Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 548 Donation
April 12th, the sixth day of the third month of the Wu-Wu year in the lunar calendar, Wednesday.

In the courtyard of the Lujiawan Brigade Headquarters, Takahashi Hideo held his speech, speaking sincerely and earnestly. He even got teary-eyed, occasionally taking off his glasses and wiping them with a handkerchief.

Zhang Wenliang stood in the crowd, his mouth wide open, about to yawn, when Chen Fan used his One-Finger Divine Skill to strike the Jingmen acupoint, forcibly suppressing his yawn.

He turned his head and glanced at it, struggling to keep his eyelids open, and murmured, "How much longer?"

Chen Fan didn't move his lips, but squeezed out a few words through his teeth, "Think about $5000."

Zhang Wenliang hesitated for two seconds, then said, "I've thought about it, but I still can't muster the energy."

This $5000 isn't for him; it's money that Hideo Takahashi planned to donate to build a primary school in Lujiawan. What's there to get so excited about?

A year ago, he would have been so excited he couldn't sleep for days.

But now Lujiawan is rich, isn't it? Yesterday, Secretary Yang was even suggesting that after the autumn harvest, we raise some money to repair the village roads, which would be a response to the call from higher authorities to build a new countryside.

This mere $5000, which is less than 9000 RMB, can only repair a few kilometers of road.
Of course, their intentions are good. This money, if used for primary school, can indeed add two more classrooms, and can also buy some musical instruments, sports equipment, etc. In this way, we won't have to wait until there are "upper primary school" students and then have to go through the trouble of vacating classrooms; we can use them directly.

So, the production team held a grand donation ceremony for him.

Although the ceremony was simple, it was of a high standard.

Not only did people from the commune arrive, but the county also mobilized... It is said that Secretary Qian slammed his fist on the table in his office, shouting that he would find out who the "traitor" who leaked the information was, and see who dared to reveal the foreign exchange of Nanhu Commune to the county!

It's still unknown when Professor Chen's manuscript fee in foreign currency will arrive. ... It's said that for these kinds of international remittances, 10 days to half a month is considered fast, and even a month is not uncommon.

Currently, my country's financial system is still under "blockade" by European and American countries.

Although the establishment of diplomatic relations with many Western European countries and the signing of relevant bank settlement agreements with them have effectively broken this blockade.

However, outdated settlement methods still affect the efficiency of international remittances.

The most "convenient" way to make international remittances is to first transfer the money to the Bank of China in Hong Kong, where there are no foreign exchange controls. The Bank of China will then send the arrival information to Guangzhou within one day, or even as early as that evening.

Once the payment information reaches Guangzhou, there's no need to wait for the funds; the remittance slip can be issued directly in Guangzhou to notify the payee.

This process is similar to domestic remittance.

Then we wait for the process to go through in Hong Kong and the money will arrive.

It was really just bookkeeping. At that time, a large amount of foreign exchange was deposited in the Bank of China. When it was necessary to make foreign payments, funds were allocated from Hong Kong, saving the trouble of keeping separate accounts for domestic and foreign transactions.

Currently, my country's largest source of foreign exchange income is "remittances from overseas Chinese," which basically follows this process.

Therefore, at this time, remittances from overseas Chinese would generally arrive in the accounts of their relatives in China within about a week, which is considered very fast.

But Chen Fan's "service trade income" is a bit uncertain.

God knows when the banks and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange will finally implement each piece of information.

However, the traveler's checks that Hideo Takahashi carried with him were different; they were almost equivalent to "cash" that could be withdrawn at any time, and he could "unfreeze" this foreign exchange by holding the checks.

Furthermore, these were bearer traveler's checks given directly by Hideo Takahashi, which could be cashed at the local committee's bank. Naturally, Secretary Qian of the commune did not want to be taken a share.

Traveller's checks are divided into registered and bearer checks. Registered checks require the person to sign in person to cash them, while bearer checks can be used directly as large amounts of cash and are mainly used for specific transactions or gifts.

