Chapter 229: The Terrifying Turnover

Wei Ming never expected the first person he'd meet after entering the village to be Team Leader Zhao Chun.

Seeing the brother and sister return, Zhao Chun immediately smiled and greeted them.

"Xiaoming, Xiaohong, you're back! Xiaohong, did you get your scores? How'd you do?"

Wei Hong: "Top in the province for science, 451 points, full marks in math and physics."

Zhao Chun's smile froze, his face locked in that grin, motionless.

Wei Ming asked: "Team Leader, is there anything else? If not, we're heading home—everyone's waiting."

Zhao Chun struggled out: "No, no more."

Just half a day ago, news had spread through Gouzitun that Zhao Chun's eldest daughter, Zhaodi, had scored 361 on the college entrance exam—over twenty points above the cutoff—and gotten into university.

That result had exceeded Zhao Chun's expectations; he hadn't thought his daughter could make it to university and had already planned to send her to the army, so this unexpected good news thrilled him.

So in half a day, he'd spread the news everywhere, hoping for universal celebration.

He was also curious how Wei Jiefang's daughter had done, but Zhaodi said she didn't know, so Zhao Chun had hoped Wei Hong would stumble—maybe fail one subject like Wei Ming had.

That's why he'd been strolling along this inevitable route, eager to be the first to hear Wei Hong's results.

He never expected Wei Hong to be so direct—so blunt it left him breathless. How could she have scored so well!

If Wei Jiefang had come to talk to him, he'd have feigned weakness first, waited for Zhao Chun to show off, then dropped his bombshell and left him humiliated, fleeing in shame.

Zhao Chun was immensely relieved Wei Jiefang was away—he didn't have to see his smug face, or he'd have been furious enough to die.

Right now, Team Leader Zhao could only comfort himself: at least his eldest daughter's score beat Wei Jiefang's eldest. As for the second daughter, maybe when Pande took the exam, she'd become the national top scorer.

Besides, the Wei family only has two kids—I've got Niandi and Laidi. I've got four. Advantage is mine!

When the siblings returned home, Xu Shufen burst into tears upon hearing Wei Hong had ranked first in the province for science, hugging her mother and weeping.

Wei Hong quickly hugged her mother and her grandmother too.

After they'd cried enough, Xu Shufen rummaged through Wei Ming's room and pulled out a string of firecrackers.

Wiping her tears, she said: "Your father bought this before he passed. He said his daughter would definitely get in—when the scores came out, we'd light these to celebrate."

Wei Ming picked them up—red, two hundred shots.

"Fine, I'll do it." Wei Ming had been wishing his motorcycle was louder.

When the crackling erupted, nearly the whole village heard it.

Fan Chunhua: "What's that noise? It's not a holiday or festival."

Qi Delong: "Mom, it's Uncle's house!"

Fan Chunhua: "Oh my, Xiaohong must be back—she must've done great. Come on, let's go see!"

Not just the two of them—Qi Kexiu was dragged along too, annoying—he'd been stuck on his writing, couldn't finish the second paragraph of Chapter One.

At Wei's house, Qi Delong was handed a handful of candy—all from Beijing: crisp and soft sweets.

"What? Provincial top scorer!"

Now not only Fan Chunhua was stunned, but Qi Kexiu straightened his back, beaming: "Xiaohong, I taught you when you were little!"

"Only taught me a few lessons~" Xiaohong replied.

"But those were the crucial fifth-grade lessons—they laid the solid foundation for your outstanding middle school performance!" Qi Kexiu said eagerly. He'd trained a provincial top scorer—he figured his salary might even rise!

Qi Kexiu was also glad Wei Jiefang wasn't home—otherwise, would there be such a pleasant atmosphere? If he'd been there, not just Gouzitun but the whole commune would've suffered his indiscriminate damage.

Wei Ming ate while telling Fan Chunhua: "Aunt, in a couple days we'll all head to Beijing for a while—take care of the pigs and chickens, and feel free to use the sewing machine."

"No problem!" Fan Chunhua was delighted—Wei's chickens now laid eggs, and every egg was hers now; she'd definitely get a share when they slaughtered the pig for New Year.

As they chatted, Jia the accountant's family arrived, walking straight into the courtyard to offer congratulations.

"There must be good news—how'd Xiaohong do?"

Qi Kexiu boasted: "Provincial top scorer! Thanks to the foundation I laid for Xiaohong back then. Xiaoming missed out—he should've let me teach him."

The siblings exchanged silent glances, just kept handing out candy. Jia Zhengdao ate while his mother poked his forehead, telling him to learn from Sister Xiaohong.

Jia the accountant sincerely said: "Gouzitun really is a fengshui treasure—producing two talents like Xiaoming and Xiaohong. Xiaoming, write your father right away and tell him this good news."

Wei Ming: "No need to write—a letter. I'll go to Shandong and tell him myself."

Jia the accountant added: "Too bad Jiefang isn't here—if he were, it'd be so lively."

Then the village secretary arrived, and Wei Ming told him that officials and reporters would come to interview Xiaohong—and possibly other villagers—so he should warn everyone ahead of time, to avoid panic.

