Saturday, April 8, 2023.

In the capital of Guangdong Province, Xu Xingchen and his family of three had a simple breakfast and then drove to the capital of Guangxi Province.

The driver was Xu Xingchen. The distance from the capital of Guangdong Province to the capital of Guangxi Province was more than 550 kilometers, and it would take about six or seven hours to drive. After setting up the navigation, he followed it.

Mother Xu said with some emotion: "It has been nearly 20 years since I last visited the capital of Guangxi Province. I wonder if this city has changed much."

Father Xu, whose hair was meticulously combed, said: "I went there in the 1990s, which means it has been more than 20 years. With the speed of economic development in our country, I think the city has changed a lot!"

Xu Xingchen continued: "I went there once three years ago, and I felt that the infrastructure of the entire city is still very complete, especially the greening area is quite good, no wonder it is called the Green City.

Unfortunately, the economic development is a little bit poor.”

Xu's mother reminded him, "Son, your future father-in-law is a senior official in Guangxi Province. You can't say that the economic development is poor in front of him, so as not to make him unhappy."

"The poor economic development of Guangxi Province also has historical reasons. I won't mention the history before liberation. After liberation, other brother provinces did not face too much war threat, but Guangxi Province was different. Guangxi Province has always been at the forefront of the war."

Father Xu said: "In the late stage of the war, Bai XX retreated to Guangxi Province, but the situation was hopeless. Some officers withdrew to Annan, and some stationed in Shiwandashan as bandits. From 1950 to 1952, Guangxi Province fought a three-year war to suppress bandits.

The amount of troops deployed in this war, the duration of its operation, and the record of its efforts to suppress bandits are all the highest in the country.

After the situation finally stabilized, the Annan War broke out in 1956, and Guangxi became the front line again. This war lasted until 1975, when the Americans withdrew.

Father Xu loves to teach, and once he starts talking he can't stop. "Just when we had a break, the self-defense counterattack against Annan started again, and Guangxi was undoubtedly the main force. Although this battle lasted only a month, the two mountains continued to fight until 1989."

At this point, Father Xu concluded: "That is to say, in the 40 years since the liberation, the country has experienced a vigorous industrialization tide and the reform and opening up that laid the foundation for the current economy, while Guangxi Province has always been at the forefront of the war and missed the industrialization opportunity at the beginning of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Of the 156 heavy industrial projects aided by the Soviet Union at that time (some say there were actually more than 200), none were settled in Guangxi Province, and the province missed out on the most important decade of original capital accumulation after the reform and opening up, resulting in Guangxi Province's weak industrial foundation and weak private industries, with no presence in the country until now.

Guangxi's economy really started to develop in 1993, marked by the construction of the North-South Expressway. After that, it was included in the Western Development Program, which marked the beginning of Guangxi's economic catch-up. However, whether in terms of industrial base or economic scale, it has lagged behind other provinces for decades. One step behind means all the way behind. Moreover, it has been lagging behind for decades, so it is not easy to catch up. "

Xu's mother added: "In fact, economic development is people-oriented. After the reform and opening up, Guangdong Province relied on a relatively complete industrial base, a well-connected inland canal, a good deep-water port, strong support from national policies, and strong investment and industrial transfer from Hong Kong. Foreign trade has been flourishing and the economy has begun to take off, which has had a serious siphon effect on Guangxi, a brother province.

In the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, most of Guangxi’s college students went to Guangdong, except for those who took the civil service exam or entered public institutions. Add to that the millions of migrant workers…Without young people and available talent, it would be extremely difficult to stimulate the economy.”

Xu Xingchen continued, "These objective reasons do exist, but in the final analysis, Guangxi Province did not seize the opportunity for development. After all, the country also provided a lot of policy support. As long as it is used well, the economic development will not be very strong, but at least it will not be the last one like it is now."

Xu's mother said, "These are things that the leaders should consider. Let's not worry about them. You should think about how to behave when you meet the girl's parents this afternoon!"

Xu Xingchen: “…”

…

Five o'clock in the afternoon.

In a private room of a special goose restaurant in the provincial capital of Guangxi Province.

Under the arrangement of Jiang Feng, the matchmaker, the Xu family and the Lan family met here.

After Jiang Feng introduced both parties, the waiter started serving the dishes one after another.

