Chapter 28: Buying a Bicycle
Since Deng Shirong introduced the monetary reward system, his four sons had been staying home, reading books every day. They were very enthusiastic about studying, though it was unclear how long this would last.
To prevent them from being distracted, Deng Shirong kept his word, not only exempting them from work but also preparing delicious meals for them every day.
Stewed carp, crucian carp soup, eel porridge, spicy snails, spicy frogs—these were all dishes made from ingredients that few people in the village ate. Deng Shirong's cooking skills turned them into delicious meals that his children devoured.
With the four sons exempted from work and the eldest son working at the tile factory, the housework fell to the two daughters.
Deng Shirong's family also raised a pig and two chickens. The hens were easy to care for, but feeding the pig required a lot of effort. Additionally, firewood was needed for cooking, so they had to go up the mountain to chop wood from time to time.
Though the work was heavy, girls of this age were used to it.
Besides cooking for his children, Deng Shirong spent most of his time "visiting clients." With his matchmaking, the "marriage" between Zhang Kangmei and Deng Changmei progressed smoothly. The groom's family readily agreed to the bride's family's requirements without any bargaining.
Thus, Deng Shirong only had to make two trips to help the two families set a date for the house visit.
On this day, when Deng Shirong came to borrow the bicycle again, team leader Deng Yunjun said with a smile, "Uncle Jiu, I've already discussed the bicycle with the others. Everyone knows you want to buy it, and no one has any objections."
Deng Shirong's eyes lit up. "How much does it cost?"
Deng Yunjun replied, "After cleaning, this bicycle is about 70% new. Uncle Jiu, just give me 100 yuan."
The price was reasonable. A brand-new Forever bicycle cost about 180 yuan with a ticket, and even more without one. Getting a 70% new one for 100 yuan was a good deal.
Without hesitation, Deng Shirong took out 100 yuan and handed it to Deng Yunjun, saying, "Alright, I'll take it."
Deng Yunjun was surprised. He hadn't expected Uncle Jiu to carry so much cash. After a moment, he accepted the money and said, "Uncle Jiu, you're well-prepared!"
Deng Shirong smiled. "I have to go to Deepwater Village now, so I won't chat longer. Come to my house for dinner this afternoon. I'll make some snacks, and we can have a drink."
Deng Yunjun nodded. "Alright, I'll be there."
Deepwater Village
After arriving at Guan Dewei's house and exchanging greetings, Deng Shirong smoked two cigarettes before taking out a calendar and handing it to Guan Dewei. "Dear relative," he said, "this is the auspicious date calculated by a fortune teller. Please take a look."
Guan Dewei took the calendar and saw that the date marked was the first day of the seventh lunar month. He knew this was the nearest auspicious day chosen by the groom's family.
In the Double Prosperity area, whether it was a community event or a celebration, no significant events were held in the sixth month of the lunar calendar.
In this era, people avoided holding community ceremonies in March, June, and September. The exact reason for this taboo was unclear, but it persisted until later generations when the March, June, and September communities were referred to as Fushe.
As for the taboo against marrying in June, there were several explanations. One was that the ancients believed June represented the halfway point of the year, and a bride married in June was seen as "half a bride," symbolizing an incomplete union. It was thought that such marriages would easily fall apart.
Another popular saying in the Double Prosperity area was: On the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, the shrike eats its mother's flesh.
This meant that on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, the shrike would cruelly devour its mother. The ancients considered this an ominous sign.
Whenever there was a happy event, the Chinese always sought good omens and naturally avoided anything considered unlucky.
Therefore, in this era, people absolutely did not get married in the sixth month of the lunar calendar.
The date written on the calendar was the first day of the seventh lunar month, the earliest auspicious date available for the wedding.
Since the groom's family had already paid the bride price and the couple had registered their marriage, Guan Dewei naturally had no objections to the wedding date. He put the calendar away and said, "No problem. I'll take this date."
Deng Shirong smiled and said, "The groom's family has already prepared the sewing machine. In a few days, after the production team distributes the grain, they'll send someone to deliver it. You can also start preparing the dowry in advance."
Guan Dewei nodded. "I understand. I'll make the necessary preparations and ensure the wedding isn't delayed."
Deng Shirong hummed in acknowledgment. "That's it for now. You and your family should discuss how many people you want to send off during the wedding. Let me know clearly in advance so the groom's family can make the necessary arrangements."
"I understand. We'll finalize the wedding list in the next two days."
"Alright. I'll head back now and return in two days to get the list."
"Uncle Jiu, don't rush off. Stay and have lunch before you leave."
"No, I have things to do."
After some polite exchanges, Deng Shirong rode his newly purchased bicycle back home.
When he arrived home and his children learned that he had bought the bicycle, they were thrilled.
In this era, bicycles were already common in big cities, but in the rural areas of Bobai County, they were still a rarity. Many production teams only had one or two bicycles collectively, and very few individuals owned one.
Now that Deng Shirong had bought this 70% new bicycle from the production team, he had become a prominent figure in the village.
"Dad, can you teach me how to ride the bike?" Deng Yunheng asked, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Deng Yunsong immediately chimed in, "Dad, I want to learn too!"
Though Deng Yunhua and Deng Yunheng were also interested, they were only ten and eight years old, respectively, and hadn't grown tall enough yet. When they saw the large 28-inch bicycle, they hesitated, feeling a bit intimidated.
As for Deng Yunzhen and Deng Yunzhu, there was also a glimmer of anticipation in their eyes. In this era, being able to ride a bicycle was a matter of pride among friends. They hadn't had the opportunity to learn before, but now that there was a bicycle at home, they naturally wanted to try.
"Of course, the older ones can all learn," Deng Shirong said.
He then looked at his eldest daughter and said, "We'll start with you, Ah Zhen. Once you've learned, it'll be Yunheng's turn. You siblings will learn one by one, from oldest to youngest."
Deng Yunzhen was pleasantly surprised and said happily, "Thank you, Dad!"
(End of this chapter)