Chapter 474: Sixtieth Birthday

Chapter 474: Sixtieth Birthday

  Evening.

  Deng Shirong was hosting a banquet at his villa for Director Xie and his entourage, with executives from Yeyu Film Company in attendance.

  Before the meal, Director Xie raised his glass and said solemnly, "Mr. Deng, I am borrowing the flowers to offer you a toast. I want to thank you for your generous support of our production."

  Deng Shirong raised his glass and clinked it with Xie's, smiling, "Director Xie, you're too kind. Hong Kong has been separated from the motherland for over 150 years, and now it is finally returning. We of this generation are witnesses to history. Being able to contribute our share in such a significant moment is an honor for me."

  Director Xie finished his small glass of wine and nodded repeatedly, "Mr. Deng, what you said is so true. We of this generation are fortunate to witness history and to contribute our share in such a significant moment!"

  Deng Shirong picked up his chopsticks and said, "Director Xie, and everyone else, don't just stare. Try the dishes I've prepared and see how they taste?"

  "Absolutely, it's a rare privilege to have Mr. Deng personally cook for us! Many high-ranking officials don't get this kind of treatment!"

  "Indeed, when we return, if we tell our friends that we've had a meal cooked by Mr. Deng, they will be envious."

  "Heaven, Mr. Deng, your cooking is truly exceptional!"

  "Delicious, I haven't had such a good meal in a long time."

  "I didn't expect Mr. Deng to be so skilled in the culinary arts."

  "..."

  After tasting the dishes prepared by Deng Shirong, Director Xie and the others praised him to the skies, marveling at his skills.

  They never imagined that the renowned CEO of the Deng Group would have such exceptional culinary skills, and the dishes he prepared were on par with those of famous chefs, truly broadening their horizons.

  After the meal, Deng Shirong instructed the CEO of Yeyu Film Company, Huang Zonghan, "Mr. Huang, have someone prepare an investment contract. There are less than two years until Hong Kong's return, and 'The Opium War' must be released before then. Director Xie doesn't have much time left.

  We can't help with other aspects, but we must ensure that we don't delay Director Xie's time in terms of funding and set construction."

  Huang Zonghan nodded, "Understood, Mr. Deng. I'll have the contract prepared immediately."

  Deng Shirong added, "Remember to include a clause in the contract. If 'The Opium War' makes a profit, our film company won't take a single cent; we only want to recoup our investment.

  If 'The Opium War' incurs a loss, no matter how much, our company will bear the full responsibility."

  Since the film's box office performance is bound to be poor, it's better to handle the matter gracefully and do a favor for Director Xie.

  Though this elderly director is just a filmmaker, the directors of this era are different from those of the future. Even the greatest directors of the future might not have the privilege of meeting high-ranking officials, but this elderly man can sit and converse with them.

  His favor is valuable. Even if he just mentions the Deng Group or Deng Shirong's righteousness in passing during a conversation with a high-ranking official, this investment will be worth it.

  Hearing this, Director Xie was deeply moved.

  It was truly rare to find a businessman who would invest tens of millions or even hundreds of millions purely for the sake of national sentiment, without any regard for profit. If there's ever an opportunity, he must properly repay Mr. Deng for his support.

  The other members of the production team also looked at Deng Shirong with admiration, impressed by his boldness.

  That night, in Deng Shirong's villa, both parties signed this unique investment agreement.

  The next day, Director Xie and his entourage returned home happily, making the final preparations for the filming of 'The Opium War.'

  ...

  Nanning.

  Wuyue Square Mansion.

  In the room, Deng Yuntao and his wife, Zhang Xiuping, were playing cards.

  Playing cards is undoubtedly a very enjoyable activity for a couple, but for a couple of their age, it can be a bit awkward.

  Men typically reach their peak in card-playing skills between the ages of 17 and 25. At this age, they can easily play seven sessions in one night and eat three meals a day for a month without stopping, full of boundless energy.

  However, after the age of 25, trying to play seven sessions in one night becomes quite a strain.

