Chapter 212: Shenzhen Cargo Finally Reaches the Capital, Last Preparations Before Departure!
The morning sun streamed through the window lattice onto Lu Qingshan's face; he was packing luggage in the backyard room.
The two canvas bags were spread open on the bed, and the clothes were neatly folded into them.
Lin Yue'e sat beside him, needle and thread in hand, mending a small hole in her husband's shirt.
"Qing Shan, the cuff of this shirt is coming undone."
Lin Yue'e lifted the white shirt, and in the sunlight the tiny split at the cuff was clearly visible.
"It's fine, it can still be worn."
Lu Qingshan kept his head down while speaking, but his movements slowed.
In truth, he knew the shirt was hand‑sewn by his wife, each stitch imbued with deep affection.
Xiao Xue sat on the bedside holding her little bear, eyes curiously watching dad pack things.
"Dad, is Hong Kong Island far?"
Xiao Xue's voice carried a hint of reluctance, her small hand clutching the toy bear tightly.
"It's not far; dad will be back soon."
Lu Qingshan set the clothing down, walked over, and lifted his daughter.
"Xiao Xue, you must listen to Mom and attend kindergarten properly."
At that moment, the sound of a car engine echoed through the alley.
Jin Hu instantly perked up his ears, leapt from the corner, and let out a low bark toward the door.
"Woof woof!"
The bark wasn't loud, but it sounded alert.
"It must be someone arriving."
Lu Qingshan set Xiao Xue down and went to the window to look out.
A small box truck was slowly driving into the alley, its body speckled with mud, clearly having come a long way.
The driver stuck his head out, holding a slip of paper, checking it against the house number.
"Boss! The cargo you consigned has arrived!"
The driver shouted loudly enough for the whole alley to hear.
Lu Qingjun ran out from the front yard, an excited smile on his face.
"Master, thank you for your hard work!"
Lu Qingjun hurried to the truck and asked, "Was the road smooth?"
"Don't mention it, boss."
The driver jumped down from the vehicle and brushed dust from himself.
"Shenzhen City was driven here all the way; it rained on the road, the weather was poor, causing a day's delay."
The driver spoke while pulling a waybill from his pocket.
"It's been five days nonstop; this old body of mine almost fell apart from fatigue."
Lu Qingjun took the waybill and examined it carefully.
Lu Qingshan also took the waybill, studying the signed information with a look of amusement and contemplation.
"Master, you've worked hard; go inside and have a drink of water."
"No, no, I still need to hurry back."
The driver waved his hand and said, "Inspect the goods; if everything's fine, I'll leave."
Lu Qingjun signed the waybill, then shouted into the yard, "A Qiang! Come quickly to help move the cargo!"
A Qiang arrived with several bodyguards from the front yard, and Lu Qingyuan and Lu Qingjun also came out.
Even Lu Hua set his newspaper down and stepped out to watch the commotion.
"So many good things!"
Wang Guilan stood at the doorway, eyes filled with delight as she looked at the items in the truck.
The truck's rear door opened, revealing various items wrapped in newspaper and Bubble.
The most noticeable were two television boxes, their black‑and‑white cartons stamped with "Sony".
"Be careful; these are all valuable items."
Lu Qingshan walked over and inspected each piece of cargo himself.
There were two televisions, two radios, two folding bicycles, and two courtyard ornaments packaged in wooden crates.
"This Treasure Basin is truly beautiful!"
Lu Xiaoyu lifted the lid of the wooden crate, revealing a bronze‑colored Treasure Basin.
The basin was small, yet finely carved, its walls etched with various auspicious motifs.
The other crate contained a gilded jade‑leaf ornament, its green jade leaves sparkling in the sunlight.
"How much do these items cost?"
Lu Hong sighed beside them, "Qing Shan, are you planning to bring all the good stuff from Shenzhen City back?"
"They're all practical items."
Lu Qingshan directed everyone in moving the goods.
"Place the televisions in the living room and dining room; put the radios in Mom and Dad's room and the living room."
The two folding bicycles were pushed into the yard, their frames glinting silver‑white in the sun.
"Xiaoyu, this one is for you to use for school."
Lu Qingshan patted the seat of one of the bicycles.
"Second sister is back; the other one is for her to use for work."
Lu Xiaoyu walked over excitedly, trying to push the bicycle.
"Second brother, this bike is really light! It's much lighter than a regular bicycle!"
"It's made of aluminum alloy, so of course it's light."
Lu Qingshan laughed and said, "And it can also fold, making it easy to store."
The two courtyard ornaments were carefully moved into the storage room.
The Treasure Basin and the golden branches and jade leaves looked especially precious in the storage room; even in the dim light, their extraordinary quality could be seen.
"These ornaments should stay in the storage room for now, and we'll display them once the new courtyard is renovated."
Lu Qingshan wiped the sweat from his forehead.
After moving the goods, everyone was drenched in sweat.
