Chapter 62 Jiang Fengnian's Admission Ticket
As dusk settles, the island nights always carry a touch of coolness after the summer heat has subsided.
When Lu Ye returned home, the faint aroma of food was already wafting through the yard.
Jiang Suining rarely cooks. When Lu Ye entered the kitchen, she was wearing an apron and stir-frying the last dish of vegetables in front of the stove. The dim light cast her busy figure on the wall, making it look particularly warm.
"You're back?" Hearing footsteps, Jiang Suining didn't turn her head, her tone familiar and affectionate. "Wash your hands and eat. Today we have your favorite steamed fish."
Lu Ye hummed in agreement, but instead of washing his hands immediately, he walked behind her, gently wrapped his arms around her waist, rested his chin on her neck, and took a deep breath of the warm scent of soap sachets emanating from her. The fatigue from a whole day of training and work seemed to be quietly dispelled at that moment.
"Tired?" Jiang Suining put down the spatula, turned her head, and rubbed her cheek against his stiff stubble.
"Seeing you makes me feel less tired." Lu Ye chuckled, released her, and took out a neatly folded newspaper from his military satchel. "This is the People's Daily that just arrived today. There's an editorial in it that I think you might be interested in."
Jiang Suining's eyes lit up. In this era of relatively limited information, the People's Daily was undoubtedly the most important window for understanding national policy trends. She quickly placed the food on the small table and urged, "Hurry up, eat while you read."
“Look here,” Lu Ye said, tracing a few lines of printed text with his finger, “…housing construction should move towards marketization, commodification, and professional management…employees should be allowed to build and buy houses, and private ownership of their own residences should be permitted, with housing entering the market as a commodity…”
Jiang Suining slowed her chewing, but her heart began to race involuntarily. She held her breath, listening intently as Lu Ye read out the words that sounded like thunder to her.
"...The capital city has taken the lead in this regard, establishing an urban development corporation to be responsible for the unified construction and operation of commercial housing...This marks a major breakthrough in my country's urban housing system reform and is an important step towards achieving the goal of 'housing for all'..."
After reading the main paragraphs, Lu Ye raised his head, his eyes filled with the keenness and a hint of inquiry characteristic of a soldier, and looked at Jiang Suining: "Sui Sui, do you think this wind direction means that in the future, houses can be freely bought and sold like clothes and food?"
Jiang Suining put down her chopsticks, took the newspaper, and quickly and attentively scanned the historically significant words and phrases.
This is the starting point of an industry that has created countless wealth legends and profoundly influenced the fate of generations.
She took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions in her heart, and organized her thoughts, making sure they were in line with her current level of understanding while also highlighting the key point: "Lu Ye, this is not just as simple as allowing buying and selling. It fundamentally transforms housing from a 'welfare' into a 'commodity'."
Pointing to the newspaper, her eyes bright, she began to expound on her "forward-thinking" insights: "Think about it, in the past, houses were allocated by work units. How many were built and who they were allocated to was decided by the state. Now that they've been turned into commodities, it means that demand has been completely released! So many educated youth returning to the city need to settle down, the urban population is increasing, young people want to get married, and everyone's desire to improve their lives is getting stronger and stronger. All of these are expressions of the desire for housing!"
She became more and more excited as she spoke, leaning forward unconsciously: "Look at this development corporation established in the capital. This shows that the country encourages the organized and large-scale construction and sale of houses! Behind this is a huge market! In the future, whoever controls the ability to build houses, or whoever has good houses, will control one of the most valuable 'currencies' of this era!"
Lu Ye listened attentively. Although he wasn't an expert in economics, his logic was clear and his strategic vision was unique. He followed Jiang Suining's train of thought: "So, this isn't just an opportunity for one industry, but also for ordinary families. If houses are going to become more and more valuable, then owning one now isn't just about solving the problem of housing, but also about securing and investing in one's future?"
