Chapter 306: Company Dividends, the Entire Clan Is Stirred

Chapter 306: Company Dividends, the Entire Clan Is Stirred

1:00 PM.

The Deng Clan Ancestral Hall.

Over a million yuan in cash was neatly stacked on the table, causing the clan members to stare in amazement.

Although it was now 1985, the value of being a ten-thousand-yuan household wasn't as impressive as it had been a few years ago. However, in rural areas, being able to produce ten thousand yuan in cash was still a rarity.

Stacking over a million yuan in cash in front of everyone was just as stunning as a small goal from the future being piled up.

Deng Shirong looked at the excited clan members below and said with a smile, "Dear clan members, I have gathered everyone here today for two main reasons. The first is that the passenger transport company is about to distribute its first dividend. First, let's welcome our General Manager to give a report on the company's development over the past year and then distribute the dividends. Please give him a warm welcome!"

Instantly, thunderous applause broke out, accompanied by loud whistles.

Deng Changyu stepped up on stage amid the applause and said with a beaming smile, "Dear uncles and brothers, I know everyone is eagerly waiting for the dividends, so I won't take up too much of your time. I'll just give a brief report on the company's earnings over the past year."

Hearing this, the clan members couldn't help but laugh.

"Last year, excluding the Spring Festival travel rush, our company's ten large buses earned a total of 530,000 yuan."

Deng Changyu said with pride, "This year during the Spring Festival travel rush, our twenty-five large buses earned 1,030,000 yuan. Adding the 410,000 yuan earned during last year's Spring Festival travel rush and the profits made after the company's establishment, our total profit is around 2,000,000 yuan."

Even though many clan members already had a rough idea of the profit, hearing Deng Changyu state it still stirred their excitement.

The passenger transport company had been established for only 17 months and had already generated 2,000,000 yuan in profit. This was truly mind-boggling, considering the initial capital raised was only 2,630,000 yuan. In less than a year and a half, they had already recouped over 70% of the initial investment.

Most importantly, not only had the company made money, but the over a hundred clan members working for the company also had a decent income.

In short, this passenger transport company had truly made the clan members very wealthy!

Even the ordinary clan members with a small number of shares were excited, but those with more shares, like Deng Changbao, Deng Changxiong, and Deng YunGui, were even more elated.

"Up to this point, that's the total profit since the company's establishment."

At this, Deng Changyu said with a chuckle, "Next, we will proceed with the dividend distribution. According to the suggestion of Elder Nine, this time the dividend amount is 500 yuan per share. We will distribute the dividends according to the share list. Clan members whose names are called will come up to collect their money."

"Ha, the company is finally distributing dividends!"

"500 yuan per share, it's a pity I only bought 3 shares. If I had known the company would be so profitable, I would have sold everything to buy 2 more shares!"

"You have 3 shares, that's already pretty good. I had just built a new house and married off my eldest son, so I only managed to buy 1 share. What a loss!"

"Hehe, I'm lucky. I originally only bought 3 shares, but after seeing Elder Nine buy 360 shares, I borrowed from all my relatives and managed to buy 2 more shares. Now, with these 2 extra shares, I earn an additional 1,000 yuan. It's fantastic!"

"Sigh, when I saw Elder Nine buy so many shares, I also wanted to buy more, but my family is poor, and I couldn't even borrow 100 yuan, let alone 1,000."

"Don't be disheartened. With Elder Nine as our clan leader, there will definitely be more opportunities like this in the future. Just be ready to seize them."

"That's true. Like this time, raising funds to build a residential area in the county, it might be another opportunity!"

"Anyway, following the clan leader is definitely the right choice. I plan to invest all my savings this time!"

"This time it's for building houses to live in, not for business, so it's better to act according to your needs!"

"I have three sons, and getting three houses would be the best. Unfortunately, it costs 15,000 yuan for three houses, which is a huge sum that I can't afford."

"..."

Amid the discussions of the clan members, the dividend distribution of the passenger transport company officially began.

"Deng Changsheng, 2 shares, 1,000 yuan."

"Deng Yunquan, 3 shares, 1,500 yuan."

"Deng Changzhi, 4 shares, 2,000 yuan."

"..."

The Deng Clan Ancestral Hall is located in the heart of Bangjie Village (an administrative village, formerly known as Bangjie Brigade, while natural villages like Naye were production teams under the jurisdiction of Bangjie Brigade). This is the village's public place, where many people come to chat and gossip after meals.

