Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 727 How pitiful

On January 28th, the first day of the Lunar New Year, the weather cleared up.

Chen Fan got up early and made breakfast at home. Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year, and even state-run restaurants are closed, so there's no breakfast to buy and he has to make it himself.

The meal was simple: a big pot of dumplings, two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and four cold appetizers. Although the variety was limited, it was still quite substantial.

Zhou Yali hugged the large bowl and ate twenty dumplings in one go, then clutched her stomach and groaned, "I can't eat anymore."

Chen Fan served her a bowl of noodle soup. "If you can't eat it, don't force yourself. Here, the soup will help you digest your food."

Putting down the large bowl, Zhou Yali took the small bowl and sipped the soup with a spoon.

Zhou Zhengdong finished the last dumpling in his bowl, took out a handkerchief to wipe his mouth, then looked up at the wall clock. There was still half an hour until the appointed time. He slowly took out a cigarette, first offering one to his nephew, then lighting one for himself. He exhaled a puff of smoke and turned to look at Chen Fan.

"If this trip goes smoothly, we can arrive in Guangzhou tonight, and we can negotiate and sign contracts tomorrow, which will settle the first phase of domestic marketing."

Chen Fan was somewhat surprised and turned to look at him, "It seems you only signed contracts for four cities: Beijing, Shanghai, the provincial capital, and Guangzhou, right?"

Zhou Zhengdong nodded and said with a smile, "The first batch should not be too large, and although there are only four cities, there are six pieces of equipment. This is based on the calculation that only one piece is needed in Guangzhou."

The four notebook computers belong to Fujitsu, Lucent, and Alcatel, and the contract value exceeds US$26 million.

As you know, this batch of goods is all sold with zero down payment and payment in six years. If it weren't for the revenue from your novel's publication, I wouldn't have dared to sell so many units at once.

Even so, I don't plan to continue selling until I receive the first payment.

After he finished speaking, Zhou Yali put down the small soup bowl, looked up at Chen Fan, and continued, "There's also the installation and maintenance. There are six pieces of equipment, and the technical standards are different. The first two will definitely take a lot of time. I heard from the technical experts that it will take at least two months."

So, the installation of six pieces of equipment, plus the inevitable minor flaws in the initial stages, will take some time. Once all the equipment is installed and running smoothly, they estimate it will be about a year.

The first payment will be due by then, and if we can collect it smoothly, it will be perfect for selling the second batch of equipment, so it won't be a waste of time.

Chen Fan silently calculated and felt that even if it wasn't that tight, it wouldn't waste too much time.

Most importantly, Zhou Zhengdong was right. This was his first time doing business with the mainland, and it was such a large project. To be able to sign an order for six pieces of equipment at once was already incredibly audacious.

Even those patriotic Hong Kong businessmen who are keen on donating to the mainland did not initially make such large donations. They only started to increase their investment in the mainland after gradually getting to know and understand it.

If we really want to calculate it, Zhou Zhengdong is very likely the largest foreign investor in China at present, without exception!

That's already quite impressive.

Zhou Zhengdong looked at his daughter with a gratified smile on his face. Her words just now proved that the little girl was growing up. At this rate, she should be able to stand on her own in another year or two.

Turning to look at his eldest nephew, he grinned from ear to ear, as if he had just won a throne.

He flicked off his cigarette ash and said to Chen Fan, "Actually, I still have a lot of confidence in the domestic market. The first batch of six units is mainly due to the huge financial pressure. Although there are bank loans, I still have to pay a large sum of money myself. After all, the other shareholders of the bank have not been to the domestic market like I have, and I also have to take into account their concerns about the risks."

Hearing this, Chen Fan raised an eyebrow. "From what you're saying, is there something else I don't know?"

Zhou Zhengdong nodded slightly, smiled, and said, "Didn't you make a suggestion before, asking me to mention the world's first special economic zone, the Legon Free Port in Genoa, Italy, to the leaders here? I actually did mention it when I went to Beijing last time."

I thought they would say something or just give me a perfunctory answer, but to my surprise, several leaders rushed to the hotel overnight to ask me about the situation in the free port.

I also used the Leghorn Free Port as a starting point to tell them about the development and cases of special economic zones around the world, and they took careful notes.

At this point, Zhou Zhengdong pursed his lips and nodded slightly. "Judging from their expressions, they don't seem to be just going through the motions. If they can really stick to the economic development path, I have confidence in the development of the mainland. Six pieces of equipment will definitely not be the end."

Chen Fan nodded repeatedly as he listened and said with a smile, "When the situation is stable, the policies are stable. Now that the overall situation is settled, there will naturally be no major changes in policies. But no matter how they change, things like buying things without paying will definitely not happen."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhengdong burst into laughter, "What you said makes perfect sense. Internationally, the mainland's reputation is indeed beyond reproach."

At this moment, Zhou Yali suddenly said from the side, "I certainly don't doubt the credibility of the mainland, but..."

