Chapter 464: Clan Dividends, Medical Staff Stunned (Part 1)

Chapter 464: Clan Dividends, Medical Staff Stunned (Part 1)



Time flies.

Before they knew it, the annual Spring Festival travel rush was about to begin.

It had been sixteen or seventeen years since the reform and opening up, and the number of people working in Guangdong had reached tens of millions.

For these migrant workers, the only time they could return home to see their families was during the Spring Festival. Going home at any other time was impossible unless they quit their jobs, as there were no holidays during the rest of the year.

With so many people trying to return home within a span of ten to fifteen days, even the transportation of the 1990s, let alone the future, would struggle to cope.

After all, the Spring Festival travel rush in China is known as the world's largest human migration. Under such circumstances, getting a ticket home and boarding the train smoothly were not easy tasks.

(On January 11, 1995, a long queue formed at the front square of Guangzhou Railway Station)



(On January 19, 1995, at the ticket check of Guangzhou Railway Station, a young female passenger was pushed to tears by the crowd)



The journey from queuing for tickets to boarding the train is unimaginably bitter, exhausting, and helpless, especially for those with a fear of crowded spaces. Some even driven to the brink of despair.

At this moment, Peng Qiulan was standing in a long queue at Guangzhou Railway Station, exhausted and preparing to buy a ticket back to Nanning.

After graduating from junior high school, she had followed her village's older siblings to Guangzhou to work, and had been doing so for several years.

Although her junior high school education was not high, it was still commendable among the many female migrant workers. After working diligently in the factory for two years, she was promoted to team leader. After another three years, she was promoted to group leader.

Now, she earned four to five hundred yuan a month, which was considered a very good salary.

If one only looked at the salary, it was indeed a high income for that era, but Peng Qiulan was still tired of the factory life.

The factory she worked in was a capitalist one, not the state-owned factories of the past. Working ten hours a day was standard, and working eleven or twelve hours was routine. During peak production times, working thirteen or fourteen hours was also normal.

With such long working hours, after subtracting time for meals, bathing, washing clothes, and personal hygiene, there was hardly any free time left.

Such a life, day after day, was not what Peng Qiulan wanted. The only reason she had stayed in the factory for so long was because the salary was decent, and she planned to save up some capital to start her own business. That way, no matter how much or little she earned, she would have more freedom.

After queuing for several hours, she finally managed to buy a ticket back to Nanning, much to her delight.

When it came to ticket checking and boarding, Peng Qiulan was almost in tears from the crowd. The whole process was indescribable.

After finally boarding the train, Peng Qiulan felt as if she had lost half her life.

...

Peng Qiulan was one of the luckier passengers. Many others spent over ten hours queuing and still couldn't get a ticket, while some managed to buy a ticket but couldn't board the train before it left.

The unluckiest were a father and son. The son, being smaller, managed to squeeze onto the train, but the father couldn't. As the train was about to leave, one was unable to get on, and the other couldn't get off.

When the train left, the father burst into tears and sought help from the railway police.

In short, no one who chose to return home for the Spring Festival had an easy time. They all faced numerous difficulties, akin to enduring eighty-one tribulations, to finally reunite with their families.

...

Wuyue Square.

Yongjia Supermarket.

As the first and largest supermarket in Nanning, Yongjia Supermarket had always been very successful since its opening.

Especially during the end of the year, when customers were preparing for the New Year, the supermarket's business would be several times better than usual, with a large number of customers coming to shop. This year was no exception.

Among today's customers was Peng Qiulan, who had just returned from Guangzhou yesterday. She was shopping for New Year's goods with her mother.

In Nanning, Yongjia Supermarket was one of the best places to buy New Year's goods.

At the checkout, the female cashier asked, "Hello, do you have a membership card?"

Peng's mother, confused, asked, "What is a membership card?"

The female cashier smiled and explained, "The membership card is a new service we've launched. If you sign up for our membership card, you will earn points with each purchase. These points are valid for one year and can be redeemed monthly for items like peanut oil, rice, toothpaste, and laundry powder.

These are just the basic features of our membership card. In the future, we will introduce more benefits. Would you like to sign up for a membership card?"

Peng's mother was intrigued and asked, "Does it cost money to sign up for the membership card?"

The female cashier smiled and replied, "Signing up for our membership card is free."

Peng Qiulan's mother, hearing this, immediately smiled broadly and said, "Then please get us one!"