Of course, since the villagers of other surnames in Bangjie Village live farther away, they usually don't come here to chat and gossip unless there's a special occasion. So, the ones who typically come here are mostly the Deng clan members and the Guan clan members who live nearby.

At this moment, as the Deng clan members one by one stepped up to collect their dividends, many Guan clan members watched with envious faces.

"The Deng clan is truly amazing. With such a profitable passenger transport company, the entire clan will soon be living a moderately prosperous life!"

"Who needs to wait for the future? They are already living a moderately prosperous life. Once the clan raises funds to build residential buildings in the county, they won't just be living a moderately prosperous life; they will be living a wealthy life!"

"That's an exaggeration. Even with houses in the county, it still doesn't mean they are wealthy. But think about it, just a few years ago, the life of the Deng clan was similar to ours. No one was better off than the other. But in just two or three years, the Deng clan is about to live a moderately prosperous life, while we are still the same. The gap is really getting bigger and bigger!"

"There's nothing we can do. The Deng clan has Uncle Nine as their clan leader. If our clan had such a leader, our lives wouldn't be so bad either."

"You're right. It all comes down to how capable Uncle Nine is as a clan leader!"

"It's not just his capability. With the passenger transport company, Uncle Nine could have started it with his own money, but to lead the clan to prosperity, he let everyone invest. No one else would have done that if they were the clan leader."

"True, anyone with that kind of ability would focus on their own wealth first, not others!"

"Really envy the Deng clan!"

...

As the Guan clan members whispered among themselves, Deng Changyu read from the list: "Deng Yunqiang, 10 shares, 5000 yuan."

Upon hearing his name, Deng Yunqiang stepped up to the stage with a broad smile. Their family's decision was right. They had sold everything to get 6 shares and even convinced their in-laws to invest 4 shares. Now, it was time to reap the rewards.

A full 5000 yuan! Not only the Guan clan members but even the Deng clan members couldn't help but show envious expressions.

The next few clan members who stepped up to collect their dividends had even more shares.

"Deng YunGui, 18 shares, 9000 yuan."

"Deng Changxiong, 22 shares, 11000 yuan."

"Deng Changbao, 24 shares, 12000 yuan."

After Deng Changbao stepped down from the stage with an excited look, Deng Changyu loudly announced: "Elder Nine, 360 shares, 180,000 yuan."

"Whoa..."

Even though the clan members were mentally prepared, the announcement of 180,000 yuan still left them in shock.

Even the Deng clan members who were prepared were stunned, let alone the Guan clan members who were watching, who were completely dumbfounded! That's 180,000 yuan, a massive sum even by modern standards. Even 40 years later, not many rural people could come up with 180,000 yuan in cash.

In 1985, 180,000 yuan was truly mind-boggling. Anyone would be shocked by such a sum.

Amid the shock of the entire clan, Deng Shirong stepped up to the stage and said, "The first matter is concluded. The second matter is raising funds to build a residential area in the county. I will take the lead. I need 28 apartments, and I will contribute 40,000 yuan of the 180,000."

Upon hearing this, the clan members were shocked yet again!

Deng YunGui couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Nine, are you planning to secure houses for your grandchildren?"

Although the other clan members didn't ask, they had similar thoughts.

In this era, no one in the rural areas thought about making money through property sales. The number of apartments they reserved was based on their needs. Those who had the means and foresight, like Deng Changxiong, would at most secure one apartment for each of their children.

Now, Deng Shirong was securing 28 apartments. What else could it be for if not for his grandchildren?

Deng Shirong explained with a smile, "I am reserving 28 apartments, but I plan to combine four apartments into one, making seven larger apartments. Each of my seven children will get one, which is perfect!"

Deng YunGui sighed, "Uncle Nine is truly Uncle Nine. I am in awe. A 160-square-meter apartment seems large to me, but you are combining four apartments into one, making it a 640-square-meter apartment. That's enormous!"

Deng Changbao, feeling envious, added, "Living in such a large apartment must be amazing, but I don't have Elder Nine's financial means. It's already a challenge to secure one apartment for each of my children. No one can match what Elder Nine is doing."

Deng Changxiong agreed, "True, combining four apartments into one. No one in our clan can do that except Elder Nine."

Deng Shirong smiled, "Everyone should do what they can. There's no need to follow my example. Now, let's start with the numbers and contributions. If you don't have enough money, you can pay a part now and the rest after the lychee and watermelon harvest this year."

