Rebirth of Bayi Fishing and Hunting in the Northwest

Chapter 980 Yanjing isn't lacking in anything either.

When Gu Xiaoyu returned to her courtyard after get off work at noon, she was surprised to see Li Long waiting at the door. Then she greeted him with a happy smile, "Brother-in-law, why didn't you call me? When did you arrive? Come on, come on, let me open the door and let's go inside."

Li Long stood to the side watching her open the door and casually said, "I just got here not long ago. I thought you were about to get off work, so I waited here."

"What if you hadn't been waiting for me? What if I hadn't come back today?" Gu Xiaoxia had already opened the courtyard gate and was leading Li Long inside, saying as they walked, "You should have called my workplace."

"I just went to take a look at that second courtyard." Li Long followed him inside, explaining, "The courtyard was nicely decorated, so I thought I'd look for you first. Anyway, it's not far, and your place is easy to find."

Li Long had never been to this courtyard before. Gu Xiaoyu had told Gu Xiaoxia about it on the phone, and that's how Li Long found out the address and came here.

"I was thinking that if you didn't see me after get off work, I would go to the Beijing Liaison Office first, and then go to your workplace in the afternoon."

He could tell that this courtyard had also been renovated, and it was clearly different from the other courtyards in the same row.

The house with the yard is relatively small, but in Beijing at present, it is quite suitable for a family of two or three to live in, and it is much better than the living conditions of Zhang Damin's family.

After the reform and opening up, a large number of educated youth returned to the city. In ordinary families with several educated youths, the living space was very crowded, especially in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

On the contrary, cities in northern Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia have more living space, since the population is smaller.

The courtyard walls and the house inside and out have been repainted, and perhaps because it was painted a while ago, the smell of whitewash is no longer there. The furniture is somewhat worn, but the house is very tidy. This courtyard is like two and a half rooms, similar to an apartment in later times, with one bedroom, one living room, one kitchen, and half a room for chores.

Gu Xiaoyu's living space is quite spacious.

"The furniture here was all sourced from consignment shops. It was quite cheap, and it's all hardwood, some even mahogany. Actually, at that time, soft sofas and Simmons beds were more fashionable, but my sister said that you said these hardwood pieces would be valuable in the future, so I bought all of these."

Gu Xiaoyu poured water for Li Long and, seeing him examining the furniture, said, "Many people are getting rid of these old pieces of furniture now; there are piles of them in the consignment shops. By the way, have you gone into your little courtyard yet? I even found eight cloth beds there!"

"I didn't see it. That bed must be an old one."

"Yes, it's said to be at least from the late Qing Dynasty. When I bought it, the renovation team was still around. The bed was a bit damaged, but they had connections and helped me find an old carpenter to repair it. Now it looks pretty good."

"That's good. You won't be able to get your hands on this thing anymore." Li Long sighed. At this time, it was truly a goldmine, but unfortunately, ordinary people didn't have the resources. After all, they had to make a living and didn't have the leisure to do so.

"It cost four hundred and eighty yuan...that's a bit expensive." Gu Xiaoyu only mentioned the price at this point.

“Not expensive at all.” Li Long hurriedly waved his hand. “Although I haven’t seen this kind of bed in person, if it’s in good condition, let alone 480, even 880 or 1800 wouldn’t be expensive.”

"Is it really that valuable?" Gu Xiaoyu didn't expect Li Long to value it so much. "When I saw it, the person was selling the bed as miscellaneous items after taking it apart. They said it was a family property divided among several brothers, and each of them got a share... They even had a master craftsman at the store assemble it for them... There were some missing parts."

"Yes, back then, only wealthy families could afford to make this kind of bed. They used the best wood, and because it was a rare commodity, it will only get more and more expensive in the future."

After drinking some water, Li Long took out a large bag of dried meat from his backpack and placed it on the coffee table, saying, "This is a gift for you. I saw you cooking here, and this dried meat keeps well and can be eaten slowly."

"So many!" Gu Xiaoyu was surprised at first, then smiled with her eyes narrowed. She could feel the care from her relatives.

"Come on, brother-in-law, I'll treat you to dinner." After chatting with Li Long for a few more minutes, Gu Xiaoyu was about to leave. "I'm still practicing my cooking skills. Next time you and my sister come over, I'll be able to cook for you. Let's go out to eat today."

