Chapter 1178: Going Home

Fang Jingfu didn't stay long; after they began eating, he left first, planning to return tomorrow, as it was already completely dark.

After finishing their meal, the boatmen enthusiastically joined the ranks of workers over there, working alongside them to earn double wages.

After speaking with Lin Lin Xiuqing, Ye Yaodong came out to instruct the twin brothers, having already assigned them tasks, introduced their work, and told them they could officially start work tomorrow.

Eat your own food; as for lodging, stay in this house. The rice, flour, grain, and oil I brought on this trip will be left here for you, but since we are only staying a few days, I didn't bring much rations.

It only seemed like there was a lot because there were more people and higher consumption; I carried several loads when I entered. The remainder after their consumption should be enough for the two brothers to last a few days, giving them a buffer before they get familiar with the surroundings.

The twin brothers were very happy; on the second day after arriving, they could immediately start earning double wages.

"I'm paying you double wages not to do charity; while you work hard, you must also keep an eye out for me. If the workshop makes any big moves, if there are any abnormalities or anything happens, call and notify me, especially you, Xiao, who helps count pieces and calculate wages."

"I invested a large sum to buy shares in this workshop; since I'm not here, you need to watch it for me, understand? You must do the work you're supposed to do, be proactive, and not just take wages without working. If people complain later, I'll have to kick you back home."

"Understood, Brother Dong. We will definitely work hard for you."

"Remember, if you take two wages, you do two jobs."

"Definitely, definitely."

After admonishing the two brothers, Ye Yaodong let them go about their business, then went to find Lin Lin Xiuqing.

She had already started doing manual work again.

"It's almost 10 o'clock; it's time to sleep. You're still working? Didn't you get tired sitting on the boat all day?"

"Isn't everyone else working?"

"They need to earn money; do you need to earn money?"

"There's work here to earn money; it's a pity not to do it. Earning a little bit can buy oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar."

Ye Yaodong's mouth corner couldn't help but twitch.

She still had 200,000 in hand, yet she was thinking about earning money for oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar.

"Don't look down on this small money just because you have funds. I saw they can earn quite a lot in a day; I asked, and some work from morning till night, occasionally working overtime, saying they can earn three or four yuan a day. That's much more than most workers in big factories."

"They are forced by life to work day and night; why are you trying so hard? It's late at night, you can't bear to sleep, and you're still working here. Come on, let's go to sleep."

"Oh, I'm in the middle of working with great energy. You go sleep yours; when I get sleepy, I'll naturally go to sleep."

Seeing her energetic state, Ye Yaodong couldn't persuade her, so he just let her be and went into the room to sleep himself.

He had only slept a few hours last night and didn't sleep again; inside the cabin, he only dozed off for a moment. He was already very tired.

Later, he didn't even know what time Lin Lin Xiuqing lay down beside him to sleep; he only knew that when he woke up early in the morning, the space beside him was empty again. He went out and saw she was working there again.

Ye Yaodong was speechless; he hadn't asked her to come work for wages...

When he walked over and looked closely, his father was also working there desperately...

After walking around the surroundings, he saw all his boatmen were working double shifts there.

"Is breakfast ready? Working so hard; did I bring you here to work as laborers?"

Everyone replied in turn, "Hehe, the porridge is in the pot; we have all eaten."

"Since we've eaten and are bored, sitting idle is still sitting; might as well help do a bit."

"Yes, it's better than us gathering to gamble; isn't it better to have work to do?"

Lin Lin Xiuqing also said, "Didn't we come here just to transport your goods? There's nothing else to do; everyone helping do a bit is a bit, and it can increase extra income. It's better than them sitting aside playing cards. Go eat your meal; don't mind us."

Ye Father also chimed in, "Yes, don't mind us."

Ye Yaodong helplessly shook his head; indeed, there was nothing else to do, so he had to let them be. He had things to do after finishing breakfast.

The special local products he brought specifically needed to be delivered to Zeng Zhao Weimin after breakfast.

However, Zeng Zhao Weimin was only there with his wife; his children were not by his side. He gave him a sack of dried fish, a basket of squid, and a basket of shrimp. After obtaining his consent, Zeng Zhao Weimin took out more than half to distribute to others in the bureau.

Everyone was very happy, feeling like they were receiving welfare during the New Year.

Ye Yaodong didn't mind; everyone knew it was his gift anyway. It was even better if everyone got a share; at least they would remember him.

He only stayed for a while, chatted a few sentences, and then left so as not to disturb their office work.

