Go back to the prosperous days and become a layman

Chapter 861 860 Men, Hmph
June 13th, Monday, was the first day of regular classes for Class 593 of the Wired Department at the School of Posts and Telecommunications.

Tang Zhitong went to school early in the morning and saw a middle-aged man carrying a basket at the school gate. He didn't have the shrewdness of a vendor, but rather the honesty of a farmer.

Accompanied by the security guards, the middle-aged man moved from the school gate to the opposite side of the gate.

"Comrade, what's this for?" Tang Zhitong didn't go in immediately, but asked curiously.

"The guy selling maltose, I don't know who told him college students have money, that he has to stand guard at the school gate." The gatekeeper shook his head and returned to his post.

Every position has its own responsibilities. As gatekeepers, they are responsible for maintaining campus security and ensuring campus safety, preventing street vendors from setting up stalls right next to the gate. Moreover, moving to the opposite side of the school gate is not necessarily a bad thing, at least students can see them before they even leave the school.

"Hey, college students have money." Tang Zhitong chuckled to himself. College students do have money. No matter what era, students' money is the easiest to earn. Perhaps some from well-off families will see this and choose to improve their lives.

Maltose is good. It doesn't have much of a smell, so I can buy it to give Xiao Wang some energy. Tang Zhitong stood up his bicycle and planned to go over and ask about the price.

"One tael of grain coupons for one." The middle-aged man stood up awkwardly when he saw Tang Zhitong asking the price, and put on a fawning smile.

"Wow, not cheap at all, can't it go any lower?" Tang Zhitong was a little surprised when he heard the price. Two small wooden sticks wrapped together might not even weigh half an ounce.

"Brother, there's nothing we can do. This year's wheat got soaked by the rain, and the grain station sorted through it, leaving some that had sprouted. The team had no choice but to make it all into maltose. One pound of wheat and four pounds of glutinous rice are needed to make two pounds of maltose. Any lower and we wouldn't even break even." There were no trees to provide shade across from the school gate, and the middle-aged man earnestly explained to Tang Zhitong under the rising sun.

"Sigh, I didn't bring any food coupons. Can I use money?" Tang Zhitong softened when she heard that it was the production team trying to save themselves.

Even though he had the intention to do good, he was not rewarded. Since he had encountered this situation, Tang Zhitong decided to lend a hand.

"The money... is three cents." The middle-aged man calculated for a moment, then held up three fingers and quoted a price.

"How much do you have? Let's sell it by weight, six yuan per jin, is that okay?" Tang Zhitong saw that the middle-aged man had relented and guessed what price to give.

"Okay! Where should I put it for you? But I don't have a scale, so I can only estimate." The middle-aged man hurriedly bent down and opened the earthenware jar in the basket to let Tang Zhitong see the goods inside. He didn't expect to meet such a big customer. He immediately took two small sticks and prepared to start wrapping the jar.

"Put it in the lunchbox." Tang Zhitong glanced into the earthenware jar, which was more than half full. Then she took out the lunchbox from her bag, which contained her lunch for the day: steamed buns and pickled vegetables.

"A little dirt won't make you sick," Tang Zhitong thought, packing his lunch directly into his bag, blowing on the salt particles inside, and handing it over.

"Comrade, look at the money..." The middle-aged man took it, squatted down and started tying it in the pottery jar, while frantically gesturing to Tang Zhitong.

"Oh, here you go." Tang Zhitong took out ten yuan from his pocket and handed it over readily, saying with a righteous air, "Keep the change, just give me ten yuan!"

"Alright!" The man in the middle took the money, examined it carefully, and put it in his pocket, his movements becoming even more swift.

"Your production team has some capable people who came up with such a brilliant idea," Tang Zhitong remarked as she watched the middle-aged man busily working.

Tang Zhitong was no stranger to maltose. Every few days, a bespectacled vendor would set up a stall outside his school, selling maltose for five cents a time. He could sell a whole aluminum lunchbox in a day.

Every time get out of class ended, Tang Zhitong and his classmates would gather around to watch the excitement. Back then, everyone who wore glasses was considered cultured. How could a cultured person be setting up a stall?

It wasn't until he got older that Tang Zhitong learned the term "laid off".

"Sprouted wheat waits for no one. As our team leader says, it keeps well. Even if we can't sell it now, it won't spoil. Let's make money from the glutinous rice now, and sell the rest slowly." With business going on, the middle-aged man was in a much better mood and became more talkative.

"Hey, not bad, a responsible captain." Tang Zhitong praised, without asking where the leftover residue from making maltose went. He knew without asking that it must have ended up in someone's stomach.