“Sure.” Li Long naturally had no objections and stood up to leave.

"Brother-in-law, you can leave your backpack inside." Seeing that Li Long was about to put his backpack back on, Gu Xiaoyu said, "The place to eat is only twenty or thirty meters away, you can see it as soon as you step out. The streets and the police station are not far away, it's quite safe."

"That's great." Li put his backpack down against the wall and said with a smile, "It's pretty good to have chosen a place like this, even if it's a bit small."

"Yeah, that's why I don't want to stay at the office at noon. It's more comfortable to stay in my own yard when I get back."

Gu Xiaoyu asked Li Long what he wanted to eat, and Li Long said Zha Jiang Mian (noodles with soybean paste). Gu Xiaoyu couldn't help but laugh and said that her brother-in-law was saving her money on food.

“I’m used to eating rice in northern Xinjiang. Rice is just a transitional food, and I only feel full when I eat noodles,” Li Long said. “Besides, there aren’t many fuss about it, which is convenient.”

It's even more convenient than the mixed noodles from northern Xinjiang.

The shop is run by an elderly couple. The bowls are big and the sauce is rich. Now that it's summer, the side dishes are plentiful. It's a Tianjin-style fried sauce noodle shop in Beijing, and it looks like they're doing pretty well at lunchtime.

Gu Xiaoyu ordered noodles and paid for them. While waiting for the noodles, she poured out the soup and then asked Li Long about things in Northern Xinjiang. She asked about everything from Gu Xiaoxia and Gu Bo's outbursts to Mingming and Haohao, from the business at the purchasing station to the quality of the jade, and even about Li Long's older brother's family.

She was extremely interested in the situation in northern Xinjiang. When she asked, she said that next time she went there, she wouldn't just stay there; she would explore the villages, the county, and even the mountains.

Actually, Gu Xiaoyu is relatively free now. But at this time, the train is extremely slow, and making a round trip is a big deal, which really tests one's patience.

After finishing their meal and soup, Li Long recounted most of what had happened in the northern frontier, leaving Gu Xiaoyu still wanting more.

Li Long knew she wanted to know the trajectory of her father and sister's lives and their growth and development.

It's just that I haven't been in contact with their lives for a period of time, so I can't start from their childhood.

Gu Boyuan must have told Gu Xiaoyu this history, but everyone has a different perspective. Gu Xiaoyu may now be more interested in understanding the living environment of her father and sister at that time.

After finishing his meal, Li Long checked the time and asked, "Shouldn't you be heading back to your unit now?"

"Well, brother-in-law, would you like to rest in my room for a bit? You must be tired after such a long train ride."

"Not tired at all. I'm just heading to the Beijing Liaison Office; they're open for business there too. After I finish my business, I need to hurry back. They've already started the task they took over from the supply and marketing cooperative, and I can't be absent."

Gu Xiaoyu nodded, indicating her understanding.

"Then tonight..."

"I'll stay in the courtyard house tonight, and see how the renovation is going," Li Long said with a smile. "The eight-step bed won't fit me, but a regular bed should be fine. As for the interior, I'll go buy some bedding this afternoon after I leave the Beijing Liaison Office."

Seeing that Li Long had already made his plans, Gu Xiaoyu didn't say anything more.

Back in the courtyard, Li Long took out another piece of jade from his backpack and asked Gu Xiaoyu to keep it.

"I only need five pieces," Gu Xiaoyu said hurriedly when she saw that Li Long had brought so many. "Firstly, the output is slow and small, and secondly, I don't have that much capital."

Although this job pays more than her salary, Gu Xiaoyu doesn't focus on it much.

To make this kind of "high-end jewelry," you have to have people come to you; you can't just take the goods and go to other people.

Li Long understood instantly.

He left behind five pieces of jewelry, including a jade bracelet and a hand-held piece, as Gu Xiaoyu had instructed, and then left the courtyard with his backpack.

Gu Xiaoyu also had to go to work, and the two waved goodbye.

Li Long walked slowly down the streets of Yanjing. To be honest, the trees on the street weren't very dense yet, so he could bask in the sun, which was quite strong.

Li Long stopped a man selling popsicles on a bicycle and bought a creamy ice cream, eating it as he walked toward the Beijing Liaison Office.