Wang Guilan quickly brought towels and warm water so everyone could wipe themselves.
"Yue E, look at this television!"
Wang Guilan grabbed Lin Yue'e's hand and pointed at the television in the living room.
"It's more sophisticated than anything we've ever seen!"
Lin Yue'e nodded, her eyes also filled with wonder.
She had never imagined her life would change so dramatically.
From the small village in the mountain gorge, to the courtyard houses in Capital City, and now to these modern appliances she had never seen.
"Qing Shan, are you turning our home into an electronics store?"
Wang Guilan joked, but the pride in her eyes was unmistakable.
"Mom, these are all necessities."
Lu Qingshan said seriously, "The television can show news, letting us learn about the outside world. The radio can play music, enriching our spiritual life."
Xiao Xue was already deeply fascinated by the television in the living room.
She circled the television several times, her little hand wanting to touch it but not daring to.
"Dad, what is this black box?"
Xiao Xue asked with her face tilted upward.
"It's a television; you can watch many interesting programs."
Lu Qingshan crouched down, "In a moment I'll turn the TV on for Xiao Xue."
"Really?"
Xiao Xue's eyes lit up, "Are there little animals inside?"
"Yes, and there are many interesting stories."
Lu Qingshan patted his daughter's head, "But right now Dad has to go take care of something."
After finishing the cleanup, Lu Qingshan glanced at the time; it was already 1 p. m.
"Qingjun, we need to hurry."
Lu Qingshan said to his younger brother, "First, go to the foreign exchange bureau to find Bureau Chief Wang's secretary and obtain the Shenzhen City clearance certificate."
"Then head to Capital City One Construction to check with Manager Zhang whether they have received the payment."
The two brothers hurried out, and A Qiang drove.
The foreign exchange bureau's office building looked especially solemn in the sunset.
Bureau Chief Wang's secretary had already prepared all the documents; seeing Lu Qingshan arrive, she immediately took an envelope from the desk.
"Mr. Lu, this is the Shenzhen City clearance certificate you need."
The secretary handed over the envelope, "Bureau Chief Wang specifically instructed that it must be handed to you personally."
Lu Qingshan took the envelope; it was heavy, likely containing more than one certificate.
"Please, and later convey my regards to Bureau Chief Wang."
Leaving the foreign exchange bureau, the sky was already beginning to darken.
The office building of Capital City One Construction still had its lights on, and Manager Zhang was waiting for them in his office.
"Mr. Lu, you arrived just in time!"
Manager Zhang, upon seeing Lu Qingshan, immediately stood up to greet him.
"We have already received the funds; construction can begin tomorrow!"
Manager Zhang's tone was excited, "Your efficiency is truly admirable!"
"That's great."
Lu Qingshan let out a sigh of relief, "Manager Zhang, then I entrust it to you."
"Of course, of course!"
Manager Zhang pounded his chest in assurance, "Boss Lu, with such decisiveness, we naturally can't lag behind!"
Leaving Capital City One Construction, night had fully fallen.
The lane lanterns in the alley just lit up, their amber glow spilling onto the bluestone pavement.
"Finally, all these matters are done. Tomorrow the elder sister and brother‑in‑law will also start their posts, overseeing the two construction sites around the house."
Lu Qingshan let out a long sigh, "We can set off first thing tomorrow morning."
Back home, Lin Yue'e had already prepared dinner.
The family gathered around the dining room; the newly bought television sat in the corner, and even though it hadn't been turned on, it already made the whole room look much more modern.
"Qing Shan, are we leaving tomorrow?"
Lu Hua lifted his glass, "Stay safe, and contact home anytime if anything comes up."
"I know, Dad."
Lu Qingshan raised his wine cup, "You and mother, take good care of yourselves at home."
After dinner, Lu Qingshan returned to the room in the back courtyard.
Lin Yue'e was arranging the clothes he would wear tomorrow, ironing each piece flat and neat.
"Yue E, it's too late, you should rest early."
Lu Qingshan walked over and embraced his wife from behind.
"I've prepared all your clothes."
Lin Yue'e turned, her eyes filled with reluctance, "How's the weather over Hong Kong Island? Is it going to be cold?"
"It won't be, Hong Kong Island is warmer than Capital City."
Lu Qingshan gently stroked his wife's cheek, "Don't worry, I'll be back soon."
Xiao Xue had finished washing up, and climbed onto the bed holding a little bear.
"Dad, are you really leaving tomorrow?"
Xiao Xue's voice was thick with reluctance.
"Dad is going to earn money to buy Xiao Xue more fun things."
Lu Qingshan sat on the bedside, "Xiao Xue, be good and listen to Mom."
"Then you should come back quickly."
Xiao Xue stretched out her little hand, "I'll miss you."
"Dad will miss Xiao Xue too."
Lu Qingshan gave his daughter a light kiss on the forehead, "Have a good dream."
Night deepened, and the whole family fell asleep.
End of Chapter
