Reborn in 1977

Chapter 548: Donation

April 12th, the sixth day of the third month of the Wu Wu year in the lunar calendar, Wednesday.

In the courtyard of the Lujiawan Brigade Headquarters, Takashige Hideo held his speech, sincerely baring his heart and soul. He even teared up, occasionally taking off his glasses to wipe them with a handkerchief.

Zhang Wenliang stood in the crowd, his mouth wide open, just about to yawn, when Chen Fan used his One-Finger Zen to poke his Jingmen acupoint, forcefully suppressing the yawn.

He turned his head and glanced, trying hard to keep his eyelids open, and muttered, "How much longer?"

Chen Fan moved his lips slightly, squeezing out a few words from between his teeth, "Think about 5,000 US dollars."

Zhang Wenliang pondered for two seconds, "I've thought about it, but I still can't cheer up."

This 5,000 US dollars wasn't for him, but the money Takashige Hideo was going to donate to build the Lujiawan Elementary School. What was there to be excited about?

If it had been a year ago, he would definitely have been so excited that he couldn't sleep for days.

But now Lujiawan was rich, and yesterday Secretary Yang was still suggesting whether they should raise some money to repair the village roads after the autumn harvest, to respond to the higher authorities' call to build a new countryside.

This mere 5,000 US dollars, converted into RMB, was less than 9,000 yuan. How many miles of road could it repair?

Of course, the intention was good. Using this money for the elementary school could indeed add two more classrooms. After that, they could also buy some musical instruments and sports equipment. This way, they wouldn't have to bother freeing up classrooms even if they had "senior elementary" students in the future, and they could use it directly.

So, wasn't that why the production team was treating this with great importance, holding a donation ceremony for him?

Although this ceremony was very simple, the specifications were not low.

Not only did people from the commune come, but even the county was alerted... It was said that Secretary Qian slammed the table in the office, shouting to catch the "traitor" who leaked the information, to see who dared to give the foreign exchange of the Nanhug Commune to the county!

When Chen Teacher's royalty foreign exchange would arrive was still unknown... It was said that this kind of international remittance was fast if it took ten days to half a month, and it wouldn't be surprising even if it took a month.

At present, our country's financial system was still in the state of being "blocked" by European and American countries.

Although with the establishment of diplomatic relations with many Western European countries, relevant bank settlement agreements were also signed with them, breaking this blockade in a practical sense.

However, the backwardness of settlement methods still affected the efficiency of international remittances.

The most "convenient" international remittance method at present was to first remit the money to the Bank of China in Hong Kong, which had no restrictions on foreign exchange. The Bank of China would transmit the arrival information to Guangzhou within one day, or even the same evening if it was fast.

Once the account information arrived in Guangzhou, there was no need to wait for the funds. Guangzhou could directly issue a remittance slip to notify the recipient.

This process was equivalent to domestic remittance.

Then wait for Hong Kong to slowly go through the process to credit the account.

In fact, it was just bookkeeping. At that time, a large amount of foreign exchange was stored in the Bank of China. When paying foreign exchange, funds were also allocated from Hong Kong, saving the internal and external accounting procedures.

Currently, our country's largest source of foreign exchange income: "Overseas Remittances," basically followed this process.

Therefore, at this time, with overseas remittance income, overseas Chinese generally remitted money, and domestic relatives could receive the money in about a week, which was considered very fast.

However, Chen Fan's "service trade income" was a bit uncertain.

God knows when the bank and the foreign exchange bureau would implement those items of information.

However, the traveler's checks that Takashige Hideo carried with him were different, they were almost equivalent to "cash" that could be cashed at any time, and he could "unseal" this foreign exchange with the checks.

In addition, this was an unregistered traveler's check directly given by Takashige Hideo. He could take it to the bank of the prefectural committee to withdraw cash, so Commune Secretary Qian naturally didn't want to be given a share by the county.

Traveler's checks were also divided into registered and unregistered. Registered checks required the person to sign in person before they could be cashed, and unregistered checks could be used directly as large-denomination cash, mainly for specific transactions or gifts.

