Chapter 483: The Ninth Elder's Prestige

Chapter 483: The Ninth Elder's Prestige

The 29th of the twelfth lunar month.

The Naye Deng Clan once again convened a clan meeting at the entrance of the ancestral hall.

Every year, the Naye Deng Clan's clan meeting attracts many people to observe, and this year was no exception. Medical staff and their families from Naye Hospital who were not on duty, as well as villagers from nearby areas such as Jimapo, Bangliang, and Shenshuitian, all rushed over to watch.

The Deng Shize family and the Deng Shilan family also attended in full. Among them, apart from Aunt Deng Shilan and the Bu Dafang family, who had lived in Naye Village for a long time, the rest were attending the Naye Deng Clan's clan meeting for the first time, finding it very novel.

The first part of the meeting was the scholarship awards. Seeing clan members receive scholarships ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan, the Deng Shize family all secretly praised the initiative.

Deng Shize, being a general in the Nationalist Party, naturally understood the significant difference between having and not having an education.

His children, who had high educational qualifications and had struggled in society for many years, also clearly understood the importance of education.

Therefore, seeing the clan place such a high value on education, they were very optimistic about the clan's future.

After distributing the scholarship awards, the next part was the dividends for the aunts. This year, the dividends were 1,200 yuan more than last year, reaching 4,800 yuan, which naturally made the aunts very excited.

However, the most exciting part was the dividends for the clan members.

Although the clan no longer lacked money, this was relative. With the development of the film city in their hometown, business opportunities were everywhere, and many clan members wanted to invest in some business. While small investments were manageable, larger ones might require more capital.

To help these ambitious clan members, Deng Shirong had decided early on that this year's dividend amount would be higher than in previous years, with each share worth 20,000 yuan.

Thus, this year, the clan's dividends were at least 200,000 yuan for the lowest-earning households. Deng Shirong himself received 40 million yuan, leaving the Deng Shize family and other onlookers dumbfounded.

Among Deng Shize's five children, the eldest, Deng Yunfu, was the wealthiest, with a net worth of around 30 million yuan, the result of his efforts over more than 20 years.

However, Uncle Man received 40 million yuan in dividends from the clan in just one year, more than what Deng Yunfu had earned over 20 years. This was truly impressive.

Even the wealthiest Deng Yunfu couldn't compare, let alone his other siblings.

At this moment, Deng Shirong's nephews and nieces were in awe of him.

As for Deng Shirong's nephews and nieces, though this was their first time seeing the Naye Deng Clan's dividend distribution, they had heard about it countless times before. Even though this year's dividends were higher than in previous years, they were not particularly amazed.

They were already used to their uncle's greatness!

"Uncle Nine, now that Uncle Three has returned, I propose that Uncle Three also join the Deng Group, at the same price as when we joined."

"Yes, Uncle Nine, we owe our success today to you. Now that Uncle Three has returned, it is only right for him to join the Deng Group."

"Uncle Nine, everyone is right, I also support Uncle Three joining the group."

"Ancestor Nine, I also support Ancestor Three joining the group."

"..."

Just after the dividends were distributed, a clan member suggested that Deng Shize join the Deng Group, and the other clan members immediately agreed.

This scene left the Deng Shize family stunned!

The Deng Group was the top private enterprise in the country, capable of distributing hundreds of millions of yuan in dividends each year. The clan members were willing to let them join the group unconditionally, and at the original price, which was like giving away shares for free.

Deng Shize was not foolish; he understood that this was the clan showing respect to their Ninth Elder. His children, being smart, also realized that the clan was willing to do this solely because of their Uncle Man's reputation.

At this moment, they clearly felt how highly respected Uncle Man was within the clan and developed a strong liking for the Naye Deng Clan for the first time.

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "Thank you, everyone, for your recognition of my elder brother. However, as the saying goes, without rules, there can be no order. My elder brother is part of the clan, but he did not participate in the initial fundraising when the company was established. Joining now would not be appropriate.

So, on behalf of my elder brother and his family, I thank everyone for your kindness, but we will decline the offer to join the group."

Deng YunGui could not help but persuade, "Uncle Nine, I know you are afraid of breaking the rules, but we have no objection to Uncle Three joining."

Deng YunQiang also agreed, "Yes, Uncle Nine, we fully support Uncle Three joining the group."

