Chapter 80

On the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, at ten o’clock in the evening, a figure went into the thatched grass behind the family compound first, and a few minutes later three more figures went in. When they came out, all four of them were carrying things on their backs.

Four people sneaked into the courtyard and entered the Du family, and then the gate of the Du family was closed. The four people were Du Weihai, Du Yidong, the third brother Du Yinan and Du Yimeng.

What they didn’t know was that a dark shadow followed them and walked into Yu’s house next door after a while.

This person was Yu Lang. His only task was to protect Du Yimeng’s safety. As for what the Du family did, it was not within the scope of his mission.

So he didn’t know who the Du family was doing business with because he didn’t follow them.

He would also often go to the black market to buy some things. As for why the Du family did not go to the black market, he would not be curious to find out. Everyone has their own secrets, just like him.

Snakes have their own way, rats have their own way, and each has its own way. At this time, as long as you can fill your stomach, any method will do.

Du Yimeng often took some food and other supplies from home, but not much, so the task of buying food was given to her.

But she was a cautious person and didn’t even dare to pretend to go to the black market, so she set her sights on the thatched lawn behind the family compound.

The Du family thought that she was able to buy these supplies through connections, but in fact, they were all supplies in her space.

In the grain store, rice is 23 cents per pound, flour is 18 cents, and coarse grains are 10 cents. But now the price of grain on the black market has risen to more than 2 yuan, and it is still in short supply.

Du Yimeng could only say that she had connections and the price was a bit cheaper than on the black market. She wanted to say less, but she was worried that her family would think too much, after all, no one is stupid.

The Du family has enough food for the time being and does not need to buy more, but who would complain about having too much food in this era?

It’s almost Chinese New Year, and tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. According to the rules, the Du family has to go back to their hometown to celebrate the New Year. They can’t go back empty-handed, and they have to buy some good things for the New Year.

This time, Du’s mother was very generous, buying 150 kilograms of coarse grains, 100 kilograms of rice, 100 kilograms of flour, 10 kilograms of pork and 5 kilograms of sugar.

With these things, plus a lot more bought at the supply and marketing cooperative, it can be said that this year is the most prosperous year for the Du family.

“Sister, these grains are really cheap. Now coarse grains on the black market are sold for two yuan, and this is only one yuan.” While Du Yidonggang was speaking, he looked at Du Yimeng with a sharp gaze. There was something called ambition in his eyes, ready to move.

“Then what? Take these grains to the black market and resell them?” Du Yimeng asked with a smile. She was indeed tempted. After all, she had a lot of grains in her space.

However, she did not speak her mind openly. She planned to test the reaction of Du’s parents first and then make plans.

Sure enough, Du Yidong nodded.

“Then you were caught and sent to squat in the fence. It just so happens that you, as an apprentice, have not yet been converted to a regular employee, so you can go directly to the farm to eat.” Before Du Yimeng could say anything, Du’s mother said coldly to Du Yidonggang.

If you walk by the river often, you are bound to get your feet wet. You may be able to escape once or twice, but after a long time you will definitely be targeted by someone with ulterior motives. There is no shortage of smart people wherever you are. Moreover, even if there is no danger, you will also be careless.

If she was caught, she would just lose a son. A son was the last thing she needed. There was nothing to lose for her, and she could also save a lot of food.

But wasn’t all the food she wasted over the years just wasted?

Du Yidong: …

What his mother said was so scary. He just had a little ambition, but was strangled to death by his mother.

“It’s a good thing that you were arrested. This way, we can save some money on the betrothal gift. There are three rooms in the family compound. You can give one to each of your three younger brothers. Now the housing issue is solved.” Du Weihai nodded as he spoke.

Du Yidong: …

“Don’t worry, if you are caught, we will immediately distance ourselves from you and will never let you bring trouble to us.” Du’s mother added.

The couple sang the same tune, and Du Yidong’s ambition was directly killed.

Du Yidong: …

He didn’t say anything, he just had a little idea, but it didn’t need to be like this.

Du Yimeng already understood what the Du family’s parents meant, but she didn’t care. How could something that should have been done secretly be done openly?

However, this matter still needs to be considered carefully, because she doesn’t dare to go to the black market!

Then she turned her attention to Du Yidong. She admired ambitious people.

“Don’t talk about what happened tonight outside. If anyone dares to talk nonsense outside, I will peel off his black skin. Do you understand?” Du’s mother lowered her voice and threatened.

Seeing the four brothers of the Du family nodding repeatedly, Du’s mother nodded with satisfaction.

“Mom, I’m hungry. How about we make some pancakes?” Lao Wu moved his eyes away from the meat with difficulty. His stomach had been starving for a long time and he just wanted to eat a pancake.

“The scallion pancake is so delicious…” said the fourth brother after swallowing.

“How about making some?” Du Weihai was disturbed by his two sons’ noise. He thought of the taste of scallion pancakes and he was also hungry.

They had dinner at around five o’clock, and it was already midnight, plus the 150 kilograms of coarse grains he had just carried back.

“If you want to eat, come and help.” Mother Du hesitated for a moment but nodded in agreement. Not only were the boys hungry, she herself was hungry. It was almost the New Year, so she might as well treat it as a luxury.

Du’s mother brought several children into the kitchen, and everyone divided the work among them, some kneading the dough, some chopping onions.

There is strength in numbers. After a while, the aroma of scallion pancakes filled the air. Yu Lang, who had just laid down next to him, sighed helplessly in the darkness.

It’s already midnight, stop tossing and turning and go to bed!

As a result, he heard his stomach growling in the darkness. He got out of bed helplessly and took out a can of beef from the cabinet.

I ate cold canned beef while enjoying the aroma of scallion pancakes from next door.

…

The next morning, the Du family took out their best clothes, dressed neatly, and headed for the Chaohong Brigade of Shengli Commune.

The factory gave three days off for the Chinese New Year. Even though it was only three days, many units did not give holidays, and even if they did, they still had to take turns on duty.

In previous years, the machinery factory only had one day off on New Year’s Eve. This year, perhaps because the factory was doing well, the factory generously gave three days off.

However, even if they had three days off, they didn’t plan to stay overnight in their hometown. Going in the morning and returning in the evening, even if it was a bit tiring, was better than staying in someone else’s house.

Before leaving, the Du family had a disagreement about what means of transportation to use to go back.

Du Yimeng had a bicycle ticket, and later bought a ladies’ bicycle, so the Du family now had two bicycles.

Du Weihai was thinking about riding both bicycles back. Pretending to be bald was not his style.