Chapter 156: Chapter 155: Legal and Legitimate

The first year of land distribution to households, the farmers were full of vigor, and with favorable weather, there was a bumper harvest for two consecutive seasons. The farmers were well-fed and warmly dressed, and began to plan for house construction.

After half a year of observation and consideration, Wang Lianqi discussed with his younger brother and increasingly admired the foresight of his fourth sister-in-law. Her judgment was precise and long-term, so he made up his mind to contact more bricklayers and carpenters in the winter and arrange work for house construction in the spring.

When the dumplings were cooked and served with a few dishes on the table, Wang Liansheng opened a bottle of wine. After a few drinks, he smiled and said to his second cousin, “I also have good news. The agricultural market will start construction next spring, and it will require finding construction teams. You should tell eldest brother in advance.”

“Really?” Wang Lianfa was delighted, raised his wine glass and drank, then looked at Wang Liansheng and asked, “Will it affect you?”

Wang Liansheng laughed and shook his head, “We’re openly taking on projects without cutting corners or using inferior materials, so what’s there to fear? Just go ahead and tell eldest brother, he knows what’s best.”

In terms of stability and capability, the eldest cousin Wang Lianqi, who has served in the army and been by uncle’s side for many years, is the best. For a small construction team, Wang Liansheng trusts that his eldest cousin can lead well; the project will be organized and won’t embarrass him.

Ling Chengyan and the second sister-in-law Zheng Xiaotian chatted about family matters during the meal and didn’t participate in the brothers’ conversation.

In a blink, the children were about to have their winter break, and the results of the final exams were out. Xiao Yu entered the top ten in the class, Xiao Xing and Hong Liang both scored perfect marks, but Hong Ming didn’t do well this time, scoring ninety in math and less than seventy in Chinese, leading his father to slap him a few times. The usually cheerful boy cried.

On the contrary, Hongbing made the most progress, scoring over seventy in both Chinese and math. His second uncle happily rewarded him with a basketball. When the boy went to the courtyard to play, he saw Zhang Wanxiang and others playing basketball and became enamored, hoping to have a basketball of his own.

However, basketballs were expensive, costing several yuan. Living in the city for half a year, he gradually understood some social norms, knowing that his second and fourth uncle spent a lot on his education, so he was embarrassed to ask for a basketball. Unexpectedly, his second uncle already knew his desires and bought him one.

The ten-year-old was both excited and happy, and even shed tears.

Once the children started their holiday, Wang Liansheng took the three brothers to his home, assigning homework for them to do during the day while he checked it in the evenings after work.

In a week’s time, the children completed their winter homework and additional essays and assignments given by him. Then, the four children were packed and sent to the sports school. During winter, instead of swimming, they learned ball games. Hongbing and Hong Ming, who liked basketball, learned basketball, while Hong Liang and Xiao Xing, not interested in basketball, learned table tennis.

This worked out well. They could play basketball and table tennis at home. Learning at the sports school wasn’t enough; at home, the children went to the field to play more. Little Shi Tou was too young to keep up, so he ran back and forth, effectively doing the work of a ball boy, helping to fetch balls and clothes, and even he was joyfully excited.

The children’s physical activity increased, leading to significant energy expenditure. Their appetite visibly increased, and Wang Liansheng had to buy a few more steamed buns.

On the twenty-first day of the twelfth lunar month, Wang Lianqi arrived in Huicheng with a load of local specialties. There were home-raised chickens, hunted wild rabbits, lotus roots and fish from the village pond, and of course, home-dried sweet potato, sweet potato candy, and red dates, filling two large baskets.

Ling Chengyan prepared fabric, wool, some dried mushrooms, dried shrimp, dried seaweed, and bought malted milk extract and honey for uncle and aunt, filling two large baskets to be sent back with the eldest cousin as their New Year’s gift.

This trip, Wang Lianfa wouldn’t go back yet. With the pre-New Year rush, he planned to return home on the twenty-ninth.

The weather was too cold, and little Hong Hui caught a chill. Zheng Xiaotian didn’t come, so Wang Lianfa arrived late, entering with a broad grin that was hard to miss.

Wang Liansheng saw his expression and guessed the reason: “Got it sorted?”

Wang Lianfa nodded repeatedly, taking a piece of paper out of his bag to show his eldest brother and fourth brother: “Take a look, I finally got my business license. Heh heh, from now on, we’ll operate legally with a license.”

Wang Lianqi took it, his gaze lingering on his brother’s name, repeatedly saying: “Good, good indeed, truly great news.”

Wang Liansheng was all smiles too: “Heh, with such great news, we must celebrate with a drink.”

Ling Chengyan also smiled, placing two receipts on the table.

Several adults looked over but none rushed to pick them up. Following Ling Chengyan, young Wenzhang reached out, took one, and exclaimed with wide eyes: “Television—receipt! Wow, Mom, are we buying another TV? Is it a color one this time?”

In half a year, three or four families in the courtyard had bought televisions, and the recreation room had purchased a slightly larger 14-inch color TV. Many young friends went to the entertainment room at night to watch TV, while the Ling Family enjoyed a much quieter life.

Wang Liansheng hugged his son, pointing to the receipt in his hand, “Look here, it says, a 12-inch black-and-white TV.”

Ling Chengyan cheerfully added, “Moreover, it’s for the grandmother and second uncle’s house. Having one here is enough for us.”

“Oh, Grandma and Grandpa can buy a TV too! That’s great!” Young Wenzhang quickly changed gears, joyfully expressing, and handed the two receipts to uncle and second uncle.

Hongbing widened his eyes, “Dad, are we wiring the house for electricity?”

Wang Lianqi laughed heartily, “Yes, after New Year’s, we’ll start wiring. A month ago, we started using lamps. This time, we’ll bring the TV back home, perfect for watching during New Year. Grandpa and Grandma will definitely be happy.”

Laughing, Wang Lianfa shook his head, “Eldest brother, I think you should take this receipt back too, and see if any family in our village wants to buy it.”

Wang Lianqi was surprised, “You’re not buying… you mean there’s too many people?”

Wang Lianqi quickly grasped his brother’s meaning as he half-spoke. When the fourth brother bought a TV, even in Huicheng Courtyard, many people came to watch, crowding the small courtyard. If a TV were truly moved back to the village, the whole village might come to see the novelty, then using electricity would be a small matter, while the constant noise from so many people would be unbearable.

The people in the courtyard were somewhat reserved; most wouldn’t boldly visit someone else’s home just to watch TV. Village folk were different; they loved to join the fun and see something new. A village showing a movie attracted people who traveled dozens of miles to watch.

Understanding this, Wang Lianqi also smiled wryly, “It really is something.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep