OBS Chapter 1290 People Come and Go
Chapter 1290 People Come and Go
Chapter 1290 People Come and Go
On the morning of the third day of the Lunar New Year, Shanbei Brigade was still enveloped in the festive atmosphere.
Every household had brand-new Spring Festival couplets pasted on their doors, red lanterns hung under the eaves, and the air was filled with the smell of gunpowder from firecrackers.
Qin Hao walked on the thin frost, carrying a piece of pork belly weighing at least five pounds and a box of premium malted milk powder, toward the home of Director Yang, the women's director.
The pork, with its perfect balance of lean and fat, glistened enticingly in the morning light; the malted milk powder can was carefully wrapped in red paper and tied with a red string. These two items would have been considered truly impressive and generous gifts for the Spring Festival of 1979.
"Director Yang, Happy New Year!" Qin Hao called out loudly from outside the Yang family's courtyard gate.
A series of hurried footsteps came from the courtyard, and the wooden door creaked open, revealing Director Yang's serious yet surprised face.
She was wearing a dark blue cotton-padded jacket, her hair was neatly combed, and her brows immediately furrowed when she saw what Qin Hao was holding.
"Haozi!" Director Yang lowered his voice, "How many times have I told you? Why won't you listen? Take these things back!"
Qin Hao had anticipated this, and his face was full of smiles.
Just then, two little heads peeked out from behind Director Yang. Ten-year-old Yang Su and eight-year-old Yang Li stared longingly at the pork and malted milk powder in Qin Hao's hands, unconsciously swallowing their saliva.
Yang Li even reached out her little hand, wanting to touch the pretty box of malted milk powder.
"Let's see who dares to take it!" Director Yang shouted, startling the two children who immediately withdrew their hands, pouting in grievance.
Qin Hao said sincerely, "Director Yang, you usually refuse gifts because you're afraid of making a mistake. But this is just normal gift-giving during the New Year. Surely the organization won't interfere so much?"
Song Yunhui was able to get a leisurely pig farm in Shanbei Brigade because of the care he received from Director Yang. Qin Hao would occasionally bring scrap electrical appliances to the pig farm, which naturally did not escape Director Yang's notice. Not only did she not report it, but she also helped Qin Hao and Song Yunhui cover it up. Qin Hao naturally had to repay this favor.
Director Yang shook his head, his tone resolute: "Haozi, I know you mean well, but I really can't accept the gifts."
Just as the two were at an impasse, light footsteps came from outside the courtyard gate. A boy of about fourteen or fifteen years old jogged over; it was Yang Xun, the eldest son of Director Yang.
He was wearing brand-new blue overalls, and his hair was slicked back and shiny; he had clearly dressed up carefully.
"Brother Hao!" Yang Xun's eyes lit up. "Why are you standing at the door? Come in and sit down!"
Before his mother could speak, Yang Xun enthusiastically pulled Qin Hao into the house, simultaneously taking the pork and malted milk powder and handing them to his younger brother, Yang Su: "Second brother, go pour Hao a cup of hot tea. It's so cold; a cup of hot tea will warm his stomach."
Director Yang sighed helplessly, knowing that the items could not be returned, and had no choice but to invite Qin Hao into the house.
The main room of the Yang family's house was very clean, with brand-new New Year pictures pasted on the walls and melon seeds, peanuts, and a few fruit candies on the table. Yang Su carefully brought over the tea, but his eyes kept glancing at the cabinet where the malted milk powder was kept.
After taking their seats, Yang Xun eagerly moved closer to Qin Hao and whispered, "Brother Hao, the radios you repair are absolutely amazing! They're like brand new, and you don't even need a receipt. Now so many people want to buy them from me, and the offers are all incredibly high!"
Qin Hao glanced at Director Yang, who was busy in the kitchen, and said seriously, "Young Yang, didn't I tell you? Just use those radios I gave you to exchange for some receipts and supplies to supplement your household income. Don't be greedy. Money is a hot potato these days."
Yang Xun is Director Yang's eldest son, and the boy has been clever since childhood. A couple of years ago, he secretly carried a load of steamed buns and traded them for eggs, earning the difference. One day, after seeing a radio repaired by Qin Hao at Song Yunhui's place, he pestered Qin Hao to help him sell radios. Out of respect for Director Yang, Qin Hao would occasionally give him a radio, which would both expand his sales channels and allow Yang Xun to earn some extra money.
However, Director Yang had always opposed Yang Xun selling radios. After all, if he were caught trading steamed buns for eggs, at worst the inspection team would confiscate his goods, and she could use her connections to get Yang Xun out. But reselling radios was a different story; this could easily lead to being labeled a "speculator" and going to jail.
But Yang Xun was incredibly audacious; he would do anything to make money.