Deng Changxiong was the first to report, "I need 4 apartments."

Deng Yunqiang followed, "I need 3 apartments."

Deng YunGui gritted his teeth and said, "I need 4 apartments."

"I need 2 apartments."

"I want 1 apartment."

"I need 2 apartments."

With Deng Shirong leading the way, the clan members began to sign up and pay.

Deng Shirong had already arranged for people to record the numbers and collect the money, keeping everyone busy.

An hour later, the statistics were compiled.

Out of the 662 households in the clan, a total of 1,008 apartments were reported, with a total fundraising amount of 5,040,000 yuan. On-site fundraising reached 2,030,000 yuan, with 3,010,000 yuan still outstanding.

Once the lists were recorded and the money was bagged, Deng Shirong said, "Alright, we've covered both matters today. I'll leave for Baise with the company's vehicle tomorrow to buy the land in the county first. I'll also arrange for temporary accommodations for everyone. Once everything is settled, the company's vehicles will come back to pick everyone up for work.

"And for those staying at home, start preparing the sand, gravel, and wood. Also, Changbao, your brick factory needs to increase production."

Deng Changbao patted his chest and said, "Elder Nine, rest assured, I won't let you down."

Deng Shirong added, "Changbao's fire bricks will be supplied to the clan at cost price, so the clan needs to arrange some people to help at the brick factory."

Deng Shian chimed in, "Old Nine, you go and handle things in the county. I'll take care of everything here and make sure nothing is delayed."

Deng Shirong smiled, "Alright, with Secretary Shian in charge, I can rest easy!"

Next, the clan members discussed some details. Once everything was settled, they dispersed.

...

The next day.

After breakfast, Deng Shirong, along with Deng YunGui, Deng Yunqiang, Deng Changxiong, and Deng Changyu, set off in the company's vehicle to the county.

After lunch at Sufeng Restaurant, Deng Shirong began negotiations with the relevant departments to purchase the land for the residential area.

As for the location, Deng Shirong had already chosen the area between Yinkoujiang Road 1 and Yinkoujiang Road 2 last year.

In the future, Yinkoujiang's popularity was decent, although it couldn't compare to Xinglong Street or Wenhua Road, or even the later-developed Jinxiu East Road. However, among the many streets in the county, it still ranked relatively high.

Especially in the adult entertainment industry, Yinkoujiang Road 2 was quite famous.

However, in this era, Yinkoujiang was somewhat desolate, with no significant buildings yet. The area had not been fully developed.

Deng Shirong's plan was to acquire 100 acres of land here to build the Naye Deng Clan Residential Area.

The residential area would have four entrances. The eastern entrance would lead directly to Baise Bus Station, which was essential for protecting the Tenglong Passenger Transport Company. In case of any incidents, the clan members could quickly respond.

With such protection, who would dare to challenge Tenglong Passenger Transport Company?

The southern entrance would be on Nanjie Road, which was currently not very popular but would become one of the most bustling streets in the county in the future, thanks to the Baobao Comprehensive Mall. At its peak, a 160-square-meter street-front shop could rent for tens of thousands of yuan per month, which was quite astonishing.

Deng Shirong planned to include street-front shops in the residential area, which would generate a steady income for the clan, whether operated by the clan or rented to others.

The western entrance would be on Xinglong Street, just a few dozen meters away from the bustling Xinglong Street.

The northern entrance would be near the County Central Hospital, which was slightly less crowded, both now and in the future.

After negotiations with the relevant departments, Deng Shirong successfully acquired 100 acres of land in the Yinkoujiang area for 1,000,000 yuan, with an average price of 15 yuan per square meter, which was extremely cheap.

The reasons for such a low price were threefold:

1. Deng Clan Real Estate, which Deng Shirong had registered in his spare time last year, was considered a collective enterprise, with over 3,000 shareholders.

For this real estate company, Deng Shirong calculated shares based on individuals rather than households to ensure fairness, as households that had not split would otherwise be disadvantaged.

2. Deng Shirong outlined the various benefits of the Naye Deng Clan Residential Area to the relevant departments, such as job creation, increased tax revenue, and urban development, which convinced the department leaders.

3. The county government's budget was tight, and the 1,000,000 yuan would significantly alleviate financial pressure.

Thus, both parties reached an agreement, and Deng Clan Real Estate successfully acquired the 100 acres of land.

During the transaction, Deng Shirong invited Deng YunGui, Deng Yunqiang, Deng Changxiong, and Deng Changyu to witness it.

