Qin Xiangnuan held her chopsticks and ate a dumpling. The dumpling was still in her mouth, puffing up her cheeks like a squirrel, looking so adorable. As for the dealings with money, her eldest brother can handle it, as he is now in charge of the family’s finances. How could he not be shrewd in matters involving money?
Business sharpens a person—the more you do it, the shrewder you become, not the other way around.
The next day, the first day of the Lunar New Year, Qin Xiangyang and Qin Xiangnuan brought another set of gifts to the Village Chief’s house. It was the same as before: a crystal cake with the character "Fu" (fortune) on it, two bottles of candied fruit, a pack of Peony cigarettes, and a bag of tea leaves. The Village Chief’s wife was shocked by the generous gifts.
Such hefty gifts meant that the favor wouldn’t be a small one.
It is said that one does not visit the temple for no reason.
"Village Chief Grandpa, I’m so sorry to bother you during the New Year," said Qin Xiangyang, his face flushing red, speaking with more confidence than before.
"Where, where," laughed the Village Chief. "Yangyang must have something important to discuss; why did you also bring Uncle Hua?"
He then pulled Qin Xiangnuan over and had his daughter-in-law fill the kids’ pockets with plenty of seeds and peanuts. Nowadays, seeds and peanuts are considered rare treats. Most families don’t buy them for their kids on regular days, only splurging on them during the New Year.
Uncle Hua coughed, and it was then time to discuss the matter of the land with the Village Chief.
The Village Chief listened but did not say much.
In the village, all the land is state-owned; it is allocated to individuals but cannot be sold, although it can be transferred. So, it’s okay for Uncle Hua’s family to farm that land. The Village Chief clearly understood the situation as if he could see it in a mirror. How could Qin Guohua just give away the land for nothing? It wasn’t just one acre, but four. No family would want to give up so much land easily. Qin Xiangnuan and Qin Xiangnuan are still young, and it’s impossible for them to farm so much land. If Qin Guohua initially agreed to divide the land, it was because he was certain that Qin Xiangyang could never take it back from him. But if the land went to Uncle Hua’s family, that would be different.
Uncle Hua brought such substantial New Year’s gifts today, which meant he must do something to justify such generosity. He had always thought Uncle Hua had sent the gifts, not realizing that it was actually from the two youngsters.
It seems that this time, Qin Guohua has made up his mind. With the land in their hands, they surely wouldn’t share it with the two kids. But Uncle Hua’s family is known for their honesty and gratitude. With the land in their hands and them working it, they would absolutely not forget about the two children, at the very least ensuring their food provisions.
The Village Chief kept this matter in mind and planned to distribute the land after the New Year had passed.
As for Aunt Hua’s house, they were eagerly preparing to cultivate their new land, and the strong workers in the family found their place to exert strength.
Right now, Qin Guohua was still unaware of these happenings, as he was enjoying meat and drinks at home. With two kids less in the house, Hu Li truly acted like the master, not hesitating to bring large and small bundles when visiting her parents’ home, not minding the expense at all.
"Brother, we’re going to open a shop," after the eighth day of the New Year, Qin Xiangnuan realized that such peaceful days were gone.
"Yes, we’re going to open a shop, and we’re about to make money again."
Qin Xiangyang didn’t mind that the New Year celebration was over; his mind was full of thoughts about money.
"Brother," Qin Xiangnuan tugged at his sleeve, "you’ll help open it for a few days, and then you’ll have to go to school."