Of course, in front of his mother, he still maintained a docile demeanor: "Brother Hao, don't worry, I've always followed your instructions, only exchanging supplies and receipts; I haven't taken a single penny of money. Those radios were all given to acquaintances."
He scratched his head as he spoke: "It's just that people who used your radio said it worked well and asked me to get them a few more."
Qin Hao gave him a warning look, and Yang Xun immediately understood, changing the subject: "Let's not talk about these things during the New Year. Brother Hao, I heard Sister Xiaoping is back. How about we go to her house to wish her a Happy New Year? And hear from Sister Xiaoping about what university life is like."
"Okay." Qin Hao stood up. "I also need to talk to Xiao Hui about something."
Director Yang came out of the kitchen, holding a piece of cured meat, clearly intending to return the favor. Hearing their conversation, he called out to Yang Xun, "Boss, wait a minute."
A few minutes later, Director Yang brought out a net bag of canned fruit from the inner room: "Take this with you. Xiao Hui is coming to wish us a Happy New Year on the first day of the Lunar New Year; you can return the favor."
Yang Xun obediently took it: "Yes."
Stepping out of the Yang family compound and onto the country road, Yang Xun immediately reverted to his lively nature. He eagerly asked Qin Hao, "Brother Hao, you said you were going to Guangdong, when are you going? Can you take me with you?"
Qin Hao laughed and scolded, "So that's what you were planning, kid. What, isn't the business in this county enough for you? You're thinking of expanding your business to Guangdong?"
Yang Xun scratched his head sheepishly, "Brother Hao, don't be so modest. I just want to go with you and broaden my horizons. I've heard that Guangdong is really lively, with all sorts of novelties... Brother Hao, please take me there. I promise I won't cause you any trouble, and maybe I can even help you out."
Qin Hao thought for a moment. Taking Yang Xun, that clever fellow, with him on this trip to Guangdong might actually be helpful. That kid is bold and meticulous; he's got business potential.
"Alright, you can take me." Qin Hao nodded. "But you need to talk to Director Yang yourself. If she doesn't agree, I can't bring you."
Yang Xun was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Brother Hao, don't worry, I have a way to get my mom to agree."
Qin Hao shook his head and chuckled: "You little rascal!"
As they spoke, the two arrived at the Song family's house. The Song family's courtyard was much tidier than last year, with neatly stacked firewood in the corner, exuding a festive atmosphere unique to farmers. However, two chickens were missing from the coop, and the remaining chickens trembled when they saw outsiders entering, fearing they would follow in the footsteps of their "predecessors."
"Uncle! Aunt! Happy New Year!" Yang Xun called out loudly as soon as he entered the door, his words as sweet as honey. "Wishing you both a Happy New Year! May you have boundless happiness and longevity!"
Upon hearing the noise, Mr. and Mrs. Song came out to greet them. Seeing Qin Hao and Yang Xun, their faces immediately lit up with smiles. Mrs. Song was especially enthusiastic: "Haozi, Little Yang Xun are here! Come in and sit down!"
As he spoke, he brought out all the remaining sunflower seeds and peanuts from the house.
Yang Xun obediently handed over the canned fruit: "Aunt Song, my mom asked me to bring this."
"Oh, don't be so polite." While politely declining, Song's mother took the bag. "Xiaoping, Xiaohui, come out quickly, Haozi and Xiao Yangxun are here!"
The curtain to the inner room was lifted, and Song Yunping came out. Half a year of university life had changed her temperament drastically. Although she still wore two braids, her eyes were more confident, and her demeanor was much more poised.
"Haozi, Xiao Yangxun, Happy New Year." Song Yunping greeted them with a smile, her gaze lingering on Qin Hao's face for a second longer.
Yang Xun noticed her change and teased, "College students are really different; even Xiaoping's demeanor has changed."
Song Yunping blushed: "You little Yang Xun, you're getting more and more talkative these days."
Just then, Song Yunhui ran over from the backyard: "Brother Hao! Yang Xun! What brings you here?"
The group sat down and chatted for a while, mainly listening to Song Yunping talk about her life and studies at university.
Suddenly, Yang Xun's eyes lit up, and he deliberately brought up the matter of going to Guangdong with Qin Hao.
"Guangdong?"
A hint of surprise flashed in Song Yunping's eyes, then she asked thoughtfully, "Have you heard about any changing winds?"
Qin Hao was slightly taken aback, then suddenly realized. In this era, universities were, besides government departments, the easiest place to gain access to the policies of the higher authorities. Song Yunping, having attended university in Jingzhou, had also gained some understanding of policy changes through her surroundings.
"Based on current information, Guangdong is very likely to become the forefront of opening up, and the opportunities there will definitely be much more than here."
A hint of disappointment flashed in Song Yunping's eyes: "So you're not coming back anymore?"
Qin Hao smiled and shook his head: "No matter what, this is my home, and I will definitely come back."