  While they can still eat three meals a day, doing so for a week is about their limit. Continuing any longer would be too much for their bodies to handle.

  Women, on the other hand, are generally considered to be at their peak in card-playing skills between the ages of 30 and 40.

  After all, the saying goes, "Thirty is like a wolf, forty is like a tiger."

  Deng Yuntao, at 36 years old, was no longer at his peak, while Zhang Xiuping was right in her prime. Therefore, when they played cards, Deng Yuntao relied more on his technical skills, unlike his younger days when he would go all out and refuse to back down.

  However, compared to going all out, technical play is actually the way to go.

  Going all out only results in a critical hit when both players are in top form, but technical play ensures a critical hit every round. This is where middle-aged men have the upper hand over younger men.

  Deng Yuntao, with over a decade of practical experience, had honed his card-playing skills to a fine art. This round of cards was a satisfying experience for both of them.

  After the game, Zhang Xiuping snuggled up to her husband and asked in a lazy voice, "Brother Tai, what should we get as a birthday gift for Dad's sixtieth birthday?"

  Deng Yuntao smiled, "Don't worry, I've already had someone prepare it. We should receive the actual item in a few days."

  Zhang Xiuping asked curiously, "Brother Tai, what did you prepare?"

Deng Yuntao said, "I've had a famous master craftsman forge two golden peach-shaped birthday gifts. They would be perfect for Dad's birthday."

Zhang Xiuping mused, "The golden peaches are nice, but something still feels missing."

Deng Yuntao asked, "What's missing?"

Zhang Xiuping thought for a moment and said, "These peaches weren't made by our own hands, so they lack a personal touch. How about I find a pastry chef to teach me how to make a cake? On Dad's birthday, I'll make him a birthday cake myself."

Deng Yuntao's eyes lit up when he heard this, "That's a great idea. Let's do it. I'll also tell Xiaodong and Dongzi to prepare birthday gifts for their grandfather."

"Alright, I'll talk to them tomorrow."

"It's getting late, let's go to bed!"

...

Bai County.

Naye Deng Community.

Deng Yunzhen and Zhu Junjie were also discussing the birthday gifts.

In the past, when their father's birthday came around, the family would simply have a simple meal together, so there was no need to prepare special gifts.

However, this was their father's 60th birthday, which held a different significance.

Zhu Junjie asked, "Aizhen, do you have any good ideas for Dad's birthday gift?"

Deng Yunzhen said, "Dad's greatest passion in life is food. I plan to prepare a 'Fu Lu Shou Quan Yu' (Fortune, Rank, Longevity Full Fish) dish for his birthday banquet to celebrate his longevity."

Zhu Junjie nodded, "That's a good idea. I plan to get Dad something special too."

Deng Yunzhen asked, "What special thing?"

Zhu Junjie said, "Tiger bone wine."

Deng Yunzhen was surprised, "You can get tiger bone wine?"

In the 1920s and 1930s, tiger bone wine wasn't a rarity. Even the Bai County brewery sold authentic tiger bone wine back then.

However, times have changed. Since the large-scale hunting campaign in Bai County in the spring and summer of 1953, which resulted in the killing of 25 tigers, tigers have become almost extinct in the region.

Moreover, the large-scale deforestation in 1958 for steel production further destroyed the habitat of wild animals, leading to the near extinction of tigers.

Without tigers, tiger bone wine naturally became unavailable. More importantly, tigers are now listed as a first-class protected animal, and tiger bone wine has become a legend, with only a few connoisseurs still able to taste this potent drink.

Tiger bone wine, first recorded in Sun Simiao's "Qian Jin Yao Fang," is known for its ability to strengthen bones and muscles, invigorate the waist and kidneys, and dispel wind and cold. It is particularly effective in treating conditions such as kidney deficiency, weak bones, cold pain in the lower abdomen, difficulty walking, and shoulder and arm pain.

This drink is truly excellent, but unfortunately, it is now the 1990s, and the sale of tiger bone wine has been banned. Even with a lot of money, you can't find this treasure on the market, except for a few private collections.