Takashige Hideo considered that if he found his relatives, they might not be willing to go back with him, so he prepared two unregistered checks, ready to leave them for his nephew's family to use.

Now that his nephew had agreed to go back with him, even if he only said to go back and take a look, he was very happy. He didn't need this check, so he planned to donate one to the village to build a school, as a thank you for the care the people of Lujiawan had given to his nephew's family over the years.

He also planned to entrust a check to the production team, asking them to help his nephew exchange it for a new house.

So, after receiving this check, it could be cashed directly.

Secretary Qian was precisely eyeing this point, so he was particularly unwilling for the county to run over and intervene.

Unfortunately, officials at a higher level could crush people to death, and besides, if he wanted to apply to use foreign exchange, he had to get approval from the county.

So, it was clearly meat in his bowl, but he had to give a piece to the county.

Thinking of this, Secretary Qian couldn't help but tear up.

Takashige Hideo looked up and saw that even the leaders were infected by his emotions, and he couldn't help but feel gratified.

Who said that feuds couldn't be resolved? Look, aren't emotions all interconnected?!

With excited thoughts, he wanted to say another paragraph, but at this time the speech had already been read, and it was not appropriate to say anything else, so he could only regretfully leave it for next time.

Then he turned around and handed over the check.

Secretary Yang, as the representative of the recipient, took the check with a swoosh, his eyes narrowed into a slit with a smile, "Thank you, thank you, we guarantee that we will build the school well and won't let your money be wasted."

Although Lujiawan was not short of money, it could earn tens of thousands of yuan a day, much more than this check.

But why not take the money for nothing?

Like some who look down on it, it was obvious that they were not used to a hard life, and they didn't even understand careful calculations. If this character was not changed, this kind of person must not be allowed to manage money in the future!

He was about to hand the check to the brigade accountant, Li, but was stopped by the leader from the county.

This leader, who was at the same level as Chen Fan, didn't put on airs.

He didn't dare to put on airs either. First of all, there was Chen Fan, who could reach the ears of the heavens. Especially after hearing that he had just returned from a meeting in the capital, various gossip about him was flying around. Whatever the case, it was best to treat him with respect.

As for Xiao Liewen, until today, no one in the county except Minister Cao of the Armed Forces Department understood his origins. Anyway, his temper was quite stubborn, so they could only coax him.

And there was also a cadre from the provincial propaganda department... Everyone who came out of this department knew what kind of people they were.

Facing these few, could he still put on airs?

So, he explained to Secretary Yang in a friendly manner, "We need publicity, let's take a photo?!"

Secretary Yang glanced at him, feeling suspicious in his heart.

What publicity? Apology and compensation in a small notebook?

This wasn't compensation either.

However, after all, he was a leader from the county. Although he wasn't afraid of him, there was no need to offend him, so he nodded, "Okay, let's take it."

So, a group of people gathered together, but the messy positions were unbearable to look at.

Secretary Yang and the others asked Secretary Qian to stand in the middle. Although Secretary Qian cursed secretly in his heart, he politely asked this county leader to stand in the C position. The county leader said that Officer Zhao should come, but Zhao Junhui thought, how dare I, a deputy section chief, take the lead? So, he went to pull Chen Fan.

Chen Fan jumped away with a swoosh, "Haven't you ever taken this kind of group photo for activities? Of course, the protagonist should stand in the middle."

Then he ran to the front to direct, "Takashige-kun, stand here and don't move. Secretary Yang, you stand next to him, where's the check? Come, the two of you hold it together.

Okay, that's it. The county leader and Secretary Qian stand next to Secretary Yang. Section Chief Zhao, you stand over there, Team Leader Zhang, Team Leader Xiao, Team Leader Ye, Platoon Leader Zhang, Sister Xingxiu, Principal Xiao, stand in the second row behind, stagger your positions a bit, stand in the middle of the two people, that's right, so you don't block your faces."

After they stood still, he ran around from left to right, "Um, it's okay now, where's the reporter comrade? Oh, in the back, sorry I didn't see you, you can take the picture now."

