Chapter 290: Spending a Million, Acquiring 30 Acres [Seeking Subscriptions]

Chapter 290: Spending a Million, Acquiring 30 Acres [Seeking Subscriptions]



A few days later, Dennis Shih returned from the capital to Nanning.

Now that he had decided to buy land and build in Nanning, Dennis Shih didn’t rush back home. Instead, he planned to thoroughly explore the city and find a piece of land that would become prime real estate in the future.

One place he couldn’t ignore was Sunrise Square (formerly known as Chaoyang Square).

Although Dennis Shih wasn’t from Nanning, anyone who had visited the city knew the name of Sunrise Square.

In the modern era, if you searched for Sunrise on a smartphone map, you would find a square that covers less than one square kilometer. However, what Nanning residents referred to as Sunrise Square was a much larger area centered around Sunrise Road, bounded by Ethnic Avenue, People's Road, China Road, and Friendly Road. This area was the heart of Nanning.

Even as other areas like Hangyang and Wuxiang rapidly developed, the belief that "Sunrise is the city center" remained deeply ingrained in the minds of Nanning residents.

The predecessor of Sunrise Square was a muddy pond next to Sunrise Creek. In the early 1960s, it was filled in during the planning and construction of Sunrise Road. Trees and flowers were planted, and it was named People's Square in 1964. In 1968, it was renamed "July 3rd Square," and in 1971, it became Sunrise Square.

In 1980, a fence was added around the square, and it was renamed "Sunrise Garden," functioning as a central park for visitors to enjoy. Admission tickets were required to enter.

By the mid-1990s, the Nanning government decided to remove the fence and eliminate the ticket system, opening it up to the public. Sunrise Garden was renamed Sunrise Square and has remained so ever since.

In the 1980s, Sunrise Square lacked the prosperity of the modern era. After a walk around the area, Dennis Shih only saw a few notable buildings, like the Nanning Hotel and the department store.

While it wasn’t entirely barren, there were still large tracts of land left undeveloped.

Dennis Shih felt that even if he bought land blindly, it would still be prime real estate in the city center in a decade or two.

He soon found a piece of land that, based on his memory, would be the site of the first Wanda Plaza in Nanning.

Wanda’s choice of this land was a testament to its value.

In his previous life, Dennis Shih had heard from his third son that Wanda had bought this land in 2002 for 4.27 million yuan per acre, setting a record for the highest price per acre for state-owned land in Nanning at the time.

Wanda had acquired a total of 55 acres for over 230 million yuan.

This was just in 2002, when Nanning was still in its early stages of development. Both housing and land prices were far from their peak.

So, if he bought this land now, the potential for business and the skyrocketing land value alone would bring in profits that other merchants could only dream of after decades of hard work.

With this in mind, Dennis Shih contacted the relevant authorities to discuss the purchase.

The process was straightforward, so I’ll skip the details and get to the result.

In the end, Dennis Shih spent 1.32 million yuan to buy 30 acres of land, with an average price of about 66 yuan per square meter. This was an incredible deal, especially considering it was land and not a building. Such opportunities were rare in this era, and in the modern era, a square meter would cost tens of thousands of yuan.

Plans often can’t keep up with changes, and this saying couldn’t be more true.

Initially, Dennis Shih only intended to buy a few acres of land to build a few-story building for his future supermarket chain headquarters. However, the land prices were so attractive that he couldn’t resist buying more. As a result, the 1.47 million yuan he had earned was quickly reduced to just 150,000 yuan.

After returning home and paying back the 20,000 yuan he had borrowed from his eldest daughter-in-law, he had only about 135,000 yuan left.

Money really doesn’t last long!

...

Sui Feng Hotel.

Seeing Dennis Shih, Little East (Xiaodong’er) ran over with a delighted expression, calling out, "Grandpa!"

Dennis Shih laughed and picked her up, asking, "Little East, did you eat well while I was away?"

"Grandpa, I ate well! I ate three bowls every day!" Little East said, eagerly seeking praise.

"Really? You’re so amazing, Little East!" Dennis Shih knew that her mother and aunt were encouraging her to eat by using smaller bowls and refilling them. To her, finishing a bowl meant she had eaten one full bowl, and she had to eat three bowls per meal!

