Chapter 25: New Heights
On June 5th, in Double Prosperity, under the same large banyan tree, Zhang Kangmei and Deng Changmei passed each other several times.
After Deng Changmei and her sister-in-law walked away, Deng Shirong asked, "Little Zhang, did you get a good look?"
Zhang Kangmei nodded. "I did."
Deng Shirong: "What do you think?"
Zhang Kangmei thought for a moment and said, "She looks good."
Deng Shirong turned to Zhang's parents. "Cousin, what do you think?"
Father Zhang said, "She's tall, well-educated, and clearly intelligent. I think she's a good match."
Mother Zhang also nodded. "I think she's good too. She has a strong build—she'll be easy to raise."
Deng Shirong wasn't surprised by their approval. After all, Deng Changmei had married into the Zhang family in his previous life. If her parents hadn't been satisfied, the marriage wouldn't have happened in an era when parents often decided such matters.
Deng Shirong said, "Then I'll go tell the girl to join us for lunch?"
Father Zhang nodded. "Thank you, Uncle Jiu."
A few minutes later, Deng Shirong approached Deng Changmei and her sister-in-law. "Ah Mei, you've seen him. What do you think?"
Deng Changmei didn't hold back. "Uncle Jiu, he looks alright, but he seems a bit thin and frail. He doesn't look like he can handle heavy labor."
Deng Shirong smiled. "He's a carpenter. He doesn't need to do heavy work. With the country now allowing private business, his skills and intelligence will ensure a good life for you."
The sister-in-law, aware of the benefits of having a carpenter in the family, agreed. "Ah Mei, Uncle Jiu is right. A craftsman's life is much better than that of a laborer. If you like him, don't hesitate."
Deng Changmei pondered and asked, "Uncle Jiu, what does he think of me?"
Deng Shirong smiled. "He and his parents both like you. That's why I invited you to lunch. Ultimately, it's your life. You need to be satisfied."
Deng Changmei looked at her sister-in-law, who gave her an encouraging nod. Already somewhat inclined, Deng Changmei no longer hesitated. She nodded firmly and said, "Alright then!"
Ten minutes later, Deng Shirong and his group entered the state-run restaurant.
Though state-run restaurants were the pinnacle of dining in Double Prosperity, even Deng Changfu's family had been willing to treat guests there. The Zhang family, being better off, had no issue with the expense.
When ordering, the Zhang family was generous, selecting eight dishes—four meat and four vegetable: boiled chicken, taro dumplings, braised pork, stir-fried pork liver, fried peanuts, green onion tofu, stir-fried sweet potato, and Green Dragon Dish.
Wine was, of course, a must.
In that era, even during festivals, many families couldn't afford such a feast, let alone one prepared by state-run restaurant chefs. The taste was beyond what most families could achieve.
Everyone was thoroughly satisfied.
Halfway through the meal, at Father Zhang's suggestion, Mother Zhang left briefly. About twenty minutes later, she returned with a cardboard box containing candies, biscuits, and pork.
After the meal, Deng Changmei left with her sister-in-law.
Once they were gone, Mother Zhang brought the box to Deng Shirong and said, "Uncle Jiu, there's a five-flavor cake and two candy cakes inside."
Father Zhang took out twenty yuan—two five-yuan notes and one Great Unity note—and said, "Uncle Jiu, this is your red envelope, this is for her sister-in-law, and this is for the girl."
Deng Shirong accepted the money and said, "Cousin, this is a special time. All production teams are busy dividing land. If you want to marry her into your family quickly so she can help secure a plot, the bride price will definitely be high.
If you let her receive land from her parents' home before marrying into your family, the price will likely be the standard amount. Discuss it with your family and decide. I'll step out for a smoke."
This was indeed a significant decision. As Deng Shirong stepped outside to smoke, Zhang Kangmei and his parents began discussing.
After some deliberation, the three agreed to wait until Deng Changmei had received land from her parents' home before marrying her into the family.
After all, three generations of their family were carpenters. They didn't value land as much as others. Instead of paying a high bride price, it was better to let her secure land from her parents' home first. This would benefit both parties.
So, Father Zhang called Deng Shirong back and informed him of their decision.
Deng Shirong nodded. "Alright, I understand. I'll deliver the items to her family first, ask about her bride price and requirements, and then visit your home tomorrow to discuss the details."
Father Zhang nodded. "Thank you, Uncle Jiu."
"I'll take my leave now."
"Take care, Uncle Jiu."
After leaving the state-run restaurant, Deng Shirong noticed five more Great Unity notes in his system space and couldn't help but smile. Originally, after his rebirth, he had only 136 yuan. After paying 100 yuan for the kiln contract and 2 yuan for his second son's living expenses, he was left with 34 yuan.
When he helped Deng Changfu and Guan Yongying get together, he received eight yuan in red envelopes for the introduction and house visit. Adding the eighty yuan reward from the "Matchmaker Reward System," his net worth reached 122 yuan.
After deducting expenses for candies, biscuits, sugar, and seasonings, he was left with a little over 110 yuan. Now, with an additional 55 yuan, his net worth reached a new high of over 170 yuan.
Money was meant to improve one's life, and Deng Shirong wasn't one to hoard it. He went to the market and spent over six yuan on a large piece of fatty meat before riding home.
"Dad, you're back!" His youngest daughter, Deng Yunzhu, greeted him.
Deng Shirong handed her the fatty meat. "Take this back and put it away. Where's your sister?"
Deng Yunzhu, her eyes shining, took the meat and said, "She's shelling grains. She should be back soon!"
In the village, without electricity, rice was hulled using traditional water-powered mills. Thatchfield Village had one such mill.
Deng Shirong hummed in acknowledgment. "Cut the fat first, and ask your sister to fry it when she returns. I need to go to Yunjin's house to discuss something."
"Alright, I'll do that!"
(End of this chapter)