Take Arada back to the past

Chapter 815, The Resumption of the Spring Festival

Yang Xiaole arrived at the BJ Hotel, took out his Hong Kong Island ID, and went straight inside.

I went upstairs and gently knocked on the door.

The door opened shortly afterward.

It is truly a flower with beauty.

"Coming?"

After the other person finished speaking, he peeked out and, seeing that he was the only one there, called out, "Zimo, Qiqi, Dad's here."

The two children had already run over.

"Dad, Daddy!"

Yang Xiaole went inside and picked up the two little ones.

After closing the door and entering, he laughed and said, "Is it just the few of you? Why did you bring the little guy back?"

Seeing this, Hua Yourong smiled and said, "Didn't you tell us to come back at the end of the year? So we came, and Mom and Dad came too. They came to visit our home. Sister Jing went abroad on a business trip, so I brought Qiqi along as well."

Yang Xiaole responded with a "hmm".

"So what's the situation in Bao'an now?"

Hua Yourong thought for a moment and said, "We went to Bao'an County first, but there aren't any policies there yet. However, there was already some small-scale trade there in the second half of this year. They're cooperating with Hong Kong to produce tote bags, and a brigade is cooperating with Wufenghang to transport 100,000 chickens. They can earn 2 yuan per chicken..."

I briefly explained the general situation.

Yang Xiaole was also listening quietly there.

In fact, the model is similar to that of Xiaogang Village in Fengyang, both being done secretly or semi-publicly.

At least in Bao'an County, which later became Shenzhen City, it was public knowledge.

After Hua Yourong finished speaking, she continued, "These investments are all too small. I'll have my subordinate companies make some contact with them later. But the major industries haven't been opened up yet. Once they are truly opened up, as you said, the potential here is enormous."

Yang Xiaole, holding the child, smiled and asked, "Why?"

Hearing this, Hua Yourong rolled her eyes at him.

"Of course! Just think about it, how many people are there on the mainland? That's a huge market. Not to mention that, the wage gap between Hong Kong Island and here is almost 20 times. Think of how much labor costs can be saved!"

Yang Xiaole smiled.

"Yes! So we can gradually enter the market over the next few years, or rather, enter on a large scale. Of course, we need to keep some money in reserve! I still have a use for it."

Hua Yourong nodded in agreement: "Indeed, if the previous situation were to occur again, the losses would be enormous."

Yang Xiaole shook his head: "It's not that I'm worried about that, but that I have a great use for you."

In the 1980s, Hong Kong Island's real estate market crashed due to negotiations.

Part of it is bottom-fishing, and part is protection.

With a larger market, you can no longer buy or sell as you please as before.

Given the size of the buildings owned by Hua Yourong, any major move she makes will likely cause a significant shock to the Hong Kong real estate market.

Hua Yourong was puzzled for a moment.

"why?"

After thinking for a moment, Yang Xiaole brought up the matter of the negotiation.

Of course, it only says that the possibility is very high, without specifying the details.

Hua Yourong pondered for a moment after hearing this, and then said, "If it really is as you say, then the Hong Kong real estate market will definitely experience turmoil."

She knew about what happened ten years ago.

The concern was that if they were attacked, many British companies would leave beforehand.

This is something that would be discussed openly regarding the return of [the country].

Those British investors, they definitely took off running.

Yang Xiaole nodded slightly: "Yes, that's right! So we should keep some funds in case of problems."

He then said, "Your house is currently occupied. It will probably take some time to vacate, and you probably won't be able to move back in anytime soon."

Their houses are actually easier to reclaim than local private real estate.

But it will take time.

Local people's private savings, that's really difficult to find!
Hua Yourong looked him up and down upon hearing this, and said teasingly, "I know, we'll stay here, we can afford it anyway. When are you going to let the children's grandparents see them? We're not leaving this year for the Spring Festival."

Yang Xiaole smiled sullenly upon hearing this.

Hua Yourong rolled her eyes at him: "Don't worry, we won't cause you any trouble. Your parents just came to visit. They weren't planning to come, but since they were already here, they decided to bring the kids along."

After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Xiao Le, do you think... if your mother finds out about us, she might disown us...?"

I feel a little worried.

With the child present, it wasn't said so explicitly.

Yang Xiaole looked at the child and smiled, "It's normal to be a little unaccustomed to it at first, how could he not recognize you?"

This is simply because of the different perspectives we're taking.

This kind of thing usually doesn't happen to sons, but it doesn't work on daughters.

This is also a form of double standards.

Hua Yourong breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this.

Yang Xiaole thought for a moment and said, "Oh, right, since you're here, I have something I was planning to write to you. Now that you're here, you don't need to write."

"whats the matter?"

"It's about Xizi and Xiaoli!"

He recounted how Xizi and the others had gone abroad.

Hua Yourong thought for a moment and said, "That's a small matter. I'll have someone open some high-end coffee shops over there, and then we can have them work there. The work in a coffee shop isn't too tiring, and they can even read books when they're not working."

The best approach is to avoid revealing Yang Xiaole's relationship.

It allows for both care and learning.

Yang Xiaole nodded and said, "Okay, you decide what to do!"

After the matter was settled, Yang Xiaole looked at her third and fourth children and said with a smile, "Dad has been quite busy with work lately, so how about Mom takes you out to have some fun later?"

He knows quite a few people in Beijing.

You might accidentally run into someone you know.

Otherwise it will be troublesome.

The two little ones were clearly disappointed.

However, she still agreed: "Okay! When are you coming to Hong Kong Island to find us?"

Yang Xiaole thought for a moment and said, "I'll go over after the New Year, okay?"

Next year, there will be direct flights from Beijing to Hong Kong Island, taking only four hours.

It will be more convenient to go there then.

I used to stay for an afternoon and then come back the next day.

Going once every one or two months is fine.

Both of them happily agreed upon hearing this.

The two chatted for a while before Su Ling and her husband returned.

"Mom and Dad!"

Seeing him approach, Yang Xiaole greeted him with a smile.

Su Ling smiled and nodded.

"Xiao Le is here! When did you arrive?"

"Oh, not long ago! What did they say about the house?"

After Mr. Hua sat down, he said, "We have negotiated with the local authorities. Our documents are all complete. They said they would vacate the room for us as soon as possible, but we don't know the specific time yet. The same goes for the old man's room."

Yang Xiaole nodded slightly upon hearing this.

Then he laughed and said, "When you come back, renovate the house!"

With their combined wealth, they wouldn't care about such a house. After letting others live there for so many years, they probably don't have much of a desire for it anymore.

I guess this trip back is just to reminisce about the past.

Mr. Hua nodded and said, "We'll talk about it later!"

Yang Xiaole nodded, thought for a moment, and asked, "Mom and Dad, shall I have my dad come over tonight and have dinner with you?"

If Hua Yourong comes alone, that's fine.

But now that Su Ling and her husband have come, it wouldn't be right if no elder from the family came over.

After hearing this, Hua's father thought for a moment and said, "Xiao Le, we came in a hurry this time. Your mother and I discussed it and felt that we should wait a little longer!"

Yang Xiaole understood what it meant immediately.

This was discussed beforehand.

After all, Yang Xiaole is from the mainland, and if Hua Yourong's relationship is exposed, it could cause a lot of trouble.

Then, after a moment's hesitation, he said, "Isn't this... inappropriate?"

He turned his gaze to Hua Yourong.

He gave a questioning look.

Seeing this, Hua Yourong teased, "It's really not appropriate. Then we'll go to your house tonight. This ugly daughter-in-law has to meet her in-laws eventually! Grandma hasn't met her eldest grandson and granddaughter yet!"

These words made Su Ling and her husband laugh.

Su Ling smiled and said, "Xiao Le, we already discussed this when we came. Let's skip it this time and meet again when we have the chance. We'll stay here for a few days and then go back. You go ahead and do your thing!"

Upon hearing his words, Yang Xiaole quickly agreed.

So that Hua Yourong won't make fun of him again.

"Okay, Mom, we'll do it your way!"

The matter has been settled.

The group chatted for a while, and Yang Xiaole told them about the possibilities for the next few years.

Some things were specially arranged.

They all listened attentively. After chatting for a long time, feeling that it was about time, they had a meal at the restaurant downstairs.

He left after finishing his meal.

……

After returning, I went straight to my own home and didn't go to the compound.

"Why are you back so late? Have you eaten?"

When she saw him return, Qu Ying casually asked him a question.

Because Yang Xiaole usually comes back on time.

Yang Xiaole felt a little guilty, then smiled and said, "Oh, there are some things at work, as you know. We need to clean up some old issues, so there's a lot to do."

Hearing this, Qu Ying didn't think much of it.

Seeing this, Yang Xiaole changed the subject and asked, "Hey, by the way, the newspapers are all talking about the New Year. Has your district received any notice? Are we allowed to celebrate the New Year?"

Qu Ying shook her head: "There was no specific notification. The higher-ups said to maintain a wait-and-see attitude, neither opposing nor approving it."

He paused for a moment, then said, "However, now that couplet factories are allowed to produce couplets, it can be considered a tacit approval!"

Yang Xiaole nodded slightly.

We definitely need to be careful, because if we take the wrong path, there could be a lot of trouble.

The two chatted for a while.

……

Yang Xiaole went to work as usual for the next few days.

I also took some time off to take the children to the zoo and the Forbidden City.

Fortunately, it's winter, so being bundled up tightly is still fine.

This journey naturally caused Hua Yourong to roll her eyes repeatedly.

Fortunately, a few days later, the group flew back.

It wasn't until the announcement that the Spring Festival gala would be held at the Great Hall of the People on January 27th that the festive atmosphere truly began to spread throughout the country.

……

New Year's Eve.

The whole family got up early.

The two children changed into new clothes.

