Starting with vegetable greenhouses in 1988

Chapter 108 Feeding the Fish
Li Zhenguo stared at the dazzling white greenhouse, speechless with astonishment. It was even bigger and more magnificent than he had imagined.

"Zhenguo, let's go inside the greenhouse to talk, it's warm in there." Old Li and Li Zhenguo were very close brothers. It was only because Li Zhenguo had been living in Beijing for the past few years that the two brothers had lost touch; the last time they met was during the Chinese New Year.

Li Zhenguo's return to the village was an unexpected joy for Old Li. He pulled his younger brother into the greenhouse and poured him a cup of hot tea: "Zhenguo, why haven't your wife and Huijing come back?"

"One of them works, and the other goes to school. I'll bring them back when I have time off."

"Now our family delivers vegetables to Beijing every day. We used to use a tractor, but now we use a truck. It's not cold in the cab, and it's very convenient to come back whenever we want!"

"Yes, this is much more convenient. Brother, are you and your wife doing well?"

"I'm doing great!" Old Li rolled up his sleeves. "Look at me, I've even gained weight recently!"

Actually, it's not just Lao Li who's gotten fat; Li Zhe and Li Na have both gained weight. They used to be so thin they were practically skin and bones, but now they finally look like human beings.

Li Zhenguo looked at the lush green cucumber vines in the greenhouse, his eyes full of curiosity: "Brother, cucumbers grow in greenhouses?"

"Yes, I'll show you around. We have three greenhouses now, and we've rented another one. They're also digging foundations for a new greenhouse across the street."

"Goodness, they're still doing construction in this cold weather? How can they even grow vegetables?"

"The temperature has indeed dropped sharply after this snowfall. The second son originally rented 20 mu of land, and if it were a mild winter, he would rush to build greenhouses on all 20 mu. Now it seems that won't be possible. The second son's idea is to build on 10 mu first, and then continue building on the remaining 10 mu next February when the weather warms up."

Li Zhenguo looked bewildered. He didn't know much about these things, but he knew that Li Zhe had bought 6000 square meters of plastic film, which alone cost more than 2 yuan.

Led by Lao Li, Li Zhenguo visited several greenhouses and was even more surprised to learn that his nephew was now supplying food to the Great Wall Hotel and Quanjude Restaurant. Although he hadn't achieved anything particularly remarkable during his years in Beijing, he had gained considerable experience and understood the importance of these restaurants.

The dinner was also quite lavish. Wang Xiuying stewed a pot of beef and potatoes, cucumber salad with pig's ears, stir-fried shredded potatoes with meat, a plate of preserved egg and tofu, and a plate of peanuts. A case of Fenjiu liquor was brought out of the house, and two tables were pushed together, where everyone sat around eating, drinking, and chatting.

Li Zhenguo hadn't been able to get together with people from his hometown for a long time, a feeling that made him both nostalgic and envious. Although his life in Beijing was good, he always felt it lacked a certain freedom, and he felt more relaxed and at ease here.

Li Zhenguo did not go home that night, but stayed in the greenhouse.

"Second son, I heard from your father that you're planning to build another 10 mu of greenhouses?"

“Yes.” Li Zhe pointed to the seedling trays on the newly built wooden frame. “These seedlings are going to be planted in the new greenhouse. Starting them in advance will allow for an earlier harvest.”

Will these seedlings freeze to death after being transplanted?

"We won't transplant the seedlings immediately after the new greenhouse is built. We'll warm them up by burning coal and letting the sun shine on them, and we'll wait until the soil temperature rises before transplanting. Second Uncle, the truck is going to Beijing to pick up vegetables tomorrow morning. Are you going to come back with it, or stay home for a few more days?"

"Seeing such big changes at home, I really haven't had enough of staying here. I want to stay a few more days." Li Zhenguo said with some emotion and some helplessness. "I have to go to work tomorrow. Your aunt doesn't know I'm back. She'll be worried if I stay too long."

"Then I won't keep you any longer. Anyway, there's plenty of transportation now, so you can come back whenever you want!"

After seeing Li Zhenguo off early the next morning, Li Zhe began another busy day.

First, I went to the greenhouse to inspect the vegetables and seedlings, fertilizing those that needed fertilizing, spraying pesticides where necessary, and watering those that needed watering.

After lunch, we discussed the construction progress with the three excavator operators, striving to complete the excavation of the foundations for the 10 greenhouses as soon as possible.

Then, he directed people to backfill the excavated greenhouse foundation pits with topsoil, bury cement pillars, and erect bamboo frames... The progress of each greenhouse was different, and someone had to keep an eye on them.

To speed up the construction process, Li Zhe hired many temporary workers. Farmers in those days were not wealthy and had little income, so the Li family paid generous wages, and they were willing to work even in the cold weather.

The entire Daying Village became lively again because of the Li family's construction project. The Li family's greenhouses once again became the focus of everyone's discussion. Even the most oblivious people could see that the Li family's greenhouses were making money, and a lot of money at that!
……

Zhou Family Residence, Chuanban Hutong.

Lin Qiaomei sat on the bed knitting a sweater, while Tan Jingya sat on the chair opposite her, eating sunflower seeds.

Lin Qiaomei looked at the other person and asked, "Didn't you eat lunch? Would you like me to make you something?"

"Don't bother, I'll make it myself if I want to eat it."

Lin Qiaomei became interested: "With your mother's personality, do you think she would agree if you didn't cook?"

"I left early this morning, and I'm happy to have some free time." Tan Jingya patted the sunflower seed shells off her hands.

