CHAPTER 429: CHAPTER 429: REGRET

Li Jian Country has been feeling a mix of emotions lately.

Previously, Li Jianjun had mentioned to him to treat Zhao Gang and others well. Li Jian Country initially took this advice, but when he saw such a good opportunity, he risked offending Zhao Gang and others to pursue it, only to end up making a bride’s dress for someone else.

Recently, although he has managed to mend some relationships, it is still a far cry from how things were before.

Originally, Li Jian Country didn’t take this matter to heart, thinking that even if Zhao Gang and the others were capable, they were still working under him. But unexpectedly, the college entrance exams were reinstated.

The reinstatement of the exams didn’t bother him much at first, as Zhao Gang and the others had left school many years ago. However, seeing them achieve such good results made Li Jian Country regretful.

Li Jian Country wasn’t worried that Zhao Gang and others would harm them in the future, since they were far away. The concern was what if his own grandson went to Beijing for studies in the future; knowing familiar people there would always be a good thing.

But with the relationship already so strained, what could Li Jian Country do? They lost such a big and valuable connection.

Although Zhao Gang was a bit distant towards Li Jian Country, he had to admit that he was decent, especially if he ever needed to procure medicinal herbs in the future. Collaborating with Li Jian Country would still be a necessity.

Zhao Gang wasn’t someone who insisted on putting on airs. As long as there were appropriate benefits, he was willing to lower his posture, "Captain, I have something to discuss with you."

Li Jian Country was surprised to see Zhao Gang come over, "What’s the matter?"

How could someone who was about to leave still have matters at hand?

"We’re planning to head to Beijing today, and we’d like to borrow the village’s ox cart," Zhao Gang explained his purpose.

Ah, is it really necessary to be this polite? Although Zhao Gang was always this polite when borrowing a cart before, today was different from the past.

"I was thinking of taking some unsold medicinal herbs from last year to Beijing," Zhao Gang thought of this on his way over. If possible, he would like to buy the house he’s currently staying in.

He wasn’t seeking great development here, just hoping his children would have a place to stay during the summer when they came back to harvest herbs.

This was village property, and turning it into his personal property would be really challenging; however, if it brought significant income to the villagers, the proposal might get approved.

"Taking them to Beijing is a good idea." Hearing this, Li Jian Country felt a wave of warmth, though he restrained his excitement. After all, if everyone jumped at this, who knows what circumstances it would lead to.

Li Jian Country didn’t want to experience another round of being scolded by villagers and blamed by his family.

Zhao Gang noticed the delight in Li Jian Country’s eyes, "Yes, I’ll go check it out. If the supply and marketing cooperative there accepts them, I’ll sell them there."

"I’ll gauge the situation, and if I can eliminate the postage costs, I’ll come to the village to buy herbs. Everyone earning money isn’t easy after all." Zhao Gang made it clear that he was just assisting, not making any profit.

"A small handling fee would be needed," Li Jian Country dared not let Zhao Gang do this without compensation. Helping once or twice was fine, but over time, it wouldn’t be feasible, as they might not be willing to help repeatedly.

If it was earlier, it could be said that their relationship was good, and helping each other was just what one did.

"That’s not necessary at all." Such small amounts of money really didn’t mean much to Zhao Gang, "Here’s the plan: when I check out the scene in Beijing, if the herbal prices are high, I’ll settle accounts with everyone using the purchase price in Beijing plus a little postage."

"Of course, the purchase price might be similar to the local prices." Zhao Gang preemptively prepared Li Jian Country, saving any complaints later.

"They can choose for themselves. If they want to sell, I’ll help; if someone thinks it’s not profitable and wants to sell later in the year, that’s fine too. I’m just helping along the way." Zhao Gang expressed that he was only helping and didn’t want to hear any complaints.

"That works." Li Jian Country thought this was a good idea, letting villagers decide for themselves, "Although, I expect most will opt to sell in Beijing."

Zhao Gang agreed, although it might sound like less money was being made, it’s just that the purchase volume here is limited, and everyone planted plenty of herbs last year. As long as people were diligent, they could gather herbs in the mountains.

This income wasn’t much less than a year’s worth of farm work. Even if it was slightly less, it was still a substantial income.

"I’m just going to Beijing to study and lending a hand on the way."

"Of course, if anyone has their own sales channel, that’s better." Zhao Gang reiterated that he was genuinely just helping out.

Even if he was making money off it, he couldn’t be too direct. Zhao Gang understood that no matter how much he did for these people, if one thing went wrong, they would think he’s not good enough.

So this time, he had to adopt a more humble attitude.

"Right, right, just helping out on the way." Li Jian Country could only smile bitterly. This was the consequence of their earlier actions. If they hadn’t treated Zhao Gang and others poorly back then, he wouldn’t have to hear such statements now.

"Since you’re all going to Beijing, and there’s no one to drive the cart at home, I’ll drive it for you." Li Jian Country wasn’t concerned about what other villagers thought. He had made up his mind: no matter what, he had to seize this opportunity.

After thanking Li Jian Country, Zhao Gang left to return, leaving the ox cart matter to Li Jian Country.

Through the window, Li Jian Country watched until Zhao Gang was no longer visible, sighing inwardly at the talent they were losing. He hoped the villagers wouldn’t do anything foolish this time.

Suddenly recalling something, Li Jian Country grabbed his hat and rushed home. He had to discuss this with his wife. If possible, he hoped to bring the herbs to Beijing; any money they could fetch would be worthwhile.

Seeing so many herbs made Li Jian Country uncomfortable; there was no help for it, with so much piled up at home, and his wife had been nagging about it repeatedly.

When Li Jian Country explained the situation at home, it caused quite a stir, and they began gathering the herbs.

Zhao Gang had no idea that Li Jian Country was planning to have him sell the herbs as soon as possible, which drove him nearly crazy.

It wasn’t that Zhao Gang was unwilling to help, but he was already busy turning his own herbs into cash. Without that money, his children wouldn’t have the capital to do business, and without sufficient capital, they’d be unhappy.

Being a father in these times was not easy at all, always considering the children’s feelings. Fortunately, his children were understanding; otherwise, it would have been very taxing. Being a parent was anything but easy.