books44 Chapter 156: No Hope
Chapter 156: No Hope
The train was a bit chaotic, with people from all over the country crammed together, so pickpockets were bound to be a problem. There were also robbers, openly stealing, some even armed.
Seeing that everyone was hesitant, Gao Haoran said, "Let's all eat first, then go home and discuss it with our families and think it through. These government bonds can't be traded now; they can only be redeemed upon maturity, but the interest rate is much higher than at banks. If you still decide to buy, we'll discuss how much to buy next."
After the meal, the guests took their leave one by one. Gao Haoran said to Mu Xudong, "Director Mu, I've decided to buy it. The martial arts school is doing quite well. I'll have Li Yang calculate how much we can buy."
“Master Gao, that’s what I think too. To be honest, I’ve made some money over the years with the government’s support, and now that I need it, I’m thinking of fulfilling my civic duty.”
"Godfather, Master, I want to buy one too. My uncle will definitely support me."
Gao Haoran was pleased with his young apprentice's high level of awareness. "Alright, go back tomorrow and discuss it with your uncle and grandmother. The problem now is, how to buy it? Where to buy it?"
“Master Gao, I spoke with Du Hongxue on the phone. He and his son have been looking worried about this for some time now. I was thinking, since we can buy it anywhere, why don’t we go to Shanghai and hopefully we can help them solve this urgent problem.”
“Alright, then I’ll set off with you and two senior brothers, Ting Nan and me.”
"Okay, it's decided then. Now let's see how much they each buy! If they trust us, I'll buy it for them, or we can go together. Once I've tallied it up, I'll let Du Hongxue know."
Everyone's been busy these past few days, doing accounting, reviewing accounts, and collecting debts. How much money can each family actually come up with?
When Song Tingnan got home, he discussed it with Song Wanli and the others. "Uncle, my godfather, and Du Hongxue have all calculated it. The interest rate is very high. If we subscribe at an 80% discount, that is, we can get a 100 yuan government bond for 80 yuan. When it is redeemed, it will be worth at least 100 yuan, and it may even be worth more than 100 yuan."
"Such a good deal? Wouldn't all the city folks be scrambling to buy it?" Song Wanli remained remarkably calm.
"Hey, city people only talk a good game. They rely on their meager wages for everything. Many of them are single people working to support their families. How can they have spare money sitting there waiting to appreciate in value?"
"So, according to you, we rural people are actually wealthier?"
“Uncle, I’ve been studying in the county town for a year now. My godfather’s family is doing well. He owns a clothing factory, and my godmother has a job. My grandfather grows vegetables and rice in the countryside, so it doesn’t cost him anything. You don’t know, city people have to pay for water! If your workplace doesn’t provide housing, you have to rent a place. There are all sorts of expenses. If we have a few more children, with schooling and such, we’ll definitely be unable to make ends meet.”
"Really that poor?" Grandma interjected. Back then, everyone in the city was a big landowner!
"Really, Grandma, city people care about their image. They always dress up impeccably, but actually, they just use that 'false collar' to decorate their facade."
Zhao Xiaojuan, who had been listening the whole time, couldn't help but laugh. "Hahaha... Nan, now that you mention it, we country folk live a more comfortable life. In this world, as long as you work hard, you can have a good life!"
"That's true. Our countryside is beautiful with green mountains and clear waters, and the houses are spacious in front and behind. Those city people live in those pigeonhole houses and look down on everyone. I don't know where they get their confidence."
Grandma Qian Shuzhen asked with concern, "Tingnan, were you bullied at school?"
"No, no, Grandma, who am I, 'Brother Nan'!" Ting Nan clenched his fists and shook them back and forth.
Song Wanli was amused by Ting Nan's antics. "Haha, you kid, I was hoping that you would study hard and become successful so you could take us to the city. But after your analysis, I have no hope left."