Great Power Reclamation

Chapter 2929 Curtain Call
The willows along the riverbank provide shade, and groups of two or three people walk or sit under the trees. Most of them are young people, while the elderly have gone to the square, where square dancing is now very popular.

Because of the water diversion project, the original stream has long been changed. Now the stream is much wider and the current is not as rapid.

He admired Liu Qinghua more and more. This was one of the founders of the military reclamation city and its first mayor. He had earned tens of billions of US dollars in the United States in just a few years after his retirement. This was something that ordinary people could not do.

Although he worked in the entertainment industry, he eventually donated all his money to establish a foundation specifically for water conservancy improvements in northern Xinjiang. This spirit of dedication is truly unmatched by most people.

In fact, it's not just Liu Qinghua, but also his father; the first generation of military reclamation workers have a deep-rooted sense of patriotism that is truly admirable.

The Ye family has not intervened in Liu Qinghua's fund, although there is money from him and Yang Geyong in it; instead, they have hired a manager.

With the addition of Zhao Ling'er and Ma Ling after their retirement, it can be said to be foolproof. Ye Yuze did not place this fund in China, but on Wall Street.

Because domestic funds are entirely welfare funds, with only outflows and no inflows, they are quickly depleted, while in the United States, they can be used for investment.

Ye Yuze would absolutely not touch this money; he simply hoped it would grow and continue indefinitely...

Ma Ling and Zhao Ling'er are both full of energy. They've gone to Africa and have been busy with the women's mutual aid association that Mei Hua established.

It is said that they want to expand this mutual aid association to the whole of Africa.

Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong were not too optimistic about this matter, mainly because many countries there were still uncivilized. In such places, there was no human rights, let alone women's rights.

Ye Yuze tried hard to recall what the river used to look like, looking for the place where he used to fetch water when he was a child, but he couldn't find it anymore.

Since the place had lost its former charm, there was no point in wandering around anymore. So he decided to head towards the back of the mountain, which was now connected to the riverbank and had a very beautiful landscape.

No children come to pick the wild cherries and grapes on the mountain anymore; when they ripen, they fall to the ground or are pecked at by birds.

Ye Yuze bent down and picked a few wild cherries. They were sweet and sour, unlike any cultivated ones.

At the southernmost part of the park is a small cemetery, reserved for the veterans of the old infrastructure company; outsiders are not allowed to be buried here. Over the years, more than a dozen graves have been added.

Yinhua's grave is in the middle of the second row, surrounded by a perimeter. This life ended too early, she never got to see what the infrastructure has become.
Ye Yuze took off his coat and carefully wiped the tombstone. It was windy and dry here, so even if he wiped it once a day, there would still be dirt.

After wiping it clean, Ye Yuze sat on the ground, leaning against the tombstone, and murmured:

"Girl, I can't even remember what you looked like back then? Wait a little longer, I'll come and keep you company."

The wind howled, as if in response, and a cloud obscured the moon.

After leaving the park, Ye Yuze went to Minzu Street. No matter how the city changed, Minzu Street remained unchanged.

If there's any change, it's that the surrounding streets have also been transformed into food streets. Although those streets are very clean and beautiful, Ye Yuze still went to the old street.

The old street still has more vendors than shops. Even at midnight, it's still bustling with people, and the barbecue or dessert stalls are doing brisk business.

Ye Yuze found the Maimaiti barbecue restaurant with ease. When he looked up, he saw Yang Geyong and his group sitting shirtless at the entrance, drinking heartily.

Ye Yuze walked over and kicked Yang Geyong, who was huddled together with Wei Yuxiang:
"Make room for me, don't just drink by yourself."

When everyone saw him arrive, they all laughed and quickly called the owner to bring bowls, chopsticks, and menus.

There were more than twenty people in this area, taking up the entire area in front of the entrance. Upon closer inspection, Ye Yuze realized they were all veterans of the Warrior Group.

So he became dissatisfied and looked at Yang Geyong, cursing:
"Why didn't you call me? Am I an outsider?"

Yang Geyong laughed heartily: "Didn't Ye Feng and Ye Mao come back? As their father, shouldn't you give them some pointers? That matter is more important than drinking."

Ye Yuze ignored him and instead picked up his wine glass:

"Come on, let me toast you all. The Warriors Group's success today is largely due to your contributions. I won't say anything more; it's all in the wine. I'll drink this, everyone else can drink as you please."

After saying that, Ye Yuze drank the four ounces of sorghum liquor in his bowl in one gulp, which surprised everyone.

They are not young anymore; many of them are even older than Ye Yuze, approaching seventy.

Drinking like this when you're young isn't a big deal, but at this age it's not advisable and can easily cause problems.