Other prominent clan members like Deng ShiAn, Deng ChangBao, Deng ChangXiong, and Deng ChangYu also spoke up, genuinely wanting Deng Shize to join the group.

The clan had a total of 14,588 shares. An additional hundred or two would have no significant impact on everyone's income. The Deng Group was built by Clan Head Deng Shirong and the clan members. If even the Clan Head's elder brother could not have a share in the group, it would be unfair.

Therefore, the clan members who suggested that Deng Shize join the group were sincere.

Deng Shirong smiled, "I understand everyone's intentions, but rules are rules and cannot be broken. Besides, it's not just about joining the group. I will help my nephews and nieces start their own businesses after the New Year. Their development might be even better than joining the group."

Hearing this, the clan members were convinced.

The Clan Head truly demonstrated fairness and selflessness. If it were anyone else, they would have readily agreed to let their elder brother join the group under the clan's request.

But the Clan Head repeatedly refused, preferring to let his nephews and nieces start their own businesses rather than let them break the rules and enjoy the benefits without effort.

The Naye Deng Clan was truly fortunate to have such a capable and selfless Clan Head!

As for the onlookers, they were genuinely impressed by this scene.

...

After returning to the villa.

Deng Shirong asked, "Elder Brother, I declined the offer for you to join the group. You won't blame me, right?"

Deng Shize smiled, "Why would I blame you? Honestly, I haven't been back for over 50 years, and I know no more than ten familiar clan members. The clan's willingness to let us join the group is all because of you, and I understand that."

Deng Shirong took the tobacco pipe and said, "Brother, I'm glad you understand. You can rest assured about Yunfu and the others. If they are willing to return to the mainland to develop, I have many profitable projects for them. The returns will definitely be substantial."

Hearing this, Deng Shize couldn't help but look at his five children and said, "Hurry up and thank your Uncle Man. He is a true business genius. With his guidance, you can just close your eyes and pick up money."

"Thank you, Uncle Man!"

The five siblings said in unison.

Uncle Man had led the entire clan to prosperity in just a few short years and established the top private enterprise in the country. The cousins who were already in business also had successful careers that the five siblings could only admire from afar.

All of this was due to Uncle Man's efforts.

It was no exaggeration to say that Uncle Man was a god-like figure in the hearts of the five siblings.

Now, with Uncle Man clearly willing to guide them, as long as they were willing to return to the mainland to develop, their future would definitely be bright.

...

This year, on New Year's Eve, Deng Shirong, in addition to slaughtering chickens and ducks to offer to Grandfather, also specially slaughtered a sheep to pay respects to his parents.

Actually, in Bobai, on New Year's Eve, people only offer sacrifices to Grandfather and generally do not go to the graves to pay respects.

However, this year was special because Brother, who had been away for over fifty years, had returned. Naturally, special arrangements were made.

After offering sacrifices to Grandfather, Deng Shirong's family and Deng Shize's family, along with Aunt Deng Shilan and her husband, carried the sacrificial items to Dawodong, a short distance away, to pay respects to their parents.

The nephews and nieces, according to the customs of Shuangwang, were not suitable to pay respects to their grandparents, so Bu Dafang and the others did not come along.

Soon, Deng Shirong and his party arrived at their parents' graves.

According to the customs of the Naye Deng Clan, graves are only paid respects to once a year during the Qingming Festival, unlike in some places where people pay respects during Qingming, Chongyang, and the Spring Festival.

It had been ten months since the last visit, and the graves were overgrown with weeds.

Deng Shize and the younger generations cleared the weeds and placed the sacrificial items. He then lit three incense sticks, had his wife help him insert them, and, supported by his eldest grandson, Deng Changzuo, he knelt down with trembling legs and a tearful voice, saying, "Father, Mother, your unfilial son has come to see you!"

Seeing Deng Shize kneel, everyone else, including Deng Shirong and Deng Shilan, also knelt down.

Deng Shize knelt before the graves, recounting his years of longing for his parents, his guilt for not being able to provide for them in their old age, and his shame for not visiting them for so many years.

As the saying goes, "When parents are alive, life has a purpose; when parents are gone, life is just a journey."

Deng Shize, moved to tears, cried like a child.

Deng Shirong and Deng Shilan, listening, also had red eyes.

Though Hu Laotai had never met her in-laws, seeing her husband in such sorrow, she also shed tears and spoke to her in-laws.