It was almost time for work, and the streets were still quite crowded. When Li Long arrived at the Beijing Liaison Office, it was already open. When he went inside, Director Dai had just arrived at his office. He seemed a little surprised to see Li Long, then smiled and extended his hand:

"Comrade Li Long is here! I heard from Xiao Wang the other day that the renovations on your courtyards are almost finished, so I figured you should come over. Oh, and there's something important I need to tell you, so it's perfect timing that you're here—"

A few days ago, a staff member from a certain office came to ask me if any comrades from northern Xinjiang could stay in Yanjing for a few days. He said to report to them that the leaders wanted to meet with us and hear our views on the current development of northern Xinjiang. Since you're the only one here so far, it's perfect..."

Director Dai stared intently at Li Long, almost as if to ask him if he had some kind of relationship with a high-ranking leader, which was why the leader wanted him to come and meet him.

Li Long was also surprised. This was a coincidence, wasn't it? It was definitely a coincidence!

Seeing that Dai Zhuyi seemed unsatisfied and still waiting for his explanation, he hurriedly said:

"I didn't know about this. I came here on my own initiative to check on the yard and then head back... So, Director, what do you think should be done?"

"Then let's do as the leader says." Director Dai clearly didn't quite believe Li Long's words, but he was very shrewd and said with a smile, "I'll call them later. You go about your business. Have Xiao Wang take you to see your yard. You can stay here tonight. If they reply, you can receive the call here."

Li Long thought to himself that he had originally planned to stay in his own courtyard, but now he had no choice but to wait here.

But there was nothing he could do. He knew that the Beijing Liaison Office treated him well mainly because of the words and the drink that the high-ranking leader had given him when the award was presented.

Of course, even if he didn't do anything else, just the things this big leader has done over the years in charge of the northern frontier are enough to make Li Long willingly wait here.

Even if it takes a month, we still have to wait.

After finishing discussing the important matters, Li Long took out the gifts he had brought with him.

"Oh, you even brought a gift? Comrade Li Long, you're too kind," Director Dai said, half-jokingly. "We're practically family here, so you can't do this again."

As he spoke, Director Dai smiled and accepted the gift Li Long handed him—deer antler and deer penis, which were very valuable items!
At that time, these things were not very popular in northern Xinjiang, or even in the whole country, because ordinary people simply couldn't afford them and wouldn't buy them.

But Director Dai has good taste, and he was very happy.

"Xiao Wang, Xiao Wang!" Director Dai called out to Xiao Wang after he finished putting the things away.

Actually, Xiao Wang already knew Li Long was coming, but since Li Long was with the director, he couldn't come looking for him. He only appeared quickly at the office door after Director Dai called him.

"Comrade Li Long is here. Take him to find a place to stay first. Hmm, a suite, we can't let our advanced individual suffer. Then accompany him to see the renovated courtyard."

"Understood!" When Xiao Wang heard that Director Dai had arranged for Li Long to stay in a suite, his smile widened even more: "Comrade Li Long, let's go, let's go see where we'll stay first."

After saying goodbye to Director Dai, Li Long followed Xiao Wang out. Director Dai opened the drawer, looked at the deer antlers and deer penis again, smiled, closed the drawer, and started making a phone call.

As soon as the call connected, Director Dai's smile changed, and his tone became extremely sincere.

Li Long followed Xiao Wang to the second floor of the backyard, asked the person in charge of reception for the key, and the person looked at Li Long with surprise when Xiao Wang said he wanted a suite. In the past, those who could stay in suites were not of a high status, and although this young man was strong, he looked like an ordinary person.

The suite consisted of an outer living room and an inner bedroom, decorated in a style reminiscent of the 1980s, which Li Long found very satisfactory.

"Comrade Li Long, why don't you rest for a while first, or shall we go and take a look at the yard?" Xiao Wang asked Li Long for his opinion.

"Don't rush that. I have some dried meat I brought from northern Xinjiang. Here, this is for you." Li Long took out a bag of five or six kilograms of dried meat and handed it to Xiao Wang. "Thank you for helping me look after the renovation work in these yards. There's nothing fancy here, but this is dried meat from our area. You can take it back and cook it."

He then told Xiao Wang several ways to make dried meat.

