At the dinner table, Xiāo Kūnguó, disregarding the dampening mood, again admonished Xiāo Zhèngpíng not to overthink things and to simply follow his lead in selling cigarettes. He even said that even if Xiāo Zhèngpíng did nothing at all, they would still provide him with a meal.
His words made the family sigh, and it was clear that, except for Xiùyè, no one else in the family supported Xiāo Zhèngpíng's continued endeavors.
Xiāo Xiùyè wanted to defend her elder brother a few more words, but Xiāo Zhèngpíng stopped her. During such a happy family gathering, Xiāo Zhèngpíng didn't want to upset everyone.
After the meal, everyone else went to the kitchen to warm themselves by the fire and chat, while Xiāo Zhèngpíng carried his cousin back to the bedroom.
After placing Xiāo Zhèngwén on the bed and tidying his bedding, Xiāo Zhèngpíng sat down at the head of the bed.
"Brother," he asked, "it’s been a while since you’ve woven baskets. What, you don’t want to do it anymore?"
"It’s meaningless," Xiāo Zhèngwén replied.
"Is it because of the cigarette selling incident?"
"Ah, yes and no. Píngzi, this world isn't for us poor folks. We're destined to be poor, and no amount of struggling will change that. If you get arrested again, you'll drag Yè'er down too."
"Heh heh, Brother, the deputy director of the County Revolutionary Committee called me. You must have heard? I told you all before, it was this deputy director who helped me get out of the police station. He told me that as long as we follow the policies correctly, we can do anything. He even encouraged me to go big! If you don't believe me, you should at least believe him, right?"
"Me? I don't believe anyone right now. I only believe I'm a cripple, and a cripple has their own way of living. Píngzi, you've told me so much, now let me say something to you: stop struggling. Our Xiāo family can't afford any more trouble."
Xiāo Zhèngpíng had nothing to say, because Xiāo Zhèngwén was right. The Xiāo family truly couldn't afford any more trouble.
At this point, Xiāo Zhèngpíng finally understood a principle—he couldn't make everyone think the same way he did!
Even if policies were truly relaxed in the future, his paternal uncles wouldn't see eye to eye with him.
Also, no matter how eloquently you speak, if you fail, no one will believe you again. People only believe what they see. Even if you understand policies thoroughly and are capable, without tangible results, no one will listen to you.
Xiāo Zhèngpíng no longer insisted. After a few polite refusals, he returned to the kitchen, chatted with his uncles for a while, and then went home.
In the following days, Xiāo Zhèngpíng took Xiùyè around to pay New Year’s visits. During these visits, he no longer mentioned his "grand plan." He agreed with whatever others said.
After a round of New Year's visits, Xiāo Xiùyè noticed that her elder brother had changed again. He spoke less.
After the brigade's New Year's visits, Xiāo Zhèngpíng took Xiāo Xiùyè to the township. They bought some things at the supply and marketing cooperative and then went to Hé Yǒngfù's house.
Hé Qiǎoyún's eyes were still fixed upwards, and she couldn't be bothered to even glance at the Xiāo siblings who had come to pay their respects. However, Hé Yǒngfù and his wife were very welcoming to Xiāo Zhèngpíng.
After chatting for a while, Xiāo Zhèngpíng learned from Hé Yǒngfù that Hé Qiǎoyún had a brother in the army, and Hé Yǒngfù had a nephew working at the county supply and marketing cooperative. It was through this nephew's influence that Hé Qiǎoyún was able to get a job at the township supply and marketing cooperative, and Hé Yǒngfù dared to collect local goods at the cooperative's entrance.
Actually, Xiāo Zhèngpíng didn't ask for this information; Hé Yǒngfù offered it voluntarily. At the time, Xiāo Zhèngpíng didn't understand why Hé Yǒngfù was telling him this.
Seeing that Hé Yǒngfù had finished speaking, Xiāo Zhèngpíng stated the purpose of his visit.
"Brother Hé~~ Ah, look, I've already slipped into calling you that. Technically, I should call you Uncle. Uncle Yǒngfù, how has Boss Xia been lately?"