Hideo Takahashi considered that if he found his relatives, they might not be willing to go back with him, so he prepared two bearer checks to leave for his nephew's family.

Now that his nephew has agreed to go back with him, even if it's just to visit, he's very happy. He doesn't need the check anymore, so he plans to donate one to the village to build a school, as a way of thanking the people of Lujiawan for taking care of his nephew's family over the years.

There's another one I plan to entrust to the production team, asking them to help my nephew get a new house.

Therefore, once you receive this check, you can cash it immediately.

Secretary Qian valued this point, which is why he was particularly reluctant for the county to get involved.

Unfortunately, higher-ranking officials have absolute power, and besides, he needed the county's approval to apply for the use of foreign exchange.

So even though it was meat in the bowl, they insisted on giving a piece to the county.

Thinking of this, Secretary Qian couldn't help but tear up.

When Hideo Takahashi looked up, he saw that even his superiors were affected by his emotions, and he couldn't help but feel gratified.

Who says blood feuds can't be resolved? Look around, aren't emotions universal?!

Filled with excitement, he wanted to say another part, but by then he had already finished reading his speech, and it would be inappropriate to say anything else. He could only regretfully leave it for next time.

Then he turned around and handed over the check.

Secretary Yang, as the representative of the recipient, quickly took the check, his eyes narrowing into slits with a smile. "Thank you, thank you. We promise to build the school well and make sure your money isn't wasted."

Although Lujiawan is not short of money, it can earn tens of thousands of yuan a day, which is much more than this check.

But why not take the money that's offered for free?

Some people we look down on clearly haven't experienced hardship and don't even understand how to be frugal. If they don't change their personality, we must never let them manage the money in the future!
He was about to hand the check to the brigade accountant, Li, when he was stopped by a leader from the county.

This leader, who was at the same level as Chen Fan, didn't put on airs.

He didn't dare to be arrogant. First of all, Chen Fan was someone who could reach the highest levels of government. Especially since he had just returned from a meeting in Beijing, all sorts of rumors were flying around about him. In short, it was best to treat him with respect.

To this day, apart from Minister Cao of the Armed Forces Department, no one in the county understands Xiao Liewen's background. Anyway, he has a stubborn temper and can only be coaxed.

There was also an official from the provincial propaganda department... Everyone knows what kind of people come from that department.

Can he still put on airs in front of these people?

He then explained to Secretary Yang in a friendly manner, "It's for publicity purposes, how about we take a picture?"

Secretary Yang glanced at him, a question nagging at him.

What are they advertising? A notebook with an apology and compensation?
This isn't compensation.

However, since he was a leader from the county, although he wasn't afraid of him, there was no need to offend him, so he nodded and said, "Okay, go ahead and do it."

So a bunch of people gathered together, and the resulting chaotic and disorganized arrangement was an eyesore.

Secretary Yang and the others asked Secretary Qian to stand in the middle. Although Secretary Qian cursed inwardly, he still asked the county leader to stand in the center. The county leader said that it would be better for Zhao Junhui to stand in the center. Zhao Junhui thought to himself, "How dare I, a deputy section chief, stand out?" So he went to pull Chen Fan away.

Chen Fan jumped back in a flash, "Haven't you guys ever taken a group photo for this kind of event before? Of course, the main character should stand in the middle!"

He then ran to the front to give directions, "Takahashi-kun, stand here and don't move. Secretary Yang, you stand next to him. Where's the check? Come on, both of you hold it together."

Okay, that's settled. County leaders and Secretary Qian, stand next to Secretary Yang. Section Chief Zhao, you all move over there. Captain Zhang, Captain Xiao, Captain Ye, Company Commander Zhang, Sister Xingxiu, and Principal Xiao, stand in the second row from the back. Spread your positions out a bit, stand between two people. That's right, so your faces aren't obscured.

After they were in position, he ran around to the left and right, saying, "Okay, that's good. Where's the reporter? Oh, he's in the back. Sorry, I didn't see him. Now you can take the picture."

The reporter from the county news agency was beaming with excitement. "So that's how you rank people?" he thought to himself, inwardly exclaiming, "I've learned something new!"

Then I raised the camera and snapped a picture...

……

After the donation ceremony, Hideo Takahashi finally prepared to leave.

The Gao family packed their luggage with trepidation.

Hideo Takahashi kept shouting from the side, "Don't bring too much stuff, just a few changes of clothes for the trip. I'll buy you new ones when we get to Kobe."

Old Gao was a little conflicted, mainly because he didn't want to owe his uncle too much. Chen Fan said from the side, "Aren't you going to come back? It's too tiring to bring things back and forth. Just bring a few things."

Hearing this, Lao Gao finally stopped worrying. He then took out his cotton-padded coat, leaving him with only his two unpatched single-layer garments.

Although he received a large dividend last year, he was still very careful. Apart from making two new sets of clothes for his son and a new cotton-padded coat for his wife, he kept all the other money and didn't spend it.

After packing his luggage, he was still debating how much money to bring. He wanted to bring back some souvenirs, but he didn't know how expensive things were there.

Seeing him holding a handful of loose change, Zhao Junhui couldn't help but laugh and said, "There are national regulations that prohibit carrying RMB cash out of the country. Each person can only carry a maximum of 5 yuan."

5 yuan?
Old Gao was stunned. "What can you do with 5 yuan? It costs more than 10 yuan to go to the provincial capital."

It only costs 5 cents to get from the commune to the county, and then the boat ticket from the county to the provincial capital costs 10 yuan and 5 cents, so the total travel expenses are 11 yuan. Saying it's more than 10 yuan is not wrong.

Chen Fan, standing to the side, was also full of curiosity. What could you do with only 5 yuan when you were allowed to take it out of the country?

Is it a commemorative coin?
其实这是1957年出台的规定，要一直到1987年才做调整，却也只是调到200元。再到93年才提高到6000元，最后在05年提高到两万。

But this only applies to cash, and who carries cash when going abroad?

Zhao Junhui patiently explained, "The 5 yuan is just the cash limit. You have overseas connections, so you can apply to buy traveler's checks."

He was naturally unwilling to see foreign exchange flow out, so he deliberately glanced at Hideo Takahashi, "But the process of buying traveler's checks is rather complicated and takes a long time..."

Before he could finish speaking, Hideo Takahashi shook his head repeatedly, "No, no, I'll cover their expenses."

Then he pulled out a wad of US dollar cash... Foreign exchange certificates haven't been issued yet, so foreigners can bring foreign currency into the country directly, but there are limits.

Hideo Takahashi stuffed the banknotes into his nephew's hand and said kindly, "I know it's your first time traveling so far, and you must be very nervous. There's a Chinese saying, 'A poor family should be well-fed on the road.' Keep this money safe for emergencies."

Old Gao instinctively turned to look at Chen Fan, and only after seeing Teacher Chen nod slightly did he give a stiff smile, "Thank you."

Then accept the money.

After packing their luggage, the Gao family slowly walked towards their newly rented car under the watchful eyes of everyone.

Hideo Takahashi stayed by their side the whole time, feeling both happy and apprehensive.

If someone hasn't boarded the vehicle or the plane, there's a possibility they might change their mind; he's genuinely afraid.

Then my heart skipped a beat as I watched my great-nephew break free of his mother's hand and run toward Mr. Chen.

Gao Jianguo ran up to Chen Fan, his eyes filled with panic. His lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but he didn't know what to say.

Chen Fan squatted down, placed his hands on his arms, patted them gently, and said with a smile, "You're a man, you need to be brave, and you need to use your brain and make use of your wisdom. Your teacher believes in you, you will definitely become a great hero who can stand tall and proud."

Gao Jianguo took a deep breath, his face serious, and nodded vigorously. "Yes, teacher, I will definitely complete the task!"

He then gave him a deep look, turned around, ran over, and jumped into the car.

Hideo Takahashi exhaled a long breath, raised his hand to touch his heart, then stood with his hands clasped and bowed ninety degrees to Chen Fan.

