Raising Cubs in the 1950s [MTL]

Chapter 26-30

Chapter 26

"Absolutely!" Zhao Dashui quickly replied. This was a great opportunity. Once this chance passed, there wouldn't be another like it. It was better to accept it now and sort out the details later. At this point, Zhao Dashan also understood Zhang Jianjun's intentions, and any awkwardness between them disappeared. Seeing Zhao Dashui agree, he nodded in agreement and quickly calculated his financial resources. In this way, the three of them successfully reached an agreement.

After settling the matter, the sky had already brightened. Zhang Jianjun asked the two to stay for a meal, and Zhao Dashui was happy to accept, but Zhao Dashan didn't want to stay. After seeing Zhang Xiaojun and knowing he was doing well, he forcefully pulled Zhao Dashui along to leave. Since they had decided to engage in this business deal, they needed to go home and carefully consider their plans.

Unable to persuade Zhao Dashan, Zhang Jianjun quickly went into the small storage room and brought out a small amount of grain he had saved up, less than sixty catties, and handed it to them to take. If this cooperation didn't go smoothly, Zhang Jianjun would have to think about his future.

"How can we not write a promissory note? This matter should be done according to my uncle's advice. We must write one. Even close brothers have to keep accounts clear!" Because Zhao Dashan and Zhao Dashui hadn't expected to bring back grain this time, they didn't have much money with them. After seeing the grain Zhang Jianjun brought out, they searched through their pockets but couldn't gather enough money to pay for the grain. Zhao Dashui suggested paying next time and taking the grain with them, but Zhao Dashan insisted on giving Zhang Jianjun a promissory note, to settle the debt properly.

Zhang Jianjun couldn't persuade Zhao Dashan, so he went along and wrote the promissory note, and Zhao Dashan pressed his handprint on it, while Zhao Dashui signed his name on the paper. Although he hadn't received an education, after being out in the world for a long time, he could still write his own name, albeit a bit crooked. Zhang Jianjun couldn't trust Zhao Dashui, but he trusted Zhao Dashan.

"Jianjun, I've found some bricklayers for you. After you meet them this afternoon, we can start construction in a couple of days." As soon as Zhang Jianjun entered the grain shop, the storekeeper brought him good news.

"Alright, I got it. Thanks, Zhang Storekeeper."

"You brat, don't forget to treat me to a drink."

"I definitely won't forget."

Once Zhang Jianjun met the bricklayers recommended by Zhang Storekeeper and confirmed the number of workers and materials, the demolition of the fence walls in his small courtyard officially began. For safety reasons, Zhang Jianjun specifically had them set the wall height at around 1.85 meters, and then he scattered broken glass pieces on top to provide added security. In order to motivate the bricklayers to work diligently, Zhang Jianjun would cook some rice gruel for them as an extra meal every day, and their payment would be in the form of grain, which made them even happier than if they were paid in money.

"Zhang Storekeeper, the walls in my house are repaired now, and I have to thank you for your help. Tomorrow, I'd like to invite your whole family to come to my house for a meal. Please do me the honor, and bring your wife and children along. It'll be livelier with more people." After the courtyard walls were repaired, Zhang Jianjun fulfilled his promise and invited Zhang Storekeeper and his family to drink at the prosperous Fortune Restaurant. Before Zhang Storekeeper got too drunk, Zhang Jianjun brought up this matter in advance.

"Alright, we should interact more. By the way, I need to tell you something. In a few days, my family will be moving to the house east of yours. When the time comes, I'll need your help. This time we'll be neighbors." Upon hearing Zhang Jianjun's words, Zhang Storekeeper suddenly remembered that they were planning to move.