Starting with vegetable greenhouses in 1988

Chapter 211 Getting a Driver's License (5,000 words)

"Lin Xiaohu!"

"Where's Tiger? Your relatives are visiting!"

"Tiger, your relatives from Beijing are back!"

Lin Xiaohu ran out of greenhouse number twelve and trotted off toward the truck, asking as he ran, "Brother Weidong, is my sister back?"

A small figure stepped out of the car and called out in a childish voice, "Uncle!"

"Yinyin!" Lin Xiaohu exclaimed with delight as he ran over and picked up his niece. He then said to Lin Qiaomei and Zhou Yongqiang, "Sister, brother-in-law, you're both back! Mom and Dad will be so happy to hear this!"

Lin Qiaomei asked, "Xiao Hu, I heard you're now working with Boss Li growing vegetables in greenhouses?"

Lin Xiaohu replied, "Yes, sis. The fan factory is in its off-season now, it's not making any money at all. Working with Brother Li pays much better than working at the fan factory!"

"Wait a minute, I'll tell Uncle Li and then I'll take you home." Lin Xiaohu put Yinyin down and patted her head. "Yinyin, be good. Uncle will take you to the store to eat something delicious later."

Lin Xiaohu quickly ran into greenhouse number three, asked Lao Li for leave to leave work early, and took Zhou Yongqiang and his family of three back to the sales store.

Seeing the family of three carrying large bags, Lin Xiaohu picked up Yinyin and asked, "Sis, why did you buy so much stuff?"

Lin Qiaomei said, "Your brother-in-law asked me to buy it. He went to the south before the New Year and made some money. He bought it as a gift for my parents."

Zhou Yongqiang continued, "Xiao Hu, I also brought you a gift. I guarantee you'll like it."

Lin Xiaohu asked curiously, "Brother-in-law, what gift did you bring me?"

Zhou Yongqiang said, "I brought back the latest Hong Kong version electronic watch from Guangzhou. It's very beautiful. You can't find it in any of the state-run department stores in Beijing. You can't buy it even if you want to."

"Thank you, brother-in-law." Lin Xiaohu said thank you verbally, but inwardly he was a little skeptical. "Just bragging!"
It wasn't that he was ungrateful; he just didn't like Zhou Yongqiang's way of speaking.

The four returned to the store, where Zhang Yuzhen and her husband were overjoyed to see Zhou Yongqiang and his family of three.

Yinyin was held in her grandparents' and uncle's arms in turn, so her feet never touched the ground.

In the evening, the store closed early. The family walked home in a lively and cheerful atmosphere.

On the way back, we happened to pass by Kuai Zui'er's house. We saw Kuai Zui'er's wife sitting at the door, gazing into the distance. When she saw Zhang Yuzhen's family, she didn't greet them but went straight back inside and closed the door.

Lin Xiaohu was a little worried and asked in a low voice, "Mom, what's wrong with her now? I hope she doesn't cause any more trouble."

Zhang Yuzhen said in a low voice, "It has nothing to do with our family. Her husband, Kuai Zui'er, didn't come back for the New Year. She would be crazy to be happy about it. She's probably afraid of people asking about Kuai Zui'er, so she hasn't been to the store for two or three days."

"Goodness! Why isn't Kuai Zui'er coming back for the New Year? Could something have happened to him?" Lin Xiaohu's feelings were complicated.

On the one hand, he was happy to see his quick-tongued wife get her comeuppance; on the other hand, he thought of Tiger Girl and felt a tightness in his chest.

What sins did he commit in his past life to attract this evil star!

Qinghe...

Lin Qiaomei was unaware of the entanglement between her younger brother and Hu Niu, and didn't even know that Hu Niu existed. She was simply curious and asked, "Mom, why didn't Uncle Kuai Zui come back this year?"

“Sigh, there are all sorts of rumors. Some say he couldn’t buy a train ticket, some say he was framed, and others say he found another woman because he thought his wife couldn’t have children. Who knows?” Zhang Yuzhen shook her head.

Lin Dingyuan said, "Being unable to have children is a big deal. Without children, the two of them have no future. Kuai Zui'er has worried about this a lot. Last time he was drunk, he complained to us about it... This is something that can't be discussed."

Zhang Yuzhen said, "That talkative wife is ruined by her mouth. Maybe she can't have children because she doesn't keep a kind mouth. People should never do bad things, or they will suffer retribution."

Back home, Zhang Yuzhen and her daughter went to the kitchen to cook, while the three men chatted with the children in the living room.

