Chapter 203: Restaurant Construction Starts
After dinner, Song Yu, the fellow student from the same hometown, tactfully excused herself, knowing that Deng Shirong and his son hadn't seen each other in half a year and likely had much to discuss.
As she left, Deng Shirong turned to his second son and remarked, "Yunheng, your fellow student doesn't seem to come from an ordinary rural family."
Deng Yunheng gave a thumbs-up and said, "Dad, you've got a sharp eye. How did you notice that?"
Deng Shirong chuckled. He hadn't lived those decades in his previous life for nothing. While he wouldn't claim to have eagle eyes, his experience had given him a good sense of people. He could easily tell whether someone came from a rural background or not.
Deng Yunheng explained, "From what I know, Sister Song's parents both work in Bobai County. Her father seems to be a leader, though she never specified which department. I didn't think it was appropriate to ask."
Deng Shirong nodded. "Whether her father is a leader or not, she's worth befriending. After graduation, whether she goes into politics or business, she'll have a bright future. Making friends like her will be a great help to you, no matter what industry you enter."
Deng Yunheng agreed. "I understand, Dad. Over the past six months, aside from studying, I've focused on building connections. Our Guangxi Hometown Association has over 20 members, and I'm familiar with all of them. Since Sister Song and I are from the same county, I've grown closest to her among all my fellow villagers. I've also become good friends with several classmates."
Deng Shirong smiled with satisfaction. "You're doing well. As the saying goes, 'It takes three to make a fence, just as it takes three to make a hero.' No matter the era, going it alone won't lead to success."
Deng Yunheng knew his father's advice was invaluable. Before, he had been unsure of his path, but with his father's guidance, he now understood how to leverage his strengths better than many of his peers. He was confident that after graduating from Peking University, he would outperform most of his classmates.
After discussing his current situation at school, Deng Yunheng asked about the family. While they had exchanged letters, the limited space couldn't compare to a face-to-face conversation.
Deng Shirong briefly updated him on the family's situation before sharing the latest progress on opening a restaurant in the county town.
"Before coming to Beijing, I met with the county leaders about opening a restaurant. They've agreed to grant me a piece of land on West City Road. I've already asked the county architectural design institute to handle the design. By the time I return from Beijing, the design should be ready. When you come back for summer vacation, the restaurant will likely be open."
Deng Yunheng's face lit up. "Then I'll go straight from Nanning to Bobai during the summer to see our big hotel!"
The father and son chatted for over an hour before Deng Shirong asked, "Yunheng, do you have enough money? If not, I can leave you some."
Deng Yunheng smiled. "The money's enough, Dad. You don't need to leave me any more."
Deng Shirong had asked out of habit. His second son received 36 kilograms of food coupons and 21.5 yuan in subsidies every month, which was usually sufficient. Besides, he had given him several hundred yuan earlier. It would be surprising if he had spent it all.
"Alright, as long as you have enough. Go back to your studies. I'll head to the guesthouse to rest and take the train back tomorrow."
Deng Yunheng offered, "Dad, don't you want to stay a few more days? You haven't visited any of Beijing's famous attractions yet."
Deng Shirong shook his head. "It's not much fun traveling alone. Maybe in the future, we can come as a family and visit those places together. That would be more meaningful."
"Then I'll take you to the station tomorrow!"
"No need. Stay in school and focus on your studies."
"Alright, Dad. Have a safe trip!"
"Take care."
Returning to Nanning from Beijing was another grueling journey—four days and three nights. The cold weather made the train ride particularly uncomfortable. If you didn't sleep, you'd be exhausted, but if you did, you'd risk catching a cold. It was a trip that only those with strong constitutions could endure.
A month later, Deng Shirong reappeared in Bobai County. The county architectural design institute had completed the plans for his restaurant, and he immediately approached the county construction company.
After some negotiations, the three-story building, covering over 1,000 square meters of land and more than 3,000 square meters of construction area, was handed over to the county construction company. The total cost for the main building and the first-floor decoration was 315,000 yuan, with a completion deadline of three months.
After signing the contract, Deng Shirong sighed in relief. He couldn't help but reflect that the cost of building these three floors was almost equal to the total cost of buying the seven courtyard houses in Beijing. From a future value perspective, this seemed like a terrible investment.
Of course, not everything could be measured by future value. Deng Shirong's primary reason for investing so heavily in the restaurant was to educate his children—a priceless endeavor.
"Brother Zhang."
"Uncle Jiu."
At the entrance of the court, Deng Shirong approached Zhang Guoan for a chat.
After sharing a few cigarettes, Deng Shirong got down to business. "Brother Zhang, do you remember the chef and waiter I asked you to keep an eye on last year?"
Zhang Guoan nodded. "Of course. The candidates on my side are ready. I'll notify them whenever you need."
Deng Shirong smiled. "Not so fast. I'm just letting you know, Brother Zhang, that my restaurant has just started construction. It'll take about three months to complete. The earliest it can open is May or June."
Zhang Guoan was surprised. "Uncle Jiu, you're building the restaurant yourself? No wonder it's taking so long."
Deng Shirong sighed. "There was no other choice. I originally wanted to rent a store, but after searching the entire county, I couldn't find a suitable one. So, I decided to build it myself. It's more trouble, but the investment is much larger than I initially planned."
Zhang Guoan agreed. "That's to be expected. Renting a store can't compare to building your own. The initial investment is higher, but in the long run, it's more cost-effective. Where is your restaurant being built, Uncle Jiu?"
Deng Shirong replied, "On West City Road, diagonally across from the People's Cinema."
Zhang Guoan nodded. "That's a good location. If you open the restaurant there, business should be booming."
Deng Shirong smiled. "I'll take your good words to heart, Brother Zhang."
(End of this chapter)