Chapter 61

After returning home, Second Master didn’t even eat dinner and went straight into his room to sleep with his head covered. Second Lady was so worried that she quickly pulled Wang Yong aside to ask what had happened. After hearing Wang Yong recount the words Second Master had muttered in the cemetery, Second Lady felt relieved. She then told Wang Yong and Uncle to go back, saying she could handle things here.

Wang Yong knew that Second Master’s outburst was probably not a bad thing. If he had kept it all bottled up inside, he might have gotten sick. Moreover, the situation Second Master was worried about had already changed in Half Mountain Village, and with the village’s development, the land here would only become more valuable. The land that was once overgrown with weeds would no longer be a problem. Wang Yong never expected that Second Master would have such a deep connection to the land. It seemed that in the future, they would need to control the use of the land to ensure the quantity of agricultural land.

The next day, after breakfast, Wang Yong went up the mountain to feed Little Black, Little White, and the chickens, ducks, and geese at the farm. He then prepared to visit Second Master to see if he had calmed down.

When Wang Yong entered Second Master’s courtyard, the scene he saw put his mind at ease. After all, Second Master had faced countless dangers in his youth, traveling far and wide. How could such a small matter trouble him?

In the courtyard, Second Master was holding Little Pitiful in his arms, with Diao Zhu perched on his shoulder, basking in the sun. An old man, a squirrel, and a mynah bird were perfectly harmonized in the sunlight, a beautiful scene of harmony between humans and nature.

“Wang Yong is here! Wang Yong is here!” Diao Zhu immediately flapped its wings and flew into the air, calling out repeatedly.

“Alright, Diao Zhu, be good, come down!” Second Master called softly. Hearing Second Master’s words, Diao Zhu didn’t hesitate and landed back on his shoulder, closing its eyes to bask in the sun like Second Master.

Wang Yong secretly asked Second Lady and learned that Second Master had eaten two bowls of porridge, a golden egg, and a small amount of alcohol. This news completely reassured Wang Yong.

“Second Lady, do we still have any golden eggs? Should I go up the mountain to collect some?” Wang Yong asked. Since learning about the benefits of golden eggs, Second Master, Second Lady, and Uncle’s family had insisted on eating only golden eggs. At first, Aunt had been reluctant, thinking they were too expensive and better sold for money. But after being scolded by Second Lady, who said it was a gesture of filial piety and shouldn’t be refused, the whole family started eating only golden eggs. Yuan Yuan’s family also received some from Wang Yong every few days.

“No need for you to go. I’ll take these two little ones up the mountain later to collect some,” Second Master, who was basking in the sun in the courtyard, suddenly said.

Wang Yong looked at Second Lady, and she looked back at him, both smiling. Second Master had faced many storms in his life; how could such a small matter trouble him?

Feeling relieved, Wang Yong was about to go to the kitchen to see what Old Zhang was doing and offer to help. But just as he was about to go, Second Lady stopped him.

“Little Zhang and Little Zhao went out early this morning to check the water. I don’t know what they’re up to. What’s so special about the water?”

Just as Second Lady finished speaking, Old Zhao’s voice was heard from outside the courtyard.

“Wang Yong, are you here? Wang Yong?”

“I’m here, in the house,” Wang Yong replied and came out to the courtyard.

“Oh! Finally found you. Listen, I want to open a distillery in your village,” Old Zhao said excitedly, grabbing Wang Yong’s hand and not letting go.

“Old Mr. Zhao, don’t get too excited. Let’s sit down and talk slowly, okay?” Wang Yong helped the old man sit down in the courtyard, poured him a cup of water, and waited for him to calm down before asking:

“Old Mr. Zhao, what’s going on? Please start from the beginning and take your time.”

“Alright, alright. This morning, Old Zhang said the water here is of the highest quality, better than any famous spring water for making tea. When I heard that, I thought this good water isn’t just for tea! We have very high standards for water quality in our distillery. In recent years, the water sources near our factory have either dried up or been polluted, and the usable water has become scarce. Even if we can use it, it’s far inferior to the water we used before. The quality of the liquor we produce has also declined. I was very worried about this. So, I immediately took Old Zhang to check the water sources. We collected water from the village stream, a few villagers’ homes, and even climbed halfway up the mountain to get some spring water. Just by feeling it, we knew this was definitely good water! It’s so clear and sweet, better than bottled mineral water! I’ve already sent Little Zheng back to the factory with water samples. If the test results match my expectations, I’ll convince the factory to open a branch here to produce the base liquor, which will then be transported back to the capital for aging and blending.”

