"Yangzi, you're back. Did the people in Gangcheng like the fermented bean curd fish we made?"
After the excitement died down and they had had their fill of marveling at the big truck, a large group of people finally turned their attention back to Chen Yang.
Seeing everyone more excited about the truck than they were about their own weddings, Chen Yang secretly felt lucky that he had locked the driver's cab from the start. If they had gotten their hands on it, it would have been a disaster if an accident happened later.
"They liked it. Everyone can rest assured, after the New Year, we will continue to expand the factory's scale, recruit more people, and build a new factory."
"To the villagers who have contracted fish ponds, you will have a good fortune next year. When the fish grow up, you will be able to sell them for a good price."
As soon as Chen Yang finished speaking, the villagers surrounding him erupted in cheers.
Chen Yang's expansion meant that relatives in their families who were unemployed would have a chance to work at the fermented bean curd fish factory.
In the past six months, most of the workers at the fermented bean curd fish factory had earned over a hundred yuan, and some of the quick-handed ones had earned over two hundred yuan, which was equivalent to several years of earning work points in previous years.
"Yangzi, remember to take care of our village and our folks when you recruit people later."
Old Branch Secretary Shen Fuguo looked at Chen Yang. In the village, besides Chen Yang's father-in-law, only he and Old Man Tu dared to openly ask Chen Yang for favors like this, because only they had that kind of influence.
"Old Branch Secretary, you speak as if we are strangers. I would prioritize our fellow villagers from our village and team even if you didn't say anything."
"Without you, Old Man Tu, and the support of our fellow villagers, I, Chen Yang, would not be where I am today. I am not someone who is ungrateful. As long as everyone works diligently, you will definitely have a job with me, and you will be able to earn a living."
Chen Yang patted his chest and guaranteed it. If it weren't for the Old Branch Secretary and Old Man Tu leading the villagers to protect him back then, he might have ended up in jail.
If he had the ability, Chen Yang naturally had no objections to helping the villagers. Besides, the factory needed to recruit people anyway, and as long as they were willing to work, who they hired didn't matter.
As for those who were lazy and wanted to get into the factory through connections, let alone that Chen Yang wouldn't indulge them, even the Old Branch Secretary and Old Man Tu would directly turn them away. They couldn't afford to lose face!
"Alright, alright. Yangzi worked hard until today to come back for the New Year. Everyone has had their fun, so disperse. Don't disturb their family reunion."
"Anyway, tomorrow is New Year's Day, and everyone will be visiting each other. We can talk about anything then. Hurry home and get ready. Our village had a prosperous year."
"I see that your households are all filled with the aroma of meat. Enjoy yourselves. You've worked hard all year, so it's rare to be happy."
The Old Branch Secretary saw the enthusiastic look in everyone's eyes as they gazed at Chen Yang and was afraid that their enthusiasm might disturb Chen Yang.
Seeing the Old Branch Secretary's thoughtfulness, Chen Yang smiled knowingly. In this life, the Old Branch Secretary hadn't experienced the tragic event of a large portion of the grain being washed away and the village suffering from a famine. He had always been cheerful and in good spirits.
Moreover, the villagers of Shenjiaba were now living better lives day by day. The tragic experiences of the Old Branch Secretary in his previous life should not happen.
After some time, Chen Yang also planned to invite villagers over sixty years old to the hospital for a physical examination. Hospitals were rudimentary in those years, and the examination wouldn't cost much.
Of course, this was only from Chen Yang's perspective. For ordinary villagers, they would naturally be reluctant. This could be considered a small contribution Chen Yang made to the villagers.
If something was found, early detection and early treatment might save a life.
"Daddy!"
As soon as Chen Yang walked into the house, the baby scrambled out. The little one was now a year older and spoke more clearly, no longer calling out "Baba, Baba."
"My little darling, Daddy misses you so much."
Chen Yang picked up his daughter and gave her a big kiss.
The baby didn't mind Chen Yang's drool and kissed him on the cheek.
Chen Hao walked up to Chen Yang at a leisurely pace, his hands in his pockets, looking up at Chen Yang.
"Dad, did you buy us anything delicious?"
The little one peeked, his eyes disappointed when he saw Chen Yang's empty hands.
Chen Yang, holding the baby in one arm, pinched his son's cheek with the other.
"As a grown man, can't you have a bit more ambition? You're always thinking about food."
"Your Uncle Baoguo is carrying it. Go and help him get it from the car outside."
Hearing his words, Chen Hao immediately dashed out the door. The baby, hearing about delicious food, also struggled to get down and disappeared in a flash.
Chen Yang had bought new clothes for the entire family in Gangcheng, not just for his wife and children, but also for his parents-in-law and sister-in-law.
He also bought clothes and gifts for his own parents, eldest sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and youngest sister. Gangcheng was not like the mainland; there was much more in abundance. If it weren't for the difficulty of carrying so much on the train, Chen Yang would have bought even more.
There was only one New Year in a year, so it had to be lively.
"You're back. Sit down quickly and rest. You're holding the baby, I'll go help Mom in the kitchen."
Shen Xue saw Chen Yang return, patted the dust off his clothes, put the little Chen Peng into his arms, and turned back to grab an apron before heading into the kitchen.
Chen Yang squeezed the little one's tender cheek. The baby, still asleep, smiled and drooled all over.
"Dad, so much delicious food."
The two little ones ran into the house with a full load of food.
Watching the children so happy, with his younger son in his arms, and Shen Xue and his mother-in-law busily cooking in the kitchen.
"Good grandson, look what good things Grandpa bought for you."
Outside, his father-in-law entered the courtyard carrying two large hocks of pork and a roast duck. Shen Futang had asked around at the market, but no one knew what Dongpo pork was, nor could they buy shrimp.
He was a bit worried that his grandsons might not be satisfied, so he had been anxious all the way. He hadn't even noticed the brand-new big truck parked outside their yard.
"Dad, you're back."
Chen Yang saw his father-in-law and quickly called out. Seeing that his two grandsons, holding a pile of food beside Chen Yang, didn't notice him at all, Shen Futang finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, his son-in-law had brought back food and pacified the two grandsons, otherwise, he would have had a headache. Thinking that in a year or two, the youngest grandson would also be able to eat on his own, Shen Futang was worried again. If he couldn't handle two, and then three, he would be even more overwhelmed.
"When did you get back? I didn't see you when you went out."
Shen Futang spoke to Chen Yang as he placed the dishes in the kitchen for Liu Chunmei.
"Just arrived. Haven't even sat down yet."
Chen Yang held his younger son, who had gotten much heavier, making him quite tired to hold.
Looking at the Spring Festival couplets and door gods pasted on the door, and the big red lanterns hanging from the eaves, Chen Yang couldn't help but sigh. Another year had passed, and a new year was about to begin.
Hello, 1980!