Year 1983: I was a carpenter in Northeast China

Chapter 163 Obtaining a License

The road from the Forestry Bureau to the city is not yet as good and shorter as it was later; it involves a long detour.

In addition, the roads were slippery due to the cold weather, so I didn't dare to drive as fast as I would when there was no snow.

Therefore, Xu Bei and his group, who traveled by road, were not as fast as Xu Li and her group, who took the forest railway train.

When the Jiefang truck entered the city and drove to the bungalow area near the No. 1 Middle School, Dahei and Zhu Wenliang were already standing outside the gate of their new home, waiting.

Xu Li and Xu Juan also heard the shouts and the sound of the car and came out of the yard.

So, as soon as the car, billowing black smoke, stopped, the driver got out and reopened the tailgate. Everyone started chatting and frantically unloading things and putting them in the yard.

Such commotion also attracted the curiosity of some neighbors who came out of their homes.

However, since they had just moved in and didn't know anyone, even when friendly people came up to ask questions and exchange pleasantries, they quickly stepped aside.

After everything was moved, Xu Bei paid the fare and saw Mr. Li off. He then closed the gate to keep out the neighbors' stares and gossip.

Zhu Wenliang and Dahei were visiting this house for the first time, and they walked around inside and out before the car arrived.

Now that most of the things have been moved inside, I took the opportunity to wash my hands, have some tea, and chat while I was relaxing. I also shared my thoughts.

"Da Bei, you're really capable. You know a lot of people, and you found a house and a shop just like that. When we're free this afternoon, I'll join my brother-in-law in the fun and go check out the department store."

Xu Bei took a sip of the Monkey King brand jasmine tea that his sisters had brewed and laughed heartily, "No problem, it's very close to the department store. Actually, I owe this to the help of friends I know. Otherwise, I don't know anyone in the city, so it wouldn't have been possible to find it so smoothly and quickly."

Zhu Wenliang also admired his brother-in-law's ability to get things done more and more. "That's because his friends are willing to befriend him. Otherwise, why would they go to such lengths to help?"

Big Black wholeheartedly agreed, "Yeah, I still think you're a true friend, and I'd love for both of us to get along well."

Zhao Fengying didn't treat Dahei, a child she had watched grow up almost since he was a child, as an outsider. She interjected, "That's for sure. If it weren't for Xu Bei risking his life to help catch a thief on the train, we wouldn't have been able to hand him over."

So, people should always have a kind heart; that's how good deeds are rewarded.

Zhu Wenliang and Dahei had both heard about the catching of the thief.

"That's really true. But I have to say, Da Bei is really courageous and bold. If I encountered something like that on a train, I might not dare to intervene."

"It's okay if I don't dare to interfere. When you're out and about, you should still act within your capabilities. Actually, I was scared afterward."

After half-jokingly telling his good friend a few things, Xu Bei changed the subject and started making arrangements to go to a state-run restaurant for dinner.

Dahei originally wanted to have a simple meal in the new house, but in the end, he couldn't refuse the hospitality and had to give in to the majority.

Since they had finished moving and didn't have much to do in the afternoon, the men had a good time drinking.

After finishing their meal, Zhao Fengying and Xu Li, without keeping anyone else at the table, left early and returned to their new home.

Afterwards, Xu Bei and the other two were slightly tipsy when they left the restaurant.

However, because I was thinking about checking out the shops near the department store, I went straight there.

After opening the door and entering, not only did Dahei repeatedly praise that this place was much better than the Forestry Bureau, but Zhu Wenliang, who had previously been unwilling to take out a loan to open a shop in the city, also felt a little strange.

"Brother, this place is really close to the department store, and the shop is quite spacious. If we had known it was this good, we might have opened a shop here if your sister hadn't gotten pregnant."

Xu Bei wasn't really in his early twenties, so he could figure out most of his brother-in-law's thoughts.

However, he didn't care too much. After all, it's only natural for someone who has never done business before to feel timid and uneasy.

"The city is much bigger than the Forestry Bureau. After my sister has her baby, she can open a shop here anytime she wants."

Zhu Wenliang's heart instantly brightened. "You're right, brother. I'll definitely need to trouble you again in the future."

Xu Bei waved his hand with a smile, "What trouble? We're family, no need for formalities. As your younger brother, I also hope that you and my sister can make our lives better and better."

Of course, there's a prerequisite: you must be good to my sister and not make her angry or sad, especially now that she's pregnant.

Zhu Wenliang was deeply moved. His face was flushed from drinking, and his eyes were even red. "Brother, don't worry, I will definitely do better for your sister. If you don't believe me, just see if I can do it right."

Xu Bei smiled and didn't continue the conversation.

Time will tell.

If Zhu Wenliang changes again in this life, just like before, he has plenty of ways to deal with him.

Later that evening, Dahei and Xu Li and Zhu Wenliang returned to the Forestry Bureau together.

Xu Bei, along with her mother and sister, spent their first night in their newly moved-in home.

Although the environment was new, the bedding and pillows were still the same ones. Xu Bei didn't have any problem getting used to the new bed, and he quickly fell asleep after getting into bed.

Xu Juan and Zhao Fengying, who were about to start school, couldn't fall asleep for a long time. The mother and daughter chatted in their room until very late.

The next day.

March 1st is the start of the new school year for all primary, secondary, and tertiary schools.

The weather was perfect, with no cloudy skies or snow; it was perfectly sunny.

Xu Juan, a first-year high school student, had breakfast at home and was then escorted to the gate of the No. 1 High School by Xu Bei and Zhao Fengying, who were also heading out.

"Mom, brother, you should go ahead with your work. I'll go in first."

"Go ahead, and don't forget to talk to the teacher about starting to commute from home."

"Don't worry, I definitely won't forget."

Watching his younger sister, who was walking into the school with a joyful air as she carried her new schoolbag, Xu Bei smiled and straddled his bicycle.

Then, carrying his mother on his back, they headed towards the shop, which was still being tidied up, as the morning sun rose.

Afterwards, when it was almost time, the mother and son took their household registration book and rental contract to the city's industrial and commercial department to inquire about applying for a business license.

As a result, the staff stated that according to the current requirements, it was not permissible to directly use Zhao Fengying's name to obtain a license for business operations in two different locations.

Unless the business address is changed or a new business license is applied for.

The former is definitely not feasible, since Xu Li and her team need to take over the shops from the Forestry Bureau and continue operating them.

So, Xu Bei and his mother went to a quiet spot nearby to discuss it.

"Mom, how about we stop using the name Fengying for the shop and apply for a new one?"

Zhao Fengying wasn't particularly insistent on the shop's name. "Son, why don't we register the business license in your name? Actually, whether it's the Forestry Bureau's shop or the shop in the city, you're the one who's busy arranging and sourcing the goods. Mom is just a salesperson at best."

Xu Bei pondered for a moment, realizing that being a self-employed individual at this time actually involved considerable risks.

For example, a sole proprietorship cannot employ more than seven people.

Especially after moving to the city, there were more people and things to deal with, and my mother might not be able to handle them well, so she nodded in agreement.

"Then let's use my name, but you, Mom, will still be in charge of being the real boss and managing the money."