Lin Xiaohu brewed a pot of tea, poured a cup for his father, and another for Zhou Yongqiang, then asked curiously, "Brother-in-law, when did you go to Guangzhou? What was it like there? Was it fun?"

Zhou Yongqiang smiled, not afraid of Lin Xiaohu asking, but afraid he wouldn't: "Hey, Guangzhou is really a great place. It's warmer than here, and not as dry as Beijing. The environment and atmosphere there are different too. There are businesses everywhere, and even civil servants set up stalls after get off work."

Go look around the streets; every young person your age has a motorcycle.

"A motorcycle!" Lin Xiaohu's interest was piqued; such a rare item was a rarity in the village. "Brother-in-law, are you serious?"

Zhou Yongqiang said smugly, "Why would I lie to you? If you don't believe me, ask your sister. She went with me. We bought a batch of goods in Guangzhou, and with travel expenses, food, and lodging, we had a total initial investment of one thousand yuan."

Back in the capital, guess how much we got for it?

Lin Xiaohu thought for a moment: "Is it 1,300?" In his opinion, a 30% profit margin was already quite high.

Zhou Yongqiang didn't answer immediately. He smiled, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then asked Lin Dingyuan, who was standing next to him, "Dad, what do you think?"

Judging from his son-in-law's tone, it seemed like a low offer. Lin Dingyuan boldly guessed, "Fifteen thousand?"

Zhou Yongqiang put down his teacup and held up two fingers: "Two thousand!"

"So many!" Lin Dingyuan was somewhat surprised, and also felt a vague unease.

"Brother-in-law, how did you sell it for so much money?" Lin Xiaohu asked, his mouth agape, finding it hard to believe.

"Guangzhou is at the forefront of reform and opening up. It is right next to the sea. Any good products from abroad can be transshipped to Guangzhou via Hong Kong Island, which is like a large-scale comprehensive wholesale market. The products there are definitely much cheaper than those in the mainland."

Zhou Yongqiang pulled a digital watch out of his pocket: "Take this digital watch for example. The cost price in Guangzhou is 5 to 10 yuan, but here we can sell it for 15 to 40 yuan. Just do the math and see how much profit there is. It's hard not to make money!"

After Zhou Yongqiang finished speaking, he handed the digital watch in his hand to Lin Xiaohu: "Tiger, this is for you!"

"Thank you, brother-in-law." Lin Xiaohu took the watch and put it on his left wrist.

Zhou Yongqiang took a sip of tea. "Do you like it?"

"I love it, this watch is wonderful!"

Lin Xiaohu looked at the new electronic watch on his wrist, admiring it immensely. He grinned and said, "Brother-in-law, what good things are there in Guangzhou? Tell me about them."

“There are so many. Anything from abroad—food, toys, household items—is cheaper than here. There are many things you've never even seen before,” Zhou Yongqiang asked with a smile. “Nintendo, have you heard of it?”

"What kind of candy?" Lin Xiaohu asked, frowning.

"Hey, it's not candy, it's a game console. It's made by Nintendo, and it's incredibly popular. You know what, even though the people at Nintendo aren't the best, this stuff is really good. I'm planning to go to Guangzhou again in a few days to buy a batch of Nintendo game consoles to sell. I've already found out the prices; the profit margin is higher than that of digital watches, it'll definitely sell well!"

Zhou Yongqiang said confidently, "This time when we go to the south to buy goods, we're sure to make more money than last time."

Lin Xiaohu and Zhou Yongqiang had a very congenial conversation, asking and answering questions.

Lin Dingyuan was also very interested in what was happening in Guangzhou, but he just listened quietly and rarely spoke.

……

Beijing.

During the Chinese New Year, eating, drinking, and visiting relatives are indispensable activities.

Tonight, Wu Fanghua invited Wang Jianjun to her home for dinner, and knowing that Li Zhe was also in Beijing, she also invited him to come along.

In the evening, the two brothers carried their things to the family compound of Jianguomen Police Station.

Li Zhe brought two cartons of Marlboro cigarettes and two bottles of Moutai liquor. Wang Jianjun brought some food and vegetables.

Upon seeing the two men arrive again with large bags and packages, Director Wei said sternly, "How many times have I told you not to bring anything? You always bring so much. If you keep doing this, I won't open the door for you two!"

“Uncle Wei, we only brought some food and drinks. It’s the New Year, how can we visit our elders empty-handed?” Li Zhe replied with a smile, peeking into the house: “What delicious food are you making? I can smell the aroma from outside the door.”

