sjar Chapter 345 Chen Xiangqian is also going to the barley field
Chapter 345 Chen Xiangqian is also going to the barley field
In the early 80s, the laws and regulations were not yet perfect, but after the household responsibility system was implemented, the original commune members in the town returned to the city to open brick and tile factories and fine processing plants, and undertook the renovation of houses in various villages.
The town's appearance quietly changed. Those who had once toiled away in the production team seemed to be awakened overnight by the spring breeze, embarking on their journeys home and flocking to the city. Among this wave, the busiest person was Song Lanhua's best friend, Qian Dingxiang, who had been in the production team.
Qian Dingxiang used to frequently visit the Li family, both to chat with Song Lanhua and to compare herself to her. She wanted to show off her superiority over Song Lanhua, and proving that she was doing better than Song Lanhua would satisfy her.
In the past, Qian Dingxiang did handicrafts in the production brigade, her fingertips weaving between colorful threads. In a month, she could steadily earn 27.5 yuan in the weaving group. Although this amount was not large, it was 8 yuan more than that of a temporary worker, which was enough for her to be proud of in the team.
However, with the disbandment of the hand-knitting group, the stability she once relied on for a living also vanished.
Qian Dingxiang followed her family to town. The family was closely connected and together they opened a small sewing shop. The shop wasn't big, and they took on odd jobs mending clothes, earning a decent living.
Policy changes and the tide of the times are rolling in, and everyone is struggling to swim in the torrent, using their own strength to adapt to this new era.
Li Ju'an knew that if he wanted to open a quarry in Qingkedi, he first had to contract the village and obtain a legal quarrying permit, and he couldn't violate land use restrictions. Otherwise, he would face serious legal consequences.
In his previous life, he engaged in illegal activities, skirting the edges of policy, and was imprisoned after being reported by his business partner. In this life, he's determined to arrange all kinds of permits and licenses meticulously. He can do less business, but he can't overlook any procedures.
These past few days, he found Chen Xiangqian, and the two sat together, whispering and plotting their secret.
At first, Chen Xiangqian frowned, full of confusion: "Hunting is so profitable. Generations of people in the mountains have made a living by hunting. There are plenty of wild animals in the forest. Why bother with this? The benefits of hunting are real and tangible."
Li Ju'an chuckled softly, patiently explaining to him in detail: "Chen Xiangqian, do you know how much profit is hidden in the quarrying industry after the policy was relaxed? Which of those state-owned factories and central enterprise giants in the south doesn't pay attention to feng shui layouts to maintain a glamorous appearance?" In grand hotels and parks, the beauty of the landscape is emphasized everywhere, and wind-eroded stones are an indispensable finishing touch. It's quite a coincidence that the barley field is a treasure trove of wind-eroded stones—it's practically a godsend.
Even so, Chen Xiangqian still had concerns and hesitated. Seeing this, Li Ju'an continued to patiently persuade him.
"Let's go, let's go and make a trip there in person, then we'll know for sure, and we can discuss things later."
He planned to bring Chen Xiangqian into the partnership, also because he valued Chen's family connections. Those permits and licenses would require ordinary people to spend money and pull strings to obtain them quickly. Chen Xiangqian was the son of a division commander; with him on the team, the quarry's future operations would be much easier.
Chen Xiangqian stared intently at the two eagles on Li Ju'an's arm, his eyes filled with longing and excitement. He casually said, "Let's go, let's go into the mountains. By the way, Li Pao, can you teach me how to hunt in the mountains? These eagles look really majestic."
Li Ju'an was secretly pleased to hear this.
Of course! The first time he saw Zhao Pao from Yingtun, Zhao Pao had a tall, imposing falcon perched on his shoulder, and he was filled with envy. Now, the tables have turned, and it's Chen Xiangqian's turn to envy him.
He raised his hand and lightly tapped Chen Xiangqian on the forehead, causing Chen Xiangqian to cry out in pain, clutching his head.
