"Sister-in-law, come with me, I'm a little nervous."
When it came time to actually go, Yang Lu suddenly had second thoughts.
She used to be very natural with Yang Ziqiang, doing whatever she wanted at home without ever worrying about his opinion.
Things are different now. He's a big leader now, and also her adoptive benefactor. She's even considering whether to change how she addresses him.
“Lulu, I think you’re not in the right state right now. Just like before, you and Uncle Yang are still the same. He doesn’t have any children, so what’s wrong with you acting like his child?”
If you're really that uncomfortable, then I'll go with you, and I'll bring my mom too.
Gao Baoliang simply suggested that everyone go to Yang Lu's parents' home for the New Year.
Yang Lu immediately called Yang Ziqiang.
"Dad, I want to discuss something with you. All my friends want to come to our house to visit you and spend the New Year with you. What's your opinion?"
Yang Ziqiang chuckled: "Okay, I'll have Aunt Wu prepare right away. You guys come over quickly."
Yang Lu, having received permission, excitedly announced to everyone,
"We're going to spend the Spring Festival at Xidan Courtyard!"
The next step was for everyone to get ready, putting on their festive attire, taking their gifts, and getting into Jiang Ning, Luo Guangming, and Gao Baoliang's cars respectively.
However, just before they were about to leave, Song Jia's son suddenly had a stomachache and went to the toilet several times, but it didn't get better, so the family had to decide to stay at home.
Ji Min suddenly refused to go out, clinging to a small tree in the yard and refusing to let go, catching Jiang Ning completely off guard.
Fortunately, after Song Jia coaxed her, Ji Min agreed to have dinner with them, which allowed Jiang Ning to go to Yang Ziqiang's house without any worries.
Actually, she had a selfish reason for going to his house.
She wanted to persuade Yang Xiu to stay in China and establish a joint venture technology company to achieve the localization of computers, mobile phones, and other products.
This not only requires Yang Xiu to partner with her, but more importantly, it requires the support of the government.
She wanted to sound out Yang Ziqiang's opinion.
Soon, the three cars were driving in a long procession on the wide road.
The streets along the way were decorated with red lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere.
Unfortunately, at this time, the business environment was not yet at the point where it would remain open even during the Spring Festival. Most shops closed down and people went home for the New Year.
To provide places for people to spend their money during the Lunar New Year, temple fairs were held in designated markets, which were bustling with people and very lively.
When the car stopped in the Xidan compound, it immediately attracted the attention of many people.
Yang Ziqiang went out to greet the distinguished guests and was teased by his neighbors.
"Old Yang, you have so many relatives this year!"
He chuckled, "We're all friends. Come over and play cards later!"
Playing cards has become popular in the compound, adding a touch of fun to their leisure time.
The residents of this compound are all prominent figures, so going to nightclubs and similar venues would be inappropriate. They can only engage in harmless recreational activities such as raising birds and playing chess.
Playing cards is also a good option. A few people can get together, smoke, and eat sunflower seeds. As long as it's not for money, everything is fine.
Once everyone was inside, Yang Ziqiang took out a deck of cards and let those who wanted to play could.
Many toys were prepared for the children, and several children gathered together to choose their favorite toys.
It's been a long time since our house has been this lively.
When Yang Lu saw Yang Ziqiang, she overcame her nervousness and called him "Dad".
However, she quickly blended into the cheerful atmosphere and shouted to Aunt Wu,
"Aunt Wu, I want to eat an orange."
Yang Xiu placed the sliced orange in front of her and, as usual, ruffled her hair.
“Dad knows you love oranges, so he had Aunt Wu buy them a whole box.”
Yang Lu naturally accepted it, saying, "Thank you, brother."
Yang Xiu took the opportunity to apologize to her, "Lulu, I'm sorry. I was too impulsive last time. I won't say such irrelevant things to you again."
Yang Lu nodded, "Big brother, I hope you will always be the good big brother who protects me."
While they were chatting, the television screen started displaying unstable stripes.
Yang Xiu's attempts to tinker with the antenna were of no use.
"Dad, this TV is so old, it must be broken. Let's just replace it. The TVs in department stores now are much better than the old ones."
Yang Lu complained to Yang Ziqiang as usual.
Yang Ziqiang didn't indulge her either.
"A TV costs eight or nine hundred? Do you think money grows on trees?!"
Yang Lu, with a proud expression, gave orders to Gao Baoliang.
"Baoliang, bring Dad the red envelopes we prepared, scare him to death!"
Upon hearing this, Gao Baoliang immediately took a red envelope from the bag hanging on the wall.
The government had already issued the 1980 edition of the 100-yuan banknote, and they were among the first to exchange it.
Ten thousand yuan can be slipped into a red envelope.
Yang Ziqiang saw the money inside and immediately pushed it out.
"What would an old man like me need so much money for? Take it away."
Yang Lu pretended to be angry, "Dad, this money isn't all for you. Considering the convenience it will make when we come back, I've decided to replace the washing machine, refrigerator, and TV in the house."
Those are all ten-year-old relics; they should have been replaced long ago.
As she spoke, she told Gao Baoliang to set off immediately and bring those things back while the department store was still open today.
Lin Chen and Luo Guangming, who were playing cards, stood up and went with Gao Baoliang to buy new appliances.
Jiang Ning then led the children to play in the yard. After playing for a while, it started to snow.
This was truly a special Spring Festival.
Just as the snow was falling heavily, several men returned, each carrying an appliance.
According to them, they were the last customers in the department store's electronics section, and no one delivered their goods, so they had to carry them back themselves.
However, it was quite unexpected to be able to buy these items in stock. For many years, these large items required ration coupons to purchase.
Even after tickets were no longer required, items were frequently out of stock, and when they finally became available, there were long queues to buy them.
With economic growth, the variety of daily necessities has become increasingly abundant.
As long as you have money, you can basically buy anything you want.
After carrying the items back, the men started disassembling and reassembling the equipment.
Installing electrical appliances is simply one of the greatest pleasures for men.
They didn't even have time to eat; they had to finish installing everything first.
The children also showed great interest in installing electrical appliances and kept surrounding them.
As the color TV displayed a clear, colorful picture, the children cheered, and Aunt Wu announced that dinner was served.
We welcomed the year 1988.
While eating, everyone watched the news on TV about the country's rapid development and felt hopeful for the future.
Jiang Ning also brought up the idea that Yang Xiu could return to China and establish a joint venture technology company with her.
"You've been abroad for so long, you have technical skills and business acumen. The country needs talent right now, and I hope you can come back and contribute to the construction of our motherland."
Jiang Ning spoke with great passion and fervor.
Yang Xiu hesitated for a moment, but Yang Lu looked at him and said, "Brother, come back. The motherland needs you."
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