Chapter 0009: Wild Turtles Sold at High Prices

"Mr. Tian, with Section Chief Liu present, I dare not take you lightly." Although Li Dong was not skilled in socializing, he was not foolish; this Section Chief Liu was undoubtedly the host today.

Liu Ke, let us have a meal first

Liu Mingdong truly understands the field. "Look at this fish, its body is slender and elongated, with a slightly flattened belly. If it were farmed, the belly meat would be significantly larger, and its color is deeper compared to farmed fish. It is indeed rare; we hardly see such a large wild fathead in our area."

A few people were talking as they walked away, chatting softly as they went. "What do you think, why is this person not being a good teacher and instead running a farm here? Doesn't he think about whether it can really succeed? What were we all doing before this?"

Thinking of Xiao Juan, Li Dong feels somewhat distressed, as this young child has experienced too many unfortunate events.

Han Weiguo is a well-known chef in the surrounding villages. In the mid-1980s, he apprenticed under a master who specialized in large-scale cooking. He has been a chef for several decades, and whenever there are celebrations or significant events in the nearby villages, he is the first person that comes to mind.

Is it really wild

Brother, I know, rest assured, this time you have helped me, and I will introduce more clients to you later

Alas, you all do not know that Teacher Li's wife has found someone and has divorced him

Not right, young fresh meat. Li Dong is holding a fathead fish in one hand and two turtles in a wooden bucket in the other, fortunately, they haven't escaped. This wild turtle weighs over one pound, at least 200 per pound. "Good stuff, I will stew it and send it to my daughter later."

Indeed, it is no wonder that even the teacher has quit; perhaps it is out of fear of losing face

Thinking that he could casually catch several, Li Dong thought that catching eight or ten wild turtles in a week would be sufficient. Li Dong was quite excited, while Han Weijun, who was nearby, just heard the commotion and remarked, "Ah, these things were everywhere forty years ago, if not, you could still catch a few in a net, but now they are nowhere to be seen."

Tian Liang cupped his hands in front of Li Dong and drove away. Li Dong felt quite excited inside; he had sold a little over one kilogram of soft-shelled turtle for six hundred each, and others were grateful to him. Li Dong realized that not everything in 1978 was bad; there were wild fish and shrimp, as well as turtles.

Yes, you are busy

This fish can be prepared in four or five different ways, and the fish head alone can be used to make two dishes: fish head stewed with tofu and rice, and another dish of fish head with chopped chili. Additionally, there is braised fish fillet, and with the fish pieces, one can also make fish balls

Director Liu, let's go for a meal

Shall we have a drink at noon

Li Dong was unaware of others gossiping about him. He cleared some weeds in the vegetable garden and picked some vegetables for use tomorrow. This afternoon, he managed to increase by five points, and the current time is seventy-five.

Is Teacher Li busy

The dishes are ready, with several small red clay stoves simmering with bubbling fish head and tofu, exuding a rich aroma, complemented by preserved meats, and a roasted chicken, along with about ten other dishes made from garden vegetables

Han Weiguo has prepared the meal, and Li Feng is calling people to eat while riding a tricycle

200

Speaking of which, Li Dong took out the water tank, specifically for raising fish. Otherwise, such large fish would not survive a night in this hot weather, and it would smell.

Oh, not small at all

August 21, 1978

Is that so? Then I must have a good taste of it

Here, Tian Liang was already familiar with the surroundings, smiling as he greeted a few friends. "Boss Li, where are the good things you mentioned? Our Section Chief Liu is a true gourmet; you wouldn't want to make me lose face, would you"

Such a large wild fathead is quite rare, alright, I will go over first thing tomorrow morning

70 : 25 : 51

A few people laughed as they went to wash their hands, with Tian Liang accompanying Liu Mingdong. While washing his hands, Liu Mingdong glanced at the water tank and exclaimed, "There are still soft-shelled turtles."

Outsiders believe that this child is sensible, but Li Dong can only smile wryly; this girl has too strong a personality. What will happen in the future if she takes after her mother

General Tian

Could Boss Li take a look at it?

Mr. Tian, there is no need to speak in such a manner; everything I have here is genuine and of real value

Tian Liang turned his eyes and called Liu Mingdong to have a meal, but halfway through, he pulled Li Dong aside. "I say, little brother, with such good things, why didn't you mention it earlier? Here’s the deal, you must save these two for me, no matter what. Money is not an issue."