There is only one main dish today, and that is goose.

However, there are many ways to cook goose, including boiled goose, roast goose, braised goose, and even Northeastern goose stewed in an iron pot. In short, this goose restaurant has basically all the classic ways to cook goose.

In addition to the main dishes, there are also many side dishes, filling up the entire table.

After all the dishes were served and the waiter left, everyone ate and chatted.

The Xu family has three members, one is an academician, one is a university professor, and one is a doctor. Needless to say, their knowledge is very broad.

Given the status and position of the three members of the Lan family, they are naturally well-informed.

In addition, Jiang Feng is a matchmaker who has experienced many big occasions. It can be said that no matter what topic he brings up, everyone can easily follow up, and there is no possibility of a dull moment.

After three rounds of drinks, Father Lan took the lead in praising Xu Xingchen, "Xingchen is really outstanding. I also know about Hua W's genius plan. Those who can enter it are all chosen by heaven, and those who can get the top salary are geniuses among geniuses. It's really amazing!"

Xu Xingchen smiled modestly and said, "Uncle Lan, you are too kind. I was just lucky to be selected. I still have to continue to work hard, otherwise I will be eliminated sooner or later."

Father Lan sighed, "Everyone knows Huawei's current situation. The United States has used its national strength to suppress and ban a company. Huawei has been able to withstand it, which is already very impressive. Next, it will depend on you elites to work hard to develop more and better scientific research results. Every time a technological blockade is broken, the company can relieve a little pressure.

As long as we can persevere to the end, I believe that Huawei will eventually be able to rise from the ashes."

Xu Xingchen nodded and said, "Although the Americans are powerful, our company is now united, and we have the support of the country and the people. I believe this day will come."

On the other side, Xu's mother also praised Lan Yingying.

"Yingying, I saw the calligraphy in your photo, "There Will Come a Time to Ride the Wind and Break the Waves, Set Sail to Cross the Vast Ocean." It is so well written. The main style is Zhao style calligraphy, and the brushwork of the 'Two Wangs' is grafted in. It has both beautiful posture and unique shape. It is really pleasing to the eye."

Lan Yingying was surprised to hear this and said, "Auntie, do you like calligraphy too?"

Mother Xu smiled and said, "I really like calligraphy. I practice it every day in my spare time, but my level is far behind yours. You have to give me some pointers in the future."

Lan Yingying said with joy: "I don't deserve your advice, let's communicate and learn from each other."

Mother Xu asked, "Yingying, I heard that your best calligraphy is not running script, but regular script?"

Lan Yingying smiled and said, "I really like Xiao Kai the most."

“Are there any photos of the work?”

"Yes, Auntie, let's add WeChat first."

"OK!"

Father Xu, Mother Lan, and Jiang Feng were also chatting...

The meal lasted from 5pm to 8pm. The two families chatted and felt like they had met too late, and Xu Xingchen and Lan Yingying also made eye contact with each other.

A perfect blind date.

…

While Jiang Feng was arranging a blind date for Xu Lan and her two families, Lei Hai also rushed back from the army to the XX Division where his parents were. He would be able to fly directly to the provincial capital of Guangxi Province with his parents tomorrow.

The father and son haven't seen each other for half a year, so naturally they want to have a couple of drinks and have a good chat.

Lei Ming looked at his son who was sitting upright, the smile on his face never stopping.

His son has always been his pride. He has never lost a fight with his peers since he was a child. This has brought him a lot of face as a father. Even his old leader has often praised his son in front of him.

Later, he joined the army and became a member of the Northwest Wolf Special Forces in a short period of time, which made him, as a father, very happy.

The only regret is that my son and the old leader's daughter are not destined to be together. They grew up together but they couldn't develop any feelings for each other. It's really a pity.

Fortunately, as the saying goes, "Misfortune may turn into a blessing", the blind date that Master Jiang has found for his son is also extremely outstanding and completely worthy of his son.

"Xiao Hai, when you meet the girl tomorrow, you have to pay attention and behave well, okay?" Lei Ming took a sip of wine and reminded his son.

"Yes, Xiao Hai, the girl you're going on a blind date with tomorrow was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her family has assets worth tens of billions, and she's an only child. I wonder how many men would want to marry a girl like this!"

Lei's mother also warned: "You can't act like you are a military scion. If you neglect others, no matter how good your family background is, they will ignore you."