Chen Fan waved his hand, indicating that he should not be so polite.

Thankfully, I only bowed once; if I had bowed three times, I would have been served.

After standing up, Hideo Takahashi bowed to Secretary Yang and the others, took out a check and presented it, saying, "I would like to ask for your help to build a new house for Gao Yang. Thank you."

After listening to the translation, Secretary Yang looked at the check and thought, "Oh, another $5000."

He didn't stand on ceremony, but he also didn't hide anything, saying directly, "Building a house here doesn't cost this much. You have too much money. Besides, although Xiao Gao said he'd come back, what if he doesn't? Wouldn't building a house be a waste?"

Hideo Takahashi said seriously, "That's right. I also sincerely hope that he can stay in his hometown, but I also need to be prepared for his return. I just hope that their lives can be better."

Therefore, the house must be built, and it must be built to the best standards in your area. If you don't have enough money, you can send me a telegram, and I will make up the difference. If there is any extra, please donate it all to the primary school.

After hearing this, even though Secretary Yang still had reservations about the notebook, his impression of it changed.

He nodded immediately, "Okay, I agree."

Hideo Takahashi bowed again before turning and getting into the car.

Zhao Junhui and others shook hands with Secretary Yang and Chen Fan respectively. With the sound of car doors closing, the three cars finally drove away slowly.

Watching the three cars drive away, Secretary Yang felt a pang of regret.

He picked up the check and looked at it, then turned to look at the crowd of onlookers in the distance, raised his hand and waved, "Everyone's gone, what's the point of watching anymore? Everyone disperse, disperse."

He then put the check into his briefcase, pushed his bicycle, and prepared to leave.

But the villagers did not disperse.

Someone called out from afar, "Secretary, is Lao Gao coming back?"

Secretary Yang stopped, looked back, and after a two-second silence, said loudly, "Didn't you see they didn't bring any warm clothes? They said they'd come back, and they definitely will."

Upon hearing this, the previously tense atmosphere immediately eased.

"Oh, I knew Lao Gao was coming back."

"You don't need to tell me, he told me the day before yesterday that he wanted to come back."

"You just said that Lao Gao left and wouldn't come back."

"Who? Who said that? I didn't say it."

"Hey, when Lao Gao comes back, we'll ask him how things are going with the little notebook."

"What else could be the situation? It's a disaster, that's what the newspapers and radio are saying."

"But looking at Lao Gao's uncle, it doesn't seem like it."

“His uncle is a capitalist, so it’s definitely different. It’s the ordinary people who are suffering, and it’s the same in all those countries.”

"That makes sense, that makes sense!"

……

Chen Fan rode his horse back, with Zhang Wenliang following beside him on his bicycle. Zhang Wenliang asked curiously, "Hey, Gao just said he was completing a mission. What mission?"

"You must have dog ears, you can hear me from several meters away."

Chen Fan glanced at him. "I already said it's a mission, so I can't just say it casually."

"That's bullshit."

Zhang Wenliang curled his lip, "I think you're just trying to fool a kid. Xiao Gao originally refused to go no matter what, but after you tricked him a few times, he obediently went along."

Chen Fan sighed, "What can I do? If Lao Gao doesn't agree, I won't get involved in this mess. It's good to let them go and take a look; there are always things we'll regret if we don't do them."

"That's true."

Zhang Wenliang nodded slowly, and after two seconds, asked curiously, "I'm just curious, how did you convince Xiao Gao?"

Chen Fan: "Oh, it's very simple. This is what I told him..."

Zhang Wenliang: "Wow, you actually came up with this kind of idea? What were you thinking?"

Chen Fan: "You'll understand if you read more books. Hey, I already said it's a secret mission, don't tell anyone."

"I know, I'm not stupid."

Zhang Wenliang glanced at him and laughed, "Then why did you tell me?"

Chen Fan said, "You're the one who keeps asking. Besides, this is double insurance. If I'm not around one day, you can still contact him."

Zhang Wenliang scoffed, "Hey, you actually took a joke seriously."

(End of this chapter)