Everyone heard this and thought: Wow, no wonder she's provincial top—Xiaohong's status even surpasses her brother's.

Zhou Xingbang: "This is a major event! San'er, come with me to the team office—announce it now, and again tomorrow morning!"

"Got it!"

After the loudspeaker blared, more people came to Wei Ming's house. The candy ran out, but kerosene lamps and candles were plentiful—they'd chat till they turned off the lights.

Fan Chunhua, as the close aunt, never left, acting as a half-hostess, bustling around helping.

"Shufen, since Xiaohong did so well, shouldn't you throw a celebration feast? I heard Zhao Chun was planning one for his eldest daughter."

Zhao Chun: No, I don't want to anymore!

Xu Shufen glanced at the still-growing pig: "I'll follow your father's wishes. Xiaoming, when you go to Shandong, ask your dad what he wants to do."

"Alright. Admission letters usually arrive by end of August—plenty of time."

The grandmother was the first to nod off. When most villagers had left, Wei Ming asked Wei Hong: "Have you decided between Tsinghua or Peking University?"

"Not yet—it's obvious: Peking University. Unless you switch to Tsinghua." Wei Hong linked arms with her older brother, resolute.

Wei Ming nodded: "With your score, either Tsinghua or Peking University will grant you any privilege you want. Your math is outstanding, and now you're interested in economics and finance—I suggest double-majoring in math and economics."

Given Wei Hong's ability to finish high school curriculum in one year, Wei Ming believed she could complete both degrees in four years—her mind was definitely sharper than his.

"Okay, I'll follow your advice."

Wei Ming patted her head. He didn't really care what she studied—but just promise me, when you pick a husband later, don't say, "Bro, you don't understand him."

The next day, Wei Ming woke to the loudspeaker—the whole village was energized.

He planned to stay two more days in the village, then leave after the media and officials had their fill.

In the morning, the principal arrived with a delegation to this land of spiritual beauty.

First came the newly relaunched regional newspaper, Hengzhou Daily, then the deputy county magistrate.

That night, they met Professor Pi from Peking University's admissions office, who'd rushed over—once he confirmed Wei Hong wouldn't go anywhere but Peking, he relaxed.

But Wei Ming, as family, also raised some conditions with his colleague; Professor Pi agreed to all, then added: "Shall we mail the admission letter directly to your Beijing home, Xiao Wei?"

Wei Ming: "Fine."

The next day, provincial media arrived and interviewed both Wei Ming and Wei Hong—of course, Xu Shufen too. A rural family producing two such outstanding individuals must have exceptional family education.

Too bad articulate Wei Jiefang wasn't home—Xu Shufen wasn't good with words, so reporters randomly grabbed villagers.

Villagers' two-day-prepared speeches finally got spoken.

"Old saying: Wenchuxing descends from heaven. Our village is lucky—we have two Wenchuxing. Since childhood, Xiaoming and Xiaohong have been different from other kids..."

Zhao Chun sneered inwardly at the villagers' unprincipled flattery. But when the reporter asked him, he could only grit his teeth and say: "I believe this stems from the Wei family's education. Our village once produced a Peking University student—Xiaohong's cousin. So education must be valued—no matter how poor, never neglect education. In this regard, Gouzitun has done very well, under our leadership..."

The situation was stronger than man—Team Leader Zhao could only sing along with the official tune.

Early the next morning, the family of four was taken by the team's donkey cart to the county seat—they wouldn't be returning anytime soon.

On the train, Wei Ming told his mother: "In a few days, I'll accompany you to send Grandma back to her hometown."

Xu Shufen worried it would delay Wei Ming's work: "I can go alone—I've taken the train many times."

Two women with little education—how could Wei Ming trust them alone?

He reassured her: "I was going to Sichuan anyway—I have a script shooting there, and I want to see it."

Then he lowered his voice: "Also, I want to look for my aunt again—there are a few letters from Sichuan and Chongqing worth checking."

Hearing this, Xu Shufen said no more.

"Dang dang dang! This is my brother's first home!" Wei Hong introduced her mother and grandmother to the first-time visitor at Huajiao Apartment.

!

Wei Ming: "Yunyun hasn't finished work yet, but she's cleaned the rooms for you—this one faces the sun."

The room originally prepared for Lin Jie was now theirs. All four bedrooms were full, but the study could sleep one—Wei Ming planned to buy a folding bed.

Xu Shufen stared at the spacious house in awe. She'd visited Ping'an's home and thought city apartments were all small—but her son's place was bright and airy, not oppressive at all.

And there was a TV, a phone, a refrigerator, a washing machine—ah, just missing a sewing machine.

Xu Shufen poked Wei Hong's forehead: "You've really hit the jackpot following your brother."

Wei Ming turned on the fan to cool everyone down.

The grandmother worried: "Not hot—it's too wasteful on electricity."

Wei Ming laughed: "Grandma, don't worry—electricity's no problem. I can even earn foreign money now."

As they chatted, Wei Ming heard a motorcycle outside and dashed downstairs.

