1994: Starting with unpaid leave

Chapter 176 The Return Journey (Part 2)

Having resolved his most pressing matter, Chen Zhiyong sat back down contentedly.

At this moment, the "big brothers" sitting in the corner also spoke up.

It was Zhang Haifeng who spoke, twirling a teacup in his hand, and said slowly, "Zhiyong and the others are young and they're in retail. The rest of us want to do something more substantial."

He paused, looked around, and lowered his voice: "A few of us have discussed it and are planning to go to Guangdong to get involved in real estate."

"Guangdong?" Dong Jianguo was taken aback.

"Yes, Guangdong." Zhang Haifeng nodded, a shrewd glint in his eyes. "Several of our families are in the building materials business. We'll take advantage of this trend and build houses there! Dealing with cement and steel bars—that's incredibly profitable!"

Dong Jianguo smiled but didn't say anything.

In first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, the next decade or so will be a period of explosive growth for the real estate market. Entering this industry is definitely a sure bet.

"Zhiyong, you're a local expert, so you'd better give us some pointers. Don't let us fall into a trap without even knowing it."

road!"

"Don't worry, am I that kind of person?"

As Chen Zhiyong spoke, he clinked glasses with Zhang Haifeng.

Dong Jianguo raised his glass, smiling as he said to Zhang Haifeng, "Brother, since you've made your decision, I wish you great success and that you make a fortune in Guangdong! Come, let me toast you!"

"Haha! Good! I appreciate your kind words!"

Zhang Haifeng and the others laughed heartily and raised their glasses.

Several more people spoke up: "Jianguo, we won't cause as much trouble as they did."

One of the middle-aged men, wearing glasses, pushed up his glasses and said with a smile, "A few of us are planning to do something a bit 'trendy'."

"Stylish?" Dong Jianguo asked curiously.

"Yes, an imported car."

The bespectacled man pointed to his companions: "Some of us have connections in customs, and some have connections in foreign exchange. We plan to specialize in imported cars! BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes—anything available overseas, we'll smuggle into China!"

"This business is highly profitable and brings in money quickly!"

Upon hearing this, Dong Jianguo couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

These days, dealing in imported cars is truly a "gold mine".

Back then, luxury cars were not subject to various tariff barriers and restrictions on domestic production rates, unlike later ones.

Back then, as long as the channels were open, cars could be brought in from abroad, put in 4S stores, and immediately snapped up by those who had become rich first.

These people are all shrewd; none of the paths they choose are scams.

Indeed, everyone has a bright future ahead of them.

"Then I wish you all great wealth!"

Dong Jianguo stood up, raised his glass, and looked sincerely at everyone present: "We are a group of people who have come together from all over the country. Although we work in different industries and have come from different places..."

It's different, but I, Dong Jianguo, am putting my words here today."

"Whether you're building houses in Hainan, opening supermarkets in Guangdong, or dealing in imported cars, as long as you need my help in the future, and as long as it's not illegal, I, Dong Jianguo, will be there whenever you call!"

"good!"

"Jianguo, that's really something!"

"I love hearing that!"

Inside the private room, the atmosphere reached another climax.

Everyone raised their glasses, exchanged contact information, and talked about their grand plans for the future.

Looking at this group of spirited and talented young people, Dong Jianguo was filled with emotion.

He knew that among this group of people, some would become business tycoons in the future, some would fail miserably, and others would disappear into the dust of history for various reasons.

But at this moment, they are all an important part of my life.

Because of them, my trip to Beijing became so colorful and enriching.

After a satisfying meal, everyone took a group photo together.

A group of people stood under the Donglaishun signboard, dressed in suits, jackets, and jeans, smiling broadly, their eyes filled with anticipation for the future.

After the photos were taken, the crowd gradually dispersed.

Chen Zhiyong put his arm around Dong Jianguo's shoulder and pulled him aside.

"Jianguo, are you really planning to go back to that little Crane City?"

Chen Zhiyong looked at Dong Jianguo with a hint of regret in his eyes: "It's such a waste of your brains and your vision to be stuck in that small place. Why don't you come to Guangdong with me? We brothers can partner up; I'll run the supermarket, and you can run the food factory. We'll take over the southern market!"

