Courtyard Houses: Starting with the principle of hard work paying off

Chapter 258 The Little One's Pride, Family Affection During Difficult Times
After more than an hour, Li Hongbing, who had already caught quite a few fish, packed up his line.

Gained a lot.

Originally, Li Hongbing planned to stop after catching two large grass carp, but after a series of catches, seeing Li Jianwu's excited expression and having plenty of time, he decided to fish a little longer.

As is customary.

Li Hongbing and the others around him immediately exchanged the extra fish for various kinds of money and tickets.

Many of the people who had been watching the commotion were waiting for this moment, some even coming specifically to trade for fish. Apart from the two large grass carp that Li Hongbing kept for himself, the rest were quickly snapped up.

Although you can fish with just a hook and some earthworms or corn kernels, whether you can actually catch anything, given the competition among so many people, is a skill in itself.

Nowadays, there is a shortage of food and meat, and people can't catch fish themselves, but being able to exchange for a fish to take home is a great thing for the family.

"That's all, that's all. If you need anything, please come back early next time."

"Master Li, it's only this early, are you already planning to pack up?"

"That's right, it's still early, why don't you fish a few more times?"

"No, no, I have to go home and cook. I'll come over another day when I'm off."

"Oh, what a pity."

"Master Li, what's your next day off? Will you be coming back then?"

"..."

Seeing that Li Hongbing had exchanged all the fish he wanted and was about to leave, those who hadn't exchanged any fish yet became anxious and unwilling to give up, and they all urged Li Hongbing to fish a little longer.

Although Li Hongbing caught quite a few fish, there were also many people who wanted to exchange them, so the supply couldn't meet the demand.

Trading fish with Li Hongbing is a sure-fire way to make money.

After all, Li Hongbing is not short of money and knows that everyone is having a hard time these days, so the exchange price is cheaper than the market price. As long as the value difference is not too much, he won't care too much.

This is much cheaper than buying it at the market.

However, Li Hongbing came here to fish not specifically to make money and collect tickets; it was just something that happened by chance.

Having caught the fish he wanted, and with time running out, Li Hongbing naturally didn't want to linger any longer, even though so many people were begging him.

If we really listen to them, we'll probably have to stay here forever, fishing until dark, without even having time for lunch.

Especially since Li Jianwu is also there!

Money and tickets can never be earned indefinitely.

For Li Hongbing, visiting a few times a month is actually enough.

Besides the fish he caught himself, the money he exchanged for the fish was also one of the "explanations" that Li Hongbing had more resources than other families.

Seeing that Li Hongbing could catch so many fish every time he came, and exchange them for a lot of money and tickets, some people were naturally envious and jealous, and secretly reported him, which even attracted the attention of officials.

However, the fish that Li Hongbing used to exchange for money tickets were fished up by himself from the river, and were considered his earnings.

Furthermore, since it wasn't bought from the market and was resold at a markup, it doesn't constitute speculation at all.

Furthermore, during the investigation, those who traded fish with Li Hongbing were not stupid and naturally wouldn't easily give others cause for criticism. With their stories consistent, even if the officials knew what was going on, they couldn't do anything to them.

No one said "buy" or "sell," but rather "exchange," or even "give away" or "return."

Although the various tickets currently in use are not allowed to be traded and can only be used by the individual or their own family, every family has special circumstances and occasionally borrows or exchanges tickets with people around them, which also violates the regulations. However, as long as it is not the behavior of hoarding and reselling tickets, the authorities will not forcibly interfere.

If it weren't for someone reporting it, officials wouldn't have bothered to get involved; otherwise, they wouldn't have bothered with it at all.

On the contrary, those who secretly reported others were later exposed and suffered quite a fate.

This was not Li Hongbing's doing. The main problem was that although the other party's actions were out of envy and targeting Li Hongbing, they had already angered many people and infringed on the interests of others. They had offended more than just Li Hongbing.

In fact.

The current environment is relatively relaxed. The policies and definitions of speculation and profiteering have not yet reached a level of strictness. It's just that some people misunderstand and it is being exploited by people with ulterior motives.

Although various goods have now entered the unified sales and purchase system, during this period of economic hardship for the nation, the government has even adjusted the supply policy, allowing farmers to freely sell grain and other agricultural products in cities at higher prices or through negotiation.

It wasn't until a special period that the free trade markets in the suburbs were abolished, and all kinds of private transactions were strictly prohibited.

However, at this stage, farmers are facing a severe shortage of grain, and market transactions are not large, or even negligible.

After packing up his fishing rod, Li Hongbing gave the fishing spot and the bait he had just prepared to someone who happened to be there. With the two big grass carp in his hand, he began his journey home.