Three black lines appeared on Lei Hai's forehead. "Mom, how could I possibly act like a military kid in front of others? Am I such a superficial person?"

Lei's mother said: "I'm just reminding you, anyway, you listen to your father and behave well tomorrow, understand?"

Lei Hai said helplessly: "Okay, I'll listen to you and I promise to marry this daughter-in-law to you!"

Lei Ming laughed and scolded, "You kid, you still look so reluctant. If it weren't for me, your father, helping you, do you think you can find such an excellent partner on your own?"

Lei Hai quickly raised his glass and clinked glasses with his father, saying with a smile, "Dad, I'm just afraid that he won't like me. After all, you know my situation. I'm very busy. Even if we get married, we may not see each other for ten days or half a month. She's a rich lady, she can find any partner. Why do you want to make yourself suffer?"

Lei Ming also knew that this was a problem. He drank a sip of wine slowly and said thoughtfully, "Let's meet tomorrow and see what the other party's attitude is. If it is really necessary, then you can withdraw from the front line..."

Lei Hai quickly objected: "Dad, this won't do. I still want to make achievements in the army, and I don't want to retire at such a young age."

Lei Ming sighed, "I knew you would say that. Then try your best tomorrow. If it doesn't work out because of this, it means you two are not meant to be together. You can only give up and look for someone else."

Upon hearing this, Lei's mother opened her mouth and wanted to say something, but ultimately chose to remain silent, because she knew the character of the father and son very well. It would be absolutely impossible for them to give up their military careers. This was their lifelong belief, and nothing could shake their conviction.

When Lei Hai saw his parents' reactions, he felt both happy and guilty.

It seems that I really need to have a good talk with that rich, beautiful girl tomorrow. If possible, I will do my best to win her over so that my parents don't have to worry about his marriage at their old age.

…

The next day.

The provincial capital of Guangxi Province.

The three members of the Xu family met the three members of the Lan family again. After the two families had morning tea together, the three members of the Xu family returned home contentedly.

Although Xu Xingchen and Lan Yingying had not yet confirmed their relationship during this meeting, the attitudes of both parents were already very clear, and the two of them also had a good impression of each other, so it was only a matter of time before they confirmed their relationship.

Jiang Feng worked at the matchmaking agency for two hours, until eleven o'clock, when he drove to the airport to pick up the three members of the Lei family who had come from afar.

At the same time, the Li family was also making various preparations.

The location for this blind date was not chosen in a restaurant outside, but in the Li family villa.

In order to receive distinguished guests from afar, the Li family prepared countless high-end ingredients and asked their own chefs to cook, striving to make a large table of delicious dishes.

Upstairs, in a very large room that was decorated extremely luxuriously and beautifully, Li Qianrou was trying on clothes. Her clothes were all custom-made in various styles. She spent half a day choosing before she chose a black dress that was both beautiful and fashionable, yet a little conservative.

After all, this is a blind date and the other party's parents are present, so it is not appropriate to wear sexy clothes.

After choosing the clothes, you have to put on makeup, hairstyle, accessories, and all kinds of subtle matching are very particular and time-consuming. This is why many girls often dress up several hours in advance when going on a date.

…

Airport.

Jiang Feng was driving towards the Li family villa according to the navigation instructions. Sitting in the passenger seat was Lei Hai, while Lei's father and mother were sitting in the back seat.

"Master Jiang, I heard from my old leader that you are from Guangxi Province. Are you a native of this provincial capital?" Lei Ming asked.

Jiang Feng shook his head and smiled: "I am not from the provincial capital, I am from Bailiang County, Yulin City."

Lei Hai, who was sitting in the passenger seat, replied, "I've heard of Bailiang County. The people there are very tough!"

Jiang Feng was a little surprised, "Brother Hai, I didn't expect you to have heard of our Bailiang County?"

Lei Hai nodded and said, "I have a comrade-in-arms from Bailiang County. I have heard him talk about Bailiang County."

Jiang Feng suddenly realized, "So that's how it is. Our county is indeed a tough place. We are notorious in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, especially in the 1980s, 1990s and the beginning of this century. Factories in Guangdong Province couldn't help shaking their heads when they heard someone was from Bailiang County. Unless they were female workers, they didn't dare to recruit them easily."