The reporter from the county news agency was full of excitement. So, you could arrange the positions like this? He exclaimed in his heart that he had learned something, learned something!

Then he raised his camera, click...

...

After the donation ceremony, Takashige Hideo was finally ready to leave.

The Lao Gao family also packed their luggage with trepidation.

Takahashi Hideo kept saying from the side, "Don't bring too many things, just a few changes of clothes for the journey will do. When we get to Japan, I'll buy you new ones."

Old Gao was a little conflicted, mainly because he didn't want to owe his uncle too much. But Chen Fan said from the side, "Aren't you coming back anyway? It's tiring to bring so much back and forth, just bring a few things."

Hearing this, Old Gao finally stopped hesitating, then took out his cotton-padded coat and only brought his only two patch-free shirts.

Although he received a lot of dividends last year, he was still cautious. Apart from making two new outfits for his son and a new cotton-padded coat for his wife, he saved the rest of the money.

After packing his luggage, he was again worried about how much money to bring.

He wanted to bring back some souvenirs when he returned, but he didn't know if things were expensive over there.

Zhao Junhui couldn't help but laugh when he saw him holding a handful of change, "The country has regulations that don't allow the export of RMB cash. Each person can only bring a maximum of 5 yuan."

5 yuan?

Old Gao was immediately dumbfounded, "What can you do with 5 yuan? It costs more than 10 yuan for a trip to the provincial capital."

From the commune to the county only costs 5 mao (0.5 yuan), and then from the county to the provincial capital, the boat ticket alone is 10 yuan and 5 mao, so the fare is a total of 11 yuan. Saying it costs more than 10 yuan is not wrong.

Chen Fan was also full of curiosity on the side, only allowed to bring 5 yuan out of the country, what can you do with it?

Use it as a commemorative coin?

In fact, this was a regulation introduced in 1957, and it was not adjusted until 1987, but it was only adjusted to 200 yuan. It was then raised to 6,000 yuan in 1993, and finally to 20,000 yuan in 2005.

But this is only for cash, and who would bring cash when going abroad?

Zhao Junhui patiently explained, "5 yuan is just the cash limit. Since you have overseas connections, you can apply to purchase traveler's checks."

He naturally didn't want foreign exchange to flow out, so he deliberately glanced at Takahashi Hideo, "However, the procedure for purchasing traveler's checks is relatively complicated and takes a long time…"

Before he could finish his sentence, Takahashi Hideo shook his head repeatedly, "No, no, I will be responsible for their expenses."

Then he took out a handful of US dollar bills… There were no foreign exchange certificates issued yet, so foreigners could directly bring foreign currency into the country, but there were also limits.

Takahashi Hideo stuffed the banknotes into his eldest nephew's hand and said kindly, "I know you must be very nervous about going on a long trip for the first time. There's a Chinese saying, 'Travel light when poor, travel heavy when rich.' Keep this money safe for emergencies."

Old Gao instinctively turned to look at Chen Fan, and only smiled stiffly when he saw Teacher Chen nodding slightly, "Thank you."

Then he accepted the money.

After packing their luggage, Old Gao's family slowly walked towards the newly rented car under everyone's gaze.

Takahashi Hideo stayed by their side all the time, feeling both happy and uneasy.

Before people get in the car, or rather, before they get on the plane, there's a possibility of them changing their minds. He was really scared.

Then his heart skipped a beat when he saw his great-nephew breaking away from his mother's hand and running towards Mr. Chen.

Gao Jianguo ran to Chen Fan, with a hint of panic in his eyes. His lips moved, wanting to say something, but he didn't know what to say.

Chen Fan squatted down, held his arms with both hands, patted him gently, and smiled, "You are a man, you must be brave, and you must use your brains and use your wisdom. Teacher believes in you, you will definitely become a great hero who can stand tall."

Gao Jianguo took a deep breath, nodded vigorously with a serious face, "Yes, Teacher, I will definitely complete the mission!"

Then he took a deep look at him, turned around and ran over, and got directly into the car.

