Chapter 79

C79 – The Squandering Posture Was Wrong

The high cost of double-headed abalone stemmed from its inability to be mass-produced rapidly. If it were, its price would plummet from the heavens to that of ordinary meat.

Essentially, even if a method for mass production existed, it wouldn’t flood the market with top-grade abalone. It’s akin to how certain Western farmers used to discard excess milk and food into the sea to prevent price depreciation. That’s the rationale.

Zhang Xiaoloong immediately grasped Hong Yan’s implication and readily consented.

“That’s fantastic,” Hong Yan remarked, expecting a debate but finding Xiaoloong equally astute. “I’ll arrange the contract promptly and offer you a partial deposit upfront.”

“Thank you, Elder Sister Yan,” Zhang Xiaoloong expressed genuine gratitude for averting him from a misguided path.

The remainder of the process proceeded smoothly, with the contract swiftly drafted. Chen Yaru displayed more dedication to this venture than her own affairs, leading to some disagreements with Hong Yan, who accused her of “prioritizing friendship over fairness.”

Nevertheless, this was merely a brief disruption. They soon affixed their signatures and seals to the contract. As promised, Hong Yan also handed over a 100,000 yuan deposit.

Exiting Jinshi, Zhang Xiaoloong exhaled deeply.

While 100,000 yuan wouldn’t leave him flabbergasted, he acknowledged it as the largest sum he’d handled.

For a relatively inexperienced farmer, the excitement was understandable.

Moreover, his journey to Qingyang City had been fraught with obstacles. To negotiate successfully and secure this windfall so effortlessly was both unexpected and cause for celebration.

“Xiaoloong, do you truly intend to abandon mass production of this vegetable?” Chen Yaru suddenly inquired.

“How could I expect that? Uncle Chen and you both helped me immensely. I’m just glad you enjoy my cooking.” Zhang Xiaoloong pressed the money into her hands. “But you must take it. Otherwise, I couldn’t face you.”

“According to our agreement, you’re only supposed to start repayment after three months. If you insist on repaying now, I’ll have to charge significantly less interest,” Chen Yaru remarked slyly, rolling her eyes.

“Huh?” Zhang Xiaoloong was taken aback. He hadn’t anticipated being able to circumvent repayment terms like this.

Chen Yaru pouted and shot him a pointed look. “Fine, but you still need this money. How else will you expand your high-quality vegetable production? Do you plan to find another person willing to accept installments like me?”

Zhang Xiaoloong had underestimated this situation. Everything required money. Not only the 100,000 yuan deposit, but even earnings could swiftly diminish.

“Fine, I’ll hold onto it for now. I’ll begin repaying you in three months,” Zhang Xiaoloong finally relented. “I’ll take my leave then. There’s much to prepare in the vegetable field.”

“No,” Chen Yaru scrutinized him. “Complete your tasks here before departing.”

What more was there to accomplish? Zhang Xiaoloong pondered. Suddenly, the memory of the incident at Chen Yaru’s home flashed in his mind. But that couldn’t be the unresolved matter, could it? She seemed touched by it then; she wouldn’t have uttered those words in public otherwise.

Mulling over it, he dismissed the possibility. Chen Yaru must have been genuinely moved at the time. Her street remarks didn’t align with that sentiment.

“Come on, I’ll take you to Shi Peng. These items will be essential for your future endeavors. Without them, you’ll face unnecessary inconvenience,” Chen Yaru said, wordlessly guiding him into the car.

“What exactly are we buying?” Zhang Xiaoloong inquired, puzzled.

“Clothing, and...”

Before Chen Yaru could complete her sentence, Zhang Xiaoloong erupted in protest. Anxious to exit the car, he exclaimed, “I’m not going, I’m not going!”

A single set of clothes cost twenty thousand yuan. Even if he were inclined to spend extravagantly, it didn’t befit a farmer’s budget!