Tian Liang looked surprised; although he often dined at the farm, he had indeed encountered wild soft-shelled turtles only a few times, most of them being farmed.

Waiting for Tian Liang and his group to finish their meal, Li Dong had already packed the soft-shelled turtle and handed it to Tian Liang, who then placed it in Liu Mingdong's car. Liu Mingdong declined a few times before finally accepting it

Li Dong hung up the phone and tidied up a bit, glancing at the screen. "Oh, still seventy left?"

Li Dong immediately came over upon hearing about the soft-shelled turtle. "Mr. Tian, these two wild soft-shelled turtles took me quite some effort to obtain. They just arrived, and I originally planned to take them back to the city this weekend for my child, who is studying hard every day, to have a nourishing supplement."

I can really go back, Li Dong thought for a moment. That means if I sunbathe for another 30 hours, I can return to 1978. Of course, Li Dong was somewhat hesitant about whether to go back, as working is indeed quite exhausting

Han Weijun and Han Weiguo are of the same generation; they should have been in their twenties in 1978, haha. When I see them again, should I call them younger brothers, or ... ...

Li Dongxin said that he wanted to bring some food and supplies for Xiao Juan. While taking a shower, Li Dong was still thinking about this matter. "By the way, I need to call Han Weiguo to come over and cook tomorrow"

Is it Tian Bo again

Currently, Li Dong has a bronze complexion, which is unavoidable due to sun exposure. He hasn't looked in the mirror these past few days; otherwise, he would surely be startled. He appears at least ten years younger. If it weren't for his tanned skin, he would definitely look like a delicate young man.

Li Dong hung up the phone and dealt with the fat man who had attacked him. It's quite strange, in just a few days, Li Dong's strength had completely changed. It goes to show that hard work truly builds a person.

Indeed, not to mention anything else, there are at least eight or ten reservoirs like ours in the entire Lishan Street. Furthermore, there are no fewer than twenty or thirty fishing farms of various sizes around the urban area. A few years ago, they could still make a profit, but now breaking even is already quite good

It smells so good

On the road, I encountered a few villagers returning from the city, and they greeted me from a distance

In the morning, Li Dong went to the vegetable garden to pull weeds, in addition to basking in the sun. From time to time, he would also go to the reservoir to deliver water. There are not many fish and shrimp in the reservoir, but catching three to five in the morning is quite enjoyable.

What a good thing

Around 8 o'clock in the morning the next day, Tian Liang came over with friends, three cars, six or seven people

Mr. Tian, you are elevating me too highly; I am merely someone who enjoys good food

Li Dong's daughter, Li Jingyi, was named by her mother. She is now eleven years old and in the fifth grade. It is said that this girl is closer to her mother, as she has been living with her since the divorce. On weekends, she usually gives Li Dong a call, while Li Dong often calls or goes to the city to see the child.

Certainly, certainly

At least go back once

Liu Mingdong smiled and said, "Look at these two soft-shelled turtles. Their backs are smooth, and the edges are thick. Farmed soft-shelled turtles have rough backs and thin edges. Also, the color of the claws of these turtles is yellow, while the farmed ones are white"

Just let it go if you're driving

Li Dong certainly noticed that Tian Liang was preparing to give something to Liu Mingdong. It seems that this individual holds a significant position; even if he is not from the supervisory company, he must have some authority over Tian Liang. "Alright, sigh, it's just that this matter is too difficult to handle"

Are you here to visit your parents after tidying up the vegetable garden

Usually, Li Dong is an employee, and in the past few days, he has almost gotten used to the work; he feels that the physical labor is not that difficult.

First, bask in the sun, and just right, finish the work over there in the vegetable garden

"Brother, please help me." Saying this, he took out 2,000 yuan and handed it to Li Dong. The cost of this meal is at most 700 to 800 yuan, while the two turtles cost over 1,000 yuan.

It is not too bad; being a teacher is quite good. There are five insurances and one housing fund. Moreover, during festivals, students give gifts that are more than enough to eat. By the end of the year, not only is the salary all saved, but there is also additional income. I have heard that in a good year, it can be two to three hundred thousand.