Under Old Zhao’s watchful gaze, Wang Yong thought for a moment and said, “We can build the distillery, but you must agree to three conditions.”

“Not three, even ten wouldn’t be a problem,” the old man said, thumping his chest, which made Wang Yong worry that he might get too excited and have a health issue.

Wang Yong had noticed from the first meeting that Old Zhao’s health was not good. He had many conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Wang Yong thought that since their ancestors had received help from the Zhao family, he should let him stay a few more days and help him improve his health. While he couldn’t make him young again, he could at least help him live a few more years.

In recent days, as Wang Yong continuously drew water from the spiritual spring in the small world to water the trees, vegetables, and feed the chickens, ducks, and geese, and even drained it into the well to replenish the groundwater, the environment around Half Mountain Village had improved significantly. The air, water, and food all contained some spiritual energy, which was highly beneficial to the health of the villagers, especially the elderly and children.

Just look at Second Master. When Wang Yong first returned, Second Master could barely straighten his back. Although he still went up the mountain frequently, he had to rest after walking a short distance. Now, he gets up every morning, goes up the mountain to feed the chickens and check the vegetables in the greenhouse, and then comes down just in time for breakfast. The whole trip takes less than an hour, and he walks with a vigorous pace, looking nothing like an eighty-year-old man.

“First, you must not pollute the environment.”

“No problem, we’ve already learned that lesson, and we care about this even more than you do.”

“Second, the village must have a share in the distillery. Otherwise, we won’t talk. You can build the factory in another village.”

“I can’t make that decision, but I’ll try to convince the factory leaders. What’s the third condition?”

“Third, the factory must prioritize hiring villagers, and the wages must be the same as those in your original factory.”

“No problem, I can agree to that.”

“Alright, we have about 180 acres of land outside the village that you can use for the factory. But you’ll have to handle all the procedures yourselves. We can provide assistance.”

Just as Old Zhao was about to say something, Wang Yong’s phone rang.

“Hello, Old Li, what’s up?”

“Village Chief Wang, Chairman Wang! You’re too relaxed! Come to the village committee office right away. People from the museum are here, along with many reporters. You need to sign the donation agreement!”

“Alright, I know. I won’t show up. I’ll have Uncle sign it. I’m discussing the distillery with Old Zhao right now. This is a big deal, worth millions. It’s a critical moment, so I can’t leave. I’m hanging up now!”

Wang Yong hung up, took a deep breath, and thought it was better not to deal with the reporters.

“This is settled. We’ll discuss the details when your factory sends someone over. I have to go now.” Wang Yong got up and left, meeting Old Zhang on the way out. He didn’t stop to chat and hurried away.

“What’s up with that kid? He’s like a cat on hot bricks,” Old Zhang asked Old Zhao.

“Ha, the museum people are here, and he’s scared of the reporters.”

“That kid, reporters won’t eat him. Why is he so afraid?”

An hour later, Li Jianping rushed over and asked, “Where’s Village Chief Wang? Why is he so arrogant? The museum people and reporters have been waiting for so long, and he hasn’t shown up yet? Wang Yong, Wang Yong! Come out quickly!”

“Don’t shout! Wang Yong isn’t here.”

“That’s not right. I called him, and he said he was here discussing the distillery with you.”

“That’s true, but he left after your call, and I don’t know where he went.” This statement almost made Li Jianping’s nose bleed. How could he be so afraid of reporters? Are they that scary?

“Alright, let’s do as he said. Have Da Hai sign the agreement. This kid feels guilty and is giving Da Hai the chance to shine. He thinks Da Hai should inherit the liquor and the secret recipe, but he’s afraid of hurting Second Master and Uncle’s feelings. This is his way of pushing Da Hai forward.”

“Sigh! No matter the reason, this kid won’t attend the ceremony. You’d better find Da Hai and prepare him. Don’t bother looking for Wang Yong. He’s grown up here and is used to running wild. If he hides, no one can find him.” Second Lady added, knowing her grandson’s character well. He really didn’t want to attend the ceremony.

