Chapter 267 Watermelons Are Selling Well, Deng Yunheng Becomes the President
At Deng Shirong's home.
Deng Silong said excitedly, "Ancestor Jiu, my mother mentioned that you're letting us learn to drive, and once we get our licenses, you'll assign us to drive shuttle buses. Is that true?"
Deng Shirong smiled and nodded. "Of course it's true. I won't go into specifics now, but if you're interested in driving shuttle buses, I'll take you to the county tomorrow to start lessons. Once you're trained, there'll definitely be buses waiting for you. Don't worry."
Though he hadn't yet informed the rest of the clan, his standing within the Deng family was such that if he took the lead, nothing was impossible.
So, he arranged for the group to begin driving lessons early. By the time they returned, the clan's passenger transport company would likely be operational. Experienced drivers would then mentor these trainees until they were ready to work independently.
Assuming they started with ten buses, long-distance routes would require at least two drivers per vehicle—meaning twenty clan members could be employed right away.
And ten buses were just the beginning. To dominate half the county's long-distance transport, they'd eventually need dozens, even hundreds, of buses. That meant hundreds of jobs—not just for drivers but for conductors as well.
"I'm interested! Of course I'm interested!"
Deng Silong answered quickly, afraid the Ancestor might reconsider. Then, hesitantly, he asked, "Ancestor, how much does driving school cost?"
The others tensed. The twenty present came from poor households. If the fees were too high, their families might struggle to pay, forcing them to borrow from relatives.
Deng Shirong understood this well. "Everyone here is in a tough spot, especially A-Long, A-Hu, and A-Bao. Your families are already stretched thin—paying for three of you would be hard. So, I'll cover your tuition upfront. Once you're working and earning, you can repay me later."
"Thank you, Ancestor Jiu!"
"Thank you, Uncle Jiu!"
Their gratitude overflowed. Uncle Jiu (or "Ancestor," as some called him) had their unwavering respect.
...
The Next Day.
Deng Shirong personally escorted the twenty clansmen to the county for driving lessons. He also took the chance to get his motorcycle license. It was 1983, after all—in a year or two, he planned to buy a motorcycle and ride it home.
Compared to bicycles, motorcycles were far more convenient.
In his past life, Deng Shirong had bought a Jialing motorcycle in the late 1980s for nearly 10,000 yuan. Back then, only one villager in Long Field Village owned one. His purchase made him the second in town, causing a sensation when he rode it home.
That had been the peak of his life.
The county's driving school was the Agricultural Machinery School, established in 1974 under the County Agricultural Machinery Bureau. Its primary role was training rural technical talent for agricultural machinery.
The campus spanned over 30,000 square meters, including:
8,000+ sq.m for tractor and car training
2,700+ sq.m for motorcycle training
1,500+ sq.m for parking
A 2,000-meter circular practice road
It had four classrooms, electrified rooms (320+ sq.m), and a canteen (200+ sq.m), accommodating 200+ students at once.
Deng Yuntai and Bu Zhongshi had trained here.
Since Deng Shirong was already skilled with motorcycles, getting his license took less than half a month—just a formality.
...
Help and Correct Brigade
With hundreds of Deng families growing watermelons this year, clansmen spent half their days in the orchards. They treated the vines like ancestors, watching blossoms turn to fruit, swelling daily. Their eyes shone with hope.
Since the melons grew on hills, droughts meant water shortages. Families carried buckets uphill to irrigate them—yet no one complained. Their enthusiasm never wavered.
If not for the risk of overwatering, they'd have drenched the vines daily!
Deng Shirong's orchard was tended by nieces and daughters-in-law, so he didn't worry. When it came to large-scale watermelon farming, no one in Thatchfield's Deng clan matched his expertise.
By the fourth lunar month, Deng Shirong visited White Duckweed Farm, signing another longan purchase contract—same terms as last year's agreeable deal.
That same day, a letter arrived from his second son.
Deng Yunheng wrote that several roommates would visit during summer break. He briefly introduced them, adding that more might come, so he asked his father to prepare accordingly.
Reading it, Deng Shirong smiled.
Under his guidance, his second son had grasped how crucial Peking University connections would be for his future. So, for the past two years, he'd actively built friendships, becoming one of the campus's most social students.
Now, roommates were willing to travel far to visit. As a father, he'd ensure they were hosted impeccably.
First, more lychees should be preserved this year, so that the roommates of the second son can enjoy them to their heart's content. There are also other fruits that must be arranged properly.
As for vegetables, he must take some time to go to the mountain pass and bring back more seafood.
In addition, electric fans must be arranged.
There was no electricity in the village before, so electric fans had not been bought. Earlier when he had bought the few batteries, the weather had started getting cold again so he didn't buy them.
The second son brought his classmates back during the summer vacation, and the weather was the hottest time of the year, so the electric fans had to be arranged.
After arranging food and accommodation, the next step was playing...
He had to buy a few more bicycles to facilitate the travel of the second son's classmates.