“Yes! That’s it!” Jiang Suining nodded vigorously, delighted by his quick understanding. “And you see, the policy has just been introduced, and many people are still observing, not understanding what it means. But the flow of the water has already changed! If we can seize the opportunity now, whether it’s participating in construction or purchasing some high-quality properties in advance, we may reap unimaginable returns in the future.” Her words carried an undeniable certainty, the confidence that came from knowing the course of history.
He knew her heart was vast, capable of encompassing cold storage, garment factories, and the wider world. And he was willing to be her strongest support, protecting her dreams.
He reached out, across the table, and gently took her hand, which was slightly cool from excitement.
“You make a very good point.” He gently stroked the back of her hand with his thumb, his tone steady and full of trust. “Although I don’t understand those complex business logics, I know that your judgment of trends is rarely wrong. Since you’ve identified this direction…”
He paused, looking at her with gentle yet firm eyes: "Then, shouldn't we consider taking the first step? For example, while everyone is still not fully aware of the situation, let's see if there are any suitable houses on the island or in nearby cities and counties, and buy one? Even if it's not for investment, it would be good for us to live in ourselves, or to prepare for our parents. At least, it would make our savings more substantial."
This was not an impulsive agreement, but a full support for his wife's vision and judgment after rational consideration. He was willing to prove her foresight through his actions.
Jiang Suining grasped his warm, large hand in return, and a warm current surged from the bottom of her heart throughout her body.
She knew he had always been this way. He wouldn't express his love with flowery words, but his support was always shown in the most practical and powerful actions. While she was outlining grand plans, he was already thinking about how to lay the first solid step for their "little family."
“Okay.” She smiled, her eyes slightly warm. “Let’s take a look. It’s not urgent, but it definitely should be put on the agenda. With you saying that, I feel more confident.”
***
Blackstone Bay, construction site of tidal energy cold storage.
The sea breeze, carrying a salty and damp scent, blew onto Jiang Fengnian's face. After lunch, he found a shady spot by the work shed to sit and rest, holding a copy of the People's Daily in his hand, casually glancing at it to pass the time.
This newspaper was brought to him this morning by his younger sister, Jiang Suining, who told him to take some time to read it and understand the country's development trends. He hates reading books and newspapers, but since his sister gave the order, he had to read it even if he had to.
He casually flipped through the pages, reading about current affairs, economic development, and urban and rural planning, and began to feel drowsy, until he turned to a page in the middle where a few lines of bold black text suddenly caught his eye:
...Beijing has taken the lead in this regard by establishing a city development corporation...my country's real estate industry has entered a new historical stage of organized and planned development, which has strong pioneering and demonstrative significance for the whole country.
…The pilot programs and practices of housing system reform are gradually being rolled out across various regions, riding the wave of reform and opening up…
"Selling public housing, building and buying houses by individuals, commercialization of housing, urban development corporations..." These phrases exploded in his mind like lightning. He stood up abruptly, his heart pounding, and his fingers gripping the newspaper turned slightly white from the force.
At the time, he simply thought his sister was insightful and imaginative, and didn't delve into it further. But now, combined with the black and white words in the newspaper, his sister's seemingly casual words had actually come true! Houses were about to become commodities! The government was going to encourage individuals to build and buy houses! What did this mean? It meant huge demand! It meant an unprecedented opportunity was surging in with the tide of reform!
He could no longer sit still. He greeted the site manager, hopped on his bicycle, and headed straight for Haifeng Trade Center. He had to find his sister immediately to confirm his judgment and discuss their future! This reform was enough to unleash a massive wave that would change the course of his life.
When Jiang Fengnian arrived at the Haifeng Trade Office, Jiang Suining was finalizing the design of the new winter clothing.
"Sui Sui! Look at this!" Jiang Fengnian rushed into the office, not bothering with formalities, and slammed the newspaper onto Jiang Suining's desk, his finger heavily tapping on the text, his breath slightly unsteady. He was so excited that he completely forgot that this newspaper was originally given to him by Jiang Suining.