Dong Jianguo smiled and shook his head, then patted Chen Zhiyong on the shoulder: "Zhiyong, I appreciate your kindness, but I have my own ideas."

He looked up into the distance, his gaze becoming deep and resolute: "Heilongjiang is my root, my factory is there, and my family is there. What I want to do is to transform 'Hezhiwei' from a small local factory into a national brand!"

"As for the southern market—"

Dong Jianguo turned to Chen Zhiyong, a confident smile playing on his lips: "Zhiyong, don't worry. When your supermarkets are all over Guangdong, that's when 'Hezhiwei' will break into the southern market. Then, we brothers will meet in the business world!"

Looking into Dong Jianguo's confident eyes, Chen Zhiyong knew that there was no point in saying anything more.

He sighed and hugged Dong Jianguo tightly: "Okay! It's a deal then! Don't let me down!"

"must!"

The two released each other and smiled at each other.

At that moment, Dong Jianguo's pager went off again.

He took it out and saw a new message: "Jianguo, drink less, Wanwan."

Looking at this short message, Dong Jianguo's eyes softened.

Li Wan.

The name, like a gentle feather, softly caressed his heart.

Chen Zhiyong, with his sharp eyes, immediately spotted the words on the screen and gave him a knowing look: "Fine! Looks like I can't keep you here! Alright, get lost! Go back to your Li Wan!"

Dong Jianguo did not defend himself, nor could he defend himself.

They simply put the pager away.

"Zhiyong, you should go back too. Guangdong is waiting for you to show your skills."

Dong Jianguo patted Chen Zhiyong on the shoulder and turned to merge into the bustling crowds of Beijing.

Chen Zhiyong stood there watching his departing figure until it completely disappeared into the street before turning his gaze away.

He turned around, looked at the bustling streets of the capital, and took a deep breath.

"To unleash our full potential, huh?

Chen Zhiyong muttered to himself, his eyes hardening.

"Just wait, Guangdong! I, Chen Zhiyong, am back!"

After the training course ended, Dong Jianguo changed hotels and stayed for three days.

During these three days, Li Wan went to training during the day, while Dong Jianguo wandered around the streets and alleys of Beijing, trying to find some new business opportunities.

At night, with dry wood and a blazing fire, it goes without saying that...

Every day after waking up, Li Wan would feel waves of guilt for betraying her family after leaving the hotel for her training class.

The greater the pleasure of indulgence, the more unbearable the torment of guilt that follows.

In April in Beijing, the wind carries the scent of farewell.

Dong Jianguo finally got his hands on the property certificate for the courtyard house.

The two-courtyard house, which was originally overgrown with weeds, was transformed into a brand new place thanks to that man's tireless cleaning.

Although it still bears the marks of time, Dong Jianguo has truly grasped the essence of old Beijing.

Now, it's time to go back.

The morning sunlight streamed through the guesthouse window, illuminating the still somewhat disheveled bed.

Li Wan got up early. Unlike usual, she didn't stay in bed. Instead, she quietly began packing Dong Jianguo's luggage.

This time, she didn't wear that fiery red dress again, but instead put on an elegant beige trench coat. Her hair was simply tied back, revealing her smooth forehead. She looked gentle and quiet, just like a young wife seeing her husband off on a long journey.

When Dong Jianguo returned after washing up, he felt a pang of reluctance as he looked at the neatly packed package.

Li Wan's studies in the capital will not end for another month.

His feelings for Xiuyun were genuine, and his feelings for Li Wan were also true.

Li Wan was still busy with her hands: "Your old work clothes are too outdated. This time when you go back, you're going to be a big factory director, so you have to dress more presentably."

"Clothes make the man, and a saddle makes the horse. Jianguo, you have such a good foundation, you can't go wrong if you take better care of yourself."

"Wear the polyester shirt I bought you when you leave—"

As she spoke, she pulled a huge suitcase out from under the bed.

"These are things I bought for your family; take them back with you."

Dong Jianguo leaned over to take a look and was immediately at a loss for words, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Inside the box was a pile of things that might not have been unusual in Beijing in 95, but in the small northeastern city of Heicheng, it was definitely a luxury.

A high-quality item.

A brand-new Sony Walkman, two pairs of high-end headphones, and a bunch of cassette tapes;

Several jars of fine West Lake Longjing tea;

There are also little dresses that I carefully selected for my daughter, Little Orange;

At the very bottom, there is a glittering gold necklace with a pendant made of a translucent jade.