Zhu Junjie wasn't sure, but he said, "A friend of mine once told me his grandfather had a few jars of tiger bone wine. I don't know if the wine is still there, and even if it is, whether I can get it is uncertain."

Deng Yunzhen said, "Contact your friend and ask. If you can get the tiger bone wine, it would be the perfect gift for Dad."

Zhu Junjie nodded, "Alright, I'll call my friend tomorrow. If the wine is still there, I'll try my best to get it."

...

A certain family compound in Fuzhou.

Deng Yunheng asked, "Weiwei, how's the clothing you're making for Dad coming along?"

Gu Caimei replied, "It's almost done. Once I finish the last embroidery pattern, it will be complete."

Deng Yunheng smiled, "When Dad wears the clothes you made for him on his birthday, he'll be very happy."

Gu Caimei smiled, "I've prepared my gift, what about you? What do you plan to give Dad for his birthday?"

Deng Yunheng chuckled, "We are a couple, so your gift is also my gift. I don't need to prepare anything separately!"

Gu Caimei nodded, "That's true."

...

Zhou Family in Guangzhou.

Deng Yunzhu asked, "Dongge, what do you plan to give Dad for his birthday?"

Zhou Haidong confidently said, "Dad's greatest hobby is food. I plan to prepare some top-tier ingredients for him."

Deng Yunzhu curiously asked, "What top-tier ingredients?"

Zhou Haidong said, "As the saying goes, 'Food in Guangzhou, Chefs in Fengcheng, Flavor in Chaoshan.' I plan to get Dad some famous Chaoshan abalone."

Deng Yunzhu, who has been in the food industry for a few years in Guangdong, knows about abalone and has tasted it a few times. The flavor truly lives up to its reputation as a top-tier ingredient, even food critic Tsai Lan once praised it, saying, 'Abalone represents the most exquisite ingredient in Chaoshan cuisine.'"

Hearing her husband's plan, Deng Yunzhu nodded in satisfaction, "Dongge, that's a great idea. Dad will definitely like it."

Zhou Haidong smiled and asked, "Aizhu, what about you? What have you prepared for Dad?"

Deng Yunzhu smiled, "I've prepared a photo album, organizing our family photos by time and adding the background stories of when they were taken. I believe Dad will love it."

Zhou Haidong couldn't help but praise her, "That's a brilliant idea. I'm sure Dad will love it too."

...

Yongkang, Zhejiang.

Deng Yunsheng and Pei Qinghua were also discussing what to give their father for his birthday.

Deng Yunsheng asked, "Wife, what gift have you prepared for Dad?"

Pei Qinghua replied, "My calligraphy is quite good, so I plan to prepare a 'Hundred Longevity' scroll for Dad. What about you? What gift have you prepared for Dad?"

Deng Yunsong praised, "Your idea is great. A 'Hundred Longevity' scroll written by hand, Dad will definitely like it. I'm a bit lazy, so I asked a master to paint a birthday scroll for Dad, hoping he will like it too."

Pei Qinghua smiled, "Our home is decorated in an ancient style, so Dad should like calligraphy and paintings."

Deng Yunsong nodded and then said with some emotion, "When I was a child, Dad worked hard every day at the pottery kiln, raising and educating all seven of us. He endured a lot of hardships back then.

It wasn't until the reform and opening up that Dad and Uncle Yun Gui leased the pottery kiln, and our family's life gradually improved.

In a blink, Dad is about to celebrate his 60th birthday. Time really flies!"

"We can't stay by Dad's side due to work, so we can only try to visit him more often in the future."

"Right, we'll visit him more often when we have the time."

...

Deng Yunhua and Fan Yue Mei were also preparing gifts for their father's birthday.

Deng Yunhua, being more conventional, directly bought a wild ginseng root that was over a hundred years old for his father. Fan Yue Mei, on the other hand, was more thoughtful and made a pair of cloth shoes for her father-in-law, learning the shoemaking skills from a specialist.