Little East beamed with pride. "My little brother can’t match me. He only eats one bowl."

Dennis Shih praised her a few more times, making her smile brightly.

"Father!"

"Dad!"

As they entered the restaurant, Deng Shirong’s children and their spouses greeted him.

A few minutes later, Deng Shirong resumed drinking with Zhang Guangzong. Both men, with their wealth of life experiences, always found plenty to talk about, even after sitting together for hours.

After a satisfying meal, Deng Shirong visited the bus company to check on its operations, listening to Deng Changyu’s report. He was pleased to find that the company was thriving, with passenger numbers holding steady even during the off-season, and even showing a gradual increase.

According to the latest statistics, the company’s monthly revenue during the off-season had reached around 40,000 to 50,000 yuan, which was quite impressive.

In the afternoon, Deng Shirong said to his eldest daughter-in-law, "Aiping, bring me the passbook. I’ll deposit the 20,000 yuan for you."

Zhang Xiuping smiled and said, "Father, you can keep it. This money is yours anyway."

Deng Shirong waved his hand. "I don’t need the money. You keep it. We’ll need it when we renovate the second and third floors next year."

Zhang Xiuping didn’t argue further and handed him the passbook.

As Deng Shirong went to the credit union to deposit the money, he thought about getting a larger loan. With the surge in business activities, banks were starting to issue more individual commercial loans, leading to a loss of control over credit. Once the situation was reined in, it would be much harder to get loans as easily as now.

Therefore, before the credit situation got out of hand, he should borrow as much as possible. After all, he wasn’t planning to default, and compared to the risks of lending to others, lending to him would be virtually risk-free. This would be a win-win situation for both him and the bank.

With this in mind, Deng Shirong deposited the money and then went to find Bu Wanhui.

Bu Wanhui, who had been the director of Shuangwang Credit Union, had been transferred to the county for two years and was now the third in command of the county credit union system.

After a few pleasantries, Bu Wanhui genuinely praised him, "Uncle Jiu, your business is really booming. I heard the bus company you led made over 400,000 yuan during last year’s Spring Festival travel rush. That’s impressive!"

Deng Shirong smiled. "It was all thanks to the support of our clan members and the loan you provided me. Otherwise, even if I had started the bus company, I wouldn’t have had much of a stake in it."

Bu Wanhui beamed. "Uncle Jiu, I should thank you too. Your loan helped me secure my current position."

After some more casual talk, Deng Shirong got to the point. "Director Bu, I’m here to see if I can get another loan. Is it possible?"

Bu Wanhui’s eyes lit up, and he quickly said, "Of course, Uncle Jiu. How much do you want to borrow?"

In those days, bank credit officers were evaluated based on how much they managed to lend out, regardless of whether the borrowers could repay on time. This led to credit officers actively pushing loans, often lending as much as the borrowers were willing to take.

Of course, there were limits. Large loans in the hundreds of thousands were reserved for those starting businesses or large-scale farming and breeding projects. Banks weren’t foolish enough to lend such sums to idle individuals.

Deng Shirong, unlike many in those days, saw no issue with borrowing as much as possible. "Director Bu, you decide. I’ll take as much as you can lend."

Bu Wanhui was even more pleased. "Uncle Jiu, how about I approve another 2 million yuan for you?"

In the bank’s eyes, someone like Deng Shirong was a prime borrower. A loan of 2 to 3 million yuan was entirely feasible.

Deng Shirong nodded with a smile. "No problem!"

It took only a few minutes to finalize the 2 million yuan loan.

...

While Deng Shirong waited for the bank to approve and disburse the loan, the Bo Bai County finally abolished the People's Commune system, renaming the communes as towns and villages, and the brigades as village committees.

The county was reorganized into six towns and 14 townships: Bo Bai Town, Fengshan Town, Wendi Town, Dongping Town, Shuhe Town, Longtan Town, Chengxiang Township, Shuiming Township, Jiangning Township, Langping Township, Santan Township, Yashan Township, Ningtan Township, Nabu Township, Songwang Township, Yingqiao Township, Wangmao Township, Nalin Township, Dungu Township, and Xintian Township.

The county now had 269 village committees (including street resident committees).

Each town and township established a town or township party committee and government.

