Chapter 294: Children's Career Planning, Expensive Motorcycles

Chapter 294: Children's Career Planning, Expensive Motorcycles

---

It was morning.

Baoshan Village.

Deng Shilan, with a beaming smile, was busy at home slaughtering chickens and ducks, preparing meals for the relatives and villagers who had come to help them harvest sugarcane.

Deng Shilan had planted sugarcane before, and not just her; almost every household in the village had planted it, though not in large quantities. The main purpose was to produce brown sugar blocks for making sweet rice cakes during the New Year.

Now, following her younger brother's advice, she had leased over 600 mu of land to plant sugarcane on a much larger scale. This was a completely different ball game compared to planting just a few plots. Ever since planting the sugarcane, Deng Shilan had been worried.

First, she was concerned about the growth of the sugarcane, as they were using a new variety, and its growth potential was unknown.

Second, she feared that the sugancane might be affected by pests and diseases. Sugarcane pests include the cotton aphid, sugarcane borer, sugarcane tortoise, sugarcane locust, planthopper, scale insect, stink bug, and thrips, while diseases include sheath blight, sooty mold, red rot, and pineapple disease. Any of these could easily infect the crop.

Fortunately, under the careful care of her family, the sugarcane grew very well, reaching the standard of 3 tons per mu, and there were no pest or disease issues.

Now that the harvest season had arrived, Deng Shilan was overjoyed.

They had already calculated that the Bo Bai Sugar Factory's purchase price was 3.5 fen per kilogram. If their sugarcane yielded 3 tons per mu, the 600 mu of land would produce at least 1,800 tons of sugarcane, generating a total income of 126,000 yuan.

After deducting the planting cost of over 20,000 yuan, the transportation and labor costs of about 10,000 yuan, the profit would be around 90,000 yuan.

Moreover, the transportation costs would go into the pocket of her second son, ensuring that the profit stayed within the family.

This move had truly made them a substantial profit.

Now, Deng Shilan had only one word to describe her younger brother's foresight—impressive!

---

When the third sister started harvesting sugarcane, Deng Shirong's 2 million yuan loan also arrived.

As soon as the money hit his account, Deng Shirong began planning to develop the land in Nanning.

The 30 mu of land, nearly 20,000 square meters, was too large to be entirely used for building. His goal was to construct a building covering about 3,000 square meters, with the remaining area designated for a square and a parking area for bicycles and the increasing number of motorcycles.

As for cars, they were hardly a consideration in the 1980s and 1990s, as their numbers were extremely low!

However, even building a 3,000 square meter building required more than the 2 million yuan he had. After all, building a high-rise in Nanning would be more complex than a three-story building in Bo Bai County.

First, a chain supermarket would occupy one floor, which was a given.

Next, a hotpot restaurant would occupy another floor, reserved for his youngest daughter. She was turning 18 this year, and with her academic performance, high school was likely her highest educational attainment. After she graduated, he needed to plan her career.

Among the countless delicacies in China, few have received nationwide popularity like hotpot. Opening a hotpot restaurant here, if managed well, would definitely be profitable. If she had the capability, she could even expand it into a chain.

Then, an electronics store would occupy another floor, reserved for his fourth son, Deng Yunhua. He was also a poor student, and high school would likely be the end of his formal education. By the time he graduated in 1988, televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines would no longer require ration coupons, and sales would surge.

Opening a large electronics store here would definitely be a profitable venture.

Finally, an internet cafe would occupy one floor, reserved for his youngest son, Deng Yunheng.

Deng Yunheng's academic performance was currently good, and if he maintained it, he had a chance to go to university. He was in the first year of junior high school, and it would be another ten years before he graduated. By then, the internet cafe industry would be in its early stages.

Anyone who experienced the internet cafe era knows how profitable they can be, described as making money by the day.

In his previous life, Deng Shirong was already in his sixties when computers became widespread, and he never went to an internet cafe. However, he had read many urban rebirth novels where the protagonists often chose to start an internet cafe.

Thus, his understanding of internet cafes was not inferior to anyone's, and in this life, no one could match him.