Having a bicycle was convenient; pedaling back and forth wasn't so miserable.

When he returned home, Fang Jingfu was already waiting for him there.

The contract and sealing wax were ready, just waiting for him to sign and press his handprint.

Even Fang Jingfu's older brother and sister-in-law were there; his brother also had to sign and press his handprint. Previously, with only the two brothers, they could split it evenly, and a verbal agreement was enough.

Now that there was an outside investor like him, of course, the actual contract allocation had to be implemented.

The contract clearly stated that he invested 50,000 in funds, holding only 20%; Fang Jingfu was the person in charge, investing in main sales management and funds simultaneously, holding 45%; and his brother invested in technology, holding 35%.

Then, because Fang Jingfu and his brother both worked, they each enjoyed a certain monthly wage; he did not participate in any management nor do any work, so he had no wage.

Fang Jingfu explained this to him specifically while signing the contract.

Ye Yaodong nodded with no objections; he understood this. If there is work, there must be a wage; even for shareholders, if they work, they must have a wage.

The twin brothers he brought in were actually working on his behalf; the wage those two brothers received was essentially his.

Ye Yaodong read from start to finish; after listening to Fang Jingfu explain each point clearly, he had no problems and immediately signed and pressed his handprint. The other two also followed suit, signing and pressing their handprints.

The contract was in triplicate; all three kept one copy each.

After everything was signed, this contract was equivalent to having legal effect. All three were very happy; this was considered taking shape and becoming standardized.

Lin Lin Xiuqing watched the whole process from the side without making a sound, only smiling and perking up her ears to listen. Only after the contract was handed to her did she look at it carefully.

After everyone signed the contract, they relaxed a bit and discussed going to the state-run restaurant for a meal right now.

"This is our partnership meal. I went early this morning to reserve a table and even paid in advance for them to buy vegetables; otherwise, their daily menu is limited to just a few items. There are small restaurants elsewhere, but the state-run restaurant is more high-class."

"Let's go; it's noon anyway. Let's all eat together to celebrate a successful cooperation."

Lin Lin Xiuqing said with a smile, "I'll put the contract away first, and bring a basket along. I'll go out for a stroll later; since we're already out..."

"Then we'll wait. Go put it away quickly; this thing is very important."

"Okay."

Ye Yaodong turned his head and told his father again, asking him to go together.

Ye's father waved his hand, "I won't go. You young people go eat by yourselves; I'll just eat at home. Going back and forth will take several hours; I could do quite a bit of work here in that time."

"Do you really think you're here to work for money? Losing a few cents isn't a big deal. The bicycle has room; President Fang's bicycle has an empty spot on the back, you can ride on his bike."

"No, no, you go ahead; I, an old man, won't get involved in your young people's affairs."

Ye Yaodong urged him a couple more times, but his father kept shaking his head, so he let it go, telling him to just eat with the boat workers at home.

After arriving at the state-run restaurant, while eating, he asked if he could get his 5,000 lighters tomorrow; if he could get them tomorrow, he would set off directly that night to return.

Counting yesterday, today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow for arrival, it would be exactly four days to reach the city, delivered into his father-in-law's hands, which would mean he hadn't broken his word to the consumers.

Moreover, after finishing lunch, he could ride his bicycle to show his wife around the city; they could tour for another day tomorrow, which would be enough; staying too many days wasn't necessary.

The whole group he brought, including his father and wife, had already become obsessed with working; by the time they returned, they might not want to leave. Everyone had already worked most of the morning, immersed in it, unable to pull themselves away.

The meal was enjoyed by both host and guests, bringing them even closer; Lin Lin Xiuqing sat right next to Fang Jingfu's brother's wife, Cheng Huijia, and they chatted very happily.

Even after the meal, when they were going shopping, Cheng Huijia pulled the two brothers to go along with them.

Originally it should have been a trip for two, but after the meal, it became a party of five.

Lin Lin Xiuqing shopped all afternoon, only returning satisfied when the basket she carried was completely full.

On the way back, Ye Yaodong still teased her, saying the work she did overnight plus what she earned this morning wasn't even enough to buy the few items in the basket.

"How can that be the same? The money I earn from working is mine; how can I use my wages to calculate the cost of these specialty items I bought?"

"Oh, what you earn is yours, and what I earn is for spending."

"Isn't that right?"

"Right, right, right, everything you say is right; supporting the family is originally my responsibility. Since I earn enough, naturally there's no need for you to share the burden."