In the end, Da Hai represented the village at the donation ceremony. The next day, after everyone left, Wang Yong finally showed up. He had spent the day at his second uncle’s house in the neighboring village and didn’t return home that night. However, his second uncle suddenly suggested that Wang Yong accompany him to Tianhai to visit old friends. His second uncle looked very melancholic when he said this. So, instead of hiding, Wang Yong had to think of ways to cheer his second uncle up and distract him from his past troubles.

Before leaving, Wang Yong agreed to accompany his second uncle to the capital first and then fly to Tianhai three days later. He called Wang Gang to book two tickets from the capital to Tianhai and asked him to prepare a car to take them to the airport.

Wang Yong went straight to Second Master’s house, where only Second Lady was home. Seeing her grandson, she quickly asked if he had eaten and was about to go to the kitchen to get food. Wang Yong stopped her and asked carefully, “Second Lady, have the reporters left?”

Seeing her grandson’s cautious demeanor, Second Lady laughed and scolded him, “You silly boy, are reporters that scary?”

Wang Yong smiled awkwardly but didn’t explain. Instead, he told Second Lady about his upcoming trip to Shanghai with his second uncle. They chatted about it for a while.

Second Lady knew everything about his second uncle, Cao Wei, and shared some stories from that era.

It had been a long time since they had such a chat. Just as they were enjoying the conversation, Old Zhao and a few people who looked like leaders entered the courtyard. Second Lady was unhappy about the interruption and went back into the house without a word, leaving the group looking at each other in confusion.

“A rural old lady, what’s she so proud of?” a young man behind them muttered. This comment made Old Zhao’s face change. He knew the old lady’s background. Not only was she Second Master’s wife, but she had also taken care of the Premier for many years and helped the children of some rightists and counter-revolutionaries during the special period, making her a person of high status.

Seeing Wang Yong’s face darken, Old Zhao knew something was wrong.

Wang Yong’s body had been enhanced in many ways, not just in strength. His intelligence, vision, and hearing were also greatly improved. He heard the young man’s comment clearly. Already annoyed by the interruption, he was even more irritated by the comment. Without a word, he flashed forward and grabbed the young man by the collar, throwing him out of the courtyard with a thud.

“Don’t come back, or I’ll break your legs!”

“Wang Yong, calm down. The kid doesn’t know any better. Don’t take it personally,” Old Zhao quickly said.

A middle-aged man in his forties also stepped forward, bowed, and apologized, “I’m sorry for the trouble. I’m the factory manager of Jinxing Erguotou, Zhang Baoguo. I apologize for what happened, please forgive us!”

Seeing the factory manager’s sincere attitude, Wang Yong couldn’t stay angry. For Old Zhao’s sake, he invited them to sit down and served them tea. He then waited for them to speak. Old Zhao saw that Wang Yong was still upset and signaled to the factory manager, who understood and decided to leave.

After they left, Old Zhao lightly patted Wang Yong on the head.

“Alright, don’t be so upset. Do you know who that factory manager is?”

“I don’t care who he is. I don’t know him!”

“Alright, don’t be angry. I’ll tell you. He’s one of the non-family descendants of the Zhao family distillery, who learned brewing with your ancestors and fled the capital together.”

“Really? You’re not kidding? What a coincidence!”

“Why would I kid you? There’s no need. The Zhang family found my father after the founding of the People’s Republic of China and together they built the predecessor of the current company. It’s been decades, and Zhang Baoguo is the fourth generation. By seniority, you should call him ‘Master Brother.’”

Seeing Wang Yong calm down, Old Zhao took out a cooperation agreement for him to review. Wang Yong saw that Jinxing was very sincere. They offered to value the village’s land at 2 million yuan, about 10,000 yuan per acre, for a 10% share in the new factory. Jinxing would provide technology, capital, and experienced personnel for an 80% share, and the remaining 10% would go to Wang Yong, in exchange for three jars of 300-year-old imperial liquor.

After reading the agreement, Wang Yong thought for a moment and said seriously, “The three jars of liquor are fine, but split the 10% share into two parts, one for my uncle. The rest is fine. After our legal advisor reviews it, we can sign the contract.”

“Alright, it’s settled. I’ll inform them to prepare.” The old man hurriedly left.

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