1994: Starting with unpaid leave

Chapter 153 Class Reunion (Part 2)

Upon hearing this good news, Dong Jianguo rubbed his hands together with joy.

From local to central government, this may seem like a small step, but it is actually a giant leap for Crane Flavor.

Perhaps we can use this opportunity to open up a larger market!

Moreover, going to Beijing earlier and buying a house in Haidian District would not be a bad thing for Xiaojuzi.

This is Haidian District in 1995!

You can make a profit even if you buy it blindly!

If I make a little more money, I'll buy a courtyard house.

Even if I retire early and just lie down, as long as I sell the courtyard house at the peak of the market...

"Director Wan, Director Zhang, you two are too kind! What merit do I, Dong Jianguo, have to deserve the appreciation of you two great esteemed individuals!"

Director Wan chuckled and patted Dong Jianguo on the shoulder: "Don't just say nice things! A recommendation is one thing, but whether you'll actually get selected is another matter entirely."

Dong Jianguo smiled and said, "It's alright. I was originally thinking of going to Beijing in a while to see what would happen. If I don't get selected, I'll go at my own expense."

Director Zhang shook his head and gave Dong Jianguo a wry smile: "How can that be the same?! I heard that the policy has changed, and the higher-ups are gradually opening up to private enterprises. As one of the first batch of private factories recommended, there might be some changes regarding loans in the future."

"Xiao Dong, your products are good, but to be honest, if you rely solely on selling them to make money, how long will it take to grow the factory into a large and successful enterprise?!"

"If we really want to achieve scale, we still need to find a way to increase our funding —"

Knowing that Director Zhang's advice was for his own good, Dong Jianguo nodded gratefully.

The two chatted with Dong Jianguo for a while before getting into their car and leaving.

Before leaving, Dong Jianguo insisted on filling the trunk of his car with Hezhiwei snacks.

Although both leaders waved their hands in refusal, while the leaders could refuse to accept the gifts, Dong Jianguo could not refuse to give them.

After all, they came all this way in person, so how could we let them leave empty-handed?

On the second day after work resumed, the business section of the Heicheng Evening News published a full-page report entitled "Re-employment of laid-off workers, recreating a new flavor for Heicheng".

-

The entire report was based on an interview with Dong Jianguo, but the reporter embellished it considerably during the writing process.

This added hardships that Dong Jianguo had never encountered before during the process of opening the factory, almost portraying him as a great monk going to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures.

Dong Jianguo was initially unaware that he had made the news.

It was his old classmate Li Wan who called him to inform him, and that's why he had someone buy one.

Seeing how many hardships he had endured in his entrepreneurial journey, Dong Jianguo's face almost contorted like an old man looking at his phone on the subway.

However, there are some advantages as well.

After the article was published, Crane Flavor's popularity in the city seemed to have increased even more.

At least the three people in charge of on-the-ground sales at the factory saw a significant increase in sales, and many individual customers from small shops even called to place orders.

After a few words, Dong Jianguo realized that the person wasn't just interested in the brand; they had also read about it in the newspaper and felt sorry for him as a laid-off worker, so they wanted to offer their support.

For this type of order —

Dong Jianguo has always welcomed all comers.

The order also included some loose spicy snacks for them to sell in the store.

However, it must be said that Su Yuan, the photographer for the Heicheng Evening News, is quite skilled, especially in the group photo of all the staff in the center of the page; it's truly impressive, with not a single person blinking.

So after seeing the newspaper, Dong Jianguo went to the newspaper office again before leaving get off work that evening to ask Xiao Su for the photos.

Unexpectedly, the other party was also a thoughtful person.

While the newspaper was developing the film, the photos taken at the factory that day had already been developed.

"Director Dong, all the other photos are in this bag, but that group photo is a bit too big, so it's difficult to handle. I'll have the photo studio make a frame for you as soon as possible, so you can hang it on the wall to boost everyone's morale."

"Oh, thank you so much!"

Seeing that Xiao Su was easy to talk to, Dong Jianguo put away the photos and then slipped her a box of Hongtashan cigarettes: "By the way, Xiao Su, there's something I've never understood. Why did your newspaper have to interview me for no reason?!"

"this----"

Seeing that no one was around, Su Yuan asked with some surprise, "Director Dong, are you really unaware or are you pretending to be confused?"

"Know what?"

