Chapter 5, Moving

Most Chinese people in the United States primarily use WeChat, and many also engage with the domestic version of Douyin, while TikTok is used less frequently

Li Qiao listened and laughed, saying: "Brother, well done, keeping up with the trend"

The road from the cement road to Zhangchi Ranch is not as good; saying it is not good is an understatement. It is simply a dirt road, clearly recently opened, with the yellow mud on the road appearing somewhat fresh

Zhang Chi smiled, as he understood what Li Qiao meant by trends. Nowadays, many Chinese people coming to the United States are purchasing ranches or farms, wanting to experience the life of a farmer.

After traveling for twenty minutes, they began to enter the mountainous area

As we approached the entrance of the ranch, several deer were crossing the road. Not only did they not know to yield to the vehicle, but each one also stretched its neck, curiously gazing at the car, as if they were the true owners of this place

Zhang Youliang said: "Then let's take a day off tomorrow to help Dachi move."

My uncle said to give me the unused RV from his house, and I can stay there first, then find someone to build it later, said Zhang Chi

Walking on such a road, the vehicle begins to sway from side to side, resembling a child riding a rocking car

"No, I still want to treat you to a meal. After all, it's time for you to eat, isn't it?" Zhang Chi felt that since the other person had helped him save several thousand yuan, it would be somewhat unreasonable not to invite them to a meal.

"Is it a one-time payment or an installment plan?" Li Qiao asked

With a little attention, one can see one or two squirrels squatting on the branches, curiously gazing at the two cars passing by on the road

Zhang Chi pressed the horn, and the few deer blocking the road leisurely stepped aside. However, they did not wander far, but instead stood by the roadside, watching the vehicle until it disappeared from sight, after which they crossed back onto the dirt road.

Zhang Wu then said: "Is that red pickup truck outside the door the car you bought?"

After finishing dinner, Zhang Chi hitched the small trailer from his uncle's backyard to the pickup truck and returned to the apartment to start packing up his belongings

"Mother, I really need your support right now," Zhang Wuyi immediately said with a shameless grin.

Currently, the restaurant run by Zhang Youliang serves American-style Chinese cuisine, such as General Tso's Chicken, which predominantly features a sweet and sour flavor that aligns well with American tastes. Of course, fortune cookies are a staple in Chinese restaurants, and when Zhang Chi arrived, he was unaware that such a thing existed in Chinese eateries

"Where do I fit in with any trends? In my place, there isn't even a house to this day; all that remains is a fence, and the rest is just an egg," Zhang Chi said with a smile.

Regarding Zhang Chi's current budget, there is no need to mention any new models or cars from the past three to four years. In the end, Zhang Chi purchased an older model of the General Motors GMC, which has sufficient power with its 5-liter six-cylinder engine, more than adequate for his needs

The place where Zhang Chi bought the ranch is a small town called Amber. The town is not large, with a single road running through it. There are only about ten households in the entire town, along with a gas station, a small bar, and a small restaurant. Aside from that, there is not much in terms of commerce.

"To be honest, I have bought a small ranch now, and I can't use a sedan; otherwise, I wouldn't have changed my car," said Zhang Chi

If you are going to buy, then buy a better one, this car looks good. Aunt said, "Child, you shouldn't always think about saving money. If you are not financially well-off, your uncle and I can still support you."

At this moment, Uncle also said: "Don't be too hard on yourself regarding money; we have plenty here, lending you eighty or ninety thousand is not a problem at all"

Brother Li, it is almost time now. Let me treat you to a meal. I hope you don't mind this matter, " Zhang Chi said.

Zhang Youliang said: "This matter is settled, tomorrow I will just happen to visit your ranch and also get acquainted with the surroundings"

At the end of the road, there is the entrance to Zhangchi Ranch

Li Qiao said: "What are you being polite about? When we are abroad, we should look out for each other. By the way, what did you buy this car for? If you want to save on fuel, a sedan is better; these things are all gas guzzlers, and the current fuel prices are not cheap"

Zhang Youliang did not want to deal with his troublesome second son and asked Zhang Chi, "When do you plan to move?"

Upon arriving at the restaurant, it was the peak busy time. Without hesitation, Zhang Chi began to assist as a helper, taking orders and serving dishes.

"Those with little money have their own ways of building, and those with plenty of money have their own places to spend. Who among those working hard outside does not understand the hardships involved?" Li Qiao said

Li Qiao listened and said, "Then come with me, I will help you choose a good one"

"Listen to what Da Chizi has to say; you are several years older than him, yet you still do not know right from wrong." Upon hearing this, Aunt immediately began to scold her son again, feeling frustrated that he was not living up to expectations

Thus, Zhang Chi drove the pickup truck towing the caravan in front, while Zhang Youliang and his family of three sat in the pickup truck following behind

"That's fine, but Brother Li, I must say this upfront: the amount of money I can come up with is really not much. Aside from the house, including the cattle shed and other things, I can only afford a little over 10,000 yuan. Do you think that would be a burden for your friend?" Zhang Chi said.

Zhang Chi laughed and said, "Thank you, Uncle and Aunt, but what I am doing is starting a business. If I were to invest a hundred or eighty thousand, would that still be called starting a business? It's fine to endure some hardship in the beginning."