When the Songshan Commune was renamed, it became Songwang Township to avoid confusion with the Songshan Township in Rong County. Shuangwang, where Deng Shirong lived, remained part of Songwang Township until 1986 when it would become independent.

...

As schools across the region reopened, Xiaodong was about to start kindergarten.

Currently, Bo Bai Town had two main kindergartens: Bo Bai Town Kindergarten and Bo Bai County Commercial Kindergarten.

The predecessor of Bubai Town Kindergarten was Bubai Nursery, founded in the spring of 1936 in the Da Xiong Hall within the county town. At that time, it had one director, one teacher, and 30 children enrolled.

In 1946, it moved to the auditorium of Biaozheng Central School (south of Bubai Town Middle School).

In March 1950, the nursery was renamed County Kindergarten, with one director, two teachers, and 29 children in one class.

In 1956, it relocated to Beixin Road, with one principal, eight caregivers, and 174 children in five classes.

In the fall of 1971, the County Kindergarten was transferred to Bubai Town’s management and renamed Bubai Town Kindergarten. It had four staff members and 180 children in four classes.

By the first semester of 1983, the number of staff had increased to 15, and the number of children had grown to 300 in six classes.

Children entered the kindergarten at 7:00 AM and returned home at 4:00 PM.

Thus, Bubai Town Kindergarten is currently the oldest and largest kindergarten in the county.

On the other hand, Bubai County Commercial Kindergarten was established in the fall of 1981 by the county's direct commercial system. It was located on Cultural Road in the county town, with 69 children in three classes and nine staff members. Initially, it offered a daycare program, with children attending in the morning and afternoon. This year, it transitioned to a full-time program.

After some discussion, the family decided to send Xiaodong to Bubai Town Kindergarten.

Firstly, this kindergarten has a long history and the highest number of enrolled children, making it a trusted choice.

Secondly, it is the closest to their home, just a short turn away.

Today was Xiaodong's first day at the kindergarten. Deng Shirong held her and said, "Xiaodong, you'll have a great time playing with the other children. Your parents and Auntie will drop you off and then come back to work. We'll pick you up in the afternoon. Don't cry if you don't see us, okay? It's not a good look."

Xiaodong confidently replied, "Grandpa, I'm a big girl now. I don't cry like my little brother."

Deng Shirong smiled and extended his pinky finger. "Let's pinky promise. I'll come to pick you up in the afternoon and ask your teacher if you cried."

Xiaodong held out her finger to pinky promise with her grandpa. She was excited about going to kindergarten and didn't think about how she would feel when she couldn't see her parents and aunt.

Deng Shirong didn't want to see her cry when they left, so he didn't go.

Seeing the grandpa and granddaughter finish their pinky promise, Deng Yunzhen said, "Alright, Xiaodong, it's almost time. Let's go!"

Xiaodong cheered, "Let's go! To the kindergarten!"

Seeing her joyful expression, Deng Shirong couldn't help but smile. He knew that when children first start kindergarten, nine out of ten cry. He wondered if Xiaodong would be the exception.

If the children were happily playing, Xiaodong might not cry, but when other children cried for their mothers, the atmosphere could be contagious, and few children could resist it. It was rare for any child not to cry.

Soon, Zhang Xiuping and the others returned.

Deng Shirong immediately asked, "Did Xiaodong cry when you left?"

Zhang Xiuping laughed, "She looked like she wanted to cry, but she held it back. Compared to other children starting kindergarten, she did quite well."

Deng Yunzhen said with a hint of concern, "We were only gone for a short while. If she can't find us for a longer time, she might start crying. She's still so young, not even three years old. In our village, many children start preschool at seven or eight years old."

Deng Shirong said, "She'll only cry for the first few days. Once she gets used to it, she won't cry anymore. Early education starts in kindergarten in the city, but in the countryside, the conditions aren't the same. Starting school early helps lay a good foundation, which is why city children often perform better academically."

Deng Yuntao said, "While educational resources are important, talent and effort ultimately determine success. Yunheng is a clear example."

Deng Shirong nodded. "We're just providing Xiaodong with a better platform to start on equal footing with city children. Whether she can get into a good university depends on her talent and hard work."

Zhang Xiuping laughed, "She just started kindergarten. University is still a long way off."

