"

Soon, other aunts joined in, shouting, "Long live the clan head!"

Finally, all the aunts shouted in unison, "Long live the clan head!"

With the heartfelt cheers of the aunts, the atmosphere in the hall became electrified.

The establishment of the brewery and the annual dividend distribution to the aunts were proposals made by Clan Head Deng Shirong. Now that the money was about to be distributed, the aunts naturally held him in high regard.

Once the aunts' cheers subsided, Deng Shirong smiled and said, "This is the first year the clan is distributing dividends to the aunts. Each aunt will receive 2400 yuan. Those who could not attend due to circumstances can have their family members collect the money on their behalf.

Now, please come up to the stage to receive your money."

Upon hearing this, the aunts erupted in cheers.

2400 yuan, which averaged out to 200 yuan per month, was not a significant amount for the Naye Deng Clan, but for the aunts, it was a substantial income.

Soon, the aunts, beaming with joy, took turns to go up to the stage to receive their dividends from the clan head.

At this moment, the aunts felt a strong sense of belonging and pride in being part of the Deng family. The clan's cohesion reached an unprecedented level.

After the aunts received their dividends, Deng Shirong returned to the stage and continued, "Next, it's time for the clan members to receive their dividends. This year, each share will receive 10,000 yuan, and we will deduct the costs for the villa complex. Those whose names are called can come up to the stage to receive their money."

The dividend amount was increased fivefold mainly to support those clan members with fewer shares, so they wouldn't have to pay additional money to cover the villa costs, which would have been embarrassing. With the Deng Group's ample funds, this dividend was a mere drop in the ocean.

This dividend distribution left the aunts thoroughly amazed. Apart from a few clan members, most received dividends in the tens of thousands, and the prominent clan members received dividends in the millions. The most impressive was the clan head, who received dividends in the tens of millions.

This was the year with the highest dividends distributed by the Naye Deng Clan.

After the dividend distribution ended, Deng Shirong returned to the stage with a somewhat serious expression and said, "Fellow clansmen, due to the varying amounts of shares everyone holds in the Group, the amounts of money received also vary. I hope those who receive less do not feel unbalanced or envy those who receive more.

Since I initiated the establishment of the passenger transport company, followed by the food company, all shares were fairly competed for. Whoever invested more money held more shares. Those who are receiving more today are the ones who pooled their resources and invested heavily back then.

So, I want to make it clear now: I do not want to hear any words that could harm the unity of our clan. Otherwise, don't blame me for being unsentimental."

Currently, Deng Shirong had not heard any complaints about the number of shares from any clansmen, but as the clan head, he had to say this.

In the past, when the dividend amounts were not as high, the differences between individuals were not as significant. Now, with larger dividend amounts, the disparities have become more pronounced, and it's inevitable that some clansmen might feel unbalanced.

After all, the most complex thing in this world is the human heart.

By saying this, he wanted to give a warning to those who might feel unbalanced, urging them to bury their jealousy deep within and never expose it.

"Old Nine, without you, our family would still be living in a mud-brick house, unable to afford pork once a month, and our sons wouldn't even be able to find wives. Now we live in a beautiful villa, eating whatever we want every day, and our sons have all found satisfactory wives. I am already very content with this life and will not feel envious."

"That's true. Without the clan head, we wouldn't be where we are today. Back then, everyone invested fairly, and those who invested more earned more. It's a fair system. If anyone now complains about earning less, that would be very ungrateful."

"Indeed, just think about how other surnames in Shuangwang are living compared to us. If we still feel unsatisfied and complain, that would be truly despicable!"

"..."

The clansmen spoke one after another, criticizing any potential issues.

Now that the clan head had spoken, even if some clansmen felt jealous, they would keep it buried deep within and not say anything to anyone, to avoid any repercussions if the words reached the clan head.

Once the clansmen had criticized enough, Deng Shirong said, "Alright, I won't say more. Everyone take your money and have a happy New Year. Dismissed!"

...

3 PM.

Deng Yunzhen, riding on her nephew's motorcycle, returned to Daliutree Village.

It was already 1994, and motorcycles were no longer as rare as they were in the 1980s. People in various villages had started buying motorcycles, and with the economic conditions of the Naye Deng Clan, buying a motorcycle was not difficult at all.

"Niece, I'll head back now."

"A Long, stay for dinner!"

"No, I have plans to drink with some friends later!"

"Alright, drive safely then."

"Got it!"

The nephew dropped Deng Yunzhen off at home and then rode back.

Soon, her sons and daughters-in-law arrived, knowing that she had gone to the clan to collect the dividends. Now that she was back, they naturally rushed over to show their concern.

"Mom, you're back!"

"Mom, we are worshipping the ancestors this afternoon. Come over for dinner!"

"Mom, we are making sugar cakes tonight. I'll bring some over once they're done for you to try."

"..."

Seeing her three daughters-in-law vying to please her, Deng Yunzhen felt genuinely grateful to the clan head. Without his proposal to distribute dividends to the aunts, her daughters-in-law would have been indifferent to her.

Jiang Dage asked, "Mom, how much did the clan give to you and the other aunts?"

