1979: Reopening Wenhao Road from the Village

Chapter 39 Gluttony

In his later years, Chen Weidong and He Yan reminisced about their youth. Although they were often hungry and cold, they were all poor, but they were proud of their poverty.

As for getting married and having children, as long as you're not lazy, you can definitely support a family. At that time, although you don't have much money, you dare to spend it. You know that you might be able to buy a bicycle in three years and a black and white TV in five years...

Later on, I didn't even dare to get sick, let alone buy anything. I simply couldn't afford to get sick.

Chen Weidong sighed inwardly, then regained his composure and took two pieces of paper from his pocket, handing them to Yang Shuzhi.

"Accountant Yang, these are the application forms my wife and I wrote to return to the city. Could you please check if the format is correct?"

After listening to Wang Jianshui's advice yesterday, he immediately went home after buying the eggs and had Su Man help him write the application.

Although this won't determine the team's final choice, at least speaking up and expressing one's enthusiasm will give the leaders a sense of what to expect.

Moreover, given his relationship with Wang Jianshui, if his family wanted to return to the city, the brigade leader should have no problem. Now, all they need is Secretary Yang's approval, and the matter of returning to the city will be almost settled.

Once you get past the brigade level, the county town usually won't block you.

Yang Shuzhi took the application and gave Chen Weidong a deep look. He had never realized before that Chen Weidong was so cunning and scheming. He was quite a man of substance.

He wasn't bothered by this at all; after all, it didn't matter who got the return-to-city spot.

There were six educated youths in Yangjiatun, and they all went to the countryside around the same time. Their performance was also similar... well, strictly speaking, Chen Weidong was the worst performer.

In the past, Chen Weidong would definitely have had no chance this time, but ever since he was kicked by the horse, he has become a completely different person. Not only can he write articles and publish them, but he has also suddenly become adept at interpersonal relationships.

As far as he knew, Wang Jianshui had recently become very close to Chen Weidong, and even Wang Jianshe and Yang Shulin had praised Chen Weidong several times.

The last discussion about the quota for returning to the city was also because of Chen Weidong, which is why it has been postponed until now.

If it weren't for what happened yesterday, Yang Shuzhi would definitely have followed the crowd, neither opposing nor supporting it.

But given what happened yesterday, and the fact that these people in the brigade thought highly of Chen Weidong, he was quite willing to do him a favor.

"Well written, the situation is basically true. I will tell the Party Secretary and the Captain later."

Yang Shuzhi read it through and thought to himself, "Chen Weidong is indeed a writer. His ability to play to his strengths and avoid his weaknesses is really good. If you didn't know Chen Weidong's background, you would definitely think he is a diligent and ambitious young man just by looking at this application."

Most importantly, while some of the advantages in the application were exaggerated, they were still true. For example, when Chen Weidong was kicked in the head by a horse, it was clearly because they had drunk too much the day before and were accidentally kicked, but now it has been changed to "being injured while protecting public property." Just a few words change the meaning instantly.

"Thank you, Accountant Yang. You can continue with your work now; I'll head back now."

Upon hearing Yang Shuzhi's words, Chen Weidong stood up and immediately expressed his gratitude.

"Why are you being so polite with me? Your aunt told me yesterday that you're a promising young woman and invited me to come over for a visit."

"Definitely, definitely. But my child is too young right now. I'll visit with Su Man after some time has passed."

Yang Shuzhi was quite satisfied as he watched Chen Weidong leave. Although neither of them mentioned the eggs, their meaning was clear.

Yang Shuzhi welcomes Chen Weidong's fair and just business dealings, and even if the villagers find out, they won't complain.

……

"It's been sent? What did the secretary say?"

When Su Man saw Chen Weidong return, she put down her needlework and asked him in a low voice.

"I didn't see the Party Secretary, but Accountant Yang was on duty today, so I gave the application to Accountant Yang."

"Giving it to Accountant Yang is fine too. I hope we can go back to the city this year so that Sui Sui can start school earlier."

Su Man glanced at Chen Xiaosui.

"Don't worry, I promise our family will definitely be able to go back this year."

Chen Weidong sat down on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed) and made a promise while holding Su Man's hand.

Su Man blushed, glanced at the child out of the corner of her eye, and seeing that the two were still fast asleep, she felt relieved and gently rested her head on Chen Weidong's shoulder.

"If you have time these next few days, go to the brigade and ask if there are any horse-drawn carriages going to the county town. Go with them and see if you can buy some cloth."

"I see."

Chen Weidong nodded. Even if Su Man hadn't said anything, he was already planning to go to the county town to buy some goods.

The food that Chen's mother had packed for him was now reduced to just a few snacks and noodles. They had almost finished eating the meat, so they had to go to the county town to buy some more.

"What are you having for dinner?"

Su Man asked softly.

"How about we fry some eggs? Or heat up some steamed buns?"

"Then stir-fry some for Sui Sui, and we'll make some porridge."

Suman wanted to save the eggs for her two children.

"Cook more, because if these eggs are left out for too long, they'll hatch into chicks and then we won't be able to eat them."

Chen Weidong was really tired of corn porridge, and everyone in his family was lacking in nutrition, so he bought so many eggs to help Su Man and the others get some nutrition.

"Okay... then, fry a little less. If all else fails, just cook some and leave it outside; it definitely won't spoil."

Although the spring equinox has passed, the weather is still particularly cold, like a natural freezer. Meat that no one can eat is usually left to freeze outside.

"Alright."

Chen Weidong nodded, fried a large plate of eggs, and then specially stewed a small bowl of steamed egg custard for Chen Xiaosui.

"Is it good?"

"tasty!"

Chen Xiaosui lifted her head from the bowl, her lips smeared with steamed egg custard, and nodded in satisfaction. It was clear she had enjoyed the meal.

"Even if it's delicious, you can't eat too much. Have some steamed buns, and save the rest for the next meal."

Su Man's words immediately froze Chen Xiaosui's smile on her face.

She gave Su Man a pitiful look, but seeing that it was no use, she turned to Chen Weidong and sent him a distress signal.

"Your mother is right, you shouldn't eat too much at once. Here, have some steamed buns."

Chen Weidong picked up a steamed bun from the bowl, broke off half, and handed it to Chen Xiaosui. The latter watched reluctantly as Su Man took away the remaining half bowl of steamed egg custard, then grabbed the steamed bun with both hands and took a bite.

"Mom, I want to dip it in the soup."

Chen Xiaohui held up the steamed bun and looked at the bowl of steamed egg custard.

Here, have some.

Chen Weidong took the bowl back.

Chen Xiaosui dipped the whole steamed bun into the steamed egg custard, then took a big bite, revealing a satisfied expression.

"Chen Xiaosui, you..."

Su Man got angry and slapped Chen Xiaosui's butt.