A century of poverty

Chapter 99 Going to the Pass!

My father-in-law gets up early. Whenever we hear the creak of the door to the outer room, we get up and start our day.

Today, perhaps because of the end of days of hard work, I relaxed and slept soundly. I didn't hear the "creaking" sound. In my drowsy state, I heard someone speaking in a hometown accent to my father-in-law. Who was that so early in the morning?

As I got up and dressed, I heard someone with a hometown accent still saying, "I'm looking for my cousin! I'm looking for my cousin!"

I went to the outer room and saw a middle-aged man, of medium height and slightly overweight, with a short, flat haircut, wearing a blue-black people's uniform and black leather shoes, carrying a leather bag in his hand. I didn't recognize him.

The man saw me and exclaimed, "Cousin, I've found the right person! I'm your second cousin's husband, Di Zhandong from Gaogezhuang!"

"Oh—I know, how did you find it? Come on in." By this time, we were staying in the east room.

My father-in-law made way at the door, and my second cousin's husband followed me inside. By then, Zhiqiang had already gotten up and rolled up his bag.

I introduced him to Zhiqiang: "This is my second cousin's husband, the one I mentioned to you. He lives in Gaogezhuang. His name is Di Zhandong."

Zhiqiang: "Second brother-in-law arrived early, sit here!"

Di Zhandong: "I'm staying at the Yunhe Hotel. I woke up early, had breakfast, and then came here."

Me: "How did you know I lived here?"

Di Zhandong: "I asked Sister Diaoyutai and your second sister Liuzhuangtuo carefully beforehand. They said you are relatively close to the train station. The direction you go after exiting the station and the estimated distance are similar to the old houses and courtyards around your house. So I concluded that this is the place."

Me: "You're really something, finding this place with just that. How many years has it been since we last met? Your name is familiar to me, but I don't remember what you look like."

Di Zhandong: "You were so young back then, you didn't pay any attention to me! But I can still recognize you now."

Me: "You recognize me, right? I don't remember you. I remember my second cousin. She had three children and stayed at my house during the Lunar New Year. I remember their faces very clearly. How is my second cousin?"

"You—I always imagined you as a tall, slender soldier in a green uniform."

Di Zhandong: "Oh dear! I left the military a long time ago. I spent over twenty years in Handan, Baoding, Qinhuangdao, and other places. Now I work at the Lulong County Purchasing and Supply Station. This time, I've come to Northeast China to promote sweet potato vermicelli. Our Lulong County's sweet potato vermicelli industry has already formed a large-scale industry. The traditional craftsmanship results in high quality and low prices; the only problem is finding a market. I'm here to promote it, and I'll also visit my uncle's house to see him and give him some pointers."

I heard you live near the station, so I came here first to find you. Now I don't have to worry about finding my uncle's house.

Your second cousin is doing well, don't worry about her.

Me: "Oh—Is that so? Second brother-in-law, please sit down. I'll make breakfast, and after breakfast, I'll take you to Da Liu's house. My eldest brother, second brother, and Shuanglai, the three brothers from your uncle's family, are all there. My third sister has also moved there. You'll see them all when we get there!"

Di Zhandong: "I'm not eating. I've already had breakfast. I'm on a business trip, and my food and lodging are all reimbursed. I don't want to trouble you. Just tell me where to go, which bus to take, and how to get there, and I'll find my way myself."

Me: "That's not good. It's your first time visiting your cousin's house. If you don't eat, and you don't even need me to take you to Da Liu's house, it makes your cousin seem unfriendly."

Di Zhandong: "You can't say that. I'm so glad I saw my cousin here. I'm sure I can find her at Da Liu's house. Just like finding your house, seeing my uncle and cousins ​​there made my trip to Jinhai worthwhile. I've spent most of my life away from home; I can find my way anywhere, so don't worry."

I won't just stay here any longer, I'm going now. It's been over ten years since you guys left, and I really miss my uncle. I'll be staying in Jinhai for a few days; I'll come back here again before I leave.”

Me: "You really came and went in a hurry."

Di Zhandong: "Uh-huh—".