"Hey, this stuff is a real bargain!" Xiao Wang really liked the meat when he saw it. "Let me tell you, Comrade Li Long, there are five or six people in my family, including me. Only three of us have jobs, and the rest do odd jobs. It's not always easy to get meat. With this, we can eat well for two months!"

Li Long was quite surprised. Logically speaking, Xiao Wang worked in the Beijing Liaison Office, his salary was not low, and his family's financial situation should be quite good. So, it seems that ordinary people in Yanjing are living a rather tight life these days.

It makes sense when you think about it. Prices were already rising rapidly at that time, so why did they start issuing 100-yuan bills the following year? Some people in later generations analyzed that it was because the value of money had decreased.

Of course, this is just one person's opinion.

Xiao Wang happily put the meat away, and then, while Li Long was putting down his bag, he began to tell him about the renovation of the courtyards.

Overall, the renovation team was professional and completed the work according to Li Long's initial plan. Xiao Wang even confidently stated that if Li Long was dissatisfied with anything during the inspection and acceptance, he could directly contact the renovation team to expedite the work.

Actually, although he only saw one courtyard, Li Long was quite satisfied to be honest. Having lived two lives, he had never seen a particularly luxurious or unexpectedly extravagant courtyard house. This antique-style house, which hid the electrical wires and radiators, was already very good.

So as Xiao Wang explained, Li Long nodded repeatedly. After putting his things away, he picked up a satchel, followed Xiao Wang out, locked the door, and went to check on the courtyards.

Because the second courtyard was the largest, Xiao Wang took Li Long to see it first. Although he had seen it yesterday, Li Long discovered that there were still many places he hadn't noticed yesterday after Xiao Wang's explanation.

For example, the well in the backyard was cleaned out and can be used again. For example, the wooden floor of the back building in the front yard was replaced. For example, a telephone line was reserved in the living room. For example, a cellar in the backyard was also repaired and can be used to store vegetables in winter, and there is also a hidden cellar in the side room for storage.

Although they are minor changes, they are all useful.

It took us an hour to see just one of the two courtyards.

"Your relative is also very attentive. When the renovation was almost finished, they started buying furniture for the house, saying that they specifically wanted to buy the matching old-fashioned furniture you mentioned. At first, I thought that these pieces of furniture were all old things and not very good."

As a result, once the yard was renovated and the furniture was placed inside, hey, it fit perfectly! Most of the furniture had problems, but our renovation team was able to contact an experienced carpenter who repaired them all.

This is what Xiao Wang is most proud of.

"Hey, thank you so much!" Li Long was genuinely grateful; the other party had really gone to great lengths.

"Haha, it's nothing, it's nothing. I'm content as long as you brought me those dried meats." Xiao Wang didn't mention the jade that Li Long left behind when he left last time. For an ordinary family, meat is much more practical than jade.

I also visited Xiaoyuan and Li Jianguo's courtyard. Overall, they were both quite nice, modified according to Li Long's ideas, and the materials used were very solid. At that time, there wasn't much high-tech work involved; it mostly involved paint, varnish, and wood glue, and the smell dissipated easily.

When the two returned to the Beijing office, there was still some time before dinner, so Li Long asked Xiao Wang if there were any consignment shops or antique shops nearby.

Xiao Wang thought for a moment and pointed out the location to Li Long. Li Long originally wanted to go to the original store, but it was quite far away and not easy to make the trip. Because of what Director Dai had said, he couldn't stray too far from the Beijing Liaison Office, so he wanted to find a nearby place to buy some things.

The calligraphy and paintings he bought last time were quite good, and Li Long thought that if he could go to the antique shop, he could buy some more.

Of course, such things are rare and hard to come by; you might not even be able to buy them.

He couldn't go today, so Li Long simply packed his things and someone came to call him for dinner.

The dinner at the Beijing office was quite lavish. Director Dai was not there, so the person who called Li Long over told him that Director Dai had gone out on business.

Li Long guessed that there must be some social engagements involved.

But he didn't care about that. He was only thinking about when that person would have time to see him.

P.S.: Just to explain, I went out for dinner yesterday afternoon and ended up drinking. I blacked out completely, threw up twice, and spent the whole morning in bed, feeling extremely dizzy. Looks like I'm still too weak—I only just managed to get up and post the chapter I wrote yesterday, and I'll try to write a little more. Dizzy, I have to lie down after sitting for a short while…sigh, my health is so poor.

(End of this chapter)