Just as everyone was about to persuade him to stop, Ye Yuze picked up his wine bowl again, drank it all in one gulp, and then wiped his mouth.

"No one can stop me today. I'm going to drink three cups in a row, otherwise, I won't be able to face you all..."

Just as he picked up the bottle, Yang Geyong pressed his hand down. These people were actually hired to work with Yang Geyong.

Including the first batch of Soviet experts, it could even be said that Yang Geyong himself recruited them. Now Yang Geyong has no shares in the Warriors Group. If anyone is sorry, it is this brother that Ye Yuze has wronged the most.

Ye Yuze's words brought tears to many people's eyes, but they still stood with Yang Geyong and resolutely refused to let Ye Yuze drink any more.

Yang Geyong picked up his wine bowl and drank it down, then patted Ye Yuze on the shoulder.

"Brother, times are changing, and the tides are turning over. It's time for our generation to take its final bow. Don't feel guilty, because this is the natural order of things."

"Even if we cling to our positions, wield great power, and can influence the company, the end result might be that we destroy the company we founded."

Wei Yuxiang also drank a bowl: "Old Yang is right. Without Ye Feng, how could Warrior New Energy have developed so rapidly? In just a few years, it has become a global behemoth."

"We've been running a business for decades, and we used to be very proud of ourselves, but now look at how we compare to others?"

Everyone chimed in, and Li Lindong also drank a bowl:
"Yes, Lao Ye, we really can't keep up anymore. Retiring now is actually a relief, so we won't become sinners in the warrior group."

Only Kevin and Ivan raised their wine bowls with smiles on their faces:
"You bunch of bureaucrats? Look at the two of us, we just focus on research and development, we don't hold any official positions, and nowadays, there are really few people who can surpass us in terms of technology."

Everyone fell silent. They weren't just bragging. Today, Kevin is a top expert in software and Ivan is a top expert in the engine industry worldwide.

Wei Yuxiang cursed enviously, "Shut up, or I'll beat you up!"

Kevin stretched out his arms, flexing his muscles: "With your old arms and legs, I could stand still and you'd break your own bones..."

With these two lively characters cracking jokes, the atmosphere quickly lightened. They both understood that they were both getting older, and it was time to update both their physical condition and their perspectives.

Furthermore, although Ye Yuze had exchanged all their shares, Brothers Real Estate was a money-sucking beast, with a wealth-creating ability even more terrifying than Warrior Group.

So, they not only didn't lose money, they actually made a profit. The only thing that bothered them was the different nature of the business; they looked down on real estate.

After all, they are a group of people with ideals and different pursuits. Sometimes, money can't make up for everything.

After a night of drinking, the group of old men were too drunk to drink anymore and were taken away by their children who lived far away.

There's nothing we can do. They all have a bunch of kids, and if it gets a little late, they'll come and keep an eye on us. We don't dare say anything, but we just can't drink anymore!

Ye Yuze was a bit too much, so Ye Feng and Ye Mao each supported their father. They were originally going to drive away.

But Ye Yuze firmly disagreed, so the three of them could only walk on the street, with Yang Geyong following beside them.

"Hey bro, you're in better shape than me these days, but you still can't outdrink me. Looks like you'll never beat me when it comes to alcohol tolerance..."

Ye Yuze turned his head and looked around: "You have more sons than me, so what? I need two people to support me now, but you can only walk by yourself. Can't you hold your liquor? If you drink too much, you'll be crawling on the street..."

A figure came running up, panting: "Uncle Ye, my dad doesn't need to climb, I can carry him on my back."

It turned out that Yang Wei had returned from the provincial capital sometime earlier...

Yang Geyong shoved his son away: "Get out. I've been back for so many days and you're only just now coming. Where's my grandson? I don't want to see you, I only want to see my grandson."

Yang Wei pointed to the car not far away: "She fell asleep in the car, and Qianqian is back too."

On summer mornings in the military reclamation city, dawn breaks exceptionally early. Just past six o'clock, the east is already tinged with the pale light of dawn, which then turns a brilliant orange-red.

Ye Yuze was awakened by the chirping of birds outside the window. The slight headache from the hangover made him frown.

He sat up and found a glass of warm honey water on the bedside table, clearly prepared by his thoughtful wife. He picked up the glass and drank it all in one gulp; the sweet taste slid down his throat, relieving his discomfort.

Remembering the promise he made with his old comrades last night, a smile crept onto his lips. Yes, they had toiled for most of their lives, and this land beneath their feet had undergone earth-shattering changes. But had they ever truly stopped to take a good look at this northern frontier they had nurtured with their blood and youth?
He picked up the phone and dialed Yang Geyong first.