With his guidance, his youngest son would definitely make a fortune running an internet cafe.

As for his second and third sons, Deng Shirong did not reserve spaces for them.

His third son, Deng Yunsheng, didn't need much explanation. In his previous life, without any background, he managed to reach a department-level position and retired with full benefits. His political acumen was undeniable, and with better conditions in this life, he would surely continue in politics.

His second son, Deng Yunheng, was still undecided, but even if he chose business, it wouldn't be a small-scale venture. Instead, he would choose a high-potential industry, such as the internet sector.

The specifics would be discussed with him during the New Year.

In total, the supermarket, hotpot restaurant, electronics store, and internet cafe would occupy four floors. The remaining floor, Deng Shirong planned to convert into a residential space, a 3,000 square meter luxury residence in the heart of Nanning, which sounded fantastic.

This was the initial plan for the building. During construction, Deng Shirong intended to lay a solid foundation, so that if needed in the future, additional floors could be added, making it perfect.

However, 2 million yuan was definitely not enough.

Fortunately, the full payment didn't need to be made immediately. From design to construction and final inspection, the entire process would take a long time. With his current earning speed, he could definitely pay the construction costs as the project progressed.

Since there was nothing else to do, Deng Shirong decided to take a car to Nanning to find experts from the provincial architectural design institute to handle the matter.

---

In Bobai Town.

Chengdong Village.

At a certain Qin family residence, three brothers were drinking and chatting.

"Big brother, Second brother, after we sell all the pigs next month, I don't plan on raising pigs anymore!" said Qin Bao, the youngest of the three brothers.

The three Qin brothers were named after the golden ingot: the eldest, Qin Jin, was 32 years old; the second, Qin Yuan, was 30; and the youngest, Qin Bao, was 28.

Qin Yuan took a sip of wine and asked, "Third brother, raising pigs is quite profitable, why don't you want to continue?"

Qin Bao replied, "Raising pigs is not only hard work but also carries a lot of risks. Didn't the pigs in Yashan get sick last month? I heard dozens of pigs died, causing significant losses. Just because we haven't encountered such problems doesn't mean we won't in the future. I just can't feel at ease."

Qin Jin nodded and said, "It's true that an outbreak can be disastrous, but raising pigs is indeed profitable. What do you plan to do instead, Third brother?"

Qin Bao confidently said, "Big brother, Second brother, I have a more profitable idea. Do you want to join me?"

Qin Jin and Qin Yuan exchanged glances.

Qin Jin asked, "Third brother, what's your more profitable idea? Tell us, and we'll discuss it together."

Qin Bao didn't keep them in suspense and said, "I plan to start a passenger transport business."

Qin Jin was surprised, "Start a passenger transport business?"

Qin Bao nodded, "Yes, a passenger transport business. Remember the opening ceremony of the Tenglong Passenger Transport Company last year?"

Qin Yuan grabbed a peanut and threw it into his mouth, chewing as he spoke, "Ten new large buses to Guangdong were added. Who doesn't know that?"

Qin Bao said, "I've observed carefully. During last year's Spring Festival travel rush, Tenglong's ten large buses were always full, both when returning from Guangdong before the festival and when heading to Guangdong after the festival. They must have made a fortune during the Spring Festival travel rush.

There are still two and a half months until this year's Spring Festival travel rush starts. I plan to get a large bus running to Guangdong before the rush. Given the number of passengers returning from Guangdong, we will definitely make a lot of money."

Qin Jin thought for a moment and said, "Third brother, that's a good idea, but have you considered that it's normal for one bus to be full, but adding another bus might not guarantee full passengers.

Moreover, Tenglong Passenger Transport Company is doing well. Suddenly joining in would be like poaching their customers. During the Spring Festival travel rush, it might not be a big issue, but once the rush is over and the number of passengers decreases, conflicts are bound to arise."

Qin Bao took a sip of wine and said nonchalantly, "Big brother, the route isn't owned by them. If they can run it, why can't I? Conflicts will happen, but it's not fair for them to make money while I can't. There's no such rule in the world."

Qin Yuan interjected, "If it's profitable, we won't fear conflicts. The problem is whether we can make money or not."

