Journey 1995:Non-Stop

Chapter 278 Go home!

The Spring Festival of 2001 was very special for Yan Hui.

Logically, getting back on his feet should have made him very happy, but due to various reasons, Yan Hui appeared even calmer than usual.

He spent several thousand yuan to buy some gifts, boarded a plane, and flew directly to Xiamen.

This was the longest he had ever been away from home, a full two years.

After getting off the plane, Yan Hui collected his luggage and chose a taxi from the waiting area. He only glanced at the cars before deciding which driver was honest. After making his choice, he got in the car, chatted with the driver, and chartered a car from Xiamen back to his hometown.

During the several-hour journey, Yan Hui did virtually nothing but give directions. He hadn't traveled this route many times, but at every intersection, he always managed to find the right way, as if something was waiting for him at home.

"Boss, we've arrived," the driver said, barely speaking the whole way. Yan Hui, sitting in the back, put a lot of pressure on him.

Logically speaking, drivers capable of long-distance travel are all quite capable, but he couldn't see through Yan Hui at all. He had originally planned to find an opportunity to raise the price midway, but he hadn't brought it up yet.

"You've worked hard." When they arrived at the village entrance, Yan Hui got off the bus with his suitcase and bag, greedily inhaling the familiar scent.

Upon returning to the village, Yan Hui felt he could finally grasp the "tricks and branches" of his own life.

"Brother Hui, Brother Hui is back!" When the village children saw Yan Hui, some recognized him and some did not.

People weren't exactly close to him, but Yan Hui still knew several of them. He took out some imported candies from his bag and distributed them to everyone.

This small treat immediately deepened the bond between the children and him. Acquaintances chattered about Yan Hui's "glorious deeds," mostly about how many fish he had caught and how many fights he had gotten into.

On the way, Yan Hui distributed about half a pound of candy and seven or eight lollipops. The number of children surrounding him increased from three or five to more than a dozen. Everyone was more excited than the last, which made Yan Hui feel better too.

"No need to snatch it, no need to snatch it," Yan Hui pointed to a child in the distance, "Hey, you kid from the Xiao family! Come here, have some candy! Why are you hiding from me?"

The child was a relative of the Xiao family from the front gate. He knew who Yan Hui was, but he was hesitant to approach Yan Hui. Hearing Yan Hui's name, he timidly came closer.

Yan Hui took out a lollipop and handed it to him: "What happens between me and your cousin has nothing to do with you. Why are you avoiding me?"

In the village, many people have conflicts with each other, and it's not appropriate for outsiders to get involved in these conflicts. Yan Hui was beaten by someone from another village last time, and many villagers united against the outsider. However, outsiders are reluctant to interfere in the conflicts between Yan Hui and his neighbors.

Similarly, Yan Hui's conflict with his neighbor will not involve other members of the Xiao family.

Because it was so lively, Qinglan found out before Yan Hui even got home, wondering which clever child had gone back to "tell on the news."

"Brother! Why didn't you call when you got back? I thought you wouldn't be back until tomorrow!" Qinglan immediately ran over.

"You—" Yan Hui looked at Qing Lan, and after several seconds of pause, said, "You've changed so much!"

Qinglan had grown another two or three centimeters taller. Her height hadn't changed much, but her overall temperament and appearance had changed. She now had a more mature look, more like someone from the Yan family. "That's right! I'm 18 years old now!" Qinglan leaned closer and looked at Yan Hui, scrutinizing him for several seconds.

For some reason, Qinglan's eyes quickly became misty, and she hugged Yan Hui's neck tightly: "Brother... Brother."

Having not seen him for two years, Qinglan had no idea how much suffering Yan Hui had endured.

Last year, Yan Hui didn't come back. Although her brother-in-law said Yan Hui was doing well and had made money over there, Qing Lan didn't know and couldn't believe it. She didn't care how much money Yan Hui had; she cared about how her brother was doing.
"It's alright, Qinglan, I'm fine. Don't worry, our family is still here." Yan Hui patted Qinglan's shoulder, then stepped back from Qinglan's embrace and reached out to wipe away Qinglan's tears. "With so many children around, why are you crying?"

2001年，世界上发生了很多大事。9月11日的事情震惊全世界，3个月后的12月11日，国家正式加入WTO。

For many, joining the WTO was just a simple news item, but the supporting measures were numerous. For example, on the same day, the "Notice on Increasing the Export Tax Rebate Rate for Cotton Yarn and its Products" was also issued, raising the export tax rebate rate for cotton yarn and fabric, which was a significant boon for cotton textile exports.

Yan Hui's friend, Wang Zongbo, works in the aluminum industry in Binzhou. This year, he encountered two opportunities. One was Weiqiao's commencement of construction on an electrolytic aluminum production line, and the other was a foreign trade inspection related to textile exports.

Wang Zongbo had discussed both of these matters with Yan Hui. Therefore, Yan Hui would go with him after the New Year to visit, and his trip home wouldn't be very long.

Yan Hui bought a lot of gifts, half of which were for Qing Lan.

“I’ve been quite busy lately, and I didn’t know what you liked, so I bought you some clothes and stuff, and I also bought you a cell phone. Call me if you need anything.” After Yan Hui got home, he took out the cell phone for Qing Lan. “A few days ago, China Unicom launched CDMA. I’ll take you to the city to get a SIM card in a few days, so it will be easier for you to contact me.”

"Huh? You even bought me a phone?" Qinglan was both surprised and delighted.

She didn't care about the value of the gift; the key issue was that her brother must have really made money!
When Yan Hui came back a few years ago, he bought the family a new TV and a large refrigerator, which they use every day now. These things prove a lot.

"Have your uncles returned?" Yan Hui asked.

“I’m back. I’ve been there. My uncle told me that I can stay at home for more than ten days this year, so I should be able to stay for another week,” Qinglan said.

"Yes, I'll pay a visit tomorrow." Yan Hui nodded.

Grandma was in good spirits when she came back this time. She has experienced a lot in her life. She chatted with Yan Hui for half an hour and knew that Yan Hui was really getting better now.

“You’re starting to look more and more like your grandfather,” Grandma said, patting Yan Hui’s hand. “You know what? This is the right time.”

“I know, Grandma. You told me before that I might only have two or three friends, and you were right. Grandma, I also think I’m doing the right thing now.” Yan Hui also touched his grandmother’s hand.

Grandma's hands were full of wrinkles, and Yan Hui felt particularly sorry for her: "Grandma, after the New Year, in April or May, when the temperature in the north is just right, why don't you come and live in Jinan? I'll buy you an apartment."

"Qinglan is taking the college entrance exam. Let's wait until she finishes it." Grandma's face was full of relief.

(Update will be a little late today, Chapter 12 will be before midnight tonight)
(End of this chapter)