Jiang Suining was startled by her brother's hurried manner. After quickly glancing at the newspaper, she understood what was going on.
As a time traveler, she knew all too well how the real estate industry would surge forward in the coming decades and become a pillar of the national economy. She looked up at her brother's eyes, which were shining with excitement, and smiled slightly: "Brother, it seems you've caught a whiff of it too."
"Sui Sui, what you said to me during the New Year has come true!" Jiang Fengnian pulled up a chair and sat down, leaning forward, his voice low but unable to hide his excitement. "Houses are going to become commodities! In the future, a lot of people will definitely want to buy and build houses! The work our construction company has won't be enough in the future! This is a huge opportunity!"
Jiang Suining nodded, her expression becoming serious: "Brother, your judgment is correct. This is definitely a golden opportunity. With the country opening up this door, the construction industry and real estate development will develop rapidly in the next few decades. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
“You’re right!” Jiang Fengnian said decisively. “That’s why I want to do it myself!”
“Brother,” Jiang Suining had originally intended to show the newspaper to her brother with this in mind, and seeing that he really had this idea, how could she not support him? “Think it over. As long as you are willing to do it, I, as your sister, will definitely support you.”
“Although I haven’t worked at the construction company for very long, I’ve gotten to know some people and know a bit about the business. If I can seize this opportunity and build my own team, I believe the future will be limitless. It’s just that the start-up capital…” He frowned, looking troubled: Where would he get the start-up capital to do it himself? Equipment, personnel, all of these cost money. “If it doesn’t work out, I’ll sell the house in the village!” He seemed determined to burn his bridges.
Jiang Suining pondered for a moment, then lightly tapped the table with her fingertips: "Brother, my clothing sales are pretty good, but as you know, the cold storage project isn't finished yet, and we need to keep investing money in it, so my funds are tight, and I can only support you so much. However, the house in Coconut Grove Village has clear property rights and a good location. Have you thought about not selling it, but using it to take out a mortgage loan from the bank?"
"Mortgage loan?" Jiang Fengnian was taken aback; this concept was still unfamiliar to ordinary families.
“Yes,” Jiang Suining analyzed calmly, “Selling the house would cut off our escape route and put too much pressure on us. My sister-in-law is pregnant, so it’s inevitable that she would be anxious. If we take out a mortgage, the house will still be in our hands. We’re just temporarily borrowing money from the bank to use as start-up capital to build a team and take on projects. As long as the projects are running and generating profits, we can gradually repay the loan and keep the house. This is a more stable path, but it also tests our management skills more.”
Jiang Fengnian's eyes lit up, as if the clouds had parted to reveal the sun! A mortgage loan solved the funding problem and saved their family; it was undoubtedly the best option right now! "Sui Sui, your idea is excellent! I'll go back and discuss it with Ah Hong and Mother right away!"
That evening, the atmosphere at Jiang Fengnian's home in Coconut Grove Village became heavy due to his suggestion.
"What? A mortgage loan?" Upon hearing this, Liu Hong clutched her pregnant belly, her face turning pale instantly. "Da Nian, this, this is really possible! I heard that if we can't pay back the money, we'll lose the house! That's even scarier than selling it! It's too risky. Your job at the construction company is stable and pays well. Can't we just live a peaceful life?"
Seeing his wife's pale face and the fear in her eyes, Jiang Fengnian felt bad too.
He grasped Liu Hong's hand, trying to keep his voice steady: "Hong, don't worry, listen to me. Construction companies are stable, and the wages are higher than other factories, but think about it, it's just a fixed salary. You won't starve, but you won't get rich either. The current policy encourages individuals to engage in construction, which is the general trend and our opportunity! Houses will become more and more valuable in the future, and many people will need to build houses! I have connections, I know the industry, and Sui Sui also believes in this sector!"
