Back to the 70s: My Childhood Sweetheart Spoils Me Rotten-Chapter 949 - 951: Requital

Gong Jiaming told Gong Zhuang about borrowing money and requiring a promissory note, and then paying interest.

Actually, the young man thought that his father probably wouldn’t agree, maybe he’d just be polite and let the matter go.

As for why Gong Jiaming brought it up voluntarily, wasn’t it just to worry that his father might change his mind after talking to his second uncle?

Who makes his father always listen to his second uncle, so he needs to act well first.

Unexpectedly, his father didn’t object at all and just settled the matter.

"It’s okay, it’s better to speak up than not say anything." Zhao Guangran looked at his friend’s upset face and tried to comfort him.

"You should think at least they agreed to lend the money."

"If it were me, I’d rather write a promissory note and pay some interest." Since they agreed to lend the money, it means they want to be involved.

As long as they don’t agree to the funding needs, the borrowing needs to be discussed carefully, after lengthy negotiations, the money would be lent.

"Yes, it’s still borrowing money." Gong Jiaming didn’t really intend to pay interest, or just a little bit, he knew if he said it, they’d be furious.

Gong Jiaming’s frustration was noticed by Zhao Guangran, and his few words of comfort were already considerate. Nowadays, those willing to lend development funds for you to earn money are good people, and must be cherished.

"This is where we live." Gong Jiaming noticed they stopped in a large courtyard.

If Zhao Guangran were to comment, "Feels a bit like that farmhouse in the Northeast."

"No, this place is bigger." Gong Zhuang’s family didn’t feel much about the Northeast, but Gong Tao and Zhao Gang’s families felt deeply.

"When we have time, let’s go back and take a look, it’s the place we struggled for years and also our foundation." If they hadn’t made a big sum of money in the Northeast, they might not have lived so well in Beijing.

They wouldn’t have the courage to do business, besides lacking capital, they worried about potential issues.

"Why not spend New Year’s in the Northeast?" During the year, Spring Festival is relatively idle, otherwise, they’re usually traveling or stationed at their business base.

Even in summer they are busy, and Zhao Gang also misses Northeastern rural New Year’s.

Although not as refined as here in Beijing, it still has rural forthrightness, "Haven’t slept on a kang in ages, kind of miss it." Gong Tao found that upon returning home, compared to the Northeast, his old home has faded from his mind.

"Sure." Zhao Gang considered where his wife was as home, "Wonder how the villagers are doing."

"They’re surely better, life is much better now, herbs can be sold for money, and local products can be shipped out." Zhao Gang was genuinely proud.

Though they left the Northeast years ago, their contribution to the village was significant, helping villagers lead prosperous lives, preventing disputes over money.

"Our return can be considered coming back successful." Zhao Gang kept in touch with the village, often receiving invitations to visit.

"If we do go back, I hope to bring something different to the village." Gong Tao had long planned this, though no concrete idea.

Different stuff? What’s different? Zhao Gang didn’t grasp Gong Tao’s meaning.

Note that many educated youth returned to the city, few could make meaningful contributions to their youthful days spent in the village, even fewer bothered to revisit.

Despite understanding everyone’s difficulties, Zhao Gang felt they did well, and the village indeed helped them profit.

"The old school is a bit small and worn down, I was thinking." Giving money to the village, they likely wouldn’t accept it.

Though helping the village prosper, some people didn’t benefit, Gong Tao wanted those village children to attend school.

Even if schooling stops after primary school, at least they’ll recognize their names, and won’t face literacy issues when moving to the city.

Building a school? That would require significant investment, Zhao Gang was hesitant.

Not that he’s unwilling, but a vital concern, "It’s easier to build a school than find teachers."

"After we left, most educated youth left too, few stayed behind."

"Teachers can be recruited from the commune or worst case from the county, offer more money." Gong Ruini saw her father chatting with Zhao Gang in the snow and wanted to call them inside, only to overhear their discussion.

No matter when they construct the school, they earned her admiration for the intent.

Zhao Gang and Gong Tao wouldn’t likely abandon the school plans, both keeping their promises, never backing out without cause.

"Even with funds, finding people is tricky." The commune might attract teachers with the offer, but a village school lacks allure.

Also, "Does the village have this money?" Villagers live well, but that does not mean the village committee’s finances are comfortable.

Alright, Gong Ruini admits she hadn’t considered this, "How about we fund it ourselves?" She asked, testing the waters.

What, pay the teachers’ salaries? Zhao Gang and Gong Tao were stunned, particularly Gong Tao, "Have you thought this is not just for one or two years, it has to be ongoing."

"Otherwise, if you stop funding, villagers will curse you." Initially, they’d be grateful for her funding.

But as time passes, this money becomes expected from Gong Ruini, stopping the funding will cause grievances.

"No problem, Dad, if I’m paying, then so be it, but they shouldn’t object to doing some business near the school." Momentarily Gong Ruini thought the money spent could be earned back.

The key is spreading the school’s name, attracting more students will recover costs.

In later times, schools become highly profitable.

Even if they don’t earn, their reputation shall widely spread, although rural folks can be ungrateful, many are appreciative, remembering contributions.

If not knowing Gong Ruini’s thriftiness, one might say she’s genuinely kind-hearted, though Gong Tao wouldn’t think so.

Nizi must have her own ideas, otherwise wouldn’t be so generous.

It may seem foolish now, appearing altruistic, yet uncertain future returns.

Gong Tao and Zhao Gang exchanged glances before bringing Gong Ruini inside, eager to understand her thinking.