At this moment, Li Jianwu was sitting on the back of the bicycle. The silk strip that Chen Xueru had used to tie him and Li Jianwu together in case Li Jianwu got lost had just been taken off by Li Hongbing, who then tied Li Jianwu around his own waist.

Li Jianwu is sensible, but he is still young. For safety reasons, Li Hongbing added an extra layer of protection for him.

"Dad, you're amazing!"

Wearing tiny gloves, Li Jianwu held Li Hongbing tightly in his arms on the back of the bicycle, sheltering himself from the cold wind coming from the front. He looked up at Li Hongbing's strong back, his eyes and voice full of admiration.

This wasn't the first time Li Jianwu had seen Li Hongbing fish. His family had previously gone to lakes or rivers for outings and had already witnessed Li Hongbing's impressive fishing skills.

However, seeing that his father knew so many people today, and that everyone was very polite to him, and that he also received a lot of candy, Li Jianwu clearly realized how popular his father was.

"Haven't I always been very capable, have I?"

Hearing his eldest son, Li Jianwu, affirm his worth, Li Hongbing couldn't help but smile, even though he had said the same thing more than once before.

In front of his son, Li Hongbing didn't hold back and directly asked him a question.

"Dad, you're not being modest!"

Upon discovering that his father was so "shameless," Li Jianwu was taken aback for a moment before giving him a very serious critique.

"But that's the truth!"

Li Hongbing burst out laughing and jokingly said, "Excessive modesty is just arrogance."

"Is that so?"

Out of unconditional trust and adoration for his father, Li Jianwu's little brain was a bit fuzzy.

While teasing Li Jianwu, they unknowingly arrived at the Nanluoguxiang area. Li Hongbing felt that the journey was simply too joyful.

"Dad, this doesn't seem to be the way home. Are we going to Aunt's house?"

Just then, Li Jianwu, sensing something was wrong, asked with some confusion.

Li Hongbing glanced back at Li Jianwu, surprised that the little guy was so perceptive and had noticed. He smiled and asked, "Dad brought back two big fish earlier. We can't finish them all at home. Dad will take one to Auntie. What do you think?"

“Okay, let Jianjun and Qingwan eat together too. I haven’t seen them for days.”

Under the joint education of Li Hongbing, Chen Xueru, and Chen's mother, Li Jianwu was clearly well-educated. Even though both fish belonged to their family, when Li Hongbing said he would give one to Li Hongmei, Li Jianwu showed no dissatisfaction and had no intention of keeping them all for himself.

Of course. It's also because Aunt Li Hongmei treats her two nephews, Li Jianwu and Chen Jiwen, very well.

Not only Li Hongmei, but also her uncle Zhao Weiguo, and her cousins ​​Zhao Jianjun and Zhao Qingwan, all cherished Li Jianwu and Chen Jiwen.

Human hearts are reciprocal.

They are not just blood relatives, but family.

Knowing that Li Hongbing was going to take him to his aunt's house and he would soon meet his cousins ​​Zhao Jianjun and Zhao Qingwan, Li Jianwu was very excited and looking forward to it, and he almost danced with joy.

Although the two families lived not far apart, Zhao Jianjun would often bring his younger sister Zhao Qingwan to play with his two cousins, Li Jianwu and Chen Jiwen. Li Jianwu was still young, and unless Li Hongbing or Chen's mother and Chen Xueru took care of him, it was impossible to let him run around outside alone.

Before Li Hongbing even entered the courtyard where Li Hongmei lived, he saw Zhao Jianjun playing with his younger sister Zhao Qingwan and other children at the entrance of the alley.

"uncle?"

"Jianwu!! You're here too?"

"Brother Jianjun, Hello Sister Qingwan!"

"Hello, Jianwu!"

"..."

Seeing Li Hongbing riding his bicycle with Li Jianwu, Zhao Jianjun abandoned his friends and ran over with his sister Zhao Qingwan, completely disregarding their playtime.

Meanwhile, the other kids around him were staring intently at the two large grass carp that Li Hongbing had hung on the handlebars, their eyes shining.

However, although their eyes were fixed on the two large grass carp, they did not make any move.

Children may be young, but they all know their limits; not every child is like Bang Geng.

Unlike the other children, Zhao Jianjun obviously didn't have this concern. When he saw the two grass carp, he asked directly, "Uncle, did you catch these two big grass carp? You're really amazing!"

Not only Li Jianwu, but Zhao Jianjun and Zhao Qingwan also knew that their uncle Li Hongbing was a skilled fisherman, and they often sent fish to their house to eat.

only.

Even though Li Hongbing had delivered fish to their family more than once, this time Li Hongbing brought fish specifically, and there were even two of similar size, which obviously meant that it was more than just a passing by.

Although he guessed it, Zhao Jianjun only asked and did not try to take it, nor did he consider it to be his own.