"Hey, are you up yet? Stop lazing in bed. Who was bragging about their alcohol tolerance yesterday?" Ye Yuze teased deliberately.

Yang Geyong's sleepy but defiant voice came from the other end of the phone: "Bullshit! I woke up a long time ago and am packing my luggage! Let me tell you, I even brought enough Mohe cigarettes. I can't go on this trip without them."

"Okay, then you tell Lao Wei and Lao Li that we'll meet at the entrance of the Warriors Building at 10 a.m. and get a comfortable minibus."

"Understood! I guarantee not a single one will be missed!" Yang Geyong immediately perked up, and his voice became loud and clear.

The news spread like wildfire among the old comrades. These veterans, who had just been relieved of their heavy burdens, reacted with remarkable unanimity.

First came the surprise, then the excitement and anticipation. Before long, everyone was busy: some were taking leave, some were being nagged by their spouses to stuff various medicines and foods into their bags, and others were rummaging through drawers for cameras and clothes... Every household was bustling with activity.

At 10:00 AM, a spacious and luxurious tour bus pulled up in front of the Warriors Building on time. Ye Feng had personally arranged the vehicle and driver to ensure his father and uncles' comfort and safety during their journey.

The old folks arrived one after another, all dressed casually but full of energy.

Wei Yuxiang wore a wide-brimmed sun hat, looking like an old geologist; Li Lindong carried a huge backpack filled with all sorts of tools he thought he might need; Kevin and Ivan, on the other hand, looked very "international," with all kinds of sports equipment.

Yang Geyong arrived last, and he was carrying only a small bag, but he was holding a heavy thing in a cloth bag in his arms.

"Old Yang, what are you carrying? A gold brick?"

"Someone joked. Yang Geyong smiled mysteriously and patted the bag: "Good stuff, the journey would be half as fun without it!"

Opening a corner revealed several bottles of Yili Laojiao liquor, treasured for many years! Everyone burst into laughter: "You drunkard!"

Ye Yuze counted the number of people; including himself and Yang Geyong, there were twelve in total, exactly a dozen. He waved his hand and said, "Brothers, it's time for these old bones of ours to get out and about! Get in the car, let's go!"

The minibus slowly started and drove away from the increasingly modernized military reclamation city, heading towards the vast northern frontier.

The scenery outside the car window gradually changed from a city with towering buildings to endless farmland, then to the vast Gobi Desert and distant snow-capped mountains.

The atmosphere inside the car was unusually lively. Leaving behind the familiar offices and factories, these old guys seemed to have instantly returned to their youthful days, fooling around in the infrastructure construction company. They teased each other about their hairstyles and physiques, reminiscing about embarrassing moments from their early days of starting the business, laughter filling the air.

"Remember? Back when Old Wei was pursuing your sister-in-law, he hid under her window and sang to her, but the guard dog chased him for two miles!"

Yang Geyong was the first to "attack." Wei Yuxiang blushed and retorted:
"Hello! You and Lao Ye were secretly roasting corn, and you set fire to a patch of corn stalks in the old company commander's field. If it hadn't rained, it would have almost started a wildfire!"

Ye Yuze shook his head with a smile: "They've brought up all sorts of old, trivial matters..."

Kevin joined the fray in accented Chinese: "Ye, the most cunning! Every time... well, every time he gets into trouble, he's the fastest to run away!"

Ivan chuckled憨厚ly and added, "But the benefits are distributed fairly." The carriage was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

The driver, a composed local young man, couldn't help but chuckle as he listened to a group of CEOs in the back, whose average age was over sixty, bickering like children.

In the afternoon, the vehicle entered a winding mountain road. On both sides were majestic and deep canyons, the crimson rock walls seeming to burn under the blazing sun, magnificent and awe-inspiring, this was the famous Tianshan Red Layer Grand Canyon.

The elderly people were so captivated by the view outside the window that they fell silent and watched intently.

"Tsk tsk, I've lived in northern Xinjiang my whole life, and I never expected to have such a spectacular view right on my doorstep."

Li Lindong exclaimed, taking out his phone and snapping photos incessantly. "Nature's artistry is truly awe-inspiring; it's more breathtaking than any building we've constructed," Wei Yuxiang echoed.

As dusk fell, the tour group arrived at their first stop—a small county town located beside a high-altitude lake.

The lake water was azure, reflecting the snow-capped peaks and spruce trees, a scene of breathtaking beauty. Everyone checked into a local guesthouse, and dinner consisted of fresh, cold-water fish and fragrant lamb pilaf.

Remember the minimum monthly votes you're guaranteed at the beginning of the month? We always fall behind at the beginning of the month, then spend a whole month chasing after them, begging for votes with tears in our eyes.