https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-97-It-s-Not-Like-It-s-a-Call-from-an-Old-Flame-Why-Is-He-So-Guilty-/12831807/
Chapter 98: What a Great Deal!
Chapter 98: What a Great Deal!
Jiang Xia asked curiously, "What kind of great deal?"
The gatekeeper replied happily, "You'll see in a moment. Let me give the factory manager a call, and you wait here!"
After making the call, the gatekeeper led them to the factory manager's office. The shipyard was vast, sprawling over a large area, but it only took a few minutes for the four of them to reach the manager's office.
The factory manager was a lean old man, not very tall, about the same height as Jiang Xia. His skin was dark, the kind of darkness that comes from years of handling engine oil and gasoline. He wore a white vest that had turned yellow from repeated washing and was stained with what looked like engine oil.
He was taking large gulps of water from a enamel mug, his hands rough and blackened in the creases and under the nails, a result of years of hard labor.
Jiang Xia thought to herself, _These are the hands of a worker._
"Manager Zhou, these three comrades want to buy a boat," the gatekeeper said.
Manager Zhou turned around and was immediately drawn to Jiang Xia and Zhou Chenglei, then noticed Zhou's father.
He observed that the couple was neatly dressed with clean, fair skin, especially the woman, who seemed to glow, clearly from a wealthy family.
The man stood tall and exuded an aura of nobility and authority, with a sharp gaze that reminded him of the highest commander on a warship.
Zhou's father had deliberately put on the new Zhongshan suit that Jiang Xia had bought him. He was tall and handsome, with a dark complexion, but overall, he looked spirited and energetic.
Manager Zhou asked, "Are you here to order a yacht?"
Zhou Chenglei and Jiang Xia exchanged a glance.
_Was the manager overestimating them?_
_They only had ten thousand yuan to their name; how could they afford a yacht?_
Zhou's father smiled, thinking that his son and daughter-in-law would surely have the means to buy a yacht in the future!
Jiang Xia smiled and said, "We appreciate Manager Zhou's high regard, but we can't afford a yacht. We are fishermen and have come to order a fishing boat."
Manager Zhou had never misjudged someone before, but this young couple didn't look like the typical fishermen he was used to seeing.
"What size boat are you looking for? The factory has received export orders, so the fastest we can deliver a new boat is by the end of next year. However, we have a 24-meter boat that someone just canceled. It will be ready in two months."
Zhou's father asked, "Why did they cancel?"
"Rest assured, the boat is in perfect condition and brand new. It's almost finished. The person who originally ordered it lost all his money gambling and took out a high-interest loan. This morning, he came to ask if he could cancel the order. If it suits you, you can take over. It's a great boat, fully equipped. The best part is that they ordered it three years ago before the price hike, making it a very good deal. You're lucky; he just left, and I only put the news out a short while ago. You're the first to come, or you might have missed it."
Zhou's father asked, "How much does it cost?"
"Eighteen thousand eight hundred yuan."
Zhou's father was speechless. Even if his son had some savings, it wouldn't be nearly enough!
Zhou Chenglei asked, "What kind of configuration? Is it a trawler or a multipurpose fishing boat?"
"Multipurpose fishing boat. The engine is from Germany..."
Zhou Chenglei then asked Manager Zhou detailed questions about the boat's configuration, the brand of the engine, its horsepower, and so on.
An expert's knowledge was evident in his questions. Manager Zhou knew immediately that Zhou Chenglei was well-versed in boats, and their conversation became increasingly detailed and technical.
Jiang Xia didn't understand much, but she listened attentively. After all, this was a significant investment for their family's future earnings, and she needed to know at least the basics.
However, Zhou Chenglei looked truly impressive when he was discussing serious business. He was clear and organized, effortlessly controlling the entire situation. No matter what condition the boat was in, he managed to uncover every detail, and even the factory manager, Mr. Zhou, was unaware of these specifics.
While Zhou Chenglei was talking to the factory manager, he would occasionally explain things to her. When she wanted to drink tea, he would notice first and hand her the cup before she even asked.
Jiang Xia smiled slightly, took the cup, and sipped a few times. Just as she was about to put it back, Zhou Chenglei took it from her and placed it on the table.
The factory manager’s office had a Diamond brand electric fan with a powerful breeze. Zhou Chenglei sat in the path of the fan and subtly shielded her from the direct wind, ensuring she was comfortable without being blown away.
Mr. Zhou felt like he was being force-fed a mouthful of dog food.
He couldn’t continue! Zhou Chenglei’s father had long gotten used to this. He had a feeling that this time, the boat would be much cheaper.
True love conquers all, and with his good luck, it was perfect!
Mr. Zhou felt an immediate connection with Zhou Chenglei. For someone so young to understand boats was quite rare. He said directly, "I designed this boat myself. Although it’s not the highest spec, it’s suitable for both near-sea operations and long-distance fishing. It’s just right. A 24-meter boat is perfect for long-distance fishing, and in terms of configuration, it’s the most cost-effective."
This was the most practical large fishing boat Mr. Zhou had ever designed. It had everything and was very affordable.
"I was going to sell it for 18,800 yuan, as you can see from the receipt. If you take it now, I’ll give you a 300 yuan discount, making it 18,500 yuan. This boat is really good. If you want to order one now, you won’t get it for this price. The engine and everything else have gone up in price. It would cost at least 25,000 yuan to order a boat this size now. Someone is likely to come and look at it soon."
Zhou Chenglei’s father: "It’s good, but it’s too expensive!"
The discount was indeed significant, but it was still hard to swallow.
18,500 yuan! It was unimaginable!
Even if the young couple had some money, they certainly didn’t have tens of thousands of yuan.
"Old comrade, this is a 24-meter boat, and it’s not expensive at all! This is the price from three years ago! It’s really a good deal because the original buyer ordered it three years ago. They ordered several boats at once, and we also had foreign currency orders at that time, which is why this one was delayed. The price back then was much cheaper than it is now."
Zhou Chenglei remained silent.
Jiang Xia asked Mr. Zhou, "How much is the deposit?"
Mr. Zhou: "The original owner paid 10,000 yuan. He needs the money urgently and wants to get his deposit back."
At that moment, the phone rang, and Mr. Zhou said, "Discuss it among yourselves. I’ll take this call."
Zhou Chenglei’s father: "Alright, let’s go outside and discuss it."
Zhou Chenglei, Jiang Xia, and Zhou Chenglei’s father walked out, leaving the space for the factory manager to take his call.
Zhou Chenglei’s father: "I have 1,000 yuan. How much do you two have?"
Zhou Chenglei: "7,000."
Jiang Xia: "13,000."
Zhou Chenglei’s father: "..."
So, is it 7,000 or 13,000?
Zhou Chenglei looked at Jiang Xia: "We can’t use your money."
Jiang Xia looked back at him: "Are you lying to me?"
Zhou Chenglei was taken aback and instinctively stood straight. "Absolutely not!"
Why did she suddenly accuse him of lying? Why would she think he was lying to her?
Jiang Xia, who held the financial power, gave him a disdainful look. "If you’re not lying, where did you get 7,000 yuan? If we don’t use my money, will the 1,000 yuan in your pocket be enough to buy the boat?"
Zhou Chenglei: "..."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