The middle-aged man's smile widened when he heard someone praise the captain.

"Give me a stick, I'll try wrapping one." Since it was about estimating the weight, the middle-aged man wrapped it as big as possible, and then scraped it into Tang Zhitong's lunchbox. Tang Zhitong, just like when he was a child, watched with great interest.

In the past, spending five cents could only get you a patronage from a bespectacled street vendor; if you wanted to do it yourself, they wouldn't let you. Now that he has the means, Tang Zhitong wants to make up for the regrets of his childhood.

Tang Zhitong was having a great time, picked up a small lump and put it in her mouth, and there was only one word to describe it—sweet!

"Teacher Tang! Teacher Tang!" Tang Zhitong was squatting down, savoring the taste, when she heard Luo Zhiping's urgent voice coming from the school gate.

"Class monitor? What's wrong? Is something wrong in the class?" Tang Zhitong stood up, a small wooden stick dangling from his mouth. His first thought was that one or more classmates were having difficulties in their lives.

"No, I need to talk to you." Luo Zhiping had been restless since early morning. He first waited for Tang Zhitong in front of the teaching building, but she didn't come. So he went directly to the school gate and unexpectedly ran into her here.

"What's got you in such a hurry? Have some malt candy and tell me slowly." Tang Zhitong saw that Luo Zhiping was fine except for being covered in sweat, so she wasn't in a rush anymore and immediately prepared to squat down and wrap another one for him.

"Oh dear, my good teacher Tang, things are really urgent." Luo Zhiping grabbed Tang Zhitong, hesitating to speak.

"What happened? What's going on?" Tang Zhitong felt the strength in Luo Zhiping's hand. Judging from the strength, Luo Zhiping's injury was more than just his eyebrows being burned.

"Let's walk a couple of steps forward before we talk." Since Lu Yan was pregnant, Luo Zhiping didn't want others to hear, so he immediately pulled Tang Zhitong aside.

"Brother, wrap it according to the amount we agreed on. I'll be over in a bit." Tang Zhitong was being pulled by Luo Zhiping, but he didn't forget to turn back and give him a word of advice.

After walking more than twenty steps, Luo Zhiping opened his mouth several times, but couldn't say anything. When the moment came, he found that he was not as calm as he was in front of Lu Yan.

"Are you going to tell me or not? If you don't, I'm going back." Tang Zhitong glanced back at the middle-aged man, afraid that he would run away. Losing the malt candy was one thing, but losing the lunchbox was another, and it would be difficult to buy a new one now.

"Lu Yan is pregnant." Urged by Tang Zhitong, Luo Zhiping closed his eyes, steeled his heart, and revealed the truth.

"What the hell?" Tang Zhitong was stunned, unable to believe his ears. Just a few days ago, Su Qingxiang had asked him to have a good talk with Luo Zhiping. He hadn't even talked to him yet, and someone had already died? Was Su Qingxiang really so utterly compliant with his words?
"Lu Yan is pregnant!" Luo Zhiping stamped his foot and repeated.

"Yours?" These days, premarital pregnancy... it's not that it doesn't happen, it's just rare. If it were a melodramatic romance, the origin of this child would be quite complicated. Tang Zhitong asked the question almost without thinking.

Tang Zhitong regretted asking the question as soon as it was asked. It wasn't just a question about Luo Zhiping's fertility, but also a suspicion about Lu Yan's lifestyle.

"Nonsense, it's definitely mine." Luo Zhiping retorted, as if he had been insulted.

"Why are you telling me this? Are you trying to get Lu Yan a long leave? To invite me to her wedding?" Tang Zhitong knew he had misspoke, but he wasn't angry at Luo Zhiping's retort.

“Lu Yan doesn’t want it.” Luo Zhiping grabbed his hair with both hands, as if he wanted to rip it all out.

"You got hit?" Seeing Luo Zhiping in so much pain, Tang Zhitong took out a cigarette from his pocket and offered him one.

Cigarettes have no medicinal effects, but they are surprisingly effective at relieving anxiety.

"Yes, Lu Yan wants to continue her studies." Luo Zhiping lit a cigarette, took a puff, and calmed down a lot.

"What are you thinking?" Tang Zhitong blew out the match, threw it on the ground and stomped on it twice. Little Wang was just pregnant and was too happy to even think about it, but here was a completely different scene.

"I...I think she makes a good point. Getting married before graduating would have a huge impact." Luo Zhiping had already been successfully persuaded by Lu Yan, and his attitude was no longer so firm. "You two have already discussed it?" Tang Zhitong had a bit of a headache; he had already guessed why Luo Zhiping wanted to see him.

