Chapter 206: Villagers See Off: From Rascal to Benefactor, a Family of Three Heads to the Capital City

In the early morning, as the sunlight just spilled into the courtyard, Lin Yue'e spun like a top, loading big and small bundles of hometown specialties into the car's trunk.

"This bamboo basket was woven by Uncle Zhao Laonian for your mother to carry vegetables. And these smoked deer meat sausages can't be bought in the Capital City," Lin Yue'e placed a delicate bamboo basket carefully into the trunk, "These are the village's pickled cabbage; your father will surely love it."

Lu Qingshan watched his wife's bustling figure and felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

Yue E intended to use these simple hometown specialties to express respect and affection toward her in‑laws.

"Yue E, are you moving or just visiting relatives?" Lu Qingshan said with a smile, "If you keep loading, the car will be overloaded."

"How could I? The first time meeting the in‑laws, I can't go empty‑handed," Lin Yue'e wiped the sweat from her forehead, then remembered, "By the way, this wild mountain ginseng is the best in the village, thirty years old, we ourselves are reluctant to use it."

A Qiang, standing nearby, stared at the ginseng and said, "Madam, this ginseng is worth at least ten thousand yuan in the Capital City!"

"Really?" Lin Yue'e was startled, "That valuable? Then we must definitely bring it to the in‑laws."

Xiao Xue hugged her teddy bear, spinning around the courtyard, while Jin Hu followed behind her.

Suddenly, Xiao Xue pointed at Jin Hu and asked, "Dad, does Jin Hu also ride in the car? Will he get car sick?"

"Of course, Jin Hu is a member of our family," Lu Qingshan crouched down, patted Jin Hu's head, "He's here to protect Xiao Xue. But if he gets car sick…"

Before he could finish, Jin Hu voluntarily leapt into the car, comfortably lying under the rear seat, looking exceedingly content.

"Haha, it seems Jin Hu is even more eager than we are!" Lu Qingshan couldn't help but laugh.

After loading for half a day, the trunks of both cars were nearly full.

Besides the various specialties, there were Xiao Xue's toys and the family's luggage.

"Qingshan, what about the house keys?" Lin Yue'e suddenly recalled, "We're leaving; what if there's a thief?"

"I've already thought of it," Lu Qingshan pulled a bunch of keys from his pocket, "Uncle Zhao Laonian, could you come over for a moment?"

Zhao Laonian was weaving baskets at the village entrance; hearing Lu Qingshan's call, he set aside his work and walked over.

"Qingshan, what's the matter?" Zhao Laonian asked simply.

"Uncle Laonian, we're heading to the Capital City for a while," Lu Qingshan handed the keys to Zhao Laonian, "We'll leave the house in your care; when you have time, tidy up and check for any issues."

"Well..." Zhao Laonian hesitated, "I'm just an old man; can I manage?"

"Of course you can; who in the village is more reliable than you?" Lu Qingshan said earnestly.

Zhao Laonian took the keys, nodded, "Alright, go without worry; I'll watch over the house. If anyone dares to scheme against your home, I'll be the first to refuse."

"Uncle Laonian, please accept this token of appreciation," Lu Qingshan took an envelope from the car, "Thank you for your effort."

"That can't be…" Zhao Laonian waved his hands hurriedly.

"Take it, it's not much, just a gesture," Lu Qingshan forced the envelope into Zhao Laonian, "We'll still need your help with village matters in the future."

The convoy had just reached the village entrance when a large crowd was already waiting there.

Zhao Yongnian, Zhao Dazhi, Liu Fugui, Tie Zhu, Zhao Fei and several others, along with many villagers of all ages, were gathered in a big group.

"Oh dear, what's going on?" Lin Yue'e said, her eyes reddening at the spectacle.

"Brother Qingshan!" Liu Fugui was the first to run over, carrying a bag, "We came to see you off; this is my mother's overnight‑made shoe insoles for sister‑in‑law and Xiao Xue."

"Brother Qingshan, take care on the road!" Tie Zhu said in a deep, resonant voice, "The Capital City is far; drive slowly. Here are my family's pickled salty vegetables for you to eat on the way."

Lu Qingshan quickly got out of the car, and seeing these familiar faces, felt a surge of warmth.

These people had watched him transform from a reckless youth into his current self, and this friendship was more precious than anything.

"Everyone, you don't need to see us off; we'll be back," Lu Qingshan, feeling moved, "We'll return after a few days, and the factory matters will be left to everyone."