After busying herself for a while, Qu Ying said, "There's a lot going on in the district today, so I have to go. I'll be back for dinner tonight, so please ask Mom to cook dinner earlier. We're also going to the Great Hall of the People to watch the Spring Festival Gala!"

Yang Xiaole smiled and nodded, "Okay, you can go do your thing."

The Spring Festival Gala as we know it started in 83.

But that was a live broadcast.

The first real Spring Festival Gala started in 79.

Qu Ying is definitely among those invited.

Yang Xiaole, being a branch bureau leader, naturally received a portion of the quota.

There were more than 30,000 tickets in total.

Of course, the factory workers also received a considerable share.

The only difference was their positions; Qu Ying's position was further forward, while theirs was further back.

The eldest brother naturally has one too.

Qu Ying packed her things and left home.

Upon seeing this, Yang Xiaole naturally began to put up couplets at home.

After a flurry of activity, they finally returned to the compound with the child.

Today is the first time we've celebrated Chinese New Year in so many years. My sister-in-law brought her child to our home, while my brother-in-law is busy at the police station.

The air was filled with the smell of fried and braised meat.

Starting in 77, meat ration coupons were required again.

However, each person receives 2 jin of meat coupons per month, which is usually enough for the whole family to eat.

In a few years, there will be no shortage of meat.

"Liberation, learning martial arts..."

Yang Xiaole greeted the people in the compound with a smile.

These people have been back for so long, they must have met before.

"Xiao Le!"

The others came over, all smiles.

Yang Xiaole glanced at everyone and said with a smile, "Xuewu, is your family also spending the New Year here?"

Wang Xuewu accepted it with a smile: "Oh my, Zhonghua! I don't usually get to smoke this kind of cigarette!"

Currently, a certain level is still required for the "Chinese" (中華) designation, but unlike before, now even those at the "science and technology" (科剛剛) level can have quotas.

He then laughed and said, "Yes, it's been so long since we celebrated the New Year, so we need to have some fun. My dad and my second uncle's family have come over."

There were quite a few people in the courtyard at this time.

They're busy there right now.

Upon seeing this, Yang Xiaole naturally greeted the people in the compound.

They are all the same age.

Wang Xuewu's younger sister, Wang Shanshan, and Li Guangnan and Li Haitang from the Li family.

Zhao Li is from the Zhao family, and Sun Yan is the eldest daughter of Sun Fu's family.

The only peach in Widow Tian's family that didn't make a bid.

Shen Bing, Shen Xin...

Some have already returned from their jobs, while others have returned after requesting leave from the brigade.

Yang Xiaole naturally exchanged pleasantries with these people.

The courtyard was bustling with activity.

"Xiao Le, come here and write me a couplet!"

Lost in thought, Fang Guoping, who was busy at work, called out to him with a smile.

Yang Xiaole peeked out and laughed, "Hey, they're here!"

He greeted the group and then walked over.

"You have great handwriting, kid! I'll help you out!"

Fang Guoping said with a smile.

Yang Xiaole politely declined, saying, "Teacher Fang, look at you saying that! You're still got it! You're my elder, I'll handle this!"

Upon hearing his words, Fang Guoping was filled with emotion.

He speaks eloquently.

She stood beside him with a smile, assisting him.

Yang Xiaole took the brush, moistened it, and began to write.

His calligraphy is in a semi-cursive style, flowing smoothly like clouds and water.

They finished writing the couplet in no time.

"Excellent calligraphy! Your skill has improved significantly!"

Fang Guoping looked at the words and said with a smile.

Yang Xiaole smiled and said, "Teacher Fang, if you keep praising me, it'll be past noon."

Fang Guoping chuckled and said, "Yes! Who wants this pair first!"

Sun Fu stood there with a smile and said, "May our family share in the good fortune, and may one of our family members also get into university or graduate school in the future."

Not to mention modern times, there are still many superstitions even in later generations.

He came over and handed Yang Xiaole a cigarette.

"It's not a good cigarette!"

Yang Xiaole took it and laughed, "Uncle Sun, what are you saying? This Daqianmen is really good, just as good as Zhonghua!"

After lighting it, I immediately started writing the next page.

I don't charge people for writing, but I still need to be polite.

Sun Fu left with a smile, carrying the things.

Yang Xiaole continued writing.

I wrote both big and small characters, and stuck them on the kitchen, on my bicycle...

Yang Xiaole is very fast.

I finished writing it all in about an hour.

As for my own home, I wrote it yesterday, and my younger sister and brother put it up in the summer.

I usually don't eat any staple food at noon.

Eat a little from one neighbor, a little from another, and you'll be full.

The entire compound was bustling with activity.

In the afternoon, the eldest brother and Qu Ying returned one after the other.

My family is going to see a variety show today, so we're eating early.

However, the New Year's Eve dinner is usually earlier than usual.

Around 4:30, everyone had finished their work, and Yang Xiaole went over to set off the firecrackers.

The New Year's Eve dinner has officially begun.

(End of this chapter)