The workers were dressed simply, and it was obvious that they didn't live a wealthy life. Zhou Qiqi quickly waved her hand.
"I didn't really take what happened that day to heart, but I can't accept these things."
Her voice was clear and bright, with a hint of sincerity.
Master Ma frowned, put on a stern face and pretended to be unhappy, his voice rough but conveying an unyielding tone.
"No, you have to accept it! These aren't anything valuable, but everyone will feel at ease if you accept them!"
Two middle-aged women squeezed through from behind. One of them had a faded red hair tie and was tightly clutching a basket of eggs with old newspapers lining the edge of the basket.
The other was wearing a drab gray jacket with a hand-knitted blue and white checkered scarf draped over his arm.
"Yes, Master Zhou, please accept it."
The woman with the red hair tie had a loud voice, "These eggs were laid by my own old hen, they're very fresh!"
Another chimed in, "Take it. This scarf may not be very well knitted, but at least it can keep out the wind. You can give it to your relatives and friends."
Zhou Qiqi had seen these people in the workshop before; they were quite diligent in their work.
Looking into their expectant and sincere eyes, Zhou Qiqi felt a warmth and tenderness.
Looking at the pile of things on the ground, she was at a loss and bit her lip.
"I'd like to accept it, but I can't carry it all back by myself."
As they were talking, Zhang Guoqiang strode over, a signature honest smile on his face.
"It's alright. Comrade Zhao is coming over to my office to deliver some flowers in a bit. You can have her take you back with her."
"Comrade Zhao?"
Zhou Qiqi was stunned for a moment before she realized what was happening, and she was a little confused.
"You mean Zhao Damei? Why would she come here to deliver flowers?"
Zhang Guoqiang's face flushed red instantly, and he stammered.
"Well, it's a long story. Anyway, she'll be here in a bit. Just put these things on her donkey cart later."
With so many people around, Zhou Qiqi didn't feel comfortable asking too many questions. After greeting the workers, she went to Zhang Guoqiang's office to discuss the contract.
In the office, the two sat down around an old wooden table.
Zhang Guoqiang pushed a stack of documents in front of Zhou Qiqi, first mentioning the previously agreed-upon inventory renovation contract, and then the contract to contract out the production line with the Third Garment Factory.
He leaned forward, his eyes resolute. "As long as we can revitalize the factory, a 30/70 split is fine. At worst, the factory will earn less. No matter what, we must ensure the workers' wages are paid first."
After saying that, he frowned, "However, Master Zhou, this is a three-month trial operation. You'll be responsible for wages and fabric costs, which will be at least ten thousand yuan. What are you planning to say about this? Are you going to take out a loan from the bank?"
Zhou Qiqi nodded.
"The newspaper said that the People's Bank of China issued a document in 1981 allowing small equipment loans to individual business owners. I asked about it when I deposited money last time, and they said that in my case, they could lend me tens of thousands of yuan."
Zhang Guoqiang frowned.
"I've seen these kinds of private loans in the newspaper before. The annual interest rate isn't low, is it? I think it's around 10%?"
Zhou Qiqi sighed, "It's not low, but there's nothing we can do about it."
Suddenly, a bright smile spread across Zhang Guoqiang's face, as if he had discovered a new continent.
“When I left the municipal government today, Vice Mayor Zhai had a special talk with me. He strongly supports our factory’s efforts to save itself and wants to use our factory as a pilot for reform. As long as we come up with a suitable plan, the government will provide a low-interest or even interest-free loan so that we can go for it!”
As he spoke, he proudly waved the contract in his hand, his eyes gleaming.
"I believe this letter of intent to contract the production line will definitely catch Vice Mayor Zhai's eye!"
"An interest-free loan? That's great!"
This was a truly unexpected and delightful surprise. Zhou Qiqi was overjoyed, as it solved his biggest problem.
"This Vice Mayor Zhai has quite the eye for talent! Could he be from Wenzhou?"
Zhang Guoqiang looked at her in surprise, "How did you know?"
"It really is?"
Zhou Qiqi herself was surprised to have guessed correctly. She thought to herself, "The TV series I watched before were definitely worth it. People from Wenzhou are really quick-witted."
Just then, the sound of donkey hooves came from outside the courtyard.
Zhao Damei stopped the donkey cart at the door, jumped off the cart nimbly, and carried a few potted plants into the office.
She was wearing a clean blue cotton shirt, her hair casually tied in a ponytail, exuding a refreshing and capable air.
Seeing this, Zhou Qiqi stood up.
"Alright, that's about all. Take care of the contract. If there's an opportunity, let's go meet with Vice Mayor Zhai together later."
"become!"
As Zhang Guoqiang responded, he jogged over to take the flowerpot from Zhao Damei's hand, his face showing a hint of unease.
Zhao Damei helped load the things her coworkers had given Zhou Qiqi onto the donkey cart.
The two got into the cart, which swayed and rattled as it headed toward the military dependents' area.
Zhou Qiqi seized the opportunity and asked about sending flowers out of curiosity.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Damei immediately curled her lip and lashed out with the whip.
"Those flowers were bought by the three children; it has nothing to do with him!"
Sister Zhao didn't seem to like Zhang Guoqiang. Before Zhou Qiqi could ask, she hurriedly tried to distance herself from him.
It turns out that a few days ago, Zhang Guoqiang went out to drink alone and ended up drunk downstairs at home.
The three children were home alone, their stomachs growling with hunger, so they cooked porridge for themselves.
As a result, out of ignorance, he added wet coal to the stove, and thick smoke instantly filled the room.
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