Hé Yǒngfù was taken aback. "He hasn't been here in months. How would I know? Why are you asking about him?"
"I just wanted to send him my regards. I don't have his contact information. Uncle, why don't you ask him to visit soon? We can meet at the guesthouse again, and I'll host a meal for him."
"Haha, you kid, you want to talk business with him, right? Just say so!"
"Heh heh, nothing escapes Uncle's eyes. Yes, I've finished drying a batch of bamboo shoots and wanted to invite him to take a look and give some guidance. Uncle, don't worry, the goods will still pass through you as usual."
"I say, Píngzi, you forgot about getting caught by the police last time? Why are you jumping back into it so soon? Aren't you afraid of getting arrested again?"
"Sigh, that’s ancient history. Why do you still bring it up? Besides, I was arrested for selling cigarettes. This time it's not cigarettes, and I've already checked; dealing in local goods is fine."
"Mmm, that’s good. The moment I saw you, I knew you were meant for great things. It's good you weren't scared off. Alright, after the fifteenth, I'll ask him for you."
After discussing business, Xiāo Zhèngpíng planned to leave. Hé Yǒngfù and his wife insisted he stay for a meal, but Xiāo Zhèngpíng politely declined, saying he still had to visit Mǎ Wénfèng's house, and after troubling them for half a year, he had to at least pay his respects.
His words made Hé Yǒngfù nod repeatedly, praising Xiāo Zhèngpíng as not only bold but also loyal and a good young man.
After they left, Xiāo Xiùyè tugged on Xiāo Zhèngpíng's sleeve. Seeing Hé Yǒngfù return after seeing them off, she whispered, "Brother, am I going to have a Sister-in-law soon?"
Xiāo Zhèngpíng was stunned. "What Sister-in-law? What do you mean?"
Xiāo Xiùyè chuckled. "You still haven't figured it out? She has a crush on you and wants you as her son-in-law!"
Xiāo Zhèngpíng immediately stopped and looked at Xiùyè seriously. "You mean Hé Yǒngfù? No way! How could he possibly fancy me?"
"I don't know how he took a liking to you, but I know he wouldn't mention his family relatives to an outsider like you for no reason."
Xiāo Zhèngpíng thought about Xiùyè's words for a moment and his eyes widened. "You're right, that's why he kept talking about his family. What does that have to do with me! Wait, I told him about our family's situation. We have nothing, yet his family is full of officials. Why does he think so highly of me?"
Xiāo Xiùyè pouted. "Why shouldn't he look highly on you! You have looks, you have character, and you're smart and capable. They're in business; perhaps they see your future potential!"
Xiāo Zhèngpíng didn't comment. He started walking again, his mind occupied with thoughts, as he led Xiùyè towards Mǎ Wénfèng's house.
36. 28-inch bicycle
Mǎ Wénfèng and her husband had not returned to their hometown. Xiāo Zhèngpíng understood the reason. Originally, Xiāo Zhèngpíng thought his own family's New Year was bleak enough, but upon arriving at Mǎ Wénfèng's house, he realized there was even more desolation.
Mǎ Wénfèng's husband invited the siblings in, simply smiled, and then excused himself, saying he was going to a friend's to play cards before leaving.
Mǎ Wénfèng couldn't hide her awkwardness but still warmly welcomed the siblings.
Listening to the two women chat for a while, Xiāo Zhèngpíng felt increasingly uncomfortable. He made an excuse about the late hour and their need to return home, so they left.
"Yè'er, I hope you can bravely be yourself in the future and not become like Sister Feng'er," Xiāo Zhèngpíng said with emotion as they walked.
"Brother, what are you talking about?"
"You are a complete person, not someone's appendage. If you're unhappy, you should find a way to be happy. You shouldn't confine yourself to a corner due to certain outdated customs, making yourself and others unhappy."
Xiāo Xiùyè considered herself educated, having completed junior high and now being a high school student. In terms of knowledge, she had long surpassed her elder brother, who hadn't even finished junior high.