"It was our newspaper's editor-in-chief who gave in—who else could it be?! The business section has always been the newspaper's money-making section. Without the editor-in-chief's approval, who would dare to take up a whole page for no reason?"

"Your editor-in-chief is—"

"Teacher Ye Xiaoying! You really don't know her?"

"leaf----"

Dong Jianguo was taken aback.

He was unfamiliar with the name, but the surname Ye was quite uncommon. He squinted and searched his memory for a moment before tentatively asking, "Doesn't she have a daughter named Li Wan?"

Su Yuan nodded: "Yeah, I guess so."

He nodded, and Dong Jianguo instantly understood.

It matches up!

No wonder Li Wan found out as soon as I reported it.

But isn't this old classmate being a little too nice to me?!

They were a great help when I registered the factory.

Later, she even dragged her uncle to the factory to place an order.

Now she's even doing her best to help with publicity —

What made Dong Jianguo a little embarrassed was that when he received the call in the morning, she invited him to attend his high school reunion that evening.

Dong Jianguo didn't think much of it and readily agreed.

Now it seems like Li Wan is still not giving up on him?

I hope I'm just overthinking it.

Dong Jianguo shook his head, banishing this unrealistic idea from his mind.

Although she is still young, she is already a father. Li Wan should—

Surely not?

In the evening, Dong Jianguo dressed neatly and came out of his house.

We headed straight to the famous restaurant street in Hecheng.

The street later became even more famous: "Corruption Street".

The reason is simple: although Hecheng is an economically underdeveloped agricultural city, as long as you have money, you can really get a full range of services on this street.

Tonight's class reunion has been arranged at Panlong Dabing Restaurant on the restaurant street.

The food here is famous for being delicious and inexpensive, making it a great value.

When Dong Jianguo arrived, the private room was already bustling with noise.

As soon as the door opened, a burst of cheers erupted in the room: "Wow, a big star is here! Look, look! Our classmate who's been in the newspaper is here!"

"Of course! Jian Guo is the factory manager now, what's his name again? Right, Tsuru no Mi. Food Factory!"

"Sigh, you guys who don't go out usually wouldn't know. Right now, from Hailar to Fuyuan, the whole bus is pushing Hezhiwei snacks!"

"To be honest, bro, I'm really envious of you. Your doorman is fucking tough!"

"Hey, Jianguo, you're doing so well, why don't you ever lend a hand to your brothers?!"

Looking at his classmates' once familiar faces, now unrecognizable due to jealousy, Dong Jianguo could only manage a smile and a wave.

Before he could speak, another pair of hands pulled him aside: "Jianguo, sit next to me, don't bother with them!"

"I'll be right here today, let's see who dares to bully you!"

Dong Jianguo turned his head and found that the person who pulled him to sit down was none other than Li Wan.

This old classmate is clearly dressed up today.

The light makeup on her face made her look even more pretty.

Once she took off her cotton-padded coat, she was wearing a white turtleneck sweater that hugged her curves, highlighting her shapely figure.

Dong Jianguo quickly looked away, wanting to get up and leave: "Ah, no need, I'll go sit at a table with the boys, we'll probably have to have a drinking contest later."

"Then you should sit here even more. If they challenge you to a drinking contest, I can help you fend them off."

Li Wan directly raised her hand and pressed it on his shoulder, pulling him down.

Dong Jianguo grinned bitterly, about to refuse again, when a figure carrying a bottle of wine walked up to him: "Damn, Jianguo, I'm so envious of you. Back in school, a bunch of girls fawned over you. The more you ignored them, the more they chased after you."

"After all these years, you're still the same? You're still the same as everyone else!"

"Come on, let's have a toast, you two!"

Dong Jianguo stared blankly at the somewhat familiar-looking man!

Instead, Zhao Ya Hui, the class monitor sitting not far away, frowned and looked at the boy with disdain: "Wei Da Guo, have you drunk too much? There are so many classmates here, can't you speak properly?!"

"Oh dear, class monitor, I'm so sorry, you've been in charge of us for so many years, I'll punish you first!"

With that, Wei Daguo picked up the beer in his hand, tilted his head back, and chugged it down.

I gulped down the entire bottle in one go.

Then, as if nothing had happened, he opened his mouth and burped, causing the girls at the table to frown.

"Hey, Jianguo, I'll go back and get another bottle. We two brothers have to have a toast today."

