Chapter 68: The First Discussion of the Journey to Shenzhen

Gui A County.

"Yes, that's right. I'm planning to make a trip to Shenzhen. On one hand, I need to procure some equipment, and on the other, I just want to get out and see the world for a bit. Keep an eye on the Huakun Supermarket situation for me, and if anything comes up, remember to call me right away."

Lu Kun had bought a pager with Chinese character display, and was currently giving the number to Shitou.

Pagers had appeared in China as early as the late 1980s. From the beginning of this year, paging stations sprang up everywhere like mushrooms after rain. But the service fees for paging stations were outrageous at this time. Just the network access fee alone was 100 yuan; the service fee for numeric pagers was 180 yuan per year, and for character pagers, it was a staggering 600 yuan per year.

What did 600 yuan mean? In 1990, most workers in prefecture-level and county-level cities didn't even earn that much in a whole year.

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on things for you," Shitou laughed over the phone, "By the way, do you need to take a few brothers with you when you go out?"

Lu Kun pondered for a moment and immediately understood what Shitou meant. The world outside was chaotic these days, and traveling far alone wasn't exactly safe. Better to be cautious than regretful. Taking a few brothers along would make things much safer.

"How about this—if you don't need the Cheng twins, Cheng Yuan and Cheng Hao, for now, lend them to me for a while, and let them go to Shenzhen with me," Lu Kun said after thinking it over.

Cheng Yuan and Cheng Hao were the baby-faced twin brothers whose combined efforts were unbeatable.

"Sure. They're not busy with anything important lately. I'll let them know in a bit, and when you're ready to leave, just give them a heads-up," Shitou replied cheerfully, feeling much more at ease knowing the twins would be accompanying Lu Kun on his trip to Shenzhen.

...

A few days later.

"Kun, Kun, I heard you're going to Shenzhen to make your fortune?" Liu Shixun ran upstairs, panting as he spoke.

"Sit down, you're blocking my sunlight," Lu Kun shook out his newspaper and spoke irritably.

Liu Shixun: "..."

Blocking the sunlight? What was that about?

He looked down and realized it was true! His shadow, stretched long by the sunlight, was cast right over Lu Kun, like a blanket.

"Where did you get this news? Did Shitou tell you?" Lu Kun was puzzled. Since when had Shitou and Liu Shixun become so close? It made no sense.

"Shitou? Oh, no, I heard it from Er Ya," Liu Shixun replied, looking both silly and innocent.

Lu Kun: "..."

So it was true. Secrets should never be told to a second person. Lu Kun had only mentioned his plans to Mrs. Liu and his two daughters, and he remembered warning them not to spread it around. Yet, Er Ya had already forgotten the promise and let the secret drift away. And then, Liu Shixun, who had been told to keep it confidential, immediately betrayed her.

"You bought toys for Er Ya again, didn't you?" Lu Kun eyed him sideways, his tone certain.

"No, no toys," Liu Shixun waved his hands, "Just a little teddy bear."

Lu Kun: "..."

Who was this bravado for? Did he think Lu Kun was being polite with him? He could not fathom the workings of Liu Shixun's mind!

"If you've got something to say, say it. Otherwise, don't disturb me while I'm reading the paper. Learning brings me joy!" Lu Kun spoke calmly, raised his teacup, indicating it was time for Liu Shixun to leave.

"Kun, you don't need to be so formal. We're old friends; whatever you want to drink, I'll pour it myself. Besides, I don't like tea—I usually drink..."

"Get out!"

Lu Kun was furious. Did he care what Liu Shixun drank? Shouldn't he have some sense of propriety?

...

"Kun, why don't you take me with you to Shenzhen?" Liu Shixun was massaging Lu Kun's legs like a loyal dog, speaking in a flattering tone.

"Get away! Where are you massaging, anyway?!" Lu Kun pushed his hand aside, his face darkening.

Liu Shixun paused, looked down, and realized his little fist was about to land right in Lu Kun's groin.

Awkward.

"Uh, uh," Liu Shixun coughed to cover his embarrassment, "Kun, I just zoned out."

Liu Shixun was as thick-skinned as a city wall. Even after being chased off by Lu Kun, he soon returned, somehow procuring a massager for elders, grinning as he offered to massage Lu Kun's back.

Lu Kun was wary of this fellow now—he dared not let him anywhere near. "I'll take the gift, but you should head home," Lu Kun rolled his eyes, refusing flatly. Who knew what would happen if Liu Shixun zoned out again and accidentally whacked him on the back of his head!

Liu Shixun: "..."

"Come on, Kun, take me with you! I've never left Fengyang in my life!" Liu Shixun was half regretful, half annoyed.

"Besides, it's Shenzhen! I heard it's paved with gold—anyone can strike it rich!" Liu Shixun bit his lip eagerly.

"You're imagining things. The wealthy will always be few. There are plenty of rich people in Shenzhen, but plenty of poor people too," Lu Kun replied coolly.

"That's not true. I heard it's easy to get rich there—even just picking up bottles can earn you a decent sum in a year," Liu Shixun said, looking disdainfully at Lu Kun, sprawled on the rocking chair like a lazy cat.

Lu Kun: "..."

"So, you're planning to go to Shenzhen to pick up bottles?"

Lu Kun's gaze was full of compassionate concern for the mentally challenged.

Liu Shixun: "..."

What just happened? How did this turn into picking up bottles in Shenzhen?

...

"You should focus on pleasing your old man—he's your real backer," Lu Kun said helplessly.

"Pleasing him is pointless. He's just a strict, old country official," Liu Shixun scoffed, unimpressed.

"Heh..."

Oh, child, you have no idea about your father's methods. Do you think the Liu Skinflint you see is his real self? How naive!

"Anyway, I'm his only son. In the end, everything he has will be mine," Liu Shixun's face practically spelled out "See how clever I am," as he spoke with pride.

"Public officials are only allowed one child, that's true. But, kid, aren't you afraid you'll push your dad too far, and he'll shed his skin and have another one?" Lu Kun warned kindly.

"That... that can't be, that's impossible..." Liu Shixun, dumb as he was, wasn't completely clueless. While he insisted it was impossible, his mind was already muttering, "Looks like I need to cozy up to Old Liu—if he has another kid, I'm done for."

"Kun, just take me with you! I just want to see the world. I promise I won't cause you any trouble," Liu Shixun pledged earnestly.

Lu Kun didn't believe a single word, and brushed him off: "Get your old man's permission first, then we'll talk."

PS: Thanks to reader OLDBDDY for the reward.