Zheng Ping and Mao Min sat in the room, discussing the feasibility of seeking gold outside the province.
Yesterday, when Mao Min saw the three hundred yuan that Zheng Ping brought back, her eyes almost popped out of their sockets.
Zheng Ping hadn't had such a good experience in a long time, but after Zheng Ping told her the whole story of the day, she couldn't help but fall silent.
"Sigh, if only I could make 300 every day, I wouldn't have to suffer in other provinces," Mao Min sighed.
Although Zheng Ping hasn't gone yet, just thinking about it makes it clear that making money outside the province isn't an easy thing.
With nowhere to eat or sleep, and being in an unfamiliar place, there's also the possibility of danger.
Moreover, a trip would last for a week; if possible, who would want their family to leave their hometown?
"There's no other way. The profits from abandoned mines are getting lower and lower. What can we do if we don't leave?" Zheng Ping shook his head.
The land they cultivate each year can sell for about 20,000 yuan, but that's the family's income. Zheng Ping always has to do something to supplement the family income, as the money borrowed to build the house is still not paid off.
"When are you planning to leave?" Mao Min asked.
"We need to let them discuss it. After all, it's not a small matter, and we also need to consider Huang Fei's opinion and offer."
"Only after everyone has agreed on the travel expenses can we split the cost and set off together."
"If the travel expenses are too high, we'll have to find another way."
In any case, Zheng Ping had already made up his mind to go no matter what, otherwise he would not give up.
"Okay, then once it's settled, you must make sure you're well-prepared. Don't end up with nothing to eat and unable to come back," Mao Min said worriedly.
It's not like being at home. Even if there's no food at home, you can still find a hidden corner and not starve.
But if there's no food outside, then we're really doomed.
"Don't worry, I'm prepared." Zheng Ping nodded.
Around evening, Zheng Ping arrived at Huang Fei's house.
"Pingzi's here, come in and sit down." Huang Fei's father greeted Zheng Ping as soon as he saw him.
"Uncle, Aunt," Zheng Ping greeted them with a smile and went inside.
Huang Fei knew exactly why he had come, and without delay, he said directly, "Brother Zheng, I've done some calculations."
"I'll charge at least 2,500 yuan for this trip, including the toll and fuel."
"No matter how many people there are, you all have to share the cost, otherwise I really can't go."
Zheng Ping fell silent upon hearing this; he hadn't expected the travel expenses to be so high.
Two thousand five hundred, even if ten people split it, each person would still have to pay two hundred five hundred. Besides, it's impossible for everyone to go; some people probably won't want to go.
This means that the amount of money distributed among each person is even greater.
"Okay, I understand. I'll go and discuss it with them and then give you an answer," Zheng Ping nodded slowly.
"Okay, Brother Zheng, once you've finished your statistics, let me know as soon as possible. If you're going, I'll go to the county town to get the car repaired. If you're not going, I won't bother with those minor problems." Huang Fei lit a cigarette and handed it to Zheng Ping.
Zheng Ping took the cigarette, lit it, took a deep drag, said a few more words, and then left Huang Fei's house.
He first went to Song Hui's house, where Song Hui and his father had just returned from working in the garden.
"Brother Zheng, come in and sit down," Song Hui greeted Zheng Ping as he arrived.
"Hui Zi, I've come to ask if you'd like to join us on our gold rush trip outside the province."
"The travel expenses are tentatively set at 2,500 yuan, which we will split equally among ourselves," Zheng Ping asked as he sat down.
"How much, two thousand five?" Song Hui's father was furious when he heard the number.
"This is too much. You can only make a little money by panning for gold. Isn't it all going to the Huang family?"
Seeing Huang Fei's father's dissatisfaction, Zheng Ping sighed and said, "Actually, Huang Fei's fee is quite reasonable, considering it's more than a thousand kilometers round trip."
"And it's a split among us, not just one person paying 2,500. It only comes down to a few hundred, and the more people there are, the better."
Upon hearing this, Song Hui's eyes darted around, and he pursed his lips before saying, "Brother Zheng, I won't go this time. You guys go ahead. My dad can't do some of the work, so I have to help him."
"I'll see if I can go next time."
Zheng Ping nodded upon hearing this, confirming, "Are you sure you're not going? Then I won't count you as a member."
"Okay, I won't go now. If you need any help, just let me know, and I'll definitely help if I can," Song Hui said generously.
"It's nothing. I'll go ask someone else. You can rest." Zheng Ping stood up and said goodbye.
Song Hui saw him to the door. After Zheng Ping left, his father sneered in the house with extreme disdain, "Several hundred yuan for travel expenses, and who knows if they can even find gold. Only a fool would go. It's all for the Huang family to earn."
"You were right not to go."
Song Hui closed the door, revealing a smug smile: "What's the rush? Let's not go this time, let them scout ahead first."
"If they make money, it's not too late for me to go. If they don't make money, I won't have invested anything, so it's a win-win situation."
"Only a fool would stick their neck out like that. Why would I do something like this?"
Upon hearing this, Song Hui's father smiled with satisfaction and patted Song Hui on the head.
"Not bad, you've got some shrewdness now, just like your father back in the day."
"That's the right way to do it. Let whoever wants to be the first to stick their neck out do it. We're not going to be, haha."
Zheng Ping had no idea what Song Hui was thinking, but he continued to visit each household, asking for everyone's opinions.
Needless to say, Yin Xing will definitely go, even if he knows the travel expenses won't be cheap, he'll still give it a try.
The other companies also thought it was too expensive, but they decided to take the plunge, even if it meant losing a few hundred dollars.
Two companies hesitated upon hearing about the large travel expenses, ultimately shaking their heads and deciding to postpone the discussion until another time.
Zheng Ping certainly respects their opinions and will not try to persuade them; whether or not to go is their personal choice.
Finally, he arrived at Chen Feng's house. Although he knew that Chen Feng would go no matter how much money it cost, he still came to ask for Chen Feng's opinion.
“Fengzi, now there are six families including me that want to go. What about you?” Zheng Ping asked as he walked in.
"Of course I'll go," Chen Feng nodded without even asking about the travel expenses.
Hearing this, Zheng Ping laughed.
“Huang Fei said the travel expenses are 2,500 yuan, and with you, that makes seven people split it. I just calculated it on the way, and it's 357 yuan per person, which is indeed quite a lot.”
Chen Feng didn't mind; the road was bound to be steep for such a long distance. He nodded and said, "Sure, no problem. Dafei, are you going to get the car repaired tomorrow?"
"I haven't told him yet. I'll go over in a bit. He probably won't be able to get the car repaired until tomorrow," Zheng Ping replied after a moment's thought.
"Okay, take me with you to the county town tomorrow. I need to buy some supplies and get ready," Chen Feng instructed.
After Chen Feng's suggestion, Zheng Ping also became interested.
He originally thought he could just bring his own food and drinks at home and spend as little money as possible, since travel expenses were already very expensive, and it was uncertain whether he would make any money.
But now it seems I have to go to the county town no matter what. I've already spent a lot of money, what's a little more?
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