Even if Li Hongbing offered to give them the fish, he would have to wait for his parents' permission first. Back then, he listened to his uncle Li Hongbing and took the fish home directly. Instead of being praised, he was scolded by Li Hongmei.

"Brother Jianjun, Dad caught both of these big fish by himself. I went with him today. There were so many more, one after another..."

Before Li Hongbing could even speak, Li Jianwu, that little rascal, had already learned to answer Zhao Jianjun's question and started showing off.

"I knew it right away."

Hearing Li Jianwu's answer, Zhao Jianjun, who had guessed correctly, was a little smug. However, he couldn't help but look at Li Hongbing and ask, "Uncle, next time you go fishing, could you take me with you?"

"It's done!"

Li Hongbing agreed without hesitation, but quickly added, "However, I can't make the decision on this matter; your parents need to agree first!"

"what?!"

Upon hearing that they had to go through this process, Zhao Jianjun's face fell, and he couldn't help but plead with Li Hongbing, "Uncle, can you just take me there directly? Or you can tell my mom, she definitely won't object."

"Are you that afraid of your mother? She's not a tiger, she's not going to eat you up."

Seeing Zhao Jianjun's expression, Li Hongbing found it both amusing and speechless.

Clearly, Li Hongmei is a strict mother at home and disciplines Zhao Jianjun quite strictly, otherwise she wouldn't have reacted this way.

Zhao Jianjun was about to say that it was more terrifying than a tiger, but he was afraid that Li Hongbing would complain, so he stuck out his tongue and swallowed his words.

Li Hongbing is indeed my uncle, and he usually dotes on me, but he is also my mother's brother. I don't know who he will favor in the end.

She had been "tricked" by her uncle, Li Hongbing, more than once.

Feeling down, Zhao Jianjun quickly turned to talk to Li Jianwu. With Zhao Qingwan joining them, the three little ones soon started chattering away happily.

At this point, even Li Hongbing, who used to be a leader among the children, found himself with a "generation gap" and unable to integrate into their group.

Fortunately, Li Hongbing didn't mind. He always wanted to give them some space and not let them have no "secrets" at all.

Not long after.

Li Hongbing, leading the three children and pushing his bicycle, soon entered the courtyard where Li Hongmei lived.

Originally, Li Hongbing only planned to deliver some fish and then go back, but seeing how happily Li Jianwu was chatting with Zhao Jianjun and Zhao Qingwan, he decided to stay for a while before leaving, since it wasn't too late anyway.

"Mom, Dad, Uncle and Jianwu are here."

As soon as they entered the front yard, Zhao Jianjun, who had been chatting happily with Li Jianwu, broke away from them and quickly ran to the middle courtyard to report the news.

Zhao Weiguo had no transport duties today and was at home. After hearing the news his son brought back, he quickly went out to greet him with Li Hongmei.

Li Hongmei was speechless when she saw the two grass carp on Li Hongbing's bicycle.

They're delivering fish again!

However, this was not the first time. Li Hongmei clearly had no intention of refusing and directly accepted the fish that Li Hongbing had brought to their home, saying to Li Hongbing, "Stay and have dinner with us later."

After saying that, she put on a gentle and doting expression and said softly to Li Jianwu, "Jianwu, Auntie will make you pickled fish for lunch. Don't you like it?"

Upon hearing this, Li Jianwu did not answer, but instead turned to look at Li Hongbing.

Seeing this, Li Hongbing immediately made up an excuse and politely declined, saying, "Sister, we won't be eating here for lunch. I just caught some fish this morning, and my mother-in-law and Jiwen are waiting for me to go back and cook!"

"What's this?"

Upon hearing this, Li Hongmei glared at Li Hongbing, then looked directly at Zhao Jianjun beside her and ordered, "Jianjun, go to your uncle's house right now and invite your Grandma Li and your brother Jiwen over. Tell them to have lunch at our house and that your uncle and Jianwu are here too."

"Okay!"

Upon hearing Li Hongmei's order, Zhao Jianjun didn't hesitate at all. He turned around and ran out in a flash, without even giving Li Hongbing a chance to stop him.

"Now you don't have to go home to cook, right?"

Seeing Li Hongbing's helpless expression, Li Hongmei couldn't help but laugh, then scolded, "Look at you, Jianwu finally came to see his aunt, and you didn't even let him stay with me a little longer before you were in such a hurry to leave. Do you think I'm going to eat you or what?"

"Sis, that's not what I meant."

Upon hearing this, Li Hongbing quickly explained, "I was thinking that the fish wouldn't be fresh if it was left out for too long, so I was planning to cook it as soon as I got home. Since you've invited my mother-in-law and Jiwen over, I'll cook this fish together too."

Given the situation, Li Hongbing naturally wouldn't insist on leaving, and directly handed the other fish over to Li Hongmei to handle.

(End of this chapter)