"It's inconvenient to travel now. If Brother Zhou does this, he'll definitely make money."
Hearing her say that, Zhou Bin felt more confident. He smiled and said, "I hope you'll patronize me more in the future, little sister."
Chen Lishu replied with a smile, "If it's Brother Zhou's business, I definitely won't consider any other options."
When Zhou Bin left, Chen Lishu asked him to take back another hundred cashmere sweaters and a hundred cotton coats. This winter, the clothing stock in the county town store should be enough to sell.
By the end of November, the weather was getting colder. The night temperature dropped to minus twenty degrees Celsius. The sales of cotton coats and cashmere sweaters in the store began to pick up, with more than ten items sold daily.
The renovation of the vegetable market was also nearing completion. The four-story building was divided into over three hundred shop spaces.
Once officially approved by the on-site inspection, the project would be considered fully completed.
"Everyone has worked hard during this period. We've been out for four to five months, and the smooth completion of this project is thanks to everyone's hard work. I'll have Xingye take you all out for a good meal shortly. Order whatever dishes you like. This year's work is over, and everyone can go home and have a good new year."
Chen Lishu said this as she looked at the workers, who had clearly gotten darker and thinner over the past few months.
"That's great!" Although they knew they would be going home soon, everyone was very excited when Chen Lishu officially announced the holiday.
"Finally going home. This is the first time I've been away from home for so long. I didn't go back for the autumn harvest. Phone calls are too expensive, so I didn't dare to make any," one of them said to his companion next to him.
"I'm not much better. I only wrote one letter. Fortunately, Xingye said the harvest at home was good. But after all, we earned a few hundred yuan these past few months, and the debts at home can finally be paid off."
"I plan to fix up the house. Brick houses are too expensive, so I won't do that. I'll build one with a cement exterior. Then I'll earn some more money next year and should be able to find a wife."
"Haha, you're always thinking about getting married!"
"Well, a wife, children, and a warm bed. What are we working for?"
Listening to everyone's happy discussions and their hopes for the future, Chen Lishu was also infected and felt a sense of joy in her heart.
The simpler life offered the purest happiness. As long as one wasn't greedy and worked hard with their own hands, they could achieve what they desired. This feeling was wonderful.
"Xingye, can you stay a few more days? Can you wait until the provincial construction company completely finishes before leaving?"
"Third sister-in-law, don't worry. I'll definitely keep an eye on things here until the final payment is confirmed."
Chen Lishu nodded. "After the market is handed over, staff will likely be arranged to move in soon. At that time, you can help me inquire about the prices of the shop spaces here."
Gu Xingye asked curiously, "Third sister-in-law, are you planning to buy a shop?"
"Yes." Chen Lishu explained to him, "The location of this place is excellent. The commercial street is not far ahead, and it will definitely appreciate in value in the future. The price should not be too high now. If you have enough money, you can also consider buying one. Renting it out after buying it would be a guaranteed profit."
Chen Lishu's words were very tempting to Gu Xingye. He and his wife didn't have many expenses. Their only child was still young, and the money was just sitting there. Since Chen Lishu was optimistic about it, he would also buy one if he had enough funds.
After speaking with Gu Xingye and asking him to take everyone out for a meal, Chen Lishu went home.
Gu Xingye took everyone to a relatively upscale restaurant for a good meal. They ordered ten dishes in total. They had never eaten such good food before, and each person ate three large bowls of rice, leaving not a single dish unfinished.
"Back in the village, we never dared to think about going to a restaurant. Even these ten dishes are enough for me to brag about when I go home for the new year," Sun Daguo said with a satisfied belch.
"That's why it's important to go to school. I've realized this now. It's essential to have an education, or at least a skill. I made a mistake in this regard and can only do manual labor now. When I get home, I'll send my child to school. If she becomes successful in the future, we'll eat fish and meat every day, and I, as her father, will also benefit."
"Old Zhao, I think the main point of your statement is in the latter half, isn't it? Your daughter is only a few years old, and you're already counting on her. You'll be burdening the child."
"Hahaha..."
After chatting for a while longer, Gu Xingye went to pay the bill. The meal cost over thirty yuan, but everyone was very satisfied, and the money was well spent.
After sending everyone to the train station, Gu Xingye returned to the guesthouse and checked out of the large room, booking a single room for himself and paying for a week in advance.
The contract signed with the provincial construction company stipulated that the final payment would be settled within a week of acceptance. Therefore, he paid for the room for a week temporarily.
The final payment was not a small sum, and Gu Xingye had been involved from beginning to end, so he was well aware of it.
The upfront labor costs were not much, and now only over two thousand yuan remained. The bulk of the payment was for the later renovations.
All calculations considered, the provincial construction company owed Hongyuan Construction Company nearly eighty thousand yuan.
Since the project had been handed over, it was best to meet with Li Guojun first.
Therefore, Gu Xingye went to the provincial construction company the next day.
Li Guojun's attitude was good. As soon as they met, he shook hands with him and said, "I guessed you would come today. Are you here for the project funds?"
Seeing him say that, Gu Xingye smiled and said, "Since everything is finished, I was wondering if you have time, Manager Li. I'd like to treat you to a meal. Thank you for your help during this period. In a few days, when the money arrives, I can go home and have a peaceful New Year."
Li Guojun smacked his lips and said with a smile, "No need for a meal. Too many eyes are watching. I've already noted this matter and will definitely process it for you as soon as possible. Besides, there are too many things to do at the end of the year, and I don't have time."
As they were talking, the office door was knocked. Li Guojun called them in, and two more people entered. It was clear they were there to discuss matters. Gu Xingye, being tactful, took his leave.
In the following days, Gu Xingye waited for news and also inquired about the leasing and transfer of shop spaces.
As Chen Lishu had predicted, it wasn't long before news came out that they were seeking investment.
After Gu Xingye inquired in detail at the Municipal Administration Office, he quickly rushed to inform Chen Lishu.
"There are a total of three hundred and four shop spaces. Depending on the size of the shop, the annual rent ranges from five hundred to one thousand yuan. If you want to buy, it's six hundred yuan per square meter."
Based on Gu Xingye's information, Chen Lishu began to calculate.
Six hundred yuan per square meter, and most shops weren't very large, with many being ten to twenty square meters. If calculated at twenty square meters, buying a shop would cost twelve thousand yuan!
The average salary was only forty-something yuan at the time. The term "ten-thousand-yuan household" wouldn't appear for another couple of years. This price was absolutely unattainable for ordinary people.