"Well, we don't know anyone here, so we can only ask you for help." Luo Zhiping said, his eyes filled with pleading, afraid that Tang Zhitong would refuse.

"Sigh. When was Lu Yan's last period?" Tang Zhitong sighed. Being the class monitor was such a hassle. She even had to help a classmate get an abortion. Who could she complain to?

"It seems to be the beginning of last month." Luo Zhiping was taken aback, not expecting Tang Zhitong to inquire about this.

"Fortunately, it should be in time. The later the pregnancy, the higher the risk of surgery. How has Lu Yan been feeling lately? Is there anything unusual?" Tang Zhitong wasn't in the mood to explain to Luo Zhiping what the golden time for abortion was, but was concerned about whether Lu Yan was fit for surgery.

"She's alright, but she's always worried and can't eat much," Luo Zhiping replied truthfully.

"There's no time for surgery today. Tell her to eat as usual today, but not after 10 PM until the surgery is finished. She shouldn't eat or drink anything. I'll contact a doctor for you this afternoon, and once I've made the contact, I'll leave a message with the dorm manager to try and get the surgery done tomorrow. You should be able to take time off, right?" Tang Zhitong said after planning.

"Alright! Teacher Tang, I won't thank you enough. From now on, I'll do anything you ask, even go through fire and water for you. If I even flinch, I'm a son of a bitch!" Upon hearing Tang Zhitong's promise, Luo Zhiping was so grateful that he almost knelt down and kowtowed.

“We’re all roommates, don’t be so formal. Go back and comfort Lu Yan, tell her not to be nervous. It’s a minor surgery, she can get out of bed the same day, it won’t affect her studies. As for you, be more diligent lately, don’t let Lu Yan touch cold water.” Tang Zhitong patted Luo Zhiping on the shoulder and started urging them back.

As for the first choice for the surgeon, Tang Zhitong felt that Lü Lixian was the most suitable. Firstly, they were close friends, and secondly, the maternity hospital was close to the University of Posts and Telecommunications.

Although Wang Bo's side could also do it, he wasn't formally trained in it, so the risk was still a bit higher.

Luo Qingquan's place would definitely work, but 301 is a bit far from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, so it's only a backup option for now.

When Tang Zhitong turned back, the middle-aged man had already finished pestering her. Seeing Tang Zhitong coming over, he picked up the lunchbox and handed it to her.

"Thanks." Tang Zhitong weighed it in his hand, estimated it to be about 1.5 jin (750 grams), then opened it to take a look before putting it into his bag.

Ten yuan for a pound and a half of maltose is indeed not cheap, but this stuff is similar to honey. It keeps well and is not afraid of high temperatures. At noon, a bowl of well water and a spoonful of maltose, stirred well, and if you add some ice cubes, make a perfect summer drink.

As for whether it's a loss or not, Tang Zhitong is rich and doesn't care. He does good deeds to feel good, so why bother with so much?

Upon entering the campus, Tang Zhitong did not immediately go to class, but instead went to the logistics department to find Wei Zhizhen.

Last month, the subsidies for the 603rd Research Class were all distributed to individuals, except for mine, which was in the logistics department. I need to go there to collect it and deliver it to Zhou Zheng.

In addition to food coupons, Tang Zhitong also planned to discuss with Wei Zhizhen the possibility of using the canteen to hold a celebration banquet on Sunday.

When I discussed it with Director Ye yesterday, Tang Zhitong revealed his intention to hold a celebration banquet at the University of Posts and Telecommunications. For a group of college students who are at the age of having the biggest appetite, the scale is secondary and the practicality is the most important.

Tang Zhitong had no classes this afternoon and originally planned to go there, but Luo Zhiping's matter disrupted her plans.

Wei Zhizhen readily agreed, as there was no reason for her not to cooperate with the Women's Federation's supplies to subsidize her school's students.

When Tang Zhitong came out of the logistics department and gave Zhou Zheng the grain coupons, he did not ask whether the participation of the Post and Telecommunications College in the wheat harvest was related to his suggestion.

Because when he attended the conference of outstanding figures in education and culture, the report given by the leaders in the education sector clearly stated that increasing labor was something they had planned long ago, and he just happened to be there.

Immediately afterwards, Tang Zhitong went to the research class to walk around and take a look. In addition to learning about the progress of the project and telling the students who participated in the research and development of the incubator and incubator that a celebration banquet would be held at the canteen of the School of Posts and Telecommunications on Sunday noon, he also sorted out the accounts to facilitate the handover between himself and Miao Xiaoqin.

"Xiaoping, go back and tell Heping and Wanxianghong to come over on Sunday too." Opportunities to eat to one's heart's content are rare, so Tang Zhitong certainly wouldn't forget these friends she'd brought along.

"Okay!" Huo Xiaoping readily agreed.

"You're practically a full member of our research group now." After not attending the research group for a month or so, Tang Zhitong noticed that Huo Xiaoping had already integrated into the group.

In addition to perfecting the three sets of radio-controlled cruiser models, Bi Bin is working with Huo Xiaoping on hovercraft models.

Tang Zhitong wasn't too surprised by this, because the foreign journals and newspapers in the research class all published news about foreign countries developing hovercraft. Although the photos weren't very clear, the outlines were still discernible.

Although China's industrial technology is somewhat lacking, we can still see from the research materials that some organizations are working on this.

Tang Zhitong had only one feeling after watching it: magical.

The post-World War II technological development is indeed quite surreal. The Soviet Union's "Caspian Sea Monster" design is probably finished by now, and the United States is even planning to develop an ice-based aircraft carrier. Compared to that, hovercraft are nothing.

After joining the research class, Tang Zhitong originally planned to use supermagnetic technology to build a "big flying car" to retaliate against Tao Yingjie.

But after counselor Zhuang Lei gave Tao Yingjie the cold shoulder for complaining to him, he calmed down a lot. In addition, he had a lot of things to do recently, so Tang Zhitong gave up the idea. Not only because he didn't have neodymium iron boron, but also because he was too busy and had no energy to take care of this matter.

"Hey, the teacher said this is a rare opportunity for practical experience, so he gave me some extra attention in class. Oh, by the way, your fan is finally fixed. We've been testing it, and it's working well," Huo Xiaoping said, pointing to the oscillating fan next to him.

"I saw it as soon as I came in. I'll let everyone use it for another morning, and then I'll have to come back this afternoon to take it back as a sample." Although Ye Zhijuan bought the fan with her own money, it has now been improved from the original. Tang Zhitong felt that she wouldn't be reluctant to give it to the manufacturer as a sample just because of this small amount of money.

Ultimately, it seems like I bought one, but it also seems like I didn't. I might still end up without a fan this summer.

After chatting with his classmates in the research class for a few more minutes, Tang Zhitong returned to the classroom to attend class.

When we returned to the dorm for lunch, Luo Zhiping was nowhere to be found. The other roommates expressed their regret at missing the wheat harvest, since the wheat harvest meant they could eat as much as they wanted.

Tang Zhitong didn't stay in the dormitory for long. After finishing his meal, he went to the research class, set up the fan, went downstairs, tied it to his bicycle, and rode straight to the Municipal Maternal and Child Health Hospital.

Moving things around was too much trouble, but Tang Zhitong didn't feel comfortable leaving them in the bike shed, so he simply handed out cigarettes to the security guards at the gate, left the bicycle right under their noses, and then went to find Doctor Lü.

"The incubator is very useful. It has already saved a premature baby. One is not enough. It would be great if we had two more." Upon seeing Tang Zhitong, Lü Lixian immediately shared the good news.

"The Post and Telecommunications Institute has one more, I'll send it over to you later. That's all we have left, it depends on how the Women's Federation contacts the factory to produce it. Sister-in-law, how's Hanguang? Is he causing trouble at home while you're at work?" Tang Zhitong took a newspaper from Lü Lixian's office and used it as a fan in front of her.

“Zhang Ye is watching over things, so it’s fine. Didn’t you come here today for the incubator?” Lu Lixian asked tentatively, seeing that Tang Zhitong’s behavior didn’t seem like he was here for the incubator.

"Hey, sister-in-law, you have such a keen eye. Um, I've been having some constipation lately, could you prescribe some glycerin for me?" Tang Zhitong rubbed her hands together, a little embarrassed. It was impossible for her to be constipated, but glycerin could be used for other purposes.

"Is Xiao Wang pregnant?" As a doctor, Lü Lixian knew all too well when constipation was at its peak. Now that the supply of vegetables was steadily improving, the number of patients with constipation was decreasing day by day. Moreover, Tang Zhitong had a yard full of vegetables, so it would be strange if he were constipated.

"Huh? That's a world of difference, how did you come up with that?" Tang Zhitong didn't expect Lü Lixian's thought process to be so unique, guessing right every time. However, since it concerned a man's pride, he certainly couldn't admit it.

“Men, humph! Don’t they have anything else in their heads?” Lü Lixian glanced at Tang Zhitong, the soft hum coming from her nostrils. It wasn’t loud, but it was full of worldly wisdom.

(End of this chapter)