"Hey, you've got a good nose. Knowing you two were coming, your aunt started preparing this afternoon and made a whole table of delicious food. If you can't finish it, you two can pack it up and take it with you."

Director Wei ushered the two inside, saying, "It's cold outside, come in quickly." Wang Jianjun replied, "Uncle, we've been out all day and haven't had a proper lunch. No need to take it away, we'll make sure you finish it in a bit!"

Li Zhe saw that the table was indeed half full of dishes. Wu Fanghua, hearing the noise, also came out of the kitchen: "Jianjun, Xiao Zhe, you two sit down for a while. The rest of the dishes will be ready soon."

Director Wei said, "Don't sit on the sofa, sit at the table. Let the three of us have a drink first." He took out two bottles of Moutai from the room and said to Li Zhe with a smile, "This Moutai is the one you brought last time. I haven't had any yet, so I'll try it today."

Li Zhe took the Moutai from the other person, unscrewed the cap, poured a glass for them first, and then poured two more. Wang Jianjun went to the kitchen to see if Wu Fanghua needed any help.

Li Zhe asked instinctively, "Uncle Wei, isn't Wei Min here?"

"Don't even mention it," Director Wei sighed. "That girl left yesterday. She said there was some big news and she had to go out to interview immediately. That girl is more career-minded than me. People who don't know her would think she had a son, if they didn't know her."

At this point, Director Wei picked up his glass and said, "Come on, forget about them, let's have a drink first."

Li Zhe picked up his wine cup, clinked glasses with Director Wei, and the two downed their drinks in one gulp.

Director Wei put down his wine glass and said, "Start eating." He picked up a piece of chicken for Li Zhe, "Try this stir-fried chicken, I made it. I can't drink without meat."

The chicken was coated in a rich broth. Li Zhe took a bite; it was a little spicy, but the flavor was quite good. "Uncle Wei, did you use fresh chicken to stir-fry this?"

"Hey, you're pretty good, kid. You can even tell from that?"

Li Zhe said with a smile, "I don't have many hobbies, I just love to eat."

While the two were chatting, the other dishes were ready. There were six dishes and a soup in total.

Li Zhe raised his wine cup: "Auntie, you've worked hard. Let me toast you."

Wu Fanghua took off her apron and put it aside: "I can't hold my liquor, so I'll only have half a cup. Xiao Zhe, you should drink less too."

As the four chatted, the topic of cooking came up.

Li Zhe then said, "Uncle Wei, Aunt Wei, I've opened a Sichuan restaurant on Chongwenmen West Street. It'll be open in a few days. If you have time, please come and try it out and give me some feedback."

Director Wei picked up a chicken wing for his wife and laughed, "Wow! Your business is getting bigger and bigger. What made you decide to open a restaurant?"

Li Zhe didn't hide anything and directly told everyone about the wasted vegetables.

Director Wei nodded: "Not bad, you've got business acumen."

"I'll give you both a membership card later, with money already loaded. Whenever you don't feel like cooking, just come eat at my place." Running a restaurant inevitably involves encountering troublemakers; I'll need Director Wei's help to keep an eye on things then.

It makes no sense to not hire people when you open your business, and then ask for their help when something goes wrong.

Director Wei asked with a smile, "If we go there every day, aren't you afraid of going bankrupt?"

Li Zhe didn't take it seriously: "Uncle Wei, you underestimate me. If I can't even earn enough to treat you two to a meal, what's the point of all this? You two can come whenever you want, eat as much as you want, don't try to save me any money. It's no big deal!"

Wu Fanghua suddenly asked, "Xiao Zhe, I heard you had a boyfriend last time? What does he do?"

"She is a sophomore in the School of Foreign Languages, and she hasn't graduated yet."

“College students are great, they are of high quality, have good prospects, and can be assigned jobs after graduation.” Wu Fanghua responded, then looked at Wang Jianjun beside her, “Jianjun, you are older than Xiao Zhe, it’s time for you to find someone.”

Wang Jianjun smiled somewhat embarrassedly: "The last time I went back to the village, my aunt was trying to introduce me to someone, but I'm often in Beijing, so we haven't met yet."

Wu Fanghua asked curiously, "Where are you from, girl? What do you do?"

"He said he was from a neighboring village, a year younger than me, and worked at a cannery in town."

Wu Fanghua put down her chopsticks: "Jianjun, tell Auntie what kind of person you're looking for. If I find someone suitable, Auntie will introduce you."