"Wanwan, you—" Dong Jianguo picked up the pretty red dress, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Li Wan raised her head, her eyes clear and firm. "Jianguo, I know I may never be able to stand openly by your side in this lifetime. But since I've chosen you, your family is my family."

She picked up the gold necklace, held it up to her neck, then put it down, gently stroking the warm, lustrous jade: "I specially picked this out at the mall for Sister Xiuyun. A woman should always have a decent piece of jewelry. I know she's done a lot for you. When you go back, please give this to her for me, as a small token of my appreciation."

"As for this—it's for Little Orange. Your daughter will look beautiful in a dress!"

Dong Jianguo looked at the contents of the box, then at Li Wan's sincere face, and felt a mix of emotions.

He knew that Li Wan was trying to integrate into his life in her own way.

However, this practice also made him feel a heavy sense of guilt.

"Wanwan, you really don't need to do this—" Dong Jianguo's voice was a little hoarse.

"It's necessary." Li Wan interrupted him, stood up, tiptoed, and straightened his collar. "Jianguo, I don't want to put you in a difficult position. I know you have a family, I know you love them. I—I just want to be closer to you, even if it's just through these things, so that there's even a little bit of my presence in your home."

Her eyes reddened, but she forced back her tears and forced a bright smile: "Besides, I'm not entirely selfless. I'm bribing" my future older sister and little princess! Just in case—and I mean just in case—if you manage to take me back later and they don't recognize me, I'll still have these gifts as a stepping stone, right?"

Looking at her forced smile, Dong Jianguo felt as if his heart was being tightly gripped by a hand.

He didn't say anything, but suddenly pulled her into his arms, with such force that it seemed he wanted to meld her into his very bones.

"I'm sorry—" he repeated these three words again, which had almost become his catchphrase for Li Wan.

Li Wan nestled in his arms, greedily inhaling the smell of tobacco and sweat emanating from him, her tears silently soaking his shirt.

Around noon, at Beijing Railway Station.

The train station in 1995 will always be the busiest and noisiest place in the country.

The sounds of green train whistles, vendors' cries, sweet female voices on the radio, and the clamor of the crowd blended together to create a unique background soundscape of the era.

Dong Jianguo stood at the entrance of the waiting room, dragging the suitcase filled with Li Wanxin's gifts.

Li Wan followed closely behind him, carrying a thermos in her hand.

"Jianguo, this is millet porridge I specially cooked for you this morning. Drink it on your way." Li Wan handed the thermos to him.

"I understand." Dong Jianguo took the thermos. It was heavy, and it contained not only porridge, but also her heartfelt wishes.

"Jianguo, there will be a lot of things to do at the factory after you go back, so don't overwork yourself."

While straightening his collar, Li Wan nagged him, "Also, remember to eat on time, and don't always eat spicy snacks, they're bad for your stomach."

"Okay, I've got it."

"And one more thing—" Li Wan bit her lip, took a slip of paper out of her pocket, and stuffed it into his hand. "This is the number on my new pager. Write it down. Let me know when you get to Hecheng."

Dong Jianguo took the note, glanced at it, then stuffed it into his mouth, chewed it a couple of times, and swallowed it.

"You—" Li Wan was startled by his action.

"No need to remember," Dong Jianguo smiled, his eyes carrying a hint of roguishness and deep affection. "I've already swallowed it, I can't forget it."

Li Wan was amused by him, but her tears flowed even more fiercely.

Just then, the announcement for ticket checking came over the loudspeaker.

"Passengers, boarding for train K39 from Beijing to Qiqihar is now open —"

The voice was cold and mechanical, yet it was like a knife, severing the last bond between the two.

"I'm leaving." Dong Jianguo looked at her, his eyes filled with reluctance.

"Yes, I'll watch you leave."

Dong Jianguo turned around, dragging his suitcase, and headed towards the ticket gate.

He didn't turn around, because he was afraid that if he did, he would never be able to take another step.

Li Wan stood there, watching his back as he walked further and further away, becoming increasingly blurry.

Only after his figure completely disappeared behind the ticket gate did Li Wan finally break down, squatting on the ground and letting tears slowly stream down her cheeks.