Rebirth of Bayi Fishing and Hunting in the Northwest

Chapter 1243 Visiting the Meng Family for Dinner, Asking Director Dai to Treat Them and Buy Tickets
Li Long wasn't really interested in the roast duck that Meng Yuchao had brought for lunch.

He didn't particularly like this stuff in his previous life, and it's the same in this one. But it was a token of their appreciation, so Li Long didn't refuse... The main course was sliced ​​roast duck and thin pancakes, served with sauce in an aluminum lunchbox.

Of course, you can tell it's not a whole one. I guess Meng Yuchao couldn't afford a whole one. There were also a few meat-filled sesame cakes. Li Long could tell that they were filled with pork head meat or something similar. It wasn't good meat, but it was well-braised.

He wasn't a particularly picky person, and the food was to his liking, so he ate while chatting with Meng Yuchao about some small business ideas.

They are all things I have personally experienced and experimented with.

In comparison, Meng Yuchao is much smarter than Tao Daqiang, who followed him back then; he understands things very quickly.

Unfortunately, people can be a bit slippery. They seem grateful to you now, but who knows what will happen once they start making money?

Therefore, Li Long didn't have high expectations for him; he just needed him to look after the courtyard.

Li Long only tasted the duck, but mainly ate a few sesame seed cakes. Meng Yuchao could tell that Li Long didn't really like roast duck, and he himself didn't eat much.

After they finished eating, Meng Yuchao went to clean up, and Li Long pointed to the remaining roast duck and said, "Take it back."

"Why don't you leave this here for your dinner?" Meng Yuchao said politely.

"Take it, take it home and let your family try it." Li Long waved his hand. "Hurry up, I'm about to take a nap."

Meng Yuchao happily took the remaining roast duck and left—that was his intention all along, but he still had to be polite.

He hurried home with the roast duck. Dinner had already been served. Seeing Meng Yuchao return, his mother said:
"I just heard from your Uncle Song next door that you bought food for Boss Li in that big courtyard, so they didn't save any for you. Have you eaten yet?"

"I've eaten, Mom, you should try this roast duck!" Meng Yuchao put down the lunchbox, opened it, rolled up some duck meat and scallions with sauce in a thin pancake, and fed it to his mother.

"You bought this? What a waste of money..." While Meng's mother was scolding her, the cake was already in her mouth.

I had no choice but to eat it.

Meng Yuchao rolled two more pieces for his mother, and took the rest to the living room for his father to eat.

Meng Yuchao's older siblings all have jobs, some are married and live independently, and he is the youngest son, so he stays with his parents. When Meng's father saw his son coming over with a lunchbox, he actually overheard his son and wife's conversation in the kitchen, but he still had to maintain a certain composure.

In the end, he too succumbed to his son's roast duck wraps—it wasn't that he'd never eaten them before, but when has the youngest son ever been proper? He's always been supported by his parents, so this was a rare opportunity for him to show filial piety, which was quite touching.

The elderly couple from the Meng family knew that their youngest son was working with Li Long on making raisins. They had even tasted the raisins themselves and found them to be quite good, a rare delicacy.

So they didn't stop them, and unexpectedly, they made quite a bit of money from just over a kilogram of raisins.

Hmm, that young man is no ordinary person.

Meng Yuchao then told his father about seeing Li Long spend money that day. His father thought for a moment and said:

"This guy must be very capable. You should stick close to him. In the future... well, at least you'll have something to learn in business, and you shouldn't make less money."

The tricks Li Long mentioned may not sound impressive, but upon closer examination, they are all clever methods!

Hearing this, Meng's father was eager to try it out. He felt that this matter would definitely succeed!
If someone can lend a helping hand to your son, then they are a benefactor.

Thinking of this, he stood up and went to the kitchen to tell his mother.

"Since they've been helping Yu Chao so much, shouldn't we treat them to a meal to show our appreciation?"

"That's to be expected. But with our family's circumstances, we can't really cook anything fancy. According to Yu Chao, he's rich, what good food hasn't he eaten? Why would he be interested in our simple, home-cooked meals?"

Mencius' father thought for a moment and said:

"This afternoon, let Yu Chao go and sound them out. We're just trying to convey our intentions. If they're materialistic and snobbish, they're unlikely to help Yu Chao... Let's ask first. Maybe after eating too much rich food, they'll just crave something simple and home-cooked?"