Qin Bao said, "Second brother, I've had this idea since last year. I've observed those ten buses to Guangdong for a long time. I can assure you that starting a passenger transport business is definitely profitable, especially the routes to Guangzhou, which have the most passengers."

Qin Jin asked, "Third brother, do you know how much a large bus costs?"

Qin Bao replied, "I've already found out. It costs over 100,000 yuan."

Despite being mentally prepared, Qin Jin still gasped at the figure. He said with a serious expression, "Third brother, 100,000 yuan is no small amount. Even if the three of us work together, each of us would have to contribute a significant sum.

How long will it take to earn that back?"

Qin Bao said, "Big brother, don't worry. I've calculated carefully. If everything goes smoothly, we can recover our costs in just two or three years!"

Qin Jin put down his chopsticks and said, "But what if it doesn't go smoothly?"

Qin Bao smiled, "Big brother, in business, there's always some risk. Compared to raising pigs, I think the risk of running a passenger transport business is much smaller."

Qin Yuan nodded, "Third brother is right. In business, there's always risk. Since Tenglong Passenger Transport Company can make money, it proves that this business is viable. I think we should go for it."

Qin Jin hesitated for a moment, then clenched his teeth and said, "Alright, let's do it together."

Qin Bao raised his glass and clinked it with his two brothers, saying happily, "Big brother, Second brother, rest assured. I've already planned everything. We'll make a big profit during the Spring Festival travel rush. Once the rush is over and the number of passengers decreases, we'll find ways to poach Tenglong Passenger Transport Company's customers. Then, we won't have to worry about making money."

As he spoke, a fierce light flashed in Qin Bao's eyes.

Growing up together, Qin Jin and Qin Yuan knew what their youngest brother was thinking.

However, they were not softies either. In the village, they were known for being quite aggressive and unscrupulous. Using underhanded methods to make money was normal for them.

Thus, over drinks, the three brothers agreed on their plan.

---

Coincidentally.

In Chengxi Village, at a certain Huang family residence, two people were also drinking and discussing the same matter.

"Uncle Seven, I invited you here today to discuss a business partnership."

The speaker was the homeowner, Huang Qiang. Uncle Seven, a wealthy and influential figure in the village, was named Huang Qi.

Huang Qi was surprised, "Aqiang, you want to start a business with me?"

Huang Qiang nodded, "Uncle Seven, I have a business that is definitely profitable, but I don't have enough capital. That's why I thought of partnering with you."

Huang Qi remained noncommittal and asked, "What business are you talking about?"

Huang Qiang said, "Starting a passenger transport business."

Huang Qi was surprised, "Start a passenger transport business?"

Huang Qiang smiled, "Uncle Seven, you should know that my brother-in-law works at the station. He told me that running a passenger transport business is really profitable. Do you remember the opening ceremony for the ten buses to Guangdong last year?"

Huang Qi nodded, "Of course, it was quite a big event."

Huang Qiang sighed, "According to my brother-in-law, those ten buses made at least a few hundred thousand during last year's Spring Festival travel rush."

Huang Qi was shocked, "Really? A few hundred thousand from one Spring Festival?"

Huang Qiang raised his glass and clinked it with Uncle Seven, saying firmly, "My brother-in-law told me this directly; it’s absolutely true."

Huang Qiang's brother-in-law worked at the station, so his words were highly credible. Now, Huang Qi was truly tempted. Making a few hundred thousand during one Spring Festival meant each bus could earn several tens of thousands, which was a very profitable business indeed!

Seeing Uncle Seven's interest, Huang Qiang added, "My brother-in-law said that the number of passengers this year is at least fifty percent more than last year, especially those going to Guangdong. If we get a bus running to Guangdong, we will definitely make money."

Huang Qi asked a crucial question, "Aqiang, how much would it cost to invest in a large bus?"

Huang Qiang replied, "If we two partner up, each of us only needs to invest about 80,000 to 90,000 yuan."

Huang Qi pondered, "80,000 to 90,000 is not a small amount!"