For the past few days, Mei Wenhua had been picking up Yunyun and eating with her—without Wei Ming watching, Yunyun's fondness for Brother Wen had grown.

Now she didn't sit far away on his bike anymore—sometimes she even held his clothes to avoid falling.

Normally, Mei Wenhua wouldn't leave right away—he'd beg: "Yunyun, let me come up for a sip of water?"

But today, Mei Wenhua dared not—he saw Wei Ming come down, radiating menace.

"Oh! Ming-ge is back!"

Seeing her cousin, Yunyun stuck out her tongue and hurried upstairs to find Grandma—though today she'd actually wanted to invite Brother Wen up for a drink.

Wei Ming: "Thanks for picking her up and dropping her off these days."

"Ming-ge, don't mention it—we're family."

"So, you wanna be my cousin-in-law?" Wei Ming's eyes turned icy.

Seeing Wei Ming had spoken plainly, Mei Wenhua perked up: "Big Brother-in-law!"

"Get lost!" Wei Ming said sternly. "With your status as boss of Xintiandi, finding a beautiful girl won't be hard—but I only have one cousin, and as her brother, I won't allow my brother-in-law to fool around outside. Think carefully: are you willing to give up a whole forest for just one tree?"

To Mei Wenhua, this sounded fresh, but upon closer thought, it was full of traps.

"Even if there are more forests, they're not mine," Mei Wenhua said with perfect logic. "I can only marry one woman, so I'll marry the one I love most."

As he spoke, he remembered the two posters at the shop entrance and suddenly realized—he pointed incredulously at Wei Ming: "Brother Ming, you're not trying to…"

…want both of them!

"I'm talking about your issue—don't try to change the subject," Wei Ming said. "We're friends and partners now, but if you ever get Yunyun and then hurt her, not only will we no longer be friends—I'll ruin you. So think carefully: are you sure you want to mess with my sister?"

This threat left Mei Wenhua silent. Was it really that harsh?

Wei Ming: "Think clearly before deciding whether to pick up or drop off Yunyun. Don't act impulsively. Go home for now."

Wei Ming might not be able to remain faithful to one woman, but he must hold his brother-in-law to the highest standard—Xiao Hong will be even stricter later.

"No need to think anymore, Brother Ming—I've decided. It's Yunyun. I love her personality so much, and she's beautiful. I believe having a wife like her will make me happy for life!"

Wei Ming stared into his eyes. Mei Wenhua didn't look away.

Wei Ming nodded: "Alright, come in, have some tea, and meet my grandmother—Yunyun's grandma."

"Huh?" Now it was Mei Wenhua's turn to panic.

"What's there to fear? It's not like you're meeting my big uncle," Wei Ming said, turning to walk away.

Mei Wenhua followed slowly: "Don't scare me with your big uncle—Yunyun already told me the guy she was set up with was naturally short, and our height is considered tall even in our hometown."

He'd once been ashamed of his 172 cm height, but Yunyun had given him confidence.

Wei Ming shook his head. It seemed this kid Mei Wenhua had already figured out Yunyun completely—he'd told her everything.

Even if I interfered, Yunyun would probably say: Big brother, you just don't understand Wenhua.

"Brother Ming, I've got another piece of good news to share with you," Mei Wenhua said on the stairs.

"What news?"

"About our Dongfang Xintiandi's performance last month!" Mei Wenhua said. "I've totaled it up—we only operated for half the month. Guess how much we made."

Wei Ming: "Definitely not ten thousand."

"Eighty-eight thousand!" Mei Wenhua gestured excitedly. "I'm confident we'll hit 150, 00 this month!"

That number was truly shocking—it was 1980. Wei Ming asked: "What about profit?"

"I'm still calculating staff salaries and bonuses, but the profit is definitely over ten thousand—no, your personal share alone won't be less than ten thousand! Brother Ming, you're now earning over ten thousand a month!"

He believed even Wei Ming's most successful novels couldn't match this.

It was true: without royalties and with copyrights worthless, Wei Ming had earned only two apartments and a car in a year—worth a few ten thousand—but running a business could earn him one or two hundred thousand a year.

One or two hundred thousand in 1980!

He felt he should go look at a three-courtyard sihe.

Wei Ming patted Mei's shoulder: "You haven't told anyone this number, right?"

"No, only you, me, and Biao Ma know—I didn't even tell Yunyun," Mei Wenhua whispered. "I've already renewed our street lease for two years—I'm afraid they'll raise the rent if they find out."

Wei Ming nodded: "Good."

In three years, the commercial environment will improve dramatically—then a mere two-hundred-square-meter shop will be outdated.

On the third floor, before opening the door, Wei Ming noticed a letter in the mailbox.

"Go in first," Wei Ming pushed him inside, then opened the mailbox himself and found a letter from Hong Kong—Lao Gui's letter.

He slipped it into his pocket and walked in, only to hear Mei Wenhua shamelessly shout: "Auntie! Grandma!"

…

(Bonus chapter for 1000 monthly votes on January!)

(End of chapter)