In 1959, what's wrong with me pedaling a tricycle?

This was Zheng Xuewen's first business trip to Beijing. They couldn't discuss work, but he could ask her what he should be aware of in Beijing.

Wang Xingguo didn't hold back and told him all the precautions. After this trip, the two of them got to know each other.

A week later, the train arrived in the capital.

Because the fuel transportation department and the logistics department are not located in the same place, after getting off the bus, Wang Xingguo told Zheng Xuewen which bus to take and how much it would cost to take a tricycle, and then the two parted ways.

Wang Xingguo and his team were at the oil transportation office right here, so he didn't have to go far. He led the group back to the transportation office, handed in the receipts, and everyone started writing their work reports.

Director Ma took Wang Xingguo's work report and said with a regretful look, "Xiao Wang, it's such a pity that Minister Li of our logistics department didn't approve your application for promotion."

Wang Xingguo said helplessly, "Director Ma, please stop trying to sow discord. Grandpa Li already told me that you just want to dump this mess on me and go back to the army to enjoy yourself."

Director Ma, shameless as ever, said, "How could that be? I just can't stand someone like you being only a section chief. You should at least be a deputy director. How could you think of me like that!"

Wang Xingguo laughed and said, "Don't think I'm easy to fool. Right now, the department has to coordinate supplies with various military regions and farms. We wish we had three heads and six arms. Look at the documents on your desk. Instead of wasting time trying to fool me, you should be working on a few more documents."

Director Ma sighed, "Sigh, leading a team is tough. Even you, you brat, don't understand my good intentions. It's all for your own good... You little rascal, why are you running away..."

Wang Xingguo didn't want to listen to his coaxing words, so he just ran away.

I took my change of clothes and went to the public bathhouse, where many of my colleagues were already soaking.

Luo Shulin asked, "Section Chief, are you free for a drink now that you're on break? I have a vat of good liquor at home that's been soaking for three months and is ready to drink."

Wang Xingguo shook his head and said, "What would I drink? I have to stay home and take care of my daughter. Let me tell you, my daughter is so well-behaved. Every time I hold her, she wants to leave a mark on me, as if she's afraid she won't recognize me as her father."

Old Gao laughed and said, "Haha, what are you saying, Section Chief? Whose child doesn't pee everywhere?"

Wang Xingguo said excitedly, "That's different. My daughter is very well-behaved. She likes to mark me."

Everyone laughed; they could understand Wang Xingguo's reaction.

Everyone feels this way; for their own children, everything is good.

They helped each other scrub off the mud, and after rinsing off and changing his clothes, Wang Xingguo couldn't wait to go home.

The first snow of the year came early, in late November, and it's December 5th now.

Because Wang Xingguo had worked two consecutive trips, his company granted him a week's leave.

As soon as Wang Xingguo returned to the gate of the compound, Old Chen from the security department saw him and ran out happily.

"Director Wang, things have recovered back in my hometown. We even raised pigs this year, and my family sent me some cured meat. Wait a moment, I'll go back and get you some to try."

Wang Xingguo wanted to refuse, he didn't need the money, but Lao Chen took off running towards the dormitory, and he couldn't stop him.

Before long, Old Chen came back with a cured pork leg and insisted on hanging it on the handlebars of the bicycle, no matter what Wang Xingguo said.

Wang Xingguo had never thought of repaying them when he helped them before; he just hoped they could help take care of his family.

But they all remember his help!

At that time, grain prices in Beijing had skyrocketed, but Wang Xingguo still managed to get them low-priced grain. He never skimped on the security department's extra meals, and everyone remembered his kindness.

Wang Xingguo said seriously, "Old Chen, let it go this time, but don't do it again next time. Honestly, things have just recovered back home. Making money to improve our lives is more important than anything else. I don't need these things, there's no need to go through all this trouble."

Old Chen said sincerely, "Director Wang, whether you need this or not is your business. Our Chen family will never forget your help. If it weren't for the grain you brought back, several members of my Chen family would have starved to death that winter. Our Chen family will never forget this kindness."

"Why won't you listen to me..."

Wang Xingguo had no choice but to wave goodbye to the security guards and ride his bicycle home.

He arrived at his front door and rang his bicycle bell.

A moment later, hurried footsteps sounded. Wang Xingguo, who had just parked his bicycle, turned around and saw Li Xiuping opening the door. He grinned and said, "Wife, I'm back."

Li Xiuping said happily, "Son, your father is back!"

"Daddy's home!"

"Second Uncle is back?"

Li Xiuping helped carry the things, and the two little ones jumped around happily. Wang Xingguo went into the house, put down his backpack, took off his coat and hung it up, and then put the two little ones on his lap on either side and hugged them.

He said cheerfully, "Cheng'an, Jianhua, were you two good boys when I wasn't home?"

Wang Cheng'an said with a grin, "Second Uncle, I'm a good boy/girl. I'll eat lots of rice and meat so I can grow tall and strong quickly and join the army to protect our country!"

Wang Jianhua hesitated for a moment and said, "Dad, my great-grandfather wants me to join the army, but I want to be the great scientist that Mom talks about. I want to build a big airplane that flies in the sky..."

Wang Xingguo laughed and said, "Haha, you're all still young. These things are too early for you. You can choose what you like to do when you grow up."

Li Xiuping walked in carrying a cured pork leg and asked, "Honey, where did you get this cured pork leg?"

Wang Xingguo explained, "It was sent by Old Chen from the security department, his family sent it, and this guy insisted on giving it to me."

Li Xiuping nodded and said, "This is to thank you for your previous help. Our clan also sent us cured meat and sausages, as well as a lot of chicken and duck eggs."

It's not surprising that the clan sent them, because the branch they were closer to had chickens, ducks, and feed provided by Wang Xingguo back then. Later, because they lacked these nutrients, they made a lot of money from chicken and duck eggs.

Back then, when eggs were at their peak, they sold for ten yuan a pound at home. Those black market people smuggled them back to the city to exchange for gold.

There was no way to stop the black market. Even during the most difficult year of 61, when even the night market with negotiated prices couldn't get much supplies, some people started to secretly trade and sell supplies again.

The only difference from before is that no one dares to open a fixed black market, not even a mobile one; they all secretly sell to familiar, wealthy old customers.

Since the end of 62, the clan has been sending nutritional supplements to Wang Xingguo. The nutritional supplements for Li Xiuping when she was pregnant with her second child and during her postpartum confinement were all sent by the clan, so Wang Xingguo didn't have to worry about them at all.