“But I don’t want to take the risk,” Liu Hong said, stroking her still-flat belly. “We’re having a baby, and I don’t want to take the risk for the sake of the baby.”
“It’s for our children that we’re taking this risk,” Jiang Fengnian took a deep breath, grasped his wife’s cold hand, and said with a firm and steady gaze. “Ah Hong, believe me, I’m not acting impulsively. We have our house as collateral for the bank’s loan, which means the country supports us in doing this! Besides, we’ve only mortgaged the house, so we can continue living there. As long as we pay back the loan, the house will still be ours. Once I’ve built up the team and are doing a solid job on the project, we’ll make a profit and earn more money. Paying back the loan will definitely not be a problem.”
“Think about it, Sui Sui took out loans to run cold storage and clothing businesses, and she also took risks to succeed. We can’t just look at the risks; we must also see the opportunities!” Jiang Fengnian painted a picture of the future for Liu Hong, his tone full of confidence and charisma. “Hong, trust me this once! I can’t work for someone else my whole life. If we suffer a little now, we can create a better future for our children!”
Looking at the unprecedented fervor and determination in her husband's eyes, and recalling the example of her sister-in-law Jiang Suining's gradual rise to prominence in her career, Liu Hong's unease was gradually replaced by a faint glimmer of hope.
She touched her belly, and finally, her trust in her husband and her anticipation for the future overcame her fear. With tears in her eyes, she nodded gently: "Okay, Danian, I believe in you. Our family is counting on you. You have to make something of yourself."
Having settled things with his wife, Jiang Fengnian didn't stop for a moment and immediately went to find his mother.
Since the last conflict, although the mother and son have reconciled, there is always a layer of caution between them. Jiang's mother has already registered her marriage with Zhong the tailor and moved to Zhong's place.
When her son came over late at night, Jiang's mother thought something had happened to her pregnant daughter-in-law. After hearing her son's plans, she remained silent for a long time.
Looking into her son's eyes, at that familiar, almost fatherly, adventurous spirit, Jiang's mother sighed softly and said slowly, "Fengnian, you are now the pillar of the family. Make your own decisions on important matters. I don't understand these loan and company matters. Just one word: be cautious in everything you do. Think of Ah Hong, think of the child in her belly. If you've discussed it and made up your minds, I have no objections. But there's one condition: whether it's good or bad, you'll bear the consequences yourselves. I just hope you're both safe and sound."
Jiang Fengnian felt both relieved and a little sad at his mother's attitude. He knew that because of that conflict, his mother still harbored resentment, and this was a complete letting go.
***
With the support of his family, Jiang Fengnian understood the procedures and immediately went through the business registration process, registering Fengnian Construction Team. On the day he received the business license, he immediately started applying for loans.
However, the process was far more difficult than he had imagined. He visited banks and credit unions all over the island, only to be met with skeptical and scrutinizing glances.
"Personal mortgage loans for construction? Too risky!"
"Do you have a stable source of repayment? Construction is an emerging industry with high volatility, making it difficult for us to assess."
"The policy is in place, but the specific details haven't been released yet, so it's difficult to proceed..."
The repeated setbacks put Jiang Fengnian under immense pressure. He prepared stacks of materials and practically wore himself out trying to persuade them. Finally, Jiang Suining stepped in again, using her status as the legal representative of "Haifeng Trading" and its successful track record to provide joint liability guarantees for Jiang Fengnian's Fengnian Construction Team. Coupled with the ample valuation of the mortgaged property, she finally convinced a decisive loan officer at the People's Bank of China to approve a small but crucial loan.
With the heavy loan in hand, Jiang Fengnian dared not slack off in the slightest. He quickly recruited a team and, relying on his accumulated connections, persuaded several experienced and trustworthy master craftsmen he knew from his time at the construction company to work with him. He also hired a group of hardworking and strong young workers, rented a simple space as an office and warehouse, and gritted his teeth to purchase a batch of necessary second-hand tools and equipment. The small construction team was beginning to take shape.
