Chapter 482: Home is Awesome, Not Inferior to Taiwan

Chapter 482: Home is Awesome, Not Inferior to Taiwan

Bobai County.

Naye Deng Clan Community.

Looking at this community named after the Naye Deng Clan, Deng Shize was truly filled with emotion.

He never thought that the old Ninth, who used to follow him around, would have such great ability. After becoming the clan head, he led the entire clan to raise funds and build this beautiful community in the county town. It was truly impressive.

When they arrived at their residence, the seven-story house, which was extremely spacious and luxuriously decorated, naturally caused Deng Shize and his family to marvel.

In Taiwan, they rarely saw houses decorated with such artistic flair.

The next day, after breakfast, Deng Shirong and others took a car back to Naye Village.

This year, taking advantage of his elder brother's family returning, Deng Shirong planned to have a grand reunion. Not only would all his own children and grandchildren return, but his third sister's entire family would also come to Naye Village for the New Year.

On the way back to Naye Village, the winding roads and the townscapes they passed through looked different to Deng Shize and his children and grandchildren.

Deng Shize compared the current Bobai County to what it was fifty years ago and naturally felt that it had changed a lot for the better.

After all, he still had some vague memories of what Bobai County was like back then.

The roads back then were narrow and ragged dirt paths, and the towns along the way had few decent buildings.

Now, compared to then, it was much better.

The county town now had many high-rise buildings and various types of structures, a significant improvement.

The roads had been widened and paved with asphalt, also a significant improvement.

The towns they passed through now had many more buildings, a complete transformation.

Deng Shize's children and grandchildren, who grew up in Taiwan, naturally compared Bobai to Taiwan. The Taiwanese economy was at its peak, and even the most developed city in mainland China, Shanghai, was far behind Taiwan, let alone other places.

Accustomed to the prosperity of Taiwan, they found Bobai County's "ragged" roads and buildings somewhat disappointing.

When they returned to Shuangwang Town, Deng Shize felt increasingly familiar with the surroundings.

Despite being away from home for many years, he had never forgotten his hometown.

As the large bus passed through Shuangwang Market, crossed Mangtou Ridge, and entered the village where the Naye Deng Clan lived, the sixty-meter-wide avenue and the rows of villas finally gave Deng Shize and his family a strong shock.

They had expected the long row of villas, as Deng Shirong had already told them while they were in Taiwan that every household in the Naye Deng Clan lived in a large villa. Therefore, seeing the row of villas, they were only somewhat amazed, not overly shocked.

What truly shocked them was the sixty-meter-wide avenue. The sudden appearance of such a modern and beautiful highway in this backward rural area was a big surprise to anyone.

Although it was the cold twelfth lunar month, the lowest temperature was still a few degrees above freezing. The yellowing branches and leaves of the ginkgo trees had not fallen completely, still looking golden and beautiful, making Deng Shize and his family stare in awe.

After arriving at the sixty-meter-wide avenue, it wasn't far to their home.

In less than two minutes, the two large buses and four small cars stopped in front of the old Deng family residence.

After getting off the bus, Deng Shize leaned on his cane and looked around. Although the old houses, including his own, were no longer there, he still saw many familiar things, such as the stream at the entrance, the mountain in the front left, which used to be a drying field, and the huge banyan tree on the right, where the earth spirit resided.

The mountains a bit further away also looked very familiar.

While Deng Shize was looking around, the commotion caught the attention of the clan members, who curiously gathered around.

Within a few minutes, a shocking piece of news spread throughout the Naye Deng Clan.

"Uncle Three, hurry... hurry to the clan head's house, something big happened!"

"Seventh, slow down, what happened at the clan head's house?"

"The clan head's brother, who disappeared for fifty years, has returned!"

"Ah? What... what's going on? The clan head's brother returned?"

"I'm not sure of the details, but I heard he came back from Taiwan, along with over twenty of the clan head's nephews and nieces."

"No wonder the clan head's brother was out of touch for so long; he was in Taiwan. This is indeed a big deal, I need to go see."

"..."

Similar scenes played out in many households.

Upon hearing the news, the clan members rushed to the clan head's house.

Clan members under sixty-five years old had little to no impression of Deng Shize.

After all, when Deng Shize left home, they were all children under ten years old. Such young children, even if they had memories, would have forgotten everything after fifty years.

However, clan members over sixty-five years old, especially those over seventy, were Deng Shize's contemporaries. If they lived in villages far away, it was normal not to know each other, but in the nearby villages, they were childhood companions, so they were naturally more familiar.

For example, Deng Shian, who was three years older than Deng Shize, was a childhood friend. The impression was still very vivid.

Therefore, upon hearing the news of Deng Shize's return, Deng Shian immediately rushed over.

"Aze!"

"Brother An!"

The two had not seen each other for over fifty years. If they met outside, they would definitely not recognize each other, as people look completely different in their youth and old age. After several decades, no one could recognize each other.

