Chapter 23: God Chases and Feeds Me
The next morning, in Deepwater Village.
Deng Shirong took out a stack of cash from his pocket and handed it to Guan Dewei, saying, "This is the bride price for Yongying, totaling 688 yuan. Can you count it and make sure it's correct?"
Guan Dewei was surprised. Normally, the groom's family would pay part of the bride price before registration, with the remainder paid before the wedding. It was rare for someone to pay the full amount upfront.
Money had to be counted in person, so Guan Dewei took the stack and began counting.
At that time, the largest denomination was the ten-yuan note, featuring "People's Representatives Walking Out of the Great Hall," symbolizing a socialist country where the people were the masters. Since the representatives came from various provinces and ethnic groups, it was called the "Great Unity" note.
The 688 yuan Deng Shirong brought included 60 Great Unity notes, with the rest in smaller denominations. It was clear that Deng Changfu's family had gone out of their way to exchange larger bills to make a good impression.
After Guan Dewei finished counting, Deng Shirong stood up to leave. He had come specifically to deliver the bride price on behalf of the groom. The next day, Deng Changfu and Guan Yongying would go to the commune to register. According to local customs, the bride price had to be delivered first.
After returning from Deepwater Village, Deng Shirong went to the tile factory.
Just the day before, while Deng Changfu and Guan Yongying were in Dragon Lake ordering clothes, the tile kiln contracted by Deng Shirong and Deng Yungui had quietly begun operations.
"Uncle Jiu!"
"Uncle Nine!"
When Deng Shirong arrived at the tile factory, the workers greeted him warmly.
After exchanging greetings, Deng Shirong went to the area where Master Dagang worked—the same place he had worked for many years in his previous life.
"Dad!"
"Master, you're here!"
This time, it was his eldest son, Deng Yuntai, and his apprentice, Deng Changbiao, who greeted him. Both were skilled tile makers.
Deng Shirong nodded, then walked into the room where Deng Changbiao was working, observing the large vat he was making.
The vats were made indoors since they were made of clay. Working outdoors risked ruining the work if it rained.
Deng Changbiao, a man in his thirties, was highly respected as a master tile maker. But in front of his master, he didn't dare show any arrogance.
His master's skills were unmatched. Though Deng Changbiao had apprenticed under him for nearly a decade, the vats he made couldn't compare to his master's.
This craft required talent.
Deng Changbiao's talent was decent. After a year of apprenticeship, he could make vats, but his weighed over 130 kilograms. His master's vats, on the other hand, weighed between 100 and 110 kilograms. The quality was similar, but the weight difference of over 20 kilograms spoke volumes about the gap in skill.
So, when Deng Changbiao saw his master observing his work, he felt a bit nervous.
Though Deng Shirong hadn't made tiles or vats in decades, his skills and eye for detail remained sharp. He could immediately spot the flaws in the vat before him.
Remembering how his apprentice had always respected him in his previous life, Deng Shirong knew that Deng Changbiao's talent had limits. Still, he couldn't help but offer some guidance, especially on key techniques.
Deng Changbiao waited until his master finished speaking before admitting, "Master, you've told me these tips many times, and I've memorized them all. But when it comes to actually applying them, I just can't seem to get it right."
Deng Shirong sighed. He knew this was his apprentice's limit. "I understand. Making vats is like cooking. Some people can learn just by watching, while others struggle even with step-by-step guidance. Talent can't be forced."
Deng Changbiao nodded. "Master, it's not that I haven't tried hard. I just can't seem to improve no matter what I do."
Deng Shirong thought about how the tile-making industry would only last another decade or so. Even with excellent skills, they would become obsolete. He said dispassionately, "Forget it. Times are changing too fast. It's not certain that tile-making will last a lifetime. There's no need to spend too much time perfecting it."
Deng Changbiao, thinking his master was disappointed in him, said guiltily, "Master, I'm sorry for letting you down."
Deng Shirong realized his apprentice had misunderstood and waved his hand. "It's not your fault. Just work hard. Things are different now. There are more opportunities. If you want to earn more to support your family, don't be afraid of hard work."
Deng Changbiao nodded eagerly. "I understand, Master. I'll work hard."
Deng Shirong hummed in acknowledgment. "Then get back to work. I'll go see how Yuntai is doing."
Deng Changbiao breathed a sigh of relief as his master left, then focused on the vat before him.
Deng Shirong went to the room where his eldest son was working and observed the unfinished vat. He noticed the same issues as with Deng Changbiao's work.
At that moment, he couldn't help but think of his second son, Deng Yunheng.
In his previous life, after Deng Yunheng graduated from high school but failed to get into university, he returned home to learn tile-making from his father. In just one month, he mastered all the techniques, and within a few months, his vats were on par with those of seasoned masters.
That kind of talent was truly remarkable.
Some people rely on luck for their success, while others are chased by success itself. His second son clearly belonged to the latter.
"Dad, how am I doing?" Deng Yuntai asked with a smile.
Letting his eldest son become a tile master was only temporary. Deng Shirong had other plans for him, as the tile industry had no future. He wouldn't let his son waste his life in this trade.
So, Deng Shirong was more lenient with his technical standards and replied with a smile, "You're doing fine." He then added, "Take it easy when you work. Don't overexert yourself. Our family doesn't rely on your wages. If you exhaust yourself, it's not worth it."
Feeling his father's concern, Deng Yuntai smiled and said, "I know, Dad."
"Then get back to work. I'll go talk to your Uncle Yungui."
"Alright!"