I Got Rich in Period Fiction

Chapter 27: Chapter 27: The Land Can No Longer Be Leased to You Chapter 27: Chapter 27: The Land Can No Longer Be Leased to You Although Sister-in-law Li didn’t understand what “working together” meant at first, her eyes widened after Qiao Qingyu explained it.

Was this about going into business together?

Going into business wasn’t a new term, but for Sister-in-law Li, it might as well have been a tale from the Arabian Nights.

At the beginning of the 1980s, for the individual economy, it was a new starting point. However, in people’s minds, engaging in self-employment wasn’t considered a proper job; an iron rice bowl was what everyone aspired to have.

Especially now, when iron rice bowls could be passed down from one generation to the next — although this would only last a few years before everything came crashing down.

But these things couldn’t be explained to Sister-in-law Li; she wouldn’t believe it even if they were.

Qiao Qingyu had anticipated that Sister-in-law Li would find it difficult to accept this concept before she arrived.

But convincing her was actually very simple.

So, Sister-in-law Li was easily persuaded.

Although she felt somewhat uneasy, the temptation was indeed great.

Her husband was the smartest in the family; thus, they wholeheartedly supported his education.

Even the youngest sister went to work in the fields.

As a natural consequence, he now had prospects, was earning a wage, and certainly had to repay his family; so, she was very short of money. Despite her careful budgeting and frugality, she truly didn’t have a single yuan in savings.

If they could really make money, wouldn’t their lives improve immediately?

Thus, the two of them quickly made plans.

The profits would be split evenly between the two families; Sister-in-law Li naturally disagreed because the fabric and tailoring were all Qiao Qingyu’s contribution — she only had a sewing machine, and even the thread was provided by Qiao Qingyu.

This was to her advantage.

Moreover, her son Xiao Hu had recently enjoyed quite a few good things thanks to Qiao Qingyu.

This time, Sister-in-law Li resolutely disagreed.

Qiao Qingyu didn’t insist either. Making handbags wasn’t just a one-shot deal, but it was simple, easy to learn, and easy to replicate. If there really was a market for it, many people would swarm in.

She was testing the waters, unsure of the outcome.

But Sister-in-law Li wouldn’t agree to just a ten percent share; that would be bullying. In the end, they settled on forty percent.

After dinner, Sister-in-law Li and Qiao Qingyu sat on the kang, sorting fabrics. Qiao Qingyu had considered hiring a few skilled family members to help out, but eventually decided against it.

Because it was not only troublesome but also impractical.

This time, Sister-in-law Li finally saw the several large boxes placed beside the west side of the kang, which were filled with more than half soil and unexpectedly sprouted green vegetables. She stared in amazement for a long time and had to admit that Qiao Qingyu had really changed from before.

She now felt that this Qiao Qingyu truly exemplified a down-to-earth wife getting on with everyday life.

The old Qiao Qingyu always seemed to live by the philosophy that as long as today was satisfying, there was no need to worry about tomorrow.

Furthermore, the old Qiao Qingyu was indeed selfish and sometimes harsh in nature.

She had even advised her a few times, but all Qiao Qingyu ever gave her in response was rolling eyes or sharp words, so she could not be bothered to engage with her anymore.

So, the current Qiao Qingyu was much better.

The next morning, the golden sunrise pierced through the clouds, dazzling rays enveloping the land, heralding the start of a new day.

Qiao Qingyu had just finished breakfast when she heard a jeep approaching from afar.

Opening the gate, she was surprised to see Sun Dazhi; it turned out Sun Dazhi had brought back all the glass bottles.

Qiao Qingyu, of course, wouldn’t be negligent, even though no deposit had been left, she still had to check them.

Director Xie was very meticulous in his work, and every bottle was intact.

Sun Dazhi’s first task was completed, and he breathed a sigh of relief. After all, these glass bottles were too delicate; he drove very carefully the whole way, but he still had a second task.

“Director Xie has asked me to take you to the base. He said you should bring the contract.”

Qiao Qingyu’s movements paused for a moment. Asking her to bring the contract, there must be some change of events…

It seemed Sun Dazhi didn’t know about it, placing all the glass bottles into wooden crates, Qiao Qingyu took the contract and got into the jeep.

They quickly arrived at the base.

Unexpectedly, Director Xie was waiting at the entrance. Seeing his expression, Qiao Qingyu felt a sinking feeling in her chest; there must be a problem with the land contract.

When Director Xie saw Qiao Qingyu, an embarrassed expression flashed across his face, but he still mustered the courage to say in a low voice, “Comrade Qiao Qingyu, have you brought the contract?”

Qiao Qingyu looked at Director Xie with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, then opened her rainbow satchel and took out her contract. “Director Xie, I have brought the contract. Can we now measure the land and determine my contracting boundaries?”

Director Xie felt a layer of cold sweat forming on his forehead. He had never before in his life done something so duplicitous.

“Comrade Qiao Qingyu, let’s go to the old leader’s office first. There’s a matter we need to talk about.”

Qiao Qingyu didn’t press further and followed Director Xie towards the office building with ease.

Old Wei’s face also didn’t look good, but he still managed to squeeze out a smile when he saw Qiao Qingyu come in. “Comrade Qingyu has arrived. Please, have a seat and rest.”

He then exchanged a glance with Director Xie, so Director Xie began to speak awkwardly, “Comrade Qiao Qingyu, there has been a complication with the contracting agreement.”

“What kind of complication?”

“That is, we can no longer contract the wasteland to you.”

Qiao Qingyu blinked and asked in confusion, “Why have you changed your mind in just one day?”

She then laughed, “I have already familiarized myself with the relevant policies beforehand, and our operations haven’t violated any rules…”

Old Wei said in a grave voice, “Indeed, there were no rule violations, but it was our lack of consideration. I apologize to you here.”

“The situation is such that Tenghai Research Headquarters has also learned about your contracting a thousand acres of wasteland. The leadership does not agree. First, the land is barren, and no matter how much money is invested, it will end in loss. Second, you are after all Chief Engineer He’s family member. He is the chief engineer here, the person in charge of the experimental base, so it’s not appropriate for you to take the lead in contracting the wasteland. This is not your fault, but a problem on our part…”

Qiao Qingyu’s expression darkened, thoughts swiftly whirling in her head. After a moment, her expression softened, and she even spoke with a hint of guilt, “I also have responsibility in this matter. If I had known that the old leader and you, Director Xie, couldn’t make the decision, I should have waited more patiently.”

The faces of the two men reddened, feeling a bit of embarrassment and annoyance because for the wasteland outside the safety area of the base, it was indeed within their authority to decide.

Of course, their annoyance was not directed at Qiao Qingyu, but at the person who had called Mr. Qi at the headquarters.

As for who it was, they had already figured it out after the phone call yesterday afternoon.

It was no one other than Su Yunyao!

But they could not reveal the truth as that would only exacerbate the conflict, wouldn’t it?

Old Wei coughed, “Don’t blame yourself.” Then, as if eager to resolve the matter quickly, he took out one thousand yuan and placed it on the table, “Your contracting fee is returned in full. I’m really sorry about this.”