"Where did that old lady go? You didn't even follow her!"

"Given my mother's personality, if she wanted me to go, she would have asked long ago. I guess she didn't plan to bring anyone."

"Hey, your old lady's got a lot to do," Lin Qiaomei muttered, a worried look on her face. "They've been gone so long without a word. Doesn't it worry you?"

Tan Jingya said, "Based on my understanding of Hongbin, he'll probably be back soon. He's not used to living away from home."

Lin Qiaomei stopped knitting again: "Your family isn't short of money, so why does Ji Hongbin insist on doing this? I'm telling you something, and you might not like what I'm about to say, but your husband is really not cut out for this!"

“My husband’s older sister called a while ago and said she got her foreign residency and can take the old lady with her. Hongbin is also thinking about it.” “Wow, they’re moving the whole family abroad!” Lin Qiaomei lowered her voice. “So what are you thinking?”

"It's not that easy to get out. The old lady is a direct relative, so she can go. Hongbin and I are waiting, and it's not certain whether we'll get a turn."

"Your sister-in-law isn't a simple person either," Lin Qiaomei muttered. Seeing that Tan Jingya didn't respond, she changed the subject, "There's something I need you to think about!"

Tan Jingya took a sip of tea: "Go ahead and say it."

“There are more and more private restaurants in Beijing now, and our business is getting worse and worse. Last month we only made a little over forty yuan, and this month we expect to make even less. I’m thinking of ways to increase the restaurant’s revenue so we can earn more money.”

Tan Jingya laughed: "You're just a waitress, yet you're worrying about things like a manager!"

Lin Qiaomei retorted, "Do you think I want to? Money is needed everywhere these days. I also want to help Zhou Yongqiang share the burden. I can't let him manage this whole family by himself."

"What good deeds did Zhou Yongqiang do in his past life to marry such a thoughtful and good wife like you?" Tan Jingya joked. "So, what are your thoughts?"

"The Li family's vegetable production in your front yard is increasing. There's a lot of loss during transportation; some are bruised and damaged, some are misshapen. Those big restaurants don't care, but we small restaurants don't!" Lin Qiaomei remarked.
"I'd like to buy some slightly flawed vegetables at a low price. These vegetables won't affect our eating ability, and we can use them the same day they're delivered, without worrying about them spoiling. What do you think of this idea?"

Tan Jingya thought for a moment and said, "This is a good idea. If it can be done, it will also benefit your restaurant. The key is whether Mr. Li is willing. I think a slightly lower price is acceptable, but if it is too low, Mr. Li may not agree."

Lin Qiaomei nodded: "That's what I think too. Mr. Li's business is growing bigger and bigger now, so he might not care about such a small amount of money."

The Li family uses trucks to transport vegetables every day, and even without actively inquiring, they can still discern some clues.

Tan Jingya said, "Actually, there are ways. If you can't offer a price, you can think of other ways!"

"What can I do?"

“Mr. Li and his group are all single, and they’re busy with their business all day with no one to cook. Your restaurant is nearby, so it can be used as a small canteen. Part of the food cost can be paid in cash, and the other part can be offset by the meal cost. Once Mr. Li and his group’s meal problem is solved, you can also pay less for the food, and everyone can make a profit.”

"As expected of someone from a well-established family, when it comes to restaurant business acumen, you're the best," Lin Qiaomei exclaimed sincerely. "Have you never thought about opening a restaurant? If you did, I'd definitely work with you!"

Tan Jingya sighed, "I did have this idea before, but Hongbin disagreed, so I didn't bring it up again."

Lin Qiaomei comforted her, "I guess she's worried you're working too hard. Anyway, your family isn't short of money. Making money by trading treasury bonds is no easier than running a restaurant."

dong dong dong-

There was a knock on the door outside.

"Who is it?"

"Wife, it's me!"

"Yongqiang? Yongqiang is back!" Lin Qiaomei's voice was filled with surprise as she jumped out of bed and ran to open the door.

Seeing her husband standing outside looking exhausted, Lin Qiaomei felt a pang of heartache: "You must be exhausted these past few days. Come in quickly, have you eaten? I'll make you something."

Zhou Yongqiang was stunned when he saw Tan Jingya in the room.

Tan Jingya also stood up: "Where's Hongbin? Has he gone home too?"

Zhou Yongqiang lowered his head and stammered, "I...I'm back."

Seeing Zhou Yongqiang's reaction, Tan Jingya sensed something was wrong: "What's wrong? Did something happen to our Hongbin?"

Zhou Yongqiang opened his mouth, but didn't know how to answer.

Tan Jingya couldn't sit still any longer: "Qiaomei, I'm going back first!"

"Alright, then I won't see you off. Come over and sit down again when you have time." Lin Qiaomei stood at the door and watched Tan Jingya leave.

Immediately, Lin Qiaomei closed the door and asked in a low voice, "Yongqiang, is something wrong?"

Zhou Yongqiang plopped down in a chair, looking dejected, and said, "We stayed at a hotel tonight, and all the more than 20,000 yuan that Master Ji brought was stolen."

Lin Qiaomei's mouth dropped open, her face filled with shock: "Ah! Was our 1000 yuan stolen too?"

"No……"

"This..." Lin Qiaomei was overjoyed, but also felt a little awkward. "Then why did you come back? Why didn't you wait for the police to recover the stolen money?"

"Don't even mention it. Yesterday, someone left a note at our place, telling us to leave Shanghai immediately, or else... we'd throw them into the Huangpu River to feed the fish..."

(End of this chapter)