"That's possible... then let Yu Chao go and ask." Mother Meng also thought it made sense.

When Meng Yuchao took the lunchbox to the kitchen, his parents told him about it.

"Inviting me to dinner? Sure!" Meng Yuchao couldn't be happier—if Li Long could come, it would mean that he had truly caught Li Long's eye.

"He's fine with home-cooked meals. He usually eats things like noodles with soybean paste, fried dough sticks, and soy milk. He's not a picky eater."

After Li Mengyuchao said that, Meng's parents were relieved.

In the afternoon, Meng Yuchao went to Li Long's place and told him about it. Li Long initially declined, saying he was about to leave. Meng Yuchao was very sincere, saying that his parents must show their appreciation. In the end, Li Long agreed: tomorrow at noon, noodles with soybean paste.

Gu Xiaoyu came over as it was getting dark, and Li Long told her about it, saying:
"Why don't you skip eating out tomorrow and come with me to his house for a home-cooked meal?"

"I'm not going." Gu Xiaoyu shook her head. "They invited you, what would it look like if I went? My brother-in-law bringing his sister-in-law? Besides, that Meng Yuchao... you said it yourself, so you should go. You can tell they're quite sincere."

Li Long thought about it and realized he hadn't considered things carefully enough.

"Okay, I'll go tomorrow at noon."

"Brother-in-law, when are you going back to Northern Xinjiang?" Gu Xiaoyu suddenly asked.

"In the next couple of days. Tomorrow morning I'll go to the State Ethnic Affairs Commission's Beijing office to make a call and see if Secretary Zhang has anything else to do. If not, I'll book my plane ticket."

Although he was a little nervous before boarding the plane, once he was on the plane, Li Long had absolutely no desire to take those three or four days of train travel again. Even though hard seats were relatively more comfortable, he didn't want to squeeze in again.

trouble.

Flying is so convenient. The pre-boarding checks at both airports are relatively simple now, and the procedures are not so complicated, making it relatively more comfortable.

"Okay, I understand," Gu Xiaoyu said.

Li Long had originally planned to make soup and rice for dinner, but there were no fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce available, so he couldn't do it.

The two went out for a simple bowl of noodles and then went home separately.

The next day, Li Long went out for breakfast early and encountered several people hurrying by. He didn't recognize them or know whose they were. Of course, he didn't pay them any mind. After having breakfast, he didn't take a taxi and walked to the Beijing Liaison Office.

The people in the Beijing office used to be quite familiar with Li Long, after all, they had shared a big drinking session together. Then Li Long didn't come for two years, so they'd become somewhat estranged. But this year, Li Long came, and Secretary Zhang specifically mentioned it, so these people started remembering Li Long again.

Therefore, when Li Long arrived in the morning, everyone he met greeted him proactively.

Li Long didn't go to Director Dai's office. He thought it wasn't a big deal and he didn't want to bother the director.

Unexpectedly, he had barely arrived at Xiao Wang's office and hadn't even exchanged two words when Director Dai walked over, saw Li Long, and said with a smile:

"Comrade Li is here? Come, come to my office, I have something to talk to you about."

There was nothing they could do. Li Long smiled, waved to Xiao Wang, and followed Director Dai to his office.

Another colleague of Xiao Wang's in the same office said enviously:

"Hey, this guy really has Director Dai's favor. Whenever he comes over, the director personally greets him."

Xiao Wang said, "Yes, I feel like Director Dai has never smiled at any young person this much before."

They talked, but there wasn't much idle chatter. They all knew that Li Long wasn't in their league, and wasn't even part of the system, so there was no competition between them.

On the contrary, it would be quite beneficial for them to have a good relationship with Li Long.

Upon entering Director Dai's office, Director Dai asked Li Long to sit down. Someone came in and brewed tea for Li Long. Director Dai pointed to the tea and said:
"Try it, it's from the south, Da Hong Pao, it's good stuff."

Li Long said with a smile, "I'm a rough man and don't know much about tea... I'm only able to taste this fine tea because of the director."

"Hey, if you like, I'll take some back with you," Director Dai said casually. "Did you come here today for something?"

"I'm planning to call Secretary Zhang later and ask if there's anything else. If so, I'm thinking of heading back."