The female cashier smiled and said, "Sure, please go to the main cashier desk to get your membership card, and then come back to complete your transaction. This way, I can add the points from your purchase to your membership card."

Peng Qiulan's mother thanked her and then went with her daughter to the main cashier desk to get the membership card.

Among the people waiting in line to check out, those who hadn't yet obtained a membership card also followed to get one.

After all, it was a free service, and there was no reason to miss out on it.

Soon, Peng Qiulan's mother and others had their membership cards. The points system worked such that for every 1 yuan spent, 1 point was earned. At the end of each month, the supermarket would hold a points exchange event, where customers could redeem their points for various items for free.

As long as you had enough points, you could get items of considerable value for free.

In short, this was an additional benefit, and it was naturally a good thing for the customers.

When it was time to check out, the female cashier smiled at Peng Qiulan's mother and said, "You spent a total of 86 yuan this time. I have already added these 86 points to your membership card. Please keep an eye on our monthly points exchange events."

"Thank you!"

Peng Qiulan's mother responded, and then she and her daughter left the supermarket, carrying their New Year's goods, with broad smiles on their faces.

"Peng Qiulan?"

Just as they stepped out of the supermarket, Peng Qiulan heard someone calling her name. She turned around and saw a well-dressed figure. The familiar face made her exclaim, "Fan Yuemei!"

"It really is you!"

Fan Yuemei said with a sigh, "You've changed so much over the years, I almost didn't recognize you."

"You've changed even more. If you hadn't called out to me, I probably wouldn't have recognized you. You're getting more and more beautiful."

Peng Qiulan's eyes were filled with amazement as she introduced her mother, "Mom, let me introduce you to my junior high school classmate, Fan Yuemei. She was also my desk partner, and we were the closest in our class back then."

Fan Yuemei greeted first, "Auntie, hello!"

Peng Qiulan's mother also smiled and greeted her, "Fan, hello. My daughter Qiulan has mentioned you many times. She said you were not only beautiful but also the top student in the class. I always encouraged her to learn from you."

Fan Yuemei smiled, "Auntie, you're too kind. This isn't the place to talk. Why don't we go up to my office for a cup of tea?"

Peng Qiulan was surprised, "Yuemei, you work upstairs?"

Fan Yuemei nodded, "Yes, I work at the Ahua Appliance City on the third floor. We haven't seen each other in years, and it's rare to meet here. If you have time, let's go up and have a cup of tea and chat."

"Sure!"

"Mom, why don't you come up with us?"

Peng Qiulan's mother shook her head and smiled, "Fan, you and Qiulan go up. I won't join you. Feel free to visit our home when you have time."

Fan Yuemei didn't insist and smiled, "Okay, Auntie."

Peng Qiulan's mother said, "Qiulan, I'll go home first. You and your classmate haven't seen each other in years, so you should have a good chat."

Peng Qiulan said, "Sure, Mom, you go ahead."

Peng Qiulan's mother responded, greeted Fan Yuemei again, and then left with the New Year's goods.

Fan Yuemei then led Peng Qiulan up to the third floor and into a very well-decorated office.

Before entering the office, Peng Qiulan had seen the sign above the door that read "General Manager's Office." She was taken aback and said, "Yuemei, you're the general manager of Ahua Appliance City?"

"Sort of!"

Fan Yuemei said with a smile as she boiled water and made tea, "But let's not talk about me. Tell me about your life over the past few years. I've asked some classmates about you recently and heard that you didn't continue your education after junior high school, right?"

Peng Qiulan sat down, sighed regretfully, and said, "Yes, I didn't work hard enough in school, and my middle school exam results were very poor. I lost the motivation to continue, so I went to work in Guangzhou with some others. It's been a few years now."

"So you entered the workforce so early."

"Yes, if I had known how tough it would be in the real world, I would have studied harder back then. Even if I couldn't get into university, I should have at least finished high school."

People often realize the importance of education only after they leave school and face the harsh realities of the world. Unfortunately, by then, it's too late to change things.

Peng Qiulan was no exception. After entering the factory, she realized the importance of education. If she had a high school diploma, she might have been promoted to team leader earlier, or even have a chance at a higher position.

After briefly recounting her life since junior high school, Peng Qiulan asked, "Yuemei, you were such a top student. Did you get into university?"

Fan Yuemei smiled and said, "I was admitted to Wuhan University."