She turned to look at Chen Fan, blinking her eyes, "I'm just a little worried, will they be able to come up with the money?"

Chen Fan smiled. "You're worried that you're willing but unable to handle these areas, right?"

Zhou Yali nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, that's exactly what I mean."

Chen Fan laughed and said, "Of these four cities, only the capital of Jiangnan Province is a little weaker, but not by much. The other three are all top-tier cities in China. Let's not even talk about Beijing and Shanghai. Just take Guangzhou for example. As the host city of the Canton Fair, do you really think they don't have the money?"

Zhou Yali chuckled foolishly and remained silent.

Chen Fan continued, "Besides, Guangdong is a province with a large number of overseas Chinese. Many Hong Kong tycoons have their ancestral homes in Guangdong. As long as the local government is willing, it can easily raise several million US dollars, which is more than enough to pay for a 10,000-line programmable controller."

The 10,000-line programmable machine can facilitate communication between Guangdong and Hong Kong, which is of great practical significance to both wealthy businessmen and ordinary overseas Chinese. They would welcome its development and would certainly support it.

After he finished speaking, Zhou Yali was fine, but she felt more confident in closing the deal. Zhou Zhengdong, on the other hand, frowned and pondered, muttering, "What you said has reminded me. Hong Kong tycoons have money and connections, and we've set up a branch in Hong Kong. Perhaps I can find an opportunity to make contact with them."

Chen Fan thought for a moment and said, "This can be done, but there's no need to rush. Let's wait until the first batch of projects is completed so that they can see the actual results. It's not too late to contact them then."

Zhou Zhengdong turned his face and smiled, "Haste makes waste, I definitely understand that principle."

As we talked, twenty minutes passed quickly.

Just then, the sound of a car engine came from outside. When they reached the gate of the yard, they turned off the engine.

Chen Fan glanced at the courtyard gate, then turned to look at the two of them, and said, "The car that's supposed to pick you up has arrived."

Zhou Zhengdong nodded and was about to speak when there was a knock on the door.

He shrugged and said, "Alright, the car's here, we're leaving too."

Then he waved to his daughter, "Go get your luggage."

When it was time to leave, Zhou Yali stopped dawdling. Although she didn't look too good, she moved quickly and carried her luggage out of the room.

Chen Fan had already gone outside to open the door.

The gate opened, and a Yunhu sedan was parked there… The driver was an old acquaintance from Yunhu Machinery Factory. Seeing this, Chen Fan chuckled, took out a cigarette, tossed it out, and said with a grin, “Could it be that the United Front Work Department borrowed this car from Yunhu Automobile Factory?”

Old Dai, the former driver of the machinery factory's motorcade and now the driver of the Yunqi Factory's motorcade, accurately grabbed the cigarette, looked at Chen Fan and chuckled, "That's for sure, now our Yunqi Factory is a hot commodity, every unit wants to get a piece of the action."

Yesterday I received the task order, and I wasn't happy about it at first. But when I saw it involved picking someone up from your house, I signed the task order without hesitation. It's a rare opportunity to serve Consultant Chen, so how could I let it slip by?

Chen Fan smiled and didn't say much. He turned around and waved to Zhou Yali, "Yali, take out two of the souvenirs you brought me. They're on the table in my room."

Upon hearing this, Lao Dai quickly waved his hand, "No, no, no, Consultant Chen, this is inappropriate. If I take your things, how will I face anyone when I go back?"

Judging from his expression, it wasn't just polite talk; he genuinely didn't want it.

Putting everything else aside, regardless of whether he changes jobs or not, the employee benefits at the three factories—Yunnan Automobile Factory, Electrical Appliance Factory, and Machinery Factory—are now several times better than before. Wages can't be increased, but meal allowances, field work subsidies, business trip allowances, and other benefits are all set at the highest standards.

Who brought about these changes? It was none other than Consultant Chen!

If people find out that he secretly accepted gifts from Consultant Chen, being looked down upon would be the least of his worries.

Chen Fan put one hand on his shoulder, took the American cigarettes Zhou Yali offered with the other, stuffed them into his arms, and said with a smile, "Brother, I would never be polite to you normally, but today is the first day of the Lunar New Year. If I make you work for nothing, wouldn't that be embarrassing for me?"

Old Dai quickly shook his head, "How can it be a waste of time? I get a subsidy..."

Chen Fan interrupted him, "The subsidy is a subsidy, this is a New Year's gift."

He paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Here's what we'll do: keep one for yourself, and share the other with the drivers. It's just a small token of my appreciation. Don't worry about anything else. Even if Uncle Yang is upset with you, come find me, and I'll talk to him."

Finally, she grabbed his hand and held the two packs of cigarettes, saying, "Don't keep refusing me during the New Year. There's a long road ahead. If you don't accept them, I won't dare trouble you again."