"Qingshan, go without worry," Zhao Yongnian patted Lu Qingshan's shoulder, "We'll handle village affairs, and the factory won't have problems."

At this moment, the village's older women gathered around, chattering, "Qingshan, when you get to the Capital City, don't forget our Shanwan!"

Xiao Xue stuck her little head out of the car window, waving to everyone, "Grandpa and Grandma, Xiao Xue will miss you! I'll bring you candy from the Capital City!"

"Oh, Xiao Xue is so sensible!" several older women said, "When you go to the Capital City, be obedient, and greet your grandparents properly."

"I'll be the best!" Xiao Xue said in a baby‑like voice.

Lin Yue'e wiped tears secretly in the car, watching these plain‑spoken villagers, feeling a mix of emotions.

From being an under‑appreciated youth‑sent‑down wife to now being cared for by everyone, this change makes her both moved and reluctant to leave.

"The villagers are truly kind," Lin Yue'e said to Lu Qingshan, "We have today because of everyone's help."

"Indeed, so we must work even harder and not disappoint everyone's expectations," Lu Qingshan said, grasping his wife's hand, "Let's go, it's time to depart."

The convoy slowly set off, with villagers running after the cars for a stretch, waving goodbye.

Xiao Xue perched on the car window, also waving her little hand with all her might.

"Qingshan, what changes do you think our trip to the Capital City will bring to the village?" Lin Yue'e said, looking at the receding village in the rearview mirror, thoughtful.

"There will be a huge change," Lu Qingshan's eyes sparkled with anticipation, "In a few days, Fu Gui, Tie Zhu and the others will come too, and the village's specialties can be sold nationwide; everyone's lives will keep improving."

The convoy traveled along the mountain road and soon reached the county seat.

Chen Zhiguo had been waiting at the county government entrance; when the convoy stopped, he immediately walked over.

"Brother Qingshan, about to leave?" Chen Zhiguo grasped Lu Qingshan's hand, "Take care on the road, and don't forget to report your safety to us when you reach the Capital City."

"Brother Zhiguo, the county matters are yours," Lu Qingshan said, "If there's anything you need help with, just tell us."

"Don't worry, everything in the county is fine," Chen Zhiguo nodded, "We support your development in the Capital City."

At that moment, County Head Liu Yuejin and County Committee Secretary Zhang Xincheng also came over.

Seeing Lu Qingshan's luxurious convoy, both men felt a bit shocked.

"Comrade Qingshan, wish you a smooth journey," Zhang Xincheng said with a smile, "When you reach the Capital City, don't forget our Jiangyuan County; if possible, recommend us more."

"How could we forget? Our roots are here," Lu Qingshan said earnestly, "Once we're settled in the Capital City, we'll definitely drive more cooperation."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the convoy set off again.

The next stop was the city, where Municipal Party Secretary Zhang Zhidong personally received them.

"Comrade Qingshan, I heard you're heading to the Capital City to develop?" Zhang Zhidong asked with concern, "Truly youthful and capable, the pride of Baishan City!"

"Thank you, Secretary Zhang, for the praise," Lu Qingshan replied modestly, "We want to push our specialties to a larger market, so more people know the good things of our Northeast."

"Very good, this line of development thinking is correct." Zhang Zhidong nodded, "If there's anything that needs the city's support, just bring it up."

"Thank you, Secretary Zhang. Everything is going smoothly at the moment." Lu Qingshan said, "Once the affairs in Capital City stabilize, we will definitely give back to our hometown."

After a brief stay in the city, the convoy officially set out for Capital City.

On the highway, two cars drove one ahead of the other; Lu Qingshan watched the scenery rushing past the window, his heart full of anticipation.

"Dad, when we get to Capital City can we go to Tiananmen?" Xiao Xue asked curiously.

"Of course. And the Forbidden City, the Great Wall as well." Lu Qingshan patted his daughter's head, "When we reach Capital City, Dad will take you to see them, and he'll buy you candied hawthorn skewers."

"Great!" Xiao Xue bounced excitedly in her seat, "I want to see Tiananmen, and I want to see the giant panda! By the way, Dad, will Grandpa and Grandma not like me?"

"How could they? Xiao Xue is so cute; they'll definitely dote on you." Lu Qingshan comforted, "When the time comes, just call Grandpa and Grandma, and they'll surely buy you lots of tasty treats."

Lin Yue'e watched her excited daughter, and the tension in her heart eased considerably.

In any case, this trip to Capital City will be a new starting point for their family's life.

And ahead of the convoy, the capital, Capital City, was waiting for their arrival.