But she realized that recently, she couldn't understand what her brother was saying!
In the past, her brother's speech was always peppered with vulgarities, just like Chén Yán and Zhāng Gǒuzi.
Since he started making money selling local goods, not only had his speech become much more civilized, but his viewpoints often surpassed her understanding.
"Brother, are you saying Sister Feng'er should leave her husband?" Xiāo Xiùyè asked tentatively.
To her surprise, Xiāo Zhèngpíng nodded affirmatively. "Exactly! If I were her, I would have left long ago!"
"But where could she go? She can't have children. If she divorces, who would want her?"
Xiāo Zhèngpíng suddenly stopped and said seriously, "Why does someone have to want her? If she finds a suitable partner, she can remarry. If not, then she doesn't marry. Can't a person live alone?"
Perhaps out of deep sympathy, Xiāo Zhèngpíng's voice rose slightly.
Xiāo Xiùyè was completely shocked by Xiāo Zhèngpíng's words, not only because of his sudden raise in volume but also because of his astonishing views.
Seeing Xiùyè's surprised expression, Xiāo Zhèngpíng suddenly realized he was living in the 1980s. The views he had formed in his previous life as a post-2000s individual were unacceptable in this era.
Xiāo Zhèngpíng quickly forced a smile and softened his tone. "Look at me, I was just angered by Sister Feng'er. Yè'er, I was just saying that, don't take it too seriously. But Brother still says the same thing: don't be someone's appendage. Even if you get married, you must have your own life."
Xiāo Zhèngpíng knew it was impossible to explain clearly. He reached out and put his hand on Xiùyè's shoulder and continued walking them back.
......
On the eighth day of the first lunar month, Xiùyè returned to school. Although she hadn't finished the fifty yuan Xiāo Zhèngpíng had given her last time, he gave her another fifty yuan.
Lately, Xiāo Zhèngpíng had only had expenses and no income. After returning home and calculating his accounts, including his wages from road construction work, he had less than three hundred yuan left.
Yet, with this little over three hundred yuan, Xiāo Zhèngpíng did something that the entire village found crazy and extremely envious.
In 1981, bicycles were already common sights on the streets. Even in the mountainous areas, many people in the townships rode bicycles. While not everyone owned one, it wasn't as scarce as in the 1960s and 70s.
The several brigades in Zhāngshùyà had long been inaccessible due to the lack of roads, so many people who wanted to buy bicycles couldn't—or rather, they couldn't use them even if they bought them.
Against this backdrop, Xiāo Zhèngpíng asked the village secretary for a permit and then went to the county town to buy a 28-inch bicycle.
This bicycle cost Xiāo Zhèngpíng over two hundred and forty yuan. After buying it, he only had a little over thirty yuan left.
However, Xiāo Zhèngpíng had no regrets because the bicycle had a "major purpose" for him.
First, he wouldn't need to spend the time of two people going to the township to sell local goods anymore. A bicycle trip, taking just over an hour each way, could accomplish the work of three people in two to three hours, saving a lot of time.
Additionally, the path from his home to the back mountain could also be cycled on, making it much more convenient to transport firewood, bamboo shoots, and other items than before.
Most importantly, if something came up that required a trip to the township or even the county, he could leave immediately without worrying about factors like bus schedules.
It took Xiāo Zhèngpíng nearly five hours to ride from the county town to the mountain entrance, and another hour or so to push the bike up the mountain.
Fortunately, after the uphill climb, there was still a considerable stretch of flat road where he could cycle, allowing Xiāo Zhèngpíng to relieve his fatigue.
Because he arrived home after dark, Xiāo Zhèngpíng did not get the "welcome" he had envisioned. The next day, he rode the bike across Èrláng Bridge, made a lap around the team headquarters, and then rode to his uncle's house.
Along the way, Xiāo Zhèngpíng continuously responded to the greetings of his fellow villagers. Seeing their envious gazes, Xiāo Zhèngpíng felt satisfied—after all, when most people in the village couldn't ride a bike, and he bought one, what would be the point if he didn't make them a little jealous!
However, Xiāo Zhèngpíng's joy turned into a bucket of cold water poured over his head the moment he entered his uncle's courtyard.
"Do you have too much money to burn? If you have money, save it properly. What's the use of showing off like this!"
Before Xiāo Zhèngpíng could reply, his paternal uncle and the little dot from the adjacent yard were disturbed by the commotion and came out.
Xiāo Zhèngpíng saw the little dot as a savior and quickly ran over to pick him up. "Qiángqiáng, want to ride? Come, Uncle will take you for a ride."
Of course, before Xiāo Liàngqiáng could voice his opinion, Xiāo Zhèngpíng placed him on the bicycle.
"Qiángqiáng, hold on here, hold tight now, here we go~"
Two old men stood at the entrances of their respective yards, watching the bicycle and Qiángqiáng's jubilant figure ride away. Both unconsciously revealed smiles.
......
On the twenty-third day of the first lunar month, Xiāo Zhèngpíng rode with Chén Yán and two others to the market. After seeing Xiùyè, they went to Hé Yǒngfù's house.
Hé Yǒngfù told Xiāo Zhèngpíng that Boss Xia would arrive after the first lunar month, and he specifically mentioned that this trip was solely for Xiāo Zhèngpíng.
Xiāo Zhèngpíng understood Hé Yǒngfù's implication. When a big boss comes specifically for you, it's essential to host him well. In addition, he needed to present the boss with an impressive outcome.
Upon returning home, Xiāo Zhèngpíng picked up a bottle of wine from Lǐ Shuǐquán and then went to Uncle Xǐ'ér's house.
After drinking with Uncle Xǐ'ér, Xiāo Zhèngpíng took out ten yuan and asked Uncle Xǐ'ér to get him a muntjac.
Uncle Xǐ'ér took a few puffs of his cigarette and said that in the dead of winter, no one wanted to go into the mountains, and even if they did, muntjac at this time of year wouldn't have much meat.
Afterward, Uncle Xǐ'ér took two smoked, yellowish muntjac legs from his stove and said that if Xiāo Zhèngpíng insisted, he could take these two legs.
Xiāo Zhèngpíng had no choice but to accept.
During this time, he took Yán Pó Niáng and Zhāng Gǒuzi to the mountains a few more times and roasted another batch of dried bamboo shoots.
After several experiments, Xiāo Zhèngpíng had basically mastered the method of roasting bamboo shoots in the smoke oven. According to the requirements in the book, the dried bamboo shoots he roasted were acceptable in all aspects except for their color.
After this batch of dried shoots was roasted, Xiāo Zhèngpíng estimated that the finished product of dried shoots accumulated at home exceeded five hundred jin.
Soon, the agreed-upon date arrived. Xiāo Zhèngpíng took a basket of dried bamboo shoots to the township.
37. Both teacher and friend
Xiāo Zhèngpíng arrived deliberately early. He handed one muntjac leg to the guesthouse chef and asked him to prepare it.
Because it was a mountainous area with an abundance of muntjac and wild boar, and there were no proper wildlife protection laws at the time, the township often served wild game when entertaining leaders. Therefore, the chef didn't say anything—doing work for money was only right. Regardless of how the young man dressed, the cash he took out of his pocket was real.
As usual, Xiāo Zhèngpíng bought three packs of good cigarettes at the supply and marketing cooperative, one pack for Hé Yǒngfù, one for Boss Xia, and the remaining one for himself to share.
Around eleven o'clock, Boss Xia arrived in his small four-wheeled vehicle.
They welcomed Boss Xia into the room. Xiāo Zhèngpíng served tea and cigarettes, and they began to chat.
Boss Xia was not polite. After exchanging greetings, he crossed his legs and asked, "Brother Píngzi, you're quite fast. Starting to ship goods already?"
