Chapter 121 Phoenix Brand Bicycle, the Whole Village is Watching

Chapter 121 Phoenix Brand Bicycle, the Whole Village is Watching

Pine Mountain High School.

A boys' dormitory.

Winter vacation had finally arrived. Deng Yunheng whistled cheerfully as he packed his luggage, clearly in high spirits.

Zhu Chenglong, who was also packing his belongings nearby, said with admiration, "Brother Heng, you're amazing. You ranked first in the grade for the final exams. It looks like you'll definitely get into university next year during the college entrance exams."

Deng Yunheng shook his head and smiled. "I wouldn't be so sure. You know how low the university admission rate is."

Zhu Chenglong chuckled. "Brother Heng, don't be so modest. You're the top student in the grade. Even with the low admission rate, it won't be a problem for you. Of course, if your goal is Tsinghua University or Peking University, then just ignore what I said."

At the mention of Tsinghua and Peking University, a spark of ambition flashed in Deng Yunheng's eyes.

From elementary school to high school, he hadn't really put much effort into his studies. It wasn't until a few months ago, motivated by his father's financial incentives, that he began to study seriously. To his surprise, he discovered he had a natural talent for academics, which was why he became the top student at Pine Mountain High School in less than a semester.

When it comes to studying, if you work hard but don't see immediate results, it's easy to lose motivation over time.

But Deng Yunheng's progress was rapid and noticeable, which naturally fueled his interest in learning. Even without his father's financial incentives, he was determined to maintain his current level of dedication.

In the past, Deng Yunheng had never dared to dream of attending top universities like Tsinghua or Peking University. However, after seeing how quickly he had improved this semester, he began to nurture a glimmer of hope.

Of course, it was still too early to say for sure. While his grades had firmly secured him the top spot at Pine Mountain High School, there was still a significant gap between him and the standards required for prestigious universities like Tsinghua and Peking. Whether he could close that gap depended on whether he could maintain his current rate of improvement in the next semester.

After chatting with his classmates for a few more minutes, Deng Yunheng finished packing his luggage.

"I'm heading home now!"

"Brother Heng, your home is so far away. Why don't you have lunch before leaving?"

"I'm tired of eating in the school cafeteria. I'm going out for a bowl of noodles. Want to join me?"

"No, thanks. My house is close. I'll eat when I get home."

"Alright, I'm off then. See you next semester!"

"Okay, see you next semester!"

…

"Dad, why are you here?"

As Deng Yunheng walked out of the school gates with his luggage, he was surprised to see his father waiting for him.

Deng Shirong smiled. "I knew you had the day off today, so I came to pick you up. Have you eaten yet?"

"Not yet. I was planning to grab a bowl of noodles. Dad, have you eaten?"

"I haven't either. Put your luggage in the back seat and tie it down, then we'll go eat some noodles."

"If the luggage is tied to the back seat, where will I sit?"

"After we eat, we'll go to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy a bicycle. Having just one bicycle at home isn't enough. Besides, your sister-in-law will be bringing your brother back to your parents' home on the second day of the New Year. It'll be too hard for two people to ride one bicycle over such a long distance. It'll be much easier if each of us has our own bicycle."

Deng Yunheng wasn't surprised when his father mentioned buying another bicycle.

After all, he was well aware of the family's current financial situation.

His eldest brother, a master tile maker, earned over 200 yuan a month, which was already impressive. On top of that, his father was one of the owners of a tile factory, earning several hundred yuan a month. Buying an extra bicycle was no big deal for their family.

With the hemp ropes his father had brought, they quickly tied down Deng Yunheng's luggage.

Next, the father and son found a noodle stall and each had a bowl of boiled noodles for 20 cents.

Then, they went to the supply and marketing cooperative and spent 170 yuan on a Phoenix brand bicycle, which was as famous as the Forever brand.

On the way back, Deng Yunheng asked curiously, "Dad, where did you get the Phoenix brand bicycle ticket?"

"I did a big favor for the credit union director the other day, and he gave it to me in exchange for some money. By the way, have your final exam results come out? How did you do?"

"I did okay. I came first in the grade."

"That's good. Keep working hard and try to get into a good university next year."

"Got it!"

…

Deng Shirong and his son didn't think much of the newly purchased Phoenix bicycle, but when they rode it back to Thatchfield Village, it was as if someone had driven a sleek Ferrari into the village. The bicycle immediately attracted the attention of the entire village.

Every component of the Phoenix brand bicycle was meticulously designed and carefully selected. From the frame to the tires, from the brakes to the transmission, every detail showcased the craftsmanship and quality that the Phoenix brand was known for.

Its elegant appearance, smooth lines, and unique charm made it irresistible at first sight.

In this era, owning a Phoenix bicycle was the dream and goal of countless people.

It wasn't just a means of transportation—it was a symbol of status.

The villagers gathered around for over half an hour, examining every component of the Phoenix bicycle before finally leaving with a sense of longing.

After the villagers had dispersed, Deng Shirong smiled and said to his eldest daughter-in-law, "Ah Ping, you should practice riding for half an hour every day to improve your skills. On the second day of the New Year, you and Yuntai can each ride a bicycle back to your parents' home."

Zhang Xiuping's eyes lit up at the thought of that "cool" scene. She nodded eagerly and said, "I understand, Dad. I'll definitely practice and get better."

Deng Shirong nodded, then turned to Deng Yunzhu, Deng Yunsong, and the other four children. "Your second brother ranked first in his grade for the final exams. What about the rest of you? How did you do? Did anyone score an average of 90 or above?"

Hearing a guilty expression, Deng Yunzhu quickly lowered her head.

Deng Shirong was already aware of his youngest daughter's grades and didn't have high expectations for her. He turned his attention to his third son instead.

Meeting his father's gaze, Deng Yunsong, a freshman in junior high school, shook his head sheepishly and said, "Dad, my grades are still a bit short."

Deng Shirong, who had always been more lenient with his third son due to his past academic performance, encouraged him, "Keep working hard and try to improve next semester."

Deng Yunsong nodded seriously. "I will, Dad. I'll definitely work harder."

Deng Shirong then looked at his fourth son and asked, "Xiaohua, how are your grades?"

Deng Yunhua smiled awkwardly and replied, much like his third brother, "Dad, my grades are still a bit behind."

However, Deng Shirong, who had never seen his fourth son excel academically in his previous life, wasn't fooled. He pressed further, "What's your average score?"

Under his father's intense gaze, Deng Yunhua didn't dare to lie. With a red face, he admitted, "78."

Deng Shirong didn't scold him. Compared to his previous life, this was an improvement. He encouraged him, "Not bad. Keep working hard."

Deng Yunhua nodded in surprise. "I will, Dad. I'll definitely work harder."

When his father's eyes fell on him, Deng Yunheng smiled proudly and said, "Dad, my average score is 92.5."

"Not bad at all!"

Deng Shirong pulled out seven yuan from his pocket and handed it to him, smiling. "This is your reward. Keep up the good work next semester."

Under the envious gazes of his second sister, third brother, and fourth brother, Deng Yunheng took the money excitedly and said, "I will, Dad!"

(End of this chapter)