Although Peng Qiulan wasn't very clear about the prestige of different universities, to her, any university student was someone unattainably high. She said enviously, "If I calculate the time, you must have graduated from university this year, right?"

Fan Yuemei nodded and said, "Yes, I graduated this year."

Peng Qiulan asked curiously, "Yuemei, you just graduated from university this year, so how did you become the general manager of Ahua Appliance City?"

At this moment, the water had boiled, and Fan Yuemei, while making tea, replied, "Qiulan, after I graduated from university, I got married. This appliance city is my husband's family business, and now it's under my management, which is why I became the general manager."

Peng Qiulan couldn't help but widen her eyes; this answer was really unexpected. She exclaimed, "My goodness, you got married right after graduating! That's really quick. Did you meet your husband while you were in school?"

Fan Yuemei smiled and said, "Sort of. I met my husband by chance during the summer of my third year. After I graduated, we got married."

Peng Qiulan, full of admiration, said, "Yuemei, you're really a winner in life. Not only did you get into university, but you also married so well. I'm really envious."

Fan Yuemei poured her a cup of tea and smiled, "I feel pretty lucky too."

After chatting about their current situations, the two old friends, who hadn't seen each other in a long time, continued to reminisce about some fun moments from their school days over tea.

They chatted for over an hour, and Fan Yuemei asked, "Qiulan, working in Guangzhou isn't a long-term plan. What are your future plans?"

Peng Qiulan said, "Actually, when I came back for the New Year, I had already quit my job. Working in the factory is too restrictive. Every day is just work, with almost no free time. If I keep going like this, my youth will be wasted in the factory.

I've worked in the factory for many years and saved some money. I plan to invest in a small business. I haven't decided what exactly yet, but whatever it is, it will be better than working in the factory. At least I'll have more freedom."

Fan Yuemei nodded and said, "Being your own boss is definitely better than working for others. Do you plan to start your business in Nanning or go back to Guangzhou?"

Peng Qiulan said, "Guangzhou has a larger population, and it's easier to make money there. However, I don't know anyone there, and the social security is not good. It's too dangerous for a girl to do business there.

After much thought, I decided to return to Nanning to start my business. Although Nanning's development is far behind Guangzhou, it's our home, and I know many people here. It's much safer than Guangzhou."

Fan Yuemei agreed, "Safety is indeed important. For a girl to do business in Guangzhou is quite dangerous. It's different from working in a factory. I'm relieved that you've considered this."

Peng Qiulan said, "Mainly because of the years I spent in Guangzhou, I've heard a lot about various crimes. Even the factory leaders often warn the employees not to stray far from the factory after work to avoid any trouble."

The two of them chatted for a while, and when Fan Yuemei saw that it was almost noon, she stood up and said, "Qiulan, it's rare for us to meet again. Let's go downstairs and have some hotpot."

Knowing that her old classmate had married into a wealthy family, Peng Qiulan didn't hesitate and smiled in agreement.

...

This year, Naye Village was more bustling than any other year.

The main reason was the addition of the Naye Hospital this year.

This hospital alone had over a thousand medical staff and their families. Add to that the patients and their families, and the number was at least one and a half thousand. It was impossible for Naye Village to be anything but lively.

Even though it was already the end of the year, the number of medical staff and patients at Naye Hospital did not decrease.

After all, illnesses can strike at any time, regardless of whether it's the New Year. Medical staff are one of the few professions that work year-round without a break.

Of course, during the Spring Festival, medical staff rotate their shifts. As long as there are no special incidents, unexpected incidents, taking a few days off is not a problem.

With only a few days left until the Spring Festival, the doctors in various departments were busier than usual, especially the surgeons, who were trying to finish all their surgeries before the New Year so that they could arrange shift rotations.

At this moment, in the expert's villa, Lady Liu asked, "Lao Liu, are we really not going back to our hometown for the New Year this year?"

Liu Jianzhong nodded and said, "Yes, we won't go back this year."

Lady Liu said, "Lao Liu, the hospital doesn't have many patients right now, and you have people under you. There's no need for you, as the head of the department, to stay and hold the fort."

Liu Jianzhong said, "You don't understand. During the Spring Festival, the important figures of the Naye Deng clan will return to celebrate the New Year. It's a rare opportunity to interact with them, so of course, we need to stay here for the New Year."