However, once they knew each other's identity and observed closely, they could still find some characteristics from their youth.

Deng Shian said with a face full of emotion, "I really didn't expect that after more than fifty years, I would still see you come back."

Deng Shize also sighed, "Indeed, I never thought that I would spend the rest of my life in Taiwan. But it turns out that I met our Ninth at a gathering in Taiwan. It must be the ancestors' blessing."

Deng Shian couldn't help but ask, "Aze, in recent years, many compatriots from Taiwan have returned to the mainland to visit their relatives. Why have you never come back?"

Deng Shize sighed, "My situation is a bit special. It's really hard to explain. I'll tell you when I have the time."

Deng Shian nodded, "Alright, we can talk about it later. Now that you're back, you won't be leaving again, right?"

Deng Shize shook his head, "No, I won't leave. I plan to spend my old age here. Being able to return to my roots is my greatest wish."

Deng Shian smiled, "That's good. Our Naye Deng Clan, under the leadership of your Ninth, has changed a lot. Staying here is better than going anywhere else."

Hearing this, Deng Shize also smiled and said, "I didn't expect that my Ninth would be so capable. The village has changed so much since I left. I remember that place used to be a drying field. Now, is it a clan temple or something else?"

Deng Shian said proudly, "That's our Naye Deng Clan temple. It has been built for about seven or eight years, costing over one million RMB. I doubt you can find a more magnificent and splendid clan temple anywhere in the country."

Deng Shize couldn't help but widen his eyes. He knew the exchange rate between Taiwanese dollars and RMB. Building this temple cost over one million RMB, which is several million Taiwanese dollars, and that was a few years ago. This was truly impressive!

He immediately said, "I have to go and see it."

Deng Shirong, who had just walked over, heard this and asked, "Brother, your health, shouldn't you rest first?"

Deng Shize shook his head, "No need. I'm not too tired. I can see the temple and then rest later."

Deng Shirong said, "Alright, if you feel unwell, let us know. Our village has a county-level hospital."

Deng Shize was surprised, "Our village has a county-level hospital?"

Deng Shirong nodded and smiled, "Yes, it's built near A Po Mountain. You'll see the hospital when we go to the temple."

Deng Shize was delighted, "That's great. I was a bit worried about the inconvenience of staying here, but with this hospital, it's like having a safety net. I can stay here with peace of mind."

At this moment, Deng Yunfu, who had finished greeting the clan members, walked over and was also very happy. This time, his father and Uncle Man returned to their hometown, bringing everything they needed, preparing to stay and spend the rest of their lives here.

Deng Yunfu and his siblings naturally supported their father's decision.

After all, this was their father's greatest wish.

However, they were aware of their father's health. In Taiwan, he could easily get medical care if needed, but back in the mainland, such convenience might not be available.

But to their surprise, there was a county-level hospital in the hometown, which finally put Deng Yunfu's mind at ease.

For their father to spend his old age here was indeed the best choice.

Soon, Deng Shize, supported by his eldest grandson, arrived at the Naye Deng Clan temple, which was only a few dozen meters away. His wife and other children and grandchildren naturally followed.

There's no need to describe the next scene. The family was thoroughly amazed by the grand and magnificent temple.

As a member of the Naye Deng Clan, Deng Shize felt not only amazed but also proud, especially when he saw the names and donations on the temple's merit wall. Knowing that his Ninth had contributed significantly, he felt honored as his elder brother.

Deng Yunfu and his siblings, who were born and raised in Taiwan, naturally had less attachment to the mainland compared to their father. However, after seeing the temple, they felt a stronger sense of belonging to their hometown.

Although this sense of belonging wasn't enough to shift their focus from Taiwan to the mainland, with this newfound connection, if they found better prospects on the mainland, they would be willing to return.

After the family finished touring the temple, Deng Shirong pointed towards A Po Mountain and said, "Brother, look, that's our village hospital."

The temple and A Po Mountain were only about a hundred meters apart, and the hospital building was clearly visible from there. Deng Shize nodded in approval. With this hospital as a safety net, he could live a few more years in peace.

Next, Deng Shirong informed the clan members about the clan meeting the next day, and then he led his brother's family back to the villa.

Deng Shirong's villa was the largest, with enough rooms. Combined with the old house, it was sufficient to accommodate his brother's family and his third sister's family.

After lunch, Deng Shize, leaning on his cane, asked somewhat sadly, "Ninth, where are our parents buried? I want to take the children to pay our respects."

Deng Shirong said, "Not far, they are buried in Da Wo Du. However, we can delay paying respects for a couple of days. Since it has been so many years, a few more days won't matter. The day after tomorrow is New Year's Eve. I'll prepare the offerings and come to pay respects then."

Deng Shize nodded, "That's fine. It wouldn't be proper to go empty-handed for the first time."

Deng Shirong pondered and said, "Brother, when we pay respects to our parents, we should tell them about your situation. Your identity as a KMT general might upset them. Now that you're retired and planning to spend your old age here, should we report your situation and try to restore your party membership?"

