Chapter 39: The Eve of Farewell

In the 1970s, the awareness of market economy began to sprout in China. In the 1980s, as reform and opening-up advanced, private businesses started to appear along the streets, but the authorities' ambiguous attitude meant local market economies sometimes contracted, sometimes relaxed. At any moment, it seemed possible to return overnight to the era of planned economy. The debate over whether to embrace capitalism or socialism raged from top to bottom, never ceasing.

It was not until the 1990s that the momentum of private enterprise became unstoppable. Everyone knew the turning point for China's economy was the speech made by the Elder of the Era in Shenzhen. From that moment on, the private sector would break free from its shackles and soar.

Feng Haodong, who had been arrested many times in the past as a speculator, felt this most deeply. After listening to the Elder's speech, he raised his cup, his eyes moist. He downed the drink in one gulp. Setting his cup down, he glanced at Chai Jin, who remained impassive, and asked curiously, "The southern economy is about to change drastically, why don't you show any reaction?"

Chai Jin picked up a slice of smoked meat and chewed for a while. Smiling, he said, "The surging tide is coming, but we ought to keep our minds cool, so we don't lose control."

"Besides, I was already planning to head to Shenzhen and dive into the world of commerce."

Feng Haodong's feverish mind cooled considerably. He then said, "Let's speculate in stocks. The old five stocks in Shenzhen are red-hot. I plan to sell everything I have when I return and invest. Give me your earnings too."

"Big brother will make you rich."

Chai Jin remained calm. "Alright, brother, let's just eat. No need for so much talk, especially during the New Year."

Feng Haodong paused, realizing he had lost his composure in front of Chai Jin. He raised his glass and laughed heartily, "Come, let's toast to tomorrow!"

Their glasses clinked together. But with the great trend already set in motion, it was impossible to avoid the topic. Later, Feng Haodong kept dragging Chai Jin into conversations about the south. Chai Jin could only accompany him.

They drank all afternoon. The drinking was just right, not excessive. After Feng Haodong left that afternoon, he boarded the car back to Shenzhen. Before leaving, he gave Chai Jin his company address.

He was about to leave his hometown and felt reluctant. Chai Fang, the one most unwilling to let him go, helped him pack with gentle care. Chai Xiaoshan was especially clingy.

She clung tightly to her brother, refusing to let him go. Chai Mingguo sat silently in the living room. The house was filled with the heavy air of farewell.

In the end, it was Chai Jin who broke the silence. "After I leave, the factory will be in your hands."

"Dad, don’t spend all your time in the workshop. Go to the office more, learn about management. After all, the factory is ours; we can’t rely on others for everything."

Chai Mingguo nodded quietly. "I understand." After a while, he sighed deeply. "A son grows up and eventually leaves his parents to live his own life. It’s normal."

"Go on. Don’t worry about us. Don’t let the family hold you back."

He rose and went to his bedroom, closed the door, and did not come out again.

Chai Fang had finished packing by then. She came out, tears on her face. "Xiaojin, when you’re out there, you must learn to protect yourself, understand?"

"If you need help, just call home."

"Oh, Xiaoli was supposed to come today, but for some reason she didn’t. She asked me to tell you: don’t let Liu Qingwen lead you astray, and don’t go to hair salons."

"Otherwise, no girl will marry you."

"Don’t be a scoundrel."

Chai Fang was usually not very talkative, always quiet, gentle, and kind. But since her brother was about to leave for a long journey, she couldn’t help worrying. She transformed into a nagging sister, fussing over Chai Jin.

Chai Jin didn’t mind; on the contrary, he felt deeply comforted.

…

The next day, just past five in the morning, Chai Jin got up. When leaving the house, he did not wake anyone. Parting from loved ones is always the hardest, even for someone with a heart aged decades.

But as he left the building with a travel bag, he didn’t realize that several figures stood behind the windows, watching.

Chai Xiaoshan, troubled, gazed at Chai Jin’s retreating figure.

"Sister, will Brother come back in a few days, like last time?"

Beside her, Chai Fang took a deep breath and picked her up. "Brother is going to make lots of money. When he’s made enough, he’ll come home."

"Oh. But, Sister, when will Brother make lots of money?"

"But Xiaohua says our family is already rich. Why does Brother still need to go out and earn money?"

Chai Fang choked up, unable to answer. "Let’s go make breakfast."

"Okay."

In another room, the taciturn Chai Mingguo hadn’t slept all night. He stood by the window, watching his son’s distant figure. This man in his fifties had tears in his eyes.

He remembered leaving home years ago, carrying his luggage to support the family. Behind him, three young children watched him, following him as far as they could.

Unexpectedly, time had flown and his son had grown up.

He murmured to the window, "My boy’s no slouch, a thousand times better than his old man!"

…

It was Liu Qingwen’s first time leaving home. Though his mother often scolded him with bamboo sticks, when her own flesh and blood was about to leave, she felt uneasy.

She expressed her concern in her own way. For instance, Liu Qingwen now carried four or five native chickens on his shoulder, leaving Chai Jin speechless.

After walking a long way, Chai Jin asked, "You’re not planning to carry those chickens onto the bus with me, are you?"

Liu Qingwen groaned, "I don’t want them either! My mom says I’m too skinny and I need to nourish myself. Brother Jin, what should I do?"

"Annoying."

Chai Jin shot him a look. "Why not give them away, so nobody laughs at you?"

"Think about friends in the city, or give them to your factory coworkers."

Liu Qingwen was enlightened and slapped his forehead. "Got it! Brother Jin, there’s still time—come with me to a place first."

He dragged Chai Jin along. Ten minutes later, they stood before a shop called Green Salon.

Chai Jin was mortified.

Soon, a heavily made-up woman came out. Liu Qingwen handed her the chickens. "Sister Feng, I brought these specially from home for you."

"You work hard and need to take care of yourself."

"And I’ll tell you, I’m heading out with Brother Jin to make my fortune, so I won’t be back anymore."

"Goodbye!"