Chapter 81: I’ve Been Waiting
Parking spaces aren't like houses; there's not much to choose from.
Li Dong picked two parking spaces, and after paying, his bank account was nearly a million yuan lighter.
He felt a sting at the expense, but he didn't regret it.
After all, he earned money to enjoy life. If he still lived frugally despite having money, it would be better not to earn it in the first place.
Moreover, all six of his stores were now profitable. The business was doing well at the end of the year, and sometimes, he earned even more in a single day.
With the house and parking spaces sorted, the only thing left was a car.
However, Li Dong wasn't planning to buy one for now. It wasn't a matter of not having money; he just didn't have a driver's license yet.
Li Dong wasn't planning to get a license in Pingchuan. Instead, he'd spend a little money to get one directly in Dongping.
He had driven in his previous life and naturally had a license. Learning to drive again would just be a waste of time.
Getting a driver's license in Pingchuan was a bit troublesome, but in the small county town of Dongping, things were easier if you had money. A little cash could get him a license before the New Year.
...
On the 27th, Li Dong took a bus back to Dongping.
After dinner that night, Li Dong noticed that Li Chengyuan was hesitating and clearly had something to say. He smiled and said, "Dad, if you have something to say, just say it. You're making me anxious."
Li Chengyuan glared at him and, clearing his throat, said, "Well, Dongzi, I discussed it with your mother…"
Seeing his father hesitate again, Li Dong sighed, "Could you just say it all at once? When did you start being so secretive?"
"Um, well…"
Li Dong was exasperated and directly turned to Cao Fang, asking, "Mom, you explain."
Cao Fang gave Li Chengyuan a glare and then coughed before saying, "Well, your dad wants to go back to the market and continue his stall business."
"Why?"
Li Dong found this hard to accept and said, "Isn't running a convenience store good? Or is it not profitable?"
"The convenience store is fine and it makes money," Li Chengyuan said, seeing Cao Fang had opened up. "Your mother is okay with it, but I'm a man who's been working at the market for over a decade. I miss chatting with others there. Sitting in a convenience store all day is just too boring for me."
Li Chengyuan finished speaking, looking visibly relieved.
At first, he enjoyed running the convenience store, as it was more profitable than selling fish.
But after a while, the monotonous routine and lack of company for idle chatter became unbearable for him.
Li Dong was silent.
Perhaps he had been too self-centered; his father was clearly a person who couldn't stay idle.
The reason he hadn't mentioned it earlier was probably to avoid worrying him.
After thinking for a moment, Li Dong said, "Dad, I don't oppose you going back to the market, but given your age, dealing with fish all the time could lead to health problems."
"Who says it isn't? You'd rather not do an easy job and want to go back to selling fish. If you ask me, it's just being overly greedy!" Cao Fang interjected.
Li Chengyuan shot her a look, appearing a bit disheartened.
Seeing this, Li Dong sighed and added, "Dad, if you want to go back to the market, you'll need to hire someone. Let someone else handle the fish killing and stocking. Only then will I agree."
Since his father didn't want to stay at the convenience store, Li Dong couldn't force him and had to find a compromise.
As soon as Li Dong finished speaking, Li Chengyuan eagerly agreed, "Okay, I agree!"
"Agree to what? I see you just want to go back and brag with old friends. The market is dirty all day long. I'm not going back!"
"I'm not asking you to go back. You can continue counting your money!"
"Counting money is fine; I'm happy to do it!"
"..."
Listening to his parents bickering, Li Dong smiled faintly.
It seemed he had been too presumptuous earlier; his father now looked noticeably more spirited than before.
...
On the 22nd of the lunar month, Qin Yuhan returned from Beijing.
Although Yang Yun and her husband decided to go to Pingchuan, Qin Hai's resignation wasn't settled yet. They discussed with Sun Tao whether they could go to Pingchuan after the New Year.
After consulting with Li Dong, Sun Tao agreed, as the logistics company could still operate normally.
So, this year, Qin Yuhan stayed in Dongping for the New Year. Starting next year, she would probably spend the New Year in Pingchuan.
Li Dong was very pleased to see Qin Yuhan again.
In the following days, Li Dong put aside all his work and spent almost every moment with Qin Yuhan.
Their footprints were all over Dongping's streets and alleys.
It wasn't until the 27th, when Qin Yuhan went with Yang Yun and her family to the countryside for the New Year, that Li Dong returned to his usual routine.
On New Year's Eve morning, Li Dong got up early and joined his parents in the preparations.
Cleaning, putting up couplets, setting off firecrackers…
After the New Year's Eve dinner, his parents each gave him a big red envelope.
Li Dong opened them and was surprised to find each envelope contained one thousand yuan. His parents had become quite generous.
After the meal, his parents started watching the Spring Festival Gala, while Li Dong began making and receiving phone calls.
Most of the calls were from employees at distant stores. Several store managers and some mid-level leaders called to wish him a Happy New Year, while other employees sent text messages.
Li Dong also made calls to Qin Yuhan, high school classmates Wang Jie and Chen Yue, university roommates, and tutor Fang Qingfei…
He even sent New Year greetings to Bai Su and Cheng Nan, but there was one person he didn't call or even text.
Li Dong hesitated with his phone for a long time. Just as the countdown began on the TV, he finally sent a brief message.
"Happy New Year."
Ten seconds later, a text message arrived.
Li Dong looked at it and read, "I've been waiting, and in the end, I'm still here."
Li Dong was silent.