Chapter 62: The House is Completed, and the Villagers are Envious

Chapter 62: The House is Completed, and the Villagers are Envious

When Deng Shirong saw the director of the credit union appear before him with a smile, he knew that the country had introduced policies to support farmers in developing the economy. His decision to apply for a loan at this time was likely something the credit union director would welcome.

After exchanging pleasantries, they got down to business.

Bu Wanhui asked first, "Comrade, how much money do you want to borrow?"

Deng Shirong, unsure of the loan limits, replied, "Director Bu, I'd like to ask, how much can I borrow?"

Bu Wanhui's eyes lit up. This was a big customer. He quickly explained, "It depends on your loan project. Are you planning to start a business or engage in breeding and planting? Different needs have different loan amounts."

Deng Shirong said, "Here's the situation, Director Bu. The production team has divided the land for individual work, and my family has been allocated a large mountain. I plan to develop it and plant fruit trees. I've already contacted a source for the seedlings, but I don't have enough funds, so I want to borrow some money from the bank. How much do you think I can borrow?"

Planting fruit trees was exactly what the country encouraged farmers to do, and it perfectly met the loan criteria. Bu Wanhui enthusiastically replied, "Comrade, if you're engaged in fruit planting, loans are generally issued based on the planting area. How many acres of fruit trees do you plan to plant?"

Deng Shirong said, "About 20 to 30 acres."

Bu Wanhui nodded, "If it's 20 to 30 acres, borrowing 5,000 to 6,000 yuan shouldn't be a problem."

Deng Shirong smiled and nodded, "Okay, let's go with that amount. That should be enough."

Seeing that Deng Shirong didn't find the amount excessive, Bu Wanhui couldn't help but admire him inwardly. What a great customer! If there were more customers like this, he'd be able to complete the tasks assigned by his superiors in no time.

"Alright, comrade, please fill in the necessary information first."

…

Ten minutes later, Bu Wanhui shook Deng Shirong's hand with great enthusiasm. "Comrade, I'll report this to the leadership for approval as quickly as possible. Once the loan is approved, I'll have someone notify you immediately."

Deng Shirong smiled, "Thank you, Director Bu!"

Bu Wanhui said sincerely, "I wish I had troubles like this every day!"

Deng Shirong could tell from his attitude that the credit union was under pressure to meet loan quotas. The director of the credit union was a big shot in the countryside, and it would be beneficial to build a relationship with him. Who knows? He might prove useful in the future.

Thinking this, Deng Shirong said seriously, "Director Bu, I heard your superiors have assigned you a loan task. Once my orchard is established, I'll mobilize the people in our village to join in. I'll do my best to recommend a few more customers to you so you can exceed your quota."

Bu Wanhui was delighted. "Comrade Deng Shirong, you're truly my destined benefactor. No matter how this turns out, I owe you a favor."

Deng Shirong smiled, "Director Bu, you're too kind. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."

"Alright, let me see you out!"

"Director Bu, no need to trouble yourself. Goodbye!"

"Goodbye!"

…

On the 22nd day of the eighth lunar month, the cement floor of Deng Shirong's house was finally paved, marking the official completion of the construction. All that remained was installing the doors and windows and purchasing furniture. No further decoration was needed.

In Deng Shirong's eyes, this house was just a transitional home. When the village got electricity in the 1990s, he planned to build a new, eye-catching building and decorate it properly.

As the house was completed, the entire Thatchfield Village gathered to visit.

Although the house was still empty, the blue brick walls, cement floors, and bathroom were enough to impress the villagers. Especially the toilet. After Deng Shirong explained its function, the villagers were envious. Compared to the disgusting pit latrines, who wouldn't want to use such a clean toilet?

The women, in particular, were filled with longing. They thought that if they ever built a new house, they would definitely include a toilet like Uncle Jiu's.

The bathroom Deng Shirong had built wasn't a flush toilet like those in later generations, but a squat toilet with a large water tank for manual flushing. In an era without electricity or running water, this was the best they could do. Even so, for rural people of this era, it was incredibly high-end.

Deng Changfu and Guan Yongying were among the visitors. Although they had known about the bathroom for a while, Guan Yongying couldn't help but feel envious every time she saw it. Deng Changfu noticed and whispered to her, "When we build a new house, we'll have a bathroom like this too."

Guan Yongying rolled her eyes. The two had only been married for a short time, and their only financial asset was the dowry from her parents. Her in-laws had been eager to marry her off quickly to secure the land, so they had given her family an extra 400 yuan as a living allowance, leaving the family in debt.

Under these circumstances, it would be impossible for them to build a new house anytime soon. It was unclear how many years it would take before they could live in a house like Uncle Jiu's.

Deng Changfu understood his wife's silent message and made a secret resolution. He would work hard to pay off the family debt as soon as possible and then save up to build a new house.

Many others at the gathering made similar resolutions.

After everyone had toured the house, they dispersed, and the news began to spread to neighboring villages, attracting even more visitors.

After all, this was an era when buying a Phoenix or Forever bicycle would draw crowds. Deng Shirong's large brick house with its advanced bathroom naturally became a must-see attraction.

As expected, the visitors left with looks of amazement and envy.

For two or three days, people continued to visit, much to the delight of Deng Yunzhen and her siblings, who basked in the admiration of the crowd.

With the house completed, furniture became the next priority. Previously, due to financial constraints, Deng Shirong had only commissioned doors and windows. Now, with the loan from the credit union about to come through, he had sufficient funds to hire someone to build thirteen bunk beds (one for each room), eight large wardrobes (one for each person), three dressing tables (for his two daughters and future daughter-in-law), a large dining table, and dozens of stools.

(End of this chapter)