2

Seeing that Wei Daguo was about to go back to get more beer, Dong Jianguo quickly stopped him.

Seeing his dejected look, Dong Jianguo frowned: "Alright, Daguo, stop drinking—"

Wei Daguo was his good friend in his first year of high school.

The two were not familiar with each other at first, but they both liked playing basketball.

One time during lunch break, I played ball with students from another class.

Dong Jianguo was repeatedly targeted by the taller man on the other side, who maliciously shoved him several times.

In the end, Dong Jianguo could no longer tolerate it and fought with the other party.

As a result, that class didn't play basketball very well, but they were very united.

What started as a one-on-one fight quickly turned into Dong Jianguo taking on a whole group of them by himself.

Seeing that the situation was not going well, most of the classmates on the field chose to stay out of it and protect themselves.

Only Wei Daguo rushed over to help with a shout.

Although both players lost as expected, their record was 0-2-0.

But the battle also forged a deep bond of camaraderie.

Unfortunately, Wei Daguo transferred to another city just as he entered his second year of high school, and we haven't heard from him since.

I never expected to meet you here again today.

Seeing that Wei Daguo was still going to find wine, Wang Jianguo couldn't help but feel a little sad.

Although he drinks himself, he knows that alcohol is not a good thing.

People who drink alcohol frequently are not necessarily fond of these things.

On the one hand, alcohol is addictive, and once addicted, it is not easy to quit.

On the other hand, drunk people often forget the things they most want to forget.

That's why so many people try to numb themselves with alcohol.

"Alright, Da Guo, drink less. Chat with me, what have you been up to lately?"

"What can I be busy with?"

Wei Daguo chuckled self-deprecatingly: "I used to work at a vehicle factory, but the factory went out of business, and I was laid off."

"My wife took the kids and left—what else can I do besides drink?"

Dong Jianguo knew that Wei Daguo's current dejection could not be entirely blamed on him.

The main problem was that this sudden wave of layoffs caused Wei Daguo's mother—a normally optimistic old lady—to suddenly become depressed.

At that time, domestic conditions were limited, and people's understanding of depression was generally inadequate.

As a result, his mother hanged herself in their own storeroom when the family wasn't looking.

Her last words were written crookedly on a piece of paper: "I will never cause trouble for my family."

Growing up in a single-parent family, Wei Daguo was severely traumatized by his mother's sudden death.

That's why he became so despondent, ending up with his wife and children leaving him.

All of this was mentioned by someone when Dong Jianguo from his previous life attended his funeral.

He couldn't help but sigh.

Now, whenever Dong Jianguo sees his good friend from high school, he always tries to lend him a hand.

Dong Jianguo knows that many people live their whole lives just wanting an answer.

"But answers aren't worth sacrificing your life for." "Big country, have some food, calm your nerves. Don't just drink; that stuff makes you bloated."

It was rare for someone to care about him, so Wei Daguo paused for three seconds. Then, without saying anything more, he picked up his chopsticks and started eating.

Seeing that no one was paying attention to the two of them, Dong Jianguo nudged Wei Daguo's arm: "Daguo, if you don't have anything to do right now, you can try working with me."

"If you're willing to work in our factory, come work here. If you want to earn more money, I also have other businesses to run."

""

"It's just a little tiring and tough. For example, pushing a tricycle through the streets selling eggs. Or renting a tin shed to sell some things inside. Before long, I can supply you with in-demand items like butchered chickens. This business is guaranteed to make money!"

Hearing Dong Jianguo's earnest words, Wei Daguo put down his chopsticks: "Jianguo, are you saying you're willing to give your old classmate a job?"

'

"Why wouldn't I want to? There are plenty of people who want to work for me."

"What, is it illegal to sell you goods?!"

"One more or one less makes no difference!"

"Besides, no matter what, at least you have a job now, something to support your family!"

Dong Jianguo patted Wei Daguo on the shoulder and said sincerely.

Hearing him say that, Wei Daguo, who had only planned to drink more and mooch more alcohol at the class reunion, suddenly choked up.

My father passed away early, my mother died suddenly, and then my wife and children left.

He felt utterly alone in this world, completely superfluous.

How could I not be moved when a former friend is now willing to lend a helping hand?!

When you're stuck in a deep pit, the most unbearable thing is when someone walks by and, before you even cry for help, they stop and pull you out.

This is exactly what the current state of Wei is like.

"Okay, I'll do it with you!"