However, the harsh realities of starting a business soon became apparent.
The team was assembled and the signs were put up, but finding work became a major problem.
Not only did no decent projects come his way, but even though he ran around everywhere, pulled strings, found connections, handed out his own printed business cards and a simple company introduction, and even begged and pleaded, offered cigarettes and smiled obsequiously, people would shake their heads and refuse as soon as they heard that he was a newly established private construction team.
State-owned construction companies are deeply entrenched with complex relationships, so they never get good projects. Occasionally, they get some small private jobs like building small houses or repairing courtyard walls, with meager profits that barely cover workers' wages and equipment wear and tear.
Several months passed, and no decent projects were secured. Loans were being spent like water on staff salaries and equipment maintenance, with almost no income. Workers' morale began to decline, and some started making excuses to leave.
Jiang Fengnian's lips were covered in blisters from worry. He was running around all day and then staring at the account books at night, and he lost a lot of weight.
Liu Hong felt heartbroken seeing this, but could only silently take care of the household and support him with her actions.
During his most difficult time, Jiang Fengnian squatted alone in the empty temporary shed, watching the dwindling balance in the ledger. An unprecedented despair enveloped him. He had mortgaged his house and taken on debt. If he failed… He dared not think about it. He dared not face his wife. Had he really made a mistake? Was he really going to be utterly defeated, losing even his place to live? For the first time in his life, he doubted himself.
Just when he was about to give up, prepare to disband the team, and consider going back to ask the leaders of the architecture firm if they could take him in again, a turning point appeared.
That day, clinging to his last hope, he went to the management committee to see if there were any small projects for the repair of public facilities. He happened to run into an acquaintance, Old Chen, a cadre in charge of logistics at the management committee.
Seeing his haggard appearance, Old Chen sighed and pulled him aside: "Fengnian, you can't keep running around like this every day. I have some news, but I don't know if you dare to take it."
"Brother Chen, just say it! As long as there's work, I'll take it no matter how difficult!" Jiang Fengnian said as if he had grasped a lifeline.
Old Chen lowered his voice: "A new seafood trading market is going to be built on the island. The project is settled, but the budget is tight and the construction period is short. Several state-owned companies have quoted prices, but they all feel the profit margin is too low and are unwilling to take the job. They're currently arguing. If you dare to lower the price, guarantee the quality, and finish on time, I can put in a good word for you and try to get you a bidding qualification. However, this is a tough nut to crack. If you can't crack it, you'll be completely finished!"
A seafood trading market! This is a serious municipal project! Although the conditions are demanding, once completed, it will be the best advertisement!
Jiang Fengnian's eyes lit up instantly, all his dejection vanishing! He gripped Old Chen's hand tightly: "Brother Chen! Thank you! I'll take this job! I guarantee my quote will be lower than theirs, I swear on my life the quality, and the project will definitely be completed on time! Please, you must help me get this job!"
The ecstasy of escaping a desperate situation and the determination to fight to the death filled him with strength.
He immediately returned to the work shed, gathered all the core team members, and explained the situation. Everyone knew that this was a do-or-die battle. Because he was usually sincere and loyal, these people all expressed their willingness to fight alongside him.
With the help and guidance of his sister Jiang Suining and Lü Aiguo, Jiang Fengnian and his team worked day and night to calculate costs and optimize construction plans. They came up with a highly competitive quote that guaranteed a basic profit, as well as a detailed construction plan.
Ultimately, thanks to their price advantage, Lao Chen's mediation, and Lu Ye's endorsement of their reputation, Fengnian Construction Team narrowly won the main construction project of the seafood trading market!
The moment the contract was signed, Jiang Fengnian's eyes welled up with tears. He knew that this was not just about securing a project, but the true starting point of his career! The real challenges were just beginning, but he and his "Fengnian Construction Team" had already obtained their tickets and were about to embark on their entrepreneurial legend on this land where the tide of reform was surging.
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