Deng Yunheng, although still a student, also prepared a birthday gift for his father's 60th birthday. His gift was a pair of high-quality walnuts.

As an intern doctor, Deng Yunheng naturally chose a gift that promotes health.

Originally, walnuts were used for hand-rubbing, a practice that started in the Ming Dynasty. At first, they were used by court musicians to maintain finger flexibility. Over time, the walnuts became smooth and reddish, with a glossy finish like jade or porcelain, and were loved by other palace staff, eventually becoming a popular health tool that spread to the common people.

Due to the auspicious implications of walnuts in folklore, they were easily accepted by the general public, and the practice of rubbing walnuts became widespread.

Emperor Tianqi of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Youxiao, was fond of woodworking and also enjoyed playing with walnuts, even carving them himself. This led to the popular saying, "Playing with walnuts and forgetting state affairs, Zhu Youxiao carves walnuts at his desk."

During the Qing Dynasty, the practice of playing with walnuts reached its peak. There was a saying, "Walnuts in hand, live to eighty-nine, surpassing Emperor Qianlong, even the King of Hell can't take you away." This practice remained popular for centuries, and there must be some truth to it.

Whether rubbing walnuts can extend one's life is debatable, but it is believed to have health benefits. Therefore, Deng Yunheng felt it was a suitable gift for his father.

In addition, Xiaodong and Dongzi also prepared their own birthday gifts for their grandfather.

Xiaodong's gift was simple: she wrote a birthday article for her grandfather. Despite being only in the second year of junior high, she had a good grasp of her studies and was particularly skilled at writing essays. The birthday article she wrote was eloquent and of high quality.

As for Dongzi, he boasted that he would personally catch a few fish to celebrate his grandfather's birthday.

...

While Deng Shirong's children were busy preparing birthday gifts for him, the classic TV series "The Return of the Condor Heroes" was successfully broadcast on mainland television.

Originally, according to the timeline of the previous life, this series would not have been introduced to mainland television for another three years. When it first aired on Hong Kong TVB, its ratings were not particularly high, ranking only fifth that year.

During this period, although the mainland did not introduce the series, there were "The Return of the Condor Heroes" VHS tapes, though it's unclear if they were pirated.

It wasn't until three years later that a mainland TV station introduced the series, which then became a massive hit, causing a sensation and drawing large audiences.

In this lifetime, perhaps influenced by Deng Shirong, the series was introduced to mainland television earlier. The sponsor for the series was Master Kang Ice Red Tea, which was also extremely popular in the future and was worth advertising.

It must be said that this version of "The Return of the Condor Heroes" was truly classic, especially the portrayal of Yang Guo by Gu Tianle. At this time, he was not the dark-skinned Gu of the future. His portrayal of Yang Guo was highly faithful to the original, surpassing both the versions by Liu Dehua and Huang Xiaoming.

Li Ruotong's portrayal of Xiaolongnu was also a classic among classics.

Combined with the excellent chemistry between the leads, this version became a timeless classic that is hard to surpass.

Although Deng Shirong had seen this series in his previous life, he still found it engaging after so many years, which is the power of a classic.

Before they knew it, it was the 24th day of the ninth lunar month.

This day was Deng Shirong's 60th birthday. Early in the morning, Naye Village began slaughtering pigs, cows, and sheep. Chickens, ducks, geese, and fish could be slaughtered in the afternoon, as there was no need to rush.

In Shuangwang, the most important meal is dinner, so the birthday celebration naturally centered around the evening meal.

This birthday banquet not only involved the entire clan but also many relatives and friends. Even all the medical staff and their families from Naye Hospital were invited to Deng Shirong's birthday banquet.

Of course, Deng Shirong did not want to make it too grand, so he did not invite his children's in-laws, to avoid them having to travel long distances to celebrate his birthday.

The guests invited to this birthday banquet were all from within the Bai County region; those outside the region were not invited.

Deng Shirong's seven children had already returned to Naye Village with their families the day before.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end