The winter in Liaocheng can almost replicate the romantic scenes of northern scenery in the textbooks of my childhood.
Thousands of miles of ice covered the city, thousands of miles of snow drifted across the city, and the beautiful women were dressed in red and plain.
When the three of them landed in their hometown, the number of people picked up at the station was almost the same as in previous years. The temperature still broke through zero early, and there were bursts of white air between breaths.
"Your parents are all here."
Far away, Gu Yun saw his parents and Zhong Leyi's parents near the airport pick-up gate. The four elders were standing together and chatting happily.
Since Gu Youwei was officially promoted, he really has a lot more say in this three-acre land in Liaocheng.
After being an official for just half a year, Gu Youwei looked a bit more mellow, with his waist straight, he raised his hand and waved to the group of three people.
Gu Yun and Zhong Leyi walked out of the airport slowly, the sun shining on them.
In the eyes of the four elders, it was as if the porcelain doll they had cared for since childhood had a home, and the joy of that moment was enough to melt the ice and snow.
Who would see this golden boy and girl and not say that they are a perfect match for each other?
"Xingbang, let's have a drink together when we have time. I'm going back with our two children first!"
After Gu Yun said hello to Zhong Leyi's parents, whom he had not seen for a long time, Gu Youwei drove the A8 parked not far away and called his two children to get in the car.
Driving on the wide road, Gu Youwei was humming a tune with a relaxed expression.
"Is the company getting bigger and bigger?"
If you are not in your position, you will not pursue your political goals.
When he became the leader of the prefecture-level municipal development and reform commission, he was in charge of investment promotion. Not only had he heard about the companies owned by his children, but he also went out of his way to check a lot of information.
You won’t know if you don’t check, but you’ll be shocked if you check.
It was less than two years since he went to college. Compared to the surprise he gave him last time when he returned home, Gu Yun was changing every day. His men were doing more and more things, and they even started filming movies.
Even Gu Youwei's always steady and low-key mentality gradually changed a little.
His son's assets allow him to invest RMB 100 million to expand into other industries at will.
It doesn't matter whether you're making a movie, having fun, or just messing around.
What's wrong with me opening an a8?
After sitting in this position for a long time, I have more social activities with my colleagues.
Some cadres with vicious eyes got into his car and could immediately discover the mystery.
In the past, when Gu Youwei faced these temptations, he would either pretend to be dumbfounded or change the subject.
Now he admits it openly and openly.
"Yes, yes, my son bought it."
"Hi, he has a calm personality and knows how to keep a low profile."
With Gu Yun's current wealth, it is almost certain that if he invests some money in his hometown, he will reach a higher level in a while.
When the strength reaches a certain level, it seems to lose the meaning of being low-key.
Gu Yun was startled, then nodded and replied: "It's okay. I went to Beijing to hold an Internet meeting some time ago. I was probably the least conspicuous at that meeting, and I wasn't very good."
After all, you are a reborn person. If you make a little money, you will feel that your family is great. This kind of mentality is too much.
"As long as you have enough money to spend, do more of the things you want to do while you are young."
Gu Youwei was not like some fathers who liked to preach. After briefly communicating with Gu Yun, the car fell into silence again.
For such an outstanding son, all his parents can do is support him and do their best to support what he wants to do.
He sent Gu Ying back on the way, and Gu Yun's family of three returned home.
Huo Yan washed the dishes with one hand and turned on the range hood with the other hand to prevent the fumes from the kitchen from spilling into the living room and disturbing the chatting father and son. The sound of rushing water filled the warm little home, full of tenderness.
Fireworks.
"The city's economy has begun to decline a bit."
"It is becoming increasingly difficult to attract investment. I used to think that the National Development and Reform Commission was not difficult, but now that I have started working, I find that the work is really difficult."
In the living room, Gu Youwei and Gu Yun were sitting on the sofa, chatting in front of the TV.
Facing his son who has a successful career, Gu Youwei has long put down his father's airs, and he is happy to share with his son even the difficulties he encounters at work.
This year, Liaocheng, a small northern city, like most northern cities, began to show a trend of population outflow for the first time.
The former eldest son of the Republic showed a sense of powerlessness and decline in comparison with the dazzling urban economic growth in the south.
"The industrial structure of Liaocheng is relatively simple, with a high proportion of traditional industries. Emerging industries will not choose to take root here. The population is moving south, and it is normal for the economic growth rate to fail to keep up."
Gu Yun recalled the history of his previous life, and like his father, he sighed.
"What annoys me the most is that every time we take a team out to attract investment, some people say that Shanhaiguan cannot be invested. The behavior of some people has ruined the reputation of the entire region!"
The economic weakness caused by external reasons was secondary. The impact of word-of-mouth on investment promotion made Gu Youwei feel uncomfortable from the bottom of his heart.
How can you overturn a boatload of people with one pole?
"It's time to eat!"
The conversation between father and son about the business environment continued. Huo Yan served the hot meal with a smile, and the family reception banquet officially started.
Gu Yun had an extra bowl of fried egg noodles in front of him.
There is a saying in the north, "When you get on the bus, the dumplings get off the noodles."
The use of noodles here has a profound meaning.
In folklore, it symbolizes "longness" and "constancy".
If used in weddings, births, birthday banquets and other ceremonies, it symbolizes long descendants, wealth and longevity; in hospitality ceremonies, it symbolizes frequent visits and eternal family ties; in welcome and return ceremonies, it symbolizes
Celebrating victory and return, hoping to never be separated again.
From the moment Gu Yun went to college and left his hometown to study as an adult, Huo Yan would prepare a bowl of his favorite fried noodles for him alone for the first meal every time he came home.
People have joys and sorrows when they get together, and this has never been the case since ancient times.
Traveling far away is a common thing. Traditionally, people use common foods such as dumplings and noodles to express their deep love for each other.
Food is used as a medium to express love, and it maintains the tenderness between relatives across thousands of rivers and mountains.
"In recent times, Lao Zhong's family has been visiting our family a lot more."
At the dinner table, there was something in Huo Yan's words that seemed to be hinting at something.
"Yes, it's not because of your precious son's affection for Zhong Leyi in front of his parents."
Gu Youwei smiled and took a sip of beer.
The family is happy, and the son has a good career and love. He doesn't even know what big prize he won in his previous life.
"It's time to invite Le Yi to have dinner with us in a few days. As elders, we have to take the initiative to express our gratitude."
Huo Yan gestured to Gu Yun with her eyes.
The families that give birth to boys are completely different from those of girls. They want their children to learn to love as soon as they go to college, and their parents support them.
"Mom, what do you want to express?"
"You've been to other people's homes for dinner, do you understand how courtesy should be reciprocated?"
"...There should be a few other things that need to be said, so be mentally prepared when the time comes."
Gu Yun, who had been taught to stick to the end since childhood, suddenly felt guilty.