Deng Shirong understood the principle that "one person is private, two people are public, and three people are a crowd." Even with the clan's complete trust, he aimed to ensure fairness and transparency, leaving no room for gossip.

After purchasing the land, Deng Shirong and his team visited the county architectural design office to seek the help of experts for the design.

The architectural design office was established in 1971 and initially belonged to the finance bureau, with three design personnel. In 1978, it came under the jurisdiction of the county infrastructure bureau and currently has seven design personnel, including two senior engineers and three engineers. Though their capabilities may not be top-notch, they are more than capable of designing a residential area according to Deng Shirong's requirements.

Deng Shirong already had a clear idea of what he wanted for the residential area. Having lived in modern residential complexes, he was quite familiar with their layout. He just needed to explain the overall layout to the experts, and they could handle the details.

Next, they needed to arrange temporary housing for the clan members.

To accommodate hundreds, if not thousands, of clan members, Deng Shirong first considered school dormitories, as they were the only places that could meet such a requirement. However, there were no abandoned schools in the county, and all schools were in operation, making it impossible to rent school dormitories.

However, Deng Shirong had another plan: to collaborate with the new village.

So, when he returned to the restaurant to have a drink with Old Zhang Guangzong, Deng Shirong mentioned this idea to him.

Old Zhang Guangzong was stunned. The idea of the entire clan moving to the county to build residential buildings was truly audacious. Deng Shirong's ability to lead and achieve such a feat demonstrated his unparalleled influence within the clan.

Zhang Guangzong admitted that even though he had considerable prestige in his village, he knew he could never get the villagers to contribute so much money to build residential buildings.

Zhang Guangzong praised Deng Shirong, saying, "Boss, you really have the courage to think and act. It's amazing that you can accomplish such a difficult task."

Deng Shirong smiled and replied, "Our main goal in building residential buildings in the county is to protect the passenger transport company. Additionally, having a place in the county is something the clan members have always wanted. These two factors combined have made this possible."

"That's still impressive, and the Naye Deng Clan is truly wealthy. Each household can easily come up with 5,000 yuan!"

After a moment of reflection, Zhang Guangzong said, "If we squeeze a bit, our village can accommodate a thousand or more people. I'll go back today and discuss this with the villagers. I'll give you a definite answer tomorrow."

Deng Shirong nodded and said, "Thank you, Uncle Zhang. The accommodation won't be free. We'll charge 10 yuan per room per month."

Zhang Guangzong waved his hand, "Forget about the money. As long as you don't mind the old and dilapidated houses, consider it a friendly gesture between our village and the Naye Deng Clan."

Deng Shirong quickly responded, "Uncle Zhang, if it were just you, we wouldn't talk about money. But this involves the entire village, and the money will be paid by the Naye Deng Clan collectively. So, please don't be too polite. After all, this isn't a short stay of three or four days; it could be several months or even a year. It wouldn't be right to stay for so long without paying."

Zhang Guangzong hesitated for a moment and then nodded, "Alright, but even if we charge, it shouldn't be that much. Five yuan per month should be enough."

Deng Shirong insisted, "Uncle Zhang, let's stick with 10 yuan per month. Our clan members will be unfamiliar with the area and will need help from your villagers. We can't underpay, or we'll feel bad."

Seeing Deng Shirong's determination, Zhang Guangzong stopped objecting and raised his glass, "Alright, I'll speak on behalf of our village and thank you, Boss!"

Renting a room for 10 yuan per month, potentially for a year, would generate over 100 yuan in income. If a family could rent out two rooms, they would earn over 200 yuan annually. This income was significant for rural families in this era.

Moreover, this benefit would extend to the entire village.

Zhang Guangzong could already imagine the joy of the villagers when he told them about this opportunity.

"You don't need to thank me; it's a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Deng Shirong took a sip of wine and asked, "With three days, can your village clear out the rooms?"

Zhang Guangzong took a sip of wine and smiled, "We don't need three days. Give us one day, and we can clear out the rooms. I'll go back this afternoon, talk to the villagers, and count the number of rooms. I'll give you the details tomorrow, and your clan members can move in the day after."

Deng Shirong nodded, "Alright, I'll send the company's vehicles to pick up the clan members the day after tomorrow. Once we settle in, we'll build temporary toilets and kitchens at the construction site, and then we can start leveling the ground. Once the design plans from the architectural design office are ready, we can officially start construction on our residential area."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end