Chapter 111: Final Decision

Chapter 111: Final Decision

Zhang Family

In the dim light of the room, the Zhang family gathered together, their faces etched with concern.

"Mom and Dad, eldest brother and sister-in-law, second brother and second sister-in-law, are you worried that if you open a shop and become business owners, you'll be labeled as profiteers?" Zhang Xiuping asked. Though she couldn't see their expressions clearly, she could sense their hesitation and fears.

Zhang Zhenfa sighed deeply. "I do have concerns about this. If things aren't handled properly, I could end up in jail. It's something I have to worry about."

Mrs. Zhang added, "Xiuping, you remember what happened a few years ago. Even though there's reform and opening up now, we rural folks don't fully understand the national policies. We don't know if opening a shop and becoming business owners will get us labeled as speculators."

Mrs. Zhang nodded in agreement. "Yes, we don't understand the national policies well. We only know that the country didn't allow ordinary people to do business before. Now we've heard it's permitted, but we're not sure if it's true or if things might change again."

Zhang Xiuping reassured them, "There won't be any reversals. The country has introduced policies to encourage farmers to start businesses. I don't know all the details, but my father-in-law mentioned that if you want to open a store, you can go to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau to apply for a legal business license. With this license, you can do business without worrying about being accused of speculation."

Zhang Zhenfa's eyes widened in surprise. "You can get a certificate to operate a business legally?"

Zhang Xiuping nodded. "That's what I've heard. We can go to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau to confirm if it's possible."

Zhang Shouguo chimed in, "If we can get this legal business license, we won't have to worry about being charged with speculation. But we've never even sold eggs before. What can we do as business owners?"

Zhang Xiuping smiled. "There are so many things you can do with a store. You can sell agricultural products, food, fruits, or even set up a supply and marketing department like the brigade to sell all kinds of goods. As long as you open a store and do business, you'll definitely make money."

Mrs. Zhang asked, "Xiuping, is this what your father-in-law told you?"

She knew her daughter well and understood that such insights couldn't have come from her alone.

Zhang Xiuping didn't deny it. "Yes, this is exactly what my father-in-law told me when we were chatting yesterday. I'm sharing this with you, brother and sister-in-law, second brother and sister-in-law, so you can think it over carefully and decide which path is right for you. In any case, both options are better than working in a tile factory for a few dozen yuan."

Zhang Shouguo and his wife, along with Zhang Shoumin and his wife, fell into deep thought upon hearing this.

Zhang Zhenfa also considered the options. While opening a shop and becoming business owners had its appeal, he was more inclined toward planting or breeding, as these were familiar to rural folks. However, the idea of opening a store, though daunting, seemed less risky if they could obtain a legal license.

Thinking of this, Zhang Zhenfa asked, "Xiuping, how many lychee trees does your father-in-law plan to plant in his orchard? How much has he invested in total?"

Zhang Xiuping replied, "My father-in-law has reserved 1,000 lychee saplings. Since he hired people to help cultivate the orchard and will need workers to maintain it later, the costs are higher. Before the lychees bear fruit, the total investment will be over 1,500 yuan."

A collective gasp filled the room.

Fifteen hundred yuan was an astronomical sum in those days. Even Zhang Zhenfa, who had received a hefty bride price for his daughter (a common practice among the Hakka people in Bobai, where marrying off a daughter was referred to as "selling" her), had only received one thousand yuan.

Seeing the shock on everyone's faces, Zhang Xiuping quickly added, "If you buy the saplings and do all the work yourselves, it will only cost 700 to 800 yuan, not 1,500."

Zhang Zhenfa exhaled slowly. "Even 700 or 800 yuan is a significant amount. If something goes wrong, it could ruin us."

Zhang Xiuping nodded. "If you want to invest less, then opening a store is the better option."

Zhang Shoumin, still undecided, asked, "Xiuping, in your opinion, what do you think is more suitable for me and my brother?"

Zhang Shouguo echoed, "Yes, Xiuping, why don't you help us make the decision?"

Mrs. Zhang Dasao and Mrs. Zhang Ersao exchanged glances but remained silent. They were content to let their sister-in-law make the choice. If things went well, they had nothing to worry about. Even if something went wrong, they trusted that Zhang Xiuping would step in to help.

Zhang Xiuping, unaware of her sisters-in-law's thoughts, recalled her father-in-law's advice: "Ah Ping, when helping your brothers, just present them with the two options I've given you. Let them make the final decision themselves. It's best not to decide for them. If they truly can't make up their minds, suggest they open a store on Dragon Lake Street, specializing in selling agricultural products. Even if they don't make a fortune, they won't lose money. It's the safest option."

With this in mind, Zhang Xiuping said, "Big Brother, Second Brother, if you want me to decide for you, I suggest opening a store on Dragon Lake Street, specializing in selling agricultural products. This kind of store doesn't require much investment, and there's little risk of losing money. It's up to you whether you want to do it!"

Zhang Shouguo asked, "Xiuping, we have no experience in business. Can we really open a store and sell things?"

Zhang Xiuping smiled reassuringly. "Why not? No one is born knowing how to do business. You learn by doing. As long as you can read and do basic math, there's no problem. If you're serious about it, send me back in three days, and you can discuss it with my father-in-law. He's knowledgeable and can give you some guidance."

Zhang Zhenfa interjected, "I think what Xiuping said makes sense. No one is born knowing how to do business. Since there's no risk of losing money by opening a store to sell agricultural products, you brothers should give it a try. If you make money, that's great. Even if you don't, you'll gain valuable experience that will help you in the future."

He had initially favored planting and breeding, but after hearing his daughter's assurance that opening a store carried little risk, he leaned toward that option. For him, protecting their capital was the top priority.

Mrs. Zhang nodded in agreement. "You should give it a try. Tomorrow, Shouguo, you can go to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau to ask about getting a license. That way, you'll feel more secure about doing business."

With their sister's recommendation and their parents' approval, the Zhang brothers, who had been undecided, finally made up their minds and nodded in agreement.

Mrs. Zhang Dasao and Mrs. Zhang Ersao had no objections either.

(End of Chapter)