Sheng Xiyun didn't say what kind of organization they were from. The coal in one trailer was about two thousand tons, which wasn't a large amount. It was probably for the organization's heating.

Just as Sheng Xiping and Hou Yashuang had said before, coal, steel, and timber were all scarce commodities these days.

Unless it's through planned quotas, it's very difficult to get it done.

Not only does it cost more money, but the key issue is that without connections, it's impossible to get it done.

"I haven't been to Songshu Town yet. I was thinking of visiting my uncle and aunt first, and then I can make it to Songshu Town later."

Sheng Xiyun was slightly taken aback, then smiled.

"Oh, okay, then stay at home for a couple of days. You've come all this way, how can you not spend a few more days with me?"

Sheng Xiping could roughly guess what his elder cousin meant, but since the other party hadn't spoken first, he couldn't bring it up himself.

So they warmly invited Sheng Xiyun to stay and stay for a few more days.

"Okay, then thank you, my brother." Sheng Xiyun didn't refuse and nodded with a smile.

Since our relatives have come all the way from Yantai, we must treat them well.

Zhang Shuzhen dismissed Sheng Xiping and hurried to the forest farm store to buy some meat if it was available, as well as some canned goods and other things. She then prepared six dishes for lunch.

In the afternoon, Zhang Shuzhen chopped the filling and kneaded the dough to prepare for making dumplings.

Instead of collecting pine cones in the afternoon, Sheng Xiping went to the river, found the fish basket he had hidden beforehand, and caught a small-scaled fish.

On the way home, I ran into Zhang Zhijun's younger brother, Zhang Zhiqiang, who was carrying two strings of frogs.

Upon seeing Sheng Xiping, one must insist on giving him a string of skewers.

There were fewer than twenty toads in the group, some female and some male, all hopping and jumping around happily.

Sheng Xiping carried the fish and toads home. That evening, the Sheng family stewed the fish, toads, and potatoes, and also cooked other dishes and made dumplings.

Sheng Xiping invited Liu Changde and Zheng Xianyong over to drink with Sheng Xiyun.

When Sheng Xiyun saw how lavish his uncle's feast was, he immediately felt embarrassed.

"Oh dear, Auntie, look at you! We're all family here, and you've prepared dumplings, fish, and meat. It's like celebrating the New Year!"

Although Sheng Xiyun works in Yantai and is a city dweller, his lifestyle may not be as good as the Sheng family's, which is why he said that when he saw the food on the table.

"It's okay, just eat without worry. His family eats better during the New Year."

"Nephew, you've come at a bad time. Xiping hasn't been hunting in the mountains lately, otherwise, I could really let you try some of the delicious food from Northeast China."

Liu Changde chuckled upon hearing this. In his eyes, this was nothing! It was just that everyone had been busy lately and no one had gone into the mountains to hunt. What if they tried it in winter? They could have whatever they wanted to eat.

Liu Changde was actually only a few years older than Sheng Xiyun, but since Sheng Xiyun called Sheng Liancheng "uncle," he also had to call Liu Changde "uncle," which is why Liu Changde kept calling him "nephew."

In particular, Liu Changde had also served in the army, and the two felt a special connection when they met, and they had a great chat.

Upon learning that Liu Changde had taken leave and never returned to the team, Sheng Xiyun felt sorry for him.

If he had rejoined the team back then, he would at least have a formal job, instead of being stuck in this remote mountain village.

So many years have passed, and Liu Changde doesn't seem to care much anymore. On the contrary, he says it's fine this way.

With a table full of dishes, including dumplings, how can we not have some wine?

Of the people at the table, Sheng Xiping was the youngest, so he picked up the wine bottle and filled everyone's glasses.

As they ate and chatted, they grew closer and happier with each conversation.

"Uncle, to be honest, I've come here this time because I really have something I'd like to ask you for a favor."

After a few drinks, Sheng Xiyun started chatting with Sheng Liancheng.

"Do you know why my unit arranged for me to come to Northeast China? It's mainly because I enjoy the benefits for disabled veterans, and I don't have to pay for transportation no matter where I go."

"I'm here. If this matter can be resolved, great. If it can't, it'll just be a matter of food and drink, and the expenses won't be that high."

To be honest, I'm also quite worried about going to Songshu Town. Coal is hard to buy there, and I'm afraid they won't listen to me if I go there.

I was thinking, since you've been in Northeast China for so many years, do you know anyone here who could help me find out about this?"

With the alcohol taking effect, Sheng Xiyun finally revealed the purpose of his visit to the Sheng family.

"Oh dear, you've brought this up out of the blue, I really have no clue. We don't think we know anyone in Pine Tree Town, do we?"

Upon hearing this, Sheng Liancheng frowned slightly.

It wasn't that he didn't want to help, but he had always lived in this remote mountain valley and had little contact with the outside world.

For the time being, I really can't think of any acquaintances in Songshu Town.

"Xiping, is Songshu Town under the jurisdiction of Sanchazi?" Zheng Xianyong, who was standing next to him, narrowed his eyes and pondered for a moment before asking.

“Yes, it falls under the jurisdiction of Sanchazi.” Sheng Xiping nodded.

“That’s right, why don’t you go find Secretary Wang? Tanghe Forestry Bureau is located in the tri-junction of Fusong, Jingyu, and Sanchazi, not far from Songshu Town.” Zheng Xianyong slapped his thigh and said.

Now that it's mentioned, Sheng Xiping remembered it too, and it really was true.

Actually, what he was going to say was that Zhou Qinglan's maternal grandmother's relatives worked in Sanchazi, and who knows what kind of relationship they might have.

But when Zheng Xianyong mentioned Wangjiachuan, Sheng Xiping remembered that Wangjiachuan was over there.

Although Tanghe Forestry Bureau is not as big as Songjianghe Forestry Bureau, it is still the top official there, and might be able to speak with people in Songshu Town.

"Uncle, who is this Secretary Wang you're talking about? Are we familiar with him?" Upon hearing this, Sheng Xiyun was overjoyed and quickly asked Sheng Liancheng.

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