Xiāo Zhèngpíng struck a match and held it to Boss Xia's mouth to light the cigarette he had just given him. "We'll talk about these things after the meal. Boss Xia, I got two muntjac legs before the New Year. I brought them today; one is stewing in the pot, and you can take the other one home later."
Boss Xia's interest was immediately piqued. "Oh, muntjac is a delicacy. Why go through all this trouble for business? Thank you for your consideration, my young brother."
"Hey, Boss Xia, when you say that, you create distance between us. We say we're doing business, but actually, we're making friends. Moreover, I'll have many questions to ask you in the future. We should consider ourselves both teacher and friend!"
His words made Boss Xia and Hé Yǒngfù laugh heartily. Boss Xia pointed at Xiāo Zhèngpíng and said to Hé Yǒngfù, "See? Young people know how to talk! I must say, he's right. Doing business is just like making friends; the first step is to be sincere." He then looked back at Xiāo Zhèngpíng. "Píngzi, alright, I'll be your friend!"
Just as he finished speaking, a shout came from the kitchen: "Food is served!"
Then, a large basin of fragrant muntjac meat was brought to the table.
It was evident that Boss Xia enjoyed this dish. There were other good dishes on the table, but he barely touched them. He ate more than half of the basin of muntjac meat.
After eating and drinking their fill, they finally got down to business. Xiāo Zhèngpíng settled the bill and then took Boss Xia to Hé Yǒngfù's house.
Xiāo Zhèngpíng brought the prepared dried bamboo shoots to the yard for Boss Xia to inspect.
Boss Xia, being a businessman, became very professional as soon as they got down to business. He picked out some dried shoots from the basket to examine while explaining to Xiāo Zhèngpíng, "Don't underestimate these yellowish shoots; there's a lot to them. Besides the season, bamboo shoots are also divided by type. Yours, for instance, are moso bamboo shoots. They are usually eaten fresh, and some are made into dried shoots, but it's not cost-effective. I usually buy golden bamboo shoots or water bamboo shoots. These two types have less moisture, so the weight loss during drying is less, making them more economical for you."
"Then you won't buy these dried shoots?" Xiāo Zhèngpíng asked.
"I will! Of course, I will! I'm just telling you that moso bamboo shoots have high moisture content, and it's not cost-effective for you to dry them. Also, the color of yours is a bit off; I might have to lower the price a bit."
"Right, I wanted to ask you about this. The color of these dried shoots never looks bright. I've tried many methods, but none work. Is there a trick?"
Boss Xia smiled. "What trick? Just use sulfur!"
"Using sulfur? What is that?"
"Using sulfur means adding sulfur while you're drying them. It not only makes the color look good but also reduces weight loss."
"Fumigating with sulfur? Is sulfur harmful to the body?"
"Sigh, why are you thinking so much? I don't know if it's harmful or not, but traditional Chinese medicine practitioners do it this way."
Although Xiāo Zhèngpíng didn't know the harmful effects of sulfur, he vaguely remembered reports in the 21st century about sulfur fumigation of dried mushrooms. He couldn't recall the specific details of the report, but he was certain that sulfur was not good for the human body—arsenic itself comes from the same mineral as sulfur!
"Boss Xia, if I don't use sulfur, would you still buy this quality of goods?"
Boss Xia pondered for a moment and then replied, "Yes! But the price will be lower. Also, I won't store inventory, so you'll have to figure out storage yourself, and any later depreciation will also be yours. Additionally, if that's the case, I can't buy small amounts at a time. My truck can carry two tons, so you need to have two tons ready for me to pick up in one go."
At this point, Xiāo Zhèngpíng was in a difficult position.
Two tons of dried goods would require at least ten tons of fresh goods. Such a large quantity couldn't possibly be dug out by the three of them, let alone processed by their smoke oven.
If they mobilized the villagers, they might be able to gather ten tons, but he only had a little over three yuan on him. He had no money to purchase the raw materials.
As he was worrying, Boss Xia spoke again, "Heh heh, how is it? Not easy, is it? Oh well, for this basin of muntjac meat today, I'll be your teacher one more time.