Chapter 273: Calling It Out Directly

Mai Hangyu, upon hearing, also thought it reasonable and said, "But if we do it this way, the investment will be larger."

Wu An smiled and said, "It's fine."

"As long as we can go out to sea, the money will eventually be earned."

Mai Hangyu was worried about whether the homestay could turn a profit.

He was actually more concerned about the contract; if the homestay became a big success, the Village might think of raising the contract fee, which is highly likely.

Although the contract stipulates no price increase, over time, once cultural tourism homestays reach an industrial scale, the land's value will soar, and the Village Committee could also sue to raise the price.

"It doesn't matter."

As long as it's within a reasonable range, an increase is just an increase; the past few years have already let him make a big profit.

The two kept chatting and arrived at Mai Jia.

Lao Mai heard the voices, came out of the kitchen and said, "Bring the table out."

Wu An hurriedly shouted, "I'll do it, I'll do it."

After these days, the two had become friends despite the age gap, their relationship grew closer, Wu An behaved more casually, and Lao Mai didn't mind at all.

He had roamed south and north in his younger years, seen much and known much; now he was proudly back home, not some odd old man, just a retiree who enjoys life and loves fishing.

And Wu An, with his temperament, gave him even greater enjoyment in fishing.

Wu An moved the table out and then went back into the kitchen to bring dishes.

They busied themselves together.

Everyone sat down and first clinked glasses.

The temperature wasn't low today, so drinking some cold beer felt great; Lao Mai also prepared garlic butter crayfish, a full big bowl, bright red, with a strong garlic aroma.

No gloves were needed.

Just use the hands directly.

Peel the head, remove the shell, a slurp, a sip, eat each without a sound; after finishing two, he finally found a moment to give Lao Mai a thumbs‑up.

Eating and drinking.

Mai Hangyu explained the situation and asked, "I don't know if the Village's talk of policy support or subsidies is just empty promises."

Lao Mai hummed thoughtfully and said, "I'll help look into it."

Wu An said nothing.

He knew the future trends and situation, but couldn't just state them outright; after all, he had no basis, and empty words are hard to convince anyone.

Lao Mai looked at him and said, "But I estimate that this is very likely to exist."

"What does this place rely on to develop?"

"Naturally, it relies on the sea."

"I know that in recent years, earning from going out to fish has been decreasing."

"But we probably can't establish a port trade here; developing cultural tourism is a path, and some places have already done it quite well."

Wu An continued, "Right, that's what I thought, so when Lao Mai said there was an old house for sale, I decided to buy it."

"Our scenery here is nice; although it's a bit remote, that distance is actually a plus for tourists."

"When it comes to travel, people are happy to go farther."

"I can already see that the higher‑up leaders will definitely notice the business opportunity here, so strong support is normal."

Mai Hangyu laughed and said, "You two truly are friends despite the age gap; from this conversation, one might even think the support and subsidies are already a done deal."

"What do you know?" Lao Mai looked disdainfully at his own grandson and lectured, "Even if there is no support or subsidy now, once the homestay succeeds and shows results, what do you think the higher‑up leaders will do when they see the situation?"

Mai Hangyu was startled and said, "They will… will promote it."

"Since they will promote, they need a model; the benchmark will naturally be the homestay you are running."

"Then the support and subsidies will come."

Mai Hangyu suddenly understood.

Lao Mai sighed, "You are now feeling the stones while crossing a river, trying to carve a path to wealth out of a barren land."

"It will definitely be hard, full of obstacles."

"You must be mentally prepared."

"The greater the effort, the greater the harvest; I have high hopes for you."

The last sentence he said while looking at Wu An.

Mai Hangyu felt solemn respect.

Wu An smiled; hearing Lao Mai speak so valuably, he felt his own self‑interest was a bit strong, which is normal—people have selfish motives.

But on the basis of satisfying his selfishness, if he can do something, that's also good.

Having been reborn, he now holds many advantages; Wu An also intends, within his ability, to contribute something to his hometown.

If he can make it big and strong, that would be even better.

For now.

He has only taken the first step.

Back to the point, the beginning is always hard.

Having taken the first step, the second and third will naturally follow.

Food and drink are good.

Lao Mai brewed another pot of cold tea.

Wu An wasn't used to it.

After a cup, Wu An and A Qing got up to say goodbye; Mai Hangyu originally offered to see them off, but Wu An told him to rest, saying calling a car back from town wouldn't cost much.

Returning to the Village in the early afternoon, it was quite quiet; those napping took their nap, and those not napping gathered at the small shop to cool off, chat, and play cards.

Just after splitting with A Qing at the fork in the road, I happened to meet Chen Gui.

We met.

Wu An smiled and greeted him.

Chen Gui smiled falsely, not with his heart, and said, "A An, impressive, you quietly set a move against me."

Wu An wasn't surprised either, feigning ignorance as he asked, "What are you talking about?"

Chen Gui's smile widened, he raised a hand and pointed at him: "You, you, still pretending to be dumb with me; I'm telling you straight, this time uncle won't hold it against you."

Wu An also laughed: "Uncle, before we went out to sea, someone reported me for using the crab pot, and afterwards the whole village said it was you who reported me—was it really you?"

Chen Gui said without changing expression: "Of course it wasn't me."

"Just rumors."

"I already told you that before."

Wu An nodded and said, "Alright, I believe you."

"Then it's settled, let's go."

Having said that, he strode forward.

Chen Gui stood where he was, his expression somewhat complicated.

Wu An said he believed him, but in his heart he didn't, so he took the opportunity to mess with him; this loss… he could only swallow it.

Chen Gui knows this was Wu An's doing, but Wu An denies it.

As for the earlier report, Wu An also knows it was Chen Gui's doing, but Chen Gui denies it too.

Both of them understand everything but pretend to be clueless.

Chen Gui is like a mute eating coptis—he has suffering he cannot speak of.

Who made Shen Nan initially make him take the blame for this black pot?

This score, sooner or later I'll settle it with Shen Nan!

"Kid, you think I'm the one messing with you? Hmph, you're wrong." Chen Gui snorted in his heart, thinking Wu An is still young and can't see the situation.

He doesn't need to do anything.

In the future, Wu An will naturally end up facing Shen Nan.

Him.

Just watch the excitement.

……

Wu An wasn't surprised that Chen Gui knew it was his doing; he had considered it before—if he wanted to distance himself, he'd have to use Lao Fu Tou up and then discard him.

But he couldn't do that.

First, Lao Fu Tou is urgently needed talent on his ship; second, it's unnecessary.

Just knowing is knowing; there's nothing you can do to him.

Unexpectedly, he was somewhat surprised that Chen Gui would point it out to his face.

It's also fine.

In Chen Gui's view.

What he did had a legitimate reason.

Young people have strong vengeful hearts.

The village all says you reported me, I find a chance to mess with you—makes sense, right?

This is reasonable, lawful, and full of righteous revenge!