dmims Chapter 44 Re-departure
Chapter 44 Re-departure
Three days after Hu Shu and his entourage returned to Mozi County, Qiangrui Building Materials issued a clear response: the so-called second round of bidding would no longer be mentioned, and Qiangrui had decided to adopt the Mozi County proposal.
Hu Shutong knew that there would be further negotiations, but that was Lei Xiaoxi's business. Hu Shutong had also communicated Jiang Zhipeng's meaning to Lei Xiaoxi in person. Lei Xiaoxi was a wise person and didn't need Hu Shutong to explain it too clearly.
Before and after the Lunar New Year, Hu Shutong and Luan Pingxin had been in their hometown for over a month. If it weren't for the assembly warehouse incident, they would have set off no later than the Lantern Festival. Now, it seems that although things had taken a turn for the worse, the outcome was satisfactory, so the two no longer had many worries and could focus on their own affairs.
On the eve of his departure, Luan Qizhen invited Hu Shutong to the Luan family home. After all, Luan Pingxin had caused the Hu family a lot of trouble before the New Year, and he wanted to return the favor. In addition, the two of them had accomplished such a great thing together, so they deserved a grand celebration.
Luan Qizhen stood in front of the wine cabinet, picked up a bottle, weighed it in his hand, then put it down. He tried another bottle, but still frowned. In the kitchen, Luan Pingxin was helping her mother cook a very lavish meal, including chicken, beef, and seafood.
"Girl, you still remember Xiao Juan downstairs, right?"
"We were classmates, how come I don't remember? But her family moved away before I even went to university, and we haven't kept in touch since."
"A few days ago, when the art troupe was selecting members, I ran into Xiaojuan's mother and found out that she had gone to live in a villa near the mountain."
"How is Xiaojuan?"
"I didn't see Xiao Juan, but I did see Xiao Xiao Juan. That granddaughter keeps calling me 'Grandma,' she must be this tall by now!" As she spoke, Luan's mother stretched out her hand to measure.
"So fast?" Luan Pingxin sat on the bench by the door, feeling that her words were rather dry.
"Pingxin, there's no use in your dad and I thinking about it anymore. The key is what you think."
"I...I wasn't thinking too much about it. But what are you all thinking about?"
"We have many clients who work with us. Your dad has met quite a few impressive and articulate young men—tsk tsk, they're all exceptional individuals!"
Luan Qizhen chimed in from the living room, "To call someone a dragon among men is an understatement. They have vision and ambition; I'm getting dizzy with all the choices."
"What's the point of you picking it out? You two can just put on a show. Mom, why did you throw in a handful of big chili peppers? I already told you he can't handle spicy food, just add more vinegar."
"Silly girl, these are just green peppers that have turned red, they're just for show!" Mother Luan smiled and said no more.
Before long, Hu Shutong arrived at the Luan family home with gifts.
While waiting for the food, the two sat down at the tea table where they had originally discussed the matter. "Shutong, you did a great job. At first, I didn't think much of it, just that it was a favor to the county. But after talking to Xiaoxi on the phone yesterday, I realized that this matter has a significant impact!"
Hu Shutong nodded and said, "Qiangrui is a strong company with a mature building materials industry. The cooperation will not only involve the assembly warehouse. After I arrive at the school, I will also conduct a benefit assessment of our plan, which will serve as a reference for Director Lei and help the cooperation between the county and Qiangrui to proceed."
Luan Qizhen's smile remained unchanged, the scene from that year still vivid in his mind. Hu Shutong, who sat in front of him, was reserved and awkward, but now, looking at him again, he seemed like a seasoned person.
At the dinner table, Luan Qizhen had three intentions: to express his gratitude, to celebrate, and to bid farewell. However, when he raised his glass, these preconceived notions vanished involuntarily, leaving only a simple opening remark as a parent. After that, he ate, drank, and chatted casually.
At the square table, Luan Qizhen and his wife sat on one side, while Hu Shutong and Luan Pingxin sat on the other. This was the first time Hu Shutong had drunk with Luan Qizhen.
Luan Pingxin was puzzled. This was not how her father was at the dinner table. Her father was the kind of person who never made decisions at the dinner table, so he would mostly just agree with others, drink a lot of wine, and say little.
Now, his mouth was like a dam had been opened, and he chatted with Hu Shutong about everything under the sun. It was rare to see him so relaxed. As the wine flowed freely, the conversation became even more animated. Luan Qizhen spoke with great enthusiasm, not in a superficial way, nor did he offer any guidance to Hu Shutong. He simply recounted stories from the past in a straightforward manner.
Those of his generation who heard about the women's volleyball team's victory on the radio have a deep emotional connection to it. He vividly described how grand and exhilarating that night was. When it comes to symbolic meaning, spiritual strength, and a sense of hope for the times, it all boils down to one word: "fighting."
"Shutong, your generation will surely be the one that changes the most. Twenty years ago, I had my ear pressed against the radio to listen to the news, but now I can sit in front of a color TV and watch the World Cup qualifying matches. The World Cup can even be co-hosted, so the two of you should also work together."
Hu Shutong and Luan Pingxin listened intently to Luan Qizhen recounting important events, and for a moment they didn't realize that his true intentions were elsewhere, and he switched gears quite smoothly.
"Dad, can't you see from this plan that Shutong and I work together seamlessly? Of course, we'll continue to work hand in hand in the future."
"Girl, your dad isn't very educated. Do 'perfect match' and 'a match made in heaven' mean the same thing?"
The atmosphere quieted down a bit. Luan Pingxin raised an eyebrow at Hu Shutong, who quickly raised his glass.
……
Just as dawn was breaking, Hu Yuntong rode his bicycle with his brother to the bus station.
Hu Shutong had very little luggage this time, just a backpack and a handbag.
"Back then, schoolwork was easy; you could just memorize and pass the exams. But high school is different. If you plan to go into STEM fields, you can't miss a single lab course. Don't be so naive as to just look at the lab procedures; think about the process as you go. The books on the left side of the desk are all the ones you'll need; bring as many as you can."
"I got it, bro. You're my role model now. You can do such great things without even leaving the house."
"Qingyan isn't far from home. Come back and visit whenever you can during holidays, big or small. There's a lot of work to do at home this year. If I find out you're spending your holidays in internet cafes, I'll make you pay."
"Alright, stop nagging. I know what I'm doing. We don't know if you've been wronged out there. All we see is that you're doing well. You need to take better care of yourself, brother."
Hu Shutong felt a surge of warmth in his heart, thinking to himself that his younger brother had grown up.
"Don't shoulder everything alone. Go find Sister Pingxin and let her help you! If she's willing, you're willing too, you can fly wing to wing together!"
"Ride carefully!"
……