As soon as he said this, the other sons and daughters-in-law also looked at her.

Deng Yunzhen smiled slightly and said, "The clan gave each of us aunts 2400 yuan."

Jiang Dage's eyes widened. "My goodness, that much?"

Jiang Ergge whistled. "That's 200 yuan per month on average. The Naye Deng Clan is truly impressive."

Jiang Sange was also amazed. "I remember Mom mentioning that there are hundreds of aunts in the Naye Deng Clan. If each gets 2400 yuan, that's a huge amount of money!"

Jiang Dage's wife, Jiang Ergge's wife, and Jiang Sange's wife all had bright eyes, like they were lit up by a light. In the first year, their mother-in-law had received 2400 yuan in dividends, which was even higher than they had expected.

This amount of money was not insignificant. If used by one person, it could last for a long time, even if they ate meat every day.

In the countryside, the main breadwinner of a family might not earn that much, and this was completely a gift. The Naye Deng Clan was indeed very generous!

Seeing her sons and daughters-in-law stunned, Deng Yunzhen took out a stack of crisp hundred-yuan bills and said, "You've all taken good care of this old woman over the years. I'll share this money with you. Each family gets 600 yuan, and I'll keep the remaining 600 yuan for myself. This way, if I have a headache or a fever, I won't need to trouble you for money."

“Thanks, Mom!”

The three sons hadn't even spoken, but the three daughters-in-law were already overjoyed, expressing their gratitude.

Deng Yunzhen didn't mind. In reality, it was the daughters-in-law who would take care of her in her old age, not her sons.

Soon, she distributed the money among them. Each daughter-in-law received 600 yuan, and they all beamed with joy. Each family took care of her for four months a year, and 600 yuan meant 150 yuan per month, which was more than enough for her living expenses.

At this moment, the three daughters-in-law sincerely hoped that their mother-in-law would live a long and healthy life.

...

Longtan Town, Potou Village.

Seeing his wife return, Li Guofeng greeted her with a smile, "Wife, you're back!"

"Yep!"

Deng Changyuan responded and then went to the kitchen to drink a bowl of rice soup.

Just as she came out and sat down, Li Guofeng handed her a tobacco pipe, some tobacco, and a lighter, saying flatteringly, "Wife, have a smoke first."

Deng Changyuan took them and was deeply grateful to Old Nine. After she was beaten by her gambling husband, Old Nine personally led a group to support her. Her brothers beat her husband until he begged for mercy. Old Nine also left a stern warning, which completely changed her husband.

Since then, he not only stopped hitting her but also stopped shouting at her.

The past year and a half had been the most comfortable time she had ever had since marrying into the Li family.

Deng Changyuan felt grateful, took a few puffs of the pipe, and then said, "This year, the clan gave each of us 2400 yuan."

Li Guofeng exclaimed, "So much?"

Deng Changyuan took out the money and said, "That's nothing. Do you know how much my father received this year?"

Li Guofeng asked, "How much?"

Deng Changyuan said proudly, "Over 80,000 yuan, after deducting the cost of building the villa."

Li Guofeng drew a sharp breath. He knew his father-in-law was wealthy, but he never imagined he would earn over 80,000 yuan in a year. It was truly unbelievable.

Deng Changyuan took out 500 yuan and handed it to her husband, saying, "This is for you. A man can't go without money. Now that I receive a dividend from the clan every year, we don't have to worry about household expenses.

You've stopped gambling. After the New Year, let's think about starting a business. We need to improve our life. The Naye Deng Clan's aunts are all doing well, and I can't fall behind."

Li Guofeng took the money and said with a smile, "Alright, I'll listen to you."

...

At the same time.

Other aunts also returned home, whether they were grandmothers, mothers, or young wives. After bringing back their 2400 yuan dividends, they all enjoyed unprecedented treatment.

This New Year was likely the happiest one for the Naye Deng Clan's aunts in history.

Especially for those aunts from less fortunate families, this dividend was like a timely rain.

As Lu Xun said, money can solve 95% of the world's troubles.

The news of the Naye Deng Clan's aunts receiving 2400 yuan each spread like wildfire throughout Bobai County.

Aunts from other clans were envious beyond measure.

As for the members of other clans, they could only give a thumbs up and say, "Impressive!"

After all, receiving 2400 yuan from the clan in the first year, without having to do anything, was a unique benefit. Even in the entire Guangxi, it was probably one of a kind.

...

New Year's Eve.

After paying respects to the ancestors, Deng Shirong prepared a large and delicious meal, as usual.

Last year, his second and third sons' families had returned for the New Year, but this year, they didn't come back, making the house less lively.

During the meal, Deng Yuntai gave a year-end summary. His chain of supermarkets had achieved its goals again, now with over 100 stores, spread across Guangdong and Guangxi, and even expanding into other provinces.

The net profit was also impressive, exceeding 80 million yuan. Breaking 100 million yuan in net profit next year was a sure thing.

Hearing his older brother's report, even the laid-back Deng Yunhua was somewhat stimulated.

Of course, he didn't strive for improvement but instead thought about getting married quickly and having his wife take over the business while he enjoyed the fruits of her labor.

...

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(End of Chapter)

Chapter end