Once they arrived, Old Dai didn't refuse anymore. Holding a cigarette, he smiled and said, "Advisor Chen, you've already said all this, if I don't accept it, it would be disrespectful to you."

Then, changing the subject, he said, "Don't worry, I'll make sure you get your guests safely. If you need anything like this again, you don't need to go to the United Front Work Department or any other department. Just give the Yunqi Factory a call, and you'll have no trouble getting a car!"

Chen Fan patted his arm twice. "Okay, I'll contact you guys directly from now on. Thanks."

At this moment, Lao Dai saw the two guests coming out with their suitcases. He quickly stuffed the cigarettes into the car, ran to the back of the car to open the trunk, and busied himself, not letting Zhou Zhengdong and Zhou Yali do anything, arranging everything properly.

Chen Fan quietly explained the situation to Zhou Zhengdong, and Zhou Zhengdong felt relieved to hear that it was someone he knew.

She then sat in the back seat with her daughter, wiggled her hips, and gave Chen Fan a thumbs up, saying, "Nice car."

Zhou Yali looked at him expectantly, "Brother, you'd better hurry up and write your novel. If my business fails, I'll have to rely on your novel to make up for my losses."

Chen Fan's eye twitched slightly as he listened. He had just said he was confident, and this was the result?
He simply ignored them, took two steps back, waved at them, and watched the car slowly drive away. Only after it turned the corner and disappeared from sight did he turn around, go into the yard, and close the gate.

In the Yunhu area, people don't visit each other on the first day of the Lunar New Year. However, if there are direct elders in the family, they must visit the home of the elder with the highest seniority.

So it's actually a continuation of Lunar New Year's Eve, where family members try to gather together to exchange New Year's greetings, stay up late on New Year's Eve, and have a second family reunion.

If Chen Fan and Jiang Lili had registered their marriage and held a wedding, he should be going to Jiang's family now to pay his respects to his father-in-law, instead of waiting until the second day of the Lunar New Year to go back to his wife's home with her.

But we haven't registered our marriage yet, so we'll just have to wait until tomorrow to go over.

The only elder in the family, Zhou Zhengdong, had just gotten into the car and left, so Chen Fan was now free during the Chinese New Year.

After pacing around the room with his hands in his pockets, Chen Fan couldn't help but click his tongue and say, "Why does it feel a little desolate?"

I turned around and looked around. Well, it was only my two stray cats who kept me company. It was indeed a bit lonely.

It's better to go back to Lujiawan and play with the pandas.

Do it when you think of it.

He packed a few things quickly, leaving the supplies he'd brought from Lujiawan untouched, thinking they might come in handy. Then he drove off, taking the two pitiful raccoon dogs that had been out for over a year with him, back to Lujiawan to visit relatives.

We took a car and then a speedboat, and arrived back at Lujiawan before 10 a.m.

After disembarking, Chen Fan gave the two raccoon dogs a break so they could go home to visit their families. With permission granted, the two cats vanished in a flash.

Chen Fan then returned home and played with the animals.

First, we played games with the panda family in the panda enclosure. The three pandas were so happy that they kept bleating, which made the two sheep behind them think that other sheep had come, and they started bleating loudly.

After the pandas got tired of playing, we gave them a bath while the sun was shining brightly. They all smelled nice and were then carried to the tree stumps in the panda enclosure to bask in the sun.

After that, he led the pony out to ride. Unfortunately, both hunting rifles had been taken to Shanghai by Zhou Yali last year and had not been brought back. Chen Fan could only carry the hunting bow given to him by Master Peng. Before leaving, he thought about it again, hung the small notebook and command knife given to him by Master Lin on his waist, and carried the twelve-foot red-tasseled spear specially made for him by Master Xiao in his hand. He then spurred his horse onto the embankment.

The two dogs have grown very strong and healthy. They follow Huang Li around every day and eat countless good things at the brigade headquarters canteen. Fortunately, they haven't forgotten their owner's instructions and haven't missed any of their training.

At this moment, they stood guard around the pony, barking incessantly.

Once any wild animals are disturbed, the four birds flying in the sky immediately send a message.

If the distance wasn't too far, Chen Fan would urge the horse to speed up and finish it off with a single spear thrust.

If he couldn't catch up, he would hang his spear on the hunting hook and hunt with his bow and arrow.

For a moment, the sounds of dogs barking, eagles calling, and prey fleeing in panic all blended together and echoed over Lujiawan.

Such a big commotion naturally attracted the attention of countless people.

Many people came out of their homes and looked in the direction of the sound of horses' hooves.

Whether they could see it or not, everyone knew that Teacher Chen had come out hunting.

During the Lunar New Year, with no relatives or elders around, he can only come out and wreak havoc on wild animals. Teacher Chen is truly pitiful.

Tomorrow is the second day of the Lunar New Year, and he should go to the cotton mill to see his father-in-law. Well, then he can go to visit Teacher Chen on the third day.

(End of this chapter)