PCJ – Chapter 181 The puppies have found their place

Speaking of the production team, those who have experienced it have their own feelings. Zhang Jiaohua did not experience that era, but having been immersed in the rural environment, he was not completely unaware of it. However, he could hardly say a few words on the topic. So, he simply didn’t pay attention to the conversation and went to take care of the few puppies.

Zhang Dechun’s purpose was very clear. He wanted to connect with Luo Yongming and his son to solve the issue of making his son Zhang Shunlin a permanent teacher as soon as possible. The difference between private and public teachers was significant. Private teachers earned much less than public ones and had no benefits like pensions or public medical care. Their wages were also significantly lower.

Although Zhang Dechun had been the village secretary of Meizi’ao for decades and knew many commune, township, and even town officials, none could genuinely help him. It wasn’t an equal relationship, and others had no obligation to help him. Good resources are naturally reserved for oneself. Although uncertain if Luo Yongming and Luo Changjun could help, Zhang Dechun decided to give it a try.

The topic shifted to Zhang Jiaohua’s puppies.

“This kid is very stubborn. He spent twenty yuan each to buy five puppies, claiming he wanted to train some mountain guard dogs. He didn’t even consult me. If I had gone to Chen Fangsong, it wouldn’t have cost a hundred yuan.” Zhang Manyin still felt a bit distressed about the money Zhang Jiaohua spent, even though it was earned by Zhang Jiaohua himself. He wasn’t greedy for the money but found it hard to make a hundred yuan in Meizi Village. Seeing his grandson spend money so lavishly, he felt heartache.

“Brother Zhang, on this matter, I support Jiaohua,” Luo Yongming immediately expressed his stance.

Luo Yongming’s attitude puzzled Zhang Manyin and the others. “Brother Luo, why is that?”

“I believe there might be some truth to Jiaohua’s idea of twenty-four mountain guard dogs. Jiaohua is different from other kids. Last Sunday, when Changjun sent you back, if it weren’t for Jiaohua, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you now. My house might have turned to ashes.” Luo Yongming recounted the events of that day.

“Brother Luo, what happened? Why do you say that?” Zhang Manyin asked in surprise.

Luo Yongming explained, “If it weren’t for Jiaohua’s talisman, I might have perished in the fire. I didn’t understand why I rushed in without hesitation that day. When I was about to suffocate, I suddenly felt a refreshing sensation, and the burning feeling vanished. Later, I realized it was the talisman’s power. And my house, without Jiaohua’s protection talisman, might have turned to ashes. So, although I don’t know if the twenty-four mountain guard dogs are real, I choose to support Jiaohua.”

At this moment, Zuan Shanbao returned with two fat wild chickens in its mouth, throwing them in front of the people, seemingly proving Luo Yongming’s words. The chickens were still twitching.

“Look, this is a mountain dog, completely different from ordinary dogs,” Luo Yongming said.

Zhang Dechun quickly added, “Manyin, quickly bleed these two chickens. They taste better that way.”

Zhang Manyin took the chickens to the kitchen, with Zhang Jiwang helping. Zhang Jiaohua also put the puppies aside and went into the kitchen. After all, he was the little master and knew where everything was.

During dinner, Luo Changjun said, “I might be able to help with the puppies. I have a friend in the police dog unit where they breed many dogs. These breeds might not qualify as police dogs, but I can see if I can get some for you.”

“That’s great! The twenty-four mountain guard dogs have their requirements. I’ll tell you my needs later,” Zhang Jiaohua was very happy, seeing hope for a solution to his difficult problem.

“How about this? I’ll contact my friend first. If it’s possible, I’ll take you to see them.” Luo Changjun didn’t understand dogs, so even if Zhang Jiaohua explained, it wouldn’t help.

“Sure, just take me with you when you go.” Zhang Jiaohua was overjoyed.

Previously, Zhang Manyin would have stopped this, but with Luo Yongming’s support, he kept quiet. Luo Yongming was right; Jiaohua wasn’t an ordinary child and might indeed train mountain guard dogs. Zuan Shanbao was a clear example. Everyone knew that Zhang Jiaohua’s family had meat daily, thanks to the mountain dogs bringing back prey from the mountains. Even Chen Fangsong couldn’t guarantee a successful hunt every time.

During dinner, Zhang Dechun and Zhang Jiwang were about to leave, but Zhang Jiaohua, though young, understood etiquette and insisted they stay. Zhang Dechun was the village secretary, and Zhang Jiwang was a carpenter, both eloquent. Zhang Manyin had invited them to liven up the atmosphere. He was an honest farmer, usually reticent, and couldn’t let the guests leave without eating.

Zhang Dechun wanted to talk more with Luo Yongming and his son. When asked about his children, he mentioned his only son was a private teacher at Meizi’ao Primary School, teaching for over a decade without becoming permanent.

Luo Yongming didn’t continue the topic, sensing Zhang Dechun’s request for help. But he felt it inappropriate to intervene now, retired as he was. Luo Changjun wasn’t in the education system, and helping would require seeking others’ assistance. He also didn’t know the relationship between Zhang Dechun and Zhang Jiaohua, so he remained silent.

Zhang Dechun, a capable man, knew that just a brief conversation wouldn’t make people help him, so he didn’t press on, avoiding awkwardness.

Zhang Jiwang, a skilled carpenter who often worked in people’s homes, had good eloquence. His eloquence ensured good meals, as payment was fixed, but food wasn’t. Typically, he and an apprentice required three dishes: one meat, one vegetable, and one soup. But the quality varied depending on the host’s generosity. If stingy, the dishes were scant, and he would cut corners in his work. A piece of furniture could be made well or poorly, depending on his mood. Thus, to get good food, he had to please the host.

The dishes were fresh, and the wine, brewed last New Year, tasted even better with age. They drank several catties of wine, with even Zhang Jiaohua drinking half a bowl. Kids drinking wine in Meizi’ao was common, with tales of kids getting drunk being legendary and a future bragging right. So, parents didn’t mind kids drinking.

“Jiaohua, your family’s wine is excellent. Better than bottled wine,” Zhang Dechun praised after his first sip.

“Indeed, it’s superb. None of the bitterness of rice wine. So fragrant and mellow,” Zhang Jiwang agreed.

Luo Yongming and Luo Changjun, having drunk it before, found it even more aromatic this time, thinking it a different batch.

“Jiaohua, did your family brew more wine? This tastes better than the New Year batch,” Luo Yongming asked.

“It’s the same batch,” Zhang Jiaohua was puzzled by the wine’s enhanced aroma.

“Strange,” Luo Yongming found it odd. If it was due to aging, his wine should taste the same, yet Jiaohua’s was much more fragrant despite casual storage.

“Too bad your parents aren’t here. With this wine, they’d do better than working away,” Luo Changjun didn’t understand why Jiaohua’s parents went to Guangdong to work.

To show his closeness with Zhang Jiaohua, after dinner, Zhang Dechun led Zhang Jiwang to select wood for making chairs for Jiaohua’s family. Zhang Jiwang decided to use his best skills to make some fine chairs to show city folks rural craftsmanship. Zhang Jiwang, a skilled carpenter following the Luban tradition, had excellent skills, unlike today’s impatient youth who struggled with traditional crafts. City furniture was now machine-made, and Zhang Jiwang wanted to showcase exquisite hand-made chairs in Jiaohua’s home.

Zhang Dechun even called his son Zhang Shunlin to help transport the wood to Jiaohua’s yard.

“We’ll leave the wood here. I’ll come daily to make the chairs, repaying the favor for the protection talisman,” Zhang Jiwang said, placing the materials.