Before long, Song's mother had prepared lunch. Although it wasn't anything fancy, there was a bowl of stir-fried cured pork with garlic sprouts, a plate of braised fish, some homemade pickled vegetables, and freshly steamed white flour buns, which was considered quite a feast for that era.
At the dinner table, Song Yunping talked about her experiences at university, and everyone listened intently. When she mentioned that the library had hundreds of thousands of books, Song Yunhui's eyes lit up; when she talked about how the cafeteria served meat dishes every day, Yang Xun swallowed his saliva with envy.
After the meal, Yang Xun excused himself by saying he had to visit other relatives for the New Year and tactfully left first. Song Yunping was then called by her mother to help in the kitchen.
"Brother Hao," Song Yunhui lowered his voice, "Are you really going to Guangdong?"
Qin Hao nodded: "Yes, I'll leave after the Lunar New Year."
"Can I go with you?" Song Yunhui's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "I've never left the county before in my entire life."
Qin Hao chuckled: "What will happen to the pig farm if you leave? Besides, you still need to study for your college entrance exams."
Song Yunhui was a little disappointed, but quickly cheered up: "Then when you come back, you must tell me what Guangdong is like."
"Don't worry, after you graduate from university, it won't be difficult for you to leave the county or even go abroad," Qin Hao comforted you.
Just then, Song Yunping came out of the kitchen, carrying a cloth bag: "Haozi, this is for you."
Qin Hao took a look and saw that they were a pair of hand-knitted woolen gloves with fine stitches and a small embroidered flower.
"It's cold, don't let your hands get cold," Song Yunping said softly, her eyes fixed on the ground.
Qin Hao felt a warmth in his heart: "Thank you, I like it very much."
When he left the Song family, Song Yunping insisted on seeing him off to the village entrance.
The two walked side by side in silence. Finally, Song Yunping broke the silence: "When are you coming back?"
"It's hard to say," Qin Hao said, gazing at the distant mountains. "It could take a few months, or it could take longer. It depends on how smoothly things go."
Song Yunping hummed in agreement and then fell silent.
Upon reaching the village entrance, Qin Hao hopped on his bicycle: "I'll stop here. It's getting dark; you should head back."
Song Yunping nodded, but remained standing still.
Qin Hao thought for a moment, then took a small box out of his pocket: "A New Year's gift for you."
Song Yunping took it in surprise, opened it, and saw that it was an exquisite women's watch.
"This is too precious!" she exclaimed, trying to return it.
Qin Hao held her hand: "You're going to university now, it'll be inconvenient not to have a watch. Besides, I bought this with the money I got from repairing a radio, it didn't cost much."
Song Yunping bit her lip, but finally accepted the gift: "Thank you. I will cherish it."
"Then I'm off." Qin Hao pedaled his bicycle. "Please say goodbye to your aunt and uncle for me, so they won't be sad later."
Song Yunping stood there, watching Qin Hao's figure gradually disappear into the vast expanse of white snow, unwilling to turn around for a long time.
Back at Xiao Lei's house, Qin Hao began preparing for his trip to Guangdong. He tallied up his funds—the money he'd saved from repairing radios and televisions over the past six months, plus various receipts, totaling nearly two thousand yuan. In an era when workers earned only thirty or forty yuan a month, this was an absolute fortune.
"That should be enough," Qin Hao thought to himself. "I'll go to Guangzhou first to check things out. If I can get a supply chain sorted out, I can go all out when I get back."
According to local custom, the New Year celebrations are considered over after the Lantern Festival (January 15th). However, for families like Xiao Lei's, who are extremely poor, there is little difference between celebrating the New Year and not celebrating it. At most, they can at least have a full meal during the New Year celebrations.
Qin Hao was packing his luggage at home when there was a knock on the door.
When the door opened, it was Yang Xun, carrying a bundle and looking excited: "Brother Hao, my mom agreed to let me go to Guangdong with you! When are we leaving?"
Qin Hao raised an eyebrow: "How did you convince her?"
Yang Xun smiled smugly: "I told my mom I was here to run errands for you, Hao-ge, and maybe she'd be so happy she'd pass on her appliance repair skills to me. My mom immediately agreed. She even gave me twenty yuan!"
Qin Hao shook his head and chuckled: "You're something else, kid. We're leaving at 6:30 tomorrow morning. Pack your bags."
"Haha, that's great! I'll go back and pack right away."
On the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, Qin Hao led Yang Xun away from Shanbei Brigade to the county to catch a bus. At the same time, a rough-looking man got off the train.
"Dongbao, you're finally back!" Shi Hongwei rushed forward and hugged him tightly.
Lei Dongbao patted Shi Hongwei on the shoulder: "Why are you alone? Where are the others?"
“We were waiting at home. Now that you’re back, we have to prepare something to welcome you back.”
"At least you guys still have some conscience."