After discussing Xiaodong's first day at kindergarten, Deng Shirong said, "National Day is coming up, and this year's parade is going to be grand. Yunheng is also participating. I'll buy a color TV for the restaurant so you can watch the parade."

Zhang Xiuping said, "Dad, isn't it a waste to put a TV in the restaurant? Why don't you bring it home?"

Deng Shirong laughed. "I'll buy another one for home. Having one in the restaurant will give you something to watch when you're free, and it can also entertain the customers."

Deng Yunzhen said, "Dad, I heard that even with a TV voucher, a color TV costs over a thousand yuan. We already have a black-and-white TV at the old house. If you buy two color TVs, won't we have an extra one?"

Deng Shirong replied, "I plan to keep the black-and-white TV at the old house as a collectible. In twenty or thirty years, it will be a cherished memory to look back on."

Deng YunTai laughed, "If you want to buy it, go ahead. With the current earnings from our restaurant, we can afford a color TV in just a week."

Deng Yunzhen and Zhang Xiuping thought about it and found it reasonable. With more and more wealthy people in the county, the restaurant's business was booming. On average, they were making over 4,000 yuan a month, so buying a color TV in a week wasn't a joke.

As for the TV voucher, with their current network of connections, getting one wouldn't be difficult.

...

The next day.

A 14-inch Peony brand color TV was placed on the left wall at the entrance of Suifeng Restaurant. From the cash register, one could see the TV clearly, and the small table where Zhang Guangzong often sat also had a good view.

The difference between a color TV and a black-and-white TV was striking.

The new color TV was a hit with the customers. They could enjoy their meals and drinks while watching TV, a rare and delightful experience.

...

At the Public Security Bureau's residential building.

During dinner, Grandma Zhu asked, "Xiaojie, how are things going with Ahzhen?"

Zhu Junjie swallowed his food and replied, "Pretty good."

Grandma Zhu said, "Xiaojie, you've been dating for quite a while now. Shouldn't you consider setting a date for the engagement?"

Zhu Junjie thought for a moment and said, "I'll ask her later and see what she thinks. If she disagrees, we can postpone it. If she agrees, we'll set a date and prepare accordingly."

Grandma Zhu nodded, "Alright, ask her later. I can't stop thinking about this until it's settled."

Grandpa Zhu added, "I think their family will agree. Ahzhen's father mentioned that the wedding might be delayed by a year or two, but the engagement can be set now. While some girls might change their minds after the engagement, it's rare. We can trust her."

Zhu Junjie agreed, "Alright, I'll ask her later and see what she says."

Grandma Zhu, a bit anxious, said, "The engagement is a good thing, but our old home only has a few dilapidated mud-brick houses. Ahzhen is the daughter of the big boss of Suifeng Restaurant. What if she...?"

Zhu Junjie interrupted, "Mom, don't worry. Ahzhen won't mind that."

Grandpa Zhu said, "You're overthinking it. Xiaojie will live in the county, and he'll only go back to the old home during holidays. She won't mind."

Zhu Junjie added, "If it comes to it, we can tear down the old mud-brick houses and rebuild them after we get married."

Grandma Zhu nodded, "We should rebuild the house. Our roots are there. As the deputy director of the Public Security Bureau, you're a respected figure. Living in those old houses wouldn't be appropriate."

Zhu Junjie said, "I have enough money to build a new house, but getting married will cost a lot. I should save the money for that. If I spend it all and can't afford the wedding, it would be embarrassing."

Grandma Zhu agreed, "That's true. We'll rebuild the old house after you get married."

Grandpa Zhu said, "Let's focus on the engagement first. If Ahzhen agrees, we need to prepare well. The house can be modest, but the food and the ceremony must be impressive."

Grandma Zhu said, "We'll slaughter a big fat pig and invite all the relatives and friends..."

Hearing his parents discuss the details of the engagement, Zhu Junjie felt the pressure. Although he could sense that Deng Yunzhen had feelings for him, he knew what the engagement meant. Once this step was taken, they would be considered a couple.

So, whether she would agree was still uncertain.

However, even if Deng Yunzhen didn't agree to the engagement soon, it would just be postponed. He was confident that she wouldn't reject it outright.

If she agreed to the engagement, their relationship would be officially established.

With that in mind, Zhu Junjie sped up his eating. After finishing his meal, he would go and ask her what she thought.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end