Wang Jianjun scratched his head. "Hey, I don't have many requirements. As long as he's not ugly, a good person, and we get along well, that's fine."

"Alright, I'll think about it and introduce you to a girl from Beijing."

Wang Jianjun's eyes widened, and he waved his hand: "No way! Those girls from Beijing are so precious, would they ever be interested in a country bumpkin like me?"

Wu Fanghua said, "You're working in Beijing now, and you'll definitely stay here in the future. It would be more suitable for you to find a girl from Beijing. Xiao Zhe, don't you think?"

In Wu Fanghua's view, her older sister was having a hard time in Hong Kong and wouldn't be able to return anytime soon. Her sister certainly couldn't be involved in her nephew's marriage, so she should help with that as well. Besides, Wei Min didn't have any siblings and was rather independent; it was uncertain whether she would even get married in the future.

Having a cousin like Jianjun means I have someone to rely on.

Li Zhe nodded: "That's for sure."

Although Wang Jianjun doesn't have a formal job, he plays a significant role in Li Zhe's life, and Li Zhe can't do without such a trustworthy person.

"No way, no way. I'm from out of town. The girls from Beijing wouldn't even look at me." Wang Jianjun had been in Beijing for a while, and through his daily interactions with the people there, he could sense how high their standards were.

Who would want to date someone like me, a non-local with no house, no money, and no formal job?
Li Zhe could roughly guess what his cousin was thinking and said, "Brother, isn't my restaurant about to open? I don't feel at ease without our own people. Why don't you go and be the purchasing manager at the restaurant?"

Wu Fanghua cast an admiring glance at Li Zhe: "Good job, purchasing manager! With such a great job, you're sure to find a partner!"

When it comes to finding a partner, Chief Wei thinks of his daughter. There are so many good young men in the police station, but she doesn't like any of them. Instead, she brings home a girl named Erni. It's heartbreaking.

Li Zhe poured Director Wei a cup of tea and chatted casually, "Uncle Wei, I'd like to get a driver's license. I wonder if you're familiar with the current policies?"

"This matter falls under the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office, but I know a little about it," Director Wei said, adjusting his water glass. "It used to be quite strict; only companies related to the transportation industry could issue driver's licenses. Outsiders had to register under a different company. However, I was drinking with the director of the vehicle management office the other day, and we talked about this. Now, even self-employed individuals can get licenses."

However, you need to prove you have a stable job. Since you own a vegetable shop, bring your business license, ID card, temporary residence permit, and property ownership certificate when you go to the vehicle management office. It shouldn't be a problem.

"Okay, I'll remember that. I'll go to the vehicle management office to ask when I have time." Li Zhe raised his glass and toasted him again.

Not having a car is indeed inconvenient, and Li Zhe is someone who loves to enjoy life, so he's thinking about getting a car when he has the chance, but before that, he needs to get a driver's license first.

After finishing their meal and helping to clean up, the two brothers went home.

On the way back, Wang Jianjun was somewhat silent.

After arriving home, he sat in the living room in silence.

Li Zhe turned on the coal stove, put in a kettle of water to boil, and asked, "Brother, what's wrong? Did you drink too much?"

"Huh? What did you say?" Wang Jianjun came to his senses.

Li Zhe joked, "I was saying you miss your wife, didn't you?"

"Go away, what nonsense are you talking about?" Wang Jianjun sighed softly. "I was thinking about my aunt wanting to introduce me to someone."

Li Zhe laughed: "That just means he misses his wife."

"I didn't want to put my aunt in a difficult position, but what girl from the capital would ever look at me..."

Li Zhe suggested, "Then find someone uglier; maybe they'll be happy with that."

Wang Jianjun snorted, "I'm not happy about that."

"Brother, don't underestimate yourself. Even though your current situation isn't great, things will get better in the future," Li Zhe said, sitting across from him at the coffee table.
"After you invest in vegetable greenhouses this year, your income will definitely skyrocket, and you'll be able to buy a house in Beijing."

Moreover, your current income is much higher than that of the average person in Beijing, and being a restaurant's purchasing manager is a respectable and stable job. You're a promising prospect, more than good enough for an ordinary Beijing girl.

Wang Jianjun laughed: "You're just trying to sweet-talk me. Am I as good as you say?"

Li Zhe said in a serious tone, "I'm telling the truth. It all depends on which girl from Beijing has good taste."

(End of this chapter)