"Okay, then I'll do it here. It might take a while, right? Secretary Zhang must be busy right now."

“Yes, he said around 10:30,” Li Long said.

Director Dai secretly sighed, thinking how incredibly lucky Li Long was. Secretary Zhang had even specifically reminded him when to call him… He was also present when Li Long made the last call here, and at that time he sensed that Secretary Zhang treated Li Long with special regard. Or rather, it seemed that Secretary Zhang's special regard for Li Long was more than just ordinary.

Li Long then enjoyed his tea, while Director Dai occasionally worked and chatted with Li Long about everyday matters.

In the courtyard, Meng's mother went out early to buy groceries and weighed meat. The neighbors were a little curious when they saw the Meng family buying meat.

Then Mencius' mother said that she would invite Mr. Li, who lived in the courtyard, to dinner today.

Many neighbors know that Li Long has been out and about these past few days. Uncle Song also mentioned it. These people know that Li Long has an official position and is quite wealthy, making him a rather mysterious figure.

Then someone asked why Meng's mother was hosting a dinner party, which brought up the matter of Li Long giving Meng Yuchao pointers.

"Xiao Liu seems more mature than before these past few days," someone praised.

"This young man... Mr. Li is impressive."

"That's because Xiao Liu has a good foundation, but he hasn't found the right path over the years, which has caused him to fall behind."

We're all neighbors, so there's basically no chance of the neighborhood office undermining us; everyone's there to support us when needed.

Although Mencius' mother knew everyone was just saying nice things, she still felt good hearing it. Her youngest son seemed to have become more motivated than before these past few days.

Although it's called setting up a stall, nowadays being a "scalper" isn't a derogatory term anymore. Being able to earn money legitimately is a skill!
Mencius' mother was happy, and so was his father. However, he had to go to work at the factory. Mencius' father was a fitter, a fairly high-ranking one, and by this time he basically didn't need to do the work himself anymore. He had many apprentices, and he would give them guidance, which pleased them all.

He actually wanted to retire early and let his son take over the position, but he heard rumors that in two years the position would no longer be available for him.

However, Meng Yuchao didn't like being a worker and preferred a free and easy life, so there was nothing that could be done about it.

Today, Meng's father was unusually humming the Peking Opera "Shajiabang" as he went to instruct his apprentices. When he got into the mood, he even tried it out himself.

The apprentices were overjoyed.

The eldest apprentice, knowing his master's temperament, jokingly asked if there was any good news at home.

"Yu Chao found a job, even if it's just setting up a stall, at least he wants to do something." Mr. Meng knew what kind of person his son was in other people's eyes, so he didn't hide it and said with a smile.

"That's great. If Xiao Liu can settle down, then your efforts won't have been in vain."

“It’s none of my business, I have a benefactor to help me.” That’s what Meng’s father meant. “Although that person is about the same age as Yu Chao, you can’t compare people… Let’s get to work.”

At 10:30, Li Long missed his chance to call Secretary Zhang by a few minutes.

After two rings, Secretary Zhang answered the phone. Hearing Li Long's voice, Secretary Zhang smiled and said, "Comrade Li Long, are you done with your work?"

"Well, I've almost finished with my personal matters here. I was wondering if the leaders over there have any further instructions. If not, I plan to return to the northern frontier."

"That just so happens, the boss was talking about you this morning. There's nothing else, he just told you to call back every now and then if you have any new ideas, or to let me know how your cooperative is doing."

Regarding the issue of textbooks used in private schools, the leadership has already spoken with the relevant departments there, and improvements will be made.

"Great, great, that's wonderful!" Li Long said with a smile. "Then I'll buy the tickets now."

"Have the Beijing office handle the paperwork and buy the tickets," Secretary Zhang said. "Is Director Dai here? If not, I'll give him another call..."

Li Long didn't answer immediately. He looked up at Director Dai and mouthed something. Director Dai had heard him. He took the microphone and said:

"Secretary Zhang, this is Lao Dai."

"Director Dai, Comrade Li Long said he'll be going back in the next couple of days. He needs a permit and paperwork to fly, what do you think..."

"No problem, I'll get the ticket ready for him... It's what we should do," Director Dai said with a smile. "Please tell the leader, Secretary Zhang, that we will make sure Li Long gets on the plane safely, and there will be someone to pick him up there."