As for Deng Yunfu and his siblings and children, they had never met their grandparents, so it was unrealistic to expect deep feelings. However, seeing their father (grandfather) so heartbroken, they too felt a sense of sadness.

Deng Shirong, fearing that his brother would harm his health, seeing that the time was almost up, went over to help him up and comforted him, "Brother, don't be too sad. If Father and Mother knew, they would definitely not blame you."

Deng Shilan also went over to help her sister-in-law up and offered a few comforting words.

Wiping away his tears, Deng Shize said with a stuffy nose, "Old Nine, what do you think about building a white tomb for Father and Mother?"

As previously mentioned, a white tomb is one constructed with lime, and it is not something that can be done casually.

The first condition for building a white tomb is that the grave must be a feng shui treasure site, as determined by a master. Building a white tomb for a small, ordinary grave would invite ridicule.

Secondly, white tombs are typically built for old graves, not new ones.

Deng Shirong pondered and said, "Brother, I agree with building a white tomb for Father and Mother. Their graves were examined by a master and are considered a feng shui treasure site, meeting the conditions for a white tomb. After the Spring Festival, I will find a master to check it out. If the master approves, we will build a white tomb for Father and Mother."

Deng Shize nodded, "Alright, let's do it that way."

For such matters, as long as the two brothers agreed, they could make the decision without needing Aunt Three's (sister's) consent. In Bobai, once a daughter is married, she has no say in her natal family's affairs.

Building a white tomb for their parents, while both brothers were present, was indeed more convenient.

If one day the brothers were no longer around, the younger generations would have to reach a unanimous decision to proceed, and even a single objection would halt the process.

If it were to go to the next generation, the difficulty would increase further.

After all, the more people involved, the harder it is to reach a consensus.

Next, they burned gold and silver paper, set off firecrackers, and then paid respects to Deng Shirong's deceased wife, who was buried nearby, within a hundred meters. Since they were already there, they naturally took the opportunity to pay their respects.

After the rituals, they returned to prepare the New Year's Eve dinner.

They were busy until after two in the afternoon, preparing an extremely sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner.

In previous years, before the New Year's Eve dinner, Deng Shirong would have his children summarize their achievements of the year.

This year, with the addition of Brother's family and Aunt Three's family, and with his own family all gathered, it was a rare occasion.

Before the meal, Deng Shirong looked at his brother and said, "Brother, would you like to say a few words?"

Deng Shize, seeing his three siblings surrounded by their children and grandchildren, was very happy and said, "Sure, I'll say a few words."

Thus, Deng Shize gave a few encouraging words to the younger generations. Deng Shilan and Deng Shirong each spoke a few words as well, and then they began to eat.

This New Year's Eve dinner was unprecedented and would likely never be repeated. It was already difficult for everyone to put aside their work and return for the New Year, let alone the fact that Aunt Three's family would only return to their natal home this year under special circumstances. Normally, they would celebrate the New Year in Baoshan Village.

After the dinner, Deng Yunzhu suggested taking a group photo, an idea that everyone agreed to.

Half an hour later, a timeless moment was captured.

In this eternal moment, Deng Shirong sat in the center, with the Deng Shize couple on the left, the Deng Shilan couple on the right, and the three siblings in a row. Behind them stood the second generation, led by Deng Yunfu. Behind them, the third generation, led by Deng Changzuo, sat at the front.

After taking the group photo, Deng Shirong and the others sat by the fire pit, chatting and roasting by the fire.

Deng Yunfu said, "Man Uncle, I have already decided. After the Spring Festival, I will go back and sell all my businesses in Taiwan, then return to the mainland to develop."

Deng Yunlu added, "Man Uncle, I also plan to do the same."

Deng Yunshou said, "Man Uncle, we also plan to resign from our teaching jobs and return home to develop."

"Very good. Now is the best era for commerce in a thousand years. You won’t regret this decision," Deng Shirong praised, then looked at Deng Yunlian and Deng Yunhua, and asked, "Yunlian, Yunhua, what about you? What are your plans?"

Deng Yunhua said, "Man Uncle, we also plan to shift our focus to the mainland and entrust the businesses in Taiwan to our brothers."

Deng Yunlian and her husband were both public servants with permanent positions. In the modern world, such positions, whether in the mainland or Taiwan, are rare and valuable, and generally not resigned from.