I told him in detail which direction to go to Da Liu's house, where to buy a ticket at the bus station, how to get there after getting off the bus, and which street to take in the village.

Di Zhandong: "Okay!"

She went to the outer room and greeted her father-in-law, "I'm leaving, Uncle!"

My father-in-law responded and came out. We saw him to the front gate, and he headed off towards the station with great enthusiasm.

I went to the west room and told my father-in-law that this was my aunt's second son-in-law, a real relative. They had been in close contact when they lived in Guanzhong. He came to Jinhai this time to promote vermicelli from Lulong County and wanted to visit.

Sure enough, my second cousin's husband came a few days later, one morning, just as he had said. Zhiqiang and I were both home at the time, and we were planning how to customize counters, shelves, and other items needed for opening a store.

He entered the courtyard in a loud voice and said, "Cousin, brother-in-law! I'm here again!"

We both replied, "Good to see you!"

They went out to welcome him in. Zhiqiang gestured for him to sit on the sofa, saying, "Sit here, brother-in-law, have a glass of water." He then poured him a glass of water.

Di Zhandong: "I'm not thirsty." He casually placed the cup on the coffee table. "What does my brother-in-law do for a living?"

Zhiqiang: "No job, fishing."

Di Zhandong: "Fishing is great! What kind of net do you use?"

Zhiqiang: "Hanging net".

Di Zhandong: "Then why is it so big?"

Zhiqiang: "Things haven't been good these past two years. There are fewer fish, and catching them is a lot of work."

Di Zhandong: "Do you still have internet?"

Zhiqiang: "Yes."

Di Zhandong: "I'm taking you somewhere. You'll come with me to Guanli, where you'll find a big one. Do you have a webcam?"

Zhiqiang: "There are two pieces."

I asked curiously, "How do you know everything? I don't recall ever seeing fish hanging upside down in the pass!"

Di Zhandong: "Hehe, you don't know, on the ship in Qinhuangdao, what kind of net haven't I seen?"

Me: "Then why don't you take him back to the interior and go fishing in Qinhuangdao?"

Di Zhandong: "What are we going to Qinhuangdao for? There's a big pit at the west end of our village, and there are big fish there."

Me: "Is it really worth taking a train with a net to catch fish?"

Di Zhandong: "Of course not, there's also the Lizhuangtuo Reservoir!"

Me: "Oh! I know Lizhuangtuo Reservoir. I believe you if you say there are fish there."

Up until now, I thought he was just chatting casually. But then I realized he was trying to get us to go back to the pass with him.

Di Zhandong: "Ahem! I wasn't just kidding, was I? Brother-in-law, you've been married to my cousin for a few years now. Have you ever been to Guanzhong? How about coming to visit us? It's a place with real mountains and rivers, lush greenery and clear water. I'll take you there for a stroll, bring a net, and we can catch some big fish to eat and have some fun!"

Me: "We didn't plan to go to Guanli. We can't go now. The shop is about to open, so we don't have time to wander around."

Di Zhandong: "You're wrong, cousin! How many years have you been away? Don't you want to go back and visit? While you're still young, go for it and don't worry too much. Like you said, once you open a shop, you're tied down and can't go anywhere."

You can't listen to your brother-in-law just because of this. You're all too strong to leave now, but look at that guy with the child and claws, he can't even leave if he wants to.

Don't be afraid to spend money; go out and broaden your horizons, just set off!

Zhiqiang: "Yes! My second brother-in-law is right."

Zhiqiang was persuaded, but considering our livelihood, I still didn't want to go. My second cousin's husband, being a seasoned traveler, completely convinced Zhiqiang in just over an hour. He decided to go with him immediately. To Shangguanli. No matter what I said, Zhiqiang wouldn't listen, so I had no choice but to comply.

Di Zhandong: "That's right. You may not realize it now, but you'll see later. This is an opportunity."

I went to discuss it with my father-in-law: "My second cousin's husband invited us to go to Guanli for a few days. What do you think?"

Father-in-law: "Go ahead if you want! It doesn't matter if the shop opens a few days later. You don't need to worry about me while I'm at home."

It's settled then. We'll meet at the train station tomorrow at eight o'clock.