She smiled, "Still, it's better for a husband and wife to work together; it's just that I've earned too little these past two days. I'd better go back and buy oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar; at least those are visible."

"What I earn is also half yours; aren't you taking care of the home front for me?" Ye Yaodong said with a grin.

"As long as you know that."

"Tomorrow, let's come out again to buy some local specialty cakes. If we take them back at night, they won't spoil by the next day. Even in hot weather, cakes can last two or three days; now that the weather has cooled, they should last even longer."

"Okay, don't buy anything else; just buy some cakes to take back and give to people."

Having traveled all the way here to Zhejiang Province, upon returning, her neighbors and relatives would surely surround her with envy and flattery; bringing back some cakes for everyone to taste was only right, and it would mean the trip wasn't in vain.

After returning home and finishing dinner, Lin Lin Xiuqing continued working on her lighters until late at night, full of enthusiasm.

Originally, after going into the room, she wanted to say a few words to Ye Yaodong, but who knew he was already snoring; she could only save it to tell him the next day.

The next day, after finishing breakfast, Ye Yaodong was pulled into the room by her to talk; he thought she wanted to say something important, but who knew she had also changed her mind.

"Tell me, can't we have people make custom parts and assemble the lighters ourselves? That way, you won't have to travel all this way to stock up."

"I heard from other workers that there are now several small lighters workshops in the city; although they can't compare to this one, people are working there too."

"It doesn't look like it requires much technical skill; following the trend and doing it ourselves should be fine, right?"

"Do you understand this industry? Do you have the energy? Are you confident you can do it well? Do you have the background? Can you find suitable, trustworthy people to manage it?"

Ye Yaodong's questions stumped her.

"If we really go back and do it separately, that would count as stabbing them in the back. We just signed a contract, and then turn around to pursue our own little schemes; that money would be wasted."

"Isn't the current situation good enough? We invest some money, and naturally, people will worry for us and manage everything; we just wait to get our share. If we do it ourselves, we'd still have to worry."

"Now we've handed everything over to Fang Jingfu; since the two brothers hold the majority share, they are definitely thinking of expanding and strengthening, creating new glory, and leaving other workshops several streets behind in the short term; otherwise, why would they be so eager to raise funds?"

"With them worrying for us, isn't it good for us to be hands-off owners? Why do it ourselves? The boats and shops I have, plus the two workshops, are enough to keep me busy; money can never be fully earned."

"Neither of us understands this industry; it's better to let them do it. That's surely better than finding other people to do it ourselves? Anyway, neither of us understands this; now we have ready-made people helping us do it."

"Right now, we get both shares and goods to sell for money; it's great. We've already earned quite a lot; we can't be too greedy and want everything we see."

Lin Lin Xiuqing nodded repeatedly, "That's true; I was thinking wrongly. Indeed, we can't clutch everything to our chests. Invest some money, let others do the work, and we can save ourselves the worry; at most, it's a bit troublesome to make the trip back and forth."

"I've already agreed with him; he'll give me 10,000 in a month. Then, one trip back and forth per month will suffice."

"10,000..."

"It's not too many; we can let them sit and sell slowly. After all, the first 2,000 were just a trial; immediately after, people came to buy in bulk. Once our reputation is out there, even more people will come to buy in bulk; once circulation starts, there probably won't be enough to sell."

"Alright, you handle it as you see fit."

"In these two years, everyone's standard of living is gradually improving; demand will naturally increase."

"I don't understand what you're saying; anyway, you decide. I'm going to work to earn money."

"Damn... you really are possessed by the fire of obsession? I brought you here to play, but you're making money instead. While the morning sun isn't too strong, let's go out and buy cakes now; there should be fresh ones coming out of the oven in the morning. Buy some fresh ones, and we can even eat a couple; they'll definitely taste better."

"That works too; we won't need to go out in the afternoon and can just keep working here."

Ye Yaodong shook his head, very helpless, "Then when we get back and neighbors ask you, 'What's fun to do in Wenzhou City?', you'll say, 'Assembling lighters is fun.'"

"It is quite fun; assembling is quite interesting. But I did go out to see the sights where I should; the city center here isn't much different from ours; there are only a few high-rise buildings, and only one or two streets where you can buy things; the rest are mostly residential buildings, either low-rise or single-story houses; there's no difference."

"Everyone's clothes on the road all look the same; I didn't see any foreigners; going out doesn't feel very fresh, except for some specialty food carts that feel a bit different."