Huang Qiang said, "It’s indeed a large sum, but the more you invest, the more you earn. A few tens of thousands can be made in one Spring Festival, plus the regular income, I estimate we can recover our costs in about two years. After that, the bus will keep making us money."

Huang Qi was thoroughly tempted and said, "Aqiang, tell me more about your plan. If we buy the bus, which route do you plan to run?"

"Sure, Uncle Seven, here’s my plan..."

Huang Qiang laid out his detailed plan, and Huang Qi nodded in agreement repeatedly.

By the end of the meal, the two had agreed to partner up and get the bus ready before the Spring Festival travel rush.

It must be said that this world is never short of smart people. No matter what industry is making money, unless it has a high technical barrier, there will always be followers.

Tenglong Passenger Transport Company was unaware that someone was eyeing their business. At this moment, the company's loan application had been approved, fifteen large buses were already reserved, and even experienced drivers were being recruited, ready to enter the market at any time.

If the Qin brothers and Huang Qiang and Huang Qi knew about this, would they still have the courage to enter the passenger transport market and compete with Tenglong Passenger Transport Company?

...

At Shuifeng Restaurant.

Deng Yuntao was drinking and chatting with Zhang Guangzong.

The conversation eventually turned to Zhang Guangzong's past, specifically his involvement with the Tongxin Association.

Deng Yuntao asked curiously, "Grandpa Zhang, the party usually has party rules. Did your Tongxin Association have any regulations?"

Zhang Guangzong took a sip of wine and smiled, "Of course, we had a set of rules and an oath."

Deng Yuntao accompanied him with a sip of wine and asked, "What kind of rules and oath were they? Do you still remember them, Grandpa Zhang?"

Zhang Guangzong's eyes showed a hint of nostalgia as he sighed, "Those rules and oaths are etched in my mind; I will never forget them."

Deng Yuntao asked with interest, "Grandpa Zhang, I’m very interested in this. Can you tell me about the rules and oath?"

Zhang Guangzong grabbed a peanut and threw it into his mouth, chewing as he spoke, "The Tongxin Association had 12 rules, but that’s a long story. If you want to hear it, I can tell you about our oath."

Deng Yuntao immediately leaned in, eager to listen.

Zhang Guangzong recited the oath solemnly, "We, in order to overthrow Chiang... establish a new China, and liberate the poor, sincerely join the Tongxin Association, accept... leadership, obey orders, follow discipline, execute resolutions, and work actively. If we betray halfway and harm... the cause, may we be punished by heaven and earth, and condemned by all beings, so be it."

After hearing the oath, Deng Yuntao couldn’t help but say, "Grandpa Zhang, with your status in the Tongxin Association, if you had joined the party, you would probably have been a leader in the county."

Zhang Guangzong smiled, "That was all in the past."

...

Nanning.

Deng Shirong rode his newly purchased Jialing 70, weaving through the streets around Chaoyang Square. The feeling was truly amazing, much better than riding a bicycle.

This Jialing 70 was a new model released this year, as shown below:

This motorcycle was a product of a collaboration between Jialing and Honda, imported as a complete vehicle and assembled domestically. The quality was top-notch, but the price was also very high, over 7,000 yuan per unit, which was a sky-high price in this era. In the future, even luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz and BMW wouldn’t be as expensive as this motorcycle.

Buying such a motorcycle was equivalent to Deng Shirong investing the entire year's income from the brick factory. Initially, he planned to buy two, one for home use and another to store in his system space for emergencies. However, the price was indeed too high, so he changed his plan and bought only one.

Deng Shirong had been in Nanning for a few days and had already discussed with the experts from the provincial architectural design institute. If the building (including the square) was to be designed and constructed according to his requirements, the cost, excluding internal decoration, would be 3.68 million yuan.

The price was indeed expensive, but Deng Shirong didn’t hesitate and signed the contract with the provincial architectural design institute right away.

The construction of the building could start next spring.

After riding around Chaoyang Square, Deng Shirong found a laoyou noodle stall and enjoyed a bowl of delicious noodles.

After finishing the noodles, he found a secluded spot to store the motorcycle in his system space, then went to the bus station to return to Bobai.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end