Li Ju'an laughed heartily, his voice tinged with mockery: "Hey, so imposing? You little brat, you complain about the pain after I just tapped you lightly. If those eagle beaks really left a mark on your forehead, your old man would skin me alive, leaving not even a skin or bone!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiangqian immediately became anxious and shouted, "No way! Falcons aren't that scary, Li Pao, don't try to fool us with these things!" After saying that, he clung to Li Ju'an, insisting that he take him into the mountains. He also harbored a thought in his heart, wanting to see how Li Ju'an would tame those proud falcons.
Li Ju'an already had a plan in mind. He intended to first take Chen Xiangqian to the barley field to investigate the situation. If they could successfully reach an agreement with the village committee, they would gain an advantage and make things much easier in the future. Furthermore, if other merchants wanted to come to the barley field to discuss business, he would be the village committee's first choice for contracting the land.
In October, the Xingan Mountains were already in autumn, and the temperature was cold.
The northwest wind blows through this area, making it colder day by day. In the Li family's self-built house, the electric fan is no longer in use. Lin Mei and her mother, Song Lanhua, climb up the wooden ladder together, wrap the fan blades with newspaper, and tie them with rubber bands to prevent dust from accumulating.
Li Ju'an always says, "Why bother with all that? I'll just climb up and wipe the dust off next year."
Mother Song Lanhua said, "That won't do. What if it gets dusty and gets damaged? Besides, let's not turn on so many next year. Electricity is so expensive."
In the past, no household in the village had an electric wire. Last year, Captain Yang arranged for electricity to be installed in the village, and those who could afford it were the first to get their wires connected. Families like the Lu and Sun families got their wires early on, but the Li family didn't at that time because electricity was expensive.
Electricity costs 2 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is not something every household can afford.
It was only last year, after Li Ju'an started making money from hunting, that the Li family built their own house and replaced kerosene lamps with electric light bulbs by running an electric wire.
In his and Lin Mei's room, there was only one light bulb installed by the bedside. Pulling the cord once would turn the bulb on, and pulling it again would dim it; it worked very well.
Otherwise, with the kerosene lamp being dim, Lin Mei might easily trip and fall in the house if she went to get up at night.
These past few days, Chen Xiangqian has been staying at Li Ju'an's house for a while, preparing to go into the barley field with Li Ju'an.
He imitated Li Ju'an, sitting on the edge of the bed, tying leg wraps to his calves, binding his waist with hemp rope and a lock, and hanging a dagger on his back, his eyes reddening as he stared at the gun behind Li Ju'an.
He rubbed his hands together, trying to ingratiate himself, and said, "Li Pao, how about giving me a gun to use too?"
Li Ju'an laughed at him: "Who was bragging to the ranch brigade last time that they could get their hands on Russian guns? I was waiting for you to bring me a Russian gun so I could see for myself. But look what happened, you ended up asking me for a gun."
Embarrassed by what was said, Chen Xiangqian rubbed the back of his head and laughed, saying, "Isn't it because my dad is strict? I'm really screwed. All the other brothers in the team are armed and have guns when they go out. But me? Not only do they not take my gun when I go out, but I'm also just a secretary when I joined the team. It's really frustrating."
Seeing his aggrieved expression, Li Ju'an couldn't help but laugh.
Being the son of a division commander isn't easy. Every father hopes his son will be safe and sound. Chen Xiangqian is young and not very mature. If he gets into a fight with someone and pulls out a gun, he'll be in big trouble.
He put on a stern face and said seriously, "I don't have a gun, but I do have a willow branch stick."
Chen Xiangqian shouted in frustration, "You only gave me a stick? It's better to have nothing at all."
"You don't want it? I don't want to give it to you either. Go into the mountains empty-handed."
"No, no, good brother, you really are my brother, my godfather! You are my godfather! Please give me the stick."