"Old branch secretary, please reconsider. This matter isn't urgent, let's take it one step at a time."
"The spring river water warms, and the ducks know first. The first person to eat a crab will surely taste it the best."
Chen Yang placed down two packs of Da Qianmen cigarettes and two bottles of Xuanjiu. He heard that the original pulp wine cellar used for this Xuanjiu was passed down from his father-in-law's family, so he decided to buy Xuanjiu this time.
After discussing the household contract system in Xiaogang Village with the old branch secretary Shen Fuguo, Chen Yang also shared his views on the future of reform and opening up.
Of course, it was just a brief mention. Everyone was still exploring the path forward, and having a general direction was enough.
"Chen kid, you are capable."
"Uncle is old now. This era belongs to you young people."
"However, this decision concerns hundreds of people in Shenjiaba, as well as Liu Family Village, Zhao Family Bay, Xiong Family Ridge, and thousands of people in our brigade. I cannot make such a decision alone."
"But I can assure you of this: as long as Uncle is alive, I will support your business. If it weren't for you this year, our village would truly starve. I would have failed as a branch secretary."
Shen Fuguo held Chen Yang's hand, understanding the immense benefits Chen Yang had told him about the household contract system.
But if the land were truly divided among households, what would happen to the commune and the production teams? Would everything be divided up? Putting aside other things, the livestock and grain storage now belonged to the public.
In fact, it wasn't just him. At this time, countless grassroots people encountered various situations when facing this issue.
It wasn't until the mid-1980s that people slowly began to feel the spring breeze of reform truly blowing.
However, those who took the first step had naturally already started living good lives. Falling behind meant falling behind at every step. How could they catch up to those ahead?
This was why Chen Yang had reminded the old branch secretary. The old branch secretary had worked diligently his entire life, only wanting to see the entire village of Shenjiaba live good lives.
After leaving Shen Fuguo's house, he went to visit Elder Tu Tianzong.
He brought another two bottles of wine and two packs of Da Qianmen cigarettes. Additionally, for using the livestock these past few days, he had promised one yuan per day and directly gave two yuan bills, settling the payments for the following days.
Elder Tu had experienced more than Shen Fuguo, from having his queue to this era, and thus saw things more clearly.
"The road is always uneven. Everyone walks it, and if they encounter a small bump, they flatten it, and then it becomes smooth and straight."
Chen Yang didn't need to say much; everything was understood. Not to mention anything else, Elder Tu's sons and the apprentices who followed him to learn hunting were all skilled fishermen. Su Dan Novels.
When Chen Yang entered, he saw the elder enjoying fatty meat and sipping wine. How could this elder not support him?
After visiting the two elders, Chen Yang returned to pack his belongings. In fact, there wasn't much in the mud-brick courtyard; he just took out a few quilts and clothes to move to his father-in-law's house.
The pots and pans were still left here. When work started later, they would set up a temporary kitchen to cook for the relatives who were working.
Looking at the dark mud-brick courtyard, the family of three suddenly felt a little reluctant. After all, this place held their beautiful memories from the past few years.
"Daddy, why are we going to live at Grandpa's house?"
The little child, holding Chen Yang's neck with her small hands, didn't know what was happening but was reluctant to leave their familiar home.
"Because Daddy is going to build a better, more beautiful new house for Yan Yan and Mommy."
"Then Yan Yan can live in the new house and won't have to worry about wind and rain anymore."
Chen Yang nudged the little girl's nose with his own. The little one immediately became happy.
"Yay, yay!"
"Mommy has a new house, Yan Yan has a new house!"
The little girl waved her small hands and laughed. Her antics cheered up the slightly sad couple.
This mud-brick courtyard held more of their past hardships. After bitterness came sweetness, and the old had to make way for the new. This was a joyous occasion, with nothing to be unhappy about.
The family of three, carrying their luggage, arrived at their father-in-law's house. Mother-in-law Liu Chunmei had already steamed the braised pork belly. With their eldest daughter's family coming to stay, their old couple's home was finally lively.
"Grandma, Grandpa, Yan Yan wants to eat meat."
Before even entering the house, smelling the aroma of the steamed pork belly with preserved vegetables, the little one's innate love for food was instantly awakened.
She wriggled her little legs and got down from Chen Yang's embrace, running towards the kitchen.
"This little one, who knows who she takes after, is more eager to eat than anyone."
Looking at the cute appearance of the little girl, Chen Yang was both amused and exasperated. Shen Xue gave Chen Yang a playful glare.
"What, you dislike that I eat a lot?"
Hearing Shen Xue's unprecedentedly affectionate tone, Chen Yang's heart trembled, and he instinctively pulled her into his embrace.
"Not at all. I wish you would eat more. Look how thin you are, you feel bony to the touch."
"Besides, I can earn enough money to feed you. Whatever you want to eat in the future, I'll get it for you."
Chen Yang buried his head in Shen Xue's hair, inhaling her fragrance. The older man felt capable again.
Shen Xue obviously felt the change in Chen Yang's body, her breathing quickened, and her face turned red with shyness. Her parents were watching.
This rascal, what was with him lately? He kept teasing her.
"Go away, you still touch me if I'm bony? You're so uninhibited. If I want ginseng and bird's nest, you'll get it for me too. You're so glib."
Shen Xue playfully pinched Chen Yang's soft flesh at his waist. She felt that if she didn't curb this rascal, he would become even more audacious in public.
He was always trying to get close to her, making her so embarrassed every time.
"What's so difficult about that? Kiss me once, and I'll bring it back for you from the city next time."
Although Shen Xue said it as a joke, Chen Yang took it to heart. He had always wanted to buy something good for his wife to replenish her health.
When they had their baby, the family's conditions were too poor, and Shen Xue didn't have any good nourishment during her confinement. A few days ago, she had fainted from anemia. How could Chen Yang not want to help her recuperate?
"Chen Yang, you've gone too far."
"Mom and Dad are still here."
Seeing Chen Yang gazing at her intently, Shen Xue felt her heart pounding like a drum.
This rascal, when did he become so charming? He looked the same as before, yet he exuded an irresistible charm.
He was so calm and confident, yet so domineering and gentle.
She, she liked him so much.
"Then I don't care. If you don't kiss me, I won't let go."
There was even a hint of roguishness!
The older man was shrewd. He loved seeing Shen Xue's shy demeanor.
The more shy she became, the more excited he felt. It was indeed a bit much, to trick his own wife like this.
Seeing that Chen Yang had no intention of letting go, Shen Xue felt her whole body heat up. If this continued, and her parents saw, she would be even more embarrassed.
Having no other choice, Shen Xue, suppressing her shyness, pecked Chen Yang's lips like a蜻蜓点水 (a dragonfly touching water), and then immediately dodged away as if electrocuted.
"Aren't you going to let go?"
Shen Xue's voice held a hint of exasperated shyness. Chen Yang also knew that too much was as bad as not enough. If he continued, he might have to sleep on the floor later, which would not be worth it.
Teasing his wife was such a pleasure.