In short, Deng Shirong would ensure these classmates left as joyfully as they came.
...
In a blink of an eye.
Time has come to the fifth month of the lunar calendar.
As watermelons neared ripeness, the Thatchfield Deng clan buzzed with excitement.
Though most were first-time large-scale growers, the collective effort had advantages: shared knowledge. When to fertilize, water, weed—even novices could follow the experienced.
Thus, while not every family had a bumper harvest, most did well. Even the lowest yields would turn a profit.
As harvest approached, the entire clan radiated happiness.
...
May 17
The birthday of Deng Yunqiang's twin grandsons.
Normally, rural children's birthdays went uncelebrated after their first. But this year, with bumper lychee and watermelon harvests, Deng Yunqiang's family slaughtered chickens and ducks, inviting Deng Shirong to feast.
During the meal, Deng Yunqiang raised his glass. "Uncle Jiu, a toast to you first. Without your guidance three years ago, we wouldn't be here today!"
Deng Shirong clinked glasses, smiling. "Not all my doing. I saw lychees' potential, but there were risks. You trusted me, took loans, and worked hard. Your wealth is your own achievement."
The two took hearty swigs of wine before turning their conversation to lychee sales.
Deng Yunqiang asked, "Uncle Jiu, the lychees are starting to ripen. When should we notify the supply and marketing cooperative to come purchase them?"
After a moment's thought, Deng Shirong replied, "Let's arrange it for the day after tomorrow. Once the lychees are sold, we'll focus on the watermelons."
Deng Yunqiang nodded. "Good. Tomorrow's market day—we'll inform the cooperative then and also ask relatives to help with harvesting."
Shifting topics, Deng Shirong glanced at the pregnant Guan Yongying. "A-Ying, I suggest you deliver this baby at the county hospital. Honestly, I wanted to recommend the same for your first birth, but your family's finances were tight then. The costs would've been burdensome, so I stayed quiet.
"But now you're better off. Between lychees and watermelons this year, you'll earn several thousand. Plus, I own a county house and restaurant—you can stay and eat there for free. The county hospital has proper delivery facilities. It's far safer than a home birth."
Before Guan Yongying could respond, Changfu's mother chimed in, "Uncle Jiu, we'd already planned for her to deliver there. We'll have to trouble Uncle A-Tai and Aunt A-Tai for the arrangements."
Deng Shirong waved dismissively. "No trouble at all. Just go a few days early."
Deng Changfu laughed. "I've never even visited the county! This'll be my chance to see it."
Guan Yongying smiled too. Previously, watching Zhang Xiuping, Ou Guohua, Ou Guofang, and other younger sisters take turns delivering at the hospital, she'd felt envious—but her family hadn't been able to afford it back then.
Before Uncle Jiu's influence, village women never even considered county hospital births. Now, with his daughter-in-law setting the example, young wives dreamed of it—though most could only fantasize, few realizing the wish.
...
Two Days Later
Deng Shirong's and Deng Yunqiang's relatives arrived to help harvest lychees. As baskets piled up outside Deng Shirong's home, Thatchfield villagers gathered to watch, just like the previous year.
The process needs no elaboration. This year, Deng Yunqiang's family earned 2,180 yuan—several hundred more than last year.
Deng Shirong's lychee yield matched Deng Yunqiang's, but he left 700–800 kilograms unpicked, reserving them for family use and his second son's classmates. Thus, his sales totaled just over 1,600 yuan.
The spectacle left villagers equal parts envious and hopeful. Having planted lychee saplings this year, they anticipated harvesting and selling their own fruit next season.
After the lychee sales, both families shifted focus to watermelons, selling tirelessly for half a month—today in this village, tomorrow in that one, truckloads funneling through supply and marketing cooperatives to distant markets.
Household earnings ranged from 1,000 yuan to 4,000–5,000 yuan. Such scale inevitably drew attention from neighboring clans. News of the Thatchfield Dengs' watermelon venture spread beyond Double Prosperity Village to Pine Mountain Commune and even further.
Intermarriage with other surnames meant every Deng wife had relatives elsewhere. Mentioning it during visits ensured the news traveled far.
All who heard waited to see this year's results. If most Deng families profited handsomely, they'd reclaim their own hillsides for watermelon planting next year.
Amid the Dengs' sales frenzy, schools nationwide began summer break.
...
Beijing
A state-owned restaurant near Peking University hosted the Guangxi Natives Association for a farewell dinner. The occasion honored three graduating members: association president Zhao Changzheng, senior student Song Yu, and Liu Shangwen—the sole member with a spouse and child.
Over meals, fellow provincials inquired about their job assignments.
Though placements were state-mandated, Peking University students in this era—especially top students favored by advisors—often discussed preferences beforehand. Thus, while Zhao Changzheng, Song Yu, and Liu Shangwen lacked confirmed posts, they had general ideas.
When asked, Zhao Changzheng disclosed without hesitation: "Barring surprises, I'll be working in Tibet."