What she said was indeed quite reasonable.

In this era, tourism really isn't suitable; those traveling far are either working or doing business; otherwise, who would run around everywhere?

"This place is quite big; we just went to the bustling areas, and there's not much else worth seeing. Later, when we go out, I'll take photos of you at a few landmark buildings, like the Wenzhou Municipal Government Building and the Normal School; otherwise, everyone will think you really came here just to work and earn money."

Lin Lin Xiuqing smiled and patted him, "Alright then."

Ye Yaodong also wanted to take his father out for a walk and look around, but Ye's father refused.

"You two go walk around everywhere; what's an old man like me doing going with you? I've been here before; what's there to see? The previous times I bought things; this time I won't buy anything. We've only been out for two or three days; if I buy things to take back, your mother will think where I got so much money."

It would expose the truth.

"Then it's up to you; just earn your private money here."

"It's great; I'll just earn my retirement money here, working from morning until midnight; I can earn several yuan a day, enough for me to buy quite a bit of tobacco."

He spoke as if he were so pitiful, making it seem like he had no money to spend.

"Hehe, President Ye, you should give your father some money to spend too; look how hard he's working."

"Yes, he's at an age where he should be enjoying life. We want to enjoy life but can't; we still have to work hard for our sons and grandsons. He's President Ye's father, yet he's still working there."

"Your father is too diligent; he doesn't know how to enjoy the life he deserves. If I had such a successful son, I'd make him support me."

"Give your father more money to spend; it's only because the money is too little that he thinks about working so hard..."

Ye Yaodong: His reputation would be ruined by his father.

Seeing Ye Yaodong's unfriendly expression, Ye's father worried that the next sentence would forbid him from working. Before Ye Yaodong could speak, he hurriedly explained to the others in broken Mandarin.

"No, no, he does give me money. From time to time, he gives me a sum of private money, and he calculates my wages for me every month. It's just that the wages are all taken by his mother and never reach my hands. But I still have the private money he secretly gave me; I just can't sit still."

"Everyone is working there to earn money; I can't just sit there and watch. It's not that tiring a job anyway. Do a little if you can; earning more or less isn't that important, you just need something to do."

"We've worked there all our lives. Now that we aren't unable to move, how can we sit still? Moving around might even help us live longer; staying completely still is almost the same as waiting to die."

"Besides, who ever complains about having too much money? If you're idle, earn a little if you can. Earning money isn't easy to begin with; how can you rely entirely on your sons? As long as you can still move, doing a bit more doesn't hurt."

"My three sons are each filial and each successful. I won't worry when I get old. Right now, I'm just doing a little work; I'll be leaving tomorrow."

The people around sighed, "You have a good fate..."

"So, raising children is very important. Have more of them; if just one turns out successful, you'll enjoy life for the rest of your days."

"Who says otherwise? You really should have more children. As long as one can make a name for themselves, the whole family won't have to worry for their entire lives."

"Damn it, they don't even allow having many children now. What use is one child? With two children, when it comes to old-age support, there are two people to help share the burden."

As everyone chatted, the topic went off track, and they kept complaining.

The locals also had severe preference for sons over daughters; everyone wanted to have sons. The idea that sons support parents in old age was deeply rooted in the older generation's minds.

When a crowd gathered and walked together, idle chat was inevitable, with all sorts of topics emerging endlessly. Although Ye's father and the others couldn't understand the local dialect, they could occasionally catch a couple of words, and they were all curses!

So after staying for two days, Lin Lin Xiuqing also knew a couple of local curse words.

For instance, the one they most often said was "Lao Niang Ke," which referred to women who sat around doing nothing all day and gossiping.

Ha Ci: Liar. Ba Chi: Idiot. Meng Guo: Nonsense. Chi Fan: Eat Shit. Zei Tou: Pig Head. Ni Na Ge Bei: Your Mother's Bitch.

She was especially enthusiastic; whenever she got a chance, she would use the Wenzhou local dialect to curse him twice.

For instance, even when it was time to sleep at night, she would still curse him once.

"Pig Head, why aren't you sleeping yet? We have to board the boat to go home tonight."

"You've even gotten addicted to saying it?"

"Hahaha, I think their local dialect is particularly interesting."

"Then why don't we leave you here to earn wages and learn the local language?"

"And then you can go back and marry a concubine?"

"You found that out? When the tiger is away, the monkey becomes king. I'd have to marry ten or eight concubines: one to eat with me, one to sleep with me, one to go to sea with me, one to watch the shop for me, one to watch the workshop for me, one to watch the children for me, one..."