Lady Liu seemed to understand and said, "Alright, then we'll stay here for the New Year this year."

...

Not only did Director Liu Jianzhong think this way, but the other department heads and hospital leaders had similar thoughts. They had been working at Naye Hospital for some time and had a good understanding of the power of the Naye Deng Clan. This year, they all wanted to stay in Naye Village for the New Year. On one hand, they were curious to see how the richest village in Guangxi, and perhaps the country, celebrated the New Year. On the other hand, they wanted to take the opportunity to network with the respected and influential people in the village.

As for the ordinary medical staff, they didn't think too much about it. Being able to take turns to go home for the New Year was a good thing, but if they couldn't, it wasn't a big deal. Staying in Naye Village for the New Year also seemed quite interesting.

As the New Year approached, except for those who couldn't leave their posts, the other members of the Naye Deng Clan also returned to the village for the New Year. Among them was the family of Deng Changyong, who hadn't returned to their hometown for over a decade.

Deng Changyong, being a high-ranking official, caused quite a stir when he brought his entire family back for the New Year.

On the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Naye Deng Clan held a grand dividend distribution meeting at the entrance of the ancestral hall. Hundreds of the clan's married daughters, except for a few who lived far away or couldn't make it, all gathered.

This dividend distribution meeting, involving over three thousand clan members, was a grand event. The medical staff and patients at Naye Hospital naturally received the news. Thus, except for those who were on duty and couldn't leave, the rest of the medical staff and their families, as well as many patients and their families, curiously gathered at the entrance of the Naye Deng Clan's ancestral hall to witness the clan's dividend distribution meeting.

Even some members of the nearby Guan Clan, upon hearing the news, came to join the crowd.

The number of people quickly reached five or six thousand, making the scene incredibly lively.

Deng Changyong's family was also present at the scene. Seeing the prosperity of the clan, Deng Changyong felt very gratified and was deeply impressed by the clan head who had led the entire clan to prosperity. If it weren't for the clan head's broad-mindedness, selflessness, and dedication to the clan's well-being, the Naye Deng Clan wouldn't have achieved such success today!

Moreover, during this visit, Deng Changyong also heard from Uncle Wu about the clan head's strict punishment of drug addicts. He praised the decision highly, believing that having such a clan head was a great fortune for the entire Naye Deng Clan.

The time for the clan meeting arrived, and Deng Shirong stepped onto the stage and said, "Fellow clan members and sisters, today is the annual grand day of the clan's dividend distribution. However, before we distribute the dividends, we will first award scholarships to our outstanding students.

In recent years, our Naye Deng Clan has produced many excellent students. The number of those who have been admitted to high schools, junior colleges, colleges, and universities has been increasing. Throughout Baise County, no other clan can match us in this aspect.

The purpose of establishing the scholarship program was to encourage our clan's students to study hard. It seems to have been quite effective. I hope all the students will continue to work hard, strive to get into their ideal universities, and become pillars of the nation.

Now, those whose names are called, please come forward to receive your awards."

Upon hearing Deng Shirong's words, the Naye Deng Clan members and the Guan Clan members were already accustomed to it, but the medical staff, patients, and their families, who were hearing about the scholarship program for the first time, were all wide-eyed in amazement.

Deng Changyong's family was also hearing about the scholarship program for the first time and eagerly watched.

Then, the clan students whose names were called one by one came forward to receive their awards. The rewards varied based on their academic performance.

However, even the smallest reward was a significant amount of money.

The best reward was for those who ranked first in their grade, of which only three clan members received it. Xiao Dong'er was naturally one of them, and even in the city's best junior high school, she dominated the entire school just as she did in elementary school.

Ranking first in the entire grade, she received a direct reward of 2000 yuan, which left the medical staff, patients, and their families in awe.

"My goodness, just for ranking first in the grade, they get a reward of 2000 yuan. The Naye Deng Clan is truly wealthy and generous!"

"How impressive, the Naye Deng Clan places such a high value on education. No wonder they are so prosperous."

"Truly amazing, I can't earn 2000 yuan in a year, but the Naye Deng Clan's students can get 2000 yuan just for ranking first in their grade. I can't help but admire them!"

"Indeed, it's truly incredible..."

"..."

Everyone who was witnessing the Naye Deng Clan's scholarship program for the first time was completely stunned!

...

PS: Thank you to everyone for your support and monthly votes.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end