However, seeing the development in their hometown, they were also impressed by Uncle Man's business acumen.

Now, hearing Uncle Man's inquiry, Deng Yunlian asked somewhat hesitantly, "Man Uncle, neither of us has ever done business and are completely clueless about it. If we resign and return to develop, will there be suitable businesses for us?"

Deng Shirong gave his nieces a reassuring pill, confidently saying, "Don’t worry. I have many profitable businesses. Some require brains, while others don’t need much thinking. Even if you are clueless about business, I can find suitable ones for you."

Hearing this, Deng Yunlian said without hesitation, "Then after the Spring Festival, we will resign and return."

Deng Shize was immensely pleased in his heart. He had returned to his hometown to settle down and naturally hoped his children would also return to the mainland to develop. This way, he could see his children more often in his remaining years.

If his children all stayed in Taiwan, the number of times he could see them would be very limited.

As an old man with few years left, he naturally hoped that when life approached its end, his children would be able to accompany him more often.

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "Alright, after you have finished your matters in Taiwan and return, we can talk about the business opportunities."

"Thank you, Uncle Man."

The five siblings and their children all thanked him. With Uncle Man's assurance, they had nothing to worry about.

...

At 8 PM.

The highly anticipated Spring Festival Gala began on time, and at the hour strike, the classic advertisement slogan "Kangshifu Instant Noodles, delicious and visible" appeared before hundreds of millions of people.

Kangshifu Instant Noodles were the dominant brand in the instant noodle market, with an annual sales volume reaching hundreds of billions, it was currently the most profitable product of the Deng Group. With the addition of CCTV's top advertisement, the sales volume would definitely increase in the coming year.

This was the first time the Deng Shize family watched the Spring Festival Gala on the mainland, and they were undoubtedly attracted by the CCTV gala.

The CCTV Gala in the 1990s was still quite spectacular.

At midnight, watching fireworks soar into the sky, blooming with brilliant lights, Deng Shize showed a satisfied smile. After decades, he finally experienced the long-missed New Year's flavor in his hometown.

...

The five siblings and their descendants stayed in the hometown until the sixth day of the New Year, then set off for Shenzhen, preparing to return to Taiwan via Hong Kong.

After his children left, Deng Shize also made a phone call to the leadership through his nephews and nieces.

Although it was a matter from over fifty years ago, Deng Shize's situation was extremely special, and the leadership still placed significant importance on him. They did not want heroes to shed both blood and tears, and after a series of verification, the leadership specially convened a high-level meeting.

Without going into details, the result was that Deng Shize's contributions were recognized by the leadership and recorded in the history of the War of Resistance Against Aggression.

Moreover, Deng Shize was granted equivalent treatment, making him a general of the country.

The Deng Clan finally had a second leader.

Of course, to avoid unnecessary trouble, according to Deng Shize's request, the matter was handled in secrecy and not made public. Even the Deng Clan did not know that their clan head's elder brother had become a general of the country.

After resolving this matter, Deng Shize could be said to have no regrets.

On this day, after breakfast, Deng Shize said, "Old Nine, I plan to build a house in the village. What do you think is a good location?"

Deng Shirong understood his brother's thoughts. Although he did not lack a place to stay, temporary residence was very Different from permanent residence, and having his own house would make life more comfortable.

Thinking of this, Deng Shirong said, "Brother, I have two suggestions if you plan to build a house."

Deng Shize said, "Go on."

Deng Shirong said, "The first suggestion is to add a villa in the Villa Complex, at the end of Shanying Village. The land there is owned by Jimapo Village, and I can Just Make a Call and Provide Compensation.

The second suggestion is to build an Independent Villa at the old house. The area there is large enough, and even without Demolishing the current house, there is sufficient Space to Build a Large Villa."

Deng Shize thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll Build the Villa at the old House. I grew up here as a child, and Living in a villa here will be more Comfortable than other places."

Deng Shirong nodded and said, "Alright, this large Villa will be a Gift from me, your Uncle Man, to you and your Nieces. I'll Have the Nanning Architectural Design Institute Help with the Plans, then Arrange a Construction Team to Build it, Aiming to move in within six months."

Hearing this, Deng Shize did Not Decline, smiling, "Then I won't Be Rude to you, This Billionaire."

Deng Shirong said, "You are My Only Elder Brother, We don't Need to Be Formal."

...

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(End of Chapter)

Chapter end