Chapter 640: Chapter 640: Too Ostentatious
“Hmm, Uncle Jiang, go ahead,” Yu Cheng said, all ears.
“Here’s the thing. A few days ago, when I visited Haicheng, I noticed that people there were openly doing business, and there were many buyers. No one seemed to care, so I thought I might also start bringing more stuff to Haicheng to sell at a stall. I’m sure I could make good money. What do you think about my idea?” Jiang Changhai asked earnestly.
Jiang Changhai felt that although Yu Cheng was young, his environment and the people he interacted with were exceptional, so he must know more than an average citizen like himself.
Most importantly, he had a grandfather who was a senior officer, Elder Yu, who must be clear about the government’s stance on speculative trading.
Hearing this, Yu Cheng’s expression turned serious too, “Uncle Jiang, since you trust me, I’ll be frank with you. I think your idea is not very feasible. As far as I know, there has been no official document allowing private trade. It’s true that it’s not as strictly enforced as before, but setting up a stall and doing business is still considered speculative trading.”
“But there are businesses all over in Haicheng. I was there for several days, and I didn’t see anyone being interfered with,” Jiang Changhai said, puzzled.
Yu Cheng shook his head, “Uncle Jiang, there’s some insider information here. The reason no one interferes in the Capital City and Haicheng is that there are too many people setting up stalls and doing business there, which has greatly boosted the local economy. The authorities have seen these indicators, so they don’t strictly enforce the rules, as the law doesn’t punish all when many are involved.”
“But it’s different here where you live. Remember, the nail that sticks out gets hammered. If you make it too big, local officials might use you as an example to warn others. However, if you keep it small and sell some vegetables from your own field, you probably won’t face any problems.”
Jiang Changhai found his reasoning sound. Although he was disappointed that he couldn’t start a business, he took Yu Cheng’s words to heart.
His family wasn’t short on money, and he didn’t need to take the risk. After all, safety was the most important.
“Alright then, I understand. I won’t pursue these plans right now,” Jiang Changhai said, nodding as he accepted Yu Cheng’s advice.
Seeing Jiang Changhai so disappointed, Yu Cheng consoled him, “Uncle Jiang, don’t be too downhearted. The attitude towards speculative trading has already shifted in some big cities. Just wait a few more years for the related policies to come out and for the situation to stabilize, and then starting a business won’t be too late. For now, as long as your private dealings aren’t too conspicuous and don’t come to the surface, there generally won’t be any problems.”
“Alright, Buddy Yu, I know what to do now. Let’s head inside. We’ve been out here for half the day,” said Jiang Changhai, putting an arm around Yu Cheng’s shoulder as the two walked back to the house.
Once back inside, they watched TV for a while. Seeing that it was getting late, they all prepared to wash up and go to bed.
That morning, when Su Wanyu saw Yu Cheng had brought three friends over, she took the time to tidy up another empty room in the house.
The bedding in the room was new, bought from the Supply and Marketing Cooperative when they first bought the house.
Whenever the weather was nice, Su Wanyu would also take it out to air, so it was ready for someone to live in.
That night, when it was time to sleep, the young men sorted out the sleeping arrangements themselves: Tang Lin and Xu Sheng stayed in the guest room while Cheng An stayed in Yu Cheng’s room.