Zhang Chi reported his budget briefly

As for whether fellow villagers would deceive each other without discussion, Zhang Chi is not worried, because there is a contract when purchasing a car. If the odometer has been tampered with or anything has been altered, then Zhang Chi would be quite pleased, as this is not merely a matter of exchanging for a new car; it could mean reclaiming half a ranch.

Zhang Chi immediately followed Li Qiao to the nearby second-hand car dealer

Having lived here for so many years, Zhang Chi is quite knowledgeable about construction. If you want to build a house here, you must not hire a team of white Americans. If you do, you will soon realize how rough their work is.

Although the road is not good, the scenery on both sides is absolutely stunning

Zhang Chi's ranch is not located next to the town, but rather further into the mountains along a path that leads from the center of the town. The initial stretch of the road is acceptable; although narrow, it is still a concrete road.

Things are different now. In the past, many people who came to the United States started with jobs like washing dishes, but in recent years, those who have come to the U.S. seem to be arriving with bulging pockets, buying extravagantly. Whether it's purchasing real estate or luxury cars and watches, the sight has left many Americans exclaiming: "Chinese people are so wealthy!"

However, over the years, the situation has changed somewhat. With the strengthening of the domestic economy, the term "China" has increasingly been heard in the mouths of Americans, and they have gradually begun to develop a curiosity about authentic Chinese cuisine

Before I could finish speaking, I was struck by my mother.

"There will definitely be no problem," Zhang Chi readily agreed.

There were very few people, and after driving for nearly an hour on this road, I encountered only four or five vehicles.

Upon taking this road, the speed of the vehicle inevitably decreased, dropping immediately from the original thirty to forty kilometers per hour to below twenty kilometers per hour

"There is really no need!" Zhang Chi said

"If it is appropriate, then pay it all at once," Zhang Chi said

Then please help me ask, "Zhang Chi said.

Zhang Youliang said: "That won't do, other matters can be set aside, but we must go tomorrow when you officially move. Don't worry, making money isn't just about one or two days."

Isn't it said that having acquaintances makes things easier? The year and mileage are quite similar, and the price of the car that Li Qiao recommended to Zhang Chi is indeed quite reasonable

Currently, car prices are rising, and the parts manufacturers have suffered from flooding. By the way, I also deal in used cars. What is your budget? I can help you find some options.

By the way, did you come here today to buy a car?" Li Qiao asked Zhang Chi.

Zhang Chi nodded and said: "I originally intended to buy it, but the price is a bit beyond my acceptance. The price of the pickup truck has increased by nearly 20% compared to six months ago"

Upon arriving at the door, it was only then that I realized that my uncle and aunt, along with my cousin, were already waiting. As soon as Zhang Chi arrived, they immediately came out to greet him

After a busy period until nearly 2 o'clock, they finally had some leisure time, and the four of them gathered around the table to eat.

Having worked in this profession for many years, Zhang Chi now faces no difficulties in his work. In fact, some of the regular customers, upon seeing Zhang Chi, even made a point to give him a little extra tip

"You should go away; if you can be as steady as Da Chi, I will help you"

Li Qiao listened and said, "Then where do you live?"

"No, no, uncle, my few belongings are not worth such a fuss; they can be packed into a few cardboard boxes and taken away in no time," Zhang Chi immediately said

With that, the two chatted for a while before parting ways. Li Qiao returned to work, while Zhang Chi drove his newly replaced car towards his uncle's restaurant.

Auntie leaned her head out to take a glance at the pickup truck parked outside, and just by looking at it, she could tell that the vehicle was somewhat old, as its design was reminiscent of an earlier era

"I plan to move over there tomorrow. The apartment will be returned once I go back, and staying an extra day will just cost me another day's rent," said Zhang Chi

Li Qiao said: "Sure, the place where he lives is not far, just over an hour's drive from here. I will ask him for you later. By the way, let's add each other on WeChat."

Originally, it seemed that there wasn't much to look at, but upon tidying up, I discovered that there was indeed quite a lot, filling a small trailer to the brim

Li Qiao said: "I really don't have time. How about this, once your ranch is ready, I will take my whole family to visit."

Therefore, Zhang Youliang's restaurant has introduced some steamed buns, which are quite popular among customers

To be honest, if these people were to come to the country, they wouldn't even be able to eat hot food in time.

Li Qiao escorted Zhang Chi to the parking lot

Upon hearing what his uncle said, Zhang Chi had nothing more to say and could only nod in agreement

Even the lowest rent requires money; now Zhang Chi wishes he could split a single cent into two to spend.

Oh dear

"It's about the same, but the condition of the car is quite good," said Zhang Chi

Clean the room, as it was the last night of stay. The next morning, I returned the keys to the apartment manager and then drove to my uncle's restaurant.

Li Qiao said, "Is there a suitable construction team? If not, I can recommend one to you. It is also run by our fellow Chinese, and their craftsmanship is truly commendable. Moreover, their prices are low, even cheaper than the Mexican construction teams. The main thing is that they do excellent work; the house we live in was built by this friend of mine"

Zhang Chi handed over his small modern car to Li Qiao, and after settling the price difference, he took the car away

Zhang Wu shot a glare at Zhang Chi: "You are the only one who knows how to show off!"

Jian Zhang nodded, and Zhang Wu said: "This is too shabby; this car isn't even an old model, it must be at least seven or eight years old, right?"

On both sides of the road stand towering trees, each large enough for two people to embrace, and all are evergreen species, such as pines and cypresses, which do not shed their leaves throughout the four seasons