Takahashi Hideo breathed a long sigh of relief, raised his hand and touched his heart, then stood at attention with both hands and bowed ninety degrees to Chen Fan.

Chen Fan waved his hand, signaling him not to be too polite.

It's a good thing he only bowed once, if he bowed three times, he should be on the table.

After Takahashi Hideo got up, he bowed again to Secretary Yang and the others, took out a check and offered it, "This money is to ask you to help build a new house for Gao Yang, please."

After listening to the translation, Secretary Yang looked at the check, oh, another 5,000 US dollars.

He was not polite, but he did not hide anything. He said directly, "Building a house here doesn't cost that much, you have too much money. Besides, although Xiao Gao said he wants to come back, what if he doesn't come back? Wouldn't building a house be a waste?"

Takahashi Hideo said solemnly, "That's right, I sincerely hope that he can stay in his hometown, but I also have to prepare for his return, just hoping that their lives can be better.

So the house must be built, and it must be built according to the best standards in your area. If the money is not enough, you can send me a telegram and I will make it up. If there is any surplus, donate it all to the elementary school."

After hearing this, even if Secretary Yang had opinions about Japan in his heart, his impression of this Japanese man changed somewhat.

He immediately nodded, "Okay, I'll take care of this."

Takahashi Hideo bowed again before turning around and getting into the car.

Zhao Junhui and others also shook hands with Secretary Yang, them, and Chen Fan respectively. With the sound of car doors closing, the three cars finally slowly left.

Watching the three cars drive away, Secretary Yang couldn't help but feel a little lost.

He picked up the check and looked at it, then turned to look at the onlookers in the distance, raised his hand and waved, "They're all gone, what are you still watching for? Disperse, disperse."

Then he put the check into his briefcase, pushed his bicycle, and prepared to leave.

But those villagers did not disperse.

Someone shouted from a distance, "Secretary, will Old Gao come back?"

Secretary Yang stopped, looked back, and after a moment of silence, he said loudly, "Didn't you see they didn't bring their thick clothes? If they say they'll come back, they'll definitely come back."

Hearing this, the atmosphere that was a little heavy just now immediately relaxed.

"Oh, I knew Old Gao would come back."

"You didn't need to say it, he told me the day before yesterday that he was coming back."

"Then you just said that Old Gao wouldn't come back after he left."

"Who? Who said that? Anyway, I didn't say it."

"Hey, when Old Gao comes back, ask him what the situation is like in Japan."

"What else could it be? It's a fiery pit, the newspapers and radio all say so."

"But looking at Old Gao's uncle, it doesn't seem like it."

"His uncle is a capitalist, it's definitely different. The fiery pit is for the common people, all those countries are the same."

"That makes sense, that makes sense!"

Chen Fan also rode his horse back, Zhang Wenliang pedaled his bicycle beside him, and asked curiously, "Hey, hey, just now Xiao Gao said to complete the mission, what mission?"

"Are you a dog's ear? You can hear it from several meters away."

Chen Fan glanced at him, "Since it's said to be a mission, it definitely can't be said casually."

"Bullshit."

Zhang Wenliang curled his lips, "I think you're just deceiving children. Xiao Gao originally didn't want to go, but after you deceived him with a few words, he obediently followed."

Chen Fan sighed, "What can I do? If Old Gao doesn't agree, I won't meddle in this business. It's good to let them go and see, some things will always be a regret if you don't do them."

"That's true."

Zhang Wenliang nodded slowly, and after two seconds, he asked curiously again, "I'm just curious, how did you convince Xiao Gao?"

Chen Fan, "Oh, it's very simple, I said this to him…"

Zhang Wenliang, "Wow, you can even think of this kind of method, what are you thinking in your head?"

Chen Fan, "You'll know if you read more books. Hey, I said it's a secret mission, don't tell anyone."

"I know, I'm not stupid."

Zhang Wenliang glanced at him and smiled, "Then why did you tell me?"

Chen Fan, "You kept asking. Besides, this is also a double insurance. In case I'm not here one day, you can still contact him."

Zhang Wenliang scoffed, "Hey, you take a joke seriously."