"We don't ask for anything else, just a formal recognition."

Deng Shize had initially not planned to go through this trouble. After all, the people who knew his identity back then were likely long gone, otherwise, they would have contacted him long ago.

Now, after several decades, many things could no longer be proven true or false. It would be quite difficult for him to return and gain the state's recognition.

However, his brother's point was valid. Being a KMT general in Taiwan was indeed prestigious, but in the mainland, it was a different story.

If his parents knew, they probably wouldn't be happy.

Thinking about this, Deng Shize hesitated and said, "Old Nine, I don't really understand the situation in our homeland now. Do you think it's really okay to report my situation?"

Deng Shirong said, "Brother, we have quite a few family members in public service. And Yuncheng and Yunsong's fathers-in-law are high-ranking officials. We can talk to them first about this matter. If they think it can be done, we'll go ahead. If they don't, we'll drop it."

Deng Shize slowly nodded and said, "Alright, let's hear what the kids think."

Hearing this, Deng Shirong called over his eldest son-in-law, second son, third son, and third daughter-in-law, who were all involved in politics, and explained his brother's situation. He concluded by saying, "Your uncle wants to return to the organization. Do you think this is difficult to arrange?"

Deng Yuncheng, surprised to learn about his uncle's hidden past, was the first to speak, "Uncle, if you were still active, it would be hard without solid evidence. But since you're retired and only seek formal recognition, it shouldn't be too difficult."

Deng Yunsong added, "Second Brother is right. Uncle just wants formal recognition. Even without much proof, the leaders will consider it favorably."

Pei Qinghua said, "Uncle, if you decide to report this, I can contact my father to ask about the situation."

Deng Shize, knowing the identity of his niece's father, nodded and said, "Qinghua, thank you for your help."

Pei Qinghua smiled, "Uncle, no need to be so formal. It's just a simple task."

Deng Yuncheng said, "I can also call my father-in-law and some leaders to discuss this matter."

Deng Shirong added, "Brother, if your return is recognized by the organization, all my nephews and grand-nephews will have to return to the mainland. Otherwise, if the news leaks, it might cause some trouble."

Deng Shize nodded, "I understand. Let's report it first. If I can truly return to the organization, then let Yunfu and the others handle the business in Taiwan and return to the mainland to develop."

Deng Shirong said, "That's fine then."

Pei Qinghua said, "I'll call my father right away."

Deng Yuncheng said, "I'll also call my leaders to ask about this."

...

Deng Shize's family returning from Taiwan caused a huge stir in the Naye Deng Clan.

On one hand, Taiwanese compatriots were synonymous with wealth and often had political considerations, so every Taiwanese compatriot returning to the mainland for a visit was given significant attention by the local government.

On the other hand, Deng Shize was the elder brother of the clan head. This identity alone was enough to cause a stir in the entire clan.

"I heard that Third Uncle is not going back to Taiwan this time and will stay to retire in his hometown."

"Although Taiwanese people are wealthy, our Naye Deng Clan is not far behind. It's normal for Third Uncle to return and retire here."

"Third Uncle is the elder brother of Ninth Uncle. Since he has returned, shouldn't we let him have some shares in the Deng Clan Group?"

"I think we should let Third Uncle have some shares. After all, our Deng Clan Group was built by Ninth Uncle leading us. We have what we have today because of Ninth Uncle. Now that his elder brother has returned, it's only right to give him some shares."

"Indeed, without Ninth Uncle, we wouldn't be where we are today. Now that Third Uncle has returned, giving him some shares is something I fully support."

"I also support it. Giving up some shares won't affect our income much. I'll bring it up at the clan meeting tomorrow."

"Yes, let's all bring it up. It's not right to let Ninth Uncle bring it up himself!"

...

"It's really unexpected that Third Uncle is still alive."

"Back then, Third Uncle went to serve in the military and never returned, and for decades, there was no news. We thought he might have met with some accident, but it turns out he went to Taiwan."

"Was Third Uncle a member of the KMT back then?"

"I'm not sure, but since he went to Taiwan, he was probably a KMT member."

"It's not good to ask too much about such matters. Anyway, it's good that he's back."

...

It must be said that Deng Shirong's prestige in the clan was truly immense. When discussing his brother, the clan members unanimously agreed to let his brother have shares in the Deng Clan Group, and at the price from back then, not the current price.

In other words, it was like giving a portion of the shares to Deng Shize for free.

All of this was undoubtedly due to Deng Shirong's status as the clan head. If it were any other clan member, even a high-ranking official like Changyong, it would be impossible to gain such unanimous support.

However, Deng Shirong would never take such an advantage. As the most respected clan head in generations, fairness was a basic principle. With his guidance, his brother's family would have significant opportunities for development, even without shares in the group. There was no need to insist on this.

...

PS: Thank you all for the monthly votes. This era is truly tough. In just a few days, my family has contributed several thousand yuan to the hospital. Sigh...

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end