CHAPTER 467: CHAPTER 467: REASONS FOR REFUSAL

Since Gong Tao remained silent, Zhao Gang spoke first, "There’s really an unusually large amount of stuff."

"Well, isn’t it because last year everyone got excited when they heard that herbs could sell for money."

"We just didn’t expect that last year the supply and sales cooperatives would complete their tasks so early."

"This really caught everyone by surprise. If we’d known, maybe not everyone would have rushed in at once."

These words were modest. Even if the herbs didn’t sell, other than being a bit tiring, they didn’t really waste anything.

Zhao Gang was just listening and couldn’t really discuss this issue with them.

"That’s the logic. But the county commune has purchasing limits, and so does Beijing. It’s really an unusually large amount," Zhao Gang was indeed in a difficult position.

In fact, everyone thought that the data being reported wasn’t all their stock. Some people felt that as long as they hadn’t received any money, they wouldn’t release their goods. It’s better to wait until spring when the supply and sales cooperatives make another purchase. Even if the money might be a bit less, it’s safer, and they don’t have to rely on others.

Fortunately, these people were cunning with their calculations, otherwise Zhao Gang might have passed out from the stress.

"But didn’t you say Beijing had a large purchasing capacity before?" someone suddenly remembered what Zhao Gang had said when he returned.

As soon as these words came out, several people around cheered in agreement, but now they were all focused on Zhao Gang.

Zhao Gang couldn’t help but smile bitterly; these people, indeed, have probably studied his words countless times. "I admit I said that."

It’s good he admitted it. Although they knew Zhao Gang had mentioned it, what if Zhao Gang really denied it? After all, when he said it, only people from the Red Flag Brigade were there, no one from any other villages.

As long as Zhao Gang denied it, then under the premise that the Red Flag Brigade people would only back Zhao Gang, they could only accept Zhao Gang’s claim that he misspoke, and have no way of reasoning with him.

And now Zhao Gang actually agreed readily—it really made everyone feel all kinds of surprise.

"But I didn’t know how much there was, I remember you once mentioned the harvest wasn’t much, and things were almost all sold. My words were based on the Red Flag Brigade," he snorted, "you were showing off back then. If it weren’t for these people spreading information, maybe things wouldn’t have gotten so bad."

As soon as Zhao Gang finished speaking, everyone present had an awkward look. When they spoke before, it was just with a little intention of provoking the Red Flag Brigade.

Maybe initially they appreciated the Red Flag Brigade for not keeping such a good opportunity to themselves, but later when they thought about it, they felt the Red Flag Brigade were too much—they only told them after making a fortune for a year.

Calculating it all, they realized they missed out on at least dozens of yuan. Naturally, some would feel all sorts of dissatisfaction. Originally, there were grateful people, but as this talk went around more, people’s feelings changed to all sorts of dissatisfaction.

Seeing their dissatisfied expressions, Zhao Gang didn’t say anything, "I thought about it, after all, this many goods amount to quite a lot of money, and you might not feel assured."

Now Zhao Gang finally understood why they came over—it’s because the money involved isn’t small. Who knows how many considered it repeatedly, and even more unknowingly cursed him at this moment.

But what does it matter if someone curses him? Once the notice arrives, they’ll leave. No, even without the notice, they could leave. This kind of change really made Zhao Gang not want to talk about how simple rural people are.

Rural people might be simple, but they have their little schemes. When straightforward, they can really choke you with them.

"Ah, you’re not accepting them anymore?" No way, isn’t that just toying with them?

Everyone present had sour expressions, wishing to give Zhao Gang a hard punch—it’s truly not fair to bully people like this.

Seeing their anxious looks, Zhao Gang really wanted to laugh, "It’s not that I’m not accepting them. Originally, it was a no-profit, helping-out thing, but I’m worried that as soon as I take these things away, they’ll turn around and curse me."

"You know, from here to Beijing, then I need to settle down and sell the herbs at the purchase station, and then remit the money—it’ll take at least 20 days or so." Although Zhao Gang knew once the money arrived, they would have nothing to say.

Yet Zhao Gang indicated he’s a person with feelings now. Why put himself through so much unnecessary trouble? Anyway, he’s just performing a good deed.

There’s no arguing against that logic; it’s not wrong. And although they’ve temporarily agreed to let Zhao Gang help sell the goods, is it really calm within their villages?

Isn’t it really just a brief moment of silence and calm before it all erupts again if the money or notice takes too long, "Then what to do?" Village leaders might have the prestige to suppress villagers.

But if this matter blows up to the commune, their reputation will be greatly affected.

Yet Zhao Gang has lived here for many years, and they understand him a bit. Not to say Zhao Gang is an exceptionally good person, but they think he wouldn’t steal this little money if a situation arose—what to do?

Seeing their troubled expressions, Zhao Gang indicated he wouldn’t let them struggle. After all, he might need them to do some work in the future.

Zhao Gang coughed lightly, "I have an idea. Let’s see how it goes."

Zhao Gang said he had an idea? Everyone present stopped worrying about whether to continue selling or not and all looked at Zhao Gang, waiting for him to give his solution.

Anyway, there’s not much work to do in the middle of winter. Didn’t they come here to sell their herbs? As long as they can sell the herbs and get the money safely, the problem would be perfectly solved.

It was really so neat and tidy. At this moment, Zhao Gang felt a bit of vanity, perhaps this is how commune leaders feel during meetings, "Here’s what I think..."

Although he felt a bit intoxicated, Zhao Gang knew it’s all illusion—he hasn’t reached the stage where he could truly experience this scene yet.

Zhao Gang just thought of it, though he had considered it before but didn’t mention it since he didn’t know if people would seek him out.

While checking the list earlier, Zhao Gang came up with a plan.

After Zhao Gang quickly explained his plan, everyone present thought it was okay, but they were a bit hesitant, "Can we continue afterward?"

"Go back and discuss it. Don’t agree with me, then change your mind," Zhao Gang indicated that he wanted to keep the initiative in his hands. He wouldn’t let himself be led in circles by this group of farmers.

If there would be circling, it would be him leading others in circles, letting them know they had to rely on someone for this.

Humph, it’s just some herbs. While there are many herbs, there are only so many connections. No need to wrong himself too much, right?

Zhao Gang suddenly became so difficult to talk to, it stunned everyone. They initially planned to hear Zhao Gang’s thoughts before going back to come up with a strategy. They didn’t expect Zhao Gang suddenly wouldn’t share his thoughts, what could they do?