Chronicle of the 70s-Chapter 395 - 370: Ham

At the beginning of May, the twins officially started school in the Yu Hong class. They were sent over in the morning and picked up at 5 p.m. Additionally, greetings were exchanged with the teachers and principal of the school, setting the rule that only four specific individuals could pick up the children; no one else was allowed.

With the children away, the house suddenly became quiet. Li Xianglu and Qin Xi always felt a bit uncomfortable when they came back home for lunch. It was too quiet. Su Yan and the old master also complained, arguing that it was too early to send the children at three years old when five would have been better.

Li Xianglu and Qin Xi held firm and did not give in, insisting that as the children grew, it was beneficial for their physical and mental development to integrate into society. Even if Su Yan and Grandpa could teach very well, it wouldn’t do to keep the children isolated from society. After all, they had to face it eventually, and it wasn’t just about having knowledge and skills.

The two children also adapted well. Apart from not being able to sleep until they naturally woke up, everything else was going smoothly. They would even cheerfully greet their little classmates they met on the way to kindergarten, and Candy knew to share with everyone.

The family had worried that the kids might get bullied at kindergarten, but when Gu Niannian, under their guidance, gave a few preschool bullies a thrashing on behalf of the twins, they all put their minds at ease. With Gu Niannian, the sly little fellow, around, there was nothing to fear for the little ones.

Gu Niannian was only set to start first grade in September, so he became the twins’ protector during his last months in preschool.

Therefore, Old Qin straightforwardly took over the task of picking up and dropping off Gu Niannian. Gu Niannian’s dad sometimes left early when the kindergarten wasn’t open yet, so he’d just bring him over here first and wait to drop him off together with the twins at eight.

When it came to pick-ups, they all came back together, waiting for family members to come and take them home.

Because of this, Gu Congsheng was especially embarrassed. Since someone was taking care of picking up and dropping off Gu Niannian, life at home had become incredibly easy. Zhu Hong, who was a bit sloppy, often lost track of time and forgot to pick up the child while chatting. Now, they would directly go to the Qin Family’s place. Not only were the kids’ homework done, but they were also well-fed. Therefore, Gu Congsheng sent a big ham to Old Qin.

This ham was really something else, even more delicious than the exquisite Jinhua hams Li Xianglu had tasted in her previous life, especially when used for soup. Just seven or eight slices made for a bowl of delicious soup. After Li Xianglu had made it a few times, she couldn’t help but ask about it. Gu Congsheng proudly revealed that it was the Gu Family’s secret recipe, made by Old Gu. Due to limited conditions, they could only produce four hams a year, consuming a little themselves and giving some as gifts.

Li Xianglu saw this as a business opportunity, so after discussing it with Qin Xi, she arranged to meet with the couple over the weekend.

The couple were often invited over for meals. They arrived with their children before ten in the morning, just like before. Qin Xi and Gu Congsheng, along with Old Qin, chatted in the living room. The women were sitting under the pergola outside drinking tea, preparing lunch, while the children played in the sandpit.

Li Xianglu was originally thinking that her family members were not supposed to be involved in business, so she planned to have Leng Qing take over if the venture was feasible. However, Su Yan opposed this idea.

The reason was that Leng Qing’s factory was already busy enough, leaving her with no time to spare.

Li Xianglu felt this reason was a bit far-fetched. Leng Qing’s factory had been on track for a year now, and she rarely had to leave early or return late. Business managers handled the operations, professional accountants managed the books, and she was just overseeing the overall planning and management. How could she be too busy?

But since Su Yan opposed it, Li Xianglu didn’t insist further. After all, it wasn’t an absolute must to have Leng Qing.

When the Gu couple heard Li Xianglu and Qin Xi’s proposal, they were stunned. Zhu Hong had the quickest response, her face showing an excited smile: "Godmother, are you saying we can become stakeholders through our technical expertise? We can get dividends without having to put up capital?"

Li Xianglu patted Zhu Hong’s shoulder with a smile: "Yes, you heard me right. But Old Gu has to agree first since it’s the Gu Family’s secret recipe. If he agrees, we’ll set up a factory for large-scale production. You’ll contribute your expertise, and Old Gu will need to provide technical guidance for a while. That’s all the investment needed. Nothing else."

Zhu Hong’s eyes sparkled at the news. She had heard about that chili sauce factory, which was run by Li Xianglu’s sister-in-law. She had inquired all around, and even Li Xianglu herself said she had no shares in it. But Zhu Hong couldn’t believe that—such a big factory making so much money in one year, and not to have a stake in it would be foolish.

Now, the opportunity Zhu Hong had been craving was right before her eyes. She excitedly turned to Gu Congsheng and shouted: "Old Gu, quick, call your dad to come to the county. He’ll definitely agree to such a great opportunity!"

Gu Congsheng knew it was a great opportunity, but considering his dad’s stubborn and somewhat brainwashed nature from the past, he detested capitalist specters. To ask him to use the family’s secret recipe to make money would be to fundamentally change his way of thinking.

Therefore, Gu Congsheng showed a hesitant expression, and Zhu Hong, having been married to him for many years, understood his reluctance right away. She sighed and looked hesitant as well.

Li Xianglu and Qin Xi were curious about what was going on, wondering why everyone started to worry.

After Gu Congsheng explained his father’s temper, everyone was stunned to hear about such a conservative old man.

Pretending to be serious, Li Xianglu said: "What we’re doing here isn’t about the specters of capitalism. We are promoting the spirit of fine food, making the most delicious Gu Family ham widely known and appreciated."

Li Xianglu’s words made everyone laugh, and Gu Congsheng nodded: "I actually think this idea might work. My father admires class equality. If opening a factory allows everyone to enjoy the delicacy, he just might agree."

Zhu Hong became even more excited upon hearing this: "Let’s go now, to dad’s place. We can rush back by Sunday night!"

As Gu Congsheng watched his wife’s excitement, he sighed: "Old Qin, let me use your car, please, and Niannian, look after the little ones for a day."

Qin Xi and Li Xianglu shook their heads with a smile. Zhu Hong, too eager to eat lunch, wanted to leave immediately. Li Xianglu, with no choice, packed ten buns for them to take away, and they left directly.

When Gu Nian heard that his parents were going to grandpa’s, he nodded to show he understood, then continued playing with the twins, seemingly not caring at all.

However, when the dejected Gu couple returned the next afternoon, they said that Old Gu was strongly against the idea and even got angry. He threatened to break Gu Congsheng’s legs if he went into business.

Li Xianglu was immediately stunned. Why was Old Gu being so unreasonable?