Journey 1995:Non-Stop

Chapter 411 Virtue and Resentment

While chatting, Yan Hui prepared to talk about something: the issue of tap water.

Each household has its own water pipes, but the village doesn't have running water. Currently, they rely on a pressurized water tank next to the fishpond for water. This tank can only hold two tons of water, which is extremely inconvenient. Therefore, Yan Hui plans to bring running water to the village.

“Yan Hui, we’ve considered this matter, but most of the wealthy people in the village don’t live here. Although the government provides subsidies, it’s still too expensive.” The village secretary was also somewhat troubled.

"Approximately how much will it cost?" Yan Hui asked. "I mean, how much would it cost to get running water to every household?"

“I’ve calculated that, excluding government subsidies, our village will still need to spend about 700,000 to 800,000 yuan. The village can only afford to contribute 150,000 yuan at most,” the village secretary said immediately.

Clearly, the village had already considered this matter.

"I'll offer 40," Yan Hui replied in one sentence.

"Huh? 40!" The village secretary exclaimed in surprise.

It's worth noting that Yan Hui contributed 20 yuan to the road construction, and that 20 yuan is enough to have a monument erected so that future generations can see it. In comparison, a public works project like tap water doesn't offer much to boast about.

"Hmm, will this solve the tap water problem?" Yan Hui thought for a moment. "I only have one request: we need a dedicated pipeline for our house."

“Of course, that’s only right,” the village secretary immediately replied.

Actually, for things like tap water, a single pipeline is not very useful. If the pumping station has no water, a single pipeline is also useless.

But Yan Hui spent so much money, and that's the feeling he wanted, the feeling that when people talked about it, they would say, "That person's tap water is a dedicated line," regardless of whether it actually worked or not.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll send the money over as soon as the project starts,” Yan Hui said.

"Xiao Hui is really successful now. He's a man of his word, and we definitely trust you!" As soon as the village secretary spoke, everyone echoed his sentiments.

A few years ago, some people said Yan Hui was putting on a show of wealth, but now, no one would say that anymore. Especially today, with everyone here as guests and seeing so much rosewood furniture, even someone who doesn't know much about furniture can tell that he's truly rich.

When Yan Hui said this, his father sat to the side without saying anything. He also supported his son. He was actually quite frugal in his daily life, but he and his grandfather had some similarities. They believed that doing good deeds was a way to accumulate virtue, and that the money spent would definitely be earned back several times over.

After talking with the elders for a while, Yan Hui took his younger sister out of the house and into the yard, where they got some fish food and fed the fish.

"Brother, is Lingling eight or nine years old now? Should we take her back to our hometown in a couple of years?" Qinglan suddenly asked.

“Forget it, its hometown is Jinan. If Lingling gets old someday, just bury it in the chemical plant. It’s used to that place.” Yan Hui shook his head. “However, we could buy two good dogs to keep in this house, but it’s a bit of a hassle, the yard is too small. In a few years, when the family’s financial situation is better, I’ll go back and invest in a small factory, like a tea factory, investing two or three million. Then I’ll acquire a piece of land and find something for Dad to do.”

"Your attitude towards money is really different from most people. Most people would rather invest two or three million back home than throw four hundred thousand away in the village for nothing, right? By the way, didn't you say you wanted to be a little more careful with your spending lately?"

“That’s different. I installed the water pipes for Grandma. As for Dad, don’t worry about him.” Yan Hui smiled and shook his head. Grandma was coming back to live with them, and Yan Hui wanted her to be well. Since the Yan family was in charge of building the water pipes, everyone would naturally treat Grandma with great respect. Grandpa had passed away, and Yan Hui didn’t want Grandma to suffer at all.

"Haha, that's right, Dad, no need to worry!" Qinglan laughed and threw a handful of fish food into the pond.

"Don't overeat the fish."

Yan Hui changed his plans. He would only stay home for two days, so he asked his father to invite some prominent figures from the village to dinner the next evening. He also called a chef from the county. After dinner the following night, he would not participate in the rest of the banquet.

As for him, his biggest task in coming back was to spend 40 yuan.

Showing off always comes at a price; only then can you feel good, and others feel good too. For example, when someone flaunts their wealth in a group chat, someone will inevitably say, "V50, look at your power!" At that moment, sending a large red envelope (a monetary gift) makes the show-off perfect, and everyone's happy. Conversely, if you're unwilling to send such a large red envelope, there's no need to show off. It's not like you're being a fool; after all, if you're rich, who cares?
Yan Hui was chatting when his father came out of the house.

"Dad, aren't you going to chat with them?" Yan Hui asked, somewhat puzzled.

“I made an appointment yesterday. The scrap collectors are coming over in a little while, and I’m going to sell the bottles and cardboard I’ve collected,” the father said.

"Huh? You collect waste bottles?" Yan Hui was taken aback; these things only cost a few dollars.

“Those bottles can be sold for money, how could I just stand by and do nothing?” The father shook his head. “Let me tell you, it’s your business if you donate hundreds of thousands, I don’t care; it’s my business if I collect waste bottles, and you shouldn’t interfere either.”

Yan Hui was speechless after hearing this, but he didn't refute it. "Just don't go around picking up bottles from garbage dumps. It's not easy for people who collect recyclables. It's not good for you to take away their livelihood."

“Those are two different things. I’ll give some money to anyone who’s poor. But if I see a bottle, I’ll pick it up too,” the father said contentedly. How could his son possibly understand the joy of finding money (or bottles)?
“Fine,” Yan Hui said with a hint of helplessness.

“Oh, right, I suddenly remembered something. Wentao from our village came back last month, stayed at home for a few days, and then left.” The father’s words were surprising.

"Has the third brother been released from prison?" Yan Hui frowned slightly. "It's been almost nine years, by the way."

"Yes, I heard he did well and even got a reduced sentence. But I haven't seen him myself; someone told me. I was just thinking about this. Do you think they'll get running water for his family when they get it installed in the village?" the father asked.

Yan Hui seriously considered this question for a few seconds and nodded: "Yes. His family and the Xiao family are connected."

“That’s what I meant too. If your grandfather were here, he would definitely support you doing this.” The father nodded. “By the way, are you still planning to go see him?”

"I won't look for him. Let him fend for himself. He probably won't be coming back to the village much anymore. If he ever comes looking for me, I won't punish him, nor will I help him." Yan Hui had completely given up on the matter.

“Alright, I won’t interfere in your affairs. The running water is a big deal. If you don’t object, I’ll let the village know.” The father nodded in satisfaction and then went to pack up his bottles.

(End of this chapter)