Tian Liang clasped his hands, while Li Dongyi gritted his teeth. "General Tian, since you have said this, what more can I say? I will ask my friend if there are any left. It is truly not easy to procure such large wild soft-shelled turtles these days"

This Section Chief Liu is not very old, around the same age as Li Dong, in his thirties, not yet forty. Tian Liang and several friends hold this person in high regard, suggesting that he is either a leader from the supervision company or a leader from the urban area

In the past two years, people have become less willing to go through the trouble of handling affairs, often opting to go to hotels instead. Moreover, Han Weiguo is slightly older now, and his children at home do not want him to be so exhausted anymore. However, after working a lifetime, it is not easy to just stop. After spending some time in the city with his children, he felt uncomfortable and restless; suddenly having nothing to do is certainly not pleasant.

I really don't understand why this person chose to run into this remote mountain area

Alright, let's stew this fish. The fish will be stewed in spring water, and we will have fish head rice porridge for lunch. Director Liu, don't be fooled by the small size of this place; the cooking skills are quite impressive.

Indeed, Uncle Weiguo, come over early tomorrow. I caught a fathead weighing over 10 pounds in the reservoir, as decided by General Tian

Liu Mingdong gazed at the fathead brought over in the water tank. Although Tian Liang and a few friends often went fishing, to put it bluntly, it was merely about socializing and having meals together; they did not truly understand the nuances of wild fishing.

Even the chickens, ducks, and geese are raised on insects, which must taste quite good, along with free-range eggs and various organic vegetables. The more I think about it, the more I realize that all of this is money. These two turtles, Li Dong, have hardly used any capital at all.

It has been three to five days without a banquet, which is quite good; the old gentleman can indulge in his passion for hosting without getting tired. This has been agreed upon. It must be said that Han Weiguo's skills are truly impressive; General Tian, who has visited a few times, really enjoys this style and often brings friends over every now and then

Han Weiguo is not concerned about this small amount of money; he mainly agreed out of restlessness. His children were initially reluctant, thinking that earning fifty yuan was exhausting, but the old man was happy to do it. Moreover, he had also inquired about Li Dong's farm business.

"I have gained knowledge. Usually, I just listen to these bosses talk about wild and non-wild, but I really can't tell the difference. I don't know how many times I've been deceived," Tian Liang said with a smile, while Li Dong quickly waved his hand.

Upon returning home, Li Dong changed into a new set of clothes and neatly folded the patched outfit, placing it in the cabinet. "I wonder if Xiao Juan would cry if she found out that I had left"

This is not quite ... ...

Li Dongxin said, it is not possible to see now, but forty years ago it was great, hahaha, it was wonderful, basking in the sun, one must bask in the sun well, and go back to catch turtles

Li Dong took out the soft-shelled turtle, and Liu Mingdong pointed at its belly. "Look, the belly of a wild one is dark, while a farmed one would be pale or reddish, very tender. Boss Li, next time you have such good wild soft-shelled turtles, please save two for me, as my mother is not in good health"

I will tidy up

Indeed, that is the case, a bookworm, has become foolish from reading too much.

Of course, no problem

Uncle Weiguo, there will be guests tomorrow at noon, please come over early

A few people arranged to go fishing at the reservoir, and Li Dong sent water over. The kitchen was entrusted to Han Weijun. It had been several years since Han Weiguo had cooked such a large wild fathead fish. After clarifying how many people there were, Han Weiguo began to get busy.

Upon seeing this, Tian Liang remarked, "Isn't that so? Boss Li, why hasn't the soft-shelled turtle been cooked? I said, Boss Li, since we have a soft-shelled turtle, why hasn't one been stewed?"

There is no way around it; this girl has a personality like her mother, very strong-willed. She has enrolled in various tutoring and interest classes, spending most of her weekends in supplementary lessons. Even Li Dong, a high school teacher, finds it hard to bear, yet this girl seems to enjoy it endlessly

Brother, thank you this time. I will get you two bottles of good wine later.

Wild Soft-Shelled Turtle

This is just a return to the countryside. Li Dong is setting up a farm here and initially intended to hire a full-time chef. However, due to the low number of guests at the farm, hiring a chef would be too costly. Therefore, he made arrangements with Han Weijun, who comes over to help whenever there are guests, earning fifty each time.

Liu Mingdong was taken aback, thinking it might be a joke, and was somewhat skeptical. "Boss Li, such a large wild soft-shelled turtle is quite rare to see," Liu Mingdong observed carefully, feeling somewhat surprised.

Not very good