The table erupted in shock.
Deng Yunheng pressed, "President, was this your choice?"
Zhao Changzheng nodded. "Yes. Our nation is multi-ethnic, and minority regions need development. I'm willing to contribute where it's hardest—to fulfill my life's purpose there."
Deng Yunheng immediately raised a thumb. "True to our president's stature! Such ideals and ambition! In Tibet, you'll be like a dragon in the ocean—boundless potential. When you soar, remember us fellow provincials!"
Zhao Changzheng laughed heartily. "Thank you for the kind words. If that day truly comes, I'll never forget my fellow provincials. Besides, I'm just one step ahead—soon you'll all assume your posts. By then, I might still be in the snowy plateaus while you've already soared to greatness."
The group chuckled. Every one of them was a rising star, each harboring grand ambitions and brimming with confidence about the future.
After discussing the president's assignment, Deng Yunheng turned to Senior Sister Song Yu. "Sister Song, where have you chosen to work?"
Song Yu smiled. "Guangxi—Nanning, most likely."
Deng Yunheng slapped his thigh. "Perfect! With President Zhao heading to Tibet, I worried there'd be no one left to host me in Nanning. Now that you'll be there, Sister Song, I'll never lack for hospitality!"
"Consider it guaranteed," Song Yu replied warmly. "Any of you visiting Nanning must let me know."
Next, Deng Yunheng's gaze landed on Liu Shangwen—who spoke before being asked: "I've chosen Yulin. When you come through, don't forget to call."
The group offered enthusiastic congratulations to each.
As the dinner wound down, Zhao Changzheng cleared his throat. "Everyone, now that I've graduated, I can't remain our association's president. Let's use this gathering to elect my successor, ensuring our hometown ties stay strong after I leave."
Lin Jianjun immediately nominated: "For the new president, no one fits better than Yunheng."
Pang Feilong nodded. "Exactly. Like Brother Zhao, Yunheng has presidential qualities in his bones."
Liu Xiaoman added, "I fully support Brother Heng taking over."
Ding Qiulan, Sun Baoguo, and others voiced agreement.
Thus, by unanimous acclaim, Deng Yunheng became the Guangxi Natives Association's second president—a testament to his successful networking over the past two years.
With formalities settled, the conversation turned to summer plans. Some would return home; others stay on campus.
Deng Yunheng announced, "Several roommates plan to visit my home this summer. Would any fellow provincials like to join us?"
Since word would spread once his roommates arrived, he saw no harm in extending the invitation early.
Lin Jianjun wavered but declined. "I'd love to visit, but having missed Spring Festival, skipping summer too would upset my parents. Maybe next time."
Song Yu sighed. "With my job starting soon, I can't go even if I wanted."
Zhao Changzheng echoed regretfully, "Same here—no more student freedoms for me."
Among Peking University's Guangxi contingent, boys dominated—but a few girls existed beyond Song Yu: Ding Qiulan, Liu Xiaoman, plus Baise's Li Guiying and Wuzhou's Wang Limei.
Having gone home last Spring Festival, the latter two had missed the Great Wall snow outing. As Deng Yunheng's classmates and fellow Guangxi natives, they shared a close bond.
Tempted by the invitation, Wang Limei asked Li Guiying and Liu Xiaoman, "Should we three go visit the president's home?"
In any era, visiting classmates held irresistible appeal. Li Guiying nodded. "I'm game if you both are."
Liu Xiaoman checked with Deng Yunheng: "President, won't our crowd overwhelm your family?"
Deng Yunheng grinned. "No trouble at all. We've got food and beds covered. For entertainment—well, our village only has a big reservoir and fruit-picking hills. Just rural pastimes like fishing or mountain hikes. Hope you won't find it dull."
Liu Xiaoman's eyes sparkled. "I've never experienced countryside life! That actually sounds wonderful."
Wang Limei laughed. "President, count us three in!"
"Then let me officially welcome you to my hometown," Deng Yunheng said.
Other provincials wore envy. At their energetic age, few could resist such group adventures—yet obligations kept them away, leaving them wistful.
...
Three Days Later
The Guangxi-bound group—homeward students plus Deng Yunheng's roommates—boarded the train together.
For Tang Mingjie, a lifelong Beijing resident, this maiden train journey fascinated him. Even the carriage's mingled odors couldn't dampen his excitement.
Noticing his enthusiasm, Deng Yunheng asked, "Brother Jie, enjoying the ride?"
Tang Mingjie stared raptly out the window. "Absolutely! Smoother than buses, plus scenery across multiple provinces—thrilling!"
Deng Yunheng warned, "I doubt you'll feel that way soon."
"Why?"
With a sigh, Deng Yunheng explained, "We'll be on this train for days and nights—poor meals, worse sleep, inconvenient toilets. Brace yourself; the next few days will test our endurance."
Initially puzzled by "endurance," Tang Mingjie grasped its meaning after twenty-four hours aboarding the train...
(End of Chapter)