"How could ten or eight be enough? Don't you need two to accompany you at the table, one on each side? Two hands can't just sit idle, right? You'd need two for sleeping too, otherwise how could they simultaneously massage your back, knead your shoulders, and rub your legs?"

"That makes sense!"

"I think two for sleeping isn't enough either. You should have seven; schedule them from Monday to Sunday, being a bridegroom every single night."

"My wife really thinks things through."

Lin Lin Xiuqing fiercely pinched his ear, "Don't you fear dying from exhaustion?"

"Sss~ Gently. Isn't there still you? You can just replenish me."

"Dream on."

Seeing she wouldn't let go, Ye Yaodong had to embrace her and pin her down. "Alright, time to sleep. Your ear is all red from pinching. I was just joking. I was just saying things randomly; why did you have to reply?"

"I was just saying things randomly too. Why did you say 'that makes sense' on the left and 'my wife thinks things through' on the right? I think that's exactly what you're thinking in your heart."

While saying this, Lin Lin Xiuqing also extended her index finger and fiercely poked his solar plexus. He quickly grabbed it.

"Stop poking. Poke any more and you'll poke a hole. Let's sleep quickly; otherwise, we'll have to get up again at night. Not sleeping all day while drifting on the sea is no fun."

"Hmph, lie over there. Don't crush me."

Ye Yaodong obediently complied.

It was indeed a bit late at this time. After dinner, they spent quite a bit of time counting the goods, then each packed their things, working until just now.

At night, they would have to borrow the workshop's handcart to push those goods. Those lighters were very heavy; if they relied on human labor to move them, it would take several round trips and waste too much time.

Just having received a sum of capital injection, Fang Jingfu had money now. In the past two days, he had already gone to order a tractor.

Ye Yaodong planned to remind him again after some time passed: he could go buy a plot of land, build his own workshop and warehouse, and then apply for a company once the policies relaxed in a few years.

Anyway, he had connections behind him. Spending a bit more money to find a contact to approve a plot of land wouldn't be difficult. Acquiring land now was very simple. As long as he had land, even if business wasn't good later, he wouldn't lose much.

Moreover, only with a dedicated workshop could the scale expand and strengthen. It hadn't been long, but now this workshop already felt a bit insufficient. It was only because of morning and evening shifts that it could accommodate so many people.

Only if your premises are large enough will others' trust in you be higher than that of other small workshops. The storefront is also very important.

The reason he hadn't brought it up immediately was that the Eight Kings incident hadn't been that long ago. If he acquired a plot of land and built a workshop with great fanfare, he could easily be made an example of.

Even though he had people behind him, he would definitely have enemies, and there was no guarantee they could protect him.

For instance, the Eight Kings were so wealthy and their business was so huge; they must have had good relations with the local officials. So why were they made an example of? Simply because they had too much money.

Policies are always changing; one must proceed slowly. The steps cannot be too big.

Even if he told Fang Jingfu now, he would only lie low first, daring not to make any big moves.

At least this workshop has already gone through the proper channels. He can do whatever he wants inside it without trouble. If he starts messing around outside, everyone will know he made a fortune, and that would be risky.

The return trip was also smooth.

Just as it was on the way here, so it was on the way back.

Ye Yaodong only wanted to rush on, but the wind direction on the return journey wasn't as favorable.

Originally, he planned to sail directly to the city, but by the time they were near their town, it was already dark. He calculated that sailing into the city would probably take until midnight.

His father-in-law and mother-in-law and the others would surely be asleep by then. Moreover, they would have to get up at dawn to open for business. There was no need to disturb them in the middle of the night; it was better to go straight home and get a good sleep.

The next morning, he could deliver the goods by tractor without any real difference—it was only half a day later.

Lin Lin Xiuqing's persuasion also played a part in this.

She wanted to return to the village first; after being away so many days and passing right by her own gate, she would naturally go home first—she constantly thought of her children and the matters at home.

And on the boat, it was inconvenient for her to use the toilet, so she minimized drinking water and eating, holding it in whenever she could.

When she couldn't hold it anymore, she'd wait until everyone in the cabin was asleep, have Ye Yaodong keep watch on the helm, and sneak to the stern to relieve herself, then rinse it into the sea with water.

Fortunately, no one needed to work; besides eating, everyone mostly lay in the cabin.

Since she could go home, she naturally chose to return home the moment she could.