Li Long was somewhat flattered; this was definitely the treatment befitting a leader.

Secretary Zhang didn't say anything, as if it were perfectly normal. After listening to Director Dai's explanation, Secretary Zhang didn't say anything more about Li Long. After chatting with Director Dai for a few minutes about matters related to the Ethnic Affairs Commission, he hung up the phone.

Director Dai breathed a sigh of relief and said to Li Long with a smile:
"Comrade Li, you really are my lucky star! Not bad, not bad at all!"

Li Long was completely baffled. How could it be considered good?

"Have lunch in our canteen? I'll have someone prepare a couple of good dishes and a few bottles of good wine later." Director Dai was genuinely pleased.

Li Long hurriedly waved his hand, saying he had an appointment at noon, so Director Dai had no choice but to cancel, as he had something to do that evening and definitely couldn't make it.

"Then I'll have someone get the letter of introduction and buy you the tickets. Today is definitely not an option, so is tomorrow a bit of a rush?" he asked.

"Tomorrow, there's nothing much to do." Li Long thought that there really wasn't much to do here, so he might as well go back and play with his son.

"Okay, tomorrow then. If you want to come again in the future, give me a call in advance and I'll have my colleagues there book your tickets. It'll be more convenient that way; planes are always faster than trains."

Li Long nodded.

Director Dai sent a car to take Li Long back. When Li Long returned to the courtyard, he realized that Director Dai's happiness must be related to the last few words that Secretary Zhang said.

Well, I won't think about it anymore; it has nothing to do with me anyway.

Li Long started packing his things as he prepared to return home tomorrow.

I didn't bring much with me on this trip, but I took quite a lot with me when I left.

Besides the jade and other items I bought myself, there were also many local specialties that I got from the Beijing Liaison Office.

He planned to leave some of them for Gu Xiaoyu. Although Gu Xiaoyu lived in Yanjing, these local specialties were still hard to come by.

Most of the items were to be taken back to share with family members. Knowing that he would have to go to the Ethnic Affairs Commission compound to pick up his car, Li Long planned to buy some Beijing specialties in the afternoon to bring back to them, as it wouldn't be good to go back empty-handed.

Around noon, Meng Yuchao came to invite Li Long. Li Long got up and brought some local specialties from northern Xinjiang, which were basically dried fruits such as red dates, dried apricots, and goji berries.

The raisins were all gone, and there was no point in keeping the rest. Since I was leaving tomorrow anyway, I gave them all away.

Seeing Li Long carrying several bags and two bottles of wine—Li Long brought the ancient city with him, the bags were bulging, and Meng Yuchao felt a little embarrassed, but Li Long said they were all local specialties and not worth much money.

As he entered the courtyard, the other neighbors looked on with curiosity, and Meng Yuchao introduced them to each one with a confident expression.

He knew Li Long's wealth, but others didn't, and he couldn't say it outright, only referring to him as the boss.

Such a young boss is a first for the neighbors in this courtyard. It's quite an honor for them to come to the courtyard and eat at the Meng family's restaurant.

He praised Mencius' mother for buying vegetables and meat that morning.

Li Long blushed slightly and quickly went into the house.

The house wasn't big; it was divided into two sections, one inside and one outside, by curtains, since it was meant to house several people.

Mencius' mother cooked outside. In the small courtyard, there were several stoves set up, all using honeycomb briquette stoves.

Mr. Meng left work early today and was sitting inside. When Li Long entered the house, he got up—he's an old man, so it's not appropriate for him to go out to greet guests.

I greeted Li Long, asked about his parents, and then thanked him.

Meng Yuchao poured the tea and sat obediently to the side, listening to his father scold him for his misbehavior. Although he wanted to argue back, he didn't dare.

Li Long felt quite novel. At this moment, he felt as if he had entered a new generation. He could tell that although Meng's father was scolding his son, he was actually protecting him in a roundabout way, occasionally praising him. This was the image of a strict father in traditional Chinese culture.

Li Long, naturally sensible, praised Meng Yuchao highly and explained that he valued the other party's intelligence, and that the two parties were cooperating. In addition, he asked the Meng family to take care of the courtyard he was in charge of when he was away.

This matter